Outside Podcast How (Literal) Pants-Wetting Anxiety Can Clarify Life, with Sierra Schlag
Jul 16, 2025
Sierra Schlag, a professional skier and filmmaker, delves into her biracial identity and the cathartic power of skiing. She shares how her Japanese heritage shaped her experiences with bullying and cultural dislocation. From the anxieties of mogul skiing to the liberating freedom of the slopes, Sierra describes her journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The conversation also explores the complexities of belonging and community in the outdoors, showing how skiing became a vehicle for healing and embracing her roots.
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Skiing as Catharsis
- Expressing strong emotions leads to catharsis, providing psychological relief.
- Skiing is a physical creative activity that can facilitate emotional processing and healing.
Post-Surgery Rocky Belaying
- After ACL surgery, Sierra took a rock-climbing-like detour skiing in Crested Butte that her surgeon would not have approved.
- It was a humbling moment balancing recovery with adventurous skiing.
Bullying Over Heritage
- Sierra faced racist bullying in middle and high school due to her Japanese heritage.
- She often laughed along but secretly wished to be more white to avoid exclusion.
