She Explores

Becky Marcelliano shares how she pivoted from working as an art teacher to working her way up to be a marketing manager a marketing manager in the outdoor industry (first Deuter, then Salomon). Her interview is full of tips for breaking into a new industry, but it’s also about her openness in the face of big life changes, living with chronic illness, and an omnipresent passion for lifting women up. Woman featured in this episode: Becky Marcelliano Hosted by Gale Straub Made with support by Aunt Fannie's, Benchmark Maps, Hamama, and ThirdLove Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. Visit She-Explores.com In this episode, you'll hear Becky's transition from art teacher to marketing manager in the outdoor industry The benefits of dabbling in your interests outside of your current career Advice for making a big career leap What it's like working a desk job in a big outdoor company The stigma of grappling with a mystery illness What Becky's chronic illnesses have taught her about her health Why Becky is passionate about lifting up other women in her work and outdoor life Resources Becky Marcelliano: Instagram Outdoor Industry Lady Leaders Meetup Group Project16x Women Who Hike Native Women's Wilderness Deuter Salomon Sponsor Websites and Codes Benchmark Maps: Use code 'SHEEXPLORES' for 20% off your order! Aunt Fannie's Hamama ThirdLove: Head to ThirdLove.com/explore for 15% off Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Music is by Kai Engel, Lee Rosevere, and Josh Woodward using a creative commons attributions license.

Laurie Young stepped into her daughter Meghan's world by joining her on a trek to Annapurna base camp in Nepal. Together they pushed through every challenge that presented itself while learning that limits are flexible and the mother/daughter relationship is more fluid than we think. Woman featured in this episode: Meghan Young and Laurie Young Hosted by Gale Straub Made with support by Aunt Fannie's, Benchmark Maps, Parks Project, and Ritual Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. Visit She-Explores.com In this episode, you'll hear How a mother/daughter relationship evolves over time The ways a big goal can help one in recovery for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) The ways TBI symptoms can manifest Why Laurie and Meghan wanted to hike to Annapurna base camp together What training for altitude and strenuous hiking was like All the unexpected things that happened on the trip Why Meghan wanted her Mom to feel the accomplishment of achieving their goal How their trip had its challenges but was ultimately a privilege What mother and daughter learned about each other abroad Resources Meghan Young: Instagram & Portfolio Laurie Young: Instagram Sponsor Websites and Codes Benchmark Maps: Use code 'SHEEXPLORES' for 20% off your order! Aunt Fannie's Parks Project: Use code 'SHEEXPLORES' for 15% off all discountable apparel and accessories! Ritual: Use code 'EXPLORE' at checkout for 10% off your first three months Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Music is by Kai Engel, Lee Rosevere, and Josh Woodward using a creative commons attributions license.

What's it like to enjoy the outdoors after the age of 50? We're revisiting one of our favorite episodes that helps answer that question with the voices and experiences of you, the listeners. We're honored to be highlighting the wisdom and experience of women in their 50's, 60's, and 70's. These are voices that we don't hear as often in our youth-obsessed culture. All of these stories are extraordinary for their willingness to share, try new things, and encourage others to do the same. Women Featured in this Episode: Jo Ann Hickey, Jean Drummond, Cheryl Falkenburg, Joann Baste, Kristi, Kathleen Merrick, Liz Wise, Rose Burrows, Tricia, Hellen Wallis, Sarah Lefler, Lisa Auvril, Gail Storey, Lori Brookes, & Dianna Stavros Hosted by Gale Straub Made with support by Aunt Fannie's, Benchmark Maps, Hamama, and ThirdLove Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. Visit She-Explores.com Resources mentioned in this episode: I Promise Not To Suffer: A Fool for Love Hikes the Pacific Crest Trail by Gail Storey Episode landing page on She-Explores.com Sponsor Websites and Codes Aunt Fannie's Benchmark Maps: Use code 'sheexplores' for 20% off your order Hamama ThirdLove: Head to ThirdLove.com/explore and use code 'explore' for 15% off your first order Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Music for this episode is by Josh Woodward, Kai Engel, and Lee Rosevere via freemusicarchive.org. Music is also by Our Many Stars.

Nikki Smith likes to say that she is a climber, photographer, and writer who just happens to be transgender. Professor Brené Brown inadvertently changed Nikki's course when she wrote about midlife, "it's time to show up and be seen." It was the inspiration Nikki needed to step into herself, and it's since served as a reminder of what she wants to do for others. We say "step into" because Nikki has always been Nikki, and she's carried a curious, creative, empathetic spirit with her throughout her life. This conversation with Nikki Smith was made in partnership with Mountain Hardwear. If you're in the San Francisco area, climb with Nikki and the Mountain Hardwear team at Touchstone Climbing Gym Saturday, June 29th 7-10pm. Woman featured in this episode: Nikki Smith Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Mountain Hardwear Join us in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group In this episode, you'll hear All the different parts of Nikki's identity that make up who she is Her creative roots in photography, climbing, writing, and cooking Why so much of Nikki's work is grounded in connection to others What drew her to climbing and why it became an unhealthy coping mechanism Why 'realization' vs 'transition' is the word Nikki would choose in coming out as trans How a quote from Brené Brown inspired Nikki to "show up and be seen" How her story isn't entirely her own, and why she'll keep sharing it as long as it's beneficial for others Nikki's latest creative goals Resources Nikki's professional Instagram: @pullphoto Nikki's photography portfolio & writing Nikki's Guidebooks Brené Brown Suicide Prevention Lifeline Resources for Transgender People in Crisis Flash Foxy Women's Climbing Festival Touchstone Climbing Gym Pride Activities She Explores episode landing page Sponsor Websites and Resources Mountain Hardwear Register for Pride Touchstone Climbing Night on Saturday June 29th Non-profits and Organizations Mentioned at the End of the Episode: Out There Adventures LGBTQ Outdoor Summit Unlikely Hikers The Venture Out Project Queer Nature Queer Mountaineers (Podcast) Music is by Kai Engel, Lee Rosevere, and Josh Woodward using a creative commons attributions license. Learn more at She-Explores.com

Grizel Williams is a fast hiker on a crowded Appalachian Trail, just two states away from finishing. We talk life on the trail: sexism, craving loneliness, periods, food, switchbacks, and more. Grizel helps us get a feel of what the trail is like when you're in the everyday of it, and she also shares how the many people on the trail complicate her hike. Featured in this episode: Grizel Williams Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell Continue the conversation and join us in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group! In this episode, you'll hear: Why Grizel wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail with her dog, Rue (and why she decided to let her go home halfway through) The differences Grizel has noticed between the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Appalachian Trail (AT) Why Grizel chose to face her loneliness on the PCT How sexism and harassment has been a challenge for Grizel on the AT What a typical day is like for a thru hiker Why periods aren't fun (on or off the trail) How Grizel experiences freedom from her own body criticism on trail The ways in which the AT has challenged her to speak up for herself Why a crowded trail isn't necessarily a safe trail Why Grizel loves the simplicity of the trail Resources Grizel Williams: Instagram and Website Grizel's Vlog Series As Far as the Eye Can See by David Brill Sponsor Websites and Codes Merrell: Learn more by visiting Merrell.com Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Music is by Lee Rosevere, Meydan, and Kai Engel using a Creative Commons Attribution license. She Explores airs weekly on Wednesdays - subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Sarah Grothjan believes solo hiking is one of the safest things she can do. Sarah explains why she feels safer alone in the backcountry than she does in her off-trail life. We talk with Sarah about how a city can feel less safe than being by yourself in the woods, why she wants to change the pervasive narrative that says otherwise, and how the last five years of hiking and backpacking have helped her come out of her shell and step into herself. Featured in this episode: Sarah Grothjan Featured in the midroll ad: Emilee Struss Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell Continue the conversation and join us in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group! In this episode, you'll hear: How Sarah got into hiking and backpacking solo Why she wants to break the pervasive narrative that women need a man to hike safely in the backcountry How a stalker changed her perspective on city life and words from thru-hiker Heather Anderson made her want to try backpacking The ways hiking and backpacking helped with Sarah's shyness That there are risks to spending time in the backcountry, but Sarah doesn't believe they are gender specific (for the most part) The mixed reactions Sarah gets from people about her solo outdoor experiences Why she wrote an essay for Outside Online and what the feedback was What outdoor trips Sarah is looking forward to this summer Resources Sarah Grothjan: Instagram and Website Sarah's Outside Online Article: Backpacking is My Respite from Sexual Harassment Sponsor Websites and Codes Merrell: Learn more by visiting Merrell.com Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Music is by Lee Rosevere, Josh Woodward, and Kai Engel using a Creative Commons Attribution license. She Explores airs weekly on Wednesdays - subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Melissa Geissinger lost her house in the Tubbs fire of Northern California in October 2017. Two months later, she had her son Apollo, and life changed forever once again. We talk in the episode about the "old" Melissa and the "new" Melissa a year and a half after she and her husband were displaced by wildfire. Today she has her eyes set on hiking the length of the Oregon Coast and helping others cope with trauma by giving them a platform to share their stories. Woman featured in this episode: Melissa Geissinger Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell Continue the conversation and join us in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group! In this episode, you'll hear: How Melissa took up hiking to make time for herself Why she was planning to hike the length of the Oregon coast How unexpectedly losing her home in the Tubbs fire of October 2017 shaped her next year and a half Why Melissa and her husband found home in a hospital for the first 3 months of her son's life What she wants for her 18-month-old son, Apollo How nature, combined with therapy, has helped her heal (but why PTSD is real) Why she started a blog, Survival Over Surrender, to help share other people's stories of trauma Resources Melissa Geissinger: Website Survival Over Surrender: Website, Instagram, and Facebook Group She Explores Book San Francisco Chronicle Series: Out of Fire Unrooted Podcast Sponsor Websites and Codes Merrell: Learn more by visiting to Merrell.com! Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Music is by Lee Rosevere, Josh Woodward, and Kai Engel using a Creative Commons Attribution license. She Explores airs weekly on Wednesdays - subscribe so you never miss an episode!

What changes about the environmental movement when people of color are both the leaders and the audience? We teamed up with REI to send writer Amanda Machado to the third annual PGM ONE Summit in Philadelphia to answer that question first hand. Recorder in hand, Amanda talked to outdoor educators, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit workers, artists, healers, and activists. She shares what was healing for the attendees, why this conference (and others like it) is a necessity for the environmental movement, what they want those who didn't attend to know, and how we can all learn from the leadership showcased at PGM ONE. Woman featured in this episode: Amanda Machado, Wingyi Kung, Samantha Villatoro, Agnes Vianzon, Natalie Mebane, Anahí Naranjo, Chandrika Francis, Sophie Sarker, Grace Anderson, Mayra, Stormy Saint-Val, Yakuta Poonawalla, and Princella Talley. Featured in the midrolls: Myrian Solis Coronel and Jaylyn Gough Music featured from the PGM ONE Summit is by Femi Olatunji, Dwight Dunston, Rhetta Morgan, Lauren Scott, Aisha Fukushima, and Mariadela Alvarez. Hosted by Amanda Machado Sponsored by REI Continue the conversation and join us in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group! In this episode, you'll hear: About the PGM ONE Summit and what makes it unique What is special for attendees about a conference on environmentalism and the outdoors with only people of the global majority How ritual, art, and music added to the experience The importance of de-centering whiteness in the environmental movement How PGM ONE organizers made an effort throughout the conference to be inclusive but also acknowledged how they could do better The unique leadership traits showcased at the summit that would be beneficial throughout the environmental space Why race and racism should be acknowledged more often in nonprofit workplaces and everyday life What attendees want people who weren't there to know Takeaways from the summit Resources PGM ONE Summit: Website Amanda Machado: Instagram, Twitter, Portfolio & Newsletter Agnes Vianzon - Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps: Website & Instagram Chandrika Francis - Oshun Swim School Website & Instagram Groundwork Colorado Anahí Naranjo: Instagram Stormy Saint-Val: Instagram Princella Talley: Instagram Adrienne Maree Brown Native Women's Wilderness: Website and Instagram Sponsor Websites and Codes REI: Hear about Force of Nature and what REI is doing to make the outdoors welcoming for all in the midroll ads in the episode. Organizations Involved in the Conference: Life Do Grow Farm “The Urban Creators was founded in 2010 by a diverse group of young students, artists, activists, organizers, entrepreneurs, and creators in North Philadelphia. Inspired by our differences and shared passion for ‘creation’, we came together with a vision to transform a 2-acre garbage dump into a farm. We spent our first year organizing door-to-door to build and strengthen relationships with our closest neighbors and local allies. We spent our second year clearing away debris and planting our first seeds of change. Our third year saw the transformation this land into LIFE DO GROW; our urban farm, sanctuary, and our home. Since then, we have revitalized over 3 acres of blighted land into a network of thriving urban farms and gardens from which we provide fresh produce to dozens of local families each year. Through our our work, we have contributed to a 40% decrease in Part 1 Violent crime since 2008 in our immediate area. Manaai: “We provide consumers with hand-pounded paiai and poi – a hypoallergenic, sustainable alternative to gluten, soy, dairy, and GMO products. Paiai is hand-pounded taro, using the least amount of water. By purchasing paiai or poi, you are supporting local and Hawaiian farmers and putting your dollars behind sustainable food sovereignty.” 1149 Co-Op: A new co-op in South Philadelphia founded by food makers for social change Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Additional music by Centric. Music is also by Kai Engel and Lee Rosevere using a Creative Commons Attribution license

Sam Ortiz has gone from a beginner to a hiker to a climber to a mountaineer to a plus-size outdoor model in under five years. Her progression has happened in part due to curiosity, timely mentors, and the best kind of fear: the kind you move up and over and end up a little bit changed on the other side. Woman featured in this episode: Sam Ortiz Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell Continue the conversation and join us in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group! In this episode, you'll hear: How Sam didn't necessarily feel like the outdoors and climbing were for her growing up, but how she found herself drawn to them anyway How an outdoor mentor helped Sam navigate new activities when she worked for Americorps in Alaska Why climbing Mount Juneau in Alaska taught her she could "do hard things" and opened the door to learning new outdoor activities like climbing and mountaineering How fear has been a positive (for the most part) driver in Sam's life That Sam lacked role models growing up as a plus-size, Latinx woman and why she's determined to change that for others How finding her voice as a climber and mountaineer has created many unexpected opportunities, including being an outdoor model for brands like REI and Eddie Bauer Why being closer to outdoor brands has made her want to speak out for more and better plus size apparel and equipment What it's like being an INFJ when you're connecting with so many people Why Sam loves seeing other plus size women on the trail Who have been Sam's role models in her advocacy work Resources Sam Ortiz: Instagram & Portfolio Jenny Bruso & Unlikely Hikers - Her episode is called 'Fat & Outdoorsy' Mirna Valerio - Her episode is called: "How to be a Role Model" Fat Girls Hiking: Instagram and Website PNW Outdoor Women Sponsor Websites and Codes Merrell: Learn more by visiting to Merrell.com! Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Music is by Liam McNally. Music is also by Lee Rosevere using a Creative Commons Attribution license

Jen Gurecki is a serial outdoor entrepreneur who isn’t afraid to go against the norm when it comes to the businesses she’s started in the industry. With over 20 years of experience, Jen’s the CEO of Coalition Snow, editor-in-chief at Sisu Magazine, and founder of Zawadisha. She even used to co-own a river rafting company. From the outside, each company is quite different - hardwood skis and snowboards vs. editorial print vs. a micro lending venture, but each contains a common thread: an unwavering devotion to putting women in front. Woman featured in this episode: Jen Gurecki Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell, Ritual, and EarlybirdCBD.com In this episode you'll hear How Jen's restlessness translates to adventure and business Jen's start in the outdoor industry The experiences Jen had in her 20's that shaped the companies she started in her 30's Why Jen wants to 'shred the patriarchy' What she learned working in outdoor ed at Adventure Risk Challenge About Zawadisha What Jen was up against in founding Coalition Snow Why Jen extended her vision to a print magazine: Sisu Issue Three of Sisu, coming out in June Why Jen knows that "strong women have feelings too" and how she deals with the ups and downs of entrepreneurship Resources Jen Gurecki: Instagram Sisu Magazine: Website & Instagram Coalition Snow: Website & Instagram Zawadisha: Website Jenny Bruso: Website Gravel Try Hard: Instagram Sponsor Websites and Codes Merrell: Learn more about the Ontario Mid Waterproof hiking boots Ritual.com: Get 10% off your first three months by heading to Ritual.com/Explore EarlybirdCBD.com: Get 20% by using code EXPLORES at checkout and heading to EarlybirdCBD.com/explores Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Music is by Lee Rosevere and Kai Engel using a Creative Commons Attribution license.