She Explores

Anastasia and Rose hike their violin and keyboard, respectfully, into the mountains of Washington to play music to greet the rising sun. In doing so, they hope to inspire others to share their own gifts with the world. A little over a year ago, Anastasia Allison and Rose Freeman met in person and found out they had the same dream: to play music in the backcountry (in a low impact and respectful fashion). They decided to load up a violin and keyboard and give it a try. You can watch videos of them playing in the mountains in all seasons - surrounded by snow and in the height of summer. In this episode, Anastasia and Rose record a recent hike up Sahale arm in the North Cascades and share what makes it special for them and others. Women Featured in this Episode: Anastasia Allison and Rose Freeman Addy Polet is featured in the Deuter midroll. Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode you'll hear How Anastasia and Rose got started as "The Musical Mountaineers" - carrying their instruments to play music as the sun rises and sets in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest The sounds of the two women hiking up to Sahale Arm in the Cascades to play a sunrise "concert" How the women practice Leave No Trace when they perform and why they don't tell anyone that they're going to be out there The challenges and rewards of hiking instruments up 3,500 feet to play The mission behind "The Musical Mountaineers" and how it's evolved The ways playing music in the backcountry has impacted them personally How they improvise to create new music together What makes Anastasia and Rose a good team How letting go of perfection in music relates to every day life and other lessons we can draw from their performances And about the Women on the Road Gathering in Taos, NM! Sponsored by Victorious and Deuter Resources Follow The Musical Mountaineers: Instagram, Facebook, Youtube Follow Anastasia Allison: Instagram, Podcast: The Inspired Adventurepreneur, Website Follow Rose Freeman: Instagram See The Musical Mountaineers Perform at Benaroya Hall Women on the Road Gathering Learn more on She-Explores.com Join the conversation in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group Sponsors & Codes Victorious: Get the first month's membership free using the URL Victorious.com/explores Deuter Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Music is performed by The Musical Mountaineers: Sunrise Improvisation - original music by The Musical Mountaineers How Great Thou Art (1885) Great is Thy Faithfulness (1923) Music is by Jason Shaw via Free Music Archive (CC by A license)

Taryn's grandma Carol went on a bike tour in 1944 with her girlfriend Billie. We hear from Carol about the "ordinary adventure" she took at home during World War II. This episode is an opportunity to learn about what Carol's experience was like as a woman living near Vancouver and making airplanes during the war, as well as carving out a couple of weeks for a vacation that might seem surprising to anyone who didn't live through that time. It's a reminder to ask our grandmothers questions because we never know what their stories might hold. Taryn sent us this note with some black and white photos of her grandmother on the one bike tour of her life in 1944: My grandmother is 93 now. During World War II she was a teenager. Instead of going to university she went to work at a factory making airplanes. One summer she got a few days off so she and a female friend did a completely self-supported bike tour from their home in Vancouver BC, over to Vancouver Island and back, except that they didn't call it a bike tour. She says they wanted to go on vacation but they didn't have a car and gas was too expensive so they took bikes. They stayed with host families and toted all the things they would need (a change of clothes and some sandwiches) in suitcases tied to their rear racks with string. Their bikes were single speeds so they walked up all the hills. There may have been boyfriends, or brothers or dads who thought that two women shouldn't embark on such a journey alone and on bikes, but that's not how Grandma remembers it. When I talk to Grandma about this trip now, she doesn't see it as a grand adventure the way that I do. She sees it as a fun girls trip she took back before she got married. I think it's a great way to think about adventure - as something that can be quite ordinary. My grandma has some photos from the trip in an old album... there's one of her friend wearing a halter top and short shorts, riding a single speed bike with a suitcase on it... uphill... while grinning ear to ear. Taryn wanted to learn more about her grandmother Carol and a trip that seemed so out of character for her. In this episode, we get to learn, too. Women Featured in this Episode: Taryn and Carol Eyton Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode you'll hear About the value of photographing your adventures What it was like to be a woman working at a factory to support the war effort during World War II How some women were empowered during this time period What bike touring was like in 1944 How the kindness of strangers prevails over the years What gear you'd have on a bike tour in the 1940's Why we might just overpack for our adventures Why Taryn's Grandma Carol doesn't see her bike trip as extraordinary, but why we still think it's an adventure What Taryn values in her grandmother Why it's important to ask our relatives to tell us their stories, especially as time passes Why you might be surprised by what the older women in your life have in their past Sponsored by Escape Campervans and Deuter Resources: Taryn Eyton: Blog, Instagram, and Facebook Episode landing page on She-Explores.com Open Road, Open Sky - Song [Learn more on She-Explores.com][12] Join the conversation in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group Sponsors & Codes -Escape Campervans: Use code 'SHEEXPLORES20' for 20% off. Book for now through June 1, 2019! Some restrictions apply - see landing page for details. Deuter 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 Jason Shaw via Free Music Archive (CC by A license) Music is also by The Helio Sequence

Cheryl Strayed never planned on giving advice professionally and doesn't love a guru, but she agrees with Anna Brones that everyone has wisdom to bestow upon others. The key is to seek as much as you share. When our friend, the artist and writer Anna Brones offered to chat with Cheryl Strayed at Mountain Film in Telluride for She Explores, the answer was a resounding yes. Anna is working on an ongoing paper cut series called, "Women's Wisdom Project" that has evolved from simple portraits with quotes to full conversations and write ups. This episode is an extension of that concept, and offers us the opportunity to contemplate the wisdom we receive from women in our everyday lives. Women Featured in this Episode: Cheryl Strayed and Anna Brones Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode you'll hear About the evolution of Anna's "Women's Wisdom Project" How Cheryl is an "accidental self help writer" Why advice giving should be a horizontal exchange vs. a top down one The importance of seeking out wisdom in those close to you The influence Cheryl's mom had on her life, in particular as it relates to seeking out beauty in the every day Why kindness and vulnerability are often underrated in our culture Why Anna believes the most revolutionary wisdom is often the most basic How Cheryl sometimes feel like she doesn't 'look like' the type of person to write 'Wild.' That Cheryl is both a 49 year old mom, but also an avid wilderness athlete Why Cheryl is excited to get older How to feel better about saying "no" The role fear plays in stepping outside and creating art The overlaps we all have with the wisdom Cheryl shares How through her writing, Cheryl has told the truth about real life (whether venturing into the wilderness, grieving, or setting your life back on course) and made people feel less alone Sponsored by Escape Campervans and Deuter Resources: Cheryl Strayed: Portfolio, Instagram, and Twitter Anna Brones: Portfolio, Instagram, and Twitter Wild, Tiny Beautiful Things, Dear Sugars podcast Women's Wisdom Project Best American Travel Writing 2018 Learn more on She-Explores.com Join the conversation in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group Sponsors & Codes -Escape Campervans: Use code 'SHEEXPLORES20' for 20% off. Book for now through June 1, 2019! Some restrictions apply - see landing page for details. Deuter 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 via Free Music Archive (CC by A license) Music is also by Liam McNally and Our Many Stars

Sirena Rana Dufault is an expert on trails, but that hasn't always been the case: hers is a hard-won expertise born of patience. Trails inspired her to persevere through the chronic pain of fibromyalgia, develop an intimate relationship with her newfound home state of Arizona, and change the course of her career. Women featured in this episode: Sirena Rana Dufault, founder of Trails Inspire. Hosted by Gale Straub Learn more about Sirena in an editorial feature, Blaze Your Own Trail, on She-Explores.com earlier this year. In this episode, you'll hear: How Sirena started hiking at the age of 19 The impact a car accident and the onset of Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, had on her life and hiking Tips for women whose romantic partners aren't as interested in hiking or backpacking The benefits for Sirena of hiking solo How to stay connected when you're off the grid What fibromyalgia feels like for Sirena and why she chooses to hike through the pain when she can Why section hiking a long trail is a great alternative to thru hiking History of the Arizona Trail How hiking trails connect communities to hikers and vice versa How Sirena started a career in trails The work she does through her consulting company, Trails Inspire Why promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a key element of her company's mission statement and how she's already put that mission into practice The book Sirena is working on for Wilderness Press Why Sirena recommends hiking the same trail more than once Sponsors & Codes: Deuter Stamps.com - Use the code "EXPLORES" for a special offer of a 4 week trial, plus postage and a digital scale! Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Visit She-Explores.com Resources mentioned in this episode: Sirena Rana Dufault: Instagram, Trails Inspire, Blog Satellite transmitter Sirena uses when she's off the grid hiking: Garmin InReach About the Arizona Trail Music is by Lee Rosevere and Kai Engel via Free Music Archive (CC by A license) Music is also by The Mariner

What’s up with the over-the-top uncertainty we sometimes feel when we try something new? We share two women’s stories of trying new things in the outdoors in spite of self-doubt or feeling like they won’t measure up. Women Featured in this Episode: Locke Hughes and Laura Hughes Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear: How Gale sometimes struggles with not feeling "outdoorsy" enough Why Gale felt a bit apprehensive about some new high-altitude activities in Winter Park, Colorado What being outdoorsy in Florida meant to Locke growing up vs. what it means today Why Locke loved mountain biking so much her first time that she decided to move to Utah The benefit of trusting your mountain bike and other lessons that translate to everyday life Why trying new things is rarely as scary as it sounds in your head Why Laura Hughes took the opportunity to take a two week trip rafting and hiking the Alsek River in Alaska How Laura felt before she left Why comparing herself with others makes Laura doubt her abilities in the outdoors What Alaska taught Laura about herself The camera gear Laura brought with her to Alaska The bright spots of challenging weather on a long trip Why Laura thinks we create mental blocks to trying new things at the outdoors at time Sponsored by Escape Campervans and Victorious Resources: Locke Hughes: Instagram and Portfolio Laura Hughes: Instagram and Women on the Road Learn more about Laura's Alaska Experience This is the trip Laura went on with MT Sobek Learn about Winter Park Resort Sponsors & Codes Escape Campervans: Use code 'SHEEXPLORES20' for 20% off. Book for now through June 1, 2019! Some restrictions apply - see landing page for details. Victorious.com/explores: Get your first month free by heading here! Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Music is by Jason Shaw and Kai Engel via Free Music Archive (CC by A license) Music is also by Mree.

This is the story of how Gretchen Powers and Alexandra Roberts became adventure partners. It's also about what it means to be an adventure friend, and how you might find one, too. Sponsored by Escape Campervans Women Featured in this Episode: Gretchen Powers and Alexandra Roberts Hosted and Produced by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear: How Gretchen and Alex met and why they weren't fast friends Why going through hard things together (emotionally and in the outdoors) can strengthen bonds The value of "just trying" in the outdoors How Gretchen and Alex went from meeting in Maine to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for their friendaversary The importance of knowing your friend's weaknesses in the outdoors Advice for making new friends and adventure partners How to hold onto friends once you make them Learn more on the episode landing page. Sponsors & Codes Escape Campervans: Use code 'SHEEXPLORES20' for 20% off. Book for now through June 1, 2019! Some restrictions apply - see landing page for details. Resources: Gretchen Powers: Portfolio and Instagram Alexandra Roberts: Portfolio and Instagram Gretchen & Alex's first ski trip Organizations to Meet Women in the Outdoors: Women Who Hike, And She's Dope Too, Wylder Goods, Outdoor Women's Alliance, Bold Betties, Hike it Baby, Hiking My Way, She Jumps, Women Who Explore She Explores Podcast Facebook Group 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 via Free Music Archive (CC by A license) Music is also by Memory Palace.

Your stories of spending time solo in the outdoors. Including a bikepacker, a so-called fat hiker, an aspiring astronaut, an extrovert, two med students, and a backcountry paddler, in short - you and me. It's been almost 2 years since we last asked you about how you adventure solo in Episode 8 of She Explores, Alone on the Trail. Gale asked for new submissions and she received more than she could squeeze into this episode, which is a great thing! It means you're getting out there. Please keep in mind when you listen - there are inherent risks to recreating in the backcountry, whether you're with a friend or by yourself. It's always a good idea to take inventory of your limits. In this episode, you'll hear: How solo time in nature opens up your headspace Why the listeners who submitted take time for themselves solo How Beth Bradley and Jessie Johnson used solo hiking to help quiet the negative body talk that went on in their heads Why getting outside solo isn't always a choice The ways in which you might be physically solo, but not quite alone while you're out there Why an extrovert says it's ok to find other people to adventure with The value of a long thru hike How going it solo can be empowering Some motivation to take the next step Women featured in this episode: Sunny Stroeer: Website, Outside Online Article, Alpinist Article Jodi Spangler: Instagram Jessie Johnson: Instagram Beth Bradley: Watch her full story here; Instagram Francesca Turauskis: SeizeYourAdventure.com Savannah Simmons-Grover: Blog Natalie Izzo: Instagram Kathi Kamleitner: Blog Kristine Turner Emily Sehloff: Instagram Ashley Franklin Sian Proctor: Facebook and Kickstarter Julie Hotz: Instagram and Portfolio Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsors & Codes: Benchmark Maps: use code SHEEXPLORES for 20% off your order Ritual - try your first month! Sawyer: Enter giveaway at She-Explores.com/sawyer World Nomads: Check out their podcast at Worldnomads.com/podcasts Music is by Lee Rosevere, Jason Shaw, and Smaller Tide via Free Music Archive (CC by A license) Music is also by Fort Vine.

Ultrarunner Mirna Valerio is a role model for many because by doing what she loves, she shows others what is possible. She’s modeling being a black, fat girl running, moving her body up and over mountains. Which begs the question - what are you modeling for others? Women featured in this episode: Mirna Valerio, AKA "The Mirnavator." Mirna is a full-time ultrarunner, author, and public speaker. She blogs at Fat Girl Running and Runner's World. Want to meet Mirna in person? Our friend Shanti Hodges is hosting a retreat in October. Learn more here and take $50 off with the code, 'SheExplores' at checkout! Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear: Why when Mirna coached high school students, she taught them to love running as a lifestyle How Mirna answers the oft-dreaded question, "What do you do?" How nature and trail running impacts Mirna personally The ways in which joy and suffering balance each other in ultrarunning Why it's important to put in the work, but why it's also important to rest and listen to your body Why Mirna doesn't believe changing one's outward appearance leads to happiness How our culture uplifts a certain beauty standard, and the ways in which Mirna believes this is changing What she's learned from other plus-sized women about what they want their outdoor apparel to be like What Mirna thinks about being a role model for others Who Mirna looks up to in her everyday life Advice for listeners on how they can be a role model Sponsors & Codes: Benchmark Maps: use code SHEEXPLORES for 20% off your order Sawyer: Enter giveaway at She-Explores.com/sawyer World Nomads: Check out their podcast at Worldnomads.com/podcasts Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Visit She-Explores.com Resources mentioned in this episode: Mirna Valerio's Instagram Mirna Valerio's Memoir: A Beautiful Work in Progress The Mirnavator - Short Film produced by REI and directed by Sarah Menzies Mirna's blog, Fat Girl Running Submit your story of going solo in the outdoors! She Explores Facebook Group Music is by Lee Rosevere, Kai Engel, and Steve Combs via Free Music Archive (CC by A license) Music is also by Memory Palace.

Sheri Tingey has been making gear in the outdoor industry for the past 50 years, and she's done a lot of it with her own two hands. Learn about what drives her to solve problems, how she learned the important lesson of slowing down, and what happened after she re-started her career in her 50's by founding Alpacka Raft. Sheri started out making custom ski apparel in Jackson Hole in the late 1960's and she founded Alpacka Raft in 2000. The latter revolutionized packrafting as a sport in and of itself. (Color us impressed!) In between the two ventures, Sheri spent 17 years with a then-mysterious illness, chronic fatigue. She raised her kids in Alaska then, but she stayed active in the outdoor community, making custom clothing for dog mushers with her limited energy. She was in her early 50's once she found treatment and started Alpacka Raft. Sheri has fun solving problems and being an entrepreneur - which may just be the secret to her success. Women featured in this episode: Sheri Tingey, the founder of Alpacka Raft, a company that makes Packrafts in Colorado. Sheri has been innovating since the late 1960's when she started a ski apparel company, Design by Sheri, because she couldn't find the ski clothes she needed. Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear: What the outdoor industry was like in the late 1960's and 70's The catalyst for Sheri's first company, Design by Sheri When Sheri knew it was time to move on from her first venture How chronic fatigue affects your body and creative ability The value of slowing down, and how Sheri incorporates that lesson in her life (and work) today What it's like to gain confidence again after treatment for a chronic illness What packrafting is The unique challenges and rewards of a product-based company The importance of re-evaluating your business after it's been around for a certain period of time Why sometimes it's better to stay small as a company Sheri's advice for other entrepreneurs as she looks back at her career Sponsors & Codes: Benchmark Maps: use code SHEEXPLORES for 20% off your order Sawyer: Enter giveaway at She-Explores.com/sawyer Stamps.com: use code EXPLORES after clicking on the mic for a free 4 week trial, postage, and a digital scale! World Nomads: Check out their podcast at Worldnomads.com/podcasts Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Visit She-Explores.com Resources mentioned in this episode: Alpacka Raft Ray Jardine's Lightweight Backpacking She Explores Facebook Group Music is by Lee Rosevere, Kai Engel, and Steve Combs via Free Music Archive (CC by A license) Music is also by Memory Palace

A beginner's guide of sorts to advocating for land we can all love and enjoy. This week, we’re back camping with Amanda Machado, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), and 13 women who are passionate about learning about championing public land. Women featured in this episode: Special reporter Amanda Machado (learn more at brownenvironmentalist.org); Laura Torres, Megan Hernbroth, Amy Wong, Aracelli Hernandez, Briget Underwood, Christine Mariano, Grace Rougier, Jenifer Mendez, Jenny Lopez, Nanci Torres-Poblano, Maricela Rosales, Miyuki Gomez, Michelle Magalong, Rebeca Contreras, and Sally Garcia. Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear: Camper Amy Wong's story of love of the outdoors and public land starting in her own backyard Why public lands matter to the women attending a campout with the NPCA The unique relationship women of color have with parks How to make the outdoors more accessible to all people How the outdoor industry is gradually changing and the importance of brands getting behind issues of accessibility to public land Steps the NPCA recommends to get started with advocacy for public land The impact sharing the outdoors with people you love has on your life and public land A summary of tangible action steps for getting involved Sponsors & Codes: Ridge Wallet: Get 10% off (and free worldwide shipping) at checkout with code EXPLORE Sawyer: Enter giveaway at She-Explores.com/sawyer Ritual - Ritual.com/explore Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Visit She-Explores.com Resources mentioned in this episode: National Parks Conservation Association: Website NPCA Advocacy Amanda Machado: Portfolio Brown Environmentalist She Explores Episode 19: Finding Your Voice to Speak for Public Land Brown People Camping Latino Outdoors Brothers of Climbing Melanin Basecamp She Explores Facebook Group Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Music for this episode is by Lee Rosevere, Josh Woodward, Kai Engel via freemusicarchive.org with a CC by A license.