She Explores

Ever feel like you're alone in your relationship with the outdoors? Join a group of women who are leading by example in their communities by spending time outside and breaking ground for others to do the same. Amanda Machado shares her experience camping with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) for a special night near Los Angeles. Because it was rainy, the group huddled until tarps and told stories about how they find healing in the outdoors. And by doing so, they found friendship and the realization that they weren't going it alone. The event was unique in that the majority of the women are Latina, which added an integral layer to what they had in common. This episode reminds us of the importance of spending time outside with other women and encouraging each other to share. 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, Rebeca Contreras, and Sally Garcia. Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear: About the purpose of the women's camping trip with NPCA Why the women wanted to attend Personal early memories of outdoor experiences Why "gear shaming" is a thing (but really shouldn't be) What it's often like for Latinx to explain their love of the outdoors to their families How the outdoors is healing for the women who attended The ways in which this healing is unique to Latina women and children of immigrants What the women took away from the experience Sponsors & Codes: Ridge Wallet: Get 10% off (and free worldwide shipping) at checkout with code EXPLORE Sawyer: Enter giveaway at She-Explores.com/sawyer World Nomads - Listen to their podcast! 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 Amanda Machado: Portfolio Brown Environmentalist Vox.com article: The Strangeness of Being a Latina Who Loves Hiking REI 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. Music is also by WMD.

Could a hike a week change your life? Interview with Karla Amador, co-founder of 52 Hike Challenge. We talk about why she chose to hike 52 times in a year, how It helped clarify what she wanted out of work and life, and how a feeling of accomplishment can carry with you long after the trail. Women featured in this episode: Karla Amador Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear: How Karla’s mom (and adventurous spirit) was a positive influence Why a divorce lead to Karla taking one hike a week for a year The impact 52 hikes had on Karla’s work and active life Why Karla and her partner wanted to share the 52 Hike Challenge with others Why a hike can be as long or as short as you want it to be How a feeling of accomplishment can carry with you Gale and Karla talking about ideas for business growth Advice for listeners interested in starting a business What's next for 52 Hike Challenge Preroll Sponsors & Codes: High Hopes Hammock: Use code SHEEXPLORES30 at checkout for 30% off Sawyer: Enter giveaway at She-Explores.com/sawyer Midroll Sponsors & Codes: Stamps.com: Use code EXPLORES at checkout for first month trial free + signup package Benchmark Maps: Use code SHEEXPLORES at checkout for 20% off 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: 52 Hike Challenge Website, Instagram, and Facebook Karla's Instagram Episode 69 Landing Page 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, and Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org with a CC by A license. Music is also by Our Many Stars.

Kareemah Batts is a cancer survivor and the founder of Adaptive Climbing Group. After finding climbing after losing part of her leg to cancer, Kareemah wanted to share the feeling she has on the wall with others. She's done with sympathy, she just wants to climb. Women featured in this episode: Kareemah Batts Hosted by Gale Straub Featured in the midroll: Maggie Peikon Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. In this episode, you'll hear: About the outdoor activities you can access in and around New York City How Kareemah got into rock climbing, despite reservations Why it can be difficult to go back to your favorite activities after an amputation The impact First Descents had on Kareemah's re-discovering her love for the outdoors post-cancer How discrimination can impact a job search when you have a disability Why Kareemah wanted to share climbing with other people, and why she believes anyone can climb How disability is a culture The growing pains of starting a nonprofit climbing program and the significance of organic growth Tips for how to be more welcoming to disabled people in the outdoors (hint, treat them the same as anyone else) How Adaptive Climbing Group's unique training instills empathy into their instructors Why Kareemah is motivated to keep doing what she's doing Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Sponsored by Vasque. Visit She-Explores.com Resources mentioned in this episode: Adaptive Climbing Group: Website, Instagram, and Facebook Kareemah Batts: Instagram and Facebook Donate to Adaptive Climbing Group First Descents Vasque Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Music for this episode is by Lee Rosevere and Meydan via freemusicarchive.org with a CC by A license. Music is also by Kevin J. Simon.

Jenny Bruso is the founder of Unlikely Hikers. Her work is rooted in her belief that there is room for every body on the trail. Jenny is queer, fat, and femme, and she's passionate about cultivating a safe space in the outdoors for people of all backgrounds and body sizes. Unlikely Hikers is just two years old, but its positive reception proves that the time is right for outdoor media and meetups that include rather than exclude, and encourage people to occupy their bodies rather than critique them. We talk with Jenny about Unlikely Hikers' growth, how straight-sized people can be considerate of others while in the outdoors, where she finds her hiking apparel, and more. Women featured in this episode: Jenny Bruso Hosted by Gale Straub Featured in the midroll: Kaily Gashi, hiker and mother of twins Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. In this episode, you'll hear: Why Jenny Bruso started Unlikely Hikers and what it means to be one How her time on the trail equates to self care How Unlikely Hikers group hikes intentionally cultivate a safe space for all people (including queer, trans, people of color, fat, disabled, etc.) Why Jenny's ground rules for hikes include not talking about weight or dieting The assumptions straight-sized people make about fat people on the trail (and how to avoid making them) Why representation of marginalized communities in the outdoor industry won't change unless those communities are included when decisions are being made The lack of options available for plus sized athletic clothing (and who is doing a good job) Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Sponsored by Vasque. Visit She-Explores.com Resources mentioned in this episode: Jenny Bruso: Unlikely Hikers Instagram & Blog, JennyBruso.com Donate to Jenny Bruso Huffington Post article on Unlikely Hikers Unruly Bodies Essays Outside Online: "I don't hike to lose weight, I hike because I love it" Diversify Outdoors SHIFT Conference Melanin Basecamp Brown People Camping Brothers of Climbing Flash Foxy Vasque Kaily Gashi Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Music for this episode is by Lee Rosevere and Evan Schaeffer via freemusicarchive.org with a CC by A license. Music is also by Feverkin.

Simone Martin-Newberry is a plant person. And the attention she pays to flora has led to her discovery that contrary to what most media would have you believe, nature is everywhere - especially if you're open to finding it. Simone is naturally curious. She speaks with a deep reverence for the natural world, whether she finds it within the bounds of her longtime city of Chicago or when using her vacation from her full time work as a graphic designer to take trips around the US. Simone has a beautiful blog called “Darker Than Green” where she documents her appreciation for flora with photographs, green city guides, and contemplative writing. Women featured in this episode: Simone Martin Newberry Featured in the midroll: Sasha Cox, founder of Trail Mavens Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. In this episode, you'll hear: The benefits of having plants in your home How Chicago values green spaces What 'outdoor time' means to Simone living in a city that places importance on public space Why you don't have to drive hours from your city to appreciate (and benefit from) the outdoors Embracing the in-between moments and reflecting them social media How plants can parallel the human experience How discomfort makes us better equipped for future decisions Advice for experiencing our National Parks in a way that acknowledges their history and the history of the people who lived on their land Why Simone identifies as an artist Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Sponsored by Vasque. Visit She-Explores.com Resources mentioned in this episode: Simone Martin-: Instagram, Portfolio, & Blog, Darker Than Green Grist.org Video - Our National Parks Belong to Everyone. So Why Are They So White? Bell Hooks Vasque Trail Mavens Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Music for this episode is by Chris Zabriskie, Lee Rosevere, Josh Woodward, and Kai Engel via freemusicarchive.org with a CC by A license. Music is also by Emancipator. A note about Episode 65 - we incorrected stated that Brooke Holloway spoke at about 20:36, this was in fact Paige Garratt.

In climbing, it's key trust yourself and your community. Discover what it's like to attend the Flash Foxy Women's Climbing Festival through the ears of a beginner. Jaymie Shearer takes us to Bishop, CA to climb, contemplate, and learn some life lessons. Women featured in this episode: Jaymie Shearer, Shelma Jun, Claudia Gallegos, Shelma Jun, Tristin Vaughn, Savannah Norris-Jenkins, Jolie Varela, and Brooke Holloway. Featured in the midroll: Stephanie Harper. In this episode, you'll hear: Thoughts on setting intentions to respectfully climb and recreate in outdoor spaces An introduction to three types of climbing: trad, sport, and bouldering What it's like to climb with just women The element of fear in rock climbing and how it relates to life What it means to 'identify as a climber' Learning to your strengths How Shelma Jun got started climbing and where she found mentorship The need for more mentors in climbing The importance of being vocal in outdoor situations Real women talking about why they love rock climbing Advice for how to invite others in and create safe spaces for women in outdoor activities Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Sponsored by Vasque. Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. Visit She-Explores.com Resources mentioned in this episode: Jaymie Shearer: Instagram and Portfolio Flash Foxy Women's Climbing Festival Friends of the Inyo Leave No Trace Principles Indigenous Women Hike The Mentorship Gap (article by Shelma Jun) Vasque Sanni McCandless Coaching Raising Kids Wild Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Music for this episode is by Chris Zabriskie, Lee Rosevere, and Kai Engel via freemusicarchive.org with a [CC by A][15] license. Music is also by Distance.

Those moments on the trail when you just have to laugh because it's the only way forward. Live storytelling of mishaps in the outdoors and an interview with Marielle Cowdin of Oregon Wild. Recorded at the Columbia Flagship store in Portland, OR. Women Featured in this Episode: Marielle Cowdin, Amy Faust, Stephanie Smith, Stacey Arnold, and Stephanie Makris Hosted and produced by Gale Straub. In this episode, you'll hear: About how Marielle Cowdin's love of the outdoors overlaps with her work at Oregon Wild, an environmental nonprofit Advice for hiking and camping solo Advice for getting started in the nonprofit field Marielle's funny stories on the trail (including animal encounters) Live stories about when things go "wrong" hiking in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere (spoiler alert: it probably rains) Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Sponsored by Columbia Sportswear. Watch the "Offline" video featuring She Explores here. Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. Visit She-Explores.com Resources mentioned in this episode: Oregon Wild Marielle Cowdin's Instagram Stephanie Smith: Boredom the Adventure Youtube and Instagram Stacey Arnold: Blog, Instagram, Facebook Stephanie Makris: Instagram Columbia Sportswear Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Music for this episode is by Chris Zabriskie via freemusicarchive.org with a CC by A license. Music is also by Danielle Grubb.

What happens when we take risks when we’re spending time outside? How does it pay off and when does it backfire? These are your stories of taking risks in the outdoors. Women Featured in this Episode: Hallie Seay Shelby Stanger, Host of Wild Ideas Worth Living Claire Giordano, Instagram & Portfolio Karen Wang, Instagram & Portfolio Megan Bixel Brooke Weeber, Instagram Sheree Angela Matthews Nikki Frumkin, Instagram & Portfolio Mara Johnson-Groh Danielle O'Farrell, Instagram & Portfolio Ashleigh C, Instagram Rebecca Becky Jensen, Portfolio Tori Duhaime, Instagram Hosted and produced by Gale Straub. In this episode, you'll hear: How listener Rebecca went from self-identifying as "not a risk-taker" to going on her first backpacking trip How trying something new can help change the expectations you have of yourself About the clarity you can find by hiking solo The way risks you take in the outdoors can mirror your everyday life The challenges of plein air painting When not getting a job turns into an opportunity Climbing Mount Whitney for sunrise Surviving a big storm on your first solo hike The importance of differentiating between risk and unneccessary risk Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Sponsored by Columbia Sportswear. Watch the "Offline" video featuring She Explores here. Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. Visit She-Explores.com Resources mentioned in this episode: Live She Explores Event: Portland Oregon Sarah's production company: [Le Columbia "Offline" Film Columbia Sportswear Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Original Music is by Liam McNally. Find him on Instagram. Music for this episode is by Chris Zabriskie via freemusicarchive.org with a CC by A license.

Sarah Menzies is all in. Whether it's her adventure documentary film career or her relationships, Sarah is fully committed to following through on giving back to others. Sarah’s story is about what she would do for her many loves, and in turn, and what they would do for her. The filmmaker behind the short pieces, "The Mirnavator" and "A Steelhead Quest," Sarah's first full-length documentary film, "Afghan Cycles" is debuting at Hot Docs April 29th. Afghan Cycles uses the bicycle to tell a story of women’s rights - human rights - and the struggles faced by Afghan women on a daily basis, from discrimination to abuse, to the oppressive silencing of their voices in all aspects of contemporary society. These women ride despite cultural barriers, despite infrastructure, and despite death threats, embracing the power and freedom that comes with the sport. With the help of her girlfriend Katilin Bailey, we talk with Sarah about the evolution of her promising career. Women Featured in this Episode: Sarah Menzies and Kaitlin Bailey Hosted and produced by Gale Straub. In this episode, you'll hear: How Sarah became a documentary filmmaker and lessons learned along the way The importance of (at times) removing yourself from the story Tips for getting started in the outdoor film industry What fishing can teach you about patience, generosity, and the environment The parallels between bicycling in Afghanistan and the suffrage movement in the United States The challenges faced by Afghan women and their perseverance in spite of them. Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Sponsored by Columbia Sportswear. Watch the "Offline" video featuring She Explores here. Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. Visit She-Explores.com Resources mentioned in this episode: Live She Explores Event: Portland Oregon Sarah's production company: Let Media Outside Online: Sarah Menzies Knows the World's Coolest Women The Mirnavator A Steelhead Quest Afghan Cycles Website Columbia "Offline" Film Columbia Sportswear Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Music for this episode is by Chris Zabriskie, Kai Engel, and Lee Rosevere via freemusicarchive.org with a CC by A license. Music is also by Kent Rockefeller.

What happens when we go offline for a camping and hiking trip in the Olympic Peninsula with a plein air painter and a food blogger? We get really inspired. In a lot of ways, this is a simple episode about making friends offline. But it’s also about the headspace you cultivate when you step outside and how that makes room for thought and inspiration. And it’s also about experiencing an outdoor space through creative work and wanting to dig deeper than surface level when recreating. Last August, Columbia Sportswear brought Megan McDuffie and Heidi Annalise and (host) Gale Straub together for a backpacking trip. They learn about the surprising things they have in common, as well as the landscape around them. And to learn more, Gale calls up local Lorraine Greene, a member of the Makah tribe. Women Featured in this Episode: Heidi Annalise, Megan McDuffie, and Lorraine Greene. Hosted and produced by Gale Straub. In this episode, you'll hear: The benefits of taking online friends offline in the outdoors How food blogger Megan McDuffie and painter Heidi Annalise got started How the outdoors inspires creativity in us Insight as to what it's like to grow up on the Olympic Peninsula as a member of the Makah Tribe The sounds of the Olympic Peninsula of Washington Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Sponsored by Columbia Sportswear. Watch the "Offline" video featuring She Explores here. Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. Visit She-Explores.com Resources mentioned in this episode: Columbia "Offline" Film Columbia OutDry Extreme The Sea is My Country by Joshua L. Reid Fresh Off the Grid Fresh Off the Grid Instagram Heidi Annalise Art Heidi Annalise Instagram Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Music for this episode is by Chris Zabriskie, Kai Engel, and Lee Rosevere via freemusicarchive.org with a CC by A license. Music is also by Snow Palms.