She Explores

Every outdoor adventure we go on is affected by climate change. Listen to the experiences of two women, Dani Reyes-Acosta and Doreen Wong, as they share specific ways their adventuring has been impacted by extreme weather, wildfires, and glacial ice melt.Featured in this episode:  Dani Reyes-Acosta and Doreen WongHosted & Produced by Gale StraubA production of Ravel MediaSponsored by  IKON Pass, Danner, & BetterhelpJoin the She Explores Podcast community on FacebookVisit She-Explores.com & Follow Us on InstagramResourcesFeatured in this episode: Dani Reyes-AcostaWebsiteInstagram: @notlostjustdiscoveringFeatured in this episode: Doreen WongInstagram: @herclimateadventureLinkedInSubmit Your Voice for New Miniseries Highlighting Girls & Women OutdoorsProtect Our WintersLos Angeles Times article on California Fire DamageIntersectional EnvironmentalistShe Explores Episode featuring Leah Thomas: "Embracing Intersectional Environmentalism"Ravel MediaSponsors and Discount CodesIKON Pass: Learn more about 20/21 winter season at IkonPass.com.Danner: Learn more about the Danner Trail 2650's.Betterhelp: Get 10% off your first month by heading to Betterhelp.com/exploreEpisodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.Music is by James Childs, Wil Pearce, Gracie & Rachel

Olivia Deihs, founder of Women in Outdoor Work, helps women land jobs in the outdoor industry and the environmental nonprofit world. Olivia helps us get a sense of what kind of outdoor jobs are out there, how to decide what’s right for you, and tips to navigate the application process. She’ll also give us a peek into her vision for the outdoor industry.Featured in this episode:  Olivia DeihsHosted & Produced by Gale StraubA production of Ravel MediaSponsored by  IKON Pass & DannerJoin the She Explores Podcast community on FacebookVisit She-Explores.com & Follow Us on InstagramResourcesFeatured in this episode: Olivia Deihs, founder of Women in Outdoor WorkWomen in Outdoor Work WebsiteInstagram: @womeninoutdoorworkFacebook Group CommunityTikTok: @womeninoutdoorworkEastern Sierra Conservation CorpsShe Explores Episode featuring Agnes Vianzon: "Laying the Groundwork"Ravel MediaSponsors and Discount CodesIKON Pass: Learn more about 20/21 winter season at IkonPass.com.Danner: Learn more about the Danner Trail 2650's.Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.Music is by James Childs, Wil Pearce, Nick Box, Human Pyramids, CHPTRS, Monako Davis, One Hundred Years

Artist Amy Won is a big believer in making time in your life for wonder, even magic. And you can access it by walking out your front door. Wherever you are out there listening, today might just be a particularly tender day in an especially tender year.  Around the world, we’re all still grappling with the rippling impacts of the pandemic, keeping up with a contentious U.S. election,  and navigating a historic social uprising. Most everyone we’ve been in contact with is having some kind of hard time between the isolation, the uncertainty, and the collective trauma of this time. This is why we wanted to talk with Amy Won about the power of making time for wonder in our lives.In this episode, we’ll talk bout how a sense of enchantment got away from Amy, how she harnesses it today, and how you can access it in your daily life through nature big and small.Featured in this episode:  Amy T. WonHosted & Produced by Gale StraubA production of Ravel MediaSponsored by  IKON Pass, BetterHelp, & DannerJoin the She Explores Podcast community on FacebookVisit She-Explores.com & Follow Us on InstagramResourcesFeatured in this episode: Amy T. WonWebsiteInstagramFacebookWonder Walking DeckRavel MediaSponsors and Discount CodesIKON Pass: Learn more about 20/21 winter season at IkonPass.com.Danner: Learn more about the Danner Trail 2650's.Betterhelp: Get 10% off your first month at Betterhelp.com/exploreEpisodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.Music is by James Childs, Wil Pearce, Nick Box, Human Pyramids, CHPTRS, Monako Davis, One Hundred Years

Brittani Coury is a Paralympic snowboarder and registered nurse who loves spending her winters in the mountains. It’s where she’s found a second family, it’s where her stubbornness and dedication have helped her realize her potential as an athlete.Brittani hasn’t had a straight path in her athletic career. So she knows a thing or two about starting over, pushing through, and having fun. Which makes her the perfect person to learn from in this episode, whether you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, or looking to level up in skill and the amount of time spent on the mountain.We asked you what questions you have about skiing and snowboarding. Our hope is that everyone out there listening will be empowered by Brittani’s story and expertise to safely explore the slopes - whether It’s possible this season or in the many winters to come.Featured in this episode:  Brittani CouryHosted & Produced by Gale StraubA production of Ravel MediaSponsored by  Ikon PassJoin the She Explores Podcast community on FacebookVisit She-Explores.com & Follow Us on InstagramResourcesFeatured in this episode: Brittani CouryWebsiteSocial Media: Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterIkon PassShe Explores Episode on COVID-19 and Outdoor Rec:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on She-Explores.comKSL Classifieds (Utah Marketplace where Brittani has found used gear)REI Used GearSki Resorts with Adaptive Skiing ProgramsChill Denver - Snowboard & Skateboard programs for youths 10 - 18.Team Summit: Elevating YouthSki Duck: Skiing for Disadvantaged KidsRavel MediaSponsors and Discount CodesIkon Pass: Learn more about 20/21 winter season at IkonPass.com.Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.Music is by  Utah, Jacob Montague, & Uncle Skeleton via Musicbed.

In this final episode of the Where We Walk miniseries, we take a look at volunteering by hearing from Michela Williams and Brittany Leavitt: two individuals who have had a big hand in volunteer positions for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, as well as other leadership roles where they get to see firsthand how powerful volunteering can truly be. Brittany and Michela say it best, but as you’ll hear, volunteering is a way we build paths-- not just through the physical act, but also building connections, exposing ourselves to new experiences, taking on leadership roles, and utilizing our time as volunteers to create pathways for others: recreationalists, stewards, and community members alike.About the series: This story-forward six-part series, in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and made possible with support from REI, highlights the Appalachian Trail through both the women who helped to build it as well as those who continue to make it what it is today. Our goal is to tell a multi-dimensional story of the Trail through a range of voices from diverse backgrounds. Each episode will have a unique theme that helps tell the story of the way we shape the Trail, but more importantly — how the Trail shapes us. Featured in this episode: Brittany Leavitt & Michela WilliamsHosted by Laura Borichevsky & Gale StraubA Production of Ravel MediaResources:Appalachian Trail Conservancy - VolunteerThe interviewees:Brittany LeavittInstagram: @bleavitt8Website: britleavitt.comBrittany’s experience hiking with Outdoor Afro following the Underground RailroadMichela WilliamsInstagram: @_chaurayyyyy and @blacktooearthBlack Too Earth Website: blacktooearth.comYou can find the entire miniseries in the She Explores podcast feed and through a “Where We Walk” Spotify playlist where we’ve queued up every episode just for you.Music by Josh Woodward & Monplaisir using a Creative Commons Attribution License.

How many times have we been told the story of the fearless leader — in work, in politics, in the mountains? When the stakes are high, it’s natural to place our confidence in strength and certainty. To turn to the leader and believe that they have no doubt, that they've built up a kind of resilience that will carry us all to safety.Today’s episode isn’t about how to become a fearless leader in the mountains. Nor is it about how to overcome your fear, or even how to harness it. But it is about listening to what fear is trying to teach us. It’s an opportunity to consider what kind of leader you need, as well as the one you might want to be.Lindsey Falkenburg shares the story of her season as a lead for BOEALPS, a mountaineering club in Seattle.Featured in this episode:  Lindsey Falkenburg, Ashley Abril, and Kristen JonesHosted & Produced by Gale StraubA production of Ravel MediaSponsored by  IKON Pass, BetterHelp, & DannerJoin the She Explores Podcast community on FacebookVisit She-Explores.com & Follow Us on InstagramResourcesFeatured in this episode:Lindsey Falkenburg - Instagram: @TandemTrekkingAshley Abril - Instagram: @ashjustgoesKristen Jones - Instagram:BOEALPS Ravel MediaSponsors and Discount CodesIKON Pass: Learn more about 20/21 winter season at IkonPass.com.Danner: Learn more about the Danner Trail 2650's.Betterhelp: Get 10% off your first month at Betterhelp.com/exploreEpisodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.Ad Music is by Josh Woodward & Swelling

In the fifth episode of Where We Walk, we hear from two incredible human voices, conservationist Sally Naser and bird researcher Amber Wendler, who are dedicated to better understanding and appreciating the wildlife on the Appalachian Trail. But unlike other episodes in this series, we're also going to hear from many wildlife voices you might not stop to hear often-- so that next time you're outdoors, you might be encouraged to move a little slower and observe the world around you. With thousands of species of animals to encounter, it's clear that wildlife on the Appalachian Trail is plentiful. But here’s a question: how much do you see and experience when you're outdoors, especially when you're hiking? Do you take some time to observe? Do you practice patience to discover what's around you? Or do you focus on moving from Point A to Point B? Of reaching the summit? Of covering the miles you planned for the day?This episode is immersive and will take you on a journey walking on the Trail for a day through listening to the world of wildlife you can discover when you’re outdoors.About the series: This story-forward six-part series, in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and made possible with support from REI, highlights the Appalachian Trail through both the women who helped to build it as well as those who continue to make it what it is today. Our goal is to tell a multi-dimensional story of the Trail through a range of voices from diverse backgrounds. Each episode will have a unique theme that helps tell the story of the way we shape the Trail, but more importantly — how the Trail shapes us. Featured in this episode: Sally Naser & Amber WendlerHosted by Laura Borichevsky, with Gale StraubA Production of Ravel MediaResources:Appalachian Trail ConservancyThe interviewees:Sally Naser: CR Wildlife CamsAmber Wendler: @amberwendlerEpisodes of “Where We Walk” will air weekly on Mondays.Music by Josh Woodward & Monplaisir using a Creative Commons Attribution License. Additional sound is by various recorders using a Public Domain License.

Laura Navar, Outreach Manager at National Parks Conservation Association, considers herself to be a bit of a late bloomer in the conservation nonprofit world. She didn’t know that the environmental field would be of interest to her because conservation wasn’t something that was talked about growing up. And yet, as we’ll hear, it’s always been embedded in her Latinx family culture.In this episode, Laura will share her unique path to a green career and to claiming the title of an environmentalist. Featured in this episode: Laura Navar Hosted & Produced by Gale StraubA production of Ravel MediaSponsored by  BetterHelp, Danner, & Sierra DesignsJoin the She Explores Podcast community on FacebookVisit She-Explores.com & Follow Us on InstagramResourcesFollow Laura Navar on Instagram: @sweetgrassbhLA Young Leaders CouncilNational Parks Conservation AssociationLatino OutdoorsAn Intro to Latin American Magical Realism in 6 NovelsAbout Juana Inés De la CruzBlack Girls Trekkin'Ravel MediaSponsors and Discount CodesSierra Designs: Learn more about their 2020 Reach Out InitiativeFollow Black Girls Trekkin' on InstagramDanner: Learn more about the Danner Trail 2650's.Betterhelp: Get 10% off your first month at Betterhelp.com/exploreEpisodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.Ad Music is by Josh Woodward & Swelling

In the fourth episode of Where We Walk, we hear from Brittany and Laura, two women who share a longing and a love for the Appalachian Trail. Brittany fulfilled her goal of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2019, despite facing the devastating loss of her husband a few years prior. Laura dreams of hiking the Trail, but forces outside of her control have kept her from doing it. There’s a lot of talk about the universal nature of the Appalachian Trail. And there are a lot of aspects of a thru hike that unites a trail community. But the individuals that hike the A.T. bring their full, unique, selves to the trail. Laura and Brittany are different: in upbringing, in background, in temperament. Laura’s Latina, she and her parents immigrated from Colombia to Georgia when she was six years old. Brittany’s white and grew up in North Dakota. But they have something in common that’s core to what attracts them to the Trail: a need, at a particular point in their lives, to do something entirely for themselves.This episode is for anyone who dreams of hiking the Trail, or who loves living vicariously through others’ thru-hiking stories. About the series: This story-forward six-part series, in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and made possible with support from REI, highlights the Appalachian Trail through both the women who helped to build it as well as those who continue to make it what it is today. Our goal is to tell a multi-dimensional story of the Trail through a range of voices from diverse backgrounds. Each episode will have a unique theme that helps tell the story of the way we shape the Trail, but more importantly — how the Trail shapes us. Featured in this episode: Laura Alarcon & Brittany CominsHosted by Gale Straub, with Laura BorichevksyA Production of Ravel MediaResources:Appalachian Trail ConservancyAppalachian Trail Conservancy: Thru-HikingThe interviewees:Brittany Comins: Instagram @FlickerTailonTrailLaura Alarcon: Laura isn't on social media, but if you listen to the episode and her story resonates, feel free to reach out via email - lau.a.arcon@gmail.comEpisodes of “Where We Walk” will air weekly on Mondays.Music by Josh Woodward & Monplaisir using a Creative Commons Attribution License

In the third episode of Where We Walk, we explore some of the long lasting impacts of introducing kids and young people to paths like the Appalachian Trail (A.T). Above all else, this episode is about hope. The hope that exposing children to enriching outdoor experiences will cultivate a lifelong relationship with nature.We’ll hear from a teacher who is using nature as a classroom, a mother who started to see her daughters as adults and equals through hiking the A.T., a volunteer who took the initiative to start her own youth hiking challenge, a teenager who understands that the future health of our planet is in our hands, and a 6-year-old who feels just plain happy outdoors.About the series: This story-forward six-part series, in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and made possible with support from REI, highlights the Appalachian Trail through both the women who helped to build it as well as those who continue to make it what it is today. Our goal is to tell a multi-dimensional story of the Trail through a range of voices from diverse backgrounds. Each episode will have a unique theme that helps tell the story of the way we shape the Trail, but more importantly — how the Trail shapes us. Featured in this episode: Lori Loew, Sue Garcia, Jan Onan, Maymuna Sabree, and Sloane StraubHosted by Gale Straub, with Laura BorichevksyA Production of Ravel MediaResources:Appalachian Trail ConservancyAppalachian Trail Conservancy: Youth OutreachA Trail to Every Classroom (ATEACH)Youth Partner ChallengeLearn about the NextGen Forest Ambassador ProgramEpisodes of “Where We Walk” will air weekly on Mondays.Music by Josh Woodward & Monplaisir using a Creative Commons Attribution License