Outside Podcast

Join Nicole Coenen, the internet's beloved 'lesbian lumberjill' and author of Axe in Hand, as she explores the surprising mental and emotional benefits of wood chopping. Nicole shares stories of wildlife encounters on her BC island, her accidental rise to social media fame through wholesome content, and the sense of community she fosters through her wood-crafting initiatives. She discusses the rewarding nature of chopping wood, its therapeutic qualities, and how embracing the outdoors has empowered her identity and inspired others.

Spend time outdoors, and you’ll eventually spend time in brutal, even scary weather. Dangerous winds, flash flood-inducing rain, and vision-erasing whiteouts are sometimes the cost of entry. By the same token, you’re as likely to remember the upsides to those experience—the belly laughter of relief, the rainbows after the rain, the waist deep powder—as the scary parts. Hank Schyma, aka Pecos Hank, built a career out of those upsides by becoming one of the internet’s most beloved storm chasers. For decades, he’s captured astonishing photos and video of tornadoes, gathering new data on how they work and discovering new phenomena. On his wildly popular Youtube channel, his new photo memoir Storm, and in this conversation, we get to see and hear it all—from a significantly safer distance.

Extreme adaptability and versatility can be found throughout the animal kingdom, but may have found their peak expression in Alexi Pappas. As a runner, Pappas was a two-time All-American for Dartmouth who set a national record running for Greece at the 2016 Olympics. As a performer, she was a member of Dartmouth’s gut-busting Dog Day improv group before going on to write, direct, and star in several feature films, including Tracktown, Olympic Dreams, and Not An Artist. The further into her career Pappas gets, the more running influences her art, and her art influences her running—all of which she talks about in a way that makes you understand how she’s risen so high in two fundamentally different worlds. 

After Lawlor Coe lost his brother Hunter to tragedy, he did everything he could to avoid his pain. Then he laced up his joggers and began to run. At first, it was to elude his grief. But over time, as he began to log miles and miles, he found that the physical suffering he was enduring out on the trail helped him find his way to peace, and then back to joy. He was no longer running from his sorrow, from his anger, but toward a new sense of purpose. And along with the rest of his family, he found a way to honor Hunter’s life and the characteristics that made him one hell of a brother, son, and friend: by creating a fund that supports groups offering transformative experiences for young people in need of mental health support. And what Lawlor found in his runs and fundraising efforts is that after anger and sorrow is all used up, the only thing left to do is run toward love.

In this engaging dialogue, Professor Kevin Dawson, a UC Merced historian specializing in the Atlantic world and African diaspora, discusses the often-overlooked contributions of Black surfers to the sport. He emphasizes how surfing connects him to a rich African aquatic heritage and shares personal stories that reveal the joy and complexity of riding the waves. Dawson also reflects on a humorous encounter with Jason Momoa and delves into the historical layers of surfing tied to the Atlantic slave trade, showcasing the interplay of joy and sorrow within these waters.

Cindell Dale, a pioneer Grand Canyon river guide since the 1980s, shares her adventurous journey through the waters of the iconic Big Ditch. She reflects on the deep spiritual connection formed with nature and the unique bond between guides and their boats, like her beloved dory, Ticaboo. Cindell discusses the challenges and life lessons learned from navigating whitewater, particularly for women breaking through gender barriers in a male-dominated industry. Her heartfelt stories celebrate empowerment, community, and the transformative magic of the Grand Canyon.

In this conversation, Chelsea Sodaro, a professional triathlete and the Ironman World Champion of 2022, opens up about her journey through athletic excellence and personal challenges, including postpartum depression. She discusses the importance of community support among female athletes and how it fosters motivation and representation. Chelsea also shares her insights on mental resilience, advocating for wellness in sports, and the significance of gear in triathlons. Her candid reflections highlight the balance between physical endurance and mental health.

Zack Courts and Ari Henning, motorcycle gurus and YouTube stars from RevZilla, embark on a hilariously absurd 400-mile minibike journey inspired by the film 'Dumb and Dumber.' They share tales of discomfort and mechanical woes, revealing the comedic chaos of their adventure. From run-ins with police to their viral encounter with the film's cast, their story highlights the deep friendship forged through shared challenges. Expect laughs as they embrace the ridiculousness of life on two wheels!

Tony Cavalero, known for his roles in "The Righteous Gemstones" and "School of Rock," shares his journey from Hollywood struggles to outdoor adventures. He reminisces about his Boy Scout days and the healing power of nature in his recovery from addiction. The conversation dives into the surprising connections between comedy and personal growth, detailing memorable outdoor experiences during filming and the joys of rekindling passions. Cavalero's vibrant anecdotes reveal how the outdoors intersect with creativity and resilience.

In this lively discussion, Alex Honnold, the renowned professional rock climber famous for his breathtaking free solo ascent of El Capitan, shares insights into conquering fear. He reveals how mental preparation and support from the climbing community play crucial roles in achieving extraordinary goals. Honnold reflects on the humorous challenges of balancing fame with family life during his adventures. With personal anecdotes and gripping stories, he inspires listeners to discern real fears and pursue their dreams in the great outdoors.