Outside Podcast

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.

Sierra Schlag, a professional skier and filmmaker, delves into her biracial identity and the cathartic power of skiing. She shares how her Japanese heritage shaped her experiences with bullying and cultural dislocation. From the anxieties of mogul skiing to the liberating freedom of the slopes, Sierra describes her journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The conversation also explores the complexities of belonging and community in the outdoors, showing how skiing became a vehicle for healing and embracing her roots.

Join magician David Blaine, known for his jaw-dropping endurance stunts, and Diana Nyad, the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida unassisted, as they delve into the art of extreme endurance. They share riveting anecdotes, exploring the intersection of fear and mental strength in their extraordinary feats. From breath control techniques to the psychological challenges of performances, this engaging conversation highlights how artistry and resilience define the limits of human potential.

David Litt, a former senior speechwriter for Obama and bestselling author, shares his amusing journey of learning to surf during the pandemic. He recounts his chaotic lessons alongside his contrasting brother-in-law, sparking unexpected camaraderie despite their differences. The conversation explores how surfing serves as a lens for understanding cultural divides, emphasizes the importance of embracing fear for personal growth, and highlights the power of dialogue in bridging divides through joy and shared experiences.

Craig Mod, a writer and digital media designer known for his immersive long walks, shares insights from his 300-mile trek along Japan's Kumano Kodo. He discusses how walking fosters creativity and self-discovery, acting as a balm against digital distractions. Listeners hear about the balance between optimism and realism through personal anecdotes and the transformative power of nature. The conversation also highlights the importance of storytelling in walking experiences and offers lighthearted banter on outdoor essentials.

Three comedians walk into a festival…no, this isn’t a joke set up. This is exactly what happened in Denver, Colorado, at the second Outside Festival. Professional giggle-makers Matt Lyons, Katie Burrell, and Eeland Stribling joined host PaddyO on stage to discuss how the outdoors are really just one big punchline. After all, we spend our hard-earned dough on gear to help us sleep in the dirt, run unreasonable distances, hike in brutal weather, and fall booty over tea kettle into snow. Comedy not only abounds, it also thrives in the outdoors. Whether it’s Matt Lyons’ gear jargon satire, Eland Stribling's fly-fishing observations, or Katie Burrell’s roasting of outdoorsy relationships, these folks are here to remind us: if you can’t laugh at yourself in the outdoors, you’re probably dehydrated.

Mike O'Connell, known as Paddy O’Connell's dad, shares his colorful tales from a youthful life of adventure in the 70s. Listeners are treated to stories of college escapades, risky moments in Europe, and insightful reflections on fatherhood. The blend of humor and nostalgia reveals how these experiences shaped both Mike’s character and his son’s perspective on parenting. The heartfelt tribute also explores the importance of creating lasting connections with family, making it a nostalgic journey worth tuning in for.

Griff Wasburn, better known to the world as musical act Goth Babe, had a drive to create since he was a child. He grew up in Tennessee running wild in the woods, skateboarding, and riding bikes on self-built tracks in his backyard. He filmed and scored short films of his adventures, and transformed old cardboard boxes into whatever he dreamt up. At 16 years old, he picked up a guitar and so began Goth Babe. In adulthood, Griff DIY’d truck bed campers, tiny homes, and trailers, drove them all over the country seeking out adventure and space to create. But a brutal surfing accident and its lasting effects on Griff’s brain threatened to derail the expansion and evolution of his music career and creativity. Lucky for Griff, life and creativity cannot stay constrained and contained.

Melissa Arnot Reid, a pioneering mountaineer and author, shares her incredible journey as the first American woman to summit Everest without supplemental oxygen. She dives deep into the emotional challenges intertwined with her athletic pursuits, revealing how childhood abuse shaped her drive and relationships. The conversation navigates the dark side of elite athletics, sexism in mountaineering, and the empowerment of women in the sport. Melissa's personal insights on parenting and self-worth highlight the healing nature of the mountains, making her story a powerful testament to resilience.

In and around his home of Bozeman, Montana, Ranga Perera is highly sought after as a fly fishing pal and even more highly sought after as a personal chef. There’s nothing unusual about that combination, until you learn that his family came to the States in 1991 from Sri Lanka after a happy childhood was disrupted by a violent civil war. Less than a year after emigrating, Ranga’s father passed away and the event haunted him until his own brush with death years later. And yet Ranga lives life without a trace of cynicism or resentment, but rather with childlike wonder and excitement. How does he do it? Through fishing and cooking.