

Outside Podcast
Outside
Outside’s longstanding literary storytelling tradition comes to life in audio with features that will both entertain and inform listeners. We launched in March 2016 with our first series, Science of Survival, and have since expanded our show and now offer a range of story formats, including reports from our correspondents in the field and interviews with the biggest figures in sports, adventure, and the outdoors.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 12, 2025 • 50min
What’s Harder Than the Ironman World Championship, with Chelsea Sodaro
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.

Aug 6, 2025 • 28min
Recreating Hollywood’s Greatest, Dumbest Road Trip Of All Time, with Zack Courts and Ari Henning
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!

Jul 30, 2025 • 43min
Getting Outside of the Hollywood Star Machine, with Tony Cavalero
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.

14 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 53min
LIVE! To Alex Honnold, Fear Isn’t Real (From the Outside Festival)
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.

Jul 16, 2025 • 39min
How (Literal) Pants-Wetting Anxiety Can Clarify Life, with Sierra Schlag
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.

Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 4min
David Blaine and Diana Nyad on the Art of Endurance
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.

Jul 2, 2025 • 58min
Surfing The Waves Of The American Culture War, with David Litt
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.

23 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 50min
How To Walk Through—And Away From—A Digital World, with Craig Mod
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.

Jun 18, 2025 • 56min
LIVE! Matt Lyons, Katie Burrell, and Eeland Stribling Don’t Take This Seriously (From the Outside Festival)
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.

Jun 11, 2025 • 29min
Father’s Day Special: Dad-Level Adventuring in the 70s, With PaddyO’s Dad
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.