The Dirtbag Diaries

Finding out what we’re capable of takes trial and error and a whole lot of trust. For Meg Morris and Emmye Vernet, they each had a guide who helped them see another side of the outdoors.  For Meg, her dad fostered her love of fishing, from Maine to Alaska to Tijuana, and helped her navigate through an unexpected challenge. Though Emmye didn’t grow up feeling at home outside, her best friend Rose helps her revel in the outdoors, partnership and love.  Support comes from Kuat Racks  Oboz  Terns Use code DIRTBAG to save 25% off your first order Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries and making our And Then What series possible. You can join today. And Then What Actions 3 million acres of Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands are currently slated to be sold. Call your Senators and tell them: Don't Sell Public Lands. Call 202-224-3121 Write

In the fall of 2015, photographer Pete McBride and writer Kevin Fedarko embarked on a journey to rally support to protect one of our most awe-inspiring national treasures: the Grand Canyon. Their method? A 700+ mile sectional thru-hike of the wilderness that lies between the rim and the river. They knew the trek would challenge them, but they had no idea how quickly and completely the canyon would leave them demoralized and physically destroyed. The two of them were contemplating giving up, when, as Kevin puts it, ‘A miracle happened’. Today, a story about three people who have dedicated the better part of their lives to developing a unique skill–and a project so complicated and important that it required their cumulative experience to pull it off. It’s also a story about friendship, and how friends working together for a common goal can lead to something greater than the sum of its parts. In addition to writing A Walk in the Park, Kevin also wrote The Emerald Mile. We talked with him about that process in The Threshold Moment (Apple | Spotify)  Watch some of the highlights of Kevin and Peter’s hike. Check out Pete’s photography and film work as well as Into The Canyon. To learn more about the current threats to the Grand Canyon visit Save the Confluence Support comes from Oboz Terns Use code DIRTBAG to save 25% off your first order ⁠Kuat Racks⁠  Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today. Then What Actions Call your Senators at 202-224-3121 ⁠Or write⁠ them

In 1994, Forrest Gump took the box-office by storm and became a staple of cable TV reruns in the following decades. Its feel good message about a simple man who lived life heart first struck a chord, but hidden inside a six minute montage was a grueling test of the human limits -- a 15,000 mile ultrarun across the US almost five times. In 2018, Rob Pope became the first to complete this superhuman run, and became fascinated with others who push their limits.   Listen to Rob talk with other superhuman folks on How To Be Superhuman Support comes from Kuat Racks  Oboz Terns Use code DIRTBAG to save 25% off your first order  Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today. Then What Actions Call your Senators at 202-224-3121 ⁠⁠Or write⁠⁠ them Our book, States of Adventure, 30 stories adapted from The Diaries, is out in the wild. See if it's available on your local shelves or order it here: geni.us/StatesofAdventure

Jason Hardrath, an inspiring elementary PE teacher and endurance athlete, discusses his incredible journey from setting 100 Fastest Known Times (FKTs) to facing the challenges of long COVID. He shares his emotional struggles and resilience, capturing the multifaceted impact of his health crisis on his identity and outdoor passions. Transitioning to paragliding, Jason explores the exhilarating blend of fear and freedom while navigating personal growth amid adversity. His story exemplifies triumph against the odds and the search for purpose in life.

Over the last few years, students at Utah State University built a weekly ritual at their school gym to grow the climbing community on campus. When Utah’s legislature passed a contentious bill last year, that routine was stripped away after. Students rallied to raise awareness, fighting to keep their weekly meet-up alive.      Support comes from Kuat Racks  Terns Use code DIRTBAG to save 25% off your first order Oboz Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today. And Then What Actions Call your Senators at 202-224-3121 ⁠⁠Or write⁠⁠ them

Stratton Matteson, a dedicated splitboarder from Bend, Oregon, shares his incredible five-year journey of solely using human-powered transport to access the mountains. Joined by Tanya Laun-Hect, a strategist at Outdoor Alliance, they delve into the synergy between eco-conscious adventures and sustainable practices. They discuss the challenges of merging outdoor passion with environmentalism, and the urgent need for grassroots activism to protect public lands. Their inspiring tales illustrate the power of community and the joy that comes from embracing nature sustainably.

What does it take to run an ultramarathon? Or top out a boulder that makes you stretch what you think you're capable of? Tenacity. From our seat, we see it happen all the time in our community. Today, Coleman Wood and Brian Laidlaw bring us two stories about rising up and meeting the challenge that they laid out for themselves.  Support comes from Kuat Racks  Terns Use code DIRTBAG to save 25% off your first order Oboz Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today. And Then What Actions Call your Senators at 202-224-3121 ⁠⁠Or write⁠⁠ them

Just 10 years ago, the director of the Barkley Marathons declared that the race was too tough for any woman to complete it. Meanwhile, Jasmin Paris, a mild-mannered veterinarian from Scotland was smashing records in the ultramarathon world. It wasn’t too long before Jasmin set her sights on the Barkley.  It’s not everyday you make history. For Jasmin, breaking barriers comes naturally.  Support comes from Kuat Racks  Terns Use code DIRTBAG to save 25% off your first order  Oboz Register for Trails For Trees by March 31, 2025 Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today. And Then What Actions Call your Senators at 202-224-3121 ⁠⁠Or write⁠⁠ them

Erik Grams has been taking trips to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota for over 30 years. It's his favorite place in the world. But last year, a fatal accident on a fishing trip that Erik was leading changed his life.On this episode from our friends at Points North, we hear Erik's harrowing story and how he has wrestled with his feelings about a place he’s loved for decades. Support comes fromKuat Racks Terns Use code DIRTBAG to save 25% off your first order Oboz Register for Trails for Trees by March 31stDiaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.Our book, States of Adventure, 30 stories adapted from The Diaries, is out in the wild. See if it's available on your local shelves or order it here: geni.us/StatesofAdventure

After his personal life takes a surprise turn, Luis Alonzo dares to reinvent himself by trying something far outside his comfort zone– climbing Mt. Rainier. With a crew of other novice climbers, Luis spends six months prepping for summit day. Will the climb move him closer to being the person he wants to be?Support comes fromKuat Racks Terns Use code DIRTBAG to save 25% off your first order Oboz Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.Our book, States of Adventure, 30 stories adapted from The Diaries, is out in the wild. See if it's available on your local shelves or order it here: geni.us/StatesofAdventure