The Dirtbag Diaries

In 2020, partners Niki Choo and Jared Gentz started dreaming of an epic canoeing adventure. Two years later, they started paddling on the Pacific Ocean, embarking on a thousand-mile journey towards the Arctic that would test their skills, grit, and adaptability. Support comes fromKuat Racks Duer Through Dec 2, 2024, save 50% off your first order at shopduer.com/Diaries 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

“I didn’t expect to get to the top, let alone send. I merely wanted to push the limits of what I believed was capable for myself,” writes Shara Zaia. With climbing, Shara found a space to push herself as she strove to climb harder routes and created a community of friends. Yet, even while flourishing, one question continued to arise for Shara– did she belong?A version of this essay first appeared in The Climbing Zine in Spring 2024.Support comes fromKuat Racks Duer shopduer.com/Diaries to save 20% off your first orderDiaries+ 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

In our annual Tales of Terror, we bring you three terrifying tales. Disembodied voices. Eyes in the alder. An enchanted clearing in the forest. Grab a friend (and maybe their hand) as these tales will have you peering over your shoulder. Happy Halloween!Support comes fromKuat Racks Duer shopduer.com/Diaries to save 20% off your first orderDiaries+ 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

Tucked away in a corner of Chilean Patagonia, Valle Cochamó wasn’t going to stay hidden forever. The soaring unclimbed granite walls instilled dreams of first ascents in climbers. Industrialists eyed its free flowing rivers with their potential for hydroelectric power. Conservationists hoped it could provide a final puzzle piece of an incredible protected wildlife corridor. To the families who live there, it was simply home where they ranched amidst the 3,000-year-old Alerce trees. This is the story of how a coalition of Chilean gauchos, climbers and activists fought off development efforts for two decades. Now there is an opportunity for a lasting conservation victory. How do you make the next Yosemite? You start by buying it.Donate today: https://bit.ly/SavingCochamoThis episode was produced in collaboration with Climbing Gold. Listen to all episodes on Apple Podcasts or SpotifySupport comes fromKuat Racks Duer Use link shopduer.com/Diaries to save 20% off your first orderDiaries+ 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

While most people curled up on the couch with a mug of hot cocoa, Emily Ford set out in the frigid winter to thru-hike Wisconsin’s 1200 mile Ice Age Trail. Over the course of their two and a half month winter vacation, Emily and her borrowed sled dog, Diggins, tested their endurance and found solitude, friendship, and beauty to last a lifetime.Keep up with Emily as she trains for the Iditarod at Emily on Trail: https://www.emilyontrail.com/supportEmily's story is one that we adapted into a short essay for States of Adventure. See if it's available on your local shelves or order it here: geni.us/StatesofAdventureSupport comes fromKuat Racks Duer Use link shopduer.com/Diaries to save 20% off your first orderDiaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.This episode first aired in 2021. 

Wyn Wiley, often better known as Pattie Gonia, went out on a backpacking trip with an inkling of an idea and emerged walking a path. Today, Pattie Gonia’s feed is filled with joy– making music with famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity, headlining pride festivals, gravel biking– and most of the time it looks fun. But it’s what Wyn and Pattie have done with the decidedly less fun and hard parts of life that have profoundly shaped them. In this interview, Wyn and Fitz go deep on the birth of Pattie, nature as a muse, creativity, and facing fear.Support comes fromKuat Racks Duer Use link shopduer.com/Diaries to save 20% off your first orderDiaries+ 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

Graham Zimmerman knows how to make decisions under pressure. As a professional mountain athlete, his life depends on it. Nearly a decade ago, Protect Our Winters saw this and brought him and his skillset into the political sphere to advocate for climate change legislation. In today’s episode he shares some tools from his kit to help you make your own tough decisions at the ballot box this November.Check your voter registrationCO + MT voting guides coming Oct 1: https://powactionfund.org/Support comes fromDiaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.

Some of the most powerful learning can happen outside the classroom. In the summer of 1975, public school teacher Mr. Hodges took 22 of his students on an unforgettable bike trip that would impact the rest of their lives. Grab your cut-off shorts, a 10-speed bike, and a sense of humor, and you’ll be along for the ride.Submit your story for the 15th annual Tales of Terror episodeSupport comes fromKuat Racks Duer shopduer.com/Diaries to save 20% off your first orderDiaries+ 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/StatesofAdventureThis story first aired in 2020.

Join three friends as they embark on a thrilling canoe adventure from Tennessee to the Gulf. They navigate harsh weather, face venomous spiders, and encounter alligators, all while testing their resilience and camaraderie. Experience the bittersweet nostalgia of their youth and the beauty of nature amidst challenges. From magical nights under the stars to humorous moments like a 'no complaining' rule, their journey showcases the strength of friendship and life lessons learned on the water.

Jim Donini has been a climber for over 50 years– since well before Tad McCrea was born. As the two developed an unlikely intergenerational friendship during an epic trip in the mountains of Patagonia, both climbers realize that mentorship isn’t just about showing someone the ropes on your way to the summit. It’s about reflecting on the joys, regrets, and lessons learned along the way. Support comes fromKuat Racks Diaries+ Members-- Your support is powering the Diaries- thank you! 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