
Wild Ideas Worth Living
High-impact interviews for those who love adventure and the outdoors. Host and journalist Shelby Stanger interviews world-class explorers, athletes, authors, scientists, health experts and entrepreneurs about how they’ve taken their own wild ideas and made them a reality, so you can too. Some of the wildest ideas can lead to the most rewarding adventures.
Latest episodes

Jul 3, 2025 • 22min
Summer Camp Series: Camping with Kids with Hailey Terry
Welcome to the Wild Ideas Worth Living Summer Camp Series! In these bonus episodes, we’re exploring camping beyond the traditional tent—from bikepacking and packrafting to camping with kids and dispersed car camping.Hailey Terry is a mom of three young kids who shares her family's outdoor adventures online. In this episode, Hailey teaches us that with a little preparation and a go-with-the-flow mindset, camping with younger kids can be both manageable and magical.Gear & Apparel Mentioned: TentsKid’s sleeping bagsBaby carriers Trail Magik Kid Carrier Yoto PlayerMountain House backpacking mealsSporkConnect with Hailey: WebsiteInstagramThank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®

Jul 1, 2025 • 30min
Retracing Historical Expeditions with Lise Wortley
Lise Wortley retraces the footsteps of historical women explorers whose achievements have long been overlooked. To fully immerse herself in their experiences, she replicates the clothing and equipment used over a century ago, avoiding modern gear to see the world as they did. Through these journeys, she shines a light on their remarkable stories and brings their legacies back into focus.Connect with Lise: Website Instagram Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Ocean Bottle

Jun 26, 2025 • 22min
Summer Camp Series: Packrafting with MAK & Owen
Welcome to the Wild Ideas Worth Living Summer Camp Series! In these bonus episodes, we’re exploring camping beyond the traditional tent—from bikepacking and packrafting to camping with kids and dispersed car camping.Today, we're diving into the world of water-based camping with MAK and Owen, the founders of Bound For Nowhere— a popular adventure blog, social media community, and storytelling brand. Gear & Apparel Mentioned: The Packraft HandbookPackraftDeconstructed paddleHelmetRopeDry bagsPFD: Men & Women's KnifeRepair kit: Tenacious Tape, Tenacious Tape mini patches, and Aquaseal AdhesiveCompact Rescue Throw BagBedrock sandalsLong sleeve with a hood Rain shellBroad hatSunscreenConnect with MAK & Owen: WebsiteInstagram Listen to Camp NowhereWatch How To Pack For Packrafting Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®

Jun 24, 2025 • 27min
Stand Up Paddling Down the Baja Peninsula with Sean Jansen
Sean Jansen, a lifelong surfer and adventurer, standup paddled over 1,000 miles along Mexico's Baja Peninsula, balancing gear, food, and a camera on his board. He shares his transformative journey of overcoming alcoholism, highlighting how adventure facilitated his self-discovery. Listeners will be captivated by tales of a close encounter with a bull shark and the challenges of minimalist living. Jansen also passionately advocates for the vaquita, an endangered porpoise, blending suspense with beauty throughout his adventurous experience.

Jun 17, 2025 • 28min
Creating a Women's Surf Collective with Jessa Williams
Jessa Williams, the visionary founder of Intrsxtn Surf, discusses her journey of creating a surf collective that empowers Black women and women of color. She shares her personal transformation from a sedentary lifestyle to discovering the joy of surfing, illustrating how it fosters community and resilience. The conversation dives into the significance of inclusivity in surf culture, the role of vulnerability in personal growth, and the emotional healing that comes from connecting with the ocean and fellow surfers.

Jun 10, 2025 • 30min
Summiting Everest Without Supplemental Oxygen with Melissa Arnot Reid
Melissa Arnot Reid is a legendary American mountaineer, adventure guide, and author who has summited Mount Everest six times—more than any other American woman. She was the first American woman to climb and descend Everest without supplemental oxygen, pushing the limits of human endurance. Through extreme challenges and high-risk climbs, Melissa has found strength, resilience, and purpose in the mountains. Connect with Melissa: WebsiteInstagramSubstackGrab a copy of Melissa's book, EnoughThank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Ocean Bottle

Jun 3, 2025 • 23min
Winning The Great World Race with David Kilgore
David Kilgore has been a lifelong runner who found his stride in the world of ultra marathons in his 20s. Rather than pursue running as his sole profession, he charted a unique course— joining the early team at On Running while continuing to compete at an elite level. From setting records to winning the Great World Race twice, David's journey has made him a standout in the global running community. Connect with David: Instagram Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Teva

May 27, 2025 • 26min
Becoming a Professional Cyclist with Ayesha McGowan
Ayesha McGowan went from teaching music and delivering packages on a bike to shattering barriers in professional cycling, becoming the first African American female road cyclist in 2021. Though health challenges led to early retirement, Ayesha is now focused on empowering women of color in cycling and expanding access to the sport.Connect with Ayesha: Instagram A Quick Brown Fox website Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Teva

May 20, 2025 • 26min
Fly Fishing with Shyanne Orvis
Shyanne Orvis is a Colorado-based fly fishing guide and content creator whose deep connection to nature shapes both her career and her approach to motherhood. From the rivers of Carbondale to destinations around the world, she’s building an inclusive community on the water—inviting more women to experience the transformative power of fly fishing.Connect with Shyanne: Website Instagram Purchase tickets to Outside Festival 2025 Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Teva

May 13, 2025 • 26min
Breaking the Record at Big's Backyard Ultra with Harvey Lewis
Harvey Lewis is an elite ultra runner and Guinness World Record holder for most laps completed at Big’s Backyard Ultra, a race where athletes run a 4.167-mile loop every hour until only one remains. Known for his endurance, strategy, and mental resilience, Lewis has become a defining figure in the world of ultra distance running.Connect with Harvey: Instagram If you enjoyed this episode, listen to Winning the Triple Crown of Ultra Running with Courtney Dauwalter Purchase tickets to Outside Festival 2025 Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Teva