Wild Ideas Worth Living

Kelsey Pfendler made history on July 3, 2026, when she became the first American woman to row solo from California to Hawaii, completing the crossing in just 43 days and setting a new speed record. An open ocean rower and longtime Grand Canyon river guide, Kelsey spent two years preparing and funding the expedition herself. Her journey culminated in a record that shattered the previous men's mark by nearly nine days and established one of the fastest solo ocean rows ever completed across the Pacific.Connect with Kelsey: Website InstagramIf you enjoyed this conversation, listen to episodes with Taryn Smith, Tez Steinberg and the LAT 35 team. Listen to REI’s Camp Monsters podcast!Thank you to our sponsors:Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®SmartwoolAllTrails Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sunny Stroeer spent years working as a business consultant before burnout pushed her to rethink what success looked like. She left the corporate world in search of adventure and went on to become one of the most accomplished endurance athletes in the outdoors, setting more than 20 Fastest Known Times across the globe. In 2024, she became the first woman to ski the full Iditarod Trail, a feat that cemented her reputation for taking on ambitious challenges in some of the world's harshest environments.Connect with Sunny: WebsiteInstagramListen to REI's Camp Monsters podcast!Thank you to our sponsors:Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®SmartwoolSalomon  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tyler Mitic is an endurance cyclist and mental health advocate who spent 27 days riding a tandem bike the length of California. Along the way, he convinced more than 40 strangers to hop on the back of his bike, creating opportunities for connection, conversation, and shared adventure. What began as a cycling challenge became an exploration of rejection, friendship, and the power of showing up for people. The project ultimately raised more than $20,000 for Bring Change to Mind, a nonprofit focused on mental health awareness and support.Connect with Tyler: Instagram Thank you to our sponsors:Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®SmartwoolSalomon  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kit DesLauriers is a ski mountaineer, two time Freeride World Champion, and the first person to climb and ski down the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each continent. She completed the historic project in 2006, cementing her place as one of the most accomplished ski mountaineers in the world. A National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and member of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, Kit has spent her career pushing the limits of human powered adventure.Connect with Kit: Website Instagram Purchase Kit's book, Higher Love: Climbing and Skiing the Seven SummitsThank you to our sponsors:Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®SmartwoolSalomon  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alison Mariella Désir is a runner, activist, author, therapist, and outdoor-industry leader who founded Harlem Run and hosts PBS’s Out & Back. She shares how marathon training helped her reclaim mental health, why she built an inclusive running community, and how she challenges stereotypes around Black and Brown people outdoors. She also explores rallycross, surfing, parenting, and finding courage in unfamiliar adventures.

Rob Lea, an endurance athlete, mountaineer, open-water swimmer, and Ironman champion, became the first person to complete the Double Seven. He shares the injury that redirected his life, the logistics of tackling 14 extreme challenges, and harrowing moments on Everest and the Molokai Channel. He also discusses mental endurance, post-adventure lows, and his triumphant final swim in Japan.

Jenn Dice, CEO of PeopleForBikes and longtime cyclist, champions safer, easier, and more accessible biking. Conversation covers bike commuting’s boosts to connection and mental health. Learn what makes cities bike-friendly, the role of e-bikes and visibility, and practical tips for starting to ride more often.

Anton Nootenboom, the Barefoot Dutchman and endurance athlete who walks thousands of miles barefoot to support men’s mental health. He describes how barefoot journeys began after a post-army crisis. He recounts brutal treks in the Himalayas, a 163-day Australian coast walk, and a 3,000+ mile LA-to-NY barefoot crossing. He shares moments that sparked community action and the tools that helped him recover.

Rachel Entrekin, ultrarunner and multi-time Cocodona 250 champion known as the 'Queen of Cocodona,' set the 2026 overall course record. She talks about stepping up to 200+ mile races, managing fueling and imposter syndrome, and the emotional highs of crossing the finish in Flagstaff. She also shares mental rules that keep hard things fun and how recovery shaped her approach to racing.

Courtney Conley is a movement specialist, foot health expert, and author of the national bestselling book Walk. Through her work as founder of Gait Happens, she helps people build stronger feet and ankles to improve mobility, prevent injury, and stay active for life. Whether you love hiking, running, biking, or climbing, Courtney believes better movement starts from the ground up.  Connect with Courtney:  Website Instagram If you enjoyed this episode, listen to Movement Diet with Katy Bowman Check out REI's 2026 Editors' Choice Awards Thank you to our sponsor: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.