Wild Ideas Worth Living

Cecil Konijnendijk has been studying, teaching, and advising on urban forestry for more than 25 years. He is interested in how trees can improve our cities, communities, personal lives, and mental health. Cecil came up with a rule he calls 3-30-300 which has become popular among climate change activists and urban tree canopy specialists. The rule encourages seeing at least 3 trees from your window, having 30% canopy coverage in your neighborhood, and having a high quality public green space within 300 meters (340 yards) from your house. Connect with Cecil:Twitter Nature Based Solutions InstituteEpisode partners: Pre-order Shelby Stanger’s new book, Will to Wild  and watch the trailer!Stream Space Oddity on Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Google Play, and VuduCheck out REI's Spring 2023 Editors' Choice Awards

Cal Calamia has been a runner their entire life, but in 2018, their relationship with the sport changed when Cal came out as trans non-binary. Most races in the US only have two gender categories, men and women, and Cal doesn't fit in either one. In an effort to make space for themself and other non-binary athletes, Cal has become an advocate for gender inclusivity and races across the US.Connect with Cal:  WebsiteInstagramNon-Binary Run Club Book, San FranshitshowJanji's Creating Spaces article featuring CalResources: REI statement: Join us in supporting the trans community and LGBTQ+ equalityHuman Rights Campaign article American Civil Liberties Union articleEpisode partners: Pre-order Shelby Stanger's new book, Will to Wild Stream Space Oddity on Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Google Play, and VuduCheck out REI's Spring 2023 Editors' Choice AwardsAt REI we remain committed to ensuring that the outdoors, the co-op and society at large are accessible and welcoming to all people—including transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people. 

Courtney Guerra is a culinary farmer who loves the intimacy of planting seeds, watching them sprout, and harvesting rich, colorful produce. She's grown food for some of America's top restaurants. Now Courtney focuses on bringing the positive impact of gardening and interacting with nature to her community in Southern California.  Connect with Courtney: Website Instagram Take action:Upward Bound HouseUpward Bound House Instagram Episode partners: Pre-order Shelby's book Will to Wild  

Christophe Zajac-Denek was just a couple of days old when he was diagnosed with a rare form of dwarfism called cartilage-hair hypoplasia. Doctors told his parents that he might never be able to ride a bike or go for a run. Today, Christophe stands at four feet, four inches tall. He can't bend his back and the bones in his legs have been surgically altered. Despite his physical limitations, Christophe gets out on the water to surf anytime he can. Connect with Christophe: InstagramWebsitePodcastStanding On Water film

Myishia Haynes is one of the most cheerful, exuberant fisherwoman you'll ever meet. She practices catch and release fishing, and has a pretty good track record, especially when it comes to fishing for bass. Myishia has made it her mission to show the world that anyone can fish and get outside.Connect with Myishia:Instagram YouTubeEpisode sponsors: Teva

Sara Mudallal was 20 years old when she decided to try parkour. She also decided to start wearing a hijab as an expression of her Muslim identity. Over the years, plenty of people told her to stop practicing parkour because of her gender or her faith. But Sara has kept her head up, found success in the world of parkour, and inspired thousands of people to stay true to themselves.Connect with Sara: Instagram YouTube TikTok tutorial Resources: Joe Dispenza books Parkour Women InstagramEpisode sponsor: Teva

Faith Dickey is one of the greatest highliners in the world. In 2012, Faith broke the record for the longest free solo, that's highlining without a safety harness. Then in 2014, she became the first woman to cross a highline over 100 meters long.Connect with Faith: Instagram Faith's company, Elevate Outdoors Guiding Faith's TEDx Talk, Deciphering Fear From Intuition 1000 Feet Up Women's Highlining MeetingEpisode sponsors: Teva 

Melissa Kegler is an elite open-water swimmer who specializes in cold water, long distance swims. She recently broke the U.S. national distance record for IISA’s Ice Mile event. Her goal goes beyond excelling in this extreme sport. Melissa is committed to fostering an inclusive community focusing on body positivity and self-love. Connect with Melissa: Webiste Instagram Watch, Open Water: Melissa Kegler Resources: Check out REI’s Fall 2022 Editor’s Choice Awards

In the fall of 2022, the Oregon Symphony hired Deanna Tham as their new associate conductor. Deanna is incredibly talented and she's an expert at drawing out rich sounds from large orchestras.  When she needs to let loose Deanna goes rock climbing. You might think that scaling rock faces has nothing to do with conducting an orchestra, but for Deanna, the two disciplines have a lot in common.Connect with Deanna: Instagram Oregon Symphony Instagram Oregon Symphony WebsiteResources: Check out REI’s Fall 2022 Editor’s Choice Awards

Nirvana  Ortanez is a former pro park rider who was once sponsored by Salomon. She has been a change maker in the sport. Early on, Nirvana was one of the original members of Jet Pack 5000, a group of women who empowered other female snowboarders through film. More recently, Nirvana co-founded Soy Sauce Nation, a community for Asian snowboarders. Connect with Nirvana: Nirvana’s Instagram Soy Sauce Nation’s InstagramSoy Sauce Nation's Stir Fry March eventResources: Check out REI’s Fall 2022 Editor’s Choice Awards