Wild Ideas Worth Living

Brandon Dugi is a competitive ultra runner who grew up in LeChee, Arizona, a small community in the Navajo nation. He runs several miles a day and competes in ultra races around the southwest. By becoming part of this larger running community, Brandon has made meaningful connections with other athletes and brands with the goal to celebrate and share the story of his Diné roots. Connect with Brandon: InstagramRunning InstagramResources: Watch Running the Grand Canyon with Brandon Dugi (Diné) on REI’s YouTube Channel Watch HOKA’s Time To Hózhó film Water is Life website Check out REI’s Fall 2022 Editor’s Choice Awards

In May of 2022, a group of 11 climbers became the first all-Black expedition to summit Mount Everest. The team was called Full Circle Everest, and their climb was written about by journalists all over the world. Full Circle was made up of outdoor experts, climbers, teachers, skiers, and snowboarders. There was also one US Army veteran on the expedition, Demond Mullins.Connect with Dom: Instagram Full Circle Everest website Resources: Check out REI’s Fall 2022 Editor’s Choice Awards

Nalini Nadkarni is an ecologist who helped revolutionize the study of forest canopies. In 1980, Nalini started using mountain climbing techniques to ascend to the treetops in the Costa Rican rainforest. When Nalini isn't traversing tree canopies, she's advocating for environmental conservation and education. Her goal is to reach a broad audience with the message that nature can be incredibly profound, even life-changing.Connect with Nalini: Website Resources: Nalini's TED TalkNalini's article on Tapestry ThinkingNature and Human Health - Alliance Sponsor:Check out REI’s Re/Supply program 

Conrad Anker is a legendary mountaineer and one of the most prolific explorers alive today. He has successfully ascended and completed dozens of major mountain expeditions, including summiting Mount Everest three times. In today’s episode, Conrad shares with us the wisdom gained along the way. Connect with Conrad: WebsiteInstagram Resources: Listen to Wild Ideas Worth Living episode with Max Learn more about Max Lowe’s film, TornCheck out REI’s Re/Supply program

Lisa Thompson has climbed 14 mountains in the last 14 years. She has reached the seven highest summits on each continent, scaled many mountains in the Himalayas, and in 2018 she became the second American woman to climb the treacherous K2 in Pakistan.Connect with Lisa: Website Alpine Athletics Instagram Purchase Lisa's new book, Finding Elevation Resources: Check out REI's Re/Supply program 

In July of 2022, Greg Nance returned from an adventure of a lifetime. He ran across America, from New York to Washington State, in 84 days. For Greg, this cross country run wasn't just about checking the experience off his bucket list. Greg was running to raise funds for his youth mental health organization, Run Far Foundation.Connect with Greg: Instagram Website Run Far Foundation Resources: MoneythinkEpisode sponsor: Check out REI’s Fall 2022 Editor’s Choice Awards

This week we have a BONUS EPISODE featuring The Trail Ahead podcast  hosted by Faith E. Briggs and Addie Thompson. On the show, Addie and Faith bring together guests from all walks of life. They interview activists, artists, athletes, climate scientists and outdoor industry leaders to discuss representation and access to the outdoors. For this conversation, Faith and Addie interview Kamilah Journét, a long-distance runner and passionate environmentalist. Kamilah discovered her love for running in junior high and continued competing in Cross Country and Track at high school and collegiate levels. She talks to Faith and Addie about creating a space of belonging in the outdoors, embracing a changing identity as a runner, and taking up space. The Debrief features Sarah Jacquette Ray author of A Field Guide To Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Cool on a Warming Planet.Connect with The Trail AheadListen to more episodesJoin the community on InstagramEpisode ResourcesKamilah's Instagram Runners for Public Lands“Kamilah Journét, a powerful voice for anti-racism in the running and outdoor industries” for Citius MagazineSarah Jacquette Ray author of A Field Guide To Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Cool on a Warming Planet 

2022 was a pretty amazing year for Wild Ideas Worth Living. We released fifty episodes this year and interviewed some pretty awe-inspiring guests. We learned so much about healing in nature, being present, the value in moving our bodies, and creating equal access to the great outdoors. We talked about food and plants and gear, about mountains and caves and trails. Our guests taught us that age is nothing but a number, that there is activism in pursuing joy outdoors, and that nature can bring people together.To all of our guests and listeners this year - thank you.Episodes to listen to:How to Suffer Outside with Diana HelmuthHealing in the Mountains with Silvia Vasquez-LavadoMaking Indigenous Art with Louie GongGrowing a Garden with Marcus BridgewaterWalking Around the World with Tom TurcichSpirit of the Peaks with Connor RyanFinding Yourself in Climbing with Mario StanleyBuilding Cotopaxi with Davis SmithBuilding a Running Community with Iman WilkersonRiding Waves with the Boogie Board Wave ChasersWinter Treks with Emily Ford

Whether we’re hiking a favorite trail or mountain biking for the first time, one of the benefits of adventuring outside is that we get to move our bodies. Katy Bowman is a body movement specialist who has written several books, including the bestseller, Move Your DNA. For decades, Katy has studied the science behind how our bodies react to living a sedentary life. All of her research has led her to some revolutionary ideas about how to stay a bit more active in almost any situation.Connect with Katy: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Resources: Check out Katy’s booksLearn more about how to move more during the holidaysEpisode sponsors: Check out REI’s Fall 2022 Editor’s Choice Awards

Meg Fisher is one of the greatest para cyclists in the world. Twenty years ago, Meg was in a car accident that changed her life. During her recovery, she fell in love with physical therapy and pursued it professionally. She also discovered cycling thanks to an energetic service dog. Meg excelled in the sport and quickly began competing, gaining sponsors and winning competitions all over the world. Connect with Meg: Website Instagram Facebook Episode sponsors: CotopaxiCheck out REI’s Fall 2022 Editor’s Choice Awards