Wild Ideas Worth Living

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.