Wild Ideas Worth Living

Having a dog during the COVID-19 pandemic seems like a blessing: they provide an excuse to get outside (safely!), they are always up for some quality time and pets, and they can provide some entertainment and maybe even a little laughter. No one knows the joys and comforts of being a dog owner more than photographer and author Ben Moon. His recent book, Denali, is all about how his pup helped him through his battle with colorectal cancer in his 20s. On today’s show, Ben shares how pets can help relieve stress and shares the story of adopting Denali.Episodes of Wild Ideas Worth Living to listen to:Tate MacDowellConnect with Ben Moon:WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramResources:Denali bookDenali short filmThe Lucky Ones short film

To celebrate REI's 82nd anniversary and our Anniversary Sale, we asked some past guests to share their favorite stories about being in the great outdoors. Escape with Sal Masekela, Chris McDougall, Bonnie Tsui and more as they share stories about close encounters with wildlife, trips gone awry and the power of being outside.What is your favorite memory of being in the great outdoors? We want to hear it! Share your story on social media with the tag #REImember. Episodes to listen to:Sal MasekelaChris McDougall, Natural Born HeroesChris McDougall, Running with DonkeysBonnie TsuiChris FaganChris CoteSteve BramucciBrian KeaulanaConnect with guests:Sal MasekelaInstagramChris McDougallWebsiteRunning with ShermanBonnie TsuiWebsiteBen MoonWebsiteBookInstagramChris FaganWebsiteBookChris CotePodcastSteve BramucciWebsite

During these weird times of the COVID-19 Pandemic, one thing that can make us all feel a bit better is laughter. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your mental health is to stop reading the news and instead read or watch something that makes you smile. To help us find something to laugh at, past guest, adventurer and illustrator Brendan Leonard joins the show to share where he’s finding inspiration for his comedic work and what he’s laughing about these days.Episodes to listen to:What to Cook While CampingHow to Run 100 MilesConnect with guests:WebsiteTwitterInstagramResources:Strange Planet by Nathan W PyleNew Yorker CartoonsRaising a Teenage Daughter by Liz Weil

With everyone spending most of their time at home during this COVID-19 Pandemic, many are turning to their kitchens to provide comfort and entertainment. There has been a particular rise in people baking their own bread. Maybe it’s because grocery stores were running out of this staple, or maybe it’s because it’s a fun, time intensive but relatively simple baking project. Previous guest Eric Wolfinger knows a thing or two about baking bread, having worked at Tartine Bakery for years, so I thought I’d ask him for some tips about how to make the perfect loaf. From simple no-knead recipes to intricate sourdoughs, Eric has lots of ideas and tricks for making yourself some delicious food while you stay at home.Episodes to listen to:How to be a World-Class Traveling Food Photographer with Eric WolfingerConnect with guest:WebsiteInstagramResources:No Knead Bread by Jim LaheyTartine Bread CookbookTartine Bread recipe (abbreviated version)Tartine Bread recipe (fan rewrite, more detailed)Donabe CookbookSponsors:Danner

If you are struggling to adapt to the physical and emotional challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, you are not alone. Latoya Shauntay Snell is a pro athlete and inclusivity advocate who was training for her first triathlon when the isolation orders hit in New York City, and her life, routines and plans have all been disrupted. But Latoya says this is just another hurdle to clear and that we’re going to come out of it stronger than ever. Today Latoya shares some great advice on how to adjust your training routine to stay safe indoors, how she’s cooking in isolation and why we need to relieve the pressure to be creative and productive during this stressful time.Other episodes of Wild Ideas Worth Living to listen to:Latoya Shauntay Snell: Running Fat ChefConnect with guests:WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramResources:Hot Chocolate 15kGo GuardedStrava Beacon (support page)Brene BrownLatoya Shauntay Snell’s Spotify PlaylistEpisode sponsor: Hoka One One

James Nestor’s new book Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art dives deep into the art and science of breathing. He participated in experiments, spoke with experts, and studied ancient breathing practices like Pranayama, Sudarshan Kriya, and Tummo to learn about humans’ beliefs around breath. Modern research shows us that changing the way we breathe can impact our athletic performance, rejuvenate our organs, stop snoring, allergies, asthma, and more. In the unsettling times of the COVID-19 epidemic, one thing we can do to be healthier and calmer is breathe. James is here to tell us how to do it right, sharing four exercises that will help us breathe better. Connect with James:WebsiteInstagram

Like many of you, we had some big plans for spring and summer, and we got ahead on the podcast, but life happens and things shift. So, we're taking the next few months to create new timely podcasts for you that hopefully make your days a little brighter.

Mike Posner is a Grammy-nominated pop artist who decided to walk across the United States to see if a cross-country walk would help him become someone he was proud of. He started his trek in April of 2019, but it nearly ended when he was bitten by a rattlesnake en route. As it turns out, a rattlesnake bite wasn't enough to stop Mike. He eventually finished the walk and learned a lot about himself along the way.  Connect with Mike: WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramProducts mentioned in the episode: Bodyglide Foot GlideREI Silk Liner Socks SalomonBooks mentioned in the episode: Ask and it is Given by Esther Hicks The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho  Episode sponsor: Teva 

In 1974, Ben Finley and his friend Art Clay founded the National Brotherhood of Skiers, the largest group of African American skiers in the country. The NBS aims to get more skiers of color out in the mountains, and to send black skiers to the Olympics and Paralympics. On today’s episode, Ben Finley (who is now 81 and still skiing regularly) and his co founder Art Clay tell Shelby about the NBS’s legendary Black Summit events, the love stories that bloom from yearly gatherings, and how you can help the pair’s induction into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame. Connect with guests:WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramResources:Fundraiser to induct Ben Finley and Art Clay into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of FameU.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of FameNBS 2020 Black Summit RegistrationShow sponsors: Hydro Flask

When Shanti Hodges had her son Mason, she knew she wanted to share her love of nature with him. She saw a lack of organized outdoor activities for families and decided to do something about it. She ended up helping thousands of families get outside and get active. Her organization Hike It Baby has grown from an informal gathering in Portland, OR, to a nation-wide network of parents and children hiking together and supporting each other. Shanti built this community from the ground up, but now she’s taking a step back to focus on her own family and her next professional adventure in Utah. In this episode, Shanti and Shelby talk about how Hike it Baby has changed lives, supporting amazing women and must-have tips to taking kids hiking and in the outdoors.Connect with Shanti:WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramResources:Hike It BabyMirna ValerioKatie Arnold Melody Forsyth on InstagramChris MacDougall - Running with ShermanAdventure MamasAdvertisement:REI Adventure TravelRelated episodes:Mirna ValerioChris MacDougall