Wild Ideas Worth Living

Andy’s Wild Idea: To reduce the amount of new items we purchase every year by 25% through his company, Yerdle. Andy Ruben has had a unique career path. He never thought he would end up in the business world, but ended up working as the Chief Sustainability Officer for Walmart. After seeing just how many products are bought and never used or thrown out, he decided to do something about it. In 2012, he co-founded Yerdle, a company that focuses on buying back and reselling products that might otherwise end up in a landfill, a process Andy calls “re-commerce.” Companies like REI, Patagonia, and Eileen Fisher all have their own buy-back programs where they will give you credit for your old gear or clothes, and then resell those items for a fraction of the price.  Andy is a forward-thinker with an untraditional path whose focus is to make a positive impact on our environment. While he’s aware that there’s still a need for new gear, he supports sustainable production practices. Through Yerdle, customers can get the most out of gear that already exists and keep it out of landfills. On this episode, Andy offers unconventional ideas about how to make a difference and how you can get a job working in sustainability. We also talk about how he ended up at Walmart, how he works with companies like REI and Patagonia (and how that work affects us as customers), and what we can do overall to take better care of our planet.  Listen to this episode if:  You care about our environment and want to help save the planet. You love awesome gear. You want to have a career that makes an impact on the world. You are an entrepreneur and like carving your own path in life. You want to ask the right questions. For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/84 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Scott’s Wild Idea: To renew his sense of purpose by running the Appalachian Trail (which he also set the speed record for), and chronicling his adventures with his wife in a book called North. Scott Jurek is one of the most accomplished ultra-runners of all time. Among his many accomplishments, Scott won the 153-mile Spartathalon, The Hard Rock 100, The Bad Water 135 Ultramarathon, and he’s won the Western States 100-mile endurance run a record-breaking seven straight times. He’s also the author of the New York Times bestseller Eat & Run, a memoir that traces Scott’s journey from his Midwestern childhood to his adventures in ultrarunning, and how he became a vegan. In 2015, Scott had already accomplished much in his life, but found himself wanting a refresh. He eventually decided to run the entire 2,189-mile Appalachian Trail north towards Maine, with his wife, Jenny, as his support crew. The trail not only tested his limits, but also renewed his sense of purpose and love for running and the life he created. Averaging over 50 miles a day for over 46 days, Scott was pushed to his limits, enduring injury and meeting an amazing cast of characters along the way. He also broke the trail’s speed record, despite running north toward Maine, a harder route to follow if going for speed. In our conversation, Scott and I talk about what it was like to run the infamous trail, what he ate along the way, and the challenges and benefits of doing it all with his best friend/wife as his support system. We also dive into the process of co-writing a book with your spouse, and how adventure can be so impactful in helping you rediscover your own purpose in life and build better relationships. Listen to this episode if:  You’ve ever thought about hiking (or running) the Appalachian Trail. You want to run an ultramarathon. You are or are interested in becoming a vegan. You like to write. You need some inspiration to renew your sense of purpose. For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/83 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Scott’s Wild Idea: To write about adventure and the outdoors, debunk gurus, and find ways to biohack your body to improve performance and health. Last week, I interviewed “Iceman” and record breaker Wim Hof, who talked about how cold immersion and breathing techniques can help humans achieve better health, happiness, and strength. This week, I thought it was appropriate to follow up our conversation with anthropologist and investigative journalist Scott Carney. In addition to spending a lot of time with Wim Hof, studying his method and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with him in record time wearing little clothing, Scott also wrote a best-seller about Wim called What Doesn’t Kill Us. The book dives deep into the science behind the Wim Hof Method, and also explains how environmental conditioning can help us renew our lost evolutionary strength.   Scott spent much of his career debunking health and spiritual gurus, and writing about them for national publications and books. When he set out to do the same thing with Wim Hof, something different happened. Scott discovered Wim’s methods actually worked. He also discovered that cold water, ice baths, and other conditioning practices (like those used in the Wim Hof Method) can renew strength, make your body leaner, and increase your physical abilities and your brown fat, which is needed to stay warm. Scott loves to immerse himself in his work, often putting himself in situations that push his body’s limits. He encourages young writers to do the same. In our conversation, we talk about his time with Wim Hof, what he thought of his methods, and why they work. We also discuss other methods to challenge yourself, the value of being uncomfortable, and how to make it as a freelance writer. Listen to this episode if:  You liked the Wim Hof episode and want to know more. You want to be an adventure writer. You’re interested in biohacking your body to be a better athlete and human. You want to get better at being uncomfortable. For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/82 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wim’s Wild Idea: To help humans connect to their inner power, heal and achieve big goals by using nature, cold exposure, breathing techniques, and commitment. When I started this podcast, my goal was to talk to people who had made their wild ideas a reality, and Wim Hof has been a dream guest for a long time. Over the last few decades, Wim has broken dozens of records and achieved some wild feats. He climbed 20,000 feet up Mt. Everest while wearing only shorts and shoes. He’s run a marathon barefoot above the Arctic Circle. He sat in an ice bath for two whole hours. He even swam 66 meters beneath polar ice caps. Many of his records were attempts to show the world that healing and high performance can be achieved if we go back to nature, and we have healing powers within ourselves.  Wim has worked with researchers all over the globe to back up his theories with the goal to reach more people and help them heal. Today there are several studies showing how the Wim Hof Method works. He’s also has helped thousands of people learn to better control their own body temperature and immune systems through breathing exercises, commitment, and meditation through his online and in person courses.  Wim has taken a different path than many, and this podcast is a bit of a wild ride. Listen as we talk about his philosophies, what he’s doing next, and the research he’s excited about now. Plus, you get to hear him sing and talk about why we need to instill core values in our kids. Enjoy! Listen to this episode if:  You’ve ever heard of Wim Hof (and even if you haven’t) and want to learn more about his methods. You want to try cold therapy. You think it’s time for humans to return to nature. You believe humans are capable of amazing things. For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/81 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aspen’s Wild Idea: To rebuild her mental and emotional strength by hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail, and her journey in the book, Girl In the Woods Editor's note: This episode contains references to sexual violence and may not be suitable for all audiences. After being raped her second night of her freshman year in college, Aspen Matis grew depressed and was shocked at how her school didn’t believe her, and how little they did to protect her. She’d spent a lot of time in the outdoors in growing up, and knew that getting into the wilderness could bring her a sense of peace and healing. Instead of returning to school, she dropped out and embarked on a 2,000-mile journey to walk the PCT from Mexico to Canada.  She shared the story of her journey in the 2015 book, Girl in the Woods, which became an international bestseller. It’s a story that’s equally vulnerable and fearless, one where Aspen shares moments of magic from the trail and its healing power. It’s also a book I couldn’t put down and has resonated with many, including receiving praise from people like Lena Dunham, Cheryl Strayed, Oprah Magazine, and many more. I talk with Aspen about her time on the PCT, her favorite things about the hike and how she made it through some of the most challenging days. We also dive deep into her gear recommendations, especially for those who like to go lightweight, and what she had with her. At the end, Aspen shares with us a book she’s working on now, the first time she’s shared this information with the world. Listen to this episode if:  You or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault. You’ve ever wanted to hike the PCT.  You love geeking out about gear. You think nature has magical powers. For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/80 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Beth’s Wild Idea: To become a world class rock climber, and inspire others to find their own drive and definition of happiness and success.  Beth Rodden started climbing in indoor gyms when she was 14. She quickly won national competitions, and then began climbing outside around the world. She became famous for free climbing the nose on El Capitan. She also completed many other first ascents, like free climbing the Meltown, a 5.14c route in Yosemite, where she showed the world women can climb as well as men. It hasn’t all been easy on and off the wall for Beth, though. In 2000, Beth and three of her climbing partners were on a climbing trip in Kyrgyzstan when they were captured by members of the IMU, a militant group. They escaped on the sixth day, but no one at home even knew they’d been kidnapped. A few years later, Beth went through a divorce. After that, she decided to break down her own ideals about perfectionism and being a constant overachiever.  I love Beth’s story because it’s honest, and perfectionism is something I’ve struggled with and many listeners told me they struggle with. While Beth speaks about breaking the perfectionist cycle, she’s also achieved a version of success and happiness that works for her.  She still climbs. She’s a sought-after speaker, a beautiful writer, she’s remarried, and a mom to a four-year old son. We talked about what it was like to share the story of her kidnapping with the world, what she has learned from being a mom, and how you can shatter your own ideals about perfectionism. We also dive into her relationship with climbing today, and what’s it like to live in the magical valley of Yosemite.  Listen to this episode if:  You’re a climber. You are a recovering perfectionist. You want to visit or have been to Yosemite. You are still looking for your own sense of drive and passion. For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/79 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael’s Wild Idea: To write captivating stories about people who live on the fringes of society and do wild things. Michael Finkel is the author of the New York Times bestseller, The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit, which we dive deep into on today’s show. The story chronicles a highly intelligent man that lived alone in the woods of Maine for 27 years without lighting a single fire, or talking to a single soul. An outdoors lover himself, who splits time between Montana and Southern France, Michael has a penchant for stories about those who live on the edges of society, and people who live with less. On assignment as a journalist for the likes of the New York Times and National Geographic, he’s skied off the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, set sail on a Haitian refugee boat, joined a cult in Colorado, been in a car that was run over by a tank in Afghanistan, and covered the last hunter-gatherer tribes. His previous book, True Story, was adapted into a 2015 major motion picture produced by Brad Pitt starring James Franco and Jonah Hill. Listen to this episode if:  You want to be a writer. You’ve ever thought of leaving it all behind to live alone in the woods. You enjoy hearing from amazing storytellers. You love stories of survival and those who can thrive with less. For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/78 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rebecca’s Wild Idea: To encourage others to take risks, push themselves physically and mentally, and get everyone in the world on a bike. Today we welcome back Rebecca Rusch, this show’s first repeat guest. Rebecca has been called a modern day wonder woman and the queen of pain for her ability to not only withstand harsh conditions in endurance racing, but for her well-versed career. She has been a pro athlete for over three decades. She’s a seven-time world champion, author, philanthropist, and she’s shattered the glass ceiling in everything she’s done from finishing ahead of every guy in major mountain bike races, becoming a fire fighter, breaking records, and winning major adventure and endurance mountain bike races. Since we last spoke, Rebecca was on tour with the feature film Blood Road, which follows her journey along the 1200km Ho Chi Minh Trail to find the site of her father’s plane crash during the Vietnam War. This year, Rebecca is about to celebrate her 50th birthday, and she’s had some time to reflect back on her life. We get deep into her philosophy about how to pave your own path in life and how to make it in a career without a clear road map. We also dive deep into taking risks, how she trains her body, and most importantly how she trains her mind. She also shares tips and science she’s learned from the Red Bull coaches. Listen to this episode if:  You love biking, any kind. You want to take more risks in life. You are interested in pushing your body or your mind. You want to hear from a badass athlete and get motivated. For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/rebecca-rusch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cheryl’s Wild Idea: To share her story of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, encourage others to get outside, share their stories, and embrace kindness.  Cheryl Strayed is the author of #1 New York Times bestselling memoir Wild about her trek along the Pacific Crest Trail. The book was adapted into an Oscar-nominated movie starring Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern. In addition to writing Wild, Cheryl also wrote the New York Times bestsellers Tiny Beautiful Things and Brave Enough, as well as her first novel, Torch. She is the co-host of Dear Sugar, an advice column turned WBUR podcast, and a true force of nature.   On this episode, we talk about hiking, how to choose your best adventure, how to make better decisions about what to do with your life, the party she’d throw, and so much more. I have wanted to interview Cheryl since I read her first book, so this was a real treat. I hope you enjoy this show. *Please note, we are taking next week off, which is important for living wildly.  Listen to this episode if:  You love Cheryl Strayed. You want to go on a big adventure. You’ve ever thought about being a writer of any kind. You love hiking. You think the world needs more kindness. For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/76 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Catra’s Wild Idea: To spend maximum time outdoors trail running while breaking ultramarathon records and helping people and dogs along the way.   After battling drug addiction, Catra Corbett hit her bottom, finding herself in jail. Soon after she got sober, Catra discovered her love of fitness. She also started running, and running more. To date, Catra, aka “the Dirt Diva” has run over 260 marathons, over 137 100-mile runs, and set numerous records including becoming the first to run the 424-mile round trip of the John Muir trail in just over 12 days. While she is known in the ultra-running community for her brightly-colored hair, loud running outfits and, numerous piercings and tattoos, most know her now for her tenacious spirit and giant heart.   A lover of animals, the vegan runner has adopted numerous dogs including a dachshund named Truman who she’s trained to run and who now has a following larger than most Instagram stars himself.  Catra recently penned a book, Reborn On The Run, where she shares her story in its most raw form. We talk about her book, being an unlikely runner, her love of dogs, and why and how she decided to share her most intimate truths. Listen to this episode if:  You love running.  You want to try an ultramarathon race. You or someone you know has struggled with addiction. You love dogs (especially ones that run).  For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/75 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.