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Out There

Out There is a podcast that explores big questions through intimate stories in the great outdoors.

Willow Belden

Julie Censullo has a rule: When someone invites her to do something, she always says yes. It's her way of staving off loneliness. But when aquaintances suggested a four-day canoe trip in the Boundary Waters, she started second guessing herself. This was way outside her comfort zone. In the weeks leading up to the trip, she was so anxious she was hardly sleeping. On this episode, Julie takes us to the Minnesota wilderness and explores what happens when you ignore your personal boundaries — just to make friends. --- Links: Follow Out There on Facebook and Instagram Sign up for our email newsletter --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke  

The Fear of Loneliness

Ilana Nevins loved backpacking with her father. But after she was diagnosed with an eating disorder, their relationship became strained. She worried that hiking together would put her recovery at risk, because so many of her behaviors were modeled after him. In this episode, Ilana shares the story of the difficult challenge she faced: how to prioritize her own wellbeing without wrecking her relationship with a loved one. --- Links: Support Out There on Patreon Sign up for our email newsletter Follow Out There on Facebook and Instagram --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke

The Gift of Silence

In May of 2022, Maria Ordovas-Montanes set out to become the fastest woman to run the Oxford Greenbelt Way, a 55-mile route through the English countryside. She had always loved running, and this was an exciting challenge. But at the event, something happened that would derail her life — and lead to a life-altering diagnosis. On this episode, Maria shares her story. --- Links: Support Out There Follow Out There on Facebook and Instagram --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke  

Running As Medicine

Humans are noisy. The National Park Service estimates that all of our whirring, grinding, and revving machines are doubling or even tripling global noise pollution every 30 years.  A lot of that noise is negatively affecting wildlife and human health. In this guest episode, the team from Outside/In takes us on an exploration of three sonic landscapes: noise, silence, and something in between. --- Links: Support Out There on Patreon Follow Out There on Facebook and Instagram --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke  

Silence and Sound

Many of us have experienced imposter syndrome at some point in our lives. Often it's at work, where we doubt our own skills and accomplishments. But what happens when you feel like a fraud simply for being yourself? In this episode, we travel from New York State to a national park in Korea and explore how one transracial adoptee made peace with her own identity. --- Links: Support Out There on Patreon Follow Out There on Facebook and Instagram --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke  

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Demetria Lynn always wanted to be a scientist. But growing up, no one believed in her. The negative feedback was so overpowering that she stopped believing in herself. In this episode, we follow Demetria from her elementary school classroom to a geology field trip in the desert, and explore what it took to rekindle faith in herself. --- Links: Support Out There on Patreon Follow Out There on Facebook and Instagram --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke  

Silencing the Critics

Alison Világ pays attention for a living. She counts migrating ducks at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory in Michigan. It's key to getting a pulse on different bird populations. But for Alison, counting ducks is more than just science – it's an escape from the expectations of others. This is a guest story from Points North, a podcast about the land, water, and inhabitants of the Great Lakes region. --- Links: Support Out There on Patreon Follow Out There on Facebook and Instagram --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke  

Birds of Paradise

Many of us go outside because the quiet is calming. But what if silence isn't calming for you? What if it's the opposite? Could you still find a way to love it? In this episode, Florida-based producer Amber Von Schassen explores why silence in the outdoors is so unsettling for her, and shares what happened when she tried to get over her fear by spending 1,000 hours outdoors. --- Links: Support Out There on Patreon Follow Out There on Facebook and Instagram --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke  

1,000 Hours Outdoors

For many of us, getting outside is more than just fun; it's how we find inner stillness. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we decided to turn the mic over to you, our community. We asked how silence in nature has been significant to your mental health. On this episode, we're sharing some of our favorite responses. --- Links: Support Out There on Patreon Tell a story at our  Campfire Stories night Follow Out There on Facebook and Instagram --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke

The Tonic of Silence

For Paul Barach, hiking is an antidote to depression. Is it that way for everyone? This episode takes us from Washington State to Joshua Tree National Park and explores what happens when we try to impose our own life solutions on a loved one. --- Links: Support Out There on Patreon Tell a story at our  Campfire Stories night Follow Out There on Facebook and Instagram --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke

My Dad's Depression

We're told to follow our dreams. But often, that's disappointing. Reality typically doesn't measure up to what we'd imagined. So what then? How do you reignite your passions? On this episode, we travel from an observatory in Puerto Rico to a hillside in New Jersey, and explore how one scientist overcame the disillusionment of academia. --- Links: Support Out There on Patreon Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke  

Rekindling the Spark

Our upcoming season is all about silence. From the Grand Canyon to South Korea, we'll travel the globe, exploring how we find stillness amidst the noise — whether literal or figurative. Here's a sneak peak at some of the stories. The season launches April 4, 2024. --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke  

Silence

Maya Kroth's goal for the New Year was to build self-confidence, and she decided to start by taking herself snowboarding. But things did not go well. In this episode, Maya shares her story and explores how we can get our mojo back when life throws us curveballs. --- Links: Support Out There Subscribe to our email newsletter --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke  

Building Self-Confidence

Women are often told we can do anything we want in life: ride bikes, scale cliffs, surf waves. But in some areas of outdoor recreation, the gender gap remains shockingly large. In this episode, we visit a women's mountain bike camp in Wyoming and explore what's really needed to get people of all genders on equal footing. --- Links: Support Out There Rowdy Gowdy Camp Hub & Spoke  

Closing the Gender Gap

This is a story about fear. It makes sense to be scared when we're facing danger. But what happens when disasters occur in unexpected places? In this episode, we travel from a desert in Utah to a suburb in Missouri and explore how a flood changed one woman's relationship with fear and risk. --- Support Out There on Patreon Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke.  

The Flood

Learning something new as an adult can be daunting, especially when it's something that a lot of people have been doing since childhood. On this episode, Naomi Mellor takes us from a beach in Australia to an archipelago in the UK and explores how she got past her fears and pushed herself to take a big plunge. --- --- Links: Sign up for our email newsletter Support Out There on Patreon Follow us on Facebook and Instagram --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke  

Learning to Swim

    Mykella Van Cooten was angry, and she didn't know why. It got so bad that she began to feel unhinged. And then, she went to a little cabin in the woods. In this episode, she tells the story of what happened. It's a story about stopping, about letting go, and about uncovering the real feelings that are buried deep beneath the surface. --- Links: Support Out There on Patreon --- Out There is a member of Hub & Spoke      

Excavating Grief

In Finland, it's commonplace to go swimming in the winter — outdoors. The practice offers surprising mental-health benefits, and it isn't just for die-hard adventurers. On this episode, we share the story of one woman who started "ice swimming" in an effort to soothe the brain by shocking the body. --- Links: Support Out There on Patreon --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke

Ice Swimming

As a nonbinary person, Newt Schottelkotte never felt at home in Appalachia. But then, they went on a road trip with their dad. Driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains, something started to shift. This is a story about figuring out how to be yourself without abandoning where you're from. --- Links:  Take our poll about next season's theme Sierra Club panel:  Diverse Perspectives in Outdoor Media Support Out There on Patreon --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke

Queer in Appalachia

Carolyn McDonald's depression had gotten so bad that she couldn't see a way forward. Then, one particularly miserable day, she went to the beach — and something happened that she never could have imagined. Something that opened the door to healing and sparked a deep and genuine joy. --- Links:  Take our poll about next season's theme Support Out There on Patreon --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke

Rekindling Hope

We've all had moments when we feel lost. Sometimes it's literal; sometimes it's emotional. Either way, it's unnerving. And lonely. This episode takes us from the deserts of California to the jungles of the Philippines, and explores how one young woman got back on track, when she lost her way, both literally and figuratively.   SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke.

Moonlight

When someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness, there's often a flood of difficult emotions. Grief. Depression. Learning to live without hope. But more and more, people are experiencing that kind of anguish even when they're perfectly healthy. In this episode, we bring you the story of a young man named Jacob Erickson, who almost died from climate anxiety — before a pivotal moment in nature rekindled his will to live. --- SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke.

Living Without Hope

This season, we're exploring the theme SECRETS OF THE EARTH. Each episode, we'll share a story about an outdoor experience that uncovered new truths. Through introspective personal narratives, we'll harness the power of nature to make sense out of our lives and give us a fresh look at humanity. Here's a little taste.   Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke.  

Secrets of the Earth

Clock time is a human invention. So it shouldn't be a box that confines us; it should be a tool that helps us accomplish the things we care about. But consider the system of standard time, first imposed by the railroad companies in the 1880s. It constrains people who live 1,000 miles apart—on opposite edges of their time zones—to get up and go to work or go to school at the same time, even though their local sunrise and sunset times may vary by an hour or more. And it also consigns people who live on the eastern edges of their time zones to ludicrously early winter sunsets. For over a century, we've been fiddling with standard time, adding complications such as Daylight Saving Time that are meant to give us a little more evening sunlight for at least part of the year. But what if these are just palliatives for a broken system? What if it's time to reset the clock and try something completely different? This is a guest story from the podcast Soonish, first published in 2021. Links: VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR: Become a patron by March 5, 2023 to get an invitation NEW KIDS' PODCAST: Once Upon a Meadow  Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke.      

This Is How You Win the Time War

Most parents would never consider leaving their kids in the dark woods at night, and letting them find their way back. But the Dutch do just that. They call it Dropping. This is a guest episode from Nocturne, a podcast that explores the night and how thoughts, feelings and behaviors transform in the dark. --- NEW KIDS' PODCAST: Once Upon a Meadow is set to launch in February 2023 SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron and get an invitation to our virtual happy hour Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke.

Notes in the Trees

"Fallen Sky," a work of installation art at New York's Storm King Art Center, is like a moon map etched into a hillside. On this episode, Tamar Avishai explores how Sarah Sze's striking sculpture helps visitors pay attention to the world around us — and the world inside our heads.  This is a guest episode from The Lonely Palette, a podcast that returns art history to the masses, one object at a time. NEW KIDS' PODCAST: Once Upon a Meadow is set to launch in February 2023 SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke.

Fallen Sky

    Fear is a powerful indicator that something could hurt us. But sometimes, the fear itself is the most dangerous part. This is the story of marathon swimmer Pat Gallant-Charette. Because of something that happened to her when she was a teenager, Pat has to overcome a fear of deep water every time she competes. But she doesn't let that stop her. This is a special guest episode from The Briny, a podcast about how we're changing the sea, and how the sea changes us. SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke.              

Fear is the Thing with Fins

Every year, in the mountains of Vermont, a group of ultra runners gather for a 550-mile race called Infinitus. It's one of the toughest trail running races in existence. Jordan Wirfs-Brock was no stranger to ultra marathons, but Infinitus broke her: she failed to finish. Surprisingly, though, the failure turned out to be one of the best things that's ever happened to her. This story first aired in 2016, and it won a gold medal for best independent podcast from Public Radio News Directors, Inc., or PRNDI.   SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke.

High on Failure

Dewey Gallegos and Jessica Flock bonded over their passion for the outdoors. But the thing they had in common was also one of their biggest differences. Their story explores how hard it can be to share the thing you love most, with the person you love most.  PITCH US A STORY: Details here SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke

Pedaling and Paddling

When Sam Anderson's father invited him to go hunting for the first time, Sam was worried. What if he couldn't bring himself to pull the trigger? And conversely, what if he could? What would that say about him? On this episode, Sam takes us into the woods of New Jersey and explores the emotional complexity of taking the life of an animal. This story first aired in 2017, and it won a gold medal for Best Independent Podcast from Public Radio News Directors, Inc. SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke.

The Instinct to Kill

We often hear that "the outdoors is free." But for Charlsie Shaver, just driving to a trailhead was often cost-prohibitive; hitting the road to explore America's wild places was a luxury she could only dream of. On this episode, Charlsie explores what it takes to build the life you want. How do you balance the need for stability with a thirst for freedom? And how do you keep dreaming, when you can barely pay the rent? This story first aired in 2019. SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

Too Poor to Dream?

Why are some people overly generous? On this episode, we visit with a "trail angel" (someone who offers free food, drinks, and encouragement to thru-hikers on long trails), and we explore what makes a person commit acts of altruism for total strangers. (Hint: it's probably not what you'd expect). This story first aired in 2018, and it won a gold medal for best independent podcast from Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, or PRNDI.  SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

Selfless Acts

Tiffany Duong had achieved the pinnacle of success: she'd finished law school, worked for a big firm in LA, and traveled as much as she could. But she was miserable. Then she went scuba diving in the Galapagos, and everything changed. Her story is about letting go of your safety net, embracing the unknown, and finding bliss. SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

Blue Dive

In 2015, Out There host Willow Belden signed up for a 70-mile mountain bike race. She had always liked big athletic challenges, but this time, pushing her limits turned out to be a mistake. On this episode, she shares her story. It's about trying to prove yourself — and learning when to say no.  Click here to see the full show notes for this episode.  SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron

Failure in Success

How do you decide whether to leave someone for dead? This is the story of a trip up Mt. Everest, in which climber Myles Osborne comes face to face with one of the hardest decisions mountaineers ever have to make.  SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

Moral Compass

A preview of our summer season!  SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

Nature's Nostalgia

The number of Americans hunting and fishing is declining, but women are bucking the trend. On this guest episode from The Modern West podcast, journalist Melodie Edwards finds a sisterhood at an all-women hunting camp—and catches her first fish with her dad.  MARKETING COORDINATOR JOB: Apply by June 5, 2022 SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

Adult-Onset Hunting

It's healthy to know who you are. But sometimes, defining yourself too rigidly can be problematic. On this episode, Bo Jensen takes us from the Gulf of Mexico to the Camino de Santiago and explores what happens when you stop forcing yourself to choose a single identity.  SURVEY: What did you think of this season? SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

Beach Bum

Here's a special preview of Not Lost, a new podcast about finding yourself in places you've never been from our friends at Pushkin Industries. Host Brendan Francis Newnam takes us around the world, learning about new places by getting invited to a stranger's house for dinner. From Montréal to Mexico City, Brendan and his guests drink, dance, and eat, learning as much about themselves as the places they visit. Not Lost is both a travel escape and an insightful look at people — locals and visitors alike — trying to make sense of a constantly changing world. You can hear more from Not Lost at  https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/notlost?sid=outthere.  SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron

Introducing Not Lost

When we lose a loved one, many of us seek healing from the outdoors. But what happens when the weather is bad, and your happy place is miserable?  Today's story takes us to "the most beautiful beach in Washington State" and explores what can we learn about grief and acceptance when nature is at its ugliest.  POLL: Help shape our upcoming season SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

Never Enough

It's easy to measure achievements based on what other people are doing. But how do you know what you should really expect from yourself? This episode takes us from a mountain in Arkansas to an attempted thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail and explores how much better life can be when you realize your shortcomings might not be your fault.  SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron  Click here to see the full show notes for this episode.   

Measuring Up

We often go outside to get away from our problems. But escapism has its limits. On this episode, we share the story of how Live Action Role Play taught one woman the importance of confronting your troubles head on. Click here to see the full show notes for this episode.   OPEN MIC NIGHT: Register to attend SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron

Escape

Ziyi Xu spent so much time on her phone that it was ruining her focus and productivity. Then, one night in Texas, she tried stargazing. On this episode, Ziyi tells the story of how she kicked the smartphone habit and got her creativity back.  SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron OPEN MIC NIGHT: Register to attend  Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

Pamper Your Brain

Last year, the term 'climate crisis' was added to the Oxford English Dictionary. The words we use to talk about the environment are evolving. But could they motivate us to take action?   On this bonus episode, we bring you a guest story from the podcast  Living Planet about the relationship between language and the environment. Plus, a behind-the-scenes conversation with one of Living Planet's hosts. Click here to see the full show notes for this episode.  OPEN MIC NIGHT: Register to attend

Climate Language

National Parks are often referred to as "America's best idea." And there's a lot to love about them. But they also have a complicated history — a history of broken promises, displacement of indigenous people, and genocide. And that history is not over. Is there a way to right historical wrongs? Can we protect wild spaces in a way that is also socially just? This episode takes us from a young national park in Germany to Denali in Alaska and offers some hope for a better future.  VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR: Become a patron by March 4, 2022 to get an invitation OPEN MIC NIGHT: Register to attend Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

America's Best Idea?

Church was Angie Chatman's sanctuary, both literally and figuratively. So when the pandemic began, and she couldn't attend services in person, there was a big void in her life. On today's episode, Angie shares the story of how she discovered a new way to find peace and community — in an unexpected place. --- VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR: Become a patron by March 4, 2022 to get an invitation OPEN MIC NIGHT: Register to attend

Pandemic Sundays

After attending a wilderness therapy program, Sarah Dealy was intent on becoming a rugged outdoorswoman. But the transformation didn't work out as she had imagined. Sarah was an indoor kid at heart. She disliked many of the activities she imagined her outdoorsy self doing. On this episode, she takes us from the Utah desert to the mountains of Colorado and explores what happens when the person you think you want to be doesn't mesh with the person you are.  Open Mic Night: To perform, sign up by Feb. 4, 2022 Virtual Happy Hour: Become a patron by March 4, 2022 to get an invitation

Indoor Kid

Think of this episode as a pre-season treat. We reached out to listeners and fellow podcasters and asked: "What is one way your relationship with nature has changed in a way that has surprised you?" The answers we received were thought-provoking, inspiring, and hopeful, and on this episode, we're sharing some of our favorites.  Open Mic Night: To perform, sign up by Feb. 4, 2022. Virtual Happy Hour: Become a patron by March 4, 2022 to get an invitation. Show Notes: Go to outtherepodcast.com to learn more about the people and podcasts that contributed to this episode.  

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

We're launching a new season! Here's a sneak peak.  Support Out There: Become a patron on Patreon

Things I Thought I Knew

How many times have we been told the story of the fearless leader — in work, in politics, in the mountains? When the stakes are high, it's natural to place our confidence in strength and certainty. To turn to the leader and believe they have no doubt. This story, which originally aired on She Explores in 2020, isn't about how to become a fearless leader in the mountains. Nor is it about how to overcome your fear, or even how to harness it. But it is about listening to what fear is trying to teach us. It's an opportunity to consider what kind of leader you need, as well as the one you might want to be.  Hear more from She Explores here. Music in this episode includes works by Gracie & Rachel via Music Bed.

Fear and Leadership in the Mountains

In 2001, Donna Martino stuck a newspaper clipping on her fridge. It was a photo of a handsome kayaker paddling through the surf. A few months later, Donna matched with the man on a dating website. We tend to assume that improbable beginnings are a recipe for disaster — that sappy romances can't last — that fairytale endings are only for movies. But sometimes, the real world serves up a dose of schmaltz. This story, which first aired in 2020 and went on to win a  national award, is about what happens when coincidences pile up, and strangers go out on a limb and take a chance on each other.  Sign up for our email list Share Out There, win rewards Take our survey

Too Good To Be True?

Melat Amha had been struggling with chronic illness for years, when she decided to move to an organic farm in the Sierra National Forest. On this episode, she shares her story. It's a story about finding your way back to health when modern medicine has failed you. And it's about learning what it means to love yourself and honor your needs.  SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: Take our audience survey to get a FREE Out There sticker and be entered into a drawing for an REI gift card REFER A FRIEND: Refer friends to the podcast and win rewards SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron

The Art of Loving Yourself

On the surface, competing as a runner seems straight forward: the winner of a race is the fastest person from point A to point B, and to progress, you just have to be a better runner than everyone else. Right? Turns out, it's not so simple. Fairness is a surprisingly complicated concept. On this episode we bring you the story of two athletes — a "ghost runner" from the U.K. and a phenom from Uganda — and we explore how rules meant to ensure fairness can end up excluding some of the best athletes from competitions.  Get involved:  Take our survey Share this episode Support Out There 

In the Name of Fairness

Growing up with a rare bone condition, Will Cox was constantly in and out of hospitals — and constantly fearful of the world around him. The fear eventually took over his life, controlling almost everything he did. And that's probably the way his future would have played out, had it not been for a mountain bike. On this episode, Tanya Chawla brings us Will's story.  REFER FRIENDS, WIN REWARDS: Sign up for your personal referral link here NEW OUT THERE MERCH: Check it out here SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron  

Riding Past Fear

We often hear that you shouldn't worry about what society thinks of you — you should chart your own course in life. But that's easier said than done. What if different parts of you are at odds? How do know if you've made a mistake by following your gut? This is a story about learning to trust yourself on a mountain bike, and in life.  Share Out There & win rewards! Get your personal referral link here.

Choosing a Line

Molly-Anne had struggled with severe mental illness her whole life. And, after years of drug addiction, she had recently gotten sober. But — as she puts it — getting sober is "not always f*cking rainbows." She wasn't sure she was going to make it in sobriety, with the added isolation of the pandemic. So she set out to skate from Maine to New Jersey.  SHARE THIS PODCAST, WIN REWARDS: Get your personal referral link here.  MERCH SALE: Get 30% off Out There merch with promo code FALL30. Now through Oct. 10, 2021.

Outskating Your Demons

Shannon Prince comes from a family with a rich relationship to the natural world. Her Cherokee ancestors were skilled at using plants as medicine. But her family's eco-literacy had been stripped away over the generations. Yearning to rediscover forgotten knowledge, Shannon traveled across the world to Mongolia, where ancient traditions were more intact. On this episode, she explores the surprising things that can happen to you on a personal level, when you attempt to preserve a way of life that's slowly disappearing.  REFER FRIENDS, WIN REWARDS! Sign up for your personal referral link.

Forest as Pharmacy

Becky Jensen had given herself the perfect present for her 50th birthday: a two-week solo backpacking trip. But when she emerged from the trail, she learned that a wildfire had started near her home in northern Colorado. Her house might already be gone. On this episode, Becky shares her story. She takes us from the tranquility of the San Juan mountains to a cramped basement where she waited out her evacuation, and explores how you find serenity when a natural disaster threatens everything you've built.  Refer friends, win rewards! Get your personal referral link here.

Trial by Fire

After a demoralizing hiking trip in college, Ava Ahmadbeigi gave up on nature. She had never been outdoorsy, and now she knew she didn't belong. But that hiking trip kept haunting her. On this episode, Ava tells her story. She takes us from a cramped apartment in NYC to a mountain in the Adirondacks, as she seeks to find her place — both in her own body, and in the world outside her walls.   Click here to read the transcript for this episode.  Sign up for our email list and be the first to know about our upcoming referral rewards program!  SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron

On My Own Terms

A career in the arts is tough. Creative professionals are notoriously overworked and underpaid. Even if you "make it," it's easy for your passion to turn into just another stressful job. On this episode, we bring you a story about photographer and skateboarder Khaleeq Alfred, who has been learning how to walk the line between following his dreams and paying the bills. It's a story about getting the compensation you deserve without sacrificing your artistic integrity, and about finding balance between happiness and the hustle. You can read the episode transcript  here. Support Out There by becoming a patron today!

The Happy Hustle

On this episode, we talk with Sarah Maslin Nir, author of the book  Horse Crazy. Horse Crazy is part memoir and part cultural exploration. It's a love letter to an animal. It's a story about the struggle to belong. And it's a deep dive into the fascinating things that horses — and the humans connected to them — can teach us about ourselves and our society. SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron

Horse Crazy

Many of us assume that self care is inherently selfish — that we either focus on ourselves, or we help others. But what if that's a false dichotomy? This story explores how self care can end up being good for the greater community. The story follows a woman named Linda Mohammad, also known as the Bucket List Traveler, who set out to visit all the national parks in the United States. When she started the project, she was just trying to get in shape and unplug from her hectic life. But the experience snowballed into something much bigger, and much more beautiful, than that. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT:  Click here to read the transcript as you listen. PITCH US A STORY: Story pitches for our upcoming season, "Things I Thought I Knew," are due July 30, 2021. Click here to see our pitch guidelines. HEAR OUR AWARD-WINNING EPISODE: Our episode "A Series of Unlikely Events" won a silver medal in PMJA's annual awards.  Listen now. SUPPORT OUT THERE: Help us pay for the beautiful stories you hear on the show.

The Bucket List Traveler

    My mother always told me I shouldn't take "no" for an answer. If you don't get what you want, she said, keep pushing. Growing up, I took that advice to heart: whatever the task at hand, I charged forward with dogged determination. But in 2018, a bicycle accident changed my outlook on what it means to back down, and I started standing up for myself in a new way.   SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron on Patreon

Don't Take 'No' for an Answer

How Harriet Tubman could change your perspective on who belongs outdoors You probably learned about Harriet Tubman in school growing up — how she led slaves to freedom on the underground railroad. But she was a lot more than an activist and freedom fighter. She was a daughter, wife, entrepreneur — and a talented outdoorswoman. On this episode, we explore Tubman's relationship with nature; we unpack how that history shapes the way Black Americans engage with the outdoors today; and we show how a closer look at Tubman could offer new perspectives on who belongs outdoors. FOR FURTHER LISTENING:  Check out our "Black & Outdoorsy" playlist for stories celebrating Black experiences outdoors Hear the  Following Harriet series 

The Ultimate Outdoorswoman

When Paul Barach embarked on his first thru-hike, he was expecting a life-changing experience. The Shikoku Pilgrimage, which traverses Japan's most rural island and takes visitors past 88 Buddhist temples, promised to be a spiritual and meditative journey, as well as an epic adventure. But the reality wasn't so nice. On this episode, Paul tells the story of what happens when the adventure of a lifetime doesn't turn out the way you'd hoped. How do you make peace with the worst parts of hiking, when those parts never end?

The Thru-Hike of Misery

Climbing a mountain can be a lot like coming out. That's a metaphor filmmaker Devin Fei-Fan Tau explores in his new documentary  Who's On Top. The film follows four LGBTQ climbers who set out to summit Mt. Hood. It explores their connection to nature and their efforts to challenge stereotypes about gender and sexuality — and it offers an inside view into the literal and metaphorical mountains they face. Devin joins us on this episode to talk about it. WATCH THE FILM: Apple TV | Vimeo SUPPORT OUT THERE: Patreon | Venmo | Other

Vulnerability is a Strength

As more people get vaccinated and the world starts opening up again, many of us are reflecting on the unprecedented isolation we've experienced over the past year. Extreme isolation was new for many of us, and we're looking forward to getting back to normal. But not everyone can escape their aloneness. This is the story of a runner named Luanne Burke, who has been dealing with deep isolation for decades and will continue to experience it, even after much of the world returns to a "new normal." SUPPORT OUT THERE: Patreon | Venmo | Credit Card

Running Blind

In the wake of natural disasters, those affected are faced with a tough decision: do you leave and go somewhere safer, or stay put and try to rebuild your life? How do you navigate that choice? And for those who decide to stay: what seals the deal? Why do we remain in disaster-prone areas, after losing so much? This episode takes us to an island in North Carolina and tells the story of one man who finds himself firmly rooted to place, despite growing environmental threats.  FOR FURTHER LISTENING: Check out our playlist "After the Storm," which explores why we live where we live, as the climate warms.  SUPPORT OUT THERE: Patreon | Venmo | Credit Card/PayPal

Why Do We Stay?

In 2015, Australian journalist James Bennett moved to India, to take up a long-coveted role as a foreign correspondent. James was an outdoorsy type: he liked to cycle, surf, camp, and fish. So he knew the move to India's crowded capital city was going to be hard. What he didn't realize was how the experience would change his perspective on speaking up about your problems. On this episode, he shares his story. It's a story that first ran several years ago, but which feels surprisingly relevant again now. Support Out There: Patreon | Venmo | Credit Card

The Right to Complain

On this bonus episode, we introduce you to a new podcast we think you'll love. It's called the Atlas Obscura Podcast, and it takes you  on an audio journey to discover new, strange, and wondrous places from all over the world. This particular episode is about Pyramiden​, an abandoned Soviet mining town, frozen both in time and in ice. Thanks to its Arctic climate, scientists predict that it will resist decay longer than any other human settlement in modern history.

Introducing the Atlas Obscura Podcast

Explorer Christopher Venter lost his eyesight very suddenly, at age 40. He was an avid traveler, and at first, he couldn't imagine going on with life, if he couldn't see. But eventually, he regained the will to live and the courage to explore the world. On this episode, he takes us on a journey from Sicily to Southern France and shows us the world as he experiences it — with his other four senses. The story comes to us from the Armchair Explorer Podcast, a show on which the world's greatest adventurers tell their best stories from the road. At the end of the episode, we talk with Armchair Explorer host Aaron Millar about his show, and his desire to cure our "wonder deficit," one story at a time. For Further Reading: You can find Christopher Venter's books here. Support Out There: Patreon | Venmo | Credit Card

When You Close Your Eyes

On this bonus episode, we take you behind the scenes at Out There and tell you about a challenge that we're facing as a podcast. It's a challenge endemic to the professional world, and we need your help in rising to it. (Don't worry: we'll make it easy to get involved). Contribute to the Out There Internship Fund: Venmo |  Credit Card

The Confidence to Thrive

If there's anything universal that most long-distance hikers dislike, it's road walking. Asphalt is hot, tough on joints and tiring. But the edges of roads can offer as many lessons as any alpine ridgeline. On this episode, Kitty Galloway tells the story of something that happened on a highway in Idaho, which shifted her worldview. It's a story about confronting the narrative that women are vulnerable — victims in the making. And it's about strength, fear, and learning to accept that two opposing truths can be valid at the same time. For Further Listening: If you enjoy this story, check out the episode "Acceptance." Support Out There: Patreon | Venmo |  Credit Card

The Stories We Carry

Growing up, Heather Kitching was enamored with rural life. She dreamed of living in the countryside, riding horses, wearing cowboy boots, and listening to country music.  But when she got a little older, she learned something about herself that threw a wrench into that dream. She realized that if she was going to be her true self, she'd need to leave behind the place she loved. On this episode, she shares her story. It's a story that first ran a few years ago, but it's just as good now as it was then. For Further Listening: If you enjoy this story, check out the episode "Out of the Shadows." Better outside: What has gotten better since being moved outdoors due to the pandemic? Leave us a voice message, and we might use it on the show! Support Out There: Patreon | Venmo |  Credit Card

Exiled from Ranch Country

Have you found yourself at odds with family members or close friends over diverging values? The past year has dredged up tensions over many issues — from racial justice, to proper pandemic behavior, to a highly politicized presidential election. How do we nurture our relationships with loved ones, when the values that are central to our being are challenged? On this episode, Stephanie Maltarich tells the story of a trip she took with her father in rural Ohio. The week they spent together outdoors highlighted the deep divides that existed in their politics and values, but their conversations around the campfire also laid some groundwork for reconciling with those divides.   If you enjoy this story...check out an episode called "The Truths We Hold." Pandemic silver linings: what has gotten better since being moved outside? Leave us a voice message, and we might play it on the show! Support Out There: Patreon | Venmo |  Credit Card

Common Ground

When Tara Karineh and her husband embarked on a thru-hike with their three-year-old daughter, Acacia, they weren't sure she'd be able to finish the trail. Acacia regularly went hiking with her parents, but a multi-day backpacking trip took things to a different level. On this episode, Tara tells the story of their attempt of the Trans-Catalina Trail, exploring what it takes for a small child to accomplish something big. If you enjoy this story, check out the episode "Fractured Self," which explores coming to terms with your new identity after becoming a parent. Support Out There  Venmo  Credit Card / Paypal Patreon 

The Three-Year-Old Thru-Hiker

When Kelsie Wilkins moved to New York City, she quickly became overwhelmed. She was surrounded by more people than she had ever been around in her life, yet she felt an acute sense of isolation. She had never felt so alone in a crowd. But eventually she did something that helped her belong. It began with a walk, and ended with a sense of connection. On this episode, Kelsie shares her story.   If you enjoy this story, check out the episode "Before It's Too Late."   Help us keep making meaningful stories! Support Out There on Venmo, make a gift via  Credit Card or PayPal, or become a monthly supporter on Patreon.

8 Miles in NYC

On this episode: A story about a cyclist in NYC, which explores how to get what you want — the friendly way. Plus, a vision for an outdoor utopia. In a perfect world, what would the outdoors look like? We hear from outdoor leaders and listeners about their version of perfection in nature. Support Out There

Nice Guys Can Finish First

This year has been a time of profound isolation, and many of us are alone for the holidays. But, hard as it may feel, being alone is not always bad. This episode takes place in the desert in Utah back in 2015, and it explores how something sad and lonely can turn out to be an emotional victory. Support Out There  Venmo Credit card / PayPal Patreon 

Better Than Fun

Grand adventures often change us. They help us process complicated emotions and work through our problems. But what if the forward progress is temporary? What if all the good vibes end, when you return to the "real world"? On this episode, Paul Barach shares the story of his Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike, and explores the difficult process of going home to a life that looks bleak and broken. If you like this story, check out  "The Tools to Thrive." It's a story about a thru-hike on the Camino de Santiago, and it explores whether nature is actually necessary for an emotional reset. Support Out There  Make a contribution via Venmo  Contribute via PayPal/Credit Card Become a monthly patron 

Back to the Real World

Fresh out of college, Brendan Leonard was an alcoholic. He got sober, but drinking had been his favorite thing. It was what defined him. After alcohol was taken away from him, he didn't know who he was anymore. On this episode, he joins us to talk about the difficult process of creating a new life for himself. For Brendan, that new life came about through rock climbing. And it happened completely by accident. Get featured on our New Years Episode! Click here to send us a message describing your outdoor utopia. How do you feel in it? How is it different from now? If you submit your voice memo by Dec. 16, we might air some or all of it on the show! Support Out There • Become a monthly patron • Make a one-time gift on Venmo

After Getting Sober

When we pass people on the trail, we often exchange quick greetings, recognizing our fellow hikers and showing that we are no threat. But sometimes — whether intentionally or not — the words we share with strangers in the wilderness end up being hurtful, or invasive. Sometimes, these exchanges exacerbate wounds created by a lifetime of discrimination. On this episode, Barbara Jensen shares their experience as a gender-neutral hiker, and invites us to consider adopting a new trail etiquette. Support Out There Make a donation on Venmo Make a donation by Credit Card / Paypal

Passing

On this bonus episode, we talk with Mercy M'fon Shammah, founder of Wild Diversity, about her efforts to make the outdoors safe and welcoming for the BIPOC and LGBTQ communities. We discuss how Out There is working to shift the narrative about "outdoorsy." And we discuss how YOU can support fairness — both in nature, and in the workplace.

Changemakers

Becky Jensen had a lot of things going for her: sweet kids, a caring fiancé, a promising career. But deep down, she wasn't happy. So a few years ago, she left everything (and everyone) behind to thru-hike the Colorado Trail. By herself. On this episode, she shares her story. It's a story about relationships — both with your family, and with yourself. And it's about the surprising things that can happen to those relationships when you do something selfish — something just for you.

The Motherload

In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon and called for the area to be protected. "Leave it as it is," he said. "You cannot improve on it." Roosevelt went on to preserve an unprecedented 230 million acres of American land. But many of his achievements came at the expense of indigenous communities; conservation was coupled with genocide. Our guest on this episode is David Gessner, author of the book  Leave It As It Is. We discuss Roosevelt's ground-breaking efforts to save wild places, and explore how lessons from the past can help us create a new environmentalism that is more inclusive and just.

Conservation 2.0

We often assume that scientists are not supposed to fall in love with their research subjects. They're supposed to remain objective — to keep their feelings and emotions out of their work. Wildlife researcher Joe Hutto did exactly the opposite. Over a decade ago, he embedded himself with a herd of deer in Wyoming. He figured the best way to understand an animal was essentially to become one of them. This is the story of how he did that. It's a story of love, curiosity, and sadness. And it's about what happens when the line between fact and feeling becomes blurred. On this episode, we also preview a new series that will highlight individuals and groups who are engaging with the outdoors in thought-provoking ways.   Become a Patron!

An Unlikely Family

Growing up, Erin Parisi knew she was a girl. But the body she was born with didn't match. And she didn't feel safe telling anyone her secret. It wasn't until decades later that she finally mustered the courage to come out. On this episode, we share Erin's story. It's a story that takes us from a small town in the U.S. to the the top of world's highest mountains, and explores what can happen when you decide to risk everything and become the person you know you are.

Out of the Shadows

Derick Lugo was not a typical thru-hiker. A suave, manicured New Yorker, he wasn't into hiking and had never been camping. But one day, he decided to challenge himself by doing the Appalachian Trail. Derick's memoir, The Unlikely Thru-Hiker, is a delightfully cheerful account of his journey, and on this episode, he joins us to talk about it. We discuss the warm welcome Derick received on the A.T. as a hiker of color; we talk about how the generosity he experienced on the trail shifted his habits back home; and we share the highly entertaining story behind his trail name. Plus: why you shouldn't fear stepping outside your comfort zone.

Mr. Fabulous

In 2001, Donna Martino stuck a photo on her fridge. It was a picture from the newspaper of a handsome kayaker paddling through the surf. A few months later, Donna matched with the man on a dating website. The rest is history. We tend to assume that fairytale beginnings are a recipe for disaster. But sometimes, the world serves up a dose of schmaltz. This story, by Out There production intern Aja Simpson, is about what happens when coincidences pile up, and strangers take a chance on each other.

A Series of Unlikely Events

Christine Boskoff was a mountaineer who pushed boundaries and set records. She climbed mountains no North American woman had ever summited, and she was the only American woman to have reached the top of six of the world's 8,000-meter peaks. She was also a well-respected guide. But despite her impressive resume, Chris's story went largely untold — until this year. This spring, writer Johanna Garton published a book called Edge of the Map, chronicling Chris's rise in the mountaineering world. Johanna joins us to talk about how Chris got her start, the challenges she faced as a woman in a man's realm, and the complicated moral questions surrounding her death on a sacred mountain.

Under the Radar

When David Klebosky was out in the desert earlier this year, he ended up being shot at. The gunfire wasn't malicious, but there were bullets coming at him. Yet David didn't freak out. This kind of response is typical for David; he always seems to remain calm in the face of stress. On this episode, producer Max Wasserman delves into David's past and explores what makes some of us so unflappable.

Different Shades of Fear

As a marine biologist, Colin Howe sees diversity as an indicator of health: the more diverse an ecosystem, the more likely it is to thrive. But while scientists work hard to preserve diversity in the wild, they often fail to achieve it in the workplace. Colin is one of just a handful of Black biologists in the United States. On this episode, we talk with him about pursuing his passion in a predominantly white field. And we discuss what the oceans can teach us about the benefits of diversity.

Resilience Through Diversity

When KC Cheng decided to hike the Camino de Santiago, she imagined it as a kind of therapy. She wanted to feel young and adventurous again, in charge of her own life. Like so many other thru-hikers, she saw a long-distance trek as an opportunity for an emotional reset. But what does a solo adventure really do to a person? Does "getting away from it all" change us in a fundamental way? On this episode, KC shares the story of a surprising realization she made as a result of her pilgrimage.

The Tools to Thrive

If you attended a predominantly white college or university, there was probably an outdoors program on campus. And it was likely composed of mostly white people. If you went to a historically Black college or university, chances are, there was no outdoor program. And you probably grew up hearing that the outdoors was for white people. On this episode, we talk with outdoor adventurer and educator Ron Griswell about his efforts to close the adventure gap. We share the story of how Ron became a leader in the outdoor industry; we discuss the barriers that keep many people of color from engaging in outdoor adventures; and we talk about the ways that Black joy can help combat racist narratives. What does "Black Joy" mean to you? Send us a voice message here, and we might air it on the show!

Black and Outdoorsy

Everyone suffers. Sometimes it's obvious; other times it's less visible. But it's inevitable that we'll suffer at some point in our lives. And typically, we hate it. But what if hardships serve a purpose? What if the struggles we try so hard to avoid could actually enhance our lives? On this episode, Megan McLaughlin takes us from Big Bend National Park to the forests of Arkansas, and explains how she has found sweetness, both in miserable outdoor experiences, and in a cancer diagnosis.   Become a Patron!

The Sweetness of Suffering

Growing up in an emotionally abusive household, Meg Atteberry yearned for her parents' approval. But no matter how hard she tried, the message was always the same: you are not enough. The emotional scars from her upbringing lingered long into adulthood. Then one day, Meg took a dangerous fall while rock climbing. The brush with death resulted in fresh trauma. But in the aftermath of the accident, something surprising started to happen. On this episode, Meg shares the story of how a freak accident changed her relationship with climbing, and with her parents. Support Out There  Become a patron Make a gift on Venmo 

Acceptance

Dierdre Wolownick is the oldest woman to have climbed El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. She's also a teacher, a musician, a marathon runner — and the mother of renowned rock climber Alex Honnold. On this episode, we talk with Dierdre about what it was like raising a kid like Alex. We discuss her efforts to keep Alex safe as a child, without stifling his love for climbing. We talk about the difference between risk and consequence. And we explore Dierdre's own journey to becoming a climber, and how learning about her son's passion changed their relationship.

Alex Honnold's Mother

Black Lives Matter. The events that have been unfolding over the past few weeks have made it very clear that all of us need to be doing much more to actively fight racism. One of the ways that Out There can help is to use our platform to amplify the voices of Black, Indigenous and People of Color. The outdoors should be a place where anyone can go, without fearing violence, harassment, or discrimination. On this episode, we talk about what we, as a podcast, commit to doing, to become part of the solution rather than adding to the problem.

Becoming Better Allies

The events that have been unfolding across the United States over the past weeks have driven home once again that simply existing carries risks if you have dark skin. Many of us like to think that nature is an equalizer — a place to escape the injustices of society. But it's not so simple. On this bonus episode, producer Jackie Sojico bring you a story that first aired several years ago. It's about ornithologist and birder Drew Lanham and his quest to pursue his passion outdoors as a POC.