Wild Ideas Worth Living | Interviews On Adventure, Outdoors, Travel, Health, Fitness, Running, Business, Surfing, Exploring

With more than 740,000 active members and counting, GirlTrek is the largest health movement and nonprofit for Black women and girls in the country. They are on a mission to inspire one million Black women to walk in the direction of their healthiest, most fulfilled lives by the end of 2020.GirlTrek kicked off their Black History Bootcamp series on June 1st – the Bootcamp is an epic 21-day walking meditation sharing the stories and legacies of legendary and revolutionary Black women in history. Women like Audre Lorde, Ella Baker and Shirley Chisholm. Every day you can join GirlTrek founders Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison as they hop on the phone and take a walk to discuss who these women are and why everyone should know their stories. And while we’re already in the last week of this 21-day bootcamp, there’s no reason you can’t start today. Or tomorrow. Or right now! These stories are relevant any time – so start from the beginning of the series or listen in whatever order feels right to you.You can sign up

Joe Gray is an accomplished trail, mountain, and snowshoe runner. He was the first Black athlete to make the Team USA World Mountain Running Team and the first Black American to win the U.S.A. National Mountain Running Championships, which he has now done 18 times. But even with all this success, Joe is frustrated by the lack of diversity not only in pro running, but also in media coverage and sponsorship of the sport. He knows that young Black athletes aren’t pursuing the sports he loves because they don’t see themselves represented, so he’s doing something about it with his  organization, Project Inspire Diversity.Connect with Joe:FacebookTwitterInstagramResources:World Mountain Running ChampionshipHoka One OneRunner’s World articleShow sponsor:Hoka One One

While the COVID-19 pandemic has been keeping a lot of us humans indoors, the wildlife is taking advantage of the lack of human presence. Animals have been spotted in places where we don’t usually see them: playing in waterways, making homes under boardwalks and taking back their natural habitats. One place they’ve been seeing way more animals than usual? Yosemite National Park, where bobcats, bears and coyotes are showing up in places they'd usually avoid. On this episode, park ranger Jamie Richards talks about what she and the other rangers are seeing, how you can engage with the park’s online activities and how to plan your visit as they reopen.Connect with guests:WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramResources:Video of black bear looking for foodMore videos, including Kids Ask Rangers and Draw with a RangerDay use reservationFind out what’s open at YosemiteEpisode sponsors:SubaruDanner

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  

When a heckler disrespected plus-size runner Latoya Shauntay Snell during the 2017 New York Marathon, she couldn’t help returning fire. After her personal essay about the incident went viral, Latoya became an inspiration to people who were tired of being told they can’t be proud of who they are or can’t achieve the goals they want. The experience spurred her on to become an advocate for inclusivity of all kinds in health and fitness. Today, we’ll talk about Latoya’s journey to balance fitness with self-compassion, her involvement with the Black Girls RUN! Movement and what a running chef eats before a big race.Connect with Latoya Honor Your Voice seriesWebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterResourcesLatoya’s piece on The RootThe Long RunBlack Girls RUN!New York MarathonEpisode advertiserHoka One One

If you’re an adventurer who likes to get out into the mountains, you’ve probably noticed first hand that our winters are being impacted by climate change. In 2007, professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones decided to take action by founding Protect Our Winters, an organization that works to solve the global climate crisis through educational, activist and community based projects. Jeremy and other athletes, plus scientists, creatives and business leaders travel to Washington D.C. to persuade politicians to vote on legislation that will help protect our climate and preserve the most vulnerable places on the planet. On today’s episode, Shelby and Jeremy talk shop on snowboarding and outdoor adventures, as well as how he started working on the climate crisis and how you can get involved and make an impact.Connect with Jeremy:WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramResources:Protect Our Winters CORE ACTRules For a Knight by Ethan HawkeStillness is the Key by Ryan HolidayEpisode midroll: Opt to Act Plan by REI

The total isolation you encounter in Antarctica can be monotonous, but the profound beauty Chris Fagan discovered there made her realize silence isn’t to be filled, it’s to be felt. With climate change threatening the possibility to explore some of the wildest places on earth, Chris Fagan and her husband Marty made a decision to leave their 12-year old son at home and break a dangerous world record by skiing across the South Pole. Her new book, “The Expedition,” chronicles how she and her husband became the first married Americans to ski 570 miles unguided, unsupported, and unassisted to the South Pole in 2014. On today’s show, Chris and Shelby discuss why she took the journey, the many challenges she overcame, including as a middle aged woman, and she offers advice on how you can reach your own South Pole.Connect with Chris Fagan: WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramResources:The ExpeditionDiva CupBreakfast Skillet Mountain HouseBrené BrownDaring Greatly by Brené BrownOpt to Act 

In the 2019 season of Wild Ideas Worth Living we dove a little deeper. Instead of just focusing on individuals, we talked about themes—mindfulness, facing fear, how to unplug, how to win an Academy Award (okay that happened after one of our guests came on the show) and so much more. Today's show is a recap of some of our best moments, advice, quotes from fan favorites, and a few outtakes.I am also sharing some big news about the show and where Wild Ideas Worth Living is headed next (listen to the episode to find out). If you are new to this show or a seasoned fan, I think you are going to like this recap and it's a perfect taste of what we covered in 2019 and a preview of what's to come.Thank you to all the guests for sharing your wild ideas, and thanks especially to you—the listeners—for your reviews and sharing with me in the wild ideas journey. We will be returning with new episodes and adventures in January, so be sure to hit subscribe or follow wherever you're listening so you get notified as soon as we

Melissa Hartwig Urban is the powerhouse founder of the Whole30 program which, in the last decade, has amassed a huge following and helped thousands of people reset their own health, habits, and relationship with food. The mom, author, and health and wellness advocate has also recently started spending more time in the great outdoors. Melissa is also the author the new book Whole30 Friends & Family, which helps Whole30 followers stick to the program in social settings and during the holidays.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Mick Ebeling believes that nothing is impossible, forever. In 2009 Mick met Tempt One, a graffiti artist who had been paralyzed by ALS. Without any experience in ocular technology, Mick launched himself into a project called the EyeWriter to help Tempt communicate and draw again using his eyes. That project helped launched Not Impossible Labs, an award-winning incubator and content studio that develops creative, technology-driven solutions to real-world problems.

When it comes to recycling, it can be difficult to know what you can toss in that blue bin. Luckily, there are plenty of resources and organizations that can help you recycle properly. Helen Lowman, President & CEO of Keep America Beautiful, is here to help. Helen has had an impressive career (including working for President Obama) and is an expert on the background of the recycling industry, common recycling myths, and some tips and tricks.