She Explores

Chi Pham wants you to know that you can fuel your body for success as an outdoor athlete, and it doesn't have to fit in the little boxes you see on social media. Because being focused on health and wellness doesn't mean there's just one way to live your life, Chi is committed to showing up, keeping it real, and encouraging other women to be themselves above all else.In this episode, we talk about how Chi took her training outdoors, how she slowly started fueling her body to help achieve her goals (rather than feeding into toxic diet culture), and the power Instagram can have on what we think 'fit' looks like.Featured in this episode: Chi PhamHosted by Gale StraubSponsored by Smartwool, Nature Gnaws, and RitualJoin the She Explores Podcast community on FacebookVisit She-Explores.comIn this episode, you'll hear:When Chi started identifying as an athlete, and when she took her athleticism outdoorsWhat Chi enjoys most about a triathlon (hint, she likes a challenge!)Why she loves trail runningHow a bike accident h

Katt Greaser shares her experience on a recent caving trip to Scapegoat Wilderness area in Montana, and encourages you to try the sport, too.Featured in this episode: Katt GreaserHosted by Gale StraubSponsored by Merrell  & DeuterJoin the She Explores Podcast community on FacebookVisit She-Explores.comIn this episode, you'll hear:How Katt got into cavingWhy Katt got a later start (in her eyes) on hiking, camping, and cavingRecordings from Katt's caving trip in the Scapegoat Wilderness area in MontanaWhat you need to get started cavingWhat it feels like in the caveThe benefits of challenging yourself in a sport like cavingWhat Katt will carry with her from the tripResourcesKatt Greaser: InstagramWhat is caving?Northern Rocky Mountain GrottoSponsors and Discount CodesMerrell: Learn more at Merrell.comDeuter: Learn more about Deuter Aviant travel line at Deuter.comEpisodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.Music is by Liam McNally.Music is also by Lee Rosev

With the help of listeners and Backpacking 101 author Heather Balogh Rochfort, we share stories of first-time backpackers and advice to get started. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a beginner, there's inspiration and a little trail magic (not the thru-hiking kind) to be found in this episode.Woman featured in this episode: Voice memos: Maggie Rehberg, Holly Bullis, Jennifer Jansen, Lindsey Falkenburg, Victoria Wang, Laura Navar, Tori Morrison, Marie Vanderpool, Lori O’Connell, Sarah Grothjan, Alexandra Goldman, Meg Dagon, and Julie Hotz.Interview with Heather Balogh Rochfort on getting started backpacking.Hosted by Gale StraubSponsored by Merrell, Deuter, and RootedJoin the She Explores Podcast community on FacebookVisit She-Explores.comIn this episode, you'll hear:Stories of listeners' first time out backpackingThe story of host Gale Straub's first backpacking tripConversation with Heather Balogh Rochfort, author of Backpacking 101, about practical advice for women who are new to backpacking, includi

Sometimes the hardest thing isn’t running an ultra marathon or topping out at a climbing competition, it’s showing up for yourself in small ways, taking a step back and figuring out what you need so you can figure out who you are. For a long time, Emilee Struss identified as a climber and an endurance runner. Persistent injuries have made her dig into the hard work of self-love. Featured in this episode: Emilee Struss Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell, Deuter, and ThirdLove Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook Visit She-Explores.com In this episode, you'll hear: How growing up in an athletic family shaped Emilee's interest and desires About finding climbing as a 16 year old in Minnesota How a fall from a 70 foot tree gave Emilee a sense of gratitude beyond her years About struggling through persistent injuries, and the space that opened up in the process Why Emilee is more interested in enjoying the journey outdoors than big accomplishments Why selling her climbing equipment isn't s

Sara Wolman is an interpretive park ranger for US Fish and Wildlife in King Salmon, Alaska. Find out how she's building a career, fostering community, and raising a young child in the rolling tundra, and what you do to help gather valuable scientific data to help tell the story of environmental change. Sara reached out because every day, she's confronted with a story that's just not getting enough attention: marine mammal and bird dieout on Bristol Bay - - and what it could mean for the rest of the world. Featured in this episode: Sara Wolman Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell, Deuter, and Ana Luisa Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook Visit She-Explores.com In this episode, you'll hear: About how Sara fell in love with Alaska on a visit in college and knew she needed to return Sara's early career doing trail work in Alaska, Washington, and California About working at Katmai National Park as a ranger, and a couple of tips for those looking to work at a federal agency What a National Pa

How can you do what you love without losing yourself in the process? Putting your voice out there can be a very vulnerable thing: just take it from Outside Voices podcast host Sarah Shimazaki. We talk about the very real struggle of how to balance work, passion, and your own wellbeing. The stories you tell, the podcasts you listen to - they say a lot about you. In this episode, we’ll learn about Sarah through her work on Outside Voices as well as how that work makes her feel. Sometimes she wants to pull herself apart from it (and sometimes that’s the healthiest thing) but what she chooses to focus on says a lot about what she cares about: that the outdoors belongs to all of us. Featured in this episode: Sarah Shimazaki Featured in the Outside Voices Trailer: Ahjani Yepa, Olivia VanDamme, Adam Hymans, Evelyn Shimazaki and Bam Mendiola Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell, GreenerWays Organic, and Ritual. Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook Visit She-Explores.com In this episode, you'll he

Conservation photographer Krista Schlyer describes the almost 2,000-mile border between the US and Mexico as a vibrant landscape teeming with life. Raising awareness for its biodiversity has become an integral part of her life’s work and is the focus of a new documentary film she directed, Ay Mariposa, which came out in May. We hear a lot about the border wall in the news, but we don’t often talk about the wildlife and landscape that its construction impacts. Note: We want to emphasize that while there’s a lot of talk about flora and fauna in this episode, it’s not to discount the very human elements of the US/Mexico border - it’s simply to highlight what exists alongside it. Featured in this episode: Krista Schlyer Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell, Rooted, and ThirdLove Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook Visit She-Explores.com In this episode, you'll hear: Krista's circuitous route to political journalism, followed by a shift to environmental journalism Advice for making a livin

Sharlene Jones is allergic to exercise (literally) but because hiking feels like home, fear of what could happen isn't enough to keep her from hitting the trail. Instead, she's developed a familiarity with her body that makes it possible to keep moving forward. It's hard to say what the bigger challenge from the universe was: the exercise-induced anaphylaxis or winning the lottery to hike Mount Whitney after being diagnosed. Either way, Sharlene Jones is not one to back down from a challenge. Featured in this episode: Sharlene Jones Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook Visit She-Explores.com In this episode, you'll hear: Why Sharlene loves hiking and other forms of exercise, and why she almost had to give them up What an exercise allergy is and how Sharlene manages the attacks How a service dog has helped Why Sharlene wouldn't let fear keep her from hiking Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the continental United States How as an ex-pat, hiking f

We humans have a habit of getting in the way of wild animals, but wildlife rehab is one way we can give back. Sirena Rana Dufault has spent nine of the last ten years volunteering at Wildlife Rehabilitation Northwest Tuscon. She shares why it's needed, what happens when an animal is taken in, funny stories along the way, and the beauty of the release. As Sirena mentions in the episode, Wildlife Rehabilitation Northwest Tuscon is a completely self-funded facility that relies on donations. If you'd like to help support the work they do there, head to their website and donate, or give them a follow on their Facebook page to stay in touch. Woman featured in this episode: Sirena Rana Dufault Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell and Ritual Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook Visit She-Explores.com In this episode, you'll hear: How Sirena got started volunteering at Wildlife Rehabilitation Northwest Tuscon What wildlife rehabilitation is and why it's necessary Funny (and scary!) stories from

Becoming a mom doesn't mean you stop going outside. We pulled together five incredible adventure moms to talk about getting out there with (and without) your kids. We ask questions like: how do you know which trails are age appropriate? How do you make time as a single mom? Where can you find affordable gear? How can you use the outdoors as a place for education? Continuing the conversation from a panel at Outdoor Retailer, we teamed up with OtterBox to highlight all the "cans" of motherhood when it comes to the outdoors. Woman featured in this episode: Shon’t Savage, Brooke Froelich, Heather Balogh Rochfort, Melody Forsyth, and Jessica Carrillo Alatorre. Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by OtterBox Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook Visit She-Explores.com In this episode, you'll hear: How the moms' outdoor lives change (or didn''t change) shape when they had kids Why Shon't wanted to maintain a self outside of mother when she had her son How Adventure Mamas helps mothers with self

Becky Marcelliano shares how she pivoted from working as an art teacher to working her way up to be a marketing manager a marketing manager in the outdoor industry (first Deuter, then Salomon). Her interview is full of tips for breaking into a new industry, but it’s also about her openness in the face of big life changes, living with chronic illness, and an omnipresent passion for lifting women up. Woman featured in this episode: Becky Marcelliano Hosted by Gale Straub Made with support by Aunt Fannie's, Benchmark Maps, Hamama, and ThirdLove Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. Visit She-Explores.com In this episode, you'll hear Becky's transition from art teacher to marketing manager in the outdoor industry The benefits of dabbling in your interests outside of your current career Advice for making a big career leap What it's like working a desk job in a big outdoor company The stigma of grappling with a mystery illness What Becky's chronic illnesses have taught her about her health Why Becky

Laurie Young stepped into her daughter Meghan's world by joining her on a trek to Annapurna base camp in Nepal. Together they pushed through every challenge that presented itself while learning that limits are flexible and the mother/daughter relationship is more fluid than we think. Woman featured in this episode: Meghan Young and Laurie Young Hosted by Gale Straub Made with support by Aunt Fannie's, Benchmark Maps, Parks Project, and Ritual Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. Visit She-Explores.com In this episode, you'll hear How a mother/daughter relationship evolves over time The ways a big goal can help one in recovery for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) The ways TBI symptoms can manifest Why Laurie and Meghan wanted to hike to Annapurna base camp together What training for altitude and strenuous hiking was like All the unexpected things that happened on the trip Why Meghan wanted her Mom to feel the accomplishment of achieving their goal How their trip had its challenges but was ultima

What's it like to enjoy the outdoors after the age of 50? We're revisiting one of our favorite episodes that helps answer that question with the voices and experiences of you, the listeners. We're honored to be highlighting the wisdom and experience of women in their 50's, 60's, and 70's. These are voices that we don't hear as often in our youth-obsessed culture. All of these stories are extraordinary for their willingness to share, try new things, and encourage others to do the same. Women Featured in this Episode: Jo Ann Hickey, Jean Drummond, Cheryl Falkenburg, Joann Baste, Kristi, Kathleen Merrick, Liz Wise, Rose Burrows, Tricia, Hellen Wallis, Sarah Lefler, Lisa Auvril, Gail Storey, Lori Brookes, & Dianna Stavros Hosted by Gale Straub Made with support by Aunt Fannie's, Benchmark Maps, Hamama, and ThirdLove Enjoy this episode? Rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It’ll help other people find us. Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook. Visit She-Explores.com Resources mention

Nikki Smith likes to say that she is a climber, photographer, and writer who just happens to be transgender. Professor Brené Brown inadvertently changed Nikki's course when she wrote about midlife, "it's time to show up and be seen." It was the inspiration Nikki needed to step into herself, and it's since served as a reminder of what she wants to do for others. We say "step into" because Nikki has always been Nikki, and she's carried a curious, creative, empathetic spirit with her throughout her life. This conversation with Nikki Smith was made in partnership with Mountain Hardwear. If you're in the San Francisco area, climb with Nikki and the Mountain Hardwear team at Touchstone Climbing Gym Saturday, June 29th 7-10pm. Woman featured in this episode: Nikki Smith Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Mountain Hardwear Join us in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group In this episode, you'll hear All the different parts of Nikki's identity that make up who she is Her creative roots in photo

Grizel Williams is a fast hiker on a crowded Appalachian Trail, just two states away from finishing. We talk life on the trail: sexism, craving loneliness, periods, food, switchbacks, and more. Grizel helps us get a feel of what the trail is like when you're in the everyday of it, and she also shares how the many people on the trail complicate her hike. Featured in this episode: Grizel Williams Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell Continue the conversation and join us in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group! In this episode, you'll hear: Why Grizel wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail with her dog, Rue (and why she decided to let her go home halfway through) The differences Grizel has noticed between the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Appalachian Trail (AT) Why Grizel chose to face her loneliness on the PCT How sexism and harassment has been a challenge for Grizel on the AT What a typical day is like for a thru hiker Why periods aren't fun (on or off the trail) How Grizel experiences freedom from

Sarah Grothjan believes solo hiking is one of the safest things she can do. Sarah explains why she feels safer alone in the backcountry than she does in her off-trail life. We talk with Sarah about how a city can feel less safe than being by yourself in the woods, why she wants to change the pervasive narrative that says otherwise, and how the last five years of hiking and backpacking have helped her come out of her shell and step into herself. Featured in this episode: Sarah Grothjan Featured in the midroll ad: Emilee Struss Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell Continue the conversation and join us in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group! In this episode, you'll hear: How Sarah got into hiking and backpacking solo Why she wants to break the pervasive narrative that women need a man to hike safely in the backcountry How a stalker changed her perspective on city life and words from thru-hiker Heather Anderson made her want to try backpacking The ways hiking and backpacking helped with Sarah's shyness

Melissa Geissinger lost her house in the Tubbs fire of Northern California in October 2017. Two months later, she had her son Apollo, and life changed forever once again. We talk in the episode about the "old" Melissa and the "new" Melissa a year and a half after she and her husband were displaced by wildfire. Today she has her eyes set on hiking the length of the Oregon Coast and helping others cope with trauma by giving them a platform to share their stories. Woman featured in this episode: Melissa Geissinger Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell Continue the conversation and join us in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group! In this episode, you'll hear: How Melissa took up hiking to make time for herself Why she was planning to hike the length of the Oregon coast How unexpectedly losing her home in the Tubbs fire of October 2017 shaped her next year and a half Why Melissa and her husband found home in a hospital for the first 3 months of her son's life What she wants for her 18-

What changes about the environmental movement when people of color are both the leaders and the audience? We teamed up with REI to send writer Amanda Machado to the third annual PGM ONE Summit in Philadelphia to answer that question first hand. Recorder in hand, Amanda talked to outdoor educators, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit workers, artists, healers, and activists. She shares what was healing for the attendees, why this conference (and others like it) is a necessity for the environmental movement, what they want those who didn't attend to know, and how we can all learn from the leadership showcased at PGM ONE. Woman featured in this episode: Amanda Machado, Wingyi Kung, Samantha Villatoro, Agnes Vianzon, Natalie Mebane, Anahí Naranjo, Chandrika Francis, Sophie Sarker, Grace Anderson, Mayra, Stormy Saint-Val, Yakuta Poonawalla, and Princella Talley. Featured in the midrolls: Myrian Solis Coronel and Jaylyn Gough Music featured from the PGM ONE Summit is by Femi Olatunji, Dwight Dunston, Rhetta Morgan, Lau

Sam Ortiz has gone from a beginner to a hiker to a climber to a mountaineer to a plus-size outdoor model in under five years. Her progression has happened in part due to curiosity, timely mentors, and the best kind of fear: the kind you move up and over and end up a little bit changed on the other side. Woman featured in this episode: Sam Ortiz Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell Continue the conversation and join us in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group! In this episode, you'll hear: How Sam didn't necessarily feel like the outdoors and climbing were for her growing up, but how she found herself drawn to them anyway How an outdoor mentor helped Sam navigate new activities when she worked for Americorps in Alaska Why climbing Mount Juneau in Alaska taught her she could "do hard things" and opened the door to learning new outdoor activities like climbing and mountaineering How fear has been a positive (for the most part) driver in Sam's life That Sam lacked role models growing up as a pl

Jen Gurecki is a serial outdoor entrepreneur who isn’t afraid to go against the norm when it comes to the businesses she’s started in the industry. With over 20 years of experience, Jen’s the CEO of Coalition Snow, editor-in-chief at Sisu Magazine, and founder of Zawadisha. She even used to co-own a river rafting company. From the outside, each company is quite different - hardwood skis and snowboards vs. editorial print vs. a micro lending venture, but each contains a common thread: an unwavering devotion to putting women in front. Woman featured in this episode: Jen Gurecki Hosted by Gale Straub Sponsored by Merrell, Ritual, and EarlybirdCBD.com In this episode you'll hear How Jen's restlessness translates to adventure and business Jen's start in the outdoor industry The experiences Jen had in her 20's that shaped the companies she started in her 30's Why Jen wants to 'shred the patriarchy' What she learned working in outdoor ed at Adventure Risk Challenge About Zawadisha What Jen was up against in foundin