She Explores

What we have (and want) to give to ourselves and to others is often clarified through time outside. At Lodged Out in the Adirondacks of New York, four women share how they spent the weekend through a giving lens. And as a bonus, we start off the episode by talking with Cassie Abel about "Women-Led Wednesday" - a new initiative to support female-led businesses this holiday season and beyond. Women featured in this episode: Bobbilee Hartman, Nic Annette Miller, Abby Pond, and Adriana Aldana Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear: About the origin story of Lodged Out How Bobbilee is energized by connecting with people and connecting people with others How even though your job isn't always the right fit, it doesn't mean you have the wrong profession Why Bobbilee decided to make Lodged Out retreats tech free and centered around the outdoors How it can be hard to find balance between motherhood, work, entrepreneurship, and giving yourself time Why choosing to do something for yourself can be

Lost in the mountains is a vulnerable place to be. Lydia Sturgis shares her experience losing the trail for a night in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana, and heli nurse Krista Elkins gives advice for both how to prevent getting lost and what to do if it happens. Women featured in this episode: Lydia Sturgis and Krista Elkins Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear: Lydia's hike and climb up Granite Peak, the highest mountain in Montana Why it's important to trust your climbing partner What Lydia and her climbing partner Artie did when they got lost on the way down Advice from heli nurse and paramedic Krista Elkins for ways to prevent getting lost Gear to bring on an overnight What to do if you do get lost for one night and more than one night Recommended courses for outdoor enthusiasts Why it's worth getting out there, even with the risks What Lydia learned while she was out there Sponsored by Benchmark Maps, Outdoor Voices and Sustain Natural Join us in our She Explores Podcast Facebook Group R

Hiranya de Alwis Jayasinghe set out to be the first BAME woman in the United Kingdom to thru hike the Welsh Coastal Trail. She didn't achieve her goal, but after 570 miles on foot, she could hear herself loud and clear. Women featured in this episode: Hiranya de Alwis Jayasinghe Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear: What the ~870 mile Welsh Coastal Path is Why Wales is so important to Hiranya Why she chose to hike solo "On your own? You're very brave." What Hiranya heard most often about being on her own and why she thinks that is Why what is deemed a "good adventure" feels like a hierarchy How trails in the US are different than the Welsh Coastal Path How hiking solo gave Hiranya a new appreciation for her body Balancing comfort and challenge on a long hike How Brexit brought out a resurgence of racism in the UK and how Hiranya experienced this as a South Asian woman on the path Whether or not people are talking about DEI and the outdoors in the UK Gender norms Hiranya obse

Pregnant with her daughter Ruby, Melody Forsyth thought hiking would be her "last hurrah" when she found out Ruby has Down Syndrome (DS). Turns out, it was just the beginning. We talk about what having a child with special needs has added to Melody's hiking and personal life, and how she uses social media to break stereotypes about her little girl and DS. Women featured in this episode: Melody Forsyth Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear: How Melody balances the roles of mother, nurse, hiker, and wife The ways in which a backpacking experience in her teens has carried with her into her 40's Getting started hiking again a little later in life Why fear of not getting to explore after having a child with Down Syndrome got Melody's family outside How seeing a kid with special needs at a National Park assuaged Melody's fears How Ruby connects with the outdoors Melody's family's quest to visit all the National Parks in the US The ways Melody uses her Instagram @downwithadventure to correct

Elyse Rylander is the founder and executive director of OUT There Adventures, a nonprofit dedicated to empower queer young people through their connection with the natural world. Elyse believes nature is a disruptive force for queer youth and hopes to foster their identities and love of the outdoors. Women featured in this episode: Elyse Rylander Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear What Elyse is working on right now How partnering with other established nonprofits like Outward Bound is helping spread the mission of OUT There Adventures Why it can be uniquely hard for a small nonprofit to do outreach for queer kids for outdoor programs Why role models are so important for queer youth in the outdoors How working at an outdoor store and getting into guiding positively impacted Elyse as a teenager Why Elyse believes nature is a disruptive force How nature mirrors queer identities How OUT There fosters inclusiveness on trips What Elyse hopes the youth take with them when they leave Hurdles to growt

Tsedo Sherpa-Ednalino is the COO of Sherpa Adventure Gear. Leading with humility is part of her Sherpa heritage and it's a tenet of her life as an executive and a mother. Women featured in this episode: Tsedo Sherpa-Ednalino Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear Tsedo talk about why working moms shouldn't be the only parents to get the question 'how do you do it all?' About why Tsedo loves international travel and wants to share that with her 3 year old daughter Origin story of Sherpa Adventure Gear Sherpa cultural attributes (welcoming, warm, friendly, humble, adaptable ) and how Tsedo identifies with them How Sherpa Adventure Gear elevates Sherpa culture by employing women and funding education for children in Nepal Advice for women looking to work in the outdoor industry and rise through the ranks Who Tsedo's role models are The unique challenges and benefits to working for a family business How motherhood has improved Tsedo's time management Sponsored by BetterHelp and Ritual Join us in our

Sydney Williams is more than a weight loss story, or an outdoors person with Type II diabetes, or a trauma survivor. But hiking the Trans-Catalina trail the second time helped her put it all together. Women featured in this episode: Sydney Williams Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear How Sydney hiked the Trans-Catalina Trail in Southern California two times: the first time it was the hardest thing physically, the second it was the hardest emotionally Why a diagnosis of Type II diabetes was the best thing that ever happened to Sydney The four things Sydney learned to manage when monitoring her blood sugar Why stress can be so hard to regulate How Sydney started hiking her feelings rather than eating and drinking her feelings What was revealed to her about her past trauma on the trail How hiking has helped her own her story Why Sydney is going on a speaking tour in southern California to share her experience and where you can hear her talk The lost potential of women due to sexual violence How t

Mary Ann Thomas loves bike touring because it's accessible, it helps her care for her body, it connects her with people she might not otherwise meet, and it has helped her express the truest parts of herself. She's bicycled across the United States and Canada, as well as India, and is currently on a speaking tour to share her love of bike touring and her work as a queer brown travel writer with the WTF (Women Trans Femme) community. Women featured in this episode: Mary Ann Thomas Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear How bike touring helps Mary Ann feel in sync with her body Why bike touring is an accessible form of adventure About Mary Ann's first transcontinental bike tour What Mary Ann learned about herself on that first long solo bike tour How the middle of the US was more welcoming than she expected The ways in which travel nursing can help facilitate an adventurous lifestyle Why Mary Ann wanted to bike across India How India surprised Mary Ann How Mary Ann uses social media when she's bike

Kristin Link is a science illustrator and an artist living off the grid in McCarthy, Alaska. She shares about her life there, why she loves helping people see the natural world up close through science illustration, and her tips for applying to artist-in-residencies at National Parks. Women featured in this episode: Kristin Link, science illustrator, with a special intro segment with Chevon Powell, founder of Refuge Outdoor Festival. Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear Chevon Powell share her vision for the Refuge Outdoor Festival coming to Tolt-MacDonald Park September 28 - 30, 2018 About Kristin's life off the grid near McCarthy, Alaska What brought Kristin to Alaska and how it lead her to a career in science illustration What science illustration is and the different ways you can pursue it as a career Why Kristin focuses on the environmental aspects of science illustration About artist-in-residencies programs through the National Park Service What the application process is like for artist-

Georgina Miranda lives mindfully in business and while pursuing the Explorer Grand Slam: standing on the highest summits in each continent as well as the North and South Pole. The founder of She Ventures and Altitude 7 shares how years spent summiting the highest mountains in the world drove home her devotion to creating businesses and taking adventures that have a positive social impact on the world. While Georgina's accomplishments are impressive, we're most struck by her ability to learn and adapt with each one. Women featured in this episode: Georgina Miranda, founder of She Ventures Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear What factors in Georgina’s upbringing lead her to pursue an impact-driven career focused around women’s rights How what you’re passionate about can find you vs. the other way around How Georgina started “choosing adventure” in her life in the form of indoor rock climbing and hiking Why she believes 30 minutes of activity and/or mindfulness each day has a positive impact on y

Anastasia and Rose hike their violin and keyboard, respectfully, into the mountains of Washington to play music to greet the rising sun. In doing so, they hope to inspire others to share their own gifts with the world. A little over a year ago, Anastasia Allison and Rose Freeman met in person and found out they had the same dream: to play music in the backcountry (in a low impact and respectful fashion). They decided to load up a violin and keyboard and give it a try. You can watch videos of them playing in the mountains in all seasons - surrounded by snow and in the height of summer. In this episode, Anastasia and Rose record a recent hike up Sahale arm in the North Cascades and share what makes it special for them and others. Women Featured in this Episode: Anastasia Allison and Rose Freeman Addy Polet is featured in the Deuter midroll. Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode you'll hear How Anastasia and Rose got started as "The Musical Mountaineers" - carrying their instruments to play music as

Taryn's grandma Carol went on a bike tour in 1944 with her girlfriend Billie. We hear from Carol about the "ordinary adventure" she took at home during World War II. This episode is an opportunity to learn about what Carol's experience was like as a woman living near Vancouver and making airplanes during the war, as well as carving out a couple of weeks for a vacation that might seem surprising to anyone who didn't live through that time. It's a reminder to ask our grandmothers questions because we never know what their stories might hold. Taryn sent us this note with some black and white photos of her grandmother on the one bike tour of her life in 1944: My grandmother is 93 now. During World War II she was a teenager. Instead of going to university she went to work at a factory making airplanes. One summer she got a few days off so she and a female friend did a completely self-supported bike tour from their home in Vancouver BC, over to Vancouver Island and back, except that they didn't call it a

Cheryl Strayed never planned on giving advice professionally and doesn't love a guru, but she agrees with Anna Brones that everyone has wisdom to bestow upon others. The key is to seek as much as you share. When our friend, the artist and writer Anna Brones offered to chat with Cheryl Strayed at Mountain Film in Telluride for She Explores, the answer was a resounding yes. Anna is working on an ongoing paper cut series called, "Women's Wisdom Project" that has evolved from simple portraits with quotes to full conversations and write ups. This episode is an extension of that concept, and offers us the opportunity to contemplate the wisdom we receive from women in our everyday lives. Women Featured in this Episode: Cheryl Strayed and Anna Brones Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode you'll hear About the evolution of Anna's "Women's Wisdom Project" How Cheryl is an "accidental self help writer" Why advice giving should be a horizontal exchange vs. a top down one The importance of s

Sirena Rana Dufault is an expert on trails, but that hasn't always been the case: hers is a hard-won expertise born of patience. Trails inspired her to persevere through the chronic pain of fibromyalgia, develop an intimate relationship with her newfound home state of Arizona, and change the course of her career. Women featured in this episode: Sirena Rana Dufault, founder of Trails Inspire. Hosted by Gale Straub Learn more about Sirena in an editorial feature, Blaze Your Own Trail, on She-Explores.com earlier this year. In this episode, you'll hear: How Sirena started hiking at the age of 19 The impact a car accident and the onset of Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, had on her life and hiking Tips for women whose romantic partners aren't as interested in hiking or backpacking The benefits for Sirena of hiking solo How to stay connected when you're off the grid What fibromyalgia feels like for Sirena and why she chooses to hike through the pain when she can Why section hiking a long trail is a great a

What’s up with the over-the-top uncertainty we sometimes feel when we try something new? We share two women’s stories of trying new things in the outdoors in spite of self-doubt or feeling like they won’t measure up. Women Featured in this Episode: Locke Hughes and Laura Hughes Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear: How Gale sometimes struggles with not feeling "outdoorsy" enough Why Gale felt a bit apprehensive about some new high-altitude activities in Winter Park, Colorado What being outdoorsy in Florida meant to Locke growing up vs. what it means today Why Locke loved mountain biking so much her first time that she decided to move to Utah The benefit of trusting your mountain bike and other lessons that translate to everyday life Why trying new things is rarely as scary as it sounds in your head Why Laura Hughes took the opportunity to take a two week trip rafting and hiking the Alsek River in Alaska How Laura felt before she left Why comparing herself with others makes Laura doubt

This is the story of how Gretchen Powers and Alexandra Roberts became adventure partners. It's also about what it means to be an adventure friend, and how you might find one, too. Sponsored by Escape Campervans Women Featured in this Episode: Gretchen Powers and Alexandra Roberts Hosted and Produced by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear: How Gretchen and Alex met and why they weren't fast friends Why going through hard things together (emotionally and in the outdoors) can strengthen bonds The value of "just trying" in the outdoors How Gretchen and Alex went from meeting in Maine to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for their friendaversary The importance of knowing your friend's weaknesses in the outdoors Advice for making new friends and adventure partners How to hold onto friends once you make them Learn more on the episode landing page. Sponsors & Codes Escape Campervans: Use code 'SHEEXPLORES20' for 20% off. Book for now through June 1, 2019! Some restrictions apply - see landing page for

Your stories of spending time solo in the outdoors. Including a bikepacker, a so-called fat hiker, an aspiring astronaut, an extrovert, two med students, and a backcountry paddler, in short - you and me. It's been almost 2 years since we last asked you about how you adventure solo in Episode 8 of She Explores, Alone on the Trail. Gale asked for new submissions and she received more than she could squeeze into this episode, which is a great thing! It means you're getting out there. Please keep in mind when you listen - there are inherent risks to recreating in the backcountry, whether you're with a friend or by yourself. It's always a good idea to take inventory of your limits. In this episode, you'll hear: How solo time in nature opens up your headspace Why the listeners who submitted take time for themselves solo How Beth Bradley and Jessie Johnson used solo hiking to help quiet the negative body talk that went on in their heads Why getting outside solo isn't always a choice The ways in which you might be

Ultrarunner Mirna Valerio is a role model for many because by doing what she loves, she shows others what is possible. She’s modeling being a black, fat girl running, moving her body up and over mountains. Which begs the question - what are you modeling for others? Women featured in this episode: Mirna Valerio, AKA "The Mirnavator." Mirna is a full-time ultrarunner, author, and public speaker. She blogs at Fat Girl Running and Runner's World. Want to meet Mirna in person? Our friend Shanti Hodges is hosting a retreat in October. Learn more here and take $50 off with the code, 'SheExplores' at checkout! Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear: Why when Mirna coached high school students, she taught them to love running as a lifestyle How Mirna answers the oft-dreaded question, "What do you do?" How nature and trail running impacts Mirna personally The ways in which joy and suffering balance each other in ultrarunning Why it's important to put in the work, but why it's also impor

Sheri Tingey has been making gear in the outdoor industry for the past 50 years, and she's done a lot of it with her own two hands. Learn about what drives her to solve problems, how she learned the important lesson of slowing down, and what happened after she re-started her career in her 50's by founding Alpacka Raft. Sheri started out making custom ski apparel in Jackson Hole in the late 1960's and she founded Alpacka Raft in 2000. The latter revolutionized packrafting as a sport in and of itself. (Color us impressed!) In between the two ventures, Sheri spent 17 years with a then-mysterious illness, chronic fatigue. She raised her kids in Alaska then, but she stayed active in the outdoor community, making custom clothing for dog mushers with her limited energy. She was in her early 50's once she found treatment and started Alpacka Raft. Sheri has fun solving problems and being an entrepreneur - which may just be the secret to her success. Women featured in this episode: Sheri Tingey, the founder of Alpacka

A beginner's guide of sorts to advocating for land we can all love and enjoy. This week, we’re back camping with Amanda Machado, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), and 13 women who are passionate about learning about championing public land. Women featured in this episode: Special reporter Amanda Machado (learn more at brownenvironmentalist.org); Laura Torres, Megan Hernbroth, Amy Wong, Aracelli Hernandez, Briget Underwood, Christine Mariano, Grace Rougier, Jenifer Mendez, Jenny Lopez, Nanci Torres-Poblano, Maricela Rosales, Miyuki Gomez, Michelle Magalong, Rebeca Contreras, and Sally Garcia. Hosted by Gale Straub In this episode, you'll hear: Camper Amy Wong's story of love of the outdoors and public land starting in her own backyard Why public lands matter to the women attending a campout with the NPCA The unique relationship women of color have with parks How to make the outdoors more accessible to all people How the outdoor industry is gradually changing and the importance of brands gett