Wild Ideas Worth Living (REI Co-op)
Explore every episode of Wild Ideas Worth Living
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| 13 May 2025 | Breaking the Record at Big's Backyard Ultra with Harvey Lewis | 00:25:31 | |
Harvey Lewis is an elite ultra runner and Guinness World Record holder for most laps completed at Big’s Backyard Ultra, a race where athletes run a 4.167-mile loop every hour until only one remains. Known for his endurance, strategy, and mental resilience, Lewis has become a defining figure in the world of ultra distance running. Connect with Harvey: If you enjoyed this episode, listen to Winning the Triple Crown of Ultra Running with Courtney Dauwalter Purchase tickets to Outside Festival 2025 Thank you to our sponsors:
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| 27 Apr 2021 | Climbing Mountains with Tyrhee Moore | 00:37:57 | |
Tyrhee Moore is a mountaineer, outdoor guide and founder of the non-profit, Soul Trak. Growing up in Washington D.C, Tyrhee first fell in love with the outdoors on a 7th grade trip to the Grand Tetons with City Kids Wilderness Project. He was blown away by the beautiful views, but he was also impressed by his own power and ability to climb mountains. He was hooked on outdoor adventures. Several years later, Tyrhee was asked to be on the first all-Black American team to climb Denali and was featured in a documentary called An American Ascent about the group’s climb. After becoming a trained mountain and river guide, Tyrhee started the non-profit Soul Trak Outdoors, an organization that connects urban communities of color with green spaces in the D.C. area. Connect with Tyhree and Soul Trak: Resources: Season Sponsor: Episode Sponsor: | |||
| 16 Jan 2024 | Becoming Mentally and Physically Elite with Chad Vanags | 00:27:50 | |
In September of 2022, at 39 years old, Chad Vanags was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal lung cancer. Chad is a surfer, runner, and all-around athlete. In the year and a half since his diagnosis, Chad has been living his wildest most authentic life as he faces his own mortality. Cancer isn't the message, but it's been the vehicle that's pushed him to become what he calls physically and mentally elite. Connect with Chad:
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| 29 Jun 2021 | A Triumphant Return to Triathlon with Sika Henry | 00:35:58 | |
Sika set this goal 6 years ago and was aiming to achieve it in 2019. But nothing could have prepared her for the bike accident she experienced in that year during a race in Texas. Sika isn’t one to let any obstacle stand in her way and she trained hard to come back stronger than ever. Now, she uses the experience of her accident and the success of getting her pro card to talk to youth, particularly Black Americans, about getting involved in triathlon. Connect with Sika: Resources: Season Sponsor: Episode Sponsor: | |||
| 01 Apr 2025 | Starting a Regenerative Farm with Spencer Scott & Nick Schwanz | 00:28:49 | |
Nick Schwanz and Spencer Scott are the visionary couple behind Solar Punk Farms in Guerneville, California. They transformed their lives from careers in brand strategy and bioengineering to create a community-focused, environmentally conscious farm. Solar Punk Farms grows food and flowers, enabling Nick and Spencer to host memorable community gatherings and provide environmental education in hopes of making the sustainable revolution irresistible. Connect with Spencer & Nick: Listen to the Camp Nowhere Podcast Thank you to our sponsors:
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| 13 Oct 2020 | Building Products to Last with Christiane Dolva | 00:26:20 | |
Now that Christiane is Head of Sustainability at Fjallraven, she wears “the grandma jacket” regularly as a reminder of the brand’s mission to make timeless clothing that lasts. In this episode, Christiane shares how heritage and longevity inform how Fjallraven designs and manufactures their products. Connect with Fjallraven & Christiane: | |||
| 26 Apr 2017 | Becky Mendoza & Emi Koch - How to Protect the Environment, Travel The World, and Give Back to Local Communities | 01:00:42 | |
Becky Mendoza and Emi Koch’s Wild Ideas: To advocate for the environment, give back to local communities, travel the world, and encourage other surfers and travelers to use their voices and make a difference. Becky Mendoza is the founder of Changing Tides Foundation, and Emi Koch created Beyond the Surface International. Both non-profits connect surfers and travelers around causes that give back to local communities, and create positive change. These young women are inspiring not only because they took their wild ideas to do good on a local level, but because they’ve also been able to organize others to implement their ideas on a global scale. We talked about how to find the cause that lights you up, how to seek joy now, and why you get so much more from giving than you ever get from getting. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/21 | |||
| 02 Apr 2024 | Taking Less on the Trail with Glen Van Peski | 00:27:12 | |
Glen Van Peski is known as the king of ultralight backpacking. While backpackers will hit the trails with a pack that weighs upwards of 20 pounds, sometimes even up to 50 or more, Glen's pack usually only weighs around 12 pounds. Glen is also the founder of the functional lightweight backpacking and hiking gear company, Gossamer Gear, and the author of Take Less. Do More.: Surprising Life Lessons in Generosity, Gratitude, and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker. Connect with Glen:
Check out:
Thank you to our sponsors:
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| 26 Sep 2019 | Introducing: Camp Monsters | 00:02:18 | |
REI's new podcast, Camp Monsters, tells the stories of impossible encounters with impossible creatures in the wildest corners of North America. A wolf man with bat wings thirty feet across. An enormous eel in America’s most popular lake. A frog half the size of a man. Travel the country, sit around campfires and talk about that thing that ran across the trail in the middle of the night, just beyond the beam of your flashlight. Coming to your ears October 1st. | |||
| 28 Jun 2017 | Grant Trebilco - Breaking Stereotypes of Mental Health Issues Through Surfing | 00:41:53 | |
Grant’s Wild Idea: To educate and raise awareness about mental health issues through surfing in bright colors, sharing his personal story, and starting a movement. Grant Trebilco is the creator of One Wave is All it Takes (OneWave), a nonprofit tackling mental health issues, literally one wave at a time. The organization started in Australia, and has quickly gained worldwide attention through its “Fluro Friday” events, where participants surf in bright colors and wild outfits, drawing attention to a darker issue. I met Grant while surfing in Australia, participated in a few of his events, and have been inspired by his story. Because he had an experience he was willing to share, Grant’s organization has helped numerous people around the world, both in the water and on land. By doing so, One Wave has become an international movement with coverage in outlets like the BBC. Thousands of people at hundreds of beaches participate in Fluro Friday OneWave surf sessions every week. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/30 | |||
| 19 Dec 2018 | 2018 Recap | 00:20:47 | |
Wild Ideas Worth Living Podcast’s Idea: To interview top athletes, health experts, adventurers, and authors about their wild idea and share them with you. We are now two years, 97 episodes, and well over a million listens into this podcast. It’s been a wild ride, to say the least. And an incredible one. Thank you for listening and for your support. It’s been a privilege to interview some of the biggest names in adventure. This year, I’ve enjoyed the theme of exploring how we adventure inside our own heads as much as we adventure outside in the wild. We’ve talked about how being outside in nature can help us overcome trauma and become healthier, what it’s like seeing the earth from outer space, the changing tides of consumerism, fighting wildfires, gaining financial independence, ultramarathon trail running, becoming sober, facing failure, representation in the outdoors, breaking records, how to surf giant waves, how to face fear, how to build your life resume, and so much more. In the final episode of 2018, I’m sharing some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned this year from guests and all of you. Some of the best parts of running this podcast are getting messages about how the show has inspired you to go on an adventure or change your own lifestyle. I hope you enjoy these highlights and I hope you enjoy your holiday. We’d love for you to share with us how this show has benefitted you. Click SUBSCRIBE wherever you are listening to this and reading this. We’re taking a brief break to sharpen the saw and produce an even bigger show next year. We’ll be back mid-January, and are excited to share what we have with you. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/97 | |||
| 08 Apr 2025 | Creating a New Kind of Run Club with Knox Robinson | 00:28:08 | |
Knox Robinson is a unique running coach and founder of the Black Roses running group in New York City. His coaching methods, inspired by music, culture, and the urban environment, are unconventional and effective. The Black Roses practice like an elite track team, but instead of high-end facilities, they use urban areas like parks, city streets, and local trails as their training grounds. Connect with Knox: Listen to the Camp Nowhere Podcast Thank you to our sponsors:
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| 05 Nov 2024 | Climbing 58 14ers in 14 Days with Dan Hobbs | 00:30:53 | |
In 2022, Dan Hobbs achieved the record as the fastest self-supported person to climb all 58 of Colorado’s 14ers— a mountain that exceeds 14,000 feet in elevation— in just 14 days. Connect with Dan: If you enjoyed this episode:
Thank you to our sponsors:
Listen to REI’s Camp Monsters Podcast! | |||
| 06 Sep 2022 | All Bodies on Bikes with Marley Blonsky | 00:31:35 | |
A few years ago, Marley Blonsky bought a bike as a way to get to work. Soon after, she started bike camping and fell in love with the freedom of cycling. Fast forward to 2020, and Marley started All Bodies on Bikes with past guest and fellow body inclusive cyclist Kailey Kornhauser. The pair were featured in a beautiful short film, and they’ve been written about in some of the industry’s most prominent cycling publications. Now, Marley is traveling around the country working with riders and brands to advocate for size inclusivity. Connect with Marley:
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| 21 Mar 2023 | Parkour and Embracing Identity with Sara Mudallal | 00:31:02 | |
Sara Mudallal was 20 years old when she decided to try parkour. She also decided to start wearing a hijab as an expression of her Muslim identity. Over the years, plenty of people told her to stop practicing parkour because of her gender or her faith. But Sara has kept her head up, found success in the world of parkour, and inspired thousands of people to stay true to themselves. Connect with Sara: Resources: Episode sponsor: | |||
| 17 Sep 2024 | Inspiring Climate Action with Lauren Bash | 00:29:27 | |
Lauren Bash is an environmentalist and storyteller who breaks down the complexities of climate change in an inspiring, accessible way. She empowers people with simple, actionable steps to create a healthier environment—and ultimately, a healthier world. Connect with Lauren: If you enjoyed this episode:
Thank you to our sponsors:
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| 12 Jan 2021 | Learning Something New with Dylan Efron | 00:30:22 | |
Trying a new sport or skill for the first time can be scary. Nobody wants to look like an awkward newbie in front of the pros, but Dylan Efron is learning to embrace the thrill of being a beginner. In fact, he’s inspiring others to do the same with his new YouTube series called Flow State. The goal of the show is to invite professional athletes to do an outdoor sport that they’ve never tried before, from spearfishing to speed flying, and see what happens. On this episode, Dylan tells us about some of the most impactful Flow State episodes, what it’s like working with his brother Zac Efron, and how he’s built a lifestyle doing what he loves most. Connect with Dylan Efron: Resources: Episode Sponsor:
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| 07 Jun 2022 | Adventure and Business with David Sacher | 00:29:57 | |
When we get out in nature, we can come up with ideas that change the course of our lives. For David Sacher, a 19,000 mile bike ride from the top of North America to the bottom of South America gave him the time and space to dream up his next wild idea. As he pedaled through the Andes mountains, he came up with a business idea: VITAL, a unique 24-hour climbing gym that runs on trust and community. Now, David’s business has grown significantly, and VITAL has several locations across the country. Connect with David: | |||
| 04 Aug 2020 | Holistic Lifestyle and Business with Joe Kudla | 00:33:55 | |
Joe Kudla seems like one of those people who has 36 hours in a day. He’s dedicated to yoga and breath work, he loves being a dad and he is the CEO and founder of Vuori Clothing. After years of struggling to find his true calling, Joe learned how to prioritize both a healthy spirit, a healthy business, and a healthy personal life. Now, Joe’s created a multi-million dollar, fast-growing company that aligns with his values. Connect with Joe Kudla: Resources: Season Sponsor: Episode Sponsor: | |||
| 25 Mar 2019 | Lessons from a Hawaiian Waterman with Brian Keaulana | 00:56:55 | |
Brian Keaulana is a legendary waterman, who grew up on the water near Makaha Beach fishing, surfing, and spending time with friends and family near the ocean. He became one of the top lifeguards on the island and is credited with not only creating the jet ski rescue sled but also some of the first commercial standup paddleboards. His heritage goes all the way back to Hawaiian royalty, and his insight into traditional Hawaiian values and culture has made him the ultimate mentor. | |||
| 29 Sep 2020 | Designing Gear for Women with Edita Hadravska | 00:30:50 | |
Historically, outdoor apparel and clothing brands have shrunk the same designs that they use in their mens’ lines and dyed them a supposed "girly" color (aka: purple and pink) to create outdoor gear for women. However, Edita Hadravska, Design Director at Arc’teryx Equipment, takes a different approach. She designs outdoor equipment and gear for women that take into account how women’s bodies are actually shaped, the way they move, and the elements that they encounter in the outdoors. Edita’s designs are challenging industry trends and helping women look stylish and perform their best as outdoor athletes. | |||
| 30 Aug 2022 | Walking Around the World with Tom Turcich | 00:33:14 | |
The day before his 26th birthday, Tom Turcich walked out the door of his home in Haddon Township, NJ. He was setting off to walk around the world. Seven years and over 25,000 miles later, Tom returned home. Four months into his trek, he adopted a dog, Savannah, to keep him company. The pair’s adventure was filled with highs and lows - kindly interactions with strangers, health scares, beautiful scenery, and lots of lessons learned. Connect with Tom: More on walking around the world: Sponsor: | |||
| 20 May 2019 | The Power of Choice with Dr. Edith Eger | 00:40:10 | |
Dr. Edith Eger is a Holocaust survivor, an author, and a renowned therapist. In 1944, when she was just a teenager, Edith had been training to make the Hungarian Olympic Gymnastics Team when her family was forcefully sent to Auschwitz, one of the most infamous Nazi concentration camps in Poland. Her experience there was both raw and heartbreaking, but Edith was able to survive. Today, she has helped thousands of people deal with their own trauma and grief to live life to its fullest potential. | |||
| 15 Feb 2017 | Alana Nichols - Three-Time Paralympic Gold Medalist On Being a Champion No Matter What | 00:46:55 | |
Alana Nichols’ Wild Idea: To become a world-class athlete despite any limits. At 17, Alana was on her way to college on a softball scholarship when she attempted a flip snowboarding, and landed directly on a rock on her back. She suffered a spinal cord injury that left her paraplegic. Instead of giving up sports altogether, Alana transitioned to adaptive sports, quickly becoming a top Olympic competitor in skiing, wheelchair basketball and sprint kayaking. She has some crazy stories about falling, and about winning. She has most recently taken up surfing, and is one of a few females competing in adaptive surfing, and helping pave the way for more to come. Listen to this episode if you: - Want to get massively inspired. - Love the Olympic Games and sports. - Have ever felt like giving up on anything. - Want to hear what it's like to be on shows like Conan O'Brien and compete in the Olympics. For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/11 | |||
| 21 Nov 2023 | Hiking Patagonia in a Wheelchair with Alvaro Silberstein | 00:24:31 | |
When Alvarez Silberstein was 18 years old, he was in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Before his accident, Alvaro had a dream to go Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia. Once he started using a wheelchair, he assumed it would be impossible for him to fulfill this dream. But in 2017, Alvaro and his incredible friends organized a trip to make his wild idea a reality. Connect with Alvaro: Episode sponsor:
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| 05 Jul 2023 | Freediving for Inner Peace with BJ Griffin | 00:24:32 | |
BJ Griffin is a musician and freediver from Virginia Beach. Freediving is where you hold your breath and dive deep underwater to explore the ocean. For BJ, freediving has drastically impacted his life. It's improved his health and lung capacity. It's helped him develop a meditation practice, and it's even influenced his life as an artist. Connect with BJ:
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| 19 Jul 2017 | Shanti Hodges - Building Communities by Getting Parents and Kids Outside | 00:57:21 | |
Shanti’s Wild Idea: To improve people’s lives, health, and communities by getting families outside through Hike it Baby. Shanti Hodges is a journalist, writer, and mom who started a community called Hike it Baby. The non-profit organization’s mission is to connect families and get them outside, especially when their children are young. Hike it Baby is now responsible for bringing families and babies on over 3,000 hikes a month in over 330 cities. Shanti is an inspiring woman who had a wild idea and made it a reality. She shares insights on how Hike it Baby grew so rapidly, what it takes to start a movement, why nature is so good for babies and adults, and why Facebook called up Shanti and personally invited her to their headquarters. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/33 | |||
| 20 Jul 2021 | Bonus: The KEEN Effect | 00:30:48 | |
When you think of KEEN, you probably think of their iconic sandals, the ones with bungee cord straps and big rubber toe caps. Over the years, KEEN has prioritized social and environmental responsibility. In this bonus episode, Shelby chats with Erik Burbank, the vice-president of the KEEN Effect and Kirk Richardson, a KEEN Effect advisor. Their mission is to have a positive impact on the world through philanthropy and sustainable footwear. Learn more about KEEN. | |||
| 02 Aug 2022 | Making Art Outside with David Zinn | 00:31:14 | |
Chalk artist David Zinn is known for leaving anonymous work on sidewalks, under rocks, and in other unexpected places. He walks around Ann Arbor, Michigan with a little wooden box of brightly colored chalk. As David strolls the neighborhood, he looks for features of the streetscape– oddly shaped cracks in the pavement or chunks of brick missing from retaining walls– to use in his drawings of whimsical, mischievous little creatures. The lines of the sidewalk become a tightrope for a rabbit to balance on, a sprinkler head becomes the eye of a frog, a pine cone becomes the tail of a cat. Connect with David: Sponsor: | |||
| 01 Nov 2022 | Winter Treks with Emily Ford | 00:32:46 | |
Emily Ford loves winter. She does most of her adventuring during the coldest months of the year in the most frigid parts of the U.S. In March of 2021, Emily became the first woman and the first Black person on record to complete the Ice Age Trail, a 1,200 mile trek that winds through the state of Wisconsin. In March of 2022, she completed a 28 day trek where she skied 180 miles with her dog Diggins. Connect with Emily Ford: Resources: Episode sponsors: | |||
| 11 Jun 2024 | Surfing, Cycling and Sharing the Magic of Nature with Mario Ordoñez-Calderón | 00:25:44 | |
Mario Ordoñez-Caldéron is a Mayan-American storyteller, surfer, and adventurer committed to pursuing a deeper connection with his Indigenous roots, the natural world, and helping San Diego local youth foster their own relationships with the outdoors through his nonprofit, Un Mar de Colores. Connect with Mario:
If you enjoyed this episode: Thank you to our sponsors:
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| 24 Aug 2021 | Exploring National Parks with Misha Euceph | 00:41:01 | |
In early 2021, Misha Euceph spent six weeks on the road visiting national parks and recording a new podcast series for REI Co-op Studios called Hello, Nature. As a Pakistani-American writer, podcast host and journalist, Misha set out to find the new, lesser known stories of America's national parks through the lens of Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Misha’s interest in national parks is relatively new, but she’s no stranger to podcasting. Her production company, Dustlight Productions, produced The Michelle Obama podcast, and Barack Obama and Bruce Springstein’s podcast Renegades: Born in the USA. In this episode, Misha talks about making her latest project, Hello, Nature. Connect with Dustlight Productions: Connect with Misha: Resources: Episode Sponsor: | |||
| 06 May 2019 | The Stuff That Matters with Karen Rinaldi and David Romanelli | 00:56:43 | |
Karen Rinaldi is the author of It’s Great to Suck at Something, a book about the joy she found in pursuit of surfing, a sport she says she’ll never be good at. David Romanelli wrote Life Lessons from the Oldest and Wisest when he started to realize that elderly people often have some of the best advice. David and Karen talk about why sucking at something can be awesome, how to let go of our egos, and focus more on the relationships we have, the way we make people feel, and the energy we put into the wo | |||
| 03 Feb 2020 | Latoya Shauntay Snell: Running Fat Chef | 00:39:07 | |
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 Resources Episode advertiser | |||
| 12 Apr 2017 | Sarah Robb O’Hagan - Bringing Your Most Extreme Self to All That You Do | 00:41:04 | |
Sarah’s Wild Idea: To bring all of you, to everything you do. To be your most extreme version of yourself and live to your fullest in work and life. And to stop being so afraid of failure. Sarah Robb O’Hagan is the Founder and Chief Extremer of Extreme You. Formerly the President of Gatorade and Equinox, she’s also worked at Nike, Virgin, Air New Zealand, and is currently the CEO of Fly Wheel. Sarah shares about success, failure and how to thrive in work and life. Her new book, Extreme You, interviews everyone from Condoleezza Rice to Skier Bode Miller, with nuggets of wisdom from superstars in their fields. Sarah has a great Kiwi accent and a positive sense of self. We talk about how to live wildly even if you work at a big company, why failure is a good thing, bringing your all to your business, and how to have a work-life balance. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/19 | |||
| 03 Sep 2024 | Redefining Outdoor Media with Dani Reyes-Acosta | 00:23:02 | |
Dani Reyes-Acosta is a runner, a snowboarder, a climber, and a filmmaker who is intentional about the why behind her adventures. She’s currently in the middle of making her first independent film series, called OUTLIER. The series tells the stories of boundary breaking Latina athletes as they explore their own identities and the great outdoors. Dani’s path to adventure film started in corporate America, but eventually she decided to quit her job and pursue a life of storytelling. Connect with Dani: Thank you to our sponsors:
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| 30 Jan 2019 | How to Unplug with Danny Kim | 00:42:16 | |
Smartphones have been around for a little over a decade, but in that short time, many of us have become addicted to our digital devices. Have you ever been staring at a gorgeous vista or surrounded by snow and found yourself wanting to pull out your phone to capture the moment? Danny Kim is a researcher and speaker who is studying the impact of technology and social media on our health. In his workshops, he talks about how to actually unplug. | |||
| 08 Dec 2016 | Pete Kostelnick - Running Across the Country Faster Than Anyone | 00:52:45 | |
Running across the entire United States of America is no easy feat. How about doing and training while working a full-time job?! Pete Kostelnick recently finished doing just that. Starting in San Francisco and finishing in New York, Pete logged about 72 miles a day on his feet running, with only one day off. It took him 42 days, six hours and 30 minutes for a total of 3,067 miles. They have been calling him the real Forrest Gump, and he’s just a financial analyst from Iowa who SHATTERED a GUINNESS RECORD. I love Pete’s story because this running adventure, which he broke a record doing, wasn’t his full-time job. He isn’t a pro athlete making heaps of money off of running. He’s a full-time financial analyst who had a dream to do something wild and made it happen by getting up two hours earlier to run, and then running after work while watching TV (which he says he would have just done sitting otherwise) after work to train. When he finished his run that he did take a few weeks off work to do (he has a very nice boss), he went back to work. For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/2 | |||
| 25 Mar 2025 | First Blind Person to Summit Mount Everest with Erik Weihenmayer | 00:26:21 | |
Erik Weihenmayer made history in 2001 as the first blind person to summit Mount Everest. By 2008, he had completed the Seven Summits, the tallest mountains on each continent. Since then, Erik has embraced a wide range of adventure sports from paragliding in the Rocky Mountains and ice climbing in Nepal to kayaking the length of the Grand Canyon. Connect with Erik: Listen to the Camp Nowhere Podcast Thank you to our sponsors:
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| 15 Sep 2020 | Cycling is for Every Body with Kailey Kornhauser | 00:43:48 | |
Kailey Kornhauser is a fat cyclist. Those two words didn’t come easily to her. But as she has claimed her place in both the cycling community and the body positivity movement, they’re words she now identifies with proudly. In 2018, Kailey took on one of the most challenging rides she’d ever been on: cycling 1,000 miles across Alaska to hear about the impact of climate change on the lives of locals. Hear her talk about the journey, her activism, and why everyone belongs in the outdoors on this episode. Connect with guests: Resources:
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| 09 May 2023 | 150 Marathons in 150 Days with Erchana Murray-Bartlett | 00:25:21 | |
In January, 2023, Erchana Murray-Bartlett set the Guinness World record for running the most consecutive marathons. She ran 150 marathons in 150 days and raised money for Australian wildlife along the way. Erchana started at Cape York, which is in the northern tip of Australia and ran along the coast all the way down to Melbourne. Connect with Erchana: Episode partners:
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| 29 Nov 2022 | Rafting for Peace with Mauricio Artiñano | 00:28:36 | |
Mauricio Artiñano, a former mission planning officer with the United Nations, has worked to bridge the gap between former combatants and civilians with a pretty wild idea - white-water rafting. Connect with Mauricio: Resources: Episode sponsors: | |||
| 10 May 2022 | Cave Diving with Rick Stanton | 00:28:39 | |
In the summer of 2018, many of us were glued to news for updates on the Tham Luang cave rescue. A Thai youth soccer team and their coach were exploring the Tham Luang caves when the monsoon rains came early. The rising water trapped the boys inside a cave. While the rest of the world was watching from afar, cave diver Rick Stanton was diving into the situation head on. His team was able to guide all twelve boys and their coach to safety. No one had ever done a rescue like this before, and suddenly Rick became an international hero. Resources:
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| 11 Mar 2025 | Climbing Mountains and Making History with Philip Henderson | 00:31:00 | |
Philip Henderson is a legendary outdoor instructor, adventurer, and mentor. With 30 years of experience leading expeditions and teaching sports like whitewater rafting, skiing, climbing, and mountaineering, Philip has made a significant impact in the outdoor community. In 2020, he was honored with the Outdoor Afro Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2022, he made history by leading the first all-Black team up Mount Everest. Connect with Philip: Listen to the Camp Nowhere Podcast Thank you to our sponsors:
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| 16 Apr 2024 | Traveling to Every Country Without Flying with Thor Pedersen | 00:31:15 | |
In 2013, Thor Pedersen left his home in Denmark for the trip of a lifetime. His goal was to travel to every country in the world. He had three rules for his journey. He had to spend at least 24 hours in each country. He couldn't return to Denmark until he had crossed off every nation on the list. And last but not least, no air travel. Connect with Thor: Check out:
Thank you to our sponsors:
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| 11 Oct 2017 | Kimi Werner - Slowing Down to Have Magical Encounters Underwater | 01:01:17 | |
Kimi’s Wild Idea: To practice sustainable hunting, spread the message about the importance of the ocean and make a living doing what she loves. If you’ve heard of Kimi Werner, you’ve probably seen the picture or video of her gracefully swimming along, holding onto the dorsal fin of a great white shark. Kimi is fearless, and she’s a force of nature. Growing up off grid in Hawaii, Kimi’s father taught her to free dive. She gave it up for years, then rediscovered it later in life and went on to become the national spearfishing champion, a chef, an award-winning artist, and sought-after speaker. Her work as an environmental advocate wasn’t always her goal, and her path has taken unexpected turns as she has built a career that combines many of her passions. Kimi is a great storyteller, and she has some amazing stories to share with us, like her famous encounter with one of the biggest predators of the ocean, the magic that took her on a trip to the Azores, and the fearlessness of standing up for herself in asking for equal pay. Her biggest lessons she wants to share though are the power of trusting your gut, and slowing down in order to speed up. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/45 | |||
| 04 Oct 2017 | JP Sears - How to Live an Ultra Spiritual Life and Have a Sense of Humor | 00:52:27 | |
JP’s Wild Idea: To use humor to empower people to be the best versions of themselves. JP Sears is a spiritual comedian, author, emotional healing coach, and a curious student of life. You may know him from his hilarious YouTube videos that feature great underlying messages about relationships, spirituality and how self-righteous we can be as groups -- whether we are yogis, vegans, raw foodies, or even ultra-spiritual people. It took JP a while to find a way to use his humor for good, and he’s not afraid to make fun of his own lifestyle. His work is intended to empower people to be their best selves, and to live more meaningful lives. On this episode, JP shares how he uses humor to talk about serious issues, his advice for living wildly, how to make a living using your passions, and the importance of getting out of your comfort zone. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/44 | |||
| 10 Nov 2020 | The Dark Divide with Tom Putnam | 00:30:58 | |
Tom Putnam is a filmmaker known for writing and directing documentaries and short films. After reading Robert Pyle’s book, Where Bigfoot Walks: Crossing the Dark Divide, he felt compelled to turn Pyle’s story into a movie. After 10 years of writing and re-writing the script, Tom brought the entire cast and crew for The Dark Divide film into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Oregon. They shot the film on-location in just 22 days, and it was quite the wild adventure. In this episode, Tom talks about his career as a director, what it was like to write and direct The Dark Divide, the stories and hiccups they faced while shooting the film, and more. You can now rent or buy The Dark Divide now on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play and On Demand everywhere. To learn more about the movie and where you can watch it, visit darkdividefilm.com. Learn more about the film: Resources: Season Sponsor: Episode Sponsor: | |||
| 19 Apr 2022 | Making Gear for Good with Davis Smith | 00:33:42 | |
Davis Smith is an outdoor adventurer and mission-driven entrepreneur. That’s why he founded Cotopaxi in 2014. Best known for their bright colors, Cotopaxi doesn’t just make good gear, they make gear for good. The brand is committed to minimizing their impact on the planet, and maximizing the benefit for the people who live here. Davis spent a lot of his childhood in Latin America, and his parents were committed to serving others and getting outside, values that he still carries with him today. For him, Cotopaxi is a perfect way to honor his upbringing and the places that mean a lot to him. Episodes to listen to: Connect with guests: | |||
| 19 Nov 2024 | Running a Marathon at Any Speed with Martinus Evans | 00:25:50 | |
12 years ago Martinus Evans went on his first run. Despite the initial struggle, he went on to complete his first marathon just 18 months later. Today, Martinus is a marathon runner, author, speaker, and the founder of the Slow AF Run Club, a community of over 40,000 members that motivates runners of all speeds to go after their big goals.
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| 14 Mar 2023 | Life on a Highline with Faith Dickey | 00:32:02 | |
Faith Dickey is one of the greatest highliners in the world. In 2012, Faith broke the record for the longest free solo, that's highlining without a safety harness. Then in 2014, she became the first woman to cross a highline over 100 meters long. Connect with Faith:
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| 23 Sep 2019 | Climbing Mountains with Caroline Gleich | 00:57:36 | |
Caroline Gleich is a professional ski mountaineer and activist who decided to use her platform as an athlete for good at the top of Mt. Everest early this summer. Her “Climb for Equality” campaign used her 29,029-foot climb as a platform to encourage more women to take on mountains in the outdoors, the boardroom, and daily life. Caroline’s actual journey to the top is an incredible story. | |||
| 29 Mar 2022 | An Inclusive Outdoors with Lucienne Nicholson | 00:35:51 | |
Lucienne Nicholson is passionate about the inherent human right to spend time in nature. Lucienne discovered her love of the outdoors during her childhood in Haiti, where she spent summers on her grandmother’s farm. After immigrating to the United States in the 1970s, she was greeted with the harsh reality of segregation — nature became inaccessible. Lucienne vowed to fight against this lack of access. She founded the nonprofit Inclusive Woods and Us to help get more kids outside in Rochester, NY. Connect with Lucienne: | |||
| 24 Apr 2019 | Making It as a Musician with G. Love | 00:47:15 | |
Garrett Dutton, aka G. Love of G. Love & Special Sauce, has had an incredibly successful music career but remains humble and grounded. His music uses unexpected combinations from different musical genres like blues, R&B, surf, and jazz in his songs. Aside from being a master at his craft, Garrett’s a passionate ocean lover and a father of two boys. Inspiration for songs often comes while he’s surfing with his kids. | |||
| 07 Mar 2018 | Kimmy Fasani - How to Be a Professional Backcountry Snowboarder and Cookie Tester | 00:51:14 | |
Kimmy’s Wild Idea: To create a job for herself as a professional backcountry snowboarder, be a mentor for other riders and remain active through pregnancy. Kimmy Fasani is a well-respected athlete, most known for her aggressive free-style backcountry snowboarding. She has won countless awards like Women’s Rider of the Year, Standout Performance of the Year, and has had some incredible video parts with Standard and Absinthe Films. Kimmy loves mentoring other snowboarders, especially other females and is a vocal ambassador for several nonprofits. On the personal side of her life, Kimmy is married to skier Chris Benchetler and they are part-owners of Dessert’d Organic Bakeshop (and yes, she gets to taste test everything). I recorded this interview after a day on Mammoth Mountain, and at the time Kimmy was about five weeks from having a baby. She opened up about being a pregnant athlete, why people care more about what she does with her body now, and her spiritual journey to getting pregnant. She also shares about how she created her dream job, what it takes to be a pro snowboarder, and how she tackled injuries, self-doubt, fear and overcame some of the hardest times in her life. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/64 | |||
| 02 May 2018 | Diane Van Deren – How to Run Ultramarathons and Set Records at 58 Despite Brain Surgery | 00:42:56 | |
Diane’s Wild Idea: To run great distances and do what she loves while raising awareness about epilepsy and other great causes. Running 100 miles is remarkable. Running and winning 100+ mile races as a 58-year old who-has had part of their brain removed is a different level. Diane was a professional tennis player before she had epilepsy, but when she started having seizures, running helped stave them off. Ten years into her disease, she decided to have a risky, radical surgery where doctors removed a part of her brain. Once she healed, she started running, this time much longer distances than ever before. While the epilepsy went away, Diane lost some things with the surgery. Today, she struggles with her sense of time, and she has a hard time with her sense of direction, both integral to long distance trail running. Running, however has become is her ultimate medicine, and she’s set some incredible records on her journey. She won the infamous Yukon Arctic Ultra, a 430-mile footrace pulling a 50-pound sled through temperatures below 50 degrees for eight days. She climbed South America’s tallest peak. She completed the worlds’ hardest 100-mile race, running for 45 hours straight. She also ran and set record for the 1,000-mile Mountains to Sea Trail, where she traversed the state of North Carolina in just over 22 days for a cause. In addition to being an athletic force, Diane is a long-time athlete for The North Face. She is also a speaker at events like REI’s Outessa series, which is how I found out about her amazing journey. I love how endlessly positive she is, and how she relates to everyone on and off the trail. Diane is a true survivor, an amazing performer, and she has a wonderful perspective on reaching your own potential. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/72 | |||
| 07 Jan 2025 | Running for 2,800 Days Straight with Hellah Sidibe | 00:26:55 | |
In May of 2017, Hellah Sidibe set a goal for himself: to run for 10 minutes a day for two weeks. Little did he know that once he started, he wouldn't want to stop. Hellah has run every single day for the last seven and a half years. Connect with Hellah: If you enjoyed this episode: This episode is presented by Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®. | |||
| 17 Jun 2019 | Living Off the Land with Rob Greenfield | 00:51:25 | |
Can you imagine eating only what you grow or forage for an entire year? Rob Greenfield is doing just that. He’s living in a tiny house on a plot of land where he’s planted an elaborate garden in the backyard of a neighborhood where he’s also teaching others to garden. Rob goes into detail about his 200 plus days living solely off of food he’s grown or foraged himself. He also shares how you can grow your own food and reduce your environmental footprint by how you eat. | |||
| 18 Jun 2024 | Paragliding Through the Skies with Galen Kirkpatrick | 00:29:23 | |
Galen Kirkpatrick is a world class paraglider - in 2022 she was the FAI Women’s Pan-American Paragliding Champion, and in 2023 she became the overall US National Champion. Paragliding has become a vehicle for Galen to get in touch with herself and see the world from a new perspective. Connect with Galen: Thank you to our sponsors:
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| 16 Jun 2020 | Wildlife at Yosemite with Park Ranger Jamie Richards | 00:25:49 | |
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: Resources:
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| 09 Jan 2019 | 2019 Trailer | 00:04:26 | |
Last year was a big year for this podcast, and this year we’re boosting our production even more. We’re diving deeper into stories and exploring not just people, but also about topics and ideas that will help you chase down your own wild adventures. From mindfulness to saying yes to fear, hacking your health, and changing how we think about the outdoors, fitness, and technology, we’ve already recorded the first few shows. I think you’re going to love it. This trailer is here to give you a taste of what’s to come. I hope you enjoy it! | |||
| 20 Jun 2018 | Michael Finkel - Writing About the Last True Hermit and Other Adventurous Stories | 00:43:54 | |
Michael’s Wild Idea: To write captivating stories about people who live on the fringes of society and do wild things. Michael Finkel is the author of the New York Times bestseller, The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit, which we dive deep into on today’s show. The story chronicles a highly intelligent man that lived alone in the woods of Maine for 27 years without lighting a single fire, or talking to a single soul. An outdoors lover himself, who splits time between Montana and Southern France, Michael has a penchant for stories about those who live on the edges of society, and people who live with less. On assignment as a journalist for the likes of the New York Times and National Geographic, he’s skied off the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, set sail on a Haitian refugee boat, joined a cult in Colorado, been in a car that was run over by a tank in Afghanistan, and covered the last hunter-gatherer tribes. His previous book, True Story, was adapted into a 2015 major motion picture produced by Brad Pitt starring James Franco and Jonah Hill. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/78 | |||
| 31 Oct 2023 | Writing and Roadtripping Through Mother Nature with Jedidiah Jenkins | 00:29:44 | |
Jedidiah Jenkins is a bestselling author who embraces outdoor adventurer as inspiration for his beautiful and deeply personal work. When he turned 30, Jedidiah quit his job, and set out on a bike ride that took him from the Oregon coast all the way down to Patagonia. When he returned, he wrote his a memoir about his journey called, To Shake the Sleeping Self. In 2021, Jedidiah's wild idea involved a cross-country road trip with his mother, where they examined their mother-son dynamic, their religious and political differences, and their lasting affection for each other despite some of their opposing views. The result, his brand new book, Mother, Nature. Connect with Jedidiah:
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| 06 Jun 2023 | The Will to Wild with Shelby Stanger | 00:27:54 | |
Wild Ideas Worth Living's host Shelby Stanger gives us a behind the scenes look at her wild journey to becoming an adventure journalist, host of an REI Co-op podcast, and now author of her brand new book, Will to Wild. Connect with Shelby:
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| 29 Aug 2023 | Submerging Into the Deep Ocean with Susan Casey | 00:26:16 | |
Susan Casey is an accomplished journalist who's spent years writing about the ocean, and most recently, the deep sea. The deep sea generally starts around 600 feet below the surface where you could no longer see the light from above, but it goes way beyond that. In some places, the ocean is almost seven miles deep. Susan is one of the few people who's gone deeper than 5,000 meters in a submersible, which is over three miles down to the ocean floor. Connect with Susan:
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| 27 Sep 2017 | Karen Rinaldi - Why Sucking at Something Can Turn Out Great and How to Publish Stories | 00:46:33 | |
Karen’s Wild Idea: To share bold, brave, wild stories, both her own and by others through books and essays with the world. Also, to embrace surfing at an older age, a sport that’s taught her why it’s so great to suck at something. Karen Rinaldi is a writer, publisher, and the creator of Harper Wave, an imprint of Harper Collins that has published the work of three past guests: Jaimal Yogis, Mark Lukach and Steph Jagger. Karen has also published books by authors like Dave Asprey of the Bulletproof Coffee movement, Dr. Gundry of The Plant Paradox, and Tony Horton of P90X, to name a few. In addition to her literary life, Karen is also a surfer. She started at age 40, and recently wrote an essay in the New York Times that every surf writer’s mom sent them (including my own) titled, “It’s Great to Suck at Something.” I loved her story, and all of her essays I’ve read. I also don’t have a lot of mentors that are females, writers, publishers, and surfers, so when I find someone like Karen, I have to share her knowledge. Karen talks about her perspective on surfing, why it’s important to suck at something, the difference between a good adventure and a great story, how to get published, and the books you should be reading. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/43 | |||
| 18 Jan 2022 | Deeply Moving with Elena Cheung | 00:31:45 | |
When Elena Cheung first took a yoga class, she didn't like it. It was harder than she had anticipated and she wasn't flexible. She started to love it when she leaned into the discomfort and realized the benefits of doing something that was both physically and mentally challenging. Fast forward to today, and Elena is a movement specialist and yoga teacher who has worked with a wide range of people to help them incorporate mindful movement into their lives. She's a firm believer that incorporating movement like yoga can help you towards your other athletic goals, no matter the sport. In this episode, she discusses her path to yoga, breath work and exercises for athletes, and how to incorporate a yoga practice into your own life. If you're looking for inspiration, check out Elena's new YouTube series, Deeply Moving. This series focuses on incorporating yoga and movement into your life, no matter where you are at in your journey. Through a collection of follow-along classes, lectures and collaborations with other movement enthusiasts, Elena hopes to bring the joy of movement to everyone. Connect with Elena: | |||
| 18 Apr 2023 | Gender Inclusive Racing with Cal Calamia | 00:24:53 | |
Cal Calamia has been a runner their entire life, but in 2018, their relationship with the sport changed when Cal came out as trans non-binary. Most races in the US only have two gender categories, men and women, and Cal doesn't fit in either one. In an effort to make space for themself and other non-binary athletes, Cal has become an advocate for gender inclusivity and races across the US. Connect with Cal:
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At REI we remain committed to ensuring that the outdoors, the co-op and society at large are accessible and welcoming to all people—including transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people. | |||
| 27 Apr 2020 | Baking Bread with Eric Wolfinger | 00:27:45 | |
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: Connect with guest: Resources:
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| 02 Aug 2017 | Chris Cote - How to be a Professional Action Sports Personality | 00:59:46 | |
Chris’s Wild Idea: To make a living by writing and talking about surfing and skateboarding. To use humor and positivity to land his dream job, and remain relevant though the ages. Chris Cote is a professional action sports personality. He got his start as a competitive surfer and skateboarder, became editor of Transworld Surf Magazine, and is now a commentator on the World Surf League, the commentator and host of the Vans Park Series, the editor Encinitas Magazine and the host of his own podcast, the Monday M.A.S.S. He’s also a hilarious and positive guy who can still skateboard and surf with some of the best pros in the business. He not only shares great stories including getting branded by Blink182 and Green Day, hanging out with Andy Irons, his encounter with a sea anenome and the crazy stuff he’s seen at surf and skate competitions; but he also shares about failure, getting sober, how to stay relevant no matter how old you are, and what it really takes to create your own dream job, and how you can do that now. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/35 | |||
| 25 Jul 2023 | Innovating Adaptive Adventure with Vasu Sojitra | 00:23:55 | |
In 2021, Vasu Sojitra became one of the first adaptive athletes to ski down Denali, and he's made groundbreaking descents in the Grand Tetons and the Bear Tooth Mountain Range. As the first adaptive athlete to be represented by the North Face, Vasu has used his platform to speak out about representation and intersectionality in the outdoors. Connect with Vasu:
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Photo by Clayton Boyd | |||
| 14 Jun 2017 | Angela Davis - Motivating the Masses and Taking Fitness Seekers to Church on a Bike | 00:26:03 | |
Angela’s Wild Idea: To combine spirituality and athleticism while helping others find their own purpose through fitness. Angela Davis is an international fitness evangelist and motivational coach, who’s helped lead events alongside people like Oprah. In addition to being one of the most inspiring voices and coaches, she’s a former member of the USA track and field team and was a five-time All-American who held world rankings in the 100 meter race. These days, Angela can be found instructing one of the most sought after SoulCycle classes with long waitlists and tons of celebrity clients. There’s countless reasons why. One is that her class feels like being inside an upbeat church, with awesome music. You forget you’re in a dark room getting sweaty, and leave the studio feeling pumped up and ready to conquer the world. Angela shares her journey to finding her purpose and how you can find yours. She also shares why working out on the inside is as important as working out on the outside - it’s not just about that tight bootay! Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/28 | |||
| 02 May 2023 | Riding Free with Izzy Sederbaum | 00:25:17 | |
Izzy Sederbaum is a trans-masculine cyclist and policy scholar who survived a rare cougar attack on a ride outside of Seattle in early 2018. Izzy was hospitalized with severe facial trauma while hateful anti-trans rhetoric filled comment sections of news articles that he had little to no control over. All the hatred pushed Izzy in a direction motivated by love. Today he's working to make cycling more inclusive for people with marginalized identities. Connect with Izzy: Resources:
Episode partners:
At REI we remain committed to ensuring that the outdoors, the co-op and society at large are accessible and welcoming to all people—including transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people. | |||
| 08 Dec 2016 | Steph Jagger - Lift Your Restraining Device | 00:49:49 | |
Have you ever want to quit your job, uproot your life and do something crazy like SHATTER a record, ski at your favorite resorts around the globe, fall in love and get a HUGE book deal. Meet Steph Jagger. Steph grew up with a good family, and had a great job in good old Canada, eh’!? She was working in public relations for major companies, made enough money to buy a new house and go skiing on weekends, but she wanted more from life. One day, while skiing in Whistler with some friends, she literally saw a sign. It read… LIFT YOUR RESTRAINING DEVICE The sign referred to that little metal bar you are required to lift before exiting a chairlift so you can ski down the mountain. Otherwise, you would be trapped in your chair circling the mountain all day long. Anyway, Steph is one of those people who believes in the power of a whisper that can turn into a ROAR. She took it literally. SHE QUIT HER JOB. SHE MORTGAGED HER HOUSE. She completely reconstructed her life as she knew it and decided, hey, I am going to go ski around the world, and why not break a record on the way!? She also once told me she was like a “Mullet,” business in the front, party in the rear. I didn’t ask her too much after this. Back to uprooting her life. This was not an easy decision. People said she was crazy, including her own family. But she did it anyway. Along the way she skied gorgeous mountains, met fantastic and handsome men, including her husband (which I will let you read the book to get the gushy details full of humor and awesome sexy talk) and she SMASHED a record. The journey wasn’t all peaches and ice cream, but it revealed powerful realities about herself. She shares with us about her journey, about why STARTING LINES are more important than FINISH LINES, and also why waiting never gets you to the end. For full show notes visit, including links mentioned visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/cindy-whitehead-stories-from-a-female-skateboarding-pioneer/ | |||
| 03 May 2017 | Norah Eddy - How to Use Business to Improve the Health of the Oceans | 00:43:02 | |
Norah’s Wild Idea: To create an innovative company that makes seafood not only sustainable and delicious, but helps improve the health of the oceans while connecting people with their food and where it comes from. To also empower other young female entrepreneurs to take risks in businesses even in industries primarily dominated by men. Norah Eddy is the co-founder of Salty Girl, a sustainable seafood company with an innovative way of doing business. She grew up in a small New England fishing town and has worked on and around fisheries and boats all over the world. As a surfer and all around water-woman, her love for the ocean is apparent not just in her work with Salty Girl, but in her personal life too. I talked to Norah just before she gave her first TED Talk, and I can see why they invited her. Norah’s created an inspiring company that’s helping connect people with the food that they eat while encouraging sustainable practices. We talked about sustainability, becoming an entrepreneur, being a young businesswoman in a male dominated field, and creating a mission-based company. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/22 | |||
| 24 Sep 2024 | Ski Mountaineering Through the Backcountry with Eric Carter | 00:24:20 | |
Eric Carter is an alpine athlete and endurance coach who discovered the niche sport of ski mountaineering, or "skimo," and never looked back. Skimo involves skiing uphill in the backcountry and riding the slope back down. Eric also founded Ridgeline Athletics, where he helps mountain athletes chase their own wild outdoor adventures. Connect with Eric: Thank you to our sponsors:
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| 05 Mar 2024 | Becoming the First Woman to Travel Around the Moon with Christina Koch | 00:28:32 | |
What if you had an opportunity to travel around the moon? Christina Koch has worked at NASA for the last 10 years, and has been a part of groundbreaking missions in outer space. In 2019, Christina embarked on a 328-day stay on the International Space Station, setting a record for the longest single space flight by a woman. Now Christina has a new assignment on the horizon. She was selected to join a crew that will travel around the moon. Connect with Christina:
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| 01 Aug 2018 | Scott Jurek – How to Revitalize Your Purpose, Tackle the Longest Trails, Set Records, and Write Best-Selling Books | 01:02:15 | |
Scott’s Wild Idea: To renew his sense of purpose by running the Appalachian Trail (which he also set the speed record for), and chronicling his adventures with his wife in a book called North. Scott Jurek is one of the most accomplished ultra-runners of all time. Among his many accomplishments, Scott won the 153-mile Spartathalon, The Hard Rock 100, The Bad Water 135 Ultramarathon, and he’s won the Western States 100-mile endurance run a record-breaking seven straight times. He’s also the author of the New York Times bestseller Eat & Run, a memoir that traces Scott’s journey from his Midwestern childhood to his adventures in ultrarunning, and how he became a vegan. In 2015, Scott had already accomplished much in his life, but found himself wanting a refresh. He eventually decided to run the entire 2,189-mile Appalachian Trail north towards Maine, with his wife, Jenny, as his support crew. The trail not only tested his limits, but also renewed his sense of purpose and love for running and the life he created. Averaging over 50 miles a day for over 46 days, Scott was pushed to his limits, enduring injury and meeting an amazing cast of characters along the way. He also broke the trail’s speed record, despite running north toward Maine, a harder route to follow if going for speed. In our conversation, Scott and I talk about what it was like to run the infamous trail, what he ate along the way, and the challenges and benefits of doing it all with his best friend/wife as his support system. We also dive into the process of co-writing a book with your spouse, and how adventure can be so impactful in helping you rediscover your own purpose in life and build better relationships. Listen to this episode if: You’ve ever thought about hiking (or running) the Appalachian Trail. You want to run an ultramarathon. You are or are interested in becoming a vegan. You like to write. You need some inspiration to renew your sense of purpose. For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/83 | |||
| 03 Jun 2025 | Winning The Great World Race with David Kilgore | 00:22:58 | |
David Kilgore has been a lifelong runner who found his stride in the world of ultra marathons in his 20s. Rather than pursue running as his sole profession, he charted a unique course— joining the early team at On Running while continuing to compete at an elite level. From setting records to winning the Great World Race twice, David's journey has made him a standout in the global running community. Connect with David: Thank you to our sponsors:
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| 15 Jun 2021 | Mental health, music and the wild with Joseph Mulherin | 00:34:44 | |
Joseph Mulherin is known by his stage name nothing,nowhere. He’s a musician who has worked with celebrities like Travis Barker from Blink 182 and Pete Wentz from Fallout Boy. Joe has an incredible fan base, but things haven’t always been easy for him. Since he was a kid, Joe has struggled with an anxiety and panic disorder. But he’s found that being out in nature and practicing bushcraft skills can be a real salve for his mental health. On this show, Joe talks about how music, meditation, and getting outside have made a powerful impact on his life. Connect with Joseph Mulherin (nothing, nowhere.): Resources: Season Sponsor: Episode Sponsor: | |||
| 04 Nov 2019 | Recycling with Helen Lowman | 00:35:23 | |
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. | |||
| 19 Feb 2020 | Shanti Hodges: Getting Kids Outside | 00:39:40 | |
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: Resources:
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| 20 Feb 2024 | Birding and Nature Photography with Dudley Edmondson | 00:23:18 | |
Dudley Edmondson is a legendary outdoorsman and birder, nature photographer, cinematographer, speaker and an author. In 2006, he published a book called Black and Brown Faces in America's Wild Places. He hopes that his books, photos and film work will inspire the next generation of Black, Indigenous and other people of color to get outside. Connect with Dudley:
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| 25 Jul 2018 | Scott Carney – Scott Carney – Biohacking your Body using the Environment, Writing, and Debunking Gurus | 00:59:16 | |
Scott’s Wild Idea: To write about adventure and the outdoors, debunk gurus, and find ways to biohack your body to improve performance and health. Last week, I interviewed “Iceman” and record breaker Wim Hof, who talked about how cold immersion and breathing techniques can help humans achieve better health, happiness, and strength. This week, I thought it was appropriate to follow up our conversation with anthropologist and investigative journalist Scott Carney. In addition to spending a lot of time with Wim Hof, studying his method and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with him in record time wearing little clothing, Scott also wrote a best-seller about Wim called What Doesn’t Kill Us. The book dives deep into the science behind the Wim Hof Method, and also explains how environmental conditioning can help us renew our lost evolutionary strength. Scott spent much of his career debunking health and spiritual gurus, and writing about them for national publications and books. When he set out to do the same thing with Wim Hof, something different happened. Scott discovered Wim’s methods actually worked. He also discovered that cold water, ice baths, and other conditioning practices (like those used in the Wim Hof Method) can renew strength, make your body leaner, and increase your physical abilities and your brown fat, which is needed to stay warm. Scott loves to immerse himself in his work, often putting himself in situations that push his body’s limits. He encourages young writers to do the same. In our conversation, we talk about his time with Wim Hof, what he thought of his methods, and why they work. We also discuss other methods to challenge yourself, the value of being uncomfortable, and how to make it as a freelance writer. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/82 | |||
| 28 Mar 2018 | Liz Frugalwoods – Retire in Your 30s and Achieve Financial Independence by Being Frugal | 00:50:02 | |
Liz’s Wild Idea: To live frugally so she and her husband could achieve financial independence and spend more time hiking, homesteading, and doing what they love. Part of living wildly is having the means to pull it off. Traveling and buying gear can add up. On the show, we’ve interviewed dumpster divers, minimalists, and people with side hustles galore. But today we present a new financial take on living wildly. Author Elizabeth Thames, aka Liz Frugalwoods, is the voice behind the blog and new book, Meet the Frugalwoods. Liz and her husband did everything they were supposed to as young adults: they attended a good state college, graduated, and got good jobs. But as millennials working 9-to-5 jobs for non-profits, they knew there was something beyond the daily grind. Instead of just working harder and harder, they instead used extreme frugality so they could retire in their early thirties. Today, Liz and her husband have two daughters and live on a sixty-acre homestead in Vermont. They still spend money on things like farming equipment (which doesn’t come cheap), and she works on her blog only by choice, not because she has to. Instead of making more money so they could have more, they just spent less - a lot less - in order to achieve financial independence. This mindfulness about money led them to a unique, amazing outlook on life, and one that I found motivating. In our conversation, Liz shares some great tips for living frugally (like hacking her SodaStream) and also talks about the psychology of what going with less has done for her own self-esteem. We also get deep into the power of gratitude and privilege, and how having less materially has helped her get more out of life. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/67 | |||
| 04 Apr 2018 | Nick Mott and Shelby Stanger – Adventure and Podcasting with REI Co-op’s Two New Shows | 00:25:18 | |
Nick and Shelby’s Wild Idea: To share about their adventure podcasts, both presented by REI Co-op, and turn the microphone back on each other. The word’s out. REI has been my main partner all year and it’s been an awesome, wild ride. They’re also now in the podcast game with not just with my show, but also a new 8-episode series called Take it From Me, that launches this week. We talk to Nick Mott, who is the producer of the show, share a quick clip, and dive into the unique format and adventurous characters he interviews. Nick is a fellow journalist, writer, photographer, and a rock climber. Originally from Kansas and now living in Boulder, Colorado, he loves the outdoors and sharing stories of people going on badass adventures. He also hosts another show about sustainability and has good tips for anyone who wants to start a podcast. After I talk to Nick, he turns the microphone back on me. A lot of people have been asking me to share my story, so I talk about why I started the podcast, what I look for in guests, and some key things I have learned along the way. It’s quick episode. Perfect for a fast run, or a short commute. Enjoy. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/68 | |||
| 18 Aug 2020 | Cycling Through Changes with Laura King | 00:36:47 | |
There is a lot of confusing, conflicting information around exercise and pregnancy. When pro cyclist Laura King became pregnant, she didn’t want to lose touch with the amazing biking community that she had built in Richmond, Vermont. Without a guidebook, Laura had to experiment and listen to her body to figure out what worked for her. Listen to today’s episode to hear what Laura has learned about keeping an active lifestyle while pregnant, moving across the country and building a gravel cycling community. Season Sponsor Episode Sponsor Connect with Laura Resources:
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| 22 Feb 2017 | GracedByGrit - Creating a Business by Women For Women | 00:32:50 | |
Kate and Kim’s Wild Idea: To create an athletic company to empower women to cultivate their grit to find their grace. To make women feel good and safe while working out. And to create athletic clothes are are fashionable and effective. Kimberly Caccavo and Kate Nowlan are the founders of activewear brand GracedByGrit. They started this business from scratch, and it has now become a successful company with a team of rocking women at the helm. They believe in a business with a mission, and are passionate about teaming up with causes they care about to raise both funds and awareness. It’s an inspiring conversation about starting a company, building an awesome team, and creating an exciting culture. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/12 | |||
| 03 Jan 2023 | BONUS EPISODE with The Trail Ahead Podcast | 01:28:53 | |
This week we have a BONUS EPISODE featuring The Trail Ahead podcast hosted by Faith E. Briggs and Addie Thompson. On the show, Addie and Faith bring together guests from all walks of life. They interview activists, artists, athletes, climate scientists and outdoor industry leaders to discuss representation and access to the outdoors. For this conversation, Faith and Addie interview Kamilah Journét, a long-distance runner and passionate environmentalist. Kamilah discovered her love for running in junior high and continued competing in Cross Country and Track at high school and collegiate levels. She talks to Faith and Addie about creating a space of belonging in the outdoors, embracing a changing identity as a runner, and taking up space. The Debrief features Sarah Jacquette Ray author of A Field Guide To Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Cool on a Warming Planet. Connect with The Trail Ahead Episode Resources
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| 25 Oct 2022 | Camp Monster Stories with Weston Davis | 00:26:37 | |
Halloween approaches, and spending time outside is a little spookier than usual. As it gets dark earlier and leaves start to fall, our minds can run wild with visions of unknown creatures hiding in lakes or slithering across trails. Weston Davis - host of REI's Camp Monster podcast - tells the stories of these “impossible” creatures, and folks of all ages can’t get enough of them. He knows exactly how to build suspense and make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Connect with Weston: Episode sponsors: | |||
| 17 Oct 2023 | Studying the Cosmos with Sarafina El-Badry Nance | 00:27:36 | |
Sarafina El Badry-Nance is a scientist, an author and a speaker, she's dedicated the last several years to studying the stars and is currently working on her PhD in Astronomy at UC, Berkeley. Sarafina's research focuses on supernovae or exploding stars. Connect with Sarafina:
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| 23 May 2023 | Creating Hipcamp with Alyssa Ravasio | 00:25:23 | |
Alyssa Ravasio is the founder and CEO of the online campsite booking platform, Hipcamp. Many people think of technology and the outdoors as complete opposites, but for Alyssa, the two have always gone together. With Hipcamp Alyssa's found a way to connect folks with campsites on public and private land. This creates more camping spots and makes it easier to find a place to hunker down under the stars. Connect with Alyssa: Resources:
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| 01 Sep 2020 | Diversifying Surfing with Textured Waves | 00:32:00 | |
Textured Waves is a surf collective that aims to introduce more women of color to riding waves. The co-founders of Textured Waves, Chelsea Woody, Danielle Black Lyons, Gigi Lucas and Martina Duran, are working to encourage and represent women of color who surf. Textured Waves recently partnered with the women’s surf brand Seaa on a short film called Sea Us Now, which reimagines vintage surf culture to include and highlight Black women, using imagery, music and poetic narrative. But Textured Waves is just getting started, they have some powerful new projects on the horizon. Connect with Textured Waves: Resources: Season Sponsor: Episode Sponsor: | |||
| 08 Feb 2022 | Climbing Everest with Eddie Taylor | 00:31:44 | |
This spring, Eddie Taylor will be one of the climbers making history on the first all-Black team to attempt to summit Mount Everest. Their trek is called The Full Circle Everest Expedition. By day, Eddie is a high school Chemistry teacher and track coach in Colorado, but before work and on the weekends, he’s out scaling rock faces or ice climbing frozen waterfalls. Now, he is embarking on a new type of adventure — Eddie, eight other Black climbers, and two support staff will start their two month trip to Everest. In this episode, he talks about their preparations and what it takes to climb the tallest mountain in the world. Connect with Eddie & the Full Circle expedition: | |||
| 06 Dec 2017 | Dr. Alan Goldhamer - The Crazy Benefits of Water Fasting and Living a Plant-Based SOS-Free Lifestyle | 00:44:38 | |
Dr. Goldhamer’s Wild Idea: To teach people to lead healthy lives unharmed by unhealthy foods that many put into their bodies. To also share the benefits of water-only fasting. With the new year coming up and the tendency for lots of people to make resolutions, many of which are health oriented, I wanted to do a show focused on health. One of the most popular shows I’ve done was with David Goldman, a proponent of intermittent fasting, who worked at a place called TrueNorth Health. Fasting may seem like a wild idea, but the practice has actually been around for thousands of years and is still used in many cultures and religions. This episode is specifically about water-only fasting, and eating a plant-based, sugar-free, oil-free, and salt-free diet. Dr. Alan Goldhamer, who founded TrueNorth Health, is a huge supporter of these practices. Since 1984, he’s helped thousands of people take back control of their health with these techniques. He’s also a licensed osteopathic physician, author of The Health Promoting Cookbook, and the co-author of The Pleasure Trap. To dig into this topic and to do this podcast, I went to TrueNorth Health in Santa Rosa, California, and did a five-day water-only fast, where I was supervised the whole time by an MD. I had some interesting results, which I share about at the end of the show. After I started eating again, I sat down to talk to Dr. Goldhamer about the results he’s seen from fasting, who can or should do a fast, how to maintain a plant-based diet, and what being featured in the film, What The Health, was like. He is super knowledgeable, and he doesn’t shy away from a spirited debate, which I appreciated. Disclaimer time: I am not a doctor and this podcast is solely for informational purposes! Please consult your doctor and do your own research before trying a fast or any other unusual health practices. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/053 | |||
| 03 Jun 2019 | Be Wildly You with Pattie Gonia | 01:03:21 | |
Pattie Gonia is the world’s first outdoor drag queen and activist. The brainchild of Wyn Wiley, a talented photographer and Eagle Scout from Nebraska, Pattie rocks her platform boots to hike, ski, and now surf her way through Mother Nature’s most beautiful settings. She’s become an example of how to be WILDLY YOU, no matter what. | |||
| 22 Aug 2018 | Jamie Mitchell - World Champ Paddleboarder and Big Wave Surfer on How to Win Multiple Titles and Care for the Ocean | 00:50:46 | |
Jamie’s Wild Idea: To overcome asthma and become a world-champion paddleboarder and big wave surfer. To educate himself and the world about sustainable aquaculture practices. Today’s guest exemplifies what it means to make your wild idea a reality. Jamie Mitchell is one of the best athletes in the world and a ten-time winner of the Molokai to Oahu paddleboard race, one of the most challenging, prestigious races in the world where competitors paddle 32 miles between the Hawaiian Islands. Jamie was passionate about a sport, that at the time he started, wasn’t particularly popular, but he pursued it and made a great career out of it. He isn’t paddleboarding much anymore, but he is on the Big Wave Tour where he has taken the podium many times. If he wins the Big Wave Tour, he’ll be the first person ever to win both this title and the paddleboarding title. In addition to his amazing career, we talk about Jamie’s struggle with asthma as a kid, and how it actually got him into water sports in the first place and eventually even saved his life. We also talk about the often-controversial aquaculture practices that he is working to learn more about, and how he hopes to educate others. To do this, he recently partnered with Verlasso, a sustainable fish-farming company based in Chile, and he recently made a film with previous guest Eric Wolfinger about his participation with them. We also talk about how much he trains today and tips to living wildly and achieving any goal. Listen to this episode if:
For full show notes, including guest links and books mentioned during the episode, visit: http://wildideasworthliving.com/85 | |||
| 26 Jan 2021 | For the Love of Birding with Corina Newsome | 00:36:43 | |
When you think of exciting outdoor activities, bird watching probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But in the words of today’s guest Corina Newsome, it’s like a treasure hunt. There is exhilaration in looking for movement through binoculars or listening for specific bird calls. There's also a sense of achievement that comes with identifying a specific bird and crossing it off your list. Corina isn’t your stereotypical birder. She’s a 27 year old Black woman from Philadelphia with a Master’s degree in Ornithology (the study of birds). Corina was one of the primary organizers behind Black Birders Week, a virtual event that took place in summer of 2020. In this episode, Corina tells us about how she fell in love with birds, the circumstances that inspired Black Birders Week and what it’s like being a Black woman in the outdoors. Read more about how she's helping more birders find their place. Connect with Corina: Resources: Episode Sponsor: | |||
| 15 Apr 2025 | Becoming a Professional Adaptive Rock Climber with Mo Beck | 00:28:22 | |
Mo Beck is an elite climber who was born with a limb difference. For Mo, rock climbing is a puzzle, requiring her to find unique routes up the wall. Over the course of her career, Mo earned a spot on the national paralympic climbing team and has been a top tier competitor at countless national and international climbing events. Now, she's encouraging other adaptive climbers to rethink the limits of what their bodies can do. Connect with Mo: Thank you to our sponsors:
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| 15 Mar 2022 | Seven Summits with Erin Parisi | 00:38:23 | |
Erin Parisi is on her way to becoming the first openly trans person to climb the highest mountain on each continent, a series known as the Seven Summits. So far, she’s climbed five of these peaks, and she has just two left to go. Taking on just one of these peaks is a massive ordeal in its own right, but tackling all seven of them takes intense training, logistical prowess and a hefty financial commitment. There are a million reasons to climb a mountain, but for Erin, this journey is about showing the world her authentic self. Connect with Erin: Resources: | |||