Thank you for listening today, friends! We’ve got a treat today, as Corinne Shalvoy, founder of Women Can. shares her inspiring journey of walking away from a high-level career in corporate America because it no longer aligned with her values and passions to creating a movement to celebrate women’s pursuits through all walks of life.

The Women Can. Movement symbolizes strength and capability and goes beyond running to celebrate whatever a woman is passionate about going after. Corinne’s journey resonates with many, as she used a simple shirt with the message "women can do anything" as a catalyst for change. The Women Can. shirt she created has become more than just clothing; it is a statement of empowerment and a reminder for women everywhere that they have control over their narratives.

Women’s sports, and the narrative around women in sports, is changing rapidly and dramatically, particularly since The Cocodona 250 - a race Corinne commentated for the 4th year in a row. Corinne shares her thoughts on how to increase women’s participation in races, and how men can advocate for and support all women. The Women Can. movement is making an impact in the running world and beyond. Today you’ll discover how Corinne’s passion for running and community building is reshaping perceptions and empowering women everywhere.

Corinne Shalvoy is not just an athlete; she is a trailblazer who turned her passion—and an idea from a shirt—into purpose. A lifelong runner who believes her most competitive days are still ahead at the age of 43, you’ll learn how she grew up in the Colorado mountains, overcame challenges with body image, and reconnected with her passion for running. It was while reflecting on her life direction that she initiated a change from corporate America to focusing on what’s truly important to her. Her life experience, including her journey with running and as a media personality, shaped the vision for Women Can.

You’ll also get Corinne’s thoughts on the significance of women breaking records in ultras, the power of community and supportive environments, and strategies to increase women’s participation in races and physical activity. She also shares the important role that mentorship and coaching played in her personal journey to where she is today. We also venture into balancing family, coaching and community engagement, the next generation of athletes and ways for men and allies to support women’s endeavors without intimidation.

As Corinne shares today, you have the power to redefine your path. Embracing your true self and passions can lead to incredible change. What's out there beyond where you currently are?

Women Can. Shopify  

Women Can. Pressio shop

Women Can. Instagram

Women Can. Substack

Thank you for listening, friends! Today we’ve got Wynonna Fulgham talking about her deep connection to her Diné culture, inspirational ultrarunning journey, and her role as a Native woman in the running community. You’ll learn how running is a spiritual practice, means of healing, and a form of cultural expression for indigenous communities. You’ll also find out what it’s like to finish 100 challenging, mountain miles at the Bradshaw Brute race, sleep for 4 hours, then start the 125 mile journey of Sedona Canyons as part of Cocodona!

Wynonna shares about the profound connection between indigenous culture, land, spirituality, and running. Her story is one of resilience, community, and honoring ancestral traditions through both physical endurance and emotional healing. Each run is a ritual based on connection: to yourself, your community and your ancestors. Each step is a prayer, a way to honor your journey while acknowledging the challenges that come along the way. Wynonna shares how to find strength in vulnerability, and to honor the journey together. 

Prepare to learn about Diné culture, and to be inspired by Wynonna’s physical and mental endurance… and how running can be a ceremony that shapes identity. Wynonna is a certified coach to help indigenous women runners get to the start line of ultras. Connect with her on Instagram @blacksheep_running

Key topics

• Wynonna's background: Diné woman, mother, and math teacher
• The significance of running in Diné culture and traditional ceremonies
• Her experience with ultras like Cocodona 250 and Sedona Canyons
• The spiritual and ancestral meaning behind her racing and land connection
• The role of indigenous women in creating representation through Native Women Run
• How running helps community healing, trauma recovery, and cultural preservation
• The ceremonial aspects of training, race, and finish as a spiritual journey
• Supporting indigenous runners financially and through land acknowledgment
• The importance of curiosity, respect, and cultural sensitivity in outdoor spaces
• Wynonna's plans for future races and goals for 2026

Timestamps

02:04 - Wynonna’s background and cultural identity as a Diné woman

03:03 - Experiences with the documentary "The Cut-Off" and race challenges

05:34 - The spiritual significance of land, drumming, and ceremonies in races

09:03 - Emotions in finishing and the ceremonial closure of races

12:03 - Connection of running to Diné culture and ancestral practices

16:50 - The evolution of her running journey since puberty

23:02 - Giving offerings and respecting land during races

24:42 - The symbolism of sacred mountains and ancestral strength

26:37 - How running acts as a healing and cultural act

36:38 - Wynonna’s role as a teacher and community role model

39:12 - Increasing representation of indigenous women in ultrarunning

43:10 - Supporting Native Women Run and its mission

47:28 - Land acknowledgment and cultural respect for outdoor enthusiasts

50:45 - How to support indigenous runners through donations and awareness

53:09 - Wynonna’s future plans and upcoming races in 2026

55:26 - The Burrito League experience and community engagement

62:38 - Reflections on community, support, and racing experiences

67:05 - Connecting with Wynonna and supporting her journey ahead

Resources & Links

• The Cut-Off Documentary
• Native Women Run | Support the organization
• Mountain Outpost YouTube | Follow Winona's journey
• Cocodona 250 race | Learn more about the race

Connect with Wynonna

• Instagram

We’ve got a fun episode in store today, friends! Maia Detmer shares her inspiring journey from a childhood rooted in sports to becoming a dedicated trauma nurse and an accomplished ultrarunner. She started running to improve her health, and shares with us the intense experiences of last person standing race,  the vibrant community fostered through Across the Years, Jackpot Ultras and Burrtio League. Maia has some big goals this year, and is an inspiring figure in the world of ultras where she competes with support from Aravaipa Running and Ultraspire.

"Honestly, you can trick your brain. If you put a smile on your face, you're actually doing better or feeling better than you think. It's all temporary." - Maia Detmer

Main Topics Covered:

• Maia’s athletic origins in soccer and transition into ultra trail running
• How ultrarunning has transformed Maia’s health and mindset
• Insights into last person standing races, mental resilience, and camaraderie
• The organization and behind-the-scenes of Burrito League and Across the Years
• The role of community, sponsorships, and creative race support
• Maia’s upcoming races, coaching journey, and future goals

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & Maia’s multifaceted background 02:34 - Transition from sports to ultrarunning for health 04:14 - Maia’s positivity and the power of smiling 05:20 - The mental game in ultra races and faking it till you make it 06:26 - Race interactions and mutual support in ultra community 08:00 - Experiencing UNLV and shared memories 09:02 - Reflections on Across the Years 2020 and race experiences 10:02 - Personal milestones, emotions, and finishing strong 11:27 - The significance of community encouragement during races 12:33 - Notable race moments and avoiding injuries 14:10 - Recovery and Maia’s health updates post-race 16:18 - Deep friendships and community bonds formed in ultras 17:54 - Maia’s experience supporting and pacing friends 18:40 - Reflection on Jackpot and race fatigue 19:21 - Training and preparation for upcoming races 22:18 - Creating race support atmosphere with memorable moments like kazoo interruptions 24:25 - The impact of community support and surprises during the race 26:44 - Memorable race antics and rivalry banter 28:33 - The camaraderie of recurring participants and race traditions 30:41 - Maia’s involvement with Burrito League and community organization 33:54 - Challenges of race organization and future plans 36:01 - Behind-the-scenes of race management and community engagement 41:38 - Upcoming ultra races and Maia’s coaching journey 46:15 - How Burrito League served as training for longer races 52:57 - Maia’s future ambitions in the ultra distance scene 58:58 - Maia’s race day photos and candid moments 61:45 - Post-race recovery and injury management 63:17 - Future goals including Tahoe 200 and beyond 64:18 - Follow Maia: social media and upcoming adventures 65:47 - Closing thoughts and upcoming races like Trail TrashedResources & Links:

• Maia Detmer on Instagram
• Maia's Strava profile - Strava
• Corinne’s Company - Women Can Movement
• UltraSpire - Official Site
• Chipotle - Official Website
• Sparkle Lab Art - Instagram

Connect with Maia Detmer:

• Instagram
• Strava

Thanks for listening, friends! Today we've got a special guest, Naturewise Mama of www.naturewisemama.com 

We have a wide-ranging conversation that actually - spoiler alert - got cut off, so prepare yourself for the upcoming part 2. Some of the topics discussed include

Lafayette, CO

Old Town Longmont, CO

Lafayette Florist

Colorado Athletic Club - Tabor Center

Attachment parenting

Turtle energy

Consciousness

Weaving consciousness into the mainstream and awakening

Being open to learning

Seeing the world we wish to see

Colorado clouds

Thanks for listening, friends! Today's topic is rewilding, a topic near and dear to my heart. If you've been listening along, you'll recall my BOSS course experience had a profound impact upon my worldview, outlook and life direction. Rewilding connects the dots between various experiences of my life, so I wanted to to share some of the ways one can get into the movement and reconnect with ancestral and primitive skills, technologies, methodologies and ways of being.

I mention a few of my favorite podcasts, authors and books throughout the course of the podcast. Daniel Vitalis had an amazing podcast called ReWild Yourself; his current venture is Wild Fed. It's been highly impactful for me to listen and learn as I go; I first heard of him on the Life Stylist podcast. 

RewildU is a great resource for rewilding topics, as is rewild.com, especially their detailed analyses of the misrepresentations of hunter gatherers in common culture, and the huge implications those sometimes-purposeful misrepresentations have on our perception of the role of hunter gatherers, tribalism, peacefulness, land use, and their lives of meaning. It's definitely worth checking out, and checking your media-conditioned presumptions before you read the articles. 

Christopher McDougall wrote Born to Run, a bestselling book that spurred the interest in ultramarathons, barefoot shoes, zero drop and the colorful characters in the ultramarathon world including Jenn Shelton, Scott Jurek and Barefoot Ted who promotes natural movement. 

Local plant books are a great way to reconnect to the wildness and beauty around you; Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Rockies is what I'm currently reading.

Enjoy the episode, folks! As always, connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com with questions, comments and guest requests. Cheers!

Today we delve into the wisdom that jaguar holds. It's been an interesting start to the year in this corner of Trucktoyaktuk, compete with -30 snow, above-freezing rain and slush melt, and all weathers between. I was meditating on a theme for 2022 and pulled the jaguar card, which is connected with intuition, honesty and integrity... which felt prudent to share as we enter a period where we are creating new paradigms as the old systems fall away.

Jaguar wisdom from Tanya Casteel 

Jaguar wisdom from What Is My Spirit Animal 

Jaguar wisdom from the Sams & Carson Medicine Cards deck

Today's episode was catalyzed by the unexpected and synchronistic appearance of a frog in my life yesterday that prompted me to look into some of the wisdom shared by frogs. Cleansing is very useful in these stressful times we're in, and letting go of what no longer serves can bring us to the magic that makes life worth living. Join me today to hear some lessons that nature shares to help us process the emotions associated with letting go of something, or being let go: a job, romantic relationship, limiting belief, friendship or what we think is "normal." 

As always, connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com with questions, comments and guest suggestions. And thank YOU to the listeners out there across 34 countries and counting: have a wonderful day and always remember to #optoutside

Self care is an important topic anytime, but especially now with the amount of grief, mental health challenges, job losses, suicides, deaths of despair and addictions exacerbated by political events of the recent past. 

I recorded this episode specifically to share how important it is to take care of yourself at any time. As with the briefing given before a plane takes off, in the event of an emergency put on YOUR oxygen mask before helping others. Individually, we are not helping anyone else if we're not taking care of ourself first.

Today's episode goes through a definition of self-care, and shares many ways by which one can perform self-care. We're all unique, and we are all individually responsible for ourselves; my self-care will look different from yours, no matter how close of friends we are, what experiences we share or how cool our past is. There are scores of ways to take care of oneself, from meditation to massage, sex to a trail run, quiet time alone to eating a favorite food. None are right, wrong or anything else: what works for an individual is unique to them.

It's important to keep up with our self-care practices as we move through challenging situations, particularly nowadays. Many have experienced great loss in the recent past for a variety of reasons.

This is the second part of the grief podcast, episode 80, that I allude to during Episode 80. I decided to publish them separately so listeners can digest the information and reflect upon it.

As always, connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com with questions, comments and guest suggestions. It's wonderful to read your feedback, and to see the listener demographics growing with each new episode. 

Thanks for listening, friends! 

The last two years have brought a lot of loss into everyone's life, whether it's a job, friend, lover, family member or an actual death of someone you care about. I've noticed a lot more people struggling over the past month, and wanted to do something to offer support.

Today's episode is about the stages of grief that humans experience after a loss (which often, but not necessarily is a death), and some tips and suggestions on how to move through the 5 stages of grief. These are suggestions and offerings from my own experiences, and I am not a counselor or therapist. For specific questions and individual concerns you can connect with a specialist in your area with a simple internet search; I use DuckDuckGo.

This is a great article that details five stages of grief, and here's Homer Simpson going through all five in less than a minute. 

There are numerous resources available online to assist anyone struggling with any of the stages, and suicide hotlines for those in the depths of depression. 1-800-273-8255 is the number to call in North America. If you are struggling with any aspect of processing grief, connecting with someone to share what you're going through is a courageous step to take.

As always, y'all can connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com with questions, comments and guest suggestions. 

And, as always, remember that some of the greatest benefits for physical, mental and spiritual health occur when we #optoutside 

Thanks for listening, friends! So today it was -1000 (again) when I went for a lovely run in blustery weather. The run got me thinking about what we can learn from discomfort, and the ways we build confidence from stepping into situations that have some level of uncomfortable feeling. 

As always, connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com with comments, questions and guest suggestions. Enjoy!

After digging a path to a new plunge pool, and running 8 miles up a forest road with a new friend, I spooked 3 deer: a mom and 2 yearlings. That experience got me to ponder what messages deer had for me for while I finished the run, then jumped into the dang-near freezing creek for a cold plunge. It turns out there's some wonderful messages from deer regarding compassion, gentleness and an open heart... tune in today for some stories of the winter out here, the wisdom of deer, and how we can connect that to our own lives.

I reference the Sams & Carson Medicine Cards deck, and material on the What is my spirit animal website. 

Wim Hof has amazing guided meditations and workshops available through his website, wimhofmethod.com. I've been doing the breathwork and cold plunges since mid-August... highly recommend, and I ain't paid to say that. 

As always, opt outside today for some fresh air, vitamin D and phtoncides, and have yourself a magical day. Connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com for questions, comments and guest suggestions. Enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day, friends! Today my friend Elena Harder of the Joygasmic Life Podcast interviews me about my healing and personal growth journey to become a practitioner of consciousness-based modalities. It was fun to record this episode and share experiences with another amazing person on her own journey, and I look forward to the upcoming book sharing her story in more detail. 

We had no script or set questions for this discussion - everything flowed freely after I hit the record button. As mentioned in the introduction, there were some audio issues from a grader clearing snow while we recorded, and I discovered a limit of 59:59 in recording off of the handheld device I was using. Live and learn, so they say!

More information about me and the modalities can be found at gregveregin.com

Feel free to contact me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com with questions, comments and guest suggestions.

And, as always, #optoutside and take some time today to appreciate all the beauty around us in nature.

Links:

Linking Awareness founded by Loesje Jacob

The BodyTalk System

Reiki

Shinrin-Yoku/Forest Bathing

The Joygasmic Life Podcast

Elena Harder

The song "Millionaire" by Chris Stapleton came on during my run today, and I share some reflections upon how we're all millionaires... when we can change our perception towards nature.

Here's a link to the audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPoN-FNB2V8

As always, connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com with comments, questions and guest suggestions.

From spontaneous moves to becoming an ultrarunner, her story is a testament to embracing change, managing discomfort and chasing dreams. Taryn's path from Texas to Utah is filled with unexpected turns, majestic landscapes, overcoming an eating disorder, and discovering a love for the trails.
In today's episode of The Evolving Adventurer, @taryn_annette shares her insights on taking risks, finding courage, and the joy of running through nature's wonders including the spectacular trail up to Angel's Landing.
Whether you're an aspiring adventurer or just love a good story, Taryn's journey will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and explore the unknown.

#womeninrunning #icandohardthings #ultrarunning #eatingdisorderrecovery #chaseyourdreams

 keywords
ultra marathon, trail running, mental resilience, moving across states, recovery, eating disorder, adventure, ultrarunning tips, Utah, Tennessee
 key  topics
Taryn's journey from a delayed quarter-life crisis to ultrarunning
The challenges and rewards of moving cross-country for adventure
Overcoming an eating disorder through sport and self-discovery
Training, nutrition, and recovery tips for female ultrarunners 
The community and camaraderie of trail running and ultra running
 sound bites
"I wanted to bet on myself"
"Comparison is the thief of joy"
"You're not alone in any part of it"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Adventure
00:58 Taryn's Journey into the Outdoors
02:28 The Move from Tennessee to Utah
07:20 Navigating Life as a Single Female Adventurer
11:21 The Transition to Ultra Running
18:45 Lessons Learned from Ultra Running Attempts
25:33 Embracing Personal Strengths in Ultra Running
26:38 Exploring Different Race Formats and Environments
27:52 Mental Challenges During Long Races
30:44 Overcoming Physical and Mental Low Points
33:08 The Emotional Journey of Finishing a Race
35:35 The Community and Support in Ultra Running
38:10 The Unique Experience of Loope Courses
42:28 Future Aspirations and Adventures in Running
45:59 Exploring the Trails and Community
49:44 Recovery and Nutrition in Ultra Running
55:29 Navigating Eating Disorders and Body Image
59:58 Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
 resources
Instagram - Taryn Annette
Jackpot Ultras (100-Mile Race)
Aravaipa Running

Today's guest is my friend - and fellow run & cold plunge in the dark enthusiast - Kylie, a homeschooling mom who lives in a small off-grid house. 

Kylie is yet another interesting person navigating several simultaneous wilderness situations including living on the side of a mountain in grizzly country. She shares with us her Plug It project to bring more joy to life through mindfulness, her experiences learning to sing in her 30s, the importance of listening to our breath, synchronicities, and the value of improv to manage your life. One of the recurring themes in our discussion is meditation; another is finding comfort in discomfort, whether by cold plunging, learning as an adult, connecting to a crowd or having outdoor showers with a bucket of hot water when it's -20 outside her small house.

Kylie is a great new friend out here in the mountains, and it was a blast recording this episode--as you'll tell from all the laughter and banter--since it is also the first in-person episode I've recorded (complete with passing the mic back and forth). 

As always, connect with me through wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com for questions, comments and guest suggestions. Kylie's Youtube channel, Plug It, can be found through this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJPcaSmw5GbSc5P8u5pcsCQ

What wisdom and teachings can a river offer us? Tune in today where I share some of my river experiences and lessons learned and suggested by the magical waterbodies that flow through our lives.

Questions? Comments? Guest suggestions? Connect with me through wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com

Cold plunges! Wim Hof is a wonderful guide into the world of breathwork and the benefits of the cold. 

Today's episode shares some of my experiences with cold plunges, including my plunge-run 10 miles-plunge early-in-the-day adventure with a new friend. I've also compiled some of the studies mentioned in the episode that detail what changes occurred in individuals who began cold showers or plunges. Benefits of cold showers and plunges include reduced inflammation, improved circulation, enhanced immune system function and fat burning, blood sugar regulation, mood boosts and enhanced antioxidant activity, to name a few. There are others.

If you're not yet cold plunging, take a listen and perhaps try 10 seconds of less-warm water at the end of today's shower, moving to 10 seconds of cool water tomorrow. After all, you'll never know if you never give it a go...

As always, connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com for comments, questions and guest suggestions. 

I've been seeing elk every day for about a week now, and finally pulled out the Medicine Cards deck to see what message and wisdom they're sharing with me. Tune in today for some wisdom, and some thoughts about the ways that elk is reminding us how important stamina is.

As always, connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com for guest suggestions, questions and comments. Enjoy!

What is intuition? Today's episode delves into my favorite definition of intuition from Positive Psychology, then shares some tips on how to connect - hint, #optoutside, leave your phone and take some deep breaths in nature - and an example or two of when I did or didn't listen to my intuition while favoring the "logical, rational" approach. 

Dr Joe Dispenza has great resources that help you to create realities and bring dreams to fruition.

Enjoy today's episode, and, as always, connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com

Hearing the word cancer conjures up emotions and imagery for pretty much everyone. Today we have a very special guest, my new friend Rebecca, a single mom who is navigating her second cancer diagnosis by focusing on holistic treatments. We discuss how she takes time to educate herself about the numerous available treatments, different methods of detoxifying the body, what led her to the holistic and traditional healing modalities, the importance of nature, the energy shifts from being outside, asking for help and how she connected with a new health paradigm. 

We are both involved with Ezra Wellness in Winterfell. 

The book Rebecca mentions is called How to Starve Cancer by Jane McLelland. 

As always, you can connect with me for comments, questions and guest suggestions at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com

There are many ways one can be courageous. In today's episode I detail my favorite definition of courage, some ways to build courage, and how our perceptions of courage can change when we broaden our view from what we are conditioned to.

Dictionary.com defines courage as "the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain... without fear; bravery."

Here's to everyone out there taking action in the face of fear.

“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” John Wayne

It's a solo episode today, friends, talking a bit about my BOSS experience and why the song Amazing by Aerosmith is such a connection for me. There are four simple sentences that have really impacted me in the years since that experience, and it's got a badass guitar solo. Why does this share wisdom? Well, read the lines below... and reflect upon how they bring up certain memories in your life: 

It's amazing
With the blink of an eye you finally see the light
It's amazing
When the moment arrives that you know you'll be alright

Thank you for listening! As always, give my podcast a review wherever you're listening, and connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com with questions, comments and guest suggestions. 

Today's episode details some of the ways moving catapults us into a growth phase... and I share some tips on things to consider when you are moving. We always grow when we move, as moving is often in conjunction with a new chapter of life. 

As always, connect at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com with your questions, comments, show ideas and guest suggestions.

Cheers!

Thank you for listening, friends! I was about to record a different episode about perspectives when my intuition directed an abrupt switch to share the story of my experiences earlier in the day. A squirrel called out during a session recording, and I was called to share the wisdom of squirrel from the Sams & Carson deck. My comments and thoughts follow the very fitting wisdom of these magical creatures who played a significant component in how my day transpired.

As always, connect with me through wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com with questions, comments and guest suggestions. Enjoy!

Join us on today's episode as we dive into the world of Whitney Dancaster, an elite trail runner from the East Coast, sponsored by Newton Running. Whitney shares her thrilling journey from city streets to ultramarathons, and how she's building a vibrant running community. Tune in for tales of her Burrito League escapades, safety smarts, race prep secrets, gear must-haves, and her sky-high goals for the future.Key Topics Include:

• Whitney’s epic win at the Chattanooga Burrito League, clocking over 543 miles and rallying the community
• Savvy safety tips for solo and trail runners, from wildlife whispers to communication cues
• Weathering the storm: tackling trail terrain and Mother Nature's mood swings
• Gear up! Whitney’s go-to shoes, socks, packing hacks, and support essentials
• From road to rugged: mastering new skills and boosting downhill daring
• How social media and community spirit spark connections and collaborations
• Whitney’s race calendar, dreams of 200-milers, FKTs, and exciting events on the horizon
• Beginner’s guide: trail reading, navigation, foot care, and handling wildlife and weather surprises

• Friction Prescription – Foot care products for trail runners
• Newton Running – Earthquake, stability, and racing shoes
• ⁠⁠30% off UCan and Free $20 Trial Pack⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Unlimited Potential YouTube⁠⁠
• ⁠IG: Whitney Dancaster⁠ 

• Cocodona 250 – Iconic 250-mile adventure race in Arizona
• Leadville Trail 100 – Iconic 100-mile race in Colorado

• Big Deal at Great Seal - Ultramarathon in Ohio
• Long Haul 100 - Ultramarathon in Florida
• A Race for the Ages - Unique Ultramarathon in Tennessee
• The Barkley Fall Classic - Ultramarathon in Tennessee

Chapters:

00:00 - Meet Whitney: ultrarunning roots and community capers
02:05 - Burrito League breakdown: miles, community vibes, and local love
03:07 - Community chemistry and the trail scene evolution
04:28 - Burrito Loop life: routines and community chats
06:02 - Safety smarts: traffic, critters, weather, and risk wrangling
08:22 - Trail transition: tackling technical terrain
09:54 - Gear goodies: shoes, socks, packing plans, and emergency prep
12:19 - Weather woes: training and race prep, winter gear wonders
15:43 - Safety savvy: support circles, sharing plans, and wildlife watch
16:41 - Wildlife watch: bears, snakes, gators, oh my!
22:53 - Trail tricks: navigation, blaze reading, and finding your way
25:05 - Shoe smarts: fit, toe boxes, and blister busters
30:13 - Race-ready: river crossings, terrain tips, and gear guidance
33:40 - Race radar: Leadville, FKTs, and ultramarathon ambitions
41:22 - Trail trials and triumphs: personal growth parallels
50:02 - Trail tactics: safety, terrain tweaks, and adaptation
55:01 - Mindset magic: mastering descents and trail awareness
62:32 - Social media magic: connecting, supporting, and community building
63:16 - Coaching, mentorship, and championing women in sport
64:14 - Shoutouts to family, sponsors, and mentors
66:01 - Final musings: safety, awareness, and the ultrarunning community's power

Please follow this show on Spotify. It really helps!

Note: Always be trail-ready with navigation tools, safety gear, and wildlife wisdom. Whitney champions gear testing, terrain savvy, and community support for a sustainable and joyful trail running adventure.

Keywords: trail running, ultra marathon, Burrito League, safety tips, race preparation, community, gear, hydration, navigation, wildlife, women's running.

What wisdom can we glean when we ponder the lure of the open road? Today I share some thoughts about the draw of road trips, as we have unlimited possibilities once we start our drive. The feeling of freedom, the magic that can transpire, and connection with our ancestral memories of hunter-gather lifestyles all connect to the draw of the open road. 

As always, connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com

Today's episode is a fun discussion about sexuality, free birthing, personal growth and the Joygasmic life with Elena Harder. Elena's passion and positivity is contagious, and it was wonderful to connect and hear about her current, and in-the-works offerings. Elena's podcast focuses on Inspiring stories and actionable ideas for awakening mothers. Her podcast can be found here.

Elena Harder is a Courage Catalyst and Bulletproof Mom Coach. She started her awakening journey when she conceived her son in an abusive relationship, and then spent 7 years in crippling postpartum depression, self loathing and people pleasing.  She never gave up hope on finding a way through.  Her search for “mental health” led Elena to study Mindfulness, Spirituality, NLP, Theta Healing, Tantra, Optimal Nutrition, and Intermittent Fasting to find a way to finally recover her mind and joyful soul.

Now she works with other mothers to help them master the tools and skills that really work to remove their negative self talk, eliminate stress, heal their hearts, and remove anxiety, fear and depression.

She believes that by sharing vulnerable stories, and hard earned wisdom, others don’t need to make the same mistakes, can move from suffering to joy much faster, and be empowered to find their own Joygasmic Life.

Connect and Follow Elena

Websites:
ElenaHarderr.com

BulletproofMoms.com (FREEBIE 5 Fantastic Freakout Fighting Fingers)

Instagram:
instagram.com/joygasmharder (personal)
instagram.com/bulletproofmom/ (bulletproof moms)

Facebook:
facebook.com/joygasm8

facebook.com/JoyGASMagic

Connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com

Thanks for listening today, friends! In the fall of 2019, on a post-intense summer job road trip, my phone was stolen while I was spending time with an old contact. It was a very interesting time, and I thought it prudent to share thoughts on the technology dependence many people have... and what that can open up for learnings and growth when it is no longer available. Paper maps, handwritten address/contact books, and spatial/situational awareness are things that can be learned, and serve as backups when technology fails. My experience was a challenge, but I not just managed--I thrived! Today we focus on some of the lessons learned when the phone you store your acoustic and photographic memories on is no longer part of your human experience.

As always, connect with me with comments, questions and guest suggestions at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com

Positivity spreads, and we can make a difference with our thoughts and actions. Where thoughts go, energy flows... this episode is a result of technological fails trying to record for the second time with Realist Idealist about how thoughts create things, energy and creating our dream with intent, visualization and conscious language. While annoying, the inability to record tonight spurred an impromptu monologue sharing some of the positive aspects of my day, including how my positive attitude and focus affected several people in the grocery store checkout line. That's just one example of how we can be the change we wish to see in the world. So, while we didn't have an epic discussion yet... you do get to hear a tale of stepping out to share positive energy with the world.

I also mention my great, calf-deep cold plunge in sub-freezing temperatures while using the Wim Hof method of breathing. It's been transformative for me over the 6 weeks since I started; perhaps it will be for you, too, if you choose to try it out. I share this for educational purposes only, as everyone's experience will be unique to them, and you may wish to consult your health care professional of choice before starting. Here are two links to the breathing technique, and a guided meditation with the technique. Enjoy!

Guided breathing by Wim Hof: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tybOi4hjZFQ

Breathing tutorial by Wim Hof: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzCaZQqAs9I

Wim Hof Method: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/

Today's episode details an experience I had with a rainbow trout in the local river... then how that experience connected synchronistically to a friend's fishing expedition 4 hours away. It's incredible what transpires when we block out the voices competing for our attention and reconnect with our own intuition. Magical coincidences can -- and do -- happen!

As always, please connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com with comments, questions and guest suggesions. 

Thank you for listening, friends! We've got a fun episode today with my friend and fellow trail runner, Aileen. Aileen has completed several epic adventures in the mountains, from crushing local peaks to solo explorations of Moab, Utah to finishing as second-place female and 16th overall at the 2020 Orcas Island 100 mile ultramarathon in torrential rain. She's written great articles for the Trail Sisters community that can be found here: https://trailsisters.net/author/aileenmckeown/

We have a wide-ranging conversation about outdoor adventuring, taking solo road trips, the new frontier of raising a puppy and what got her into running just four short years ago. Aileen reminds us that there are so many things to be grateful for, that time outdoors is self-care, and just how far our own legs can take us. Enjoy!

As always, connect with me through wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com with questions, comments and guest suggestions, and don't forget to leave a review on your podcast listening platform of choice.

Below are links to some of our topics of discussion:

https://www.discovermoab.com/

https://www.rainshadowrunning.com/orcas-island-100m.html

https://sunshinecoast-trail.com/

https://www.highlonesome100.com/

http://squamish50.com/

Thanks for listening, friends! Today I delve into compassion... more specifically, ways to be compassionate during these unusual times. There are some tips on how to be compassionate when interacting with anyone else - friend, family member, spouse, partner, store clerk - and a reminder that we can all be kind, regardless of our differences.

Questions? Comments? Guest suggestions? Contact me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com

Hi friends, thanks for listening today! This episode shares some ways we can process the ending of a relationship, whether a friendship, partnership, employment or family connections. We're focusing on solutions and ways to move forward in life after what can be a jarring experience.

I reference this video of Johnny Cash singing Hurt in the earlier parts of the episode.

Connect with me via wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com with questions, comments and to share suggestions for future guests.

In adventure!

Thank you for listening today, friends. It's a special episode, the first in a new series of Real Conversations with my good friend, host of Realist Idealist podcast.

Today's discussion is about the concept of reality: we explore several different related topics while eschewing others for another time and episode. It's very interesting to note what our discussion centers on when we encounter unexplained audio difficulties. We cover some of the limits of language in the context of neuro-linguistic programming, whether reality or truth is objective or subjective, the role of perspective, how thoughts can create "realities" and more. It was a fun episode to record, and I'm excited for this new feature.

Remember, you are the ultimate arbiter of your life experience, deciding which steps to take for yourself. If you're drawn to investigate some of these topics in further depth, there are numerous resources available in print and online: you can use your own discernment to decide which resonate and which are out of alignment.

As promised in the recording, here are a list of links to areas we explore:

What thoughts serve you best?

Serena Dyer on Luke Storey's The Life Stylist Podcast episode 366

Wayne Dyer quotes: "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." "You'll see it when you believe it."

NLP is Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a fascinating field of study. Natasha Althoff of Fearless Riding Success and Damon Cart of Life Mastery Gym are two sources Realist Idealist has studied with. 

Thank you for listening! As always, contact me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com with comments, questions and guest suggestions.

Thank you for listening, friends! In today's episode I share a brief, yet memorable wolverine encounter under the Milky Way earlier this week. I also share some thoughts and guidance we can connect with through the energy of wolverine.

As always, reach out to me through wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com and enjoy the episode!

Healing through Rhythm: Exploring Drums & Rattles with Robyn

Join us in this inspiring conversation with Robyn, artist and Métis healer, as she shares her journey into making drums and rattles, their cultural significance, and how these sacred tools facilitate healing and self-discovery. Discover practical insights on crafting, using, and connecting with these powerful instruments in your personal practice.

In this episode:

• Robyn’s background as a Métis artist and healer specializing in rattles and drums
• The cultural and spiritual significance of Métis, Cree, and other Indigenous traditions
• How crafting drums and rattles serves as a process of healing and ancestral reconnection
• The different roles of drums (mirrors) and rattles (guides) in ceremonies and energy sessions
• Choosing the right animal and material for your drum based on intention and spiritual guidance
• The importance of ceremony, reciprocity, and connection when sourcing rawhide and crafting tools
• How intuition develops through trauma healing, spiritual deconstruction, and practice
• Workshop formats, group sizes, and how community energy enhances the healing process
• Future visions for rattles as accessible healing tools and interactive art installations

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction and the healing potential of drums & rattles
02:05 - Robyn’s Métis identity and cultural background
04:00 - The process of crafting rattles and drums as healing tools
06:15 - Cross-cultural origins of drums and rattles worldwide
08:30 - Sourcing rawhide: tradition, ceremony, and modern support
10:45 - The ancestral connection to drum-making and medicine work
12:18 - Roles of drums as mirrors and rattles as guides in healing
14:06 - Developing intuition: trauma, spirituality, and trusting your call
16:38 - The evolution of Robyn’s relationship with her craft and tools
18:00 - How drums activate primal energy; examples of transformative experiences
20:10 - The structure and purpose of Robyn’s workshops; group dynamics
22:50 - Customization of materials, animal choices, and energetic significance
25:00 - Interpreting spirit animal energies in drum and rattle selection
28:10 - Future visions for rattles: art, healing, and educational installations
30:34 - Personal stories of rattles and drums guiding life shifts
32:37 - Artistry and quality in making heirloom tools
35:00 - The subtle yet profound power of rattles’ feminine energy
37:20 - Sharing a live rattle experience and its effects
39:52 - Feedback from clients: epiphanies, ancestral guidance, and breakthroughs
43:15 - Supporting clients when their drum or rattle shows physical manifestations
46:20 - Exploring sound frequency and intentional use in healing
48:39 - Personal experiences: ice-fire sensations and energy activation
50:00 - How to work with your tools intuitively, beyond words
52:17 - Guided mini session to connect with your own rattling or drumming
55:32 - Connecting with Robyn online and upcoming workshops
57:00 - Raffle for a beautiful rainbow rattle — enter now!
58:38 - The symbolic meaning behind the rainbow, love, and earth in Robyn’s work
59:34 - Final thoughts: trust your intuition and the spiritual guidance of tools

Resources & Links:

• ⁠Robyn’s Website⁠
• ⁠Instagram - Robpross Wholeness⁠
• ⁠Email: robpross.wholeness [at] gmail [dot] com⁠

During the guided mini session, Robyn invites you to simply listen, notice sensations, and trust your intuition — there’s no right or wrong experience.

Remember: These sacred tools are actives of transformation. Trust your inner voice, and allow their sound and energy to lead you toward healing and deeper connection.

Thanks for listening, friends! I've been seeing ladybugs everywhere as summer wraps up... and I thought, why not share some of the wisdom of ladybug as we transition into autumn. The leaves are changing, the harvest is bountiful and there are transitions happening everywhere. What wisdom does ladybug bring, and how can it apply to your life?

As always, connect with me through wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com 

I've been seeing grasshoppers everywhere over the past two weeks as we transition into autumn. The sightings prompted me to research some fo the wisdom associated with grasshopper... and much to my interest, there is much to be gleaned from what I found. Today's episode focuses on some lessons and invitations from grasshopper, with illustrations from both my experience and what yours could be. Thanks for listening!

As always, connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com 

I've been seeing tons of butterflies lately: landing on me, flying by... all different colors and descriptions. What wisdom does the wilderness of butterflies hold? There are some pretty neat thoughts about transformation, change and emerging from a cocoon today... 

As always, connect with me through wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com and #optoutside to enjoy nature today.

For three consecutive hike/runs on different mountains I scared the bejeezus out of a (or a covey) of grouse. I was curious what the medaning of this might be, for the experiences were too similar to dismiss as mere coincidence. It turns out that grouse shares a wonderful message for this time of year - listen in to hear more, and more ways to connect with nature as we approach the autumnal equinox.

As always, you can connect with me through wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com

Did you know there's a desert in Canada? Actually, there's more than one. 

Today's episode covers a story of my mountain adventures, then the wisdom shared by Snake... especially from the rattler I encountered exploring the South Okanagan, which is the northern tip of the Sonoran Desert. Crazy!

As always, please share this episode with your friends, pass along to colleagues and rate it on your podcast platform of choice. You can connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com for all comments, questions and guest requests. Enjoy!

I'm on an unstructured trip to explore the BC mountains and keep seeing red-tailed hawks... what message does the hawk wish to share with us today?

Thanks for listening, friends! I've had quite the series of experiences with foxes on my adventures in the Rockies... and I wanted to share both the adventures, and the wisdom and invitations from the Fox medicine card. I've really enjoyed Fernie Brewing's IPAs - Eclipse, Thunder Meadows, and Nomad, specifically. They're not a sponsor, and I'm not paid to endorse their products, but all their staff have been friendly and helpful while I've been checking out the area.

As always, please rate this podcast on the podcast platform of your choosing, and pass it along to your friends if the episode resonates with you. Don't hesitate to connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com 

Thanks for listening, friends! Today we've got a short bonus episode: an experience I had driving on the highway today, some tips for navigating the wilderness of the increasingly-crowded roads, and the wisdom armadillo shares. Enjoy!

As always, feel free to connect with me: wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com

Thank you for listening! Today I'm sharing some of the reasons I use cast iron cookware, and some of the benefits thereof. If you haven't used it, there's a wilderness-like learning curve from using this sturdy, reliable form of food preparation dating back more than 2500 years. Enjoy!

Questions? Comments? Guest suggestions? Connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com

Hey friends! Today I'm sharing a story of my experience at Ormiston Gorge, Northern Territory, Australia. That experience caused me to literally and figuratively reassess the concept of identity and how it relates to our perception. Truly, you'll never know if you never go. As the former tourism campaign of the Northern Territory, it's fitting that this experience happened in such a majestic part of the world. 

Questions? Comments? Guest suggestions? Connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com

Discover Krista’s inspiring story of overcoming mental health struggles, shifting from conventional medicine to holistic modalities like Body Talk, and reclaiming her vitality. This episode dives deep into her personal evolution, the power of energetic healing, and practical insights for anyone seeking profound transformation.

• Krista’s background with mental health challenges and medication dependency
• Awakening to alternative healing: how she discovered BodyTalk
• The role of energy, spirit, and subconscious patterns in physical and emotional health
• Personal experiences with trauma, loss, and resilience
• The importance of intuitive observation and safe space in healing
• Practical steps to incorporate body awareness and self-care
• How remote sessions facilitate healing and accessibility
• The significance of grounding, intuition, and trusting your body's signals
• Supporting others: the responsibility of practitioners in safe healing environments
• Krista’s plans for expanding her practice and serving her community physically and virtually

Key Topics:

00:00 - Introduction and Krista’s background in healing and personal growth
02:50 - Meeting Krista and memorable moments from early connections
05:00 - The power of energetic connections at events and beyond
08:30 - Experiencing the intense energy during group meditations and shifts
12:00 - How understanding energy and spirit transforms healing approaches
13:15 - Krista’s history with mental health struggles and medication
15:00 - Her journey into weight loss and body awareness through trauma release
17:30 - The importance of listening to your body and the role of rest and balance
20:45 - The collapse of her work life and navigating financial and emotional hardship
25:00 - Processing loss, moving, and the depths of despair
30:00 - Discovering alternative modalities: Loesje, Pam Dillon, and body talk
35:20 - Her experiences with ketamine therapy and limitations of western medicine
40:00 - The significance of trauma, birth stories, and somatic awareness
45:10 - The shift into holistic health: connecting with horses, nature, and intuition
50:00 - The power of regular practice and how it supports physical and emotional healing
55:00 - Embracing gifts, intuition, and the responsibility of practitioners
60:00 - The importance of vulnerability, community, and authentic connection
65:10 - Supporting future parents and breaking generational trauma cycles
70:00 - The evolution of healing modalities and their role in preventative health
75:00 - Krista’s offerings: sessions, sliding scale, accessibility, and how to connect
78:00 - Her vision for in-person work and community engagement in Langley
80:00 - Support, guidance, and embracing change with body talk
82:00 - Final thoughts on self-empowerment, trying new modalities, and collective healing

Resources & Links:

• Body Talk with Krista
• BodyTalk with Krista (Canada)
• Instagram - Body Talk with Krista
• Pam Dhillon - Wild & Wise 
• Loesje - Linking Awareness Instagram or website
• Fraser (Tattoo Artist)
• Andy Glaze - ultrarunner 
• Greggi Instagram and website

Connect with Krista:

• Instagram: bodytalkwithkrista
• Website: bodytalkwithkrista.com

I received the gift of a crow feather on my evening walk... at a fortuitous time, no less. What wisdom does the crow feather have to share with us today?

Questions? Comments? Guest suggestions? Connect with me at wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com

I got my truck! Today's episode details my experience purchasing the truck, plus my list of must haves, dealbreakers, and nice to have features along with a hefty dose of wisdom gained from previous experiences. The past three months of vehicle issues have been quite the ride, and I'm excited to move on to new adventures in a new adventuremobile!

When considering a vehicle, it's very helpful to have a list of essential features it must have what your dealbreakers are, and what is nice--but not essential. Everyone has their own preferences, tolerances and interests: be sure to get the right vehicle for YOU, the one that meets your needs.

Must haves: what does the vehicle have to have? AC? Cruise? Towing capacity? Offroad capabilities? Fuel efficiency? Take time to think ahead about what you need a vehicle to have.

Nice to haves: what are things you don't *need* but that are nice to have? Manual transmission? AC? Cruise? A bajillion cameras? Warranty? Entertainment system? Bluetooth?  What are the features you'd like to have but that are not essential for your purposes.

Dealbreakers: what features, quirks or issues will eliminate a vehicle from consideration? Rusted frame? Price? Automatic transmission? Push button start? High mileage? Low ride height? Altered suspension? Think about what you absolutely do not want in the vehicle you will be purchasing. 

As always, send comments and questions to wisdomofthewilderness@protonmail.com

I'm feeling a bit like I'm stuck in a Corb Lund song entitled Truck Got Stuck. 

Today's episode is an update on the truck search with some learnings--and adventures--test driving a Toyota, Ford, and repairing (again) the Forester which has been unofficially dubbed The Death Trap. The following statement from Marcel Proust sure is holding true for this... adventure:

“We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.”
― Marcel Proust

I reference the Chris Fix and The Homework Guy videos as part of my inspection process on any vehicle I consider.