Outdoorsy – Details, episodes & analysis

Longer entrance lines. Closed visitor centers. Fewer ranger programs. Overflowing trash cans. Delayed maintenance. Trails and facilities are struggling to keep up with record-breaking visitation.

In this bonus episode of Outdoorsy, I’m diving into what’s actually happening to our national parks, including major National Park Service staffing cuts, proposed budget reductions, and the growing pressure facing park employees and public lands across the United States.

But more importantly, I wanted to focus on something practical: what we can actually do to help.

This episode covers:

• Why national parks are struggling right now
• The impact of staffing and budget cuts on the National Park Service
• Record visitation numbers and increasing strain on parks
• Simple ways visitors can support national parks and park staff
• Leave No Trace and responsible recreation
• Why wildlife safety and respecting park rules matter
• How to support local gateway communities
• Volunteering, advocacy, and contacting your representatives
• Ways to protect public lands beyond social media activism

I also share realistic, accessible ways that everyday people can make a difference, whether that’s visiting during off-peak times, attending ranger programs, volunteering locally, supporting nonprofits, or simply being a kinder, more prepared visitor.

My mission has always been to remind people that the outdoors belong to all of us, and protecting these places takes all of us too.

Yes, the attacks on public lands just keep coming. This time, the USDA is moving to rescind the Roadless Rule (a critical conservation regulation that's protected 30% of our National Forests for nearly 25 years), and the first public comment period closes in just four days. 

I break down what the rule is, why it matters, and how you can leave a meaningful comment that goes on record. I also myth-bust claims about wildfire management, accessibility, and economic value, etc.

Take action now: Go to regulations.gov and search FS-2025-0001. Share your personal story, cite research, and keep it respectful. Or click here: https://bit.ly/RoadlessRuleComment. Your comment matters!

TL;DR

• The Roadless Rule (since 2001) protects ~58M acres of National Forests (about 30%) from new industrial road-building.
• USDA is moving to rescind it and is rushing the scoping comment period (only 21 days).
• Roads do not reduce wildfire risk; they often increase human-caused ignitions and invasive species spread.
• Roads ≠ accessibility. True access requires intentional infrastructure (bathrooms, trail surfacing/width, maintenance, programs).
• Forest Service already has 386,000+ miles of roads and a $8.4B maintenance backlog. Adding more is unsafe and unsustainable.
• Your specific, respectful, and sourced comment becomes part of the public record and matters both now and later in court. It's important!
• Comment period ends SOON! Deadline: Sept. 19th

LINKS

• Leave your comment here: https://bit.ly/RoadlessRuleComment.
• Roadless Rule myths debunked: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/roadless-rule-myths-debunked-facts-vs-fiction
• All about public comments: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/roadless-rule-public-comment-guide
• Why removing the Roadless Rule doesn't benefit disabled people: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/removing-roadless-rule-wont-increase-accessibility-disabled-people

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 – Welcome & urgent call to action (comment deadline in 4 days!)
• 02:00 – Roadless Rule 101: what it is & what it protects
• 06:10 – The rulemaking process & why comments matter legally
• 10:25 – Myth-busting wildfire arguments
• 16:15 – Roads ≠ accessibility: the truth about disabled access
• 21:05 – What Roadless areas safeguard: water, wildlife, recreation
• 25:50 – Forest Service backlog & why adding more roads is reckless
• 29:30 – Economic reality: existing value of Roadless lands
• 33:20 – How to write a strong public comment
• 39:40 – Closing thoughts, collective action, and ways to support

Meet the incredible Chelsea McCurdy, a queer hiker and pilates instructor who founded Hobbit Hikers—a community redefining what it means to be outdoorsy. 

Chelsea opens up about body neutrality, reclaiming joy in movement, and building inclusive spaces in the outdoors. Plus, we dig into her love for Lord of the Rings and how it inspired her approach to hiking and the ultimate creation of Hobbit Hikers.

🌿 Topics covered:
The inspiration behind Hobbit Hikers
Reframing fitness and embracing nature
Challenges and joys of being a plus-size adventurer
Tips for creating inclusive outdoor communities

⏰ Timestamps:
00:08 – Podcast intro and housekeeping
01:34 – Meet Chelsea McCurdy
03:50 – Redefining “outdoorsy”
08:20 – The Hobbit Hikers origin story
19:50 – Navigating mental health and body positivity in the outdoors
30:40 – Advice for plus-size and marginalized hikers
40:15 – Building community through inclusivity
52:24 – Upcoming Hobbit Hiker trips

Links to Chelsea’s social media and trip info are in below. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review! 

https://www.instagram.com/_whatwouldellewoodsdo_
https://www.tiktok.com/@whatwouldellewoodsdo
https://linktr.ee/chelseamccurdy

Meet the ultimate holiday gift guide for the outdoorsy book lovers in your life! If you’re looking for the perfect gift or want ideas to add to your own wishlist, I've got you covered.

1. The Lord of the Rings (Box Set) by J.R.R. Tolkien
2. The Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership by Chaya Milchtein
3. The Green Camping Book: How to Camp Sustainably, Ethically and Responsibly by Martin Dorey
4. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
5. The Serviceberry: An Economy of Abundance by Robin Wall Kimmerer
6. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - 06:31: Introduction & housekeeping
• 06:31 - 08:15: Gift guide intro
• 08:16 - 09:45: The Lord of the Rings (Box Set) 
• 09:46 - 12:00: The Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership - 
• 12:01 - 14:30: The Green Camping Book 
• 14:31 - 17:30: Braiding Sweetgrass and The Serviceberry
• 17:31 - 19:30: Wild
• 19:31 - 22:00: Recap &closing thoughts

🎧 Bonus Content:
To hear the part two of this bonus episode which covers all of my favorite outdoorsy gear gift ideas, join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Outdoorsy.

Support the Show:

• Rate and review the podcast ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
• Join the Outdoorsy community on Patreon
• Follow Outdoorsy on YouTube for video episodes!

Wishing you a joyful and cozy holiday season! 

Is it such a crime to want outdoor gear for EVERYONE that looks cute, feels comfy, keeps us safe, and is actually functional?

In this episode, I sat down with Maria Baker, the founder of Nobody’s Princess, a groundbreaking snow apparel brand empowering women through inclusivity and innovation. Maria shares her journey from growing up in Australia to creating a brand that challenges the norms of the snow sports industry.

We discuss the barriers women face in outdoor sports, the importance of size-inclusive and technical gear, and how brands can do better to support all body types. Because everyone deserves safe and functional outdoor apparel. 

If you've ever felt excluded from outdoor activities, this episode is for you.

Chapters & timestamps:

• 00:08 - Welcome to Outdoorsy!
• 00:54 - Introducing Maria Baker & Nobody’s Princess
• 02:41 - What Does “Outdoorsy” Mean to Maria?
• 05:03 - Maria’s Journey to Snow Sports 
• 11:18 - Starting Nobody’s Princess: From Idea to Reality
• 18:40 - Addressing Representation in Outdoor Gear
• 23:55 - Why Size-Inclusive Apparel Matters
• 34:12 - The Safety and Confidence Connection in Gear
• 43:37 - Maria’s Mission: Breaking Barriers in Snow Sports
• 56:10 - Final Reflections on Inclusivity & Representation
• 1:07:27 - What’s Next for Nobody’s Princess?

Connect with Nobody's Princess:
https://linktr.ee/nobodysprincess
https://nobodysprincess.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/nobodysprincessapparel

In this episode of Outdoorsy, I sit down with the incredible Emily Sedona—content creator, TikTok sensation, and advocate for making the outdoors approachable for everyone. We talk about her unique journey into the outdoors, her viral rise to TikTok fame, and how she’s redefined what it means to be outdoorsy. From her humble beginnings living out of a car to building a thriving online community, Emily’s story is as inspiring as it is relatable.

We also dive deep into topics like embracing personal style in the outdoors, the challenges of navigating sobriety in a community often centered around alcohol, and the healing power of solo hiking. Emily shares her thoughts on finding belonging, whether through solo adventures or connecting with others. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t fit the traditional “outdoorsy” mold, this episode is for you!

Timestamps and Chapters

• [00:08] Welcome & Introduction
• [01:41] Meet Emily Sedona: Who She Is and How She Started
• [04:28] Road Trips, TikTok Fame, and Finding Her Voice
• [07:25] Getting Started: Gear, Budget, and Making It Work
• [09:35] Redefining ‘Outdoorsy’: Embracing a New Identity
• [14:07] The Healing Power of Solo Hiking
• [19:13] Overcoming Fear: Hiking Alone and Doing It Scared
• [22:50] Finding Community: Turning Online Friends into IRL Connections
• [27:07] Sobriety in the Outdoors: Navigating Challenges
• [34:41] Personal Style in the Outdoors: Dressing However You Want
• [41:30] Final Advice: Belonging and Owning Your Outdoorsy Identity
• [43:30] What’s Next for Emily: Upcoming Retreats and Adventures

Links

• https://www.patreon.com/Outdoorsy
• https://linktr.ee/emilysedona
• https://www.instagram.com/emilysedona/
• https://x.com/emilysedona
• https://www.patreon.com/emilysedona
• https://www.tiktok.com/@snackqueen666
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVEtsgn05Oo-3l0omF1yd9Q

This episode is one of the most special ones I’ve ever recorded because my guest isn’t just an outdoorsman, mountaineer, and Eagle Scout—he’s my dad. Jim Wilson is the man who taught me to love the outdoors, appreciate the small wonders in nature, and believe in myself on every trail, summit, and journey.

We talk about everything from his experiences climbing Tahoma (Mt. Rainier) multiple times and his attempt to summit Denali, to the joy of raising three daughters to love the outdoors. My dad shares his wisdom on what it means to be a “girl dad” in the outdoors, how he balanced empowering us while keeping us safe, and why the journey matters more than the summit.

There’s laughter, nostalgia, and yes—maybe some tears. Because my dad isn’t just the person who gave me a love for nature; he’s the reason I believe I belong in it. 

Whether you’re just starting your outdoor adventures or looking for inspiration to keep going, this episode will leave you feeling like you’ve gained a second dad cheering you on.

Timestamps
00:08 – Introduction
00:48 – Meet Jim Wilson: Outdoorsman and Dad
02:36 – What Does “Outdoorsy” Mean to Jim?
03:13 – Jim’s Early Adventures in Nature
09:29 – Lessons from Boy Scouts and Camp Ol’ Jato
16:58 – Building Lifelong Relationships Outdoors
21:15 – Tackling Tahoma and Denali
31:02 – The Importance of the Journey Over the Destination
35:41 – Climbing Tahoma with My Sister, Chloe: A Special Memory
45:54 – Barriers to Getting Outdoors and How to Start Small
51:38 – The Outdoorsy Community: Sharing and Supporting
56:36 – Favorite Family Adventures in Nature
1:15:02 – Reflecting on Raising Outdoorsy Kids
1:20:22 – Balancing Adventure with Environmental Stewardship
1:25:54 – What’s Next for Jim Wilson?
1:28:12 – Final Thoughts

Links
https://jimwilsonvoice.com/
https://www.patreon.com/Outdoorsy

In this episode of Outdoorsy, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Diyor, someone I’ve admired for a long time online. Diyor is a plus-size, beginner outdoor enthusiast and content creator who is redefining what it means to be “outdoorsy.” Her story is as inspiring as it is relatable—she shares how she went from doubting her place in outdoor spaces to becoming a viral sensation and a beacon of representation for people of color, plus-size individuals, and anyone who doesn’t see themselves reflected in the traditional outdoor industry.

We talk about everything from her early hikes with her dog to the viral video that launched her outdoorsy content creation journey. I loved hearing her take on why the outdoors should be for everyone, how she handles the hate that sometimes comes with being a visible figure, and why it’s okay to be a beginner. Diyor’s passion for inclusivity and her joyful approach to trying new activities, from hiking to kayaking, reminded me why this podcast exists: to showcase that there’s no “right” way to love the outdoors.

I came away from our conversation feeling so inspired by her authenticity, her courage, and her unwavering mission to make outdoor spaces more welcoming for all. I hope you do, too.

CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS:

Introduction and Housekeeping – 00:08

Meet Diyor: A New Face in the Outdoors – 01:51

What Does Being Outdoorsy Mean to Diyor? – 02:02

Discovering the Outdoors as a Beginner – 02:28

Diving Into New Activities – 04:26

The Journey to Outdoorsy Content Creation – 06:13

Inclusivity and Representation in the Outdoors – 06:54

Finding Community and Support Online – 13:10

Navigating Hate Comments and Staying Positive – 21:09

The Joy of Shenandoah and Peace in Nature – 24:01

Breaking the Competitive Narrative of Hiking – 25:07

Embracing Mistakes and Learning Along the Way – 33:12

Gear Tips for Beginners: Use What You Have – 28:22

Diyor’s Favorite Brands and Collaborations – 17:27

Advice for Feeling Welcome in the Outdoors – 35:42

What’s Next for Diyor – 37:34

Closing Thoughts: You Belong Outdoors – 38:59


CONNECT WITH DIYOR:
https://www.instagram.com/planetdiyor/
https://www.tiktok.com/@planetdiyor
https://www.youtube.com/@planetdiyor
https://linktr.ee/planetdiyor

OTHER LINKS:
https://unlikelyhikers.org/
https://slowgirlshikingclub.com/
https://www.patreon.com/Outdoorsy

In this episode of Outdoorsy, I dive into the principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) to give you a practical, thoughtful guide on how to enjoy the outdoors while protecting it for generations to come. This topic is more critical now than ever, particularly with recent budget cuts for the U.S. Forest Service, which will impact their ability to maintain public lands. I break down each of the seven LNT principles, covering practical steps for planning ahead, camping responsibly, handling waste, respecting wildlife, and more. I also explore some nuances within these principles, like how to properly extinguish a campfire, safely handle human waste, and navigate tricky situations involving wildlife.

[00:00:08] - Introduction and Election Reflection
[11:50:00] - Leave No Trace Overview
[14:05:00] - Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare
[21:09:00] - Principle 2: Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
[23:32:00] - Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly
[28:04:00] - Principle 4: Leave What You Find
[32:52:00] - Principle 5: Minimize Fire Impact
[37:30:00] - Principle 6: Respect Wildlife
[39:51:00] - Principle 7: Be Considerate of Other Visitors
[42:11:00] - Additional Actions Beyond Leave No Trace
[48:57:00] - Performative Leave No Trace and Social Media
[53:38:00] - Conclusion: Leave No Trace as a Mindset
[58:25:00] - Supporting the Podcast

RESOURCES:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine: For more information about mental health care resources and support, The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email at info@nami.org.
• The Trevor Project: For LGBTQIA+ youth looking for free, confidential crisis support, call 1-866-488-7386, text 'START' to 678-678 or visit their website to chat with a gender-affirming and queer-friendly counselor. 
• The Miseducation of Leave No Trace - Policing Black and Brown Bodies in the Outdoors (Melanin Basecamp)
• Official Leave No Trace website
• Support the Patreon
• Photography prints and downloads
• Join the Discord

HAPPY HALLOWEEEEEEN! Look, we're just a few days out from Election Day, the world is on fire, everything is bad, so we might as well have a little treat to get us through these times, right? Here is a FREE bonus episode for all of you grubby ghouls out there! And this is a fun episode, I promise. Typically, we cover some heavy stuff on this podcast, but today's episode is just me yapping about the dumb mistakes I've made in my many adventures outdoors. So grab some Halloween candy, get cozy, and enjoy the chaos of this episode!

If you'd like to become a Patreon subscriber and support the podcast (including helping fund my Wilderness First Aid certification), you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/c/Outdoorsy. Thank you in advance!