Weekend Sherpa: Take It Outside – Details, episodes & analysis

Travel shaming? That’s now a thing? Say it isn’t so! In this first episode of Take It Outside 2025, Brad and Holly discuss visiting Mexico City, tasting mezcal and cocktails at the bar named Best in the World, the Surgeon General’s alcohol warning (!), and whether or not travel truly changes a person. Plus, travel shaming—what the heck is that? In a year where we need more positive vibes, we’re sticking with why it’s good to get out and have experiences both locally and in points beyond. Later in the podcast, we talk with Marti Tedesco, Senior Manager of Media & Communications for Peninsula Open Space Trust. Marti shares some of her favorite hikes, some updates on new developments for trail systems this coming year, and the 2025 POST Hiking Calendar, which you can get online (complimentary) for some ideas and inspiration.

2025 POST Hiking Calendar

Peninsual Open Space Trust

In this special holiday episode, Brad and Holly catch up on their favorite local hikes this time of year, what festive libations they like, and "Christmas" movies (Die Hard, yes or no?). Then it's on to Reno Tahoe! Find out where Weekend Sherpa went and what adventures happened on their recent trip to Reno: hikes, hot soaks, après, and where to find the best outdoor gear at good prices. Later in the episode they're joined by Max Smith, vice president of Moment Skis, based in Reno. Employee owned, Moment Skis is carving out an independent and successful path as the Biggest Little Ski Company in the World. Their factory in Reno is where the ski magic happens, and you can visit it to watch how the skis are made, check out the showroom, and get advice on gear and where to find the best snow in Reno Tahoe—plus enjoy a complimentary beer. It's the holidaze... enjoy!

Reno Tahoe Care Package

Weekend Sherpa contributing writer Heather Werner joins Brad and Holly to share her recent experience climbing North America's highest mountain, Alaska's Denali. Hear just how challenging and intense the summit expedition was, and what it took to make it to the top. Plus hear about Brad and Holly's most memorable experiences from 2022.

In this special edition podcast, Brad and Holly talk with Carlo Facchino about his incredible solo rowing journey across the Pacific from San Francisco to the Big Island of Hawaii. Alone at sea for 72 days, Carlo encountered many challenges and obstacles in navigating the great wild open. He also found incredible peace and had extraordinary experiences, including in the pitch dark of night! You'll hear his stories and sentiments around the entire adventure: a most moving, inspirational, and candid account of what he went through and what he discovered about himself. Much of what he speaks about applies to our own experiences in life, and Carlo's wisdom shines through in sharing this epic adventure.

Learn more about Carlo's journey and follow his plans for what's next https://www.facebook.com/SoloOceanRower

When the going gets tough, it's nice to get outside for some respite. But what happens when your passion for the great outdoors is upended unexpectedly? In this episode, Brad and Holly discuss their brief hiatus from regularly scheduled podcasts after Brad broke his hip in a mountain bike crash. Six weeks later, Weekend Sherpa's beloved unofficial mascot, Hank the English Bulldog, died suddenly. Needless to say, sometimes we all need to take some time. But it's not all doom and gloom—they also discuss some fun adventures to do outdoors in California to round out summer... with a few extra surprises and pawsitive vibes!

Sunny days are ahead! In this episode, Holly and Brad, along with Weekend Sherpa team adventurers, Ellen and Scott, talk about a very recent trip to Sun Valley, Idaho. This is a place where nature is nurture, and wellness is found in everything from alpine peak hikes to sublime car-free bike rides, botanical gardens, and free outdoor yoga at Bald Mountain. There's also stellar sunsets, starry nights, terrific dining, and the vibrancy of community events like Ketch'em Alive, where everyone gathers for live music and food and drink trucks galore. Sun Valley is how to do summer right!

See details of the trip https://www.weekendsherpa.com/issues/yoga-hiking-biking-outdoors-nature-nurture-sun-valley-idaho/

In celebration of National Park Week, Weekend Sherpa co-founders Brad Day and Holly Kulak discuss eight great national park adventures they shared via this week's email newsletter in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Then they have a conversation with podcast guest Daniel Dietrich, the filmmaker behind "Tule Elk: The Killing of a Native Species." It's a discussion about a controversial decision to kill Tule Elk in Point Reyes National Seashore to make more room for cattle ranchers to let their cows graze more land. This is a highly charged topic, with politics and money shrouding the controversy. Find out ways to help save the Tule Elk living in the park.

See the Eight Great National Park adventures here https://www.weekendsherpa.com/issues/eight-great-national-parks-in-the-west/

Learn more about Daniel's film here https://www.danieldietrich.com/video

Get involved and comment to the national parks about Tule Elk here https://parkplanning.nps.gov/

A few years ago, legislation passed to allow the killing of native Tule Elk in Point Reyes National Seashore amid pressure from the ranching community, who want room for their cattle to graze and roam. Cows outnumber Tule Elk by a factor of 10 to 1 in Point Reyes. Brought back from the edge of extinction, today the Tule Elk are again threatened … in a national seashore where commercial private gain is winning out against what national parks are supposed to do: protect and preserve the natural environment. The controversy surrounding Bill HR6687, sponsored by Democratic member of Congress Jared Huffman, has intensified since—and now a short and excellent film by Daniel Dietrich (danieldietrich.com) is making the rounds at film festivals, sharing important and vital information about this situation. Brad and Holly discuss this film and the Tule Elk that are a natural part of Point Reyes. They also share details and tips on some beautiful short hikes in wine country, filled with wildflowers and wondrous views, along with how to stay cool in SoCal when you want to get outdoors for an adventure and the weather is unseasonably hot.

Watch “Tule Elk: The Killing of a Native Species”
https://www.danieldietrich.com/video

More information and Take Action
https://www.rri.org

It's wildflower season already! This year brings early blooms that should just get better in the coming weeks. In this episode Brad and Holly discuss some local places across the Bay Area to hike and bike among some beautiful blooms, as well as great places to enjoy picnics and barbecues with views. They also discuss some peak hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains that are great to do in spring, with more daylight. Speaking of daylight, Brad gives his takes on the recent decision in the US Senate to make Daylight Savings Time permanent, and the controversial decisions around Tule Elk in Point Reyes National Seashore.

See their wildflower recommendations here https://www.weekendsherpa.com/issues/bay-area-hikes-and-bike-rides-spring-wildflowers

And see their picnic with views recommendations here https://www.weekendsherpa.com/issues/beautiful-bbq-picnic-spots-marin-bay-area

Just when the Omicron crisis was starting to abate, the situation in Ukraine arose as another world event of devastation and heartache. How do you take a break from the doom-news? Sometimes it's helpful to be in nature. In this episode Brad and Holly talk about some less known local places in California that have everything from wildflowers to farm animals, including a place on the San Mateo Coast to try Goat Yoga. They also discuss where to start applying for camping and backpacking permits for summer adventures, including a beach next to the famous film location for parts of Jurassic Park 2, and a few top hike-in environmental campgrounds in Big Sur and the Sonoma Coast (this gem is first-come, first-served).