People like to say nature is for everyone, but do we really act like it is?

From a lack of bigger bodies in outdoor marketing, to other-ing attitudes from both rangers and fellow outdoor users, the problems are real.

Never experienced these challenges or don’t know they exist? That might be because you’re not someone at whom they are targeted.

Creating welcoming spaces outside is everyone’s work, and it starts with acknowledging the problem by listening to the personal experiences of those who have faced these issues. How do they handle them? How can we make spaces that are open — not in words, but in action — for everyone?

Brandi Small lays it all out in this episode based on her own experience on the trail and in the campgrounds.

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference. Listen now.

[3:49] Brandi Small’s favorite outdoor space

[4:22] How Brandi became someone who likes to go outside

[7:58] Visiting all of California’s National Parks

[8:41] Brandi’s first love

[14:34] Don’t miss out on this super awesome Ski Babes discount

[16:31] Diving into representation outside

[18:00] Have things gotten worse?

[20:36] This has never happened to me and it’s not a shock

[23:00] How much of this is race and how much of this is body size?

[24:08] I am absolutely astonished

[30:56] What is the work to address these issues?

[35:00] Brandi’s favorite outdoor moment

Have you ever noticed certain seasons smell more strongly than others? I’ve been working to lean into my five senses — hearing, smell, taste, sight, touch — during my daily outdoor time, inspired by a recent conversation with Gretchen Rubin, author of “Life in Five Senses.” Taking time for a little extra intentionality has enriched my outdoor time, and left me noticing something special about my sense of smell and this time of year.

Listen now!

[:35] The problem with seasons around here

[1:17] Here’s autumn

[1:35] Fall has this smell

[1:55] Here are some examples

[2:20] How leaning into noticing helped and is helping

So we all want to be people who are outside having cool adventures — but what about finding adventure right where you live? How do you learn the best local spots, break out of your comfort zone to try something new and, maybe even more importantly, find adventure buddies with whom to do it?

Those are all questions Kierre Childers is working to tackle through her Palmer, Alaska-based tour company Revel Treks and Tours, which focuses on helping locals get outside and explore Alaska.

Breaking outside your comfort zone in your own backyard can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re squeezing it into your already packed life. But Kierre has some great suggestions for making it happen as you learn to explore right where you live, find a community to do it with and get comfortable with asking for help.

Listen to this helpful episode now!

[2:15] Why this episode is a little different

[3:03] Kierre Childer’s favorite outdoor space

[4:20] Kierre’s outdoor story

[8:10] Not so many volcanoes in Indiana

[9:02] Why we love where we live

[13:22] Why focus on tourism for locals?

[15:37] What’s 2020 got to do with it?

[20:34] Is it surprising that locals need help doing local outdoor stuff?

[21:00] P.S. it’s hard

[24:46] Here’s a little about Revel Treks and Tours

[27:45] The struggle of finding out what’s happening

[32:50] Here’s some tips for getting outside right where you live

[39:03] Kierre’s favorite outdoor moment

You’ve heard me talk about how much I love my outside community events. Maybe you want to head out for some, too. But do you know how to find them?

If you’re stuck not knowing even where to get started on learning about the fun outside things that are happening in your community, I’ve got some failure-free tips for you in this episode of Humans Outside.

Listen now — and then share your favorite way to learn what’s happening outdoors near you.

[:41] Yes, I do love it here

[:50] My very first community event (and it was cold)

[1:21] On the hunt for outdoor community fun

[2:27] Here’s the conundrum

[3:00] The first way to fix it

[3:31] The second way

[4:08] Way number three

[4:55] You have been warned about the dangers so don’t come at me

Ever wondered if it’s safe to eat those berries you see on a hike, or if there are medicinal plants hiding in plain sight? The longer you spend outside, the more you might start to wonder how to find good things to consume out there — and how to avoid the ones that might kill you.

What we all need is a little guidance. And for that we have Ebony Gheorghe, a forager focused on herbs based in the UK and author of the new book Enchanted Foraging. She teaches us why foraging creates a special connection to nature, the best way to get started without risking eating something that will definitely or even possibly kill you and few of her foraging favorites.

Listen now!

[2:55] Ebony Gheorghe’s favorite outdoor space

[3:30] Ebony’s outdoor story

[6:14] How Ebony got into foraging

[7:05] Why everyone should try foraging

[12:52] How foraging makes you appreciate food and the work of it all

[14:29] How to make foraging more accessible

[17:42] Reconnecting with nature through foraging

[25:00] How to get started foraging

[27:46] Ebony’s favorite things to forage

[34:12] Warning: it’s addictive

[36:14] Ebony’s favorite outdoor moments

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