How does spending time outside impact or help humans who are tackling life with various forms of neurodivergence or with an autism diagnosis? Dad and daughter duo Ian and Eve Alderman, who share both an autism diagnosis and a love of hiking, are navigating the world – literally – one hike at a time. With the support of mom Sarah, the Scotland-based family is teaching Eve to pair her unique abilities with the wide-world by doing long hiking projects for charity.

In this episode Ian takes a break from the trail to talk about their adventures, how spending time outside aids them on their life journey, and what other humans both neuronormative and neurodivergent may be able to find by spending more time outside.

[2:58] Ian Alderman’s favorite outdoor space

[3:44] All about Ian’s family and their outdoor story

[8:13] What autism looks like for Eve (age 9) and Ian

[12:09] How spending time outside helps Eve

[17:18] How they handle Eve’s schooling while hiking full time

[22:40] All about this year’s hiking project

[24:02] Hiking for charity

[28:13] What working through nature has taught Ian about his own autism

[31:55] Feeling vulnerable in nature and why that’s everyone

[32:33] What humans can find by going outside

[36:24] How listeners can support Ian and Eve

[37:37] Ian’s favorite outdoor moments

How does spending time outside impact or help humans who are tackling life with various forms of neurodivergence or with an autism diagnosis? Dad and daughter duo Ian and Eve Alderman, who share both an autism diagnosis and a love of hiking, are navigating the world – literally – one hike at a time. With the support of mom Sarah, the Scotland-based family is teaching Eve to pair her unique abilities with the wide-world by doing long hiking projects for charity.

In this episode Ian takes a break from the trail to talk about their adventures, how spending time outside aids them on their life journey, and what other humans both neuronormative and neurodivergent may be able to find by spending more time outside.

[2:58] Ian Alderman’s favorite outdoor space

[3:44] All about Ian’s family and their outdoor story

[8:13] What autism looks like for Eve (age 9) and Ian

[12:09] How spending time outside helps Eve

[17:18] How they handle Eve’s schooling while hiking full time

[22:40] All about this year’s hiking project

[24:02] Hiking for charity

[28:13] What working through nature has taught Ian about his own autism

[31:55] Feeling vulnerable in nature and why that’s everyone

[32:33] What humans can find by going outside

[36:24] How listeners can support Ian and Eve

[37:37] Ian’s favorite outdoor moments

If getting excited about spring weather despite all of its unpredictability makes me a fool, then so be it. But while the uncertainty of spring can be exasperating, it also carries some important reminders that can help you lean into making the most of it, other seasons — both outside and inside — and events outside your control.

Ready to be a fool for spring, too? Listen now.

[:35] Spring is, well, a little dramatic

[1:05] 45 winters and springs and their names (not really)

[1:50] I am a fool and I like it

[2:30] The reminders of spring drama

[2:49] Living with flexibility due to lack of other options

[3:35] The seizing the day of the winter

[4:00] The power of understanding that seasons change

If getting excited about spring weather despite all of its unpredictability makes me a fool, then so be it. But while the uncertainty of spring can be exasperating, it also carries some important reminders that can help you lean into making the most of it, other seasons — both outside and inside — and events outside your control.

Ready to be a fool for spring, too? Listen now.

[:35] Spring is, well, a little dramatic

[1:05] 45 winters and springs and their names (not really)

[1:50] I am a fool and I like it

[2:30] The reminders of spring drama

[2:49] Living with flexibility due to lack of other options

[3:35] The seizing the day of the winter

[4:00] The power of understanding that seasons change

We spend a lot of time talking about the act, art and benefits of connecting with nature. But what about connecting with the humans who live on the land? What about seeing and being seen no matter where you are or what kind of nature you call home?

Travel photographer Lola Akinmade Åkerström has made a career of creating connections with the landscape, land and culture through portraiture of humans around the world. Born in Nigeria and now living in Sweden, Lola has a deep understanding of connecting with other humans because of the way she shares their experiences.

In this episode Lola talks about what she has personally learned through travel photography, what it’s like to make excellent portraits around the world and how you can find those same connections, too. Listen now.

 

[3:16] How Lola Akinmade Åkerström became someone who likes to go outside

[4:04] Lola’s outdoor story

[8:21] The kinds of photos Lola loves to make

[10:59] Lola’s books

[13:00] Life as a GIS scientist and how it translates to travel

[15:58] Her country tally and why it doesn’t matter

[17:58] The meaninglessness of borders and the importance of humans

[21:07] Why the connection of humans to seasons matters

[26:27] How she’s learned about people and culture

[28:45] How you can lean into that cultural connection

[30:43] What the shame cycle has to do with it

[33:31] The barriers, access and connection brought by being a Black woman

[37:30] Lola’s favorite outdoor moment

We spend a lot of time talking about the act, art and benefits of connecting with nature. But what about connecting with the humans who live on the land? What about seeing and being seen no matter where you are or what kind of nature you call home?

Travel photographer Lola Akinmade Åkerström has made a career of creating connections with the landscape, land and culture through portraiture of humans around the world. Born in Nigeria and now living in Sweden, Lola has a deep understanding of connecting with other humans because of the way she shares their experiences.

In this episode Lola talks about what she has personally learned through travel photography, what it’s like to make excellent portraits around the world and how you can find those same connections, too. Listen now.

 

[3:16] How Lola Akinmade Åkerström became someone who likes to go outside

[4:04] Lola’s outdoor story

[8:21] The kinds of photos Lola loves to make

[10:59] Lola’s books

[13:00] Life as a GIS scientist and how it translates to travel

[15:58] Her country tally and why it doesn’t matter

[17:58] The meaninglessness of borders and the importance of humans

[21:07] Why the connection of humans to seasons matters

[26:27] How she’s learned about people and culture

[28:45] How you can lean into that cultural connection

[30:43] What the shame cycle has to do with it

[33:31] The barriers, access and connection brought by being a Black woman

[37:30] Lola’s favorite outdoor moment

When I started my outdoor habit it was because I needed a way to push myself outside daily, no matter what. But over those more than 2,000 days I have discovered facets that are especially meaningful to me. Listen now.

[:35] Why I first started my outdoor habit

[1:00] Taking photos daily is a good try

[1:40] Things I love about my outdoor habit

[2:00] The favorite of a zillion new hobbies

[3:24] The favorite of new friends

[4:46] The thing I love the very most about my outdoor habit

When I started my outdoor habit it was because I needed a way to push myself outside daily, no matter what. But over those more than 2,000 days I have discovered facets that are especially meaningful to me. Listen now.

[:35] Why I first started my outdoor habit

[1:00] Taking photos daily is a good try

[1:40] Things I love about my outdoor habit

[2:00] The favorite of a zillion new hobbies

[3:24] The favorite of new friends

[4:46] The thing I love the very most about my outdoor habit

Do you head outside for your mind, body, spirit — or all three? And when you’re out there, do you find there’s one specific activity or facet that is simply your favorite? That really moves you — literally or figuratively? That heals whatever part of you is feeling the most neglected today?

Tammah Watts followed a bird from her kitchen window while she was working on ways to physically heal. But what she found through bird watching is so much more. So what can a little connection with birds do for you? Listen now to find out.

[2:38] Tammah Watt’s favorite outdoor space

[5:30] How Tammah became someone who likes to go outside

[6:50] How Tammah became a birder

[11:33] How this is sort of like The Secret Garden

[14:22] The difference between birding and birdwatching and is there one?

[19:29] What intentionality has to do with it

[22:29] Why birding is healing to Tammah

[25:44] Why birds are easier for this connection than mountains or trees

[29:32] How birds can lead to mindfulness

[35:44] Why birding is so hot right now

[38:30] Tammah’s favorite outdoor moment

Do you head outside for your mind, body, spirit — or all three? And when you’re out there, do you find there’s one specific activity or facet that is simply your favorite? That really moves you — literally or figuratively? That heals whatever part of you is feeling the most neglected today?

Tammah Watts followed a bird from her kitchen window while she was working on ways to physically heal. But what she found through bird watching is so much more. So what can a little connection with birds do for you? Listen now to find out.

[2:38] Tammah Watt’s favorite outdoor space

[5:30] How Tammah became someone who likes to go outside

[6:50] How Tammah became a birder

[11:33] How this is sort of like The Secret Garden

[14:22] The difference between birding and birdwatching and is there one?

[19:29] What intentionality has to do with it

[22:29] Why birding is healing to Tammah

[25:44] Why birds are easier for this connection than mountains or trees

[29:32] How birds can lead to mindfulness

[35:44] Why birding is so hot right now

[38:30] Tammah’s favorite outdoor moment

As the weather changes outside and one season starts to become another, it’s a good time to think about what happens when seasons change for humans. I don’t mean the outdoor seasons — but those count, too. I mean the seasons of humans, that it’s OK to change over time and what happens when you lean into the changing instead of resisting them.

Listen now!

[:40] Lessons from a coworker

[1:10] A changing of actual seasons

[1:35] Reminder on a sticky note

[2:00] Hints of spring in the air

[2:30] Fake news weather

[2:40] Seasons even when they aren’t dramatic

[3:13] Seasons just happen

[3:30] What happens when we resist actual seasons

[3:50] What happens when humans have seasons, too.

[4:20] It’s probably going to be OK

As the weather changes outside and one season starts to become another, it’s a good time to think about what happens when seasons change for humans. I don’t mean the outdoor seasons — but those count, too. I mean the seasons of humans, that it’s OK to change over time and what happens when you lean into the changing instead of resisting them.

Listen now!

[:40] Lessons from a coworker

[1:10] A changing of actual seasons

[1:35] Reminder on a sticky note

[2:00] Hints of spring in the air

[2:30] Fake news weather

[2:40] Seasons even when they aren’t dramatic

[3:13] Seasons just happen

[3:30] What happens when we resist actual seasons

[3:50] What happens when humans have seasons, too.

[4:20] It’s probably going to be OK

Curious about dog mushing? You’re in good company. Dog racing, known as mushing, is one of the many sports that draws tourists and lures enthusiasts to live in Alaska. But not everyone who mushes is a pro-racer tackling the Iditarod or keeping a huge yard of sled dogs. The north and Alaska are full of amateur racers who take on the sport because they both love dogs and the time in nature running a sled and dog teams brings.

In this episode Sarah Varland, an author, high school English teacher and amateur musher gives us the inside scoop on dog mushing, why she loves it and how it connects her to the world. Listen now.

[3:49] Sarah Varland’s favorite outdoor space

[4:53] How Sarah became someone who likes to go outside

[6:59] About Sarah’s writing and how going outside impacts it

[9:26] The basics of dog mushing and dog racing

[12:28] How Sarah got into dog racing

[14:36] What is mushing like?

[17:11] Is there “flow” when mushing?

[19:04] Top secret musher math

[23:05] What do sled dogs actually look like?

[24:41] What happens when a dog doesn’t want to work or pull?

[26:41] Is mushing and dog racing cruel to the dogs?

[29:22] What does dog racing cost?

[30:35] What dog mushing teaches Sarah about herself

[35:45] What dog mushing teaches Sarah about her faith?

[39:03] How to learn more about mushing if you’re interested or want to try it

[41:08] Sarah’s favorite outdoor moment

Curious about dog mushing? You’re in good company. Dog racing, known as mushing, is one of the many sports that draws tourists and lures enthusiasts to live in Alaska. But not everyone who mushes is a pro-racer tackling the Iditarod or keeping a huge yard of sled dogs. The north and Alaska are full of amateur racers who take on the sport because they both love dogs and the time in nature running a sled and dog teams brings.

In this episode Sarah Varland, an author, high school English teacher and amateur musher gives us the inside scoop on dog mushing, why she loves it and how it connects her to the world. Listen now.

[3:49] Sarah Varland’s favorite outdoor space

[4:53] How Sarah became someone who likes to go outside

[6:59] About Sarah’s writing and how going outside impacts it

[9:26] The basics of dog mushing and dog racing

[12:28] How Sarah got into dog racing

[14:36] What is mushing like?

[17:11] Is there “flow” when mushing?

[19:04] Top secret musher math

[23:05] What do sled dogs actually look like?

[24:41] What happens when a dog doesn’t want to work or pull?

[26:41] Is mushing and dog racing cruel to the dogs?

[29:22] What does dog racing cost?

[30:35] What dog mushing teaches Sarah about herself

[35:45] What dog mushing teaches Sarah about her faith?

[39:03] How to learn more about mushing if you’re interested or want to try it

[41:08] Sarah’s favorite outdoor moment

I can hardly believe it: I am hitting 2,000 days in a row of my outdoor habit. That’s 2,000 days of spending at least 20 consecutive minutes outside every single day, no matter the weather.

So what have I learned over 2,000 days? Unlike my 1,000 day mark, my 2,000th day is in the dead of winter. That means my three 2,000th day lessons are winter lessons — and they look a little different than the lessons found during the good summer weather.

[:35] Celebrating 2,000 days of my outdoor habit

[:48] It wasn’t exactly the goal

[1:06] This isn’t at all like my 1,000th day outside

[1:33] The difference between the things you learn

[2:00] What the lessons of other anniversaries show — and how this is different

[2:30] Lesson one: Knowing I can do hard things

[3:18] Lesson two: “I live in abundance”

[4:06] Lesson three: knowing the value of taking it slow

[5:07] How I’m marking 2,000 days outside

I can hardly believe it: I am hitting 2,000 days in a row of my outdoor habit. That’s 2,000 days of spending at least 20 consecutive minutes outside every single day, no matter the weather.

So what have I learned over 2,000 days? Unlike my 1,000 day mark, my 2,000th day is in the dead of winter. That means my three 2,000th day lessons are winter lessons — and they look a little different than the lessons found during the good summer weather.

[:35] Celebrating 2,000 days of my outdoor habit

[:48] It wasn’t exactly the goal

[1:06] This isn’t at all like my 1,000th day outside

[1:33] The difference between the things you learn

[2:00] What the lessons of other anniversaries show — and how this is different

[2:30] Lesson one: Knowing I can do hard things

[3:18] Lesson two: “I live in abundance”

[4:06] Lesson three: knowing the value of taking it slow

[5:07] How I’m marking 2,000 days outside

What would happen if you made room each week for one big adventure and one little adventure?

It’s a pretty simple concept: each week, purposefully do one small out of the ordinary, a “little adventure,” and one thing bigger that might take up to several hours, a “big adventure.” They don’t have to be outside. But they certainly can be.

In this episode Amy explains how she’s taking on the challenge, presented in Laura Vanderkam’s recent book Tranquility by Tuesday, how she’s tackling it, a unique spin she’s trying to put on it and the challenges and benefits of doing so. Listen now.

[:45] A little bit about Tranquility by Tuesday

[1:15] All about one big adventure, one little adventure

[2:10] Why I like this idea

[2:52] How this concept looks for me

[3:50] An expanded adventure idea

[4:40] A quick caveat about this

[4:55] My recent really big adventure

[6:30] A snowboard revelation

What would happen if you made room each week for one big adventure and one little adventure?

It’s a pretty simple concept: each week, purposefully do one small out of the ordinary, a “little adventure,” and one thing bigger that might take up to several hours, a “big adventure.” They don’t have to be outside. But they certainly can be.

In this episode Amy explains how she’s taking on the challenge, presented in Laura Vanderkam’s recent book Tranquility by Tuesday, how she’s tackling it, a unique spin she’s trying to put on it and the challenges and benefits of doing so. Listen now.

[:45] A little bit about Tranquility by Tuesday

[1:15] All about one big adventure, one little adventure

[2:10] Why I like this idea

[2:52] How this concept looks for me

[3:50] An expanded adventure idea

[4:40] A quick caveat about this

[4:55] My recent really big adventure

[6:30] A snowboard revelation

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