One of my favorite ways to pass time on long drives, sit through traffic without losing my mind, and make long walks and runs even more enjoyable is to listen to podcasts. In lieu of reading books on the outdoors, podcasts are an excellent way to learn useful information about the outdoors in addition to learn about amazing people doing incredible things. If you’re anything like me, you amass books in hopes that you will eventually have the time to read them, only to remember that life doesn’t always work out that way because you have a million and one things to do. I’m not giving up on reading my books on the outdoors entirely – I just know that I want to get access to the same information through other methods in the meantime! So here ya go: a nice little run-down of the outdoorsy podcasts I’ve been listening to (and the app I’ve been using to tune in).
“Outside” by Outside Magazine (NPR)
I got drawn into this podcast thanks to the first few episodes, which focused on the science of survival; stories of people who had survived harrowing experiences. The first few episodes looked at what happens to your body as you freeze to death, when you get struck by lightning, when you’re on the verge of dying from dehydration. Over time they began to do interviews and feature well-known figures in the outside world and dispatches on different topics. More recently, they’ve added stories featuring women climbers, a snowboarder, and swimmer in an attempt to feature people other than men. Outside Magazine seems to be following in the footsteps of REI and their recent launch of events and gear centering women. Surprising (not really) that it took them this long to notice and act on the fact that men have been at the center, but glad that people will get to hear about different people and different stories. I really enjoy the way they produce their podcast and overall I think it’s really well done.
The First 40 Miles (Stitcher)
The First 40 Miles came up as a podcast of interest when I was researching podcasts about backpacking. The show is hosted by a married couple who share best practices and lessons learned on the trail in a way that can be endearingly nerdy. To be honest, I was on the fence about this podcast after I first started listening. There were references to things being “ghetto” and a comment about the inevitability of getting shot in a drive-by if you were to stay at a motel. Those were in the early days of the podcast and those references have since stopped. I’m still apprehensive in that regard but my approach to things like this – especially because it’s just a podcast – is to take the things that I need and leave the rest behind. Although the hosts talk about backpacking, the podcast is about much more than that. It’s ultimately about being prepared on the trail no matter what so that you’re able to be safe and have fun. The hosts share all sorts of hacks and recommendations for food to take on the trail, how to prepare for trips and hikes, gear reviews, and so much more. Useful information all around!
She Explores (Stitcher)
I have to admit I first learned about the hashtag and then the Instagram account before I even knew there was a podcast. But I am so glad I found the podcast! It’s part of what I hoped to find in a podcast when I first started looking for podcasts about the outdoors – one that felt inclusive and expressed multiple perspectives and experiences related to expertise, body type, race, etc. I’m still making my way through older episodes and getting caught up, but suffice it to say that it features all-around badass women doing badass things in the outdoors in the face of the sexism and harassment and still kicking ass. What also sets this podcast apart is that the listener gets to hear other listeners’ experiences. People have the chance to contribute to podcast episodes and have their stories included in the conversation, which makes the podcast feel even more accessible. Another plus? They recommend other people and organizations to know about and Instagram accounts to follow. If you’re looking for some inspiration and motivation, this is the podcast to listen to!
