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In this episode, we sit down with the inspiring team behind She Ascends, a fast-growing women’s hiking and wellness community that started right here in Minnesota and has already expanded across the Upper Midwest. Founder Mindi Jenson and Central Region Lead Jamie Broll share the origin story of She Ascends, how a few solo hikes sparked a thriving movement, and why building community on the trail matters now more than ever.

From the first few meet-ups to glacier hikes in Iceland, She Ascends is proof that outdoor recreation creates connection, belonging, confidence, and joy. Mindi and Jamie talk about combating loneliness, creating judgment-free spaces for women, and the powerful friendships that form mile after mile. Whether you’re joining your first 1-mile county-park hike or traveling across the country on a “big adventure,” She Ascends offers a welcoming, supportive space for every woman at every skill level.

You’ll also hear how their weekend adventures, wellness retreats, and regional community hubs are transforming the way women show up for themselves — and for each other — through nature.

In This Episode:

• The personal journey that sparked the creation of She Ascends
• Why community, belonging, and judgment-free spaces matter
• How hiking becomes a gateway to confidence, wellness, and new experiences
• The beauty of Minnesota’s trails, parks, and unexpected hidden gems
• What it means to build a community of women through shared outdoor experiences
• How to join your first hike — and why your tennis shoes are good enough

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Credits:
Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson
Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGinty
Original Music by Andrew Haaheim and Alsever Lake