Hello, and welcome back to the Shadows Run Podcast!

Today's episode is the fourth installment of the six-part WRFI Stories series rolling out on the podcast from July to December, where I am partnering with the Wild Rockies Field Institute to help tell some of the stories of WRFI's history and impact on the world over time. The Wild Rockies Field Institute is a nonprofit organization that offers college level field courses accredited through the University of Montana, and their mission is to "offer academically rigorous, place-based field courses that develop engaged, informed citizens and strong leaders capable of addressing complex social and environmental issues."

This episode features Bethany Applegate. Bethany is the current Director of Student Engagement for the Davidson Honors College at the University of Montana, formerly a field instructor and Outreach Manager at the Wild Rockies Field Institute. She holds a Masters in Environmental Studies and Education from the University of Montana. Bethany is also a mother, a partner, and a lover of life-long learning and adventure.

I loved this conversation! We covered so much ground, including:

• Bethany's experience in undergrad at Colorado College
• Studying abroad in Western Samoa and New Zealand
• Her experience post-undergrad enrolling in a trade school and learning new skills
• Bethany's journey into the WRFI world and her years as an instructor and Outreach Manager
• Her transition to working with the Davidson Honors College, and what makes that work meaningful
• Motherhood, and her decision to build a family with her husband Ryan
• ...and so much more!

It was an honor to speak with Bethany, and I hope you are able to take something valuable from our conversation.

Wild Rockies Field Institute website: https://www.wrfi.net/

Ways to Support WRFI: https://www.wrfi.net/support/ways-to-give/

WRFI's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wild_rockies/

I love to hear from you! Get in touch with me via:

• Email: [email protected] • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadowsrunpodcast/ • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/shadowsrunpodcast.bsky.social