Hiking without a stitch

What is it really like to go on your first nude hike?

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Deter to talk about her very first experience hiking nude at Tanque Verde Falls. We originally planned to record the entire adventure out on the trail, but after some less-than-perfect audio, we decided to sit down afterward in her home studio and reflect on the experience together.

We discuss the emotions, fears, and expectations that come with trying something completely outside your comfort zone. From body image and vulnerability to freedom and self-acceptance, Deter shares her honest perspective on what it felt like to step into nature without the barriers of clothing—and what surprised her most along the way.

We also explore the cultural stigma surrounding nudity, the difference between nudity and sexuality, and how naturism can help people develop a healthier relationship with their bodies and with one another.

Whether you’re a longtime naturist, a curious newcomer, or simply interested in hearing a genuine conversation about challenging social norms, this episode offers an honest look at what happens when we let go of judgment and embrace authenticity.

In This Episode:

• Deter’s first nude hiking experience
 • Overcoming fear and self-consciousness
 • Body image and self-acceptance
 • Social perceptions of nudity
 • Naturism, friendship, and trust
 • Finding freedom and connection in nature

Music Credit

The original podcast theme and the rock version featured in this episode were written, produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Deter through FN Wizard Music Productions.

Show Notes

Follow Deter and listen to her music:

https://www.instagram.com/theodore_the_curse

Article: Spending Time Outdoors Can Boost Your Mental Health

https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2026/06/spending-time-outdoors-can-boost-your-mental-health

Article: The End of the Naked Locker Room?

https://www.theatlantic.com/family/2025/11/naked-locker-room-end/684907/

Get NAKED + Be Free + Be Kind

Follow the journey on Instagram: @HikingWithoutAStitch

In this episode of Hiking Without a Stitch, I sit down with Juan from Puerto Rico to talk about what it’s like exploring naturism and nude hiking on a tropical island where public nudity is still heavily stigmatized and legally risky.

We dive into the hidden beaches, rainforest trails, and off-the-map locations Juan carefully seeks out to experience freedom in nature without clothes. From hiking deep in the jungle to encounters with wildlife, anacondas, rare birds, and even venomous plants, Juan shares what it’s really like navigating nature naked in one of the most beautiful and conservative places in the Caribbean.

We also talk about:
 • The cultural attitudes toward nudity in Puerto Rico
 • Why many people still confuse nudity with sexuality
 • Finding respectful ways to practice non-sexual naturism
 • The importance of protecting unofficial nude spaces
 • Learning to slow down and truly experience nature
 • Building confidence and opening up to friends about naturism

Juan’s perspective is thoughtful, adventurous, and deeply connected to nature. This conversation is a reminder that naturism isn’t about perfection or exhibitionism — it’s about freedom, curiosity, respect, and experiencing life fully as yourself.

If you’ve ever wondered what nude hiking looks like in a place like Puerto Rico — this episode gives a raw and honest look into that world.

Follow Juan and keep up with his nude hiking and naturist adventures throughout Puerto Rico:

Instagram: @borinaturist

https://www.instagram.com/borinaturist?igsh=Znp6eDM2aW4xcmpn

Get NAKED + Be Free + Be Kind

Follow the journey on Instagram: @HikingWithoutAStitch

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew, a local Phoenix hiker, to talk about his personal journey into nude hiking and non-sexual nudity.

Andrew shares how it all started—from his first spontaneous nude pool jump to finding confidence and freedom out on the trail. We dive into how spending time in nature without clothes has impacted his mindset, improved his physical health, and helped him develop a deeper sense of self-acceptance.

We also get into the practical side of things, including tips for staying safe while hiking nude, how to navigate public spaces, and what the nudist community is really like.

If you’ve ever been curious about nude hiking—or you’re looking for a new way to connect with yourself and nature—this episode offers a real and honest perspective from someone living it.

In this episode:

• Andrew’s first experience with nudity outdoors
• Building confidence and body acceptance
• Mental and physical benefits of nude hiking
• Safety tips and trail awareness
• Understanding the nudist community

Note: During the episode, I reference game cameras and misspoke. Hunters are not allowed to use game cameras in Arizona for hunting purposes. Any cameras you may encounter are more likely used by wildlife photographers, researchers, or fish and game officials.

If you’d like to connect with Andrew or follow along with his adventures, check him out here:

 https://www.instagram.com/clandestine_exposure?igsh=aDFhc2lrODdpN2du

Get NAKED + Be Free + Be Kind

Follow the journey on Instagram: @HikingWithoutAStitch

In this episode, I sit down with Mellisa for a real and honest conversation about body image, self-acceptance, and what it actually looks like to rebuild your relationship with your body.

Mellisa shares her journey—from struggling to even look at herself in the mirror… to slowly taking small steps toward feeling more comfortable in her own skin. We talk about the moments that held her back, the shift that helped her move forward, and how curiosity and patience played a huge role in her growth.

We also get into her experiences with non-sexual nudity—from starting in her own private space, to being part of a women’s retreat, and even walking in a nude art show.

This episode isn’t about flipping a switch and suddenly loving yourself. It’s about taking small steps, being a little less judgmental, and learning to accept yourself where you’re at.

If you’ve ever struggled with body image or felt held back by your own thoughts, this conversation is for you.

Show Notes & Links

Follow Mellisa on instagram:

@selflovemel

 Artist & Event (Kat Shaw):

https://katshaw.art/about/

Get NAKED + Be Free + Be Kind

Follow the journey on Instagram: @HikingWithoutAStitch

Episode 12 — Don’t Be Scared of the Experience

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Mike from Tucson, Arizona — an avid hiker who shares his personal journey into social, non-sexual nudity and how it’s changed the way he experiences the outdoors.

What started as a moment of curiosity at Tanque Verde Falls turned into something much deeper — a shift in mindset, a new level of connection with nature, and a better understanding of himself.

We talk about navigating different encounters out on the trail, breaking through common misconceptions, and what it really looks like to approach this lifestyle with respect, boundaries, and patience — especially within a relationship.

Mike also shares the mental and emotional benefits he’s experienced, along with simple advice for anyone who’s curious but unsure where to start.

This conversation is real, relatable, and grounded in what this is actually about — respect, openness, and reconnecting with something natural.

Get NAKED + Be Free + Be Kind

Follow the journey on Instagram: @HikingWithoutAStitch

 this episode, I sit down with Edward, the creator behind The Nudist Diaries, to explore his journey into naturism and how it’s shaped the way he sees himself, others, and the world around him.

We talk about the role art plays in challenging society’s tendency to sexualize the human body, and how Edward uses his drawings to present nudity in a natural, everyday, and non-sexual way. We also dive into the culture and atmosphere of nude beaches, including places like Wreck Beach in Vancouver and Three Mile Beach in Penticton, and what makes each space unique.

Throughout the conversation, we touch on body acceptance, community, etiquette, and the importance of creating safe, respectful environments where people can simply exist as they are.

This is a real and honest conversation about breaking stigma, finding comfort in your own skin, and seeing the human body for what it truly is — natural.

⸻

Resources

The Nudist Diaries – The musings and rantings of a Nudist in a world gone mad.

Sarah Hester – Naked in the Woods – Project Naked

Let’s Talk About My Latest Drawing – The Nudist Diaries

Let’s Talk About Why I Draw What I Do – The Nudist Diaries

Let’s Talk About Three Mile Beach – The Nudist Diaries

Get NAKED + Be Free + Be Kind

Follow the journey on Instagram: @HikingWithoutAStitch

In this episode of Hiking Without a Stitch, I sit down with Josh, the founder of NTX Bare Brotherhood, a men’s nude hiking community in North Texas.

Josh shares his journey into naturism, what led him to start the group, and how he’s building a respectful, non-sexual community centered around connection, body acceptance, and time spent naked in nature.

We also talk about what a typical nude hike looks like, how he prepares for group outings, navigating public lands, and advice for anyone curious about trying their first naked hike.

To learn more about NTX Bare Brotherhood:

https://www.ntxbarebrotherhood.com/

Get NAKED + Be Free + Be Kind

Follow the journey on Instagram: @HikingWithoutAStitch

In this episode, I sit down with my best friend to explore the intersection of outdoor culture, friendship, and respect for different perspectives on nature and self-expression.

We talk about hunting, backpacking, shared miles on public lands, and the community that forms when people spend real time in wild places together. This conversation dives into conservation, responsibility, and why protecting outdoor spaces matters so deeply to those who use them.

But this episode also looks at something bigger — how people with different comfort levels around non-sexual nudity and nude hiking can still coexist with trust, boundaries, and mutual respect. Not everyone connects with nature in the same way, and that’s okay. Real connection comes from honesty, communication, and allowing space for each person to show up authentically.

You’ll hear reflections on:

• Friendship built through outdoor experiences

• The role of community within hunting and public land use

• Personal growth and stepping outside comfort zones

• Body image and vulnerability in outdoor spaces

• Conservation and responsibility to the land

• Navigating differences while maintaining respect

This episode isn’t about persuading or proving a point.

It’s about connection — to nature, to people, and to shared experiences that shape who we are.

Whether you hike clothed, hike naked, hunt, backpack, or simply care about outdoor spaces, there’s something here for you.

Garmin inreach

inReach® Satellite Communicators | Messengers | Garmin

Get NAKED + Be Free + Be Kind

Follow the journey on Instagram: @HikingWithoutAStitch

In this episode of Hiking Without a Stitch, Jonathan explores one of the most common concerns surrounding nude hiking — the anxiety of unexpected encounters with others in shared outdoor spaces. Through personal experiences and thoughtful discussion, he breaks down what these moments really look like and why how we handle them matters.

Using a widely shared incident from Palmer Park, Colorado as context, Jonathan reflects on the role of intent, awareness, and respectful behavior when practicing non-sexual nudity in public environments. He discusses the importance of preparation, situational awareness, and understanding legal realities so that both nude hikers and other land users can have positive, safe experiences.

This episode offers practical perspective on navigating shared spaces, maintaining calm energy, and representing naturism responsibly. Whether you’re curious, new to nude recreation, or experienced on the trail, this conversation reinforces that unexpected encounters aren’t defined by nudity — but by how we respond with respect and consideration.

Referenced article:

 Colorado Springs police respond to calls of a naked man at Palmer Park

Get NAKED + Be Free + Be Kind

Follow the journey on Instagram: @HikingWithoutAStitch

In this reflective solo episode of Hiking Without a Stitch, Jonathan looks back on a year shaped by non-sexual nudity in nature and the unexpected lessons it brought. From hiking public lands and embracing discomfort to finding community and deeper self-trust, he shares how slowing down and listening to his body changed the way he moves through the world.

As the year closes and 2026 begins, this episode is an invitation to choose presence over performance, curiosity over fear, and peace over perfection. Whether you’re new to naturism or simply seeking a more intentional connection with nature, this episode offers space to reflect, breathe, and explore what freedom can feel like.

Get NAKED + Be Free + Be Kind

Follow the journey on Instagram: @HikingWithoutAStitch