Today we’re exploring how art can become activism through the story of aerial artist and climate advocate Sasha Galitzki. After losing her home in the 2024 Jasper wildfire, Sasha turned grief into purpose, using her breathtaking performances to spotlight the fragility and beauty of our changing planet.

Her new project, Embers, is a powerful visual journey through loss, resilience, and renewal, blending art, science, and environmental storytelling. Featuring voices from glaciologists and wildfire experts, Embers reminds us what it means to find hope amid the ashes.

ABOUT SASHA

Sasha Galitzki is an acclaimed aerial artist and climate advocate. Her unique style of performance art shines a spotlight on the beauty and vulnerability of mountain environments. Losing her home in the 2024 Jasper wildfire strengthened her resolve to use her art to raise awareness of the impact of climate change on the places she loves and works to protect. Her unique perspective, breathtaking performance art, and creative approach to storytelling have made her a powerful voice in the fight against climate change. Additional voices from the scientific community — Glaciologists Dr. Alison Criscitiello & Dr. Mauri Pelto and wildfire experts Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson & Dr. Mike Flannigan — support Sasha’s first-person narrative.

ABOUT EMBERS

After losing everything in a wildfire, aerial artist Sasha Galitzki performs amidst burnt forests and receding glaciers, channeling her grief into a visually arresting journey of environmental advocacy.

On July 24, 2024, a wildfire tore through Jasper, Alberta, reducing aerialist Sasha Galitzki's home to ashes. Embers connects Sasha's loss in the wildfire and the glacial recession she has witnessed in her creative work to highlight their common cause: climate change. Set in the year following the fire, Embers follows Sasha as she rebuilds her life and confronts the realities of a warming world. Through interviews with wildfire and glacier experts, she seeks to understand the heartbreaking changes affecting the mountains and community she loves. Gradually returning to her aerial practice, she performs over the ashes of her home and amidst the whirling winds of melting glaciers—inviting us on an intimate journey to find hope out of darkness. Embers captures a profound shift within Sasha, who channels her grief and art into a powerful and visually impactful message of environmental activism.

Watch the trailer for Embers here

Sasha's Instagram

Previous episode with Director Trixie Pacis

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Dr. Julie Rak is a professor in the Department of English and Film Studies at the University of Alberta, Canada. Her 2021 book False Summit: Gender in Mountaineering Nonfiction (McGill-Queens University Press) is the first book-length study of gender, feminism and mountaineering narratives ever made- and she hopes that it won't be the last.

She has also published on Rockies mountain guide and writer Tex Vernon-Wood, on gender and mountaineering film festivals, about the body of George Mallory and about Sherpa, the autobiography of Ang Tharkay.

Julie was a novice to intermediate general mountaineer and ice-climber in the Canadian Rockies (she is now retired), and enjoys snow-shoeing, hiking, road cycling and kayaking in the mountains, and other places too. 

Purchase False Summit

Watch Julie's TEDx Talk - Rope & Tshirts: Mountaineering Objects & Gender

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Melissa Hafting is an ethical, passionate, and respected birder, photographer, and mentor. Her love for birding has helped shape who she is and has helped with her mental health, along with enabling her to cope with the difficult aspects of grief and loss after the death of her mother and father.

Showcasing some of Melissa’s most stunning bird images from the continental United States, Hawaii, and Canada, Dare to Bird explores the joy that birding and photography has brought to her life and how both have allowed her to foster meaningful connections with young birders from diverse backgrounds, along with the conservation community, eco-travel advocates, rare bird enthusiasts, and ethical wildlife viewing practitioners in order to preserve bird habitats that are constantly under threat.

At the same time, she is determined to expand birding to include more BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour), women, and LGBTQIA+ through youth outreach and talking about the barriers (racism and sexism) she herself has faced in her journey to become part of the birding community.

The magical imagery of birds is unparalleled in this inspiring collection, and Hafting helps the reader to understand why – as she believes – birds have the power to both save and heal us amid many of life’s challenges.

Purchase your copy of Dare to Bird.

Read Melissa's blog.

Follow Melissa on Instagram.

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Dan Rubinstein is an Ottawa-based writer, editor, and stand-up paddleboarder. His latest book, Water Borne, was published in 2025 and is based on his most recent epic solo paddling journey and also explores the importance of deepening our relationship with water.

Dan is also a National Magazine Award–winning journalist who contributes to publications such as The Walrus, The Globe and Mail, and enRoute, and he’s a former editor at Canadian Geographic magazine. His first book, ⁠Born to Walk,⁠ was a finalist for the Ottawa Book Awards and Kobo Emerging Writer Prize.

About Water Borne:

In June 2023, Rubinstein lashed camping gear to his stand-up paddleboard and embarked on an improbable solo voyage from Ottawa to Montreal, New York City, Toronto, and back to Ottawa along the rivers, lakes, and canals of a landlocked region.

Over 1,200 miles and 10 weeks, he explored the healing potential of “blue space” — the aquatic equivalent of green space — and sought out others drawn to their local waters. But the farther Rubinstein paddled, the more he realized that being in, on, or around water does more than boost our mental and physical health and prompt stewardship toward the natural world. He discovered that blue spaces are also a way to connect with the kaleidoscopic cross-section of people he met and the diverse geographies and communities he passed through.

Weaving together research, interviews, and an unmacho, malodorous, anticolonial adventure tale, Water Borne shows us that we don’t need an epic journey to find solutions to so many modern challenges. Repair and renewal may be close at hand: just add water.

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Visit Dan's website.

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Marlis Butcher is an environmental conservationist, author, and photographer. She is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and of The Explorers Club, an international organization promoting field exploration.

Marlis is the first visitor to have “bagged” (visited) all 48 of the Canadian national parks, a third of which do not have road access. Her photographs and articles have been published in:

• Canadian Geographic Magazine,

• Explore magazine,

• The Explorers Club’s “Far Afield” magazine,

• CBC News on-line,

• CTV News on-line,

• Canadian Encyclopedia, and

• the travel brochures of various wilderness outfitters and travel bloggers.

Her book “Park Bagger - Adventures in the Canadian National Parks” made Amazon’s “best seller” August 2022. The movie “Park 33,” a short thriller, was inspired by her adventures. 

Marlis volunteers as a director on the board of the Royal Botanical Gardens, and has served on the board of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, protecting the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Marlis is also an Ambassador for Canadian Geographic Adventures, “Making Canada better know to Canadians and the rest of the world”.

Upcoming book:

The Ladies’ Guide to Backpacking (Secrets Men Didn’t Tell You, And Don’t Even Know About)

Women have been backpacking, carrying heavy overnight supplies through the wilderness, since the beginning of time. Yet somewhere, someone decided that “ladies” should not be partaking in such physical, risky activities. Still, there have always been women who continued to backpack - we found ways of adjusting the equipment to better fit our physique, and methods to accommodate our uniquely female requirements.

In her new book, Marlis documents some of the unique adaptations and procedures that allow women to backpack comfortably: What backpack features to look for, how to carry a backpack, what type of boots to select, clothing requirements, and how to manage your menstrual period. With fun anecdotes and examples, Marlis shares what she’s learned through trial and error in the Canadian wilderness, so that “ladies” too, can enjoy backpacking.

Available in 2026.

Visit Marlis' website

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Julia Weber is a full-time travel blogger and content creator who brings the spirit of travel into everyday life. With a background in marketing and a passion for storytelling, Julia creates compelling photo and video content that resonates with an engaged audience seeking both local discoveries and international adventures.

Julia’s mission is to inspire others to live every day with the spirit of a traveller— whether they’re dining at an international restaurant in their own city or hiking to a hidden lookout on the other side of the world. She believes every destination has something special to offer, and she’s made it her goal to uncover and share those gems through in-depth guides, immersive Reels, and engaging TikToks.

Since starting her blog, Little Miss Ottawa, to showcase her hometown and Canadian travel, Julia has grown a loyal community of curious adventurers and everyday explorers. She loves exploring near and far and has been to 40 countries. She's proud to call Ottawa, Ontario home and keeps herself busy being a tourist in her own city and province. 

Her storytelling is rooted in authenticity — always camera in hand, Julia captures beautiful views, unique stays, local flavours, and one-of-a-kind experiences. She knows how to showcase a destination in a way that feels exciting yet attainable, leaving her audience feeling inspired and ready to plan their own trip.

She’s enjoyed working with Canadian tourism brands from 1000 Islands to Nova Scotia and International brands like Tourism Peru and Visit Europe. 

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Hey, it’s Mary Anne Ivison—and right now, I’m doing exactly what I hope you’re doing… playing outside. Let’s Take This Outside is taking a short summer break, but don’t worry—we’ll be back this September with brand new episodes and inspiring conversations.

Coming up: guests like Dan Rubenstein, Marlis Butcher, Melissa Hafting, and Julia Weber, as we explore the powerful ways the outdoors connects us—through nature, conservation, and adventure.

So get out there, enjoy every minute of summer, and we’ll meet you back here in September!

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Shanda Hill is one of the most accomplished ultra endurance athletes on the planet and a proud Canadian from Vernon, British Columbia. She is the only person in the world to have completed three Double Deca Triathlons. Each one includes a 76 kilometre swim, a 3600 kilometre bike ride, and an 844 kilometre run. That is the same as doing 20 full Iron-distance triathlons back to back.

In 2024, Shanda made history by becoming the first woman ever to complete a Triple Deca Triathlon in the continuous format. This extreme event includes a 114 kilometre swim, a 5400 kilometre bike ride, and a 1266 kilometre run. That is equal to 30 full Iron-distance triathlons completed one after the other with no stage breaks.

As of today, Shanda has completed 145 full Iron-distance triathlons across just 12 ultra events, all officially sanctioned by the International Ultra Triathlon Association. She holds the women's world record for the most IUTA iron-distance finishes and has been inducted into the IUTA Hall of Fame 100.

In 2025, Shanda is taking on her most ambitious goal yet. She is aiming to complete 51 Iron-distance triathlons in a single year with the goal of breaking the current men’s world record. Her races will take her across South Africa, Brazil, France, Poland, Germany, Estonia, and Austria.

Known for her unmatched grit, deep connection to nature, and relentless mental toughness, Shanda continues to inspire people around the world. Whether she is racing, training, or speaking to communities, she lives by the belief that you are always capable of more than you think.

Learn more about Shanda.

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Flow explores diverse women’s narratives in adventure sports in this anthology that challenges stereotypes while promoting unity. It advocates for a transcultural feminism, one offering hope and empowerment to break barriers and live fully.

Flow takes readers on an inspiring journey through the world of women in adventure sports, challenging stereotypes and celebrating the strength, resilience, and unity of women across the globe. This unique collection highlights the powerful, diverse voices of women who are redefining what’s possible in outdoor sports like whitewater kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, and highlining.

With photography and stories from around the world, Flow captures the personal narratives of women from a wide range of countries, including Ecuador, India, México, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, the United States, and Canada. These women share their unique experiences, whether as newcomers or seasoned professionals, offering insights into their journeys and the challenges they face.

Edited by Denisa Krásná and Alena Rainsberry, Flow examines the intersections of gender, race, class, and sexual identity within the context of extreme sports, offering a fresh perspective on the barriers these women have overcome. More than just a collection of stories, this book is a celebration of the diverse paths these women have taken, and the common drive that unites them in their pursuit of adventure.

Flow is not just about extreme sports; it’s about the women who are shaping them. It’s about empowerment, breaking down barriers, and embracing a more inclusive vision of outdoor adventure.

Denisa Krásná is a Czech highliner and climber with ambitions as lofty as her lines in the sky. She aims to walk long, high lines in beautiful airscapes all over the world, combining her passion for highlining and alpinism, and simply appreciating the beauty of mountains. When she’s not on the line, Denisa is a dedicated scholar in the fields of Indigenous studies, critical animal and vegan studies, environmental humanities, and ecofeminism. She comes from Přerov, Czechia.

Alena Rainsberry is a queer American kayaker who wants to explore rivers all around the world. Since being introduced to whitewater kayaking in 2021, she has navigated rapids from the Ecuadorian jungle to the Indian Himalayas. She thrives in immersing herself in diverse cultural environments and has a knack for making friends and community wherever she travels. She is a passionate advocate for increasing representation, getting women into the outdoors, and encouraging people to experience new things. She is from the Pacific Northwest, where she currently lives and kayaks.

Purchase your copy of Flow.

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The winner of numerous writing honours, including a National Magazine Award, Nicola Ross is  the author of 12 books, including the bestselling Loops & Lattes series of hiking guides. Having  sold over 50,000 copies of these self-published guidebooks, Nicola is a fulltime writer and professional hiker. 

Her latest book, published by ECW Press in Toronto in 2024, is entitled 40 Days & 40 Hikes:  Loving the Bruce Trail One Loop at a Time. Part illustrated memoir, part hiking guide and part  good storytelling, it describes her journey along Ontario’s 900-kilometre Bruce Trail from  Queenston Heights on the Niagara Peninsula to Tobermory on the Bruce. 40 Days & 40 Hikes is  in its second printing. (See reviews.) 

Ross’s other adventures include crossing Costa Rica from coast to coast via the Camino de Costa  Rica, crossing Spain via the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, crossing Mexico’s Zapateca  lands in the Sierra Norte, crossing parts of Austria, Slovenia and Italy along the Alpe Adria Trail and following Newfoundland’s east coast on the East Coast Trail, among others. She has canoed  the fabled Mountain and Keele Rivers in the Northwest Territories and kayaked through Haida  Gwaii, the Sea of Cortez and Georgian Bay. Moreover, she’s cycled through Cuba, Italy, France,  Canada and Mexico, and has ridden a horse across Patagonia. 

Formerly a climate change consultant, Nicola is a biologist and columnist with In the Hills magazine. Her articles have been published in The Walrus, The Globe and Mail, Explore  magazine, Mountain Life, Avenue, Ontario Nature, Alternatives Journal, and more. She was a  regular environmental contributor to CBC Radio in Calgary, regularly appears on the CBC Radio  program Fresh Air and was the long-.me editor-in-chief of Alternatives Journal, Canada’s  national environmental magazine. She is a popular speaker at various events. 

Nicola’s adventures and the books and articles she writes about them reflect her love for nature and passion to be on the trail, atop a bicycle, paddling a kayak or seated on a horse. Similarly,  her talks combine these passions taking them beyond the adventure to the importance of what  she learns and sees. 

More recently, she chronicled her journey along Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail with a series of  annotated hand-drawn maps. It will be the first installment of her new e-zine, Hither & Yon, An  Illustrated Field Journal of Adventure Travel along Trails, Roads, Rivers and the High Seas. In  2025, she has set her sights on walking the 415-kilometre Andalusian Coast to Coast Trail and,  possibly, the 1000-kilometre Via de la Plata, both in Spain. 

Among an emerging group of female adventure travel writers, Nicola is bringing the 2025 Women’s Adventure Film Tour to Southern Ontario. The event, to be held in her home village, involves a showing of half a dozen films. She hopes to add a series of panel discussions and  interviews with female adventurers in future events. 

Nicola resides with her partner in a small stone mill (circa 1857) in Alton, Ontario and writes a  popular blog at nicolaross.ca.

More on the Women's Adventure Film Tour

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