It's easy to measure achievements based on what other people are doing. But how do you know what you should really expect from yourself?

This episode takes us from a mountain in Arkansas to an attempted thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail and explores how much better life can be when you realize your shortcomings might not be your fault.

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We often go outside to get away from our problems. But escapism has its limits.

On this episode, we share the story of how Live Action Role Play taught one woman the importance of confronting your troubles head on.

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Ziyi Xu spent so much time on her phone that it was ruining her focus and productivity.

Then, one night in Texas, she tried stargazing.

On this episode, Ziyi tells the story of how she kicked the smartphone habit and got her creativity back.

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Click here to see the full show notes for this episode.

Last year, the term 'climate crisis' was added to the Oxford English Dictionary.

The words we use to talk about the environment are evolving. But could they motivate us to take action?

On this bonus episode, we bring you a guest story from the podcast Living Planet about the relationship between language and the environment. Plus, a behind-the-scenes conversation with one of Living Planet's hosts.

Click here to see the full show notes for this episode.

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National Parks are often referred to as "America's best idea." And there's a lot to love about them.

But they also have a complicated history — a history of broken promises, displacement of indigenous people, and genocide. And that history is not over.

Is there a way to right historical wrongs? Can we protect wild spaces in a way that is also socially just?

This episode takes us from a young national park in Germany to Denali in Alaska and offers some hope for a better future.

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Church was Angie Chatman's sanctuary, both literally and figuratively. So when the pandemic began, and she couldn't attend services in person, there was a big void in her life.

On today's episode, Angie shares the story of how she discovered a new way to find peace and community — in an unexpected place.

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After attending a wilderness therapy program, Sarah Dealy was intent on becoming a rugged outdoorswoman.

But the transformation didn't work out as she had imagined. Sarah was an indoor kid at heart. She disliked many of the activities she imagined her outdoorsy self doing.

On this episode, she takes us from the Utah desert to the mountains of Colorado and explores what happens when the person you think you want to be doesn't mesh with the person you are.

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Think of this episode as a pre-season treat.

We reached out to listeners and fellow podcasters and asked: "What is one way your relationship with nature has changed in a way that has surprised you?"

The answers we received were thought-provoking, inspiring, and hopeful, and on this episode, we're sharing some of our favorites.

Open Mic Night: To perform, sign up by Feb. 4, 2022.

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Show Notes: Go to outtherepodcast.com to learn more about the people and podcasts that contributed to this episode.

We're launching a new season! Here's a sneak peak.

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How many times have we been told the story of the fearless leader — in work, in politics, in the mountains? When the stakes are high, it's natural to place our confidence in strength and certainty. To turn to the leader and believe they have no doubt.

This story, which originally aired on She Explores in 2020, isn't about how to become a fearless leader in the mountains. Nor is it about how to overcome your fear, or even how to harness it. But it is about listening to what fear is trying to teach us. It's an opportunity to consider what kind of leader you need, as well as the one you might want to be.

Hear more from She Explores here.

Music in this episode includes works by Gracie & Rachel via Music Bed.