Outdoorsy

This episode is all about making the outdoors more accessible and affordable! I’m breaking down how to find inexpensive outdoor gear for camping, hiking, backpacking, etc., without falling into the trap of overconsumption or feeling like you need the latest trendy gear to belong outside.

I talk about why quality outdoor gear is expensive in the first place, why you probably don’t need as much stuff as social media makes you think you do, and all the best ways to save money while still getting safe, reliable gear.

From borrowing gear from friends and family to renting equipment, shopping secondhand, checking Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, gear swaps, local outdoor shops, and online used gear marketplaces, this is basically my complete guide to building an outdoor setup on a budget.

If you’ve been wanting to get outside but feel overwhelmed by the cost of camping or hiking gear, this episode is for you!

You do not need a perfectly curated setup to be outdoorsy. Don’t let social media fool you. You just need to get outside comfortably and safely.

Read the blog post version of this podcast episode here: https://bit.ly/Used-Gear-Guide.

Longer entrance lines. Closed visitor centers. Fewer ranger programs. Overflowing trash cans. Delayed maintenance. Trails and facilities are struggling to keep up with record-breaking visitation.

In this bonus episode of Outdoorsy, I’m diving into what’s actually happening to our national parks, including major National Park Service staffing cuts, proposed budget reductions, and the growing pressure facing park employees and public lands across the United States.

But more importantly, I wanted to focus on something practical: what we can actually do to help.

This episode covers:

• Why national parks are struggling right now
• The impact of staffing and budget cuts on the National Park Service
• Record visitation numbers and increasing strain on parks
• Simple ways visitors can support national parks and park staff
• Leave No Trace and responsible recreation
• Why wildlife safety and respecting park rules matter
• How to support local gateway communities
• Volunteering, advocacy, and contacting your representatives
• Ways to protect public lands beyond social media activism

I also share realistic, accessible ways that everyday people can make a difference, whether that’s visiting during off-peak times, attending ranger programs, volunteering locally, supporting nonprofits, or simply being a kinder, more prepared visitor.

My mission has always been to remind people that the outdoors belong to all of us, and protecting these places takes all of us too.

Yes, the attacks on public lands just keep coming. This time, the USDA is moving to rescind the Roadless Rule (a critical conservation regulation that's protected 30% of our National Forests for nearly 25 years), and the first public comment period closes in just four days. 

I break down what the rule is, why it matters, and how you can leave a meaningful comment that goes on record. I also myth-bust claims about wildfire management, accessibility, and economic value, etc.

Take action now: Go to regulations.gov and search FS-2025-0001. Share your personal story, cite research, and keep it respectful. Or click here: https://bit.ly/RoadlessRuleComment. Your comment matters!

TL;DR

• The Roadless Rule (since 2001) protects ~58M acres of National Forests (about 30%) from new industrial road-building.
• USDA is moving to rescind it and is rushing the scoping comment period (only 21 days).
• Roads do not reduce wildfire risk; they often increase human-caused ignitions and invasive species spread.
• Roads ≠ accessibility. True access requires intentional infrastructure (bathrooms, trail surfacing/width, maintenance, programs).
• Forest Service already has 386,000+ miles of roads and a $8.4B maintenance backlog. Adding more is unsafe and unsustainable.
• Your specific, respectful, and sourced comment becomes part of the public record and matters both now and later in court. It's important!
• Comment period ends SOON! Deadline: Sept. 19th

LINKS

• Leave your comment here: https://bit.ly/RoadlessRuleComment.
• Roadless Rule myths debunked: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/roadless-rule-myths-debunked-facts-vs-fiction
• All about public comments: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/roadless-rule-public-comment-guide
• Why removing the Roadless Rule doesn't benefit disabled people: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/removing-roadless-rule-wont-increase-accessibility-disabled-people

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 – Welcome & urgent call to action (comment deadline in 4 days!)
• 02:00 – Roadless Rule 101: what it is & what it protects
• 06:10 – The rulemaking process & why comments matter legally
• 10:25 – Myth-busting wildfire arguments
• 16:15 – Roads ≠ accessibility: the truth about disabled access
• 21:05 – What Roadless areas safeguard: water, wildlife, recreation
• 25:50 – Forest Service backlog & why adding more roads is reckless
• 29:30 – Economic reality: existing value of Roadless lands
• 33:20 – How to write a strong public comment
• 39:40 – Closing thoughts, collective action, and ways to support

In this bonus episode of Outdoorsy, I’m diving into a topic I’ve been asked about a lot: How Leave No Trace and outdoor ethics apply outside the U.S. This is a Patreon-only episode, so head on over to https://www.patreon.com/c/Outdoorsy to listen to the full episode!

A bit of background: As my platform has grown and reached more global listeners, it’s become clear that our U.S.-centric framework doesn’t always translate, and that’s okay!

For this episode, I did a ton of research and crowd-sourced insights from my international community to bring you a more nuanced look at outdoor recreation ethics around the world. From Iceland’s invasive lupins to Scotland’s “right to roam” laws, I unpack how different regions manage access, protect ecosystems, and weave in cultural and spiritual values. Spoiler: Leave No Trace is more of a mindset than a strict rulebook.

I also talk about:

• Why staying on trail in the U.S. is different than in Alaska or Sweden
• The nuance behind those frolicking wildflower field photos
• How cultural and Indigenous practices may contradict and shouldn’t be policed by LNT principles
• What “digital Leave No Trace” means when you're sharing travel content online
• Why planning ahead and preparing is the single most universal outdoor ethic, no matter where you are

Whether you're planning an international hiking trip, wondering if it's okay to camp on private land in the UK, or just curious about how other cultures recreate outdoors, this episode will leave you with a deeper appreciation for context, culture, and curiosity.

🔗 Full blog post with all the sources: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/global-outdoor-ethics-and-recreation-rules

🎧 If this episode resonates, please subscribe, leave a review, and check out my Patreon to support the show and join the Outdoorsy Discord community. We’ve got Cozy Camping Club meetups coming up, and you won’t want to miss them. Find that here: https://www.patreon.com/c/Outdoorsy.

Until next time, I hope you get outside in a way that makes sense to you, and remember: You belong out there.

In this bonus episode of Outdoorsy, I'm diving into an often-overlooked aspect of Leave No Trace: Your online footprint.

We know the basics of LNT—stay on trail, pack it out, don’t feed wildlife—but what happens when the rules get broken online? From viral meadow-frolicking videos to misleading photo ops, I'm breaking down the real-world impact of what we post on social media, even if our intentions are good. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why posting a "harmless" photo can lead to long-term ecological damage
• How even one human footprint can take 50+ years to heal in alpine tundra
• What to consider before you hit "share" on that gorgeous wildflower shot
• Ways to model ethical behavior online without sacrificing beauty or creativity

Whether you're an influencer, a casual hiker, or someone who just loves posting pics from your national park visits, this episode is ultimately designed to help you make more thoughtful choices.

 🔗 Bonus content: Check out our past episodes on Leave No Trace and Geotagging Ethics.

This is not a normal episode of Outdoorsy. It’s an emergency.

Right now, a dangerous amendment proposed in the Senate threatens to sell off 3.3 million acres of public land, including BLM and USFS land we hike, camp, and recreate on every day. It bypasses tribal consultation, disregards public input, and could permanently restrict public access to these lands.

In this bonus episode, I break down:

• What’s in the “Big Beautiful Bill” (aka H.R.1 / the reconciliation bill)
• Why this land sell-off is so dangerous
• What we actually know about the millions of acres in question
• How we’ve stopped similar amendments before
• What YOU can do in the next two weeks to fight back

We’ve done it once. We can do it again. But we have to act now.

 💥 Be brave with me. Let’s keep public lands in public hands. Let’s give them hell.

📞 Call your Senators: https://5calls.org/issue/public-land-sales-budget-reconcilliation/
 ✉️ Send an email: https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/6/12/senate-spending-package-proposes-selling-off-33-million-acres-of-public-land
 📲 Share online. Talk to your friends IRL. Make some good trouble.

Remember: You belong out there. Always.

READ THE BLOG POST: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/3-million-acres-of-public-land-at-risk-and-how-to-help

SOURCES:

• https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1
• https://archive.is/qTspm
• https://archive.is/K1tei
• https://www.npca.org/articles/8792-position-on-h-r-1-one-big-beautiful-bill-act
• https://www.wilderness.org/articles/blog/congress-making-more-250-million-acres-public-lands-available-sale
• https://wilderness.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=821970f0212d46d7aa854718aac42310&fbclid=PAQ0xDSwK-SwxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp_s7ycI--cptEA3JkG0J2StRmegtosg_UiuOnQvVSx7_IrEhhXOr4hCUG8Ax_aem_MfNlXuX_hdUnqW8m5D1SQw

In the season one finale of Outdoorsy, I'm joined by Parker McMullen Bushman (also known as KWEEN WERK)! 

They share their journey of redefining what it means to be outdoorsy and the importance of representation in outdoor spaces. They discuss the barriers faced by marginalized communities in accessing nature and the need for inclusivity in environmental advocacy. Parker emphasizes the power of community, hope, and collective action in the fight for environmental justice, encouraging listeners to embrace their identities and reclaim their place in the outdoors.

TIMESTAMPS:

• 0:00 - Intro & housekeeping
• 3:26 - Meet Parker
• 5:05 - Parker's Relationship to the Outdoors & How They Define Outdoorsy
• 12:32 - The Journey to Advocacy
• 17:48 - Belonging in the Outdoors
• 23:20 - Microaggressions in Nature
• 29:53 - Building Inclusive Communities
• 32:40 - Hope and Activism
• 37:15 - How to Connect with Parker
• 38:59 - Closing Words of Wisdom

CONNECT: 

• https://www.kweenwerk.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/kweenwerk
• https://www.facebook.com/kweenwerk/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@kweenwerk
• https://www.patreon.com/Outdoorsy
• https://www.instagram.com/madeleinewilsonphoto/
• https://www.youtube.com/@madeleinewilsonphoto

Is the TikTok ban really about data security, or is there something bigger at play? In this bonus episode, I break down the potential TikTok ban, its impact on small businesses, content creators, and marginalized communities, and why alternative platforms just don't compare.

🔑 Key takeaways:

• The economic impact of banning TikTok (170M users affected)
• TikTok's unique role in supporting marginalized voices
• Why Reels and Shorts aren't direct replacements
• How I’ll stay connected with you all through Discord & Patreon

Join the community:

• Patreon: patreon.com/outdoorsy
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeleinewilsonphoto/
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@madeleinewilsonphoto?hl=en 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madeleinewilsonphoto

I sat down with the incredibly talented photographer, Emilie Hofferber, for a conversation that was both inspiring and deeply relatable. Emilie shared her journey from retail burnout to building a creative life she loves on the road, blending her love for photography with a passion for the outdoors and travel. We explored what it means to break down barriers in outdoor spaces and reject gatekeeping that often keeps people from feeling like they belong outside.

We also talked about her transition to van life with minimal resources, how she built a photography career from scratch, and the power of staying true to yourself—even when the industry tells you to play it safe. 

BONUS: Margaret, her sweet dog, makes a guest appearance, so check out the video version if you want to see her in action!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Emilie defines “outdoorsy” and why labels can be limiting
• Her path from Florida to Utah and how she fell in love with nature
• The realities of starting van life with only $300
• Why discomfort can actually help you get outside more
• Breaking into photography with a $13 thrift store camera
• Facing gatekeeping in creative spaces and the outdoor industry
• Navigating the outdoors as a queer woman
• The story behind Emilie’s hilarious (and meaningful) Taco Bell tattoo

Follow Emilie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilie.hofferber 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBZr5FZoQQlOj64PP1fhQdw 
• More: https://hoo.be/emilie

Join the Outdoorsy Community:

• Patreon: Join Our Patreon – Gain access to bonus content, Cozy Camping Club, our Discord community, and exclusive video episodes!
• Discord: Join our safe, inclusive space for outdoor lovers to connect, share, and build community. Access this via Patreon!

Timestamps & Chapter Titles 

• 00:00 – Intro: Meet Emilie (and Margaret the dog)
• 02:00 – Redefining “Outdoorsy”: What Does It Mean to You?
• 04:30 – Emilie’s Origin Story: From Florida to Utah
• 07:40 – How Van Life Began: A Story of Burnout and Adventure
• 12:00 – Overcoming Hardship & Embracing Minimalism
• 16:00 – Practical Van Life Tips: Gear, Comfort, and Minimalism
• 22:00 – Breaking Into Photography with Minimal Equipment
• 26:00 – Gatekeeping in Photography and Outdoor Spaces
• 32:00 – The Power of Inclusive Outdoor Communities
• 37:00 – Being Queer in the Outdoors: Challenges & Triumphs
• 46:00 – The Taco Bell Tattoo Story: Finding Joy in Simplicity
• 52:00 – Final Thoughts & Emilie’s Upcoming Adventures
• 55:00 – Closing Remarks and How to Stay Connected

I’m so grateful to Emilie for sharing her story with me—it’s a reminder that you can create a life that aligns with your values, even when the path is unconventional. If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it with a friend! 🌿

As 2024 comes to a close, I’m feeling immense gratitude for the Outdoorsy community and the journey we’re on together. In today’s episode, I'm tackling the most requested topic: safety in the outdoors. Whether you’re solo hiking, camping, or just starting your outdoor adventures, this episode is packed with practical strategies, personal anecdotes, and tips to help you feel empowered and prepared. The outdoors should feel safe and welcoming for everyone, and I’m here to make sure you’ve got the tools and confidence to enjoy it.

Become a patron to learn about Cozy Camping Club: https://www.patreon.com/c/Outdoorsy.

TIMESTAMPS

• Introduction and Reflections on 2024 - 00:00:08
• Why Safety Matters in the Outdoors - 00:03:15
• Key Strategies for Outdoor Safety - 00:06:55
• Planning Your Adventure - 00:09:17
• The Importance of Intuition - 00:23:05
• Tools and Weapons for Self-Defense - 00:31:54
• Closing Reflections - 00:45:55