In more ways than one, our circles have tightened in the last year. And while for some family has been out of reach, for others, it's been a constant. In this episode we hear from a new mom, Aly Nicklas, and a daughter, Paulina Dao, as they reflect on the ways in which their relationships with family have shifted during the pandemic. We also explore how getting out in the outdoors together, away from the everyday routine, helps to strengthen our family bonds - whatever family means to us.

Running a nonprofit, doing advocacy work, challenging the dominant narratives of what it means to recreate outside - it all takes a lot of energy. This episode highlights filmmaker Faith Briggs and photographer & GRLSWIRL co-founder Monroe Alvarez, two women who recharge in the outdoors and on the road, and digs into the ways these excursions help them stay invigorated in their work and close to their purpose.

Nothing gets us out of a creative rut like a change of scenery: it helps provide a new perspective, a fresh way of looking at the world. Amidst the stress of the pandemic, it’s been more challenging to carve out the headspace that gives flight to those seemingly easy ideas. So for the last episode of Navigating Through, we wanted to talk with three women about how this last year has helped and hindered their creative practices—as well as the ways in which exploring locally can shine new light on the familiar.

Doris Lance is an avid hiker and wildflower photographer who happens to be over the age of 75. Learn her tips for slowing down, paying attention, and embracing a lifetime of hiking.

Listen and learn from leaders in the outdoor industry in this special highlight episode of the virtual Women’s Outdoor Summit. In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day and created by Teresa Baker, this event centered around inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and outdoor career advice.

Catch-up with Shelma Jun, founder of Flash Foxy and the creator of the women’s climbing festival. We talked about her lessons from 2020, particularly the way societal work week’s inhibit our community activations and the changes to her body after choosing to be a living kidney donor back in June. Shelma also shares what she is looking forward to in the future: from dance parties to her readiness to bring climbers back together for the Women’s Climbing Festival when it’s safe to do so.

Nicole Snell is a self-defense expert, the creator of Outdoor Defense, owner and CEO of Girls Fight Back, a solo adventurer, hike lead with Black Girls Trekkin’, and more. In this episode, we’ll talk about why self-defense is important, hear some practical tips for outdoor lovers, and learn more about Nicole’s philosophy for developing the tools which will help facilitate a safer world for all.

Photojournalist turned outdoor photographer Sofia Jaramillo wants to do more than take incredibly beautiful photos, she wants to help diversify the outdoors through her work. We talk about how she got started in photography, why who’s behind the camera matters, how she’s broadening her portfolio to include filmmaking, and the benefits and pain-points of living in the small mountain town of Jackson, Wyoming.

Catch-up with Erin Sullivan, the creative behind @ErinOutdoors. Erin was first on the show back in February 2017, talking about her winding path to a freelance creative career inspired by the outdoors. As always, Erin came through with a lot of practical advice for anyone who recharges through creativity and time in nature.

Laura Borichevsky's been working with She Explores for many years and helped co-found Ravel Media. This Thursday, with the launch of her new podcast Sex Outside, Laura's moving on from Ravel to grow it into a show and education platform. This special episode is our team's tribute to Laura and our thank you for all she's given us in our time together.