She Explores

In the third episode of Where We Walk, we explore some of the long lasting impacts of introducing kids and young people to paths like the Appalachian Trail (A.T). Above all else, this episode is about hope. The hope that exposing children to enriching outdoor experiences will cultivate a lifelong relationship with nature.

We’ll hear from a teacher who is using nature as a classroom, a mother who started to see her daughters as adults and equals through hiking the A.T., a volunteer who took the initiative to start her own youth hiking challenge, a teenager who understands that the future health of our planet is in our hands, and a 6-year-old who feels just plain happy outdoors.

About the series: This story-forward six-part series, in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and made possible with support from REI, highlights the Appalachian Trail through both the women who helped to build it as well as those who continue to make it what it is today. Our goal is to tell a multi-dimensional story of the Trail through a range of voices from diverse backgrounds. Each episode will have a unique theme that helps tell the story of the way we shape the Trail, but more importantly — how the Trail shapes us. 

Featured in this episode: Lori Loew, Sue Garcia, Jan Onan, Maymuna Sabree, and Sloane Straub

Hosted by Gale Straub, with Laura Borichevksy

A Production of Ravel Media

Resources:

• Appalachian Trail Conservancy
• Appalachian Trail Conservancy: Youth Outreach
• A Trail to Every Classroom (ATEACH)
• Youth Partner Challenge
• Learn about the NextGen Forest Ambassador Program

Episodes of “Where We Walk” will air weekly on Mondays.

Music by Josh Woodward & Monplaisir using a Creative Commons Attribution License 

Lindsay Bourgoine of Protect Our Winters, who leads outdoor athletes and brand executives on climate policy issues and advocacy, shares the power of our voice and our vote in the fight against climate change. 

There are countless issues to keep in mind as you consider who you will vote for on a state and federal level in the United States this November. And while don't make specific endorsements on the show, we're grateful to Lindsay for helping to explain the real systemic changes that can occur through environmental policy, as well as the powerful gateway a love of the outdoors can be to becoming an advocate.

Featured in this episode: Lindsay Bourgoine

Hosted & Produced by Gale Straub

A production of Ravel Media

Sponsored by  BetterHelp, Danner, & Ikon Pass

Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook

Visit She-Explores.com & Follow Us on Instagram

Resources

• Protect Our Winters Voting Tool: MakeaDamnPlan.org
• Protect Our Winters: Website
• Intersectional Environmentalist
• Ravel Media

Sponsors and Discount Codes

• Ikon Pass: Learn more about the Ikon Pass and Ikon Pass Session 4 Day for your 20/21 winter adventures here.
• Danner: Learn more about the Danner Trail 2650's.
• Betterhelp: Get 10% off your first month at Betterhelp.com/explore

Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.

Ad Music is by Josh Woodward & Swelling

Other music by The Light the Heat, Maddy Hartson, & Tim Halperin via Music Bed.

In this second episode of “Where We Walk: Stories from the Appalachian Trail,” we’re examining the presence of women both on the Appalachian trail and within the land that hosts it-- from moments in the past, to what we see today, with hopes for where we continue on into the future.

Like many spaces both in the outdoors and elsewhere, women haven’t often been recognized for the contributions we’ve made or the way our presence has shaped our world-- and there’s still a long way to go. In this episode, we’re taking a look at three women with different perspectives and identities when it comes to being a woman with a relationship to the Appalachian Trail, and we’re hoping these insights will help you reflect upon your own role in identifying the ways your presence impacts us all, from now into the future, while also helping to make meaningful space for other women to do the same.

About the series: This story-forward six-part series, in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and made possible with support from REI, highlights the Appalachian Trail through both the women who helped to build it as well as those who continue to make it what it is today. Our goal is to tell a multi-dimensional story of the Trail through a range of voices from diverse backgrounds. Each episode will have a unique theme that helps tell the story of the way we shape the Trail, but more importantly — how the Trail shapes us. 

Featured in this episode: Gwyneth Loose, Kai TwoFeathers Orton, and Shilletha Curtis

Hosted by Laura Borichevksy, with Gale Straub

A Production of Ravel Media

Resources:

• Keep an eye out for Gwyneth Loose’s book “We Were There Too”, published in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy later this year
• Learn more about the women featured:
  • Kai TwoFeathers Orton: Instagram
  • Shilletha Curtis: Instagram

Episodes of “Where We Walk” will air weekly on Mondays.
Music by Josh Woodward & Monplaisir using a Creative Commons Attribution License 

Amber Share is the creator of Subpar Parks, a National Parks illustration project with a satirical twist. Though her sense of humor leans on sarcasm, Amber's love of the outdoors and helping adventurous creatives achieve their goals is purely genuine. 

In this episode, we talk about Subpar Parks, Amber's relationship with the outdoors as it blends with creativity, her path to becoming self-employed, and more.

Amber's bio says it best: Amber Share is an outdoorsy lettering artist with an affinity for colorful and punny illustrations. Her work is inspired by her interests — hiking, climbing, gardening, brewing kombucha, and, as a major introvert, spending time recharging at home. She strives to translate the joy of adventure into funny, light-hearted designs that spark conversation and help people connect.

Featured in this episode: Amber Share

Hosted & Produced by Gale Straub

A production of Ravel Media

Sponsored by  BetterHelp, Oregon State University E-Campus, & Ikon Pass

Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook

Visit She-Explores.com & Follow Us on Instagram

Resources

• Follow Amber on Instagram: @ambershares_
• Amber's Website: AmberShareDesign.com
• SubPar Parks: Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr
• Bright Beta Co: Website & Instagram
• The Forgotten History of National Park Posters
• Hannah Rothstein: National Parks 2050
• Sarah Coyne: Post for the Parks
• Ravel Media

Sponsors and Discount Codes

• Ikon Pass: Learn more about the Ikon Pass and Ikon Pass Session 4 Day for your 20/21 winter adventures here.
• Oregon State University E-Campus: Learn more at ecampus.oregonstate.edu/explore
• Betterhelp: Get 10% off your first month at Betterhelp.com/explore

Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.

Ad Music is by Josh Woodward, Swelling, & Lee Rosevere.

Other music by Analog Heart, Stephen Gutheinz, & Utah via Music Bed.

On the very first episode of “Where We Walk: Stories from the Appalachian Trail,” we’re looking back - but as you’ll hear, the memories we make on the Appalachian Trail, or A.T., extend beyond the real-time steps we take. We share submissions from women whose lives have been shaped by the A.T., whether on a thru, section, or day hike.

Trails help us access landscapes both familiar and new, as well as give us the grace and space to explore our interior lives. We hope that in listening, you’ll reflect on how long trail experiences filter into your daily lives. In the first of a 6-part series in collaboration with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, we explore your memories of the A.T. and the ripple effect of those experiences.

About the series: This story-forward six-part series, in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and made possible with support from REI, highlights the Appalachian Trail through both the women who helped to build it as well as those who continue to make it what it is today. Our goal is to tell a multi-dimensional story of the Trail through a range of voices from diverse backgrounds. Each episode will have a unique theme that helps tell the story of the way we shape the Trail, but more importantly — how the Trail shapes us. 

Featured in this episode: Kaitlan Stephens, Mary Holmes, Kathryn, Carmen, Alina Drufkova, Carrington Kernodle, Tara Prescott-Johnson, Sabine Pelton, Somer Pickel, Grizel, Alexandra Garcia, Xiaoling Keller, Melissa Goodwin, Charissa Hipp, Ariana, Gina Knox

Hosted by Gale Straub and Laura Borichevksy

A Production of Ravel Media

Resources:

• Appalachian Trail Conservancy
• Learn more about the women featured:
  • Kaitlan Stephens: Instagram
  • Carmen: Instagram & Blog
  • Alina Drufkova: Instagram & Website
  • Carrington Kernodle: Instagram & Blog
  • Tara Prescott-Johnson: Watch Tara’s TED Talk on her AT Hike
  • Sabine Pelton: Instagram
  • Somer Pickel: Instagram
  • Grizel: Instagram
  • Alexandra Garcia: Instagram & Blog
  • Xiaoling Keller: Instagram
  • Melissa Goodwin: Instagram & Girl Gotta Hike Website
  • Charissa Hipp: Instagram
  • Gina Knox: Instagram

Episodes of “Where We Walk” will air weekly on Mondays.

Music by Josh Woodward & Monplaisir using a Creative Commons Attribution License 

From the age of 13, Alina Drufovka dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail. She spent years thinking about her next hike, but her long walks haven’t been an escape or a cure-all, they've played a very formative role in her front-country life through her relationships, her identity, and in her burgeoning artistic career.

Alina “Abstract” Drufovka is a Colombian-American painter and illustrator based out of Philadelphia, PA. She has hiked the Appalachian Trail (2015 & 2017), Israel National Trail (2018), and Pacific Crest Trail (2019). She is also an outdoor professional and hopes to inspire more women and people of color to get outside and explore the trails.

Featured in this episode: Alina "Abstract" Drufovka

Hosted & Produced by Gale Straub

A production of Ravel Media

Sponsored by  BetterHelp, Danner, & Ikon Pass

Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook

Visit She-Explores.com & Follow Us on Instagram

Resources

• Follow Alina Drufovka on Instagram: @abstract.hikes & @alina.druf
• Alina's Portfolio Website
• Alina's She-Explores.com Artistry Feature
• Colombian Artist: Fernando Botero
• Hiker Royalty Instagram
• Books mentioned:
  • Becoming Odyssa  by Jennifer Pharr Davis
  • Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer 
• Ravel Media

Sponsors and Discount Codes

• Ikon Pass: Learn more about the Ikon Pass and Ikon Pass Session 4 Day for your 20/21 winter adventures here.
• Danner: Learn more about the Danner Trail 2650 hikers here.
• Betterhelp: Get 10% off your first month at Betterhelp.com/explore

Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.

Ad Music is by Josh Woodward, Swelling, & Lee Rosevere.

Other music by Analog Heart, Stephen Gutheinz, & Utah via Music Bed.

Mina Okpi is an electrical engineer-turned outdoor entrepreneur. Through her company Black Outdoor Adventurers, she helps connect people of color to the outdoors. Like a lot of small business owners, Mina didn't plan on starting an adventure tour company, but she followed the demand and she's figuring it out as it grows. 

In this episode, we’ll hear from Mina about running a purpose-driven adventure company, get lots of advice for anyone looking to make a career change or launch their own outdoor company, as well as hear about the changes she’d like to see in the outdoor and travel industry.

Featured in this episode: Mina Okpi, Founder of Black Outdoor Adventurers

Hosted & Produced by Gale Straub

A production of Ravel Media

Sponsored by  Oregon State University Ecampus, Betterhelp, & Ikon Pass

Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook

Visit She-Explores.com & Follow Us on Instagram

Resources

• Black Outdoor Adventurers: Website & Instagram
• Find a justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) expert to help make your company more welcoming to people from the BIPOC community via InSolidarityProject.com
• An incredible list of JEDI resources from DiversifyOutdoors.com
• Our two-part podcast series from 2016 on DEI & the Outdoors.
• Ravel Media

Sponsors and Discount Codes

• Ikon Pass: Learn more about the Ikon Pass and Ikon Pass Session 4 Day for your 20/21 winter adventures here.
• Oregon State University Ecampus: Head to their website to learn more.
• Betterhelp: Get 10% off your first month by heading to Betterhelp.com/explore

Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.

Ad Music is by Swelling, & Lee Rosevere.

Other music by Marie Hines, Josh Hoover, Eric Kinny, Utah via Music Bed.

Carrington Kernodle is a plant-lover and a plant-eater, sprinkling the seeds of what she's learned about growing a more sustainable lifestyle. She believes in spreading the most joy possible, all while causing the least amount of harm.  She shares her knowledge on her blog, Parts Homegrown.

We talk about how vegan food powers her hiking, kayaking, and yoga practice, the impact our food choices have on the environment, and the significance of having the freedom to choose to be vegan as a Black woman in America, and more. We also get advice from Carrington about getting started with houseplants.

Featured in this episode: Carrington Kernodle

Hosted & Produced by Gale Straub

A production of Ravel Media

Sponsored by  Oregon State University Ecampus & Ikon Pass

Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook

Visit She-Explores.com & Follow Us on Instagram

Resources

• Carrington Kernodle: Instagram
• Parts Homegrown: Carrington's blog
• Hiking While Vegan
• Carrington's Juneteenth post on Instagram (mentioned in the episode)
• The Fastest Rising Demographic of Vegans is African-Americans: Washington Post
• Source: Worldwide Biodiversity at Risk
• Ravel Media

Sponsors and Discount Codes

• Ikon Pass: Learn more about the Ikon Pass and Ikon Pass Session 4 Day for your 20/21 winter adventures here.
• Oregon State University Ecampus: Head to their website to learn more.

Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.

Ad Music is by Swelling, & Lee Rosevere.

Other music by Marie Hines, Josh Hoover, Eric Kinny, Utah via Music Bed.

Amanda Jameson has walked over 3500 miles since setting foot on the Colorado Trail in 2015. She documents her walks on her blog and handle, Brown Girl on the NST, or Brown Girl on the National Scenic Trail. Amanda’s writing is about more than simply sharing her thru-hikes as a Black, queer, woman  - it’s about taking an intersectional approach to thru-hiking, and in doing so, being one part of helping to continue shifting the demographics of those who walk on trail.

In this episode, we'll hear about how thru-hiking has helped Amanda help her come to know the most present version of herself, how the trail helps her let go of control, the parallels between long-distance walks and antiracism work, and more.

Featured in this episode: Amanda Jameson

Hosted & Produced by Gale Straub

A production of Ravel Media

Sponsored by  BetterHelp & Ikon Pass

Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook

Visit She-Explores.com & Follow Us on Instagram

Resources

• Amanda Jameson: @BrownGirlontheNST & Website
• About UK's Thames Path 
• Read about Amanda's walk of the Colorado Trail
• Read about Amanda's walk of the Pacific Crest Trail
• Ravel Media

Sponsors and Discount Codes

• Ikon Pass: Learn more about the Ikon Pass and Ikon Pass Session 4 Day for your 20/21 winter adventures here.
• Betterhelp: Get 10% off your first month at Betterhelp.com/explore

Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.

Ad Music is by Swelling, & Lee Rosevere.

Other music by Marie Hines, Josh Hoover, Eric Kinny, Utah via Music Bed.

Sabrina Chapman's climbing story helps redefine what it means to be an elite climber. That said, you don’t need to be a climber for it to resonate with you. Sabrina is wildly thoughtful, a woman who chooses her words as carefully as she places her hands and feet on a rock wall. Her thoughts on working through fear, finding Black role models, contextualizing achievements, and the vulnerability of accepting your story echo through every activity we do outside.

Sabrina's the subject of Titan Project, a new film by Melanin Base Camp. As one of a handful of Black women climbing elite routes worldwide, she hopes to inspire more girls from the BIPOC community to feel welcome in the climbing world. 

Featured in this episode: Sabrina Chapman

Hosted & Produced by Gale Straub

A production of Ravel Media

Sponsored by Sierra Designs, BetterHelp, & Peak Scents

Join the She Explores Podcast community on Facebook

Visit She-Explores.com & Follow Us on Instagram

Resources

• Sabrina Chapman: Instagram
• Titan Project Premiere Sunday August 16th @7PM EST 
• Melanin Base Camp
• Climbing Groups
  • Brown Girls Climb
  • Flash Foxy
  • The Brown Ascenders
  • Climb Big
  • Indigenous Womxn Climb
• Women to Inspire
  • 16 Black Women and Nonbinary Climbers to Follow on Instagram (via Melanin Base Camp)
  • @meliseymo - Climber & Neuroscientist mentioned at end of episode
• Mauritius Island Oil Spill Fundraiser (takes a bit to load but will!)
• Submit Your A.T. Trail Memory
• Ravel Media

Sponsors and Discount Codes

• Peak Scents: Get 20% your order when you use the code EXPLORE20 at checkout at PeakScents.com.
• Betterhelp: Get 15% off your first month at Betterhelp.com/explore
• Sierra Designs: Learn more about their "Reach Out" initiative.
  • Learn more about NatureBridge

Episodes air weekly on Wednesdays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.

Ad Music is by Josh Woodward, Swelling, & Lee Rosevere.

Other music via Music Bed.