Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors

In this episode Will speaks with Haley Bezon, founder and executive director of Hearty Roots—a nonprofit nature-based wellness organization serving youth in Maine. Drawing on her own lived experience with mental health and a diverse work background in education and wilderness therapy, Haley shares how Hearty Roots was born from a desire to reimagine mental health care for children. Frustrated by the long waitlists and barriers many families face in Maine, she built a program that brings therapy outdoors—where kids heal through connection, movement, and the steady presence of caring mentors.

Listeners will hear how Hearty Roots blends evidence-based social-emotional learning with the simplicity of time in nature—whether it's hiking, paddling, or gathering around a fire. Haley describes their Taproot program, which replaces traditional office therapy with outdoor, trauma-informed sessions led by licensed clinicians, and she emphasizes the importance of proactive mental health care before crises arise. For parents in Maine and beyond who are overwhelmed by limited options or seeking more human-centered support for their children, this episode offers both inspiration and a real-world solution grounded in nature, community, and heart.

Hearty Roots Website: https://www.heartyroots.org/

In this episode Will welcomes Steve Smith, founder of Experiential Consulting and a 30-year veteran in the outdoor education and risk management field. Steve shares his journey from classroom teacher to mountaineering instructor and eventually leading national conversations on risk through roles with Outward Bound, the Student Conservation Association, and the Wilderness Risk Management Conference. Throughout the episode, Steve explains how his thinking has evolved from linear, blame-based models of incident response to a systems-based, learning-focused philosophy that emphasizes psychological safety, continuous improvement, and shared responsibility in outdoor programs.

Steve also shares a powerful and personal story of a near-death mountaineering accident that profoundly impacted his mental health—and eventually became a catalyst for change in how he views vulnerability, risk, and leadership. His transparency about the emotional aftermath and his later work to warn others about the recurring hazard at Asgard Pass highlight the importance of learning from both success and failure. This episode is essential listening for anyone in outdoor education, wilderness therapy, or a parent concerned about the safety of outdoor programs. It offers both philosophical depth and practical insights into how programs can navigate risk without sacrificing meaningful adventure.

Check out Steve's website for Experiential Consulting: https://www.outdoorrisk.com/

In this episode Will talks with Jessie Krebs is a wilderness survival expert, former U.S. Air Force SERE specialist, and the founder of O.W.L.S. Skills (Outdoorsy Women Learning Survival Skills), a program dedicated to helping women and marginalized communities build confidence and safety in the outdoors. In this powerful episode, Jessie shares her remarkable journey—from childhood trauma and military service to discovering deep healing through wilderness therapy and survival training. With over a decade of experience in wilderness therapy and appearances on reality shows like Alone, Jessie brings a rare blend of practical skill, emotional insight, and fierce compassion to her work.

Will and Jessie dive into the role of nature in trauma recovery, the impact of wilderness on mental health, and the creation of inclusive spaces in outdoor education. She shares a profound story from her time in wilderness therapy that changed her life, discusses the evolution of her teaching philosophy, and explains how survival skills are a pathway to emotional resilience. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsperson or someone seeking a deeper connection to nature, Jessie's insights offer inspiration and guidance for finding strength in the wild.

To connect with Jessie- https://bookings.owlsskills.com/en/

In this special live episode Will welcomes his longtime friend and world-renowned adventurer Mark Synnott, a veteran big wall climber, elite alpinist, National Geographic writer, and bestselling author of The Impossible Climb and The Third Pole. Mark joins remotely—from a sailboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean—for a captivating conversation recorded live at the Whitney Community Center in Jackson, New Hampshire. The discussion centers on his newest book, Into the Ice, which chronicles his bold journey through the Northwest Passage and his deep dive into one of history's greatest polar mysteries: the lost Franklin Expedition. Along the way, Mark shares raw reflections on risk, family, storytelling, and why the hardest paths often offer the greatest rewards.

This episode is a wide-ranging exploration of what it means to pursue adventure as a way of life. From living in a cave in Yosemite to crossing the Arctic by sail, Mark offers gripping stories of survival, curiosity, and devotion—to his craft, his family, and the wild places that continue to call him. Whether you're drawn to extreme expeditions, compelling historical mysteries, or simply navigating uncertainty with purpose, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace the unknown and chart your own course.

This episode was supported by:

White Birch Booksellers- (a great place to buy Mark's new book!)

Jackson Public Library

Whitney Community Center

Mark's previous episodes on Stories from the Field were:

Ep. 25: Mark Synnott author of the Impossible Climb

Ep. 121 Mark Synnott, Author of The Third Pole

In this heartfelt episode, Will welcomes Dr. Jason Frishman, clinical psychologist and founder of the Journeymen Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping fathers foster connection, resilience, and growth through community and mentorship. Jason shares how his years of clinical practice led him to create Journeymen, moving beyond traditional therapy models to build spaces where fathers can share stories, support one another, and rediscover their essential role at home and in their own lives. The conversation explores why so many fathers feel isolated in today's world, the importance of redefining masculinity and emotional connection, and how outdoor experiences and shared adventures serve as catalysts for personal transformation.

Jason also shares a personal story about a camping trip with his infant son and wife that reshaped his understanding of adventure, family, and resilience. Together, Jason and Will discuss how stepping into discomfort, embracing imperfection, and finding meaning in the mundane can foster profound emotional growth. If you're a father—or if you support fathers—this conversation offers powerful insights into building lasting connection, challenging outdated narratives of manhood, and finding healing through nature, story, and community.

In this powerful episode Will sits down with acclaimed author and risk management expert Ty Gagne to discuss his latest book, The Lions of Winter: Survival and Sacrifice on Mount Washington. Ty takes listeners behind the scenes of the tragic 1982 search and rescue mission that claimed the life of volunteer Albert Dow—an event that forever changed New Hampshire's backcountry rescue protocols. Through gripping storytelling and deep reflection, Ty illuminates the heroism, emotional toll, and legacy of this landmark incident, shedding light on the psychological challenges faced by rescuers and the evolution of mountain safety over the past four decades.

The conversation also explores the unique dangers of the White Mountains, the increasing number of unprepared adventurers, and the importance of humility and preparation when heading into unpredictable wilderness environments. Ty shares a poignant personal story about witnessing a breathtaking sunrise on Mount Washington just before the COVID-19 shutdown—a moment that reflects the deep connection between nature and mental wellness. As both an outdoor enthusiast and risk professional, Ty brings unparalleled insight into how outdoor tragedy can lead to meaningful change, compassion, and understanding. This episode is essential listening for anyone passionate about the outdoors, mental health, and the human stories behind survival and loss.

To purchase The Lions of Winter: Survival and Sacrifice on Mount Washington or any of Ty's other books check out his website: https://www.fullconditionsnh.com

In this powerful episode Will speaks with Audrey Costa, founder of Deep Rooted Wellness and Creatives, about her powerful journey from personal hardship to purposeful healing. Audrey opens up about her struggles with addiction, parenting through adversity, and how turning to nature—and backpacking in particular—transformed her mental health. Through her vulnerability and wisdom, she shares how movement, nature, and creativity became the cornerstones of her recovery and the foundation for her work with others.

Audrey also dives into her nature-based offerings, including trauma-informed hiking experiences, Wild Resilience backpacking retreats for women, and custom healing experiences for those navigating grief or burnout. As a soon-to-be clinical mental health counselor, Audrey blends her fitness and wellness expertise with deep emotional insight to create spaces where others can find strength, self-discovery, and peace in the outdoors. Tune in for a heartfelt, honest, and empowering conversation about healing through connection—to ourselves, to others, and to nature.

Check out Audrey's website: https://www.deeprootedwellnessandcreatives.com/

Discover upcoming men's retreats that our podcast host, Will White is facilitating at WMAI.org.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Will welcomes Jason Stout, founder of Stoutreach, to share his story of grief, healing, and the outdoors. Jason opens up about experiencing multiple profound losses as a child—including the deaths of his sister, grandmother, and father—and how those early tragedies shaped the course of his life.

Jason describes how time in nature helped him begin to heal and led him to dedicate his career to supporting others who are grieving. From guiding wilderness expeditions for teens who have lost loved ones to facilitating peer support programs for military families and veterans, Jason has developed a unique and impactful model that blends outdoor experiences with emotional healing. His work was recently recognized with the 2024 Richard Louv Prize for Innovation in Nature Connection.

Will also reflects briefly on the recent passing of his own father and the ways in which the outdoors continues to offer space for connection and reflection.

This episode explores the intersection of grief, nature, and human resilience—reminding us that while loss is universal, healing is possible when we reconnect with ourselves, each other, and the natural world.

Learn more about Jason's work at missionstoutreach.org.

Discover upcoming men's retreats that our podcast host, Will White is faciliating at WMAI.org.

In this episode, Will welcomes Brandon Moffitt, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Black Mountain Academy in North Carolina. Brandon shares his journey from working in wilderness therapy to founding Black Mountain Academy, a specialized therapeutic school for neurodivergent students. He discusses the importance of integrating academic, social, and therapeutic support for adolescents with learning differences and neurodevelopmental challenges. He also highlights how outdoor experiences play a crucial role in fostering confidence, resilience, and social engagement among students.

Brandon also introduces Intrepid Young Adults, Black Mountain Academy's new program designed to help young adults transition into independence with structured support in academics, career exploration, and life skills. He shares insights into how outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and community engagement, provide essential opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Brandon also reflects on the resilience of students and staff following a devastating flood, the role of community service in their therapeutic model, and the evolving landscape of neurodivergent education. This episode is packed with wisdom for parents, educators, and professionals working in therapeutic education and outdoor mental health.

In this engaging conversation, Will welcomes back Katie Asmus, founder of the Somatic Nature Therapy Institute, to discuss the evolution of her work integrating nature-based therapy, somatic awareness, and rites of passage. Over the past five years, her practice has expanded significantly, growing into a group practice and training center that helps therapists incorporate nature therapeutically. Katie highlights how nature supports emotional regulation, trauma healing, and overall well-being, explaining how the accessibility of nature-based therapy has grown, especially post-pandemic. She discusses the various ways her institute trains therapists and clients, from individualized nature sessions to immersive wilderness quests, emphasizing the power of integrating nature into mental health care.

Katie also reflects on the broader shifts in the field, noting an increasing demand for nature-informed therapy and a shift away from traditional office-based treatment models. She discusses her work with clients, including a powerful session where a grieving client found solace by sharing her emotions with a tree. She distinguishes between nature therapy, adventure therapy, and wilderness therapy, advocating for an approach that fosters deep relationships with the natural world rather than focusing on high-adventure activities. Looking ahead, she anticipates a continued mainstreaming of nature-based therapy, making it more accessible and sustainable for both clients and therapists alike.

To learn more about Katie and the Somatic Nature Therapy Institute- check out https://www.somaticnaturetherapy.com/

To listen to Katies Previous episode on Stories from the Field check out- our podcast page- Katie was episode 81!