The Banyan Collective

Sian Griffiths, author of Borrowed Horses (New Rivers Press, 2015) and Director of Creative Writing at Weber State University, our first guest on our soon-to-be famous podcast LITerally, joins us to talk about how it’s just as easy to not be an a**hole writer as it is to be one, and she chooses to not be.

Weber Pathways started as a non-profit organization in 1995 in an effort to build a trail through Ogden Canyon.  21 years later, 'Pathways' is still perpetually working on a solution with property owners and governmental agencies for pedestrians and bikes to safely through the canyon.  In that time, however, Pathways has created 58 miles of trails and preserved 320 acres of open space, connecting Weber County's communities with non-motorized trails.

Mark with Weber Pathways guest co-hosts this episode and covers how to minimize impact from water on trails and provides us with an update on new trails in Ogden Valley. We buzz through the latest upcoming events including a Hoka One One Demo.

Season 1, Episode 3 of Van Sessions presents: Mojave Nomads

Literally weathering pelting rain and 30 mph wind gusts, Riley Cook outlasted a deep field of top contenders, including a guy they call "Montana" to be the first to break the tape at this year's soppy Ogden Marathon. Congrats to our hometown hero! Here's Riley's take on the race, training while juggling family and work responsibilities, and overcoming his unlucky history with the Ogden Marathon.

The man jumps off cliffs and out of airplanes for a living. GoPro Bomb Squad and Kavu athlete Neil Amonson excels at skydiving, wingsuit flying, and paragliding to the point that he's made it a career. Amonson is now inspiring the youth with his new non-profit Jump For Joy!

GoPro Bomb Squad founder Neil Amonson talks BASE jumping and his new non-profit Jump for Joy. Also, Events, News, and a Waterfall Canyon Trip Report.

Running Legend Bart Yasso on Mr. Goodyear's Neighborhood LIVE during the Zion's Bank Ogden Marathon's Altra Expo. The Chief Running Officer for over 40 years with Runner's World Magazine expressed his views on the Ogden Marathon, community involvement, his life as an endurance athlete, and perhaps one day a return to Comrades, South Africa. The inventor of the Yasso 800 let's us know how many time people say his name in vain. He doesn't just run either, he's crossed the United States twice solo on a bicycle with his wallet as his only support.

Season 1 Episode 3 of #VanSessions kicked off with local multi-instrumentalist Brooke Mackintosh! Brooke left her Utah home in 2006 for San Diego to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time musician. After releasing two albums in San Diego, Brooke has since returned to her mountain roots charming all who are privileged to hear her sultry voice. 

Playing mostly by ear, Brooke defines her music as a fusion of Pop/Jazz/Folk and Blues, or as she calls it, "Mountain Soul."

Loading your summer with outdoor recreation involving water and high elevation is the best way to keep cool while having fun. Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking, Intro to Standup Paddleboarding, Climbing, and High Altitude Backpacking, are some of the guided programs the Weber State Outdoor Program is now running.