The Outdoor Social

Portland based rock/mountain climber, Megan Banker, and I sit down and talk about comparing yourself, diet culture, body image and sometimes it "isn't all about the summit". Being a plus size woman in the outdoor community doesn't come without it's set of struggles, but Megan tells me how she both literally and figuratively climbs the mountain to overcome her insecurities.

On this episode, I talk to Appalacian Trail hiker and white water river guide, Ashley Manning. Ashley tells me how through being outdoors she has learned how to emrbace who she is, inside and out. Proudly waving her flag as a plus size woman, she has experienced her fair share of bullies. While being both outrageous and hilarious, Ashley will leave you with the question: What do I think of ME?

Photo courtsey of Lindsey Brown (@lindstakesphotos) and intro/outro music by Aunt Cynthia's Cabin (@auntcynthiascabin).

Stephanie Lorenz (Weezer) is a 30-year-old thru hiker from Denver, Colorado. On this episode, she talks about her toxic relationship with alcohol, and through hitting rock bottom, the beginning of a beautiful relationship with her Mother.

Just 180 miles from finishing the Pacific Crest Trail, Weezer got the news her Mom had passed suddenly. As she gears up to finish her 180+ mile section in Washington, we discuss how the outooors have become a place she can heal and work through the trials life has thrown her way in the past few years. 

As a person who has recently quit drinking, this episode is especially important to me as we discuss my own sobriety.