The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness stands as Minnesota's most precious natural treasure - but what does its future hold? We sit down with Chris Knoff, Executive Director of Friends of the Boundary Waters, for an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities facing this million-acre wilderness.

What You'll Discover:
• The story behind the Prove It First campaign
• How proposed copper-sulfide mining could impact Minnesota's watershed
• Expert tips for planning your own BWCA adventure
• Actionable ways to protect this pristine wilderness

Perfect For:
✓ Outdoor enthusiasts
✓ Conservation-minded individuals
✓ First-time BWCA visitors
✓ Anyone concerned about Minnesota's natural heritage
✓ Adventure seekers planning their next trip

The Boundary Waters NEEDS YOUR VOICE! A simple phone call or email can make all the difference.

Act Now!

@friendsbwcaw

@widjiwagan_mn

@campdunord

@senatortinasmith

Minnesotans have always been masters at innovating around our environment. When winter hits hard, we don't just survive - we get creative. We gave the world the walk behind snowblower, invented the first indoor shopping mall, and created miles of skyways to keep our cities connected when temperatures plummet.

Today, we are adding another chapter to Minnesota's legacy of winter innovation by welcoming Gwen Daniels, creator of the NorSari. Like many great Minnesota inventions, the NorSari was born from that classic combination of necessity and creativity -  her innovation helps people embrace outdoor living. 

NorSari was designed as 'The Wearable Blanket', but it works just as well as a fashionable and functional blanket or throw. Stay warm, stay dry, stay cozy and be stylish. Indoors or outdoors. NorSari has you covered.

Whether you're walking the dog, sitting in the bleachers watching an event, working at your desk, kicking back at the campfire, or lounging at home, NorSari will keep you warm and cozy. We here at We Do This For Fun call NorSari “hygge-wear”- comfort, cozy, contentment.

@norsari_shop

Tony Desnick is on a mission to transform cities, bridge generations, and showcase the life-changing power of bicycles. We dive into winter cycling tips and the healing power of two wheels. Whether it’s been awhile since your last bike ride or you’re a seasoned cyclist, you’ll find inspiration for your next ride.

Are you a cyclist looking for meaningful ways to give back? Tony’s organization, Cycling Without Age, offers an amazing opportunity to share the joy of cycling with those who can no longer pedal themselves. Volunteers are always needed! Check out the inspiring trailer and connect with Tony if you’re in the Twin Cities, or reach out to a chapter near you. Make a profound difference while doing what you love.

This episode will show you that the only limits are the ones we set for ourselves.

Mari Ruddy has survived breast cancer three times and has lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 43 years.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that requires constant monitoring of blood sugar and insulin levels—a complex balancing act.This condition has posed challenges for athletes, from managing energy during intense activity to facing misconceptions about their abilities. Mari reminds us that determination can redefine what’s possible in her latest book, Extreme Healing.

Mari weaves her personal narrative into an inspiring guide to help readers discover their inner athlete, regardless of age, health, or weight challenges. If you’ve been putting off taking on your next challenge, this episode is for you. 

November is Diabetes Awareness Month—making it a perfect time to share Mari’s message. Claim the identity you desire regardless of your circumstances. In the words of Buddha, “What you think, you become.” 

Mari is proof of this truth.

Let Mari’s words wash over you and help you claim the identity you desire.

Find Mari: https://mariruddy.com/

Buy the book

Mentioned: @brendanbrazier, @crazysexykris

You may have just celebrated U.S. independence, others are beginning a different celebration of freedom—the joy of recreating in the nude! July 8-12, International Week of Nude Recreation is observed, culminating in International Skinny Dipping Day on July 13.

Our recent conversation with Jeff Baldsarre, Marketing Director of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), offered valuable insights into this liberating lifestyle. Jeff shared tips and tricks for getting comfortable in your own skin, how to try nude recreation, and apps you can use to find places for nude hiking, biking, camping, and more!

Consider this episode your primer to help you embrace the freedom and joy of being in your natural state either publicly or privately. Like most experiences in nature, nudism it is said to be life-changing.

Facebook: American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) Facebook

Insta: American Association for Nude Recreation

Find places for nude hiking, camping and more: Gaia

The 2024 season has officially kicked off for the Twin Cities River Rats—a dynamic show ski team based right here in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You know what that means? FREE water ski shows all summer long on the mighty Mississippi River. Pack a picnic, gather your friends and family, and head to the river to catch one of their mind-blowing performances.

Shows take place between the Broadway and Plymouth Bridges, where you’ll witness incredible feats like swivel skiing—ski bindings that rotate 360 degrees—and the "mic drop," where skiers drop the handle mid-performance only to pick it up again seamlessly. The grand finale features pyramids reaching three to four tiers high. At any given show, you might see anywhere from 30 to 50 skiers behind the boat, all powered by a 900-horsepower engine!

Intrigued? It gets even better. Have you ever wanted to be part of a ski team? If you can swim, you can join! The Twin Cities River Rats welcome all ages and abilities. New families and members are always encouraged to join—teamwork makes this dream work.

It's the perfect evening out, blending thrilling stunts, the beautiful Mississippi River, and perfect Midwest summer nights. Entertainment for all ages, and performances continue throughout the summer. Donations are always appreciated to keep the fun going.

Don't miss out on the Twin Cities River Rats!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcriverrats

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tcriverrats

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tcriverrats

Rachel Banken has forged a path that allows her to “play in the woods and call it work”. Fueled by her values and passion for tea, she crafts tea blends with organic, regenerative ingredients, foraged and harvested with love and care in Minnesota.

Tea is important. It ritualizes slowing down. Well Rooted Teas, in particular, draw upon your senses- gorgeous, colorful ingredients, aromas, flavors like maple, peppermint, white pine and lemongrass served hot or cold depending on your mood. Create indulgence and bring nature into your everyday life with these restoring and healthful infusions.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re looking for that perfect gift, Well Rooted Teas might just be the answer. Encourage the moms in your life to slow down and take a moment for themselves, better yet, sit down with your mom and share a cup of tea. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to bond in a moment of tranquility amidst life's demands. Cheers to celebrating the remarkable moms in our lives.

Find Rachel and Well Rooted Teas.

Follow Well Rooted Teas: @wellrootedteas

Meet Andrew Hughes, a very cool guy. Andrew is an explorer and seasoned mountaineer, renowned not only for expeditions, but for his charm. How many people propose from Mount Everest (the internet says he was only the second)?

His resume reads like a true adventurer. He’s completed the Seven Summits (highest mountains on each continent), six of the Seven Volcanic Summits (highest volcanoes on each continent) and the Antarctica Trifecta consecutively Skiing the Last Degree to the South Pole and reaching the summits of Mount Vinson (the highest mountain) and Mount Sidley (the highest volcano) in Antarctica.

Andrew doesn't stop at personal milestones, he holds multiple world records.  He orchestrated the 'World’s Highest Tea Party' atop Mount Everest (again, charming). And most recently, he paddle boarded on the highest flatwater lake, located at Tres Cruces Norte in Chile.

Beyond the records and feats of strength, Andrew infuses purpose into his adventures. Each expedition serves as a platform to raise awareness about pressing issues like climate change. In fact, his latest endeavor nearly faced cancellation due to dwindling water levels—a stark reminder of the environmental challenges we face.

As we celebrate Earth Day 2024, let Andrew be your inspiration to forge a deeper connection with the natural world. He not only inspires awe but also underscores the importance of cherishing and safeguarding our planet.

@andrew_i_hughes

📸: @mf.terra

A discussion with Anastasia Allison, the Founder of Kula Cloth, might initially seem centered around the practicalities of outdoor bodily functions (ie. peeing and pooping in the woods), yet it swiftly transcends into profound contemplations on life philosophy, spirituality, and embracing joy and abundance. Prepare to be captivated as Anastasia effortlessly guides the conversation towards deep insights and invaluable guidance to enrich not only your connection with the natural world but also your inner self.

Have you ever asked or thought:

As a woman, how do I pee and poop in the woods?

What are some tips to feel clean and fresh to boost your personal outdoor hygiene? (Hint, Kula Cloth!)

How does time in nature lead to the discovery of clarity in life and its abundance?

How and where can you find joy? (Think, the unexpected)

Anastasia is not only the founder of an outdoor gear company, she’s the violist in the heart opening, tear inducing Musical Mountaineers, shares her wisdom in the Kula Diaries, and is the Founder of the life changing, “Dance Experiment”. In her spare time (!) she coaches, hikes, backpacks and is that bad-ass woman who passes you on the the road, waving as she rides her motorcycle into the sunset.

@anastasia.allison

@kulacloth

While winter has basically been a no show in Minnesota this year, there are places where hearty Minnesotans are currently braving the elements. We Do This For Fun holds one of those people dear to our hearts- Leah Gruhn.

For the second year in a row Leah’s racing the ITI1000 Iditarod Trail Invitational, a grueling 1000 mile race. While we didn’t get a chance to chat with her before she began, we’ve been following her little dot on Trackleaders.

From the race organizers:

“Only the most experienced, rugged and intrepid competitors dare to attempt the ITI 1000, the world's longest and toughest winter race.”

As we think about Leah we wanted to revisit a podcast recorded last year with Leah and her husband Jere.

Visit wedothisforfun.com to follow Leah’s progress in real time as she nears the end of this demanding race.

@leahgruhn, @itialaska