Ease into autumn with a conversation about one of the best ways to relax on the water in wine country... Brad and Holly discuss the "Amazon of Wine Country" one of the best kept secrets for river adventures. Also in the mix: mountain biking, the debate over adding 142 campsites to a state park, a special birthday, and red flag warnings. Later they are joined by Weekend Sherpa contributing writer, Breonna Carter, who shares some of her top recommendations for peak hikes in Southern California, where to camp on the beach last minute near Santa Barbara, and her very recent backpacking adventure on the John Muir Trail.

As a new season comes and life continues with Covid variants, wildfires, and big changes to our lives as the result of a global pandemic, we've got to remember to take care of ourselves mentally and physically, and thankfully the outdoors still offers a respite for rejuvenation and proven health benefits. Brad and Holly discuss everything from meditation to local outdoor adventures to clear your head, and their favorite fall hikes for relaxing.

Then they talk with Dr. Sean Amegadzie, a medical doctor in his second year residency specializing in psychiatry who is also an advocate of the benefits of nature and the outdoors to help improve individual health and wellness. Dr. Amegadzie (IG @drseanmdmba) shares his thoughts on nature and parks as a prescription for well-being, along with some of his favorite outdoor adventures and activities to do in the San Francisco Bay Area and greater California, along with profound and illuminating insights about what we may take for granted about access to outdoor space, and the importance of belonging, representation, and safety, because the outdoors is for everyone.

With wildfires raging, a serious drought, and a sobering UN climate report, Brad and Holly discuss some of the impacts on California's great outdoors—state parks, national parks, thru hikes such as the Pacific Crest Trail, and more. They also talk about redwood hikes, car-free bike paths locally and beyond for do-it-yourself bike touring. Then Caitlin Cornwall, a biologist at the esteemed Sonoma Ecology Center and an expert in land use ecology, joins the conversation for an illuminating discussion about California's climate challenges, and ways to create a future where people, land, water, and wildlife can thrive.

Like chicken soup for the soul, there are some hikes that just deliver comfort in their familiarity and natural beauty—from iconic views, ocean scenery, wildlife sightings, and locations within national, state and regional parks. Brad and Holly talk about some "comfort food" day hikes and backpacking trails to do in California and a few points beyond (Wyoming), including a 3-beach day hike in the Marin Headlands that's panoramic buffet of coastal bliss. They also discuss the challenges and devastation of wildfires, as well as party fouls happening on the camping scene.

Something magical happens when you hike for a couple of miles in Yosemite... Brad and Holly catch up on summer backpacking adventures, including a gloriously quiet Yosemite High Sierra trek of lake hopping and peak bagging. Get all the details and tips on this two-to-three-night backpacking journey: where to camp, Volgensang Peak, lakes to visit, food to pack, and plenty more. Later in the podcast find out all about the upcoming SIFF Summerfest weekend in Sonoma (Aug 5-8): food, wine, outdoor films at wineries, live music, plus a spectacular lineup of independent films from across the globe, including The Cave. This is a Weekend Sherpa favorite film festival amid the cinematic scenery of Sonoma's rolling vineyards.

A treasure hunt in San Francisco, backpacking in Yosemite, an easygoing bike ride in Point Reyes, a state park with a storied past, and a multi-day trek far off on Vancouver Island feature into this mid-summer podcast with Brad and Holly sharing trip ideas and more. SoCal's head writer, Matt Pawlik, also joins the podcast to share hikes to hidden lakes in Angeles National Forest, a secret side-trip to an historic dam, his recent backpacking adventure in Zion, camp spots, and plenty more. Get your fill of California outdoors and a few points beyond!

After a brief hiatus we're back! Brad and Holly have a special summer edition episode on a lake hopping High Sierra backpacking trip that doesn't require a reservation, Canada's backpacking system vs. the US, and then a special guest joints the podcast. Heather Werner lives in the Bay Area, owns an eco-friendly hair salon, and recently attempted to summit Mount Everest. She's a role model and inspiration for outdoor adventures, including her quest of summiting the highest peak on every continent—she's completed six so far! Heather talks about some of the peaks she's done, what's upcoming, and her very recent adventure at Everest. Having just recently returned, Heather shares the good, the bad, and the pervy (yep, there was "that guy" even at Everest). It's a fascinating conversation about the highs and lows, and the World Record she now holds from Everest.

Follow Heather on IG @heath.er.wer.ner. Follow Foundations Hair and Makeup, @foundations_hairandmakeup

Follow Weekend Sherpa on IG @weekendsherpa

Is there a city with easier access to the great outdoors than Reno? In just 15 minutes you can be on the mountain trails. Or you can stay in town and wander the beside the Truckee River on the Riverwalk. In this episode Brad and Holly are joined by author and Weekend Sherpa contributing writer Nicol Szanto, a Reno local. They talk about Weekend Sherpa's recent trip to Reno, including best hikes, art walks, the newest section of city to see Burning Man installations and vintage neon signs, as well as where to go throw an axe for fun, and top spots to eat and drink in Reno's hugely up and coming Midtown District and a few points beyond.

We're no doctors, but nature is good medicine. In this episode Brad & Holly talk about some of their favorite nature experiences in Sonoma County. We're talking about lavender labyrinths, sunset hikes, wildflowers, and yes, beer and wine! Plus, Hank the bulldog is turning 10 years old, which is a very big deal.

For National Park Week, Brad and Holly cover a list of top outdoor adventures in national parks across the West. Find out when to go, peaks to bag, where to camp, cool bars nearby, and a tip at the end on how to find one of the best hidden hikes in America's most famous canyon.