Wilder Mind Podcast

Miranda Oakley is many things deserving of high praise. An AMGA Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, traditional free climbing expert and elite big wall climber.

Her first ascents all over the world and incredible technical feats in Yosemite are absolutely awe-inspire.

Recently she has added the role of mother to this list, and today we get to hear from her and Producer Marley Jeranko talk about this brave and courageous new journey.

As a young professional athlete, photographer and route setter, Caleb carries a world view that many around him may never experience in the same way he does.

His thoughtful examination of the world, his place within it, and how he might positively impact it for others going forward is worthy of high admiration.

This conversation looks at the state of racism in America in hopes that we all might find a way towards a better future for all.

With a long family history of mental health challenges informing his world view, Ted began to notice a lot of people around him in quiet struggles of their own.

As a filmmaker, and someone who lives within the dimension of clinical depression, Ted grabbed his camera and created a documentary of self-discovery.

This conversation looks at mental health in a raw and real way, letting it be scary, letting it be hard and letting ourselves find time to heal.

Because in our darkest time, we can feel so alone. Hopefully Ted's words help us all feel a bit more understood.

After qualifying for the 2020 Olympics, the global pandemic threatened to risk Kyra's dream. But instead, she persevered, building a home climbing wall and continuing to train for an additional year. No outdoor climbing, no “just for fun” days with friends–just repetitive, intense days getting stronger and fortifying all-around skill.

Yet, after all that, Kyra came home without a medal.

This conversation looks at failure and sacrifice–it asks: What happens when everything we’ve been striving for doesn’t work out the way we expect it to? Because nothing is guaranteed, and sometimes, we can’t control the outcome, no matter how hard we try.

A notification crossed my phone screen. It was from a dear friend, a cis white woman (whose name will go unmentioned to protect the identity of her and her family). The message was about her younger sister, a cis Black girl, not even a teenager and questions she was asking about #Blacklivesmatter.

I quickly picked up the phone and called her. Over an hour of conversation surrounding the uprising and the impact on her younger sister. Many tears, some moments of levity, and a new sense of closeness to this incredible human.

We talked about this episode, about her sharing the story. We decided that to protect all involved, that it be shared under anonymity. The entire script has been reviewed and approved by her, with one condition- she asked to "flood my feed" with joyful photos of her sister and family.

The ten photos and one video that followed via text message filled my heart with pure joy and fullness beyond measure. There's no way to properly describe the energy, the smile and fire. I can't thank her enough for sharing these wonderful moments with me.

So this is to You, my friend. With love, compassion and hope.

Courtney and I recorded this episode as part of the process for a film that we were shooting for one of her sponsors, Sufferfest Beer Company. Over the course of the following days not only did her and our production crew have an absolute blast, we witnessed her never ending support of the community. Everyone that passed by on the trail or the sidewalk received a warm greeting from her. From talking with fellow athletes about their endurance goals to running alongside a passerby to help motivate him to keep pushing forward, it's clear how much she loves the community that loves her back.

Courtney is a bit of a mystery to many; presumably powered by an imposing and unspoken darkness that compels her to use the power of her mind and feet to race and win the world's toughest ultra marathons. In the greatest flip of the script she fights no demons or deep darkness. Rather, she excitedly seeks the deepest recesses of the pain cave, pitting herself against the elements of the wild spaces, the long enduring miles and the mental sufferfest to find the brightness on the other side. And she does so with class unlike any other, kindness of a school teacher (which she once was) of and the rhythm of an eclectic mix from her old iPod shuffle!

When she crosses the finish line, often the first one to do so, she enjoys the crispness of a fresh beer, a big ol' plate of nachos and the company of her loving husband Kevin, family and friends.

On a personal note, I'm floored to have spent time with one of personal heroes; listening, learning and sharing her story both here on the podcast and through a short film we produced. Sometimes this life seems so unreal and it's an absolute honor to be here, alongside all of you.

To you wildest self, be true.

The world is a confusing and tricky place right now and we need our communities more than ever. I've called on some old friends, that long time listeners of the podcast will recall hearing from before, to chat about the importance of community.

Thanks to Abbie Hearne, Anna Callaghan and Brett Farrell for being here, with the pod, and with all of us.

With a partnership spanning 39-1/2 years (it’s an exact figure, they ran the numbers) Mark and Jordan have gained a large amount of attention from many in the climbing community who love following their adventures throughout the American southwest and beyond. Although, it’s not just their span in age that grabs the attention – it’s the go hard ethic, their commitment to climbing “as free as can be” (the mantra coined by Hudon and partner Max Jones in the late 70’s while pioneering big wall free climbing in Yosemite) and their commitment to making sure that, no matter what the mission, “fun is job one” (another bit of wisdom from Hudon).

Jordan chronicles many, if not all, of their climbing missions via his IG stories and rumor has it a film is in the works (you’ll hear/you heard a bit about that in the episode). Even through an iPhone video, the two bring you along the journey, start to finish, making you feel as if you’re part of it all. Part of the inside jokes. Part of the trials and tribulations. Part of the joys and anguish. As if it’s all something bigger than just climbing. Because, it is.

Through these two we gain a front row seat to witness a rare perspective on life. Jordan, still in the early stages of his, and Mark, in the latter. They joke and make light but the reality is, as Mark puts it “I’m sort of looking at the end and he can’t even see the end” – which sets it all into such a stark juxtaposition. This journey that they’re living is nearly a complete story – through their individual views – all told at once. From the same bivvy ledge, the same rope, the same wall. Who knows if and when such a tale will be told again.

Thankfully for them and the community, the journey is far from over. Somewhere, in the southwestern corner fo the US, they’re planning the next big push. They’re discussing logistics, efficiency tactics, pouring over their tick lists and tinkering with schedules. And we can be sure, even in the planning stage, they’re having a hell of a good time about it.

To your wildest self, be true.

Irene and I had met some time back at the summer outdoor retailer show where we quickly bonded over the copious amounts of free snacks and our high natural stoke levels.  A friendship was sparked and, amongst our busy schedules, we finally found time months later to sit and record a podcast in Joshua Tree NP. Since then, we’ve filled restaurants and crags with our loud laughter, deep conversation and discovering ways to grow alongside and perhaps even at the helms of our communities.

When we recorded, Irene had been in Joshua Tree for the inaugural All Women's Single Pitch Instructor course hosted by the AMGA. She had initially been invited to join as an attendee, but after careful considering of what she could gain from it vs. what an aspiring guide could, she decided to allow someone who would benefit from it take the spot. Her desire was still strong to take part, so she offered up her photography and rope access skills to capture this amazing event.

Before I met Irene, I knew of her from a feature in Climbing Magazine (the famous portrait shot through the carabiner) and recall being so psyched to see another Asian-American outside at the helm of the exciting new wave of rock climbers. It was motivating and empowering to see someone that looked like me in the spaces and activities that I love and to now have this opportunity to share the ways that she elevates our communities and wild spaces is quite special to me. And to call her a friend and ally is something I’ll never take for granted.

As humans we often wonder what sort of space we should occupy, what new skills we should attain to push further into our pursuits and if the scenes and activities that captivate our minds and souls will accept us. Irene has dedicated her work behind the lens to showcasing those of us who are not seen as often in certain spaces to help encourage positive interactions and inclusivity. It’s a journey of hope, of courage and bold self discovery.

I hope her words encourage you to pursue that which exists in the depths of your soul with every ounce of energy and conviction you have. To fight for diversity and inclusion in the spaces and activities you love. And, on a personal note, I hope that she can help you see yourself in a more positive light, as she’s done for me.

To your wildest self, be true.

An episode of love, life and the pursuit of all things joyful.