Words in the Wild: Season 2 Premiere - Trey's New York Adventures Begin

In the season 2 premiere of 'Words in the Wild,' Melanie and Tiffany kick off the episode with an excited celebration of their return. They dive into the first five lessons from 'My Government Means to Kill Me' by Rasheed Newson, discussing themes of personal growth, identity exploration, and overcoming societal constraints. Melanie and Tiffany discuss their personal experiences, linking them to the book's narrative about a young, gay Black man's journey in 1980s New York City. The episode concludes with motivational words from Jill Scott, setting an inspiring tone for the new season.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter

02:04 New Year Reflections and Personal Updates

10:51 Diving into Fiction: My Government Means To Kill Me

16:03 Protagonist's Background and Initial Struggles

20:30 Lessons from the Book: Affection and Sanctuary

37:01 Finding Your Tribe: Embrace Your Weirdness

39:22 Lesson Three: Don't Wear Straight Jackets

41:57 Transformations and Self-Discovery

51:55 Lesson Four: Enemies Have Their Value

01:00:49 Lesson Five: A Big Lie Can Build Character

01:05:52 Final Thoughts and Predictions

01:11:08 Words of the Week: Inspiration from Jill Scott

• My Government Means to Kill Me by Rasheed Newson (support your local library or Black-owned book store)
• Jill Scott On First Album In A Decade, Being Feminine Force In Music & Acting | Angie Martinez IRL
• Watch "Rustin" on Netflix

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In this special preview episode of Season 2, we unveil some exciting changes, including a new name for the podcast—'Words in the Wild,' reflecting our broader adventure narrative beyond just bouldering. We discuss our shift to a more diverse range of book genres, aiming to enhance wellness and escape through various literary styles. Tune in for a new adventure as we connect with fellow adventurers and expand our book club. This season, we'll release weekly audio-only episodes, with additional engaging video content on our social pages. Join us as we kick off season two reading Lessons 1-5 from "My Government Means to Kill Me" by Rasheed Newson starting February 2nd!

00:00 Welcome Back: Season Two Begins!

00:20 New Name, New Identity

01:34 Expanding Our Book Horizons

03:48 Connecting with Our Community

05:24 Podcast Format Changes

FOLLOW US ON OUR NEW SOCIAL PAGES:

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Instagram @wordsinthewildpod

YouTube @wordsinthewildpod

Books and Boulders Podcast - Episode Show Notes

In the final episode of Books and Boulders season one, hosts Melanie and Tiffany discuss the conclusion of 'Enough' by Melissa Arnot Reed. They delve into the remaining chapters and epilogue, touching on Melissa's transformative journey, her relationship with Tyler, and her ultimate accomplishment of summiting Everest without oxygen. 

• 00:00 Introduction & Updates
• 08: 36 Chapter 18: Liberation
• 23:03 Chapter 19: Manifest
• 51:45 Chapter 20: All that Glitters
• 01:21:12 Epilogue

• Enough by Melissa Arnot Reid (support your local library or independent book store)

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Books and Boulders Podcast - Show Notes

In the latest episode of 'Books in Boulders,' hosts Melanie and Tiffany dive into part four of Melissa Arnot Reid's 'Altitude.' They explore Melissa's tumultuous marriage, her relentless pursuit of Everest summits, and a series of tragic events that challenge her emotional fortitude. Discussion revolves around Melissa's complicated relationships, the impact of climbing tragedies, and her struggles with personal demons. Join the hosts for an emotional and intense examination of Melissa's journey both on and off the mountains.

• 00:00 Introductions & Updates
• 14:24 Chapter 13: No Picket Fence
• 38:13 Chapter 14: Thinner Than Air
• 01:08:13 Chapter 15: Escape
• 01:24:38 Chapter 16: Unavoidable
• 01:37:33 Chapter 17: Peak Purity

• Enough by Melissa Arnot Reid (support your local library or independent book store)

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Books and Boulders Podcast Show Notes

Release Date: November 17, 2025

In this episode of Books and Boulders, hosts Melanie and Tiffany dive into part three of 'Enough' by Melissa Arnot Reid. The discussion kicks off with Tiffany's new commitment to yoga and mindfulness, which segues into deeper reflections on personal growth and resilience. The hosts share their thoughts on Reid's tumultuous relationships and her resolve to summit Everest without oxygen.

00:00 Introduction to Books and Boulders

00:48 Personal Check-ins and Wellness Goals

01:50 Affirmations and Mental Health

05:35 Rediscovering Joy and Movement

12:19 Climbing Adventures and Reflections

15:07 Diving into 'Enough' by Melissa Arna Reid

16:46 Everest Expeditions and Challenges

21:38 Navigating Relationships and Self-Discovery

28:48 Mountaineering Goals and Team Dynamics

38:02 New Beginnings and Unexpected Proposals

47:35 Ian's Influence and Relationship Dynamics

50:17 Melissa's Need for Therapy and Friendships

54:08 Ian's Proposal and Relationship Issues

57:50 Melissa's Struggles and Tragic Events

01:00:56 Family Tensions and Reflections

01:05:51 Mountaineering Challenges and Tragedies

• Enough by Melissa Arnot Reid (support your local library or independent book store)

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Books and Boulders Podcast Show Notes

Release Date: November 3, 2025

In this episode of Books in Boulders, Melanie and Tiffany continue their discussion on 'Enough: Climbing Towards a True Self on Mount Everest' by Melissa Arnot Reed. Covering chapters 4 through 8, they unpack Melissa's evolving relationships, both personal and professional, as she navigates her climbing journey.

00:00 Introduction

09:38 Melissa's Early Life and First Climb

20:45 Becoming a Mountain Guide

21:37 Challenges and Competitions

47:11 Toxic Relationships and Career Moves

53:28 Debating Personal Choices

56:36 Brad's Manipulation

01:01:42 Mountaineering Challenges

01:19:11 Mike's Everest Proposal

01:38:33 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps

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Books and Boulders Podcast - Episode Show Notes

Episode Title: "Enough" Part I

Release Date: October 20, 2025

In this episode of Books and Boulders, hosts Melanie and Tiffany dive into the first part of 'Enough: Climbing Toward a True Self on Mount Everest' by Melissa Arnot Reid. They discuss themes of parental relationships, emotional neglect, childhood trauma, and overcoming adversity as they unpack Melissa's tumultuous journey from her difficult upbringing in southern Colorado to her quest to summit Everest without supplemental oxygen. The hosts also touch on their own perspectives regarding parental discipline and the impact of generational trauma. Join them as they explore the profound and intimate struggles that shape Melissa's path to self-discovery and climactic achievement.

00:00 Introduction

13:54 Podcast Milestones and Book Introduction

14:51 Discussion of 'Enough' by Melissa Arnot Reed

41:54 Melissa's Complex Personality

47:16 DARE Program and Childhood Realizations

50:08 Chapter Three: Revelations

51:08 Parents Arrested for Growing Marijuana

54:49 Officer Jones: A Predatory Influence

01:12:03 Concluding Thoughts

• Enough by Melissa Arnot Reid (support your local library or book store)

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Books and Boulders Podcast Show Notes

Episode Title: Wild by Cheryl Strayed | Ch 15 - 19

Release Date: October 6, 2025

Welcome to this episode of Books in Boulders, where hosts Melanie and Tiffany dive into the final chapters of 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed. In this episode, they discuss Cheryl’s encounters with unsavory characters, her near-empty wallet woes, and the bittersweet end of her transformative hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. 

• 00:00 Check-Ins
• 00:03:07 Chapter 15
• 00:19:09 Chapter 16
• 00:29:11 Chapter 17
• 00: 42:21 Chapter 18
• 01:01:30 Chapter 19

• "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed (support your local library or book store)

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Books and Boulders Podcast

Episode Title: Wild by Cheryl Strayed | Ch 11 - 14

Release Date: September 22, 2025

In this episode, we dive into 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed, focusing on Part Four. Tiffany shares a personal story of facing racism while gardening, leading to a discussion on the racial biases present in outdoor spaces. The duo then delves into the challenges Cheryl Strayed faced on the PCT, from dehydration to faulty equipment and unexpected encounters. They explore Cheryl's emotional journey, her reflections on grief, loneliness, and family dynamics, as well as her moments of self-discovery and empowerment. Tune in for a rich conversation about resilience, nature, and the transformative power of adventure.

19:08 Diving into 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed

21:02 Cheryl's Misadventures on the PCT

27:24 The Struggles of Hiking Alone

50:26 Mo's Journey Through Chapter 13

50:33 The Accumulation of Trees

51:13 Cheryl's Rugged Hike

52:09 Reflections and Realizations

01:00:49 The Loss of the Boot

01:16:24 The Rainbow Gathering Disappointment

01:22:17 Encounters with Wildlife

01:24:41 Trail Magic and Self-Discovery

01:33:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections

• Wild by Cheryl Strayed (support your local library or book store)
• Hobo Times Mention in Vanity Fair
• Rattlesnake Safety Tips

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Books and Boulders Podcast Show Notes

Episode Title: Wild by Cheryl Strayed | Ch 8 - 10

Release Date: September 8, 2025

In this episode of Books in Boulders, Melanie and Tiffany delve into chapters eight through ten of 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed. 

01:11 Personal Check-ins and Life Updates

11:11 Discussing 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed: Part Three

13:35 Cheryl's Journey: Challenges and Reflections

33:19 Navigating the Trail and Personal Growth

51:11 Encounters and Flashbacks

55:15 Reflecting on Childhood and Discipline

56:44 Cheryl's Journey and Encounters

58:07 Struggles and Unexpected Challenges

01:00:16 Eddie's Abandonment and Family Reflections

01:04:40 Camping Misadventures and New Connections

01:20:35 The Emotional Horse Story

01:29:52 New Hiking Companions and Predictions

01:36:43 Concluding Thoughts and Future Reads

• Wild by Cheryl Strayed (support your local library or book store)
• Rattlesnake Safety Tips

• 📸 Instagram: @tiffbfirst
• 📸 Tik Tok: @blkladyclimber
• 🎥 YouTube: Books & Boulders
• 📩 Email: [email protected]
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• 💰 Leave a Tip