Out There

Every year, in the mountains of Vermont, a group of ultra runners gather for a 550-mile race called Infinitus. It’s one of the toughest trail running races in existence. Jordan Wirfs-Brock was no stranger to ultra marathons, but Infinitus broke her: she failed to finish. Surprisingly, though, the failure turned out to be one of the best things that's ever happened to her. This story first aired in 2016, and it won a gold medal for best independent podcast from Public Radio News Directors, Inc., or PRNDI.   SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke.

Dewey Gallegos and Jessica Flock bonded over their passion for the outdoors. But the thing they had in common was also one of their biggest differences. Their story explores how hard it can be to share the thing you love most, with the person you love most. PITCH US A STORY: Details here SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke

When Sam Anderson’s father invited him to go hunting for the first time, Sam was worried. What if he couldn’t bring himself to pull the trigger? And conversely, what if he could? What would that say about him? On this episode, Sam takes us into the woods of New Jersey and explores the emotional complexity of taking the life of an animal. This story first aired in 2017, and it won a gold medal for Best Independent Podcast from Public Radio News Directors, Inc. SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke.

We often hear that “the outdoors is free.” But for Charlsie Shaver, just driving to a trailhead was often cost-prohibitive; hitting the road to explore America’s wild places was a luxury she could only dream of. On this episode, Charlsie explores what it takes to build the life you want. How do you balance the need for stability with a thirst for freedom? And how do you keep dreaming, when you can barely pay the rent? This story first aired in 2019. SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

Why are some people overly generous? On this episode, we visit with a “trail angel" (someone who offers free food, drinks, and encouragement to thru-hikers on long trails), and we explore what makes a person commit acts of altruism for total strangers. (Hint: it’s probably not what you’d expect). This story first aired in 2018, and it won a gold medal for best independent podcast from Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, or PRNDI. SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

Tiffany Duong had achieved the pinnacle of success: she’d finished law school, worked for a big firm in LA, and traveled as much as she could. But she was miserable. Then she went scuba diving in the Galapagos, and everything changed. Her story is about letting go of your safety net, embracing the unknown, and finding bliss. SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

In 2015, Out There host Willow Belden signed up for a 70-mile mountain bike race. She had always liked big athletic challenges, but this time, pushing her limits turned out to be a mistake. On this episode, she shares her story. It's about trying to prove yourself — and learning when to say no. Click here to see the full show notes for this episode.  SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron

How do you decide whether to leave someone for dead? This is the story of a trip up Mt. Everest, in which climber Myles Osborne comes face to face with one of the hardest decisions mountaineers ever have to make. SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

A preview of our summer season! SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

It’s healthy to know who you are. But sometimes, defining yourself too rigidly can be problematic. On this episode, Bo Jensen takes us from the Gulf of Mexico to the Camino de Santiago and explores what happens when you stop forcing yourself to choose a single identity. SURVEY: What did you think of this season? SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

Here’s a special preview of Not Lost, a new podcast about finding yourself in places you’ve never been from our friends at Pushkin Industries. Host Brendan Francis Newnam takes us around the world, learning about new places by getting invited to a stranger’s house for dinner. From Montréal to Mexico City, Brendan and his guests drink, dance, and eat, learning as much about themselves as the places they visit. Not Lost is both a travel escape and an insightful look at people — locals and visitors alike — trying to make sense of a constantly changing world. You can hear more from Not Lost at  https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/notlost?sid=outthere. SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron

When we lose a loved one, many of us seek healing from the outdoors. But what happens when the weather is bad, and your happy place is miserable?  Today’s story takes us to “the most beautiful beach in Washington State” and explores what can we learn about grief and acceptance when nature is at its ugliest. POLL: Help shape our upcoming season SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

It’s easy to measure achievements based on what other people are doing. But how do you know what you should really expect from yourself? This episode takes us from a mountain in Arkansas to an attempted thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail and explores how much better life can be when you realize your shortcomings might not be your fault. SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode.   

We often go outside to get away from our problems. But escapism has its limits. On this episode, we share the story of how Live Action Role Play taught one woman the importance of confronting your troubles head on. Click here to see the full show notes for this episode.  OPEN MIC NIGHT: Register to attend SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron

Ziyi Xu spent so much time on her phone that it was ruining her focus and productivity. Then, one night in Texas, she tried stargazing. On this episode, Ziyi tells the story of how she kicked the smartphone habit and got her creativity back. SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron OPEN MIC NIGHT: Register to attend Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

Last year, the term ‘climate crisis’ was added to the Oxford English Dictionary. The words we use to talk about the environment are evolving. But could they motivate us to take action?   On this bonus episode, we bring you a guest story from the podcast Living Planet about the relationship between language and the environment. Plus, a behind-the-scenes conversation with one of Living Planet’s hosts. Click here to see the full show notes for this episode.  OPEN MIC NIGHT: Register to attend

National Parks are often referred to as “America’s best idea.” And there’s a lot to love about them. But they also have a complicated history — a history of broken promises, displacement of indigenous people, and genocide. And that history is not over. Is there a way to right historical wrongs? Can we protect wild spaces in a way that is also socially just? This episode takes us from a young national park in Germany to Denali in Alaska and offers some hope for a better future. VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR: Become a patron by March 4, 2022 to get an invitation OPEN MIC NIGHT: Register to attend Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

Church was Angie Chatman's sanctuary, both literally and figuratively. So when the pandemic began, and she couldn’t attend services in person, there was a big void in her life. On today’s episode, Angie shares the story of how she discovered a new way to find peace and community — in an unexpected place. --- VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR: Become a patron by March 4, 2022 to get an invitation OPEN MIC NIGHT: Register to attend

After attending a wilderness therapy program, Sarah Dealy was intent on becoming a rugged outdoorswoman. But the transformation didn’t work out as she had imagined. Sarah was an indoor kid at heart. She disliked many of the activities she imagined her outdoorsy self doing. On this episode, she takes us from the Utah desert to the mountains of Colorado and explores what happens when the person you think you want to be doesn’t mesh with the person you are. Open Mic Night: To perform, sign up by Feb. 4, 2022 Virtual Happy Hour: Become a patron by March 4, 2022 to get an invitation

Think of this episode as a pre-season treat. We reached out to listeners and fellow podcasters and asked: “What is one way your relationship with nature has changed in a way that has surprised you?” The answers we received were thought-provoking, inspiring, and hopeful, and on this episode, we’re sharing some of our favorites. Open Mic Night: To perform, sign up by Feb. 4, 2022. Virtual Happy Hour: Become a patron by March 4, 2022 to get an invitation. Show Notes: Go to outtherepodcast.com to learn more about the people and podcasts that contributed to this episode.