Backcountry Bitches

First and foremost, it needs to be known that this week's guest ABBIE WESSELS specifically requested MOVE BITCH as her intro song because she said it was her motorcycle theme song, and reminded her of Clare in highschool, so you’re welcome for that little bit of insight into both of these women. Actually, that’s going to be the whole preview, because that’s all you should need to know to fall madly in love with and want to hear everything Abbie has to say about running, cycling, overcoming EDs, and crashing her motorcycle. Sit back, grab a rich person to snack on, and enjoy the episode, bitches! CW Suicidal Ideation and Disordered Eating

Who doesn’t like starting their morning by chatting with a porn star? Truly a blessing! Join Clare and hiker/nature-slut MEG as they discuss public nudity, sex machines, and traveling to foreign countries without much of a plan! Clare also gives a depressing overview on how her life is going, and then an uplifting overview on the Navajo Nation’s vaccine rollout! Grab a rich person, get out your vibrator, and enjoy the episode, bitches!

Megan Thee Stallion, Galileo, Clare Olson… FEBRUARY 15TH IS FOR THE HOTTIES! To celebrate Clare’s 27 years of life, Clare sits down with past guest and bad-day connaisseur, ELLA, to detail Clare’s 27 worst days in the mountains. The women cover bloody noses, eating disorders, saving tech bros in the Sierra, sledding as a full contact sport, Men Who Surface Poop, and definitively rank Ella’s brothers! Come for the bad times, stay becasue you’re stockholm syndromed! Grab a rich person, juice them, pour the juice into a champaign flute, and enjoy the episode, bitches!Liking what you’re hearing? Then don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe anywhere you get podcasts, and come join the squad on Patreon! You can get bonus episodes, happy yoga sessions, and also warm fuzzy feelings that you’re helping support the guests that come on this show! WOW DOT GOV sounds pretty great!

Clare takes a break from listening to Driver’s License on repeat and watching Fairy Teen Dramas to interview the absolutely lovely REBECCA: hiker, mama, and elections professional! Given the past months (alright, years) we’ve been having, an extended conversation about the logistics and safety precautions put in place to protect our right to vote was extremely soothing as well as informative (don't worry the title is, while technically accurate, most definitely clickbait). Grab a rich person to snack on, register your ass to vote, and enjoy the episode! Liking what you’re hearing? Then don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe anywhere you get podcasts, and come join the squad on Patreon! You can get bonus episodes, happy yoga sessions, and also warm fuzzy feelings that you’re helping support the guests that come on this show! WOW DOT GOV sounds pretty great!

Wow, have you ever wanted a FREE 2000 century Buick? Then does Clare have a hook up for you--this week’s guest, DANIELLE! The girls reminisce about sharing a terrible, one person tent during a thunderstorm, discuss how dope rocks are (very dope), and attempt to figure out WHO GREGOR IS (why does he have a calendar named after him?!). When you’re done contemplating Gregor, google porcupine caribou and continue to advocate for blocking oil bids in the arctic wildlife refuge! Clare shares some tentatively hopeful news this week regarding this topic, but there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure protection! So sit back, grab a rich person to snack on, and enjoy! Liking what you’re hearing? Then don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe anywhere you get podcasts, and come join the squad on Patreon! You can get bonus episodes, happy yoga sessions, and also warm fuzzy feelings that you’re helping support the guests that come on this show! WOW DOT GOV sounds pretty great!

Did you start your morning looking at porn? Sara did (and Clare always does…)! If not, it’s never too late, but if you’re in the mood for some ear porn, welcome in the New Year listening to Clare and Sara talk about IG and FBs toxic new updates meant to police sex workers, holding influencers accountabile, and how to be a badass rambler through chronic pain and fatigue. Start 2021 off with a bang! Sit back, grab a rich person to snack on, and enjoy! Liking what you’re hearing? Then don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe anywhere you get podcasts, and come join the squad on Patreon! You can get bonus episodes, happy yoga sessions, and also warm fuzzy feelings that you’re helping support the guests that come on this show! WOW DOT GOV sounds pretty great!

Can someone tell Seattle that it is almost the SOLSTICE and we are in need of some SNOW up in this bitch (aware all the PNW natives out there will strongly disagree)?! While Clare begs for snow to no avail, the COVID vaccine that we’ve all been begging for seems to be on the horizon! In honor of this, Clare sits down with travel nurse and hiker, ALEX “BLUE” LOWING, to talk about her insider’s view on the pandemic, and what it’s like to fall in love during quarantine (to someone in Ohio--Alex’s only fault). Sit back, grab a rich person to snack on, and enjoy! Liking what you’re hearing? Then don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe anywhere you get podcasts, and come join the squad on Patreon! You can get bonus episodes, happy yoga sessions, and also warm fuzzy feelings that you’re helping support the guests that come on this show! WOW DOT GOV sounds pretty great!

Happy December! Were you hoping for a lighthearted and cheery Christmas bop? WELL you are not in luck, but from her extremely biased position as host and producer, Clare thinks you’re going to like this even more. In honor of Clare’s divorce being finalized on November 30th (on the lunar eclipse of the Beaver moon in Gemini, no less, for all you woo-woos out there), Clare sits down with the internet’s favorite traveling/writing/hiking business woman, Nicole Antoinette! The women talk about not putting off enjoying your present life for the promise of future plans, making hard--but simple, choices--and why getting married might not actually help with your taxes. Happy listening bitches! XoxoRemember to rate, review, and subscribe anywhere you get. ALSO come join the Patreon fam for dumb bonus features and you’re helping pay the amazing guests on the show! WHAT A TREAT 4 ALL INVOLVED!

Clare and Morgan want you to stop telling them how to feel--they will have whatever kind of days in the mountains that they damn well please! The girls crack open a bottle of wine and discuss their dream ski season, their complicated relationship with running, and of course BEARS (slide into my DMs if you want to hear Clare's unwell, woo-woo theory for why she is suddenly able to manifest bears at the drop of a hat). The girls also take some time to get real about the struggles of mental illness and suicidal ideation, which Clare also covers in more detail during the news item (CW: suicidal ideation). Buckle up, bitches! Love you, mean it.

It’s almost Halloween! What are you spooky bitches going as? Clare is going to be a fake ballot box put out by the GOP because voter suppression is fucking SCARY. Speaking of scary, it is terrifying how much time Clare spent researching public transit (instead of doing her coursework) for this intro.... What is NOT scary is this episode’s guest! Chelsea is funny, smart, kind, ALL of the adjectives. The women talk about postpartum journeys, being decidedly average in the backcountry and LOVING it, and how curly hair is ~actually~ the prettiest. Listen anywhere you get podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Xoxo. Chelsea's IG: @she_colorsnatureChelsea's website: https://shecolorsnature.wpcomstaging.com/

The internet brings us so many amazing things--tiktoks, cat memes, unlimited Trevor Noah, and sometimes dope ass friends! This episode’s guest, STEPHANIE “WEEZER” LORENZ, is one of those aforementioned dope assed individuals, and she is so adorable and wise, like a little tiny fluffy owl. Get ready for light hearted and joyful talks about subjects such as addiction, death, depression, and sobbing through the Sierra (if you didn’t cry at least twice between Lone Pine and Lake Tahoe did you really even do the thing?), after a cheerful and optimistic look at the climate change policies of both Trump and Biden, and some bonus election commentary from boys on tinder. Join for Weez’s infectious giggle, stay for the insightful revelations. Xoxo, ya bitch.

Fall is all about new beginnings so Clare tries something completely new--a solo episode! Have you ever wanted to hear in detail about Clare's period? Her (lack thereof) training plans? Her opinions on the Caster Semenya case? No? Don't blame you. But Clare made the episode anyway and you know you're going to listen. If you hate it, all blame goes to Ella for cosigning and encouraging the madness, per the usual.

This episode gets up close and personal in ways not often addressed by other podcasts (Backcountry Bitches knows what the people want) and we're talking labia chafe, watching a man shit himself on a mountain, peeing on everything, and also the application process to become a ranger? This week's guest, PAISLEY, can handle anything--from sussing out the best vegan options in Seattle to properly directing a helicopter to land on a busy snowfield. Join the girls and find out if you have what it takes to be a park ranger!

First of all, black lives never stopped mattering, and racist route names aren’t an issue of “immaturity,” they’re an issue of… “racism.” Clare breaks down a Rock and Ice op ed about this exact topic, giving props where they’re deserved and nops (the opposite of props?) where THEY are deserved. This episode’s guest, however, deserves only props and no nops. She is a badass, silly, beautiful, and welcoming queen with the most incredible pair of augmented BOOBS (The only thing Clare loves more than playing outside in the backcountry is BOOBS). The girls chat dating, hair care, navigating racism, and impulsively moving across the country! Happy listening, bitches! Love you, xoxoxoxoLIKE WHAT YOU ARE HEARING?! Come join me on patreon to get access to bonus episodes and other super special content! The money will go toward paying all the awesome bitches who come on the show.Clare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcountrybitches?fan_landing=trueGenevive's IG: @walkergenevive

HEY BITCHES do you want a comprehensive guide to Caroline Calloway, done be me and dumb bitch Ella? No? WELL HERE YOU GO ANYWAY! To celebrate the launch of my patreon, I'm releasing my first bonus episode for FREE! Joine us as we tackle the enigma who is artist, influencer, and self-proclaimed "scammer," Caroline Calloway, and the many detours we take on the way (including a long rant about Cosplay). Want to join the Patreon Fam and get access to bonus content such as this every month while supporting the fabulous guests of the podcast? Come find me! I can't wait to see you there!Clare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsPodcast Patreon: Backcountry BitchesElla's IG: @redridinghoodellaElla's Blog: Rambling RedCaroline's IG: @carolinecalloway

Do you know what the PCTA and John Muir both have in common? They’re great at conservation, but suck at being anti-racist. Clare does a fun little dive into the problematic history of white environmentalists in America, and how it impacts today’s current “keep politics out of the outdoors” culture. Then, Clare chats it up with NADIA WESTENBURG. Nadia has lived in the Arctic on a sled dog farm. Nadia is a Hot Art History Girl ™. Nadia got to (legally) run around Yosemite during lockdown (lucky bitch). Nadia enjoys a good moose convo as much as Clare. So sit back, grab a rich person to snack on, and listen up, bitches! Xoxo. Clare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsNadia's IG: @na_diagramDirtbloc IG: @dirtbloc

WELCOME TO SEASON TWO, BAYBEE! Let's dive right in with some easy, light stuff and talk about... disordered eating! Clare does some research into diet culture's roots in white supremacy, and reads Kai Lightner's beautifully written essay about his own experience with disordered eating because of the "smaller-climbs-taller" culture of competitive climbing. Then, Clare sits down with climber, hiker, cyclist, and professional mumbler MIA HAYASHI. The girls discuss how Chris Harrison could improve the general election, the best body parts of the rich to eat, and share their own experiences struggling with disordered eating and maintaining a healthy relationship to food, while still performing athletically. Happy listening, bitches! Xoxo. Clare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsMia's IG: @isabitasian

Hi let's chat about how racial politics affect all spaces, including the outdoors! While we're at it, let's discuss how cool anti-racist teenagers with chainsaws are. Neither of these things are up for debate! Now that's cleared up, get ready to be soothed and wowed by the incredible WILL "AKUNA" ROBINSON. He's so chill and authentic, he practically finished the triple crown of hiking before realizing he was the first black man to complete this achievement. Will and Clare chat about how even the clouty-est of influencers are getting had, the racial bias rampant in the outdoor industry, and how to be a good long distance boyfriend during quarantine. As Will is the first dude on the pod, make sure to give him a warm welcome to the backcountry bitch community by giving 'er a listen. Happy listening and learning, bitches! XoxoPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsClare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildWill's IG: @akunahikes

Hi hi hi, who’s mad as hell and wants to abolish the police? Clare starts the podcast talking about her own attempts at having hard discussions with other white people about the looting and riots going on, and shares some tips from Melanin Base Camp’s writer Danielle Williams about how to be an ally in the outdoors. Then, Clare fan girls for 45 minutes over the incredible New Mexico Representative Angelica Rubio. From grassroots organizing in LA to riding her bicycle to Sante Fe in solidarity with rural communities, Angelica is truly who we all aspire to grow up to be. Most exciting, Angelica shares about her work creating the country’s first ever Outdoor Equity Fund to support organizations and groups focused on getting youth of color out in the backcountry. You can apply to have your organization funded here!Happy listening and learning, bitches! XoxoAngelica's IG: @roguerubioClare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchs

Do you know what has (unfortunately) nothing to do with the backcountry? Teaching! But both are crumbling under the pressures of individualistic capitalist American society, so Clare puts on her teaching hat for a second to do some light ranting about no profession should be labeled as superhuman. She then sits down with the closest-to-super-human (or at least #goals) climber, educator, and mama, RYANN PEVERLEY! She cooks the bougiest backcountry meals, goes on badass ice climbing dates, and is currently training to get her single pitch guiding license, all while raising 4 beautiful, well-adjusted children! Is there anything she cannot do? Absolutely, she doesn't know how to look bad in pictures like the rest of us...Happy listening and learning, bitches! Love you! xoxo

Whose ready to get the heck out of the house and run for the hills?! SAME but before you run for the hills, consider whose land you will be running to! Clare discusses this while looking at new COVID-19 data coming out of the Navajo Nation. Then, Clare and the incomparable JULIE MCCLOSKEY sit down and talk about how to treat your body like the priceless masterpiece it is, and the logistics of impulsively moving to Wyoming. Come listen for a wild ride! Love you! XoxoSocial Media: Clare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsJulie's IG: @_wildandwellWild & Well Coaching and Consults: http://wildandwell.fit/

This is truly a stupid, confusing time to be alive, so there is no time like the present to discuss the stupid, confusing sport of ultra running! After looking at the stupid patterns of ultra runners around the world during lockdown, Clare sits down with the dumbest of them all, ELLA RAFF, to discuss all things ultra running: DNFing (did not finishing), getting stalked by cougars, and celebrating suffering as an essential truth of life. Happy listening, bitches! Love youuuuu XoxoElla's IG: @redridinghoodellaElla's blog: Rambling RedClare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchs

Do you know what's really cool and sexy and shows what an outdoor advocate and regulation hottie you are? STAYING HOME! Just do it. Pinky promise, this episode will sound just as good from the comfort of your home or on a nice little socially-distant walk in your neighborhood as it would in the Sierra! You know who also is staying home right now? This episode's guest, AYESHA aka HEAPS! We talk falling in love on trail, falling out of love off trail, what it's like to third wheel for 1,000 miles, and how Saturn fucked up Ayesha's life for the better. Come hang out with us! You literally have nothing else to do right now so you might as well...xoxo love youuuu bitchesAyesha's IG: @wilderboundClare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsPodcast email: backcountrybtchs@gmail.com

Do you want to know what the best part of Canada is? Hint—it’s not Canada’s biased, colonial media outlets. No, it’s wildfire-fighter, ice hockey bruiser, and powder hunter, AJ FRANKLE! The girls took a break from skiing sweet lines in the Lizard Range and shooting plum liquor shots with the boiz (don’t ask) to sit down in AJ’s bed to talk all things firefighter—from the gender politics to the training schedule. Get ready to hose yourself down, because guaranteed you’ll be hot and heavy in love with AJ by the end of this episode. Happy listening, bitches! As always, rooting for you. XoxoCan't wait another two weeks? Have an amazing backcountry story you want the world to hear? Come say hi on social media or via email: backcountrybtchs@gmail.comSocial Media:Podcast's IG: @backcountrybtchsClare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildAJ's IG: @amandajfrankelNews Articles:Troy Young: Open Letter to Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs After Tsayu Clan MeetingRuth Hopkins: It is Not the Wet'suwet'en Who Are Hurting Canada

The other day, another teacher asked Clare’s class what was celebrated in February, expecting Valentine's Day or Black History Month or MAYBE President's Day, but they all shouted “MS. CLARE’S BIRTHDAY,” because they have their priorities straight! To celebrate this historic, futuristic, and monumental occasion, Clare planned (for herself!) a super special double feature episode! In this instalment Chelsea (who y’all met in the first half) interviews Clare’s about the highs and lows of being the world’s worst trip planner, definitive beta on which areas have the most dark spirits, and her hopes of finding a weathered/buff/femme surfing/skiing (so many slashes, fam) mentor. Get cozy, get curious, and as always, rooting for you! XoxoCW: Sexual AssaultPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsPodcast email: backcountrybtchs@gmail.comClare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildChelsea's IG: @chelsea_chroniclesChelsea's Blog: https://chelseachronicles751925320.wordpress.com

The other day, another teacher asked Clare’s class what was celebrated in February, expecting Valentine's Day or Black History Month or MAYBE President's Day, but they all shouted “MS. CLARE’S BIRTHDAY,” because they have their priorities straight! To celebrate this historic, futuristic, and monumental occasion, Clare planned a super special double feature episode! This first instalment introduces climber, dirtbag, mudslide connoisseur, and Clare's ex-roommate CHELSEA! Find out why Chad is the worst! Be soothed by Chelsea’s calm voice and inspired by her badass stories! Get cozy, get curious, and as always, rooting for you! XoxoPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsPodcast email: backcountrybtchs@gmail.comClare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildChelsea's IG: @chelsea_chroniclesChelsea's Blog: https://chelseachronicles751925320.wordpress.com

One more time all together, fam, CONSCIENTIOUS CONSUMERISM IS A MYTH. Okay, now that that’s out of the way and we’re all registered to vote, we’re ready to get listening! The episode starts off by highlighting badbass bitches Caroline Gleich and Katie Boué staging a climate rally at outdoor retailers convention, and then Clare gets cozy with a couple glasses of wine and the one and only Maiza! The women talk climbing grades, being ultra competitive with your partner, falling down (A LOT), and growing up in the jungle?!?!?! Although Maiza refuses to make jaguar noises on air, you will not be disappointed as she regales Clare with her tales of adventure across both Americas. Clare teaches Maiza what the word drowning means! Maiza teaches Clare that "army" is not a catch-all phrase for people in the military! Happy listening (and learning), bitches. As always, rooting for you! XoxoPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsClare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildMaiza's IG: @maizalimarock

Is the Ikon Pass evil? Is Clare evil for having the Ikon Pass? Is Powder (the snow, not the magazine) evil for making Clare want to have the Ikon Pass in the first place? These truly are the haunting questions of the season. In not-so-haunting news, this episode's guest Julia Schertzer is a doll! We talk about things like setting boundaries in the backcountry as well as in relationships, how to pee in front of your partner, and vomiting up and down the Grand Canyon. This episode was also brought to you FROM THE VAN JULIA IS LIVING IN (so excuse the occasional sounds of traffic), so you are getting the most authentic van lyfe experience imaginable in this episode. Happy listening, bitches! As always rooting for you! XoxoPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsClare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildJulia's IG: @sweetkoshersaltJulia and Skyler's Van Life/Band IG: @sky.jewels.van.tourJulia and Skyler's Van Life Blog: High Voltage Clouds

2019 is winding down, and Clare is ready to celebrate like the basic bitch she is with a little “year in review” action! But dwelling in the past should only be done in moderation, so she also sat down with yoga goddess and environmental artist and activist, ROSIE about her upcoming move to her native home, Haiti, to start sustainable yoga and wellness retreat called Roots to Reforestation. Roots to Reforestation will focus on reversing deforestation through community efforts and personal practice. Basically the most magical sounding retreat in the world. Your welcome in advance for all of the wisdom Rosie drops! Just think of it as an early Christmas gift. But for everyone! A present matter what religion you celebrate!Podcast IG: @backcountrybtchsClare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildRosie's IG: @rosieinspaceFrom Roots to Reforestation: https://www.gofundme.com/f/4rc3f-haiti-2020

Guys calm down, backcountry isn’t suing the podcast…. unfortunately (that free exposure though!). While Clare recovers from not being popular enough for backcountry.com to sue, the seasons change, pumpkin spice comes and is way too soon replaced with gingerbread and eggnog (it’s not even Thanksgiving? Santa go home you’re drunk), and the first whiffs of ski season waft down from the cascades. Mmmmm, the smell of sending and yard sale-ing is so sweet! Speaking of pumpkin spice and everything nice, this weeks guest, KELSEY MARA, is just a SWEETheart. Clare and Kelsey get weird, serious, goofy, and inspirational while talking about life’s highs (bike touring across foreign countries, climbing literal and figurative mountains, making sweet, sweet puns) and lows (walking pneumonia, living with the dude who just dumped your ass, crippling depression). Grab whatever seasonal beverage you want, get cozy, and enjoy! Can’t wait another month? Have an amazing backcountry story that you want the world to hear? Come say hi on the internet!podcast email: backcountrybtchs@gmail.compodcast ig: @backcountrybtchsClare’s ig: @miss.clare.in.the.wildKelsey’s ig: @onecrazycyclist

Pumpkin Spiced Lattes may be your thing, but over at Chez Clare it's all about Josh Wine. Clare and this weeks guest, Jessie Sherman, crack open a bottle while talking all things girl--you know, like working on your pull-up game, chopping off your boobs, and which crags are cursed. This week also features some exciting news about our favorite big-assed animal friends, the bears! Let's fucking go!

GUYS PUT AWAY YOUR PUMPKINS LET'S DRAG SUMMER OUT JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE and talk about some good old fashioned summer things like completing thru hikes (this episodes a couple of super exciting finishers!), eating mayo as sustenance, and flashing drones while on hikes. What? Didn't want to see our boobs? Then leave your drones at home! Today's guest is ray of sunshine (and podcast cover artist!) MEG DAVIS, trail name "Beans." We giggled A LOT but also got serious for a sec and talked about the complexities of the sometimes v toxic outdoors community that we both care about a lot (CW: sexual assault). Join us on this rollercoaster! Learn how metal bears are! Contemplate poop with us! And remember, we're rooting for you.

Ahhh yes, the end of summer! Time for last minute beach sessions, back-to-school prep, saving your friends from Canada, and raging forest fires in the Amazon? Anyone? On today's episode we get into all of that with an interview--that is only interrupted once by Clare's 3 rambunctious cats--of sweet, sweet Maria (trail name Dirty Avocado) touching on topics from what cultural identity we most identify with to getting run over by bears. You know, only the most important things. XoxoPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchs Clare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildMaria's Avocado: @cotezi

Clare is back in Maine and it feels so... weirdly quiet! To honor the great rocky-coast state, this episode covers all things ocean--whales, fisher(wo)men, lumpy fish, grumpy people, and being stoked on sharks. To get some true salty perspective, Clare sits down with local fishing legend (and absolutely cutie patootie) Sadie Samuels to talk all things salty, and get real about how to heal, or at least keep going, after unthinkable trauma (TW: Domestic Abuse). IG:Clare: @miss.clare.in.the.wildSadie: @sadiethesiren Backcountry Bitches: @backcountrybtchs

Is it summer yet? It sure is starting to get hot in here, especially down near the border in Tucson, where the Scott Warren case recently wrapped up. Clare discusses how this humanitarian court case relates to our backcountry lives, especially "trail angel" culture. After, Clare sits down (in a closet) with the lovely and fierce model, climber, and organizer Sam Ortiz (@samortizphoto) to talk about all the important things, like how to make REI custom plan a trip around your bucket list, and then pay for you to go on it...although that might just be Sam and her endless charm. Intro music by the mother f%^&ing greatest, @lou.rawkArtwork by the endlessly talented @megmegmegegg