Nature Untold

Matt Nannis (he/him) is the Executive Director at PIVOT Point WNC. He approaches life with pragmatism, integrity, and curiosity. PIVOT Point WNC approaches treatment in the same way. The program was inspired by his own experience. In this episode of Nature Untold, John talks to Matt about his story and about the process of healing in nature. Matt has some incredible recovery wisdom and this episode is bound to have you deep in thought about your own experiences outside.

In these short episodes, we hear quick answers to quick questions from our monthly guest. This month, John and Naomi go through the lightning round and hear more about what's bringing her joy lately, what advice she might have for people trying to get sober, and much more! You can learn more at our website.

Naomi Veak (she/her) is an authentic relating facilitator, a nature-connected life coach in-training, and the founder of My Sober Girlfriends, a membership community for badass sober women in Portland, Oregon. Outdoor sports helped her manage her depression in her early 20's, but it wasn't until she got sober and learned to slow down in Nature that shit got magical. In this episode, Naomi and Jon talk about the concept of slowing down in nature, hosting sober events for badass outdoor women, the importance of continuous growth, and channeling new energy through sobriety. You can check out Naomi's membership program here. You can also catch up with Naomi here. This episode is sponsored by Bigger Life Adventures. Founders and owners, Carrie and Zach, created an amazing retreat company to help folks heal and recover, whether it's from addiction, trauma, or anything else that ails us. They have scholarships available because they believe that everyone should have access to these types of retreats. If you're interested in attending a retreat, use code NATUREUNTOLD for $50 off your purchase. Learn more here! This episode is also sponsored by Sawyer Products. Sawyer is more than an outdoor company. Every Sawyer product you buy is a contribution to our common humanity, bringing clean water programs to people in need domestically, internationally, and in disaster relief missions all around the world. We appreciate their support and their mission. You can learn more on their website. Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Nature Untold Short Stories will feature essays that reflect on the recovery, addiction, or sobriety journey in the outdoor space. In this short story, we're reading Part 3 of a 3-part series, Autumn Tides, by past guest Sarah Fountain. You can listen to Part 1 here and Part 2 here. You can find Sarah's full story from our interview with her earlier in 2022, episode 26. You can read Sarah's full essay here and follow along with her here. Nature Untold is a part of the Plug Tone Audio Collective. You can follow along with Nature Untold on Instagram.

TW: This episode mentions suicide, self-mutilation, and eating disorders. Originally from Toronto, Crystal Allsop (she/her) now calls the town of Squamish home. Crystal is a mountain lover; she loves to stare at them, paint them, and explore them via many modalities. Her favorite way to experience and connect with the mountains is through alpine climbing. Crystal shares her story of using alcohol to numb the painfully confusing emotions of a traumatic childhood and the things that were instrumental in her gradual rise to self-respect, sobriety, and mountain summits. You can catch up with Crystal on Instagram. ✨ This episode is sponsored by Bigger Life Adventures. Founders and owners, Carrie and Zach, created an amazing retreat company to help folks heal and recover, whether it's from addiction, trauma, or anything else that ails us. They have scholarships available because they believe that everyone should have access to these types of retreats. If you're interested in attending a retreat, use code NATUREUNTOLD for $50 off your purchase. Learn more here! This episode is also sponsored by Sawyer Products. Sawyer is more than an outdoor company. Every Sawyer product you buy is a contribution to our common humanity, bringing clean water programs to people in need domestically, internationally, and in disaster relief missions all around the world. We appreciate their support and their mission. You can learn more on their website. Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Nature Untold Short Stories will feature essays that reflect on the recovery, addiction, or sobriety journey in the outdoor space. In this short story, we're reading Part 2 of a 3-part series, Autumn Tides, by past guest Sarah Fountain. You can find Sarah's full story from our interview with her earlier in 2022, episode 26. You can read Sarah's full essay here and follow along with her here. Nature Untold is a part of the Plug Tone Audio Collective. You can follow along with Nature Untold on Instagram.

Nature Untold Short Stories will feature essays that reflect on the recovery, addiction, or sobriety journey in the outdoor space. In this short story, we're reading Part 1 of a 3-part series, Autumn Tides, by past guest Sarah Fountain. You can find Sarah's full story from our interview with her earlier in 2022, episode 26. You can read Sarah's full essay here and follow along with her here. Nature Untold is a part of the Plug Tone Audio Collective. You can follow along with Nature Untold on Instagram.

As you may know, the Nature Untold Podcast is part of a greater family of outdoor podcasts called the Plug Tone Audio Collective. We're a house of current, awesome podcasts and a production house for future audio storytelling. As part of this collective, we have been creating new content for the Plug Tone Outdoors podcast feed. In this mini trailer, we're introducing our new show, Built Outdoors. Built Outdoors explores and shares stories of outdoor entrepreneurs in a highly-produced, narrative storytelling audio format. We're really excited about sharing these stories and hope you'll check them out over on the Plug Tone Outdoors Podcast channel. If you want to follow along with Plug Tone, you can follow us on Instagram, check out our website, and sign up for our newsletter.

Andrew Gibbs-Dabney is the founder and CEO of LIVSN Designs. LIVSN creates versatile and sustainable apparel designed to last longer. Andrew is dedicated to the values of sustainability and conscious capitalism. He truly believes business success and social progress go hand in hand and he has built LIVSN on these ideals from day one. Andrew comes on the show to share his story of recovery from opioids. He was exposed to opioids at a very young age because of some health issues as a child, and from there, felt that he was already predisposed to addiction. He speaks to his moment of clarity, choosing his rock bottom, serving time, and rebuilding a normal life. Catch up with Andrew: LIVSN Instagram Personal Instagram This episode is sponsored by Bigger Life Adventures. Founders and owners, Carrie and Zach, created an amazing retreat company to help folks heal and recover, whether it's from addiction, trauma, or anything else that ails us. They have scholarships available because they believe that everyone should have access to these types of retreats. If you're interested in attending a retreat, use code NATUREUNTOLD for $50 off your purchase. Learn more here! This episode is also sponsored by Sawyer Products. Sawyer is more than an outdoor company. Every Sawyer product you buy is a contribution to our common humanity, bringing clean water programs to people in need domestically, internationally, and in disaster relief missions all around the world. We appreciate their support and their mission. You can learn more on their website. Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Bret Biggart serves as Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Solar Power. Bret has a background in corporate finance and obtained his MBA from the Jones School of Business at Rice University. When he's not working, he is enjoying a mixture of nature and sport endurance, with a focus on biking. Bret recently completed the Leadville 100 - 105 mile race and Tahoe Trail 100K. From leading the solar revolution to biking his way through nature, Bret's purpose is maintaining the beauty of the planet. In this episode, John and Bret discuss: being into a LOT of different outdoor things emotional sobriety turning things over to his higher power his family background with alcohol and drugs the importance of AA in his life losing touch with normal human emotion the doors that recovery opens the difference between spirituality and religion how your higher power can be anything you want it to be how Bret's outdoor pursuits factor into his recovery how to balance the tendency of overdoing it when it comes to Bret's outdoor pursuits finding someone who's done this before and talk to them This episode is sponsored by Bigger Life Adventures. Founders and owners, Carrie and Zach, created an amazing retreat company to help folks heal and recover, whether it's from addiction, trauma, or anything else that ails us. They have scholarships available because they believe that everyone should have access to these types of retreats. If you're interested in attending a retreat, use code NATUREUNTOLD for $50 off your purchase. Learn more here! This episode is also sponsored by Sawyer Products. Sawyer is more than an outdoor company. Every Sawyer product you buy is a contribution to our common humanity, bringing clean water programs to people in need domestically, internationally, and in disaster relief missions all around the world. We appreciate their support and their mission. You can learn more on their website. Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Matt Samet is a climber of 35 years based in Boulder, Colorado, where he lives with his family in the plains east of town. He is the former editor of Climbing Magazine as well as the author of the Climbing Dictionary and the memoir Death Grip: A Climber's Escape from Benzo Madness. In this episode, John and Matt discuss: Growing up in Albuquerque How bouldering led to more sport climbing and beyond The sport of climbing and the unspoken push towards lightness How he got introduced to Benzodiazepines A voice inside asking “if this makes me feel this good now, I wonder if there will be a price to pay” What happens when you build a tolerance to Benzos Tapering off of Benzos with the help of a psychiatrist The medical professionals Matt came across during his time coming off of psych meds and how patient advocacy has improved the experience of taking and coming off of these types of medications How reading a ton about the reality of psych meds helped Matt understand his own experience more The universal threads of addiction recovery Coming in and out of climbing The importance of climbing with people who understand and empathize with Matt's journey Invisible chronic illness and the lack of understanding and empathy from the general public Internal wisdom being your best guide Laying the hard groundwork early This episode is sponsored by Bigger Life Adventures. Founders and owners, Carrie and Zach, created an amazing retreat company to help folks heal and recover, whether it's from addiction, trauma, or anything else that ails us. They have scholarships available because they believe that everyone should have access to these types of retreats. If you're interested in attending a retreat, use code NATUREUNTOLD for $50 off your purchase. Learn more here! Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Kara Hoisington (she/her) is a true New Englander. Growing up on the mountains of Maine and currently living in Vermont, Kara is an All-American ski racer and avid hiker. Her day job is as a Principal Consultant at a leading market research firm. In the past year, she got divorced from her husband of one-year and is on the road to better understanding and forgiving herself to rid the habit of engaging in toxic relationships. In this episode, Kara and John discuss: Recovery from a relationship The duality of an individual Clinging to a story that you're trying to build versus the experience that you're living How recovery from a relationship can mirror recovery from substance use Boundaries How having a grit mentality can get in the way of healing How love is not always enough to make a marriage work Getting out of the relationship leading to her getting back outside again How doing what you love can attract better people in your life Letting yourself have the full experience Allowing yourself to be content or feel positive about going through a negative experience Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Spencer Harkins (he/him) is a skier and Brand guy for the infamous Pit Viper. He lives in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, and sends the gnar. In this episode, John and Spencer chat about: His early ski days in Massachusetts and how he realized street skiing wasn't for him How an ACL injury led him to riding his road bike more, which led him to partying more The final catalyst for Spencer wanting to get sober What the mental clarity of sobriety opened up for him How he likes to show up for folks who come to him to share their struggles How Spencer manages being at drinking events now The improvements he's seen in his athletic pursuits since getting sober Committing to a year of sobriety first, not forever “if it's not fun, unless you're drunk, it's not fun.” the outdoor community celebrating and accepting getting drunk You can follow along with Spencer on Instagram here. Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Karen Schroeder (she/her/hers) is a sober ultra runner, climber, Mother Nature lover who has a passion for wild spaces and raising youth to be good stewards of them. She is currently working towards being the best version of herself, pushing her limits as she climbs the Rockies of Colorado. She's training for her first official ultra race, after completing other self-supported endurance pursuits. In her free time, she's standing on summits, dancing and promoting inclusivity, and getting curious about the rock layers of the Southwest. In this episode, John and Karen discuss: How she incorporates her love of the outdoors into her lesson planning The pandemic and how it contributed to daily drinking How a dry month became three months, six months, and just eventually became continuous sobriety The importance of asking ‘why' How her love of physical movement and the outdoors aided in her journey towards self-awareness Why Sprouts gummy bears are the absolute best The addiction transfer How her friendships and dating changed in sobriety Red flags The practices she uses now to keep If you want to catch up with Karen, you can follow her here. Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Content warning: this episode contains mentions of PTSD and suicidal thoughts and ideation. If that is triggering for you, you may want to skip that one and that's totally okay! We love you either way. Drew Petersen (he/him) is a passionate skier, runner, and mountain athlete on a mission to change our culture surrounding mental health. In his career as a professional skier, he blends storytelling with his athletic adventures—ranging from skiing lines in the backcountry to running 100 miles—to bring people along for the ride and to advocate for things he cares about. In this episode, John and Drew discuss: How Drew came to be a skier How a traumatic accident in the mountains His definition of sobriety His first attempts at sobriety came from recovery from season-ending injuries How masculinity plays into how much Drew felt he could share deeper issues How one of his injuries led to his mental health diagnosis Drew's sobriety journey overall Why clarity and fortitude within the decision of sobriety was the big game-changer Getting back to socializing after the big waves of the pandemic Drew's morning routine Combining skiing and running Catch up with Drew here. You can watch the full new film, Ups and Downs. Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Sarah Fountain (she/her) is a marketing director, creative, writer, dog mom, rock climber, and general outdoors enthusiast living in Boulder, Colorado. She recently celebrated 9 years of sobriety. She also describes herself as an aggressive extrovert and empath. In this episode, John and Sarah discuss: her day-to-day in Boulder, Colorado Sarah's recent celebration of 9 years in recovery her upbringing and how she immediately felt like she was a fish out of water how the first time she got drunk, she immediately thought ‘I need this' her semester with NOLS and how it was essentially a detox but also she had her first big moment with the outdoors her relationship with cocaine and how it became a light switch in her brain how addiction can feel like a loss of trust in yourself her rock bottom moment how most of early recovery was about trudging the happy road her move to Maine after 20 months of recovery catalyzed by her brother having Stage 4 cancer how climbing and the climbing community supported her during her recovery having to mourn the loss of drinking and drugging dealing with cultural norms around drinking her relationship with her brother, who was dying of Stage 4 cancer, and how she wouldn't have been able to show up for him, in the same way, were it not for a 12-step program staying in the right relationship with the mountains and learning from the mountains keeping your side of the street clean Catch up with Sarah on Instagram. Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

WELP, we have a little update for you from the Nature Untold Podcast. As some of you may know, I'm celebrating my two-year soberversary this week and with my second year of sobriety came a lot of changes. I've started building my own little business, quitting my 9-5 job, and I've been trudging along in this life. I was noticing that I wasn't able to bring as much passion to these conversations as I thought was necessary and respectful to our guests' stories. I feel really good in my sobriety but I felt I would be doing a disservice to this podcast as a host if I went into interviews not feeling like I was giving it everything I had like I had done in the past. So, I reached out to John Holdmeier, a past guest and current friend. And I asked for some help - I asked him if he would be interested in doing some interviews for the Nature Untold Podcast. And he said yes! So, from here on out, indefinitely, John will be taking on interviews for the Nature Untold Podcast. You can catch up on his full story from Episode 5, when he was featured as a guest. I still fully believe in the power of this show and I think there is so much more good we can do together. And for a second update, we are joining a podcast network, Plug Tone Audio. Go over to their site and check out the awesome podcasts that are already part of this collective. More to come from them! Finally, as always, thank you so much for your support over the year plus that we've been producing and putting out this show. You are all the best. If you want to connect, feel free to follow us on Instagram or join our private Facebook group. ‘Til next episode!

Emerald LaFortune (she/her) is an outdoor writer, whitewater and flyfishing guide, as well as a community builder. She is based in rural Idaho. We sit down with Emerald for a follow-up from her first interview with Nature Untold, in which she talks about her year-long experiment without alcohol. In this episode, we discuss: Her annual break from social media What is bringing her joy right now Where she is now with her relationship with alcohol Her top takeaways from a year-long step back from alcohol Her newfound trust in herself How we need to examine binary-style thinking Catch up with Emerald: Instagram Website Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Margaret Ward joins the Nature Untold Podcast as a recovery coach, sober woman, runner, mom, lawyer, and much more. She also now owns her own company that helps women in recovery get out, travel, run, and find community together. During our conversation, we chat about: Knowing yourself The recovery before the sobriety What types of things she does in recovery to further her growth Her passion for creating community and much more! Resources mentioned in this episode: Book: Quit Like A Woman Book: Drinking: A Love Story Book: The Good House Catch up with Margaret: Instagram Facebook Group Website Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

An avid alpinist, snowboarder, mountain biker, guide, and life adventurer, Molina previously served as an international director at The Climate Reality Project, where he designed the organization's climate leadership training and oversaw its post-Paris Agreement international strategy. Prior to his work at Climate Reality, Molina led strategy and programs as deputy director at the Alliance for Climate Education (ACE). He is now the Executive Director of Protect Our Winters. In this episode, we discuss: His new hobby of archery How he came to all of the outdoor sports he plays in Mario's 4-year full break from alcohol His relationship with alcohol growing up and into adulthood What he learned from giving up alcohol and what doors opened because of that Trying to do 4% better Getting familiar with your physiology and tweaking those pieces for optimal performance Resources mentioned: Book: Atomic Habits Book: Can't Hurt Me Book: The Brain That Changes Itself Book: Flow Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Trigger Warning: This is an episode about eating disorders, disordered eating and how they intersect with substance use disorders. This episode is based on wanting to explore the crossover and differences between the eating disorder community and the addiction, sobriety and recovery communities. In exploring this topic, I spoke to Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, Jenna Celmer and Caroline Wickes. Resources for eating disorders: The Gaudiani Clinic Website The Gaudiani Clinic Instagram (has free resources and information) Full Gaudiani Clinic Resources List Catch up with Jenna Celmer: Jenna's Instagram Catch up with Caroline Wickes: Caroline's Instagram Article: Weighing In: Does Climbing Need an Eating-Disorder Intervention? Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like. We also have a Patreon if you're interested in supporting everything Nature Untold is cooking up.

Brendan Leonard (he/him) is a writer, filmmaker, creative and outdoor adventurer. He created semi-rad.com in 2011 and has been making us laugh, think, and cry ever since. For the show notes - click here.

Kali Platt (she/her) is an avid outdoors woman, cat mom, sober lady and works in PR at The North Face. In this episode, we discuss: Living in an intentional way How her definition of sobriety has changed over the years How growing up on both the East and West Coasts impacted her relationship with alcohol How she looks back at her younger self now Her experience working in the restaurant industry and how it impacted her relationship to alcohol Her internal clashing How when she first got sober, she had no intent ion of sticking with it. It was through her partner's journey that she realized she may need to stop How sober meetings fully anchor her in support Doing sobriety ‘right' and how that thinking is problematic How important sober friends are Her move to Colorado and how it changed how she thought about alcohol Her experience in working within the outdoor industry Resources mentioned: Book: We Are The Luckiest by Laura McKowen Group: The Luckiest Club Group: Alcoholics Anonymous Gruvi Non-Alcoholic Pop-Up In Denver Catch up with Kali: Personal Instagram Sober Instagram Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like. We also have a Patreon if you're interested in supporting everything Nature Untold is cooking up.

Laura Silverman (she/her) is a booze free babe. She has created some of the most well known booze-free social media communities out there - Booze Free in DC and Zero Proof Nation. She's a lover of karaoke, roller derby, nature and chocolate. In this episode, we discuss: How she got into roller derby Our love of the movie ‘Whip It' How she got sober at a very young age and how that's impacted her sobriety journey Her relationship with recovery and how she prefers the word discovery for where she is now in her life How more recent diagnoses have helped her move forward with her mental health How her sobriety has enabled her to be open and unashamed about who she really is Realizing that we are worthy of so much Importance of finding the right content and people for your recovery Building a recovery menu However you get to a substance-free lifestyle is great (!) How the recovery space has changed during her sobriety Her relationship with the outdoors Resources: How to remove alcohol ads from your Instagram Movie: Whip It Podcast: Unruffled Recovery Groups: Tempest Monument SheRecovers Wellbeing Brewing Connect with Laura: Her Instagram Booze Free In DC Instagram Zero Proof Nation Instagram Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like. We also have a Patreon if you're interested in supporting everything Nature Untold is cooking up.

Lindsey Graves (she/her) is a yoga instructor, meditation guide and pediatric nurse. She loves hiking and being outside as much as possible. Lindsey has been free of alcohol for over 2.5 years. In this episode, we discuss: Her experience being a travel nurse and what she's learned about herself and her sobriety through this experience How she has adopted a new level of confidence in her sobriety How her sobriety and state of mind attract like-minded people who are focused on their health like she is Her love of hiking How alcohol can limit who you're meant to be How her birthplace (New Orleans) and where she grew up (Houston) impacted her alcohol journey Her relationship with her parents and alcohol and how that still impacts her How her drinking escalated from that first sip How we can do better for our communities Ending generational trauma When she decided to listen to the small voice in her head How yoga came into her life Having compassion for ourselves What's in her sobriety toolkit Resources mentioned: Books: Alcohol Lied to Me: The Intelligent Way to Escape Alcohol Addiction Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life This Naked Mind The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober: Discovering a happy, healthy, wealthy alcohol-free life Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like. We also have a Patreon if you're interested in supporting everything Nature Untold is cooking up.

In this episode, we discuss: His goals from an early age - reducing the amount of harm he causes, and preparing for his own death Physical dependence on alcohol His experience with people telling him he needs to be less emotional, achieve more, etc. Coming to a place of feeling good enough without external validation How he learned to hide his mistakes instead of make mistakes The beginning of our numbing How isolation can sometimes be a self-preservation tactic Boundaries! My favorite topic! The reason he started to question his relationship with alcohol Psychedelic therapeutic modalities The importance of asking for help Letting go of the narratives we get when we're kids Catch up with Benton: Instagram Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like. We also have a Patreon if you're interested in supporting everything Nature Untold is cooking up.

Emerald LaFortune (she/her) is an outdoor writer, whitewater and flyfishing guide, as well as a community builder. She is based in rural Idaho. In this episode, we discuss: What's bringing her joy right now Why Idaho is such a special place The realities behind being a guide How if you can't or won't name a problem, you will not be able to solve it How she came to the idea of sober curiosity in her life How much of drinking is just a way of trying to convey certain character traits How valuable the outdoors are in letting go of control Distinguishing between what positives have come from sobriety and what positive things have come from therapy, energy work and others How she moved through the fear of not being as ‘fun' anymore The constant decision making that comes with social drinking Why it is important to let people surprise you Letting go of the reward mentality of alcohol How the social media society doesn't allow for much fluidity of experience The importance of finding a community that you see yourself in The idea of no feeling being a good or bad thing What is in her toolkit in her sober curiosity Resources mentioned in this episode: Book: The Sober Lush Catch up with Emerald: Instagram Website Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like. We also have a Patreon if you're interested in supporting everything Nature Untold is cooking up.

Josh Flaherty (he/his) is a father of two boys, a person in long-term recovery, lover of the outdoors and Executive Director of Adventure Recovery. Oh, and has a perfect golden retriever pup. In this episode, we discuss: How the outdoors were not only a foundational aspect of growing up for Josh, but a key part of his recovery journey His experience working in a completely different industry, the music and entertainment business How he got into this industry in the first place His transformation from focusing on the external, trying to impress others, to focusing on the internal and the intimate now How things escalated to a level where a friend nudged him to get help His long road of getting help, feeling pulled together, and going back to it The feelings he was running away from How sobriety is about being connected to the community around recovery His first time becoming involved with Adventure Recovery Some of the life changing experiences he's been able to witness through his work with Adventure Recovery His biggest takeaway from his recent Master's program in Social Work People who have helped us along the way, and how it isn't necessary to have a degree to help someone who is struggling The beginner's mindset and why it is so crucial Resources mentioned: Adventure Recovery Alcoholics Anonymous Catch up with Josh: Instagram Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like. We also have a Patreon if you're interested in supporting everything Nature Untold is cooking up.

Inaya Robinson (she/hers) has been sober for over 8 months now. She's a young professional, newly-realized cat lover and nature enthusiast. In this episode, we discuss: Inaya's definition of sobriety and how she defines herself Her experiences with depression How she came to start drinking more (& how it made her feel) The moments that led to her sobriety What surprised her about her sobriety journey What programs/platforms she used in the early days and what she uses now Her relationship with spirituality Her love of the outdoors and nature and how that has played a part in her healing Keep up with Inaya: Her Personal Instagram Her Food Instagram Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like. We also have a Patreon if you're interested in supporting everything Nature Untold is cooking up.

Trigger warning: there are mentions of sexual assault and blacking out in this episode. Sallie Hoefer (she/her/hers) is a conservationist, avid mountain biker, skier and trail runner, dog mom, and sober lady. She is a beautiful soul, seeker, florist, and veracious reader. In this episode, we discuss: Her unique definition of sobriety - anything that pulls her out of alignment with her truest integrity Key areas that she still struggles with Listening to her inner knowing The confirmation bias that can sometimes keep us sick All the concerns she had when she thought about getting sober How getting sober helped her come home to herself Her love for nature and outdoor sports How alcohol consumption became either a punishment or a reward for exercise When she got her dream job and drinking was part of every day in it How Big Alcohol has become embedded in the outdoor space Her ideas about how we can do better as a society around alcohol Her sobriety toolkit now, almost 5 years in How her relationship with mountain biking changed when she got sober Resources mentioned in this episode: Book: Untamed by Glennon Doyle Book: How To Quit Like A Woman by Holly Whittaker Organization: Tempest Author: Meghan Watterson Book: Know My Name by Chanel Miller Other Resources From Sallie: Podcasts: Home Back from Broken This episode of Terrible Thanks for Asking Real Talk Radio Books: Drink by Ann Dowsett Johnston We Are The Luckiest by Laura McKowen Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington Where you can catch up with Sallie: Instagram Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like. We also have a Patreon if you're interested in supporting everything Nature Untold is cooking up.

Trigger Warning: There are mentions of sex, sexual assault and rape in this episode. Katie Grimes is an entrepreneur, love, dating and sex coach, and overall badass. Her favorite place outdoors is the beach and the ocean. In this episode, we discuss: Her love of the beach and ocean How Katie came to be in recovery What her recovery looks like at this moment Why it is important to know and understand your family's mental health history The differences between love, sex and fantasy addictions How to show up more for people who are struggling with these addictions with compassion and understanding What led her to want to start coaching others on how to move through sex and love addictions Resources mentioned: Alcoholics Anonymous Adult Children of Alcoholics Anonymous 40 Questions for Self Diagnosis - SLAA Debtors Anonymous Catch up with Katie: Website Instagram Anything For Love Podcast Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like. We also have a Patreon if you're interested in supporting everything Nature Untold is cooking up.

Jon Totten is an outdoor educator, guide, non-profit founder and seeker. He grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and quickly moved to Idaho when he turned 18. He's been working and adventuring in the outdoor world since. He is a river guy, a mountain guy, a sailboat guy and a healer guy. In this episode, we discuss: How his guiding career has evolved over the years and how he wants to take people outside now with the intention to help heal The many moments and people in his life that steered him on the path Jon's perspective on time spent “clean” How we think about success in recovery Full circle moments His experience at a treatment center The importance of noticing the small moments in your life Finding community in sobriety Clarity of mind His nonprofit organization, Dogsmile Adventures Resources mentioned: Treatment Center: Denver Recovery Center Book: The Alchemist Catch Up With Jon: Dogsmile Adventures: Website Instagram Jon's Instagram Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like. We also have a Patreon if you're interested in supporting everything Nature Untold is cooking up.

Season Two is almost here. But before we dive into what's to come, I wanted to reflect on the last season. In this trailer, we highlight the key themes that came out of Season One: No one's sobriety or recovery or healing journey will be the same. And simultaneously, there is a connective tissue between all of them. Sobriety can mean different things for different people. There is no one correct definition of this stuff. Each person had to figure out what this meant for them. The outdoors are therapeutic but alone, they will not heal everything you're wrestling with. That being said, they are incredibly important to our healing work. We, as the outdoor community and industry at large, need to do a better job of showing up for each other in this space. The more we stay silent and scared to bring up traditionally taboo tops, the more our community stays scared, sick and feeling alone. All human beings want is love, belonging and connection. Every story we heard, there was a point that the guest was telling us about how they didn't feel like they belonged, or they didn't get the love they deserved and needed when they were young, or they lacked connection with others. We also dive into some audio responses that we received from our community around some key questions. Finally, we talk briefly about what you can expect from this season. Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like. We also have a Patreon if you're interested in supporting everything Nature Untold is cooking up.

Being in a relationship is hard work, regardless of sobriety, addiction or recovery. So add in sobriety for one part, and non-sobriety for the other, and it can get a bit tricky. But lots of content out in the world makes it sound like it is truly the end of the world. It's a lot more nuanced than that! Andrew (my partner) and I sit down on the mic to discuss: The circumstances in which we met The first few years of our relationship and how alcohol played a part How we both felt when I decided to stop What surprised us about the transition Our recommendations for other couples who may be going through a similar transition We, in no way, have all the answers, but we thought this might give some ideas to some couples out there and may be helpful to share with some friends. Enjoy! Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like. We also have a Patreon if you're interested in supporting everything Nature Untold is cooking up.

Karla Amador (She/hers/her) is the founder and CEO of the 52 Hike Challenge and Thrive Finance. She is a seeker, a digital nomad, natural spiritual teacher, yogi, intuitive, and much much more. In this episode, we discuss: How the practice of taking care of herself is bringing her joy right now How she struggled with perfectionism and was hard on herself Her experience with rock bottom Why trusting our inner knowing is so incredibly hard and so incredibly important What co-dependency is and how it manifested for Karla Why, many times, co-dependents find and create relationships with addicts How she discusses codependency and emotional intelligence with her son How therapy can help us dig through family dynamics and come to a more loving and empathetic place How helpful EMDR therapy is to uncover and work through trauma The cycle of self-sabotage How she thinks about trauma Recovery options for co-dependency How hiking became a crucial part of Karla coming back to herself How the 52 Hike Challenge was born Letting go and finding self-love Resources mentioned: Co-Dependents Anonymous 52 Hike Challenge Website Instagram Catch Up With Karla: Karla's Instagram Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like. We also have a Patreon if you're interested in supporting everything Nature Untold is cooking up.

Matt Arends (he/him) is based in Minnesota. He is an adventurer, environmentalist and thrill seeker. He also happens to have chronic pain and is the COO | CMO for The MindStrong Project. In this episode, we discuss: How being on a college football team shaped Matt's drinking but also his need for community How cyclical injuries affect your mental health The identity crisis that comes after an injury or the end of your specific sports career How alcohol is part of the equation in most outdoor sports How he found the outdoor community after college How one injury set him on the path of discovering and dealing with chronic pain His time at a whale shark tour company in Tanzania His experiences living with chronic pain The importance of sharing our pain and being vulnerable for not feeling alone and finding community How one friend starting a group chat can change everything What lights him up now (spoiler alert: plants!) His goal of helping to extend the local farming season in his hometown Resources mentioned: Documentary: The Weight of Gold Backcountry Marketing podcast - episode with Becky Marcelliano Where you can catch up with Matt: Instagram Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like. We also have a Patreon if you're interested in supporting everything Nature Untold is cooking up.

Sydney Williams (she/her/hers) is an author, adventurer and the CEO and founder of Hiking My Feelings. From their website, Hiking My Feelings is ‘on a mission to improve community health by creating opportunities for people to experience the healing power of nature.' She is a bundle of amazing energy. In fact, we had so much fun that I texted her and asked her to be friends afterwards. And now we are. Cool stuff. In this episode, we discuss: Sydney's skydiving career Being diagnosed with Diabetes and how this impacted her life Why she stopped drinking after her diagnosis and how it helped her find clarity in her own thoughts Why the Trans-Catalina Trail is magical What hiking means to Sydney How we cannot truly heal but simply stopping drinking, we need to do the internal work to heal ourselves Resources mentioned: Books: The Body Keeps the Score Untamed Dodging Energy Vampires Catch up with Sydney: Instagram Hiking My Feelings Instagram Hiking My Feelings Website Take A Hike Diabetes Initiative Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

In this episode, we discuss: Growing up in Minnesota and being introduced to the outdoors at a young age How Jay struggled with anxiety and feeling out of place from an early age How he's harnessed his introversion as a superpower His work at the Phoenix (a sober active community non-profit) What active recovery means for him His experience with going to treatment centers What triggered his relapses and the rationalizations that often happen with relapses His experience with sober living houses The difference between sober living and halfway houses The cyclical nature of his particular journey What Suboxone and Methadone can do and how they're used His brush with actual death Creating a life around the outdoors while going through addictive episodes Why finding his community of supportive outdoorsy people was a turning point His intentional reasoning for not having any social media accounts Resources mentioned in this episode: The Phoenix Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Before we get into the episode, we wanted to update you all on our February community fundraiser for The Loveland Foundation. Our original goal was $750 as a community and we raised $1,350! We will be announcing the UST gear giveaway later this week on our Instagram. Stay tuned! Trigger Warning: We discuss sexual assault and blacking out in this episode. In this episode, we discuss: Why she's called ‘Lady Unicorn' Her definition of sobriety and perspective on addiction versus abuse Moving around a lot as a kid and the effect is had How she came to be fiercely independent The experience of being bullied in high school and the impact that had on her life How her drinking escalated over a few years Coming to terms with her experiences with sexual assault and how that's shown up in her life How drinking since she quit drinking at large is now triggering for her How she stumbled upon the Appalachian Trail through a blog and how she subsequently stepped on it not long after How her mom's death pushed her to try to figure out a better way to live for herself Why she decided to write a book and what was the catalyst for the title and content Reconciling being alone and relationships with other people Resources mentioned: Christine's Book: Alone In Wonderland Catch up with Christine: Christine's Instagram Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Before we jump into the episode, in honor of Black History Month, we are announcing a fundraiser + gear giveaway to support The Loveland Foundation. From their website: “The Loveland Foundation was established in 2018 by Rachel Cargle in response to her widely successful birthday wish fundraiser, Therapy for Black Women and Girls. Her enthusiastic social media community raised over $250,000, which made it possible for Black women and girls nationally to receive therapy support. Black women and girls deserve access to healing, and that healing will impact generations. The Loveland Foundation is the official continuation of this effort to bring opportunity and healing to communities of color, and especially to Black women and girls. Through fellowships, residency programs, listening tours, and more, ultimately we hope to contribute to both the empowerment and the liberation of the communities we serve.” During the month of February, we will be fundraising and trying to hit $1,000 worth of donations. When we hit $1,000, I will make my own donation of $250 on top of that. In order to donate, please Venmo me directly @Emilyholland14 (we are doing it this was so that we do not have to pay a fee to use a fundraising site, and ALL of the money can go directly to the Foundation). Any person who donates will be automatically entered to win FREE UST Gear! These winners will be announced on March 2nd. Okay, now onto the show. On this episode of the Nature Untold Podcast, we sit down with John Holdmeier. John is a Brand Manager for American Outdoor Brands Corporation in Columbia, Missouri. He is an outdoor enthusiast and incredible human, passionate about healing, and getting outside, preferably on a river, whenever he can. In this episode, we discuss: The best way to support others around you may need it Showing the best example of a joyful, fulfilling life is the best way you can help others who aren't ready to ask for help The fact that no one cares what you're doing, in the BEST way possible The growing non-alcoholic movement and our mutual love for seltzers The logistics behind going to a treatment facility How hard it can be to ask for help John's mental toolkit for remaining in recovery John's perspective on the idea of ‘rock bottom' and how it can be damaging for those who need help What water, specifically rushing water, means to John Resources mentioned in this episode: Podcasts: On Being Ten Percent Happier Catch up with John: Instagram Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Before we jump into the episode, in honor of Black History Month, we are announcing a fundraiser + gear giveaway to support The Loveland Foundation. From their website: “The Loveland Foundation was established in 2018 by Rachel Cargle in response to her widely successful birthday wish fundraiser, Therapy for Black Women and Girls. Her enthusiastic social media community raised over $250,000, which made it possible for Black women and girls nationally to receive therapy support. Black women and girls deserve access to healing, and that healing will impact generations. The Loveland Foundation is the official continuation of this effort to bring opportunity and healing to communities of color, and especially to Black women and girls. Through fellowships, residency programs, listening tours, and more, ultimately we hope to contribute to both the empowerment and the liberation of the communities we serve.” During the month of February, we will be fundraising and trying to hit $500 worth of donations. If we hit $500, I will make my own donation of $250. In order to donate, please Venmo me directly @Emilyholland14 (we are doing it this was so that we do not have to pay a fee to use a fundraising site, and ALL of the money can go directly to the Foundation). Any person who donates will be automatically entered to win FREE UST Gear! These winners will be announced on March 2nd. Okay, now onto the show. Carrie Hoffman is an entrepreneur, Uyoga instructor, business-owner, outdoors enthusiast, and sober advocate. She owns a plot of land that folks can rent to ‘glamp' and camp near the Grand Canyon in Williams, Arizona. She has traveled all over the world and has a beautiful perspective on what is waiting for you on the other side of deciding to be sober. In this episode, we discuss: How Carrie came to her sober life How each year of her sobriety has carried with it a different theme What is in her recovery toolkit now Woo woo universe stuff (yup, you read that right. Guess you'll have to listen to find out what that means) Her joyful memories of yoga teacher training How her drinking was numbing her potential for a fuller, more fulfilling life What she gets up to in the Grand Canyon Resources mentioned in this episode: Refuge Recovery Program Catch up with Carrie: Carrie's Instagram Her business Instagram Website Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Chris Marshall lives in Austin, Texas and is the owner and founder of Sans Bar, a sober gathering place. He started this company to curate sober positive social experiences for everyone. He is now creating outdoor experiences for people craving healing and connection called ‘Fireside Connections.' Chris has been sober nearly 15 years and shares his story with us in this episode. In this episode, we discuss: Chris' favorite non-alcoholic drinks as of late Chris' perspective on time-sober as a metric and how we may want to look beyond simply how much time you've been sober as your success metrics The importance of having goals AND also celebrate growth in the moment The magic in saying ‘no' How everyone's sober story is incredibly unique Chris' definition of sobriety for him and how it includes any sort of external influence that is used to solve an internal problem, including relationship and people His childhood growing up with a father with schizophrenia How childhood memories can be linked without any causality and how to undo some of the linkages we have with traumatic events in our lives How alcohol made Chris feel connected for the first time in his teen life and how it quickly became a point of disconnection for him Why it is important to keep talking openly and honestly about our trauma, pain, healing and sobriety - because we never know what might stick with someone and change their lives for the better How impactful one trip to Seattle was for Chris and his sobriety Chris' recommendation for diversifying our sober influences and seeking out other perspectives His new venture, Fireside Connections, which brings people out to camp, many times for the first time, and connect throughout a weekend Chris' advice on how to make our sober communities more inclusive Resources mentioned: Chris' Business: Sans Bar Instagram Instagram accounts to follow: Sober Black Girls Club Murdamex Sobriety Queen Connie Sober Voices Event: Sober Voices Summit Podcast: Sober Sessions

Shannon Walton is an incredible human. She worked as an outdoor guide for many years, before entering a more traditional outdoor industry job, but now, she is the Executive Director of the Redside Foundation. Their mission is to support the health and strength of the Idaho guiding community. Shannon is more on the sober-curious side of the spectrum, going long bouts of time without substances, but not totally abstaining. She shares with us her way of coming to curiosity about her body and mind. In this episode, we discuss: What the Redside Foundation is and why Shannon got involved Metaphors from rivers (and how Emily knows nothing about rivers) Her 12-year guiding career and the beauty that comes with guiding Why mental health, suicidal tendencies and addiction are large issues for the guiding community Why she and her co-organizers worked to create the Healthy Happy Hour at the Outdoor Retailer show How being sober, whether you choose to or you need to, is a very brave act If the stigma around addiction is lessening and how much more work we still have to do How she transitioned from guiding to a 9-5 ‘desk' job and what recalibration came with that What nutritional therapy is and why Shannon wanted to go to school for it Why it is bad to eat while you're looking at screens What her relationship with alcohol is like now How it is OKAY to be sober curious and to explore your mind and body with curiosity Why you should give yourself foregiveness Resources mentioned: The Redside Foundation Book: Four Arguments For The Elimination of Television Catch up with Shannon: Instagram Trigger Warning: It is important to note that treating mental health disorders is a complex and personal topic. There are many different proven approaches to treating a disorder, all of which are valid. A vital, life-saving component for some includes medication management. Receiving treatment, of any kind, for mental health has historically been stigmatized so it is up to us to end the stigma and support those around us.

Paddy O'Connell is a professional chit-chatter and word nerd, a pow-hunting enthusiast, a dog dad, and a self-described addict. Paddy spent much of his adult life in repetitive cycles of addiction and pain, which all came to a head when he was 29. His story includes depression and trauma, but it also includes laughter and pure, joyful moments. He works every day at his sobriety and strives to show others how beautiful sobriety can truly be. In this episode, we discuss: The Marvel universe (no, that's not a typo) What life was like growing up in an Irish family in Chicago Where he got ‘the gift of gab' Eruptions of unadulterated joy The moments that led up to Paddy confronting his addictions The importance of supportive and loving community His experience with a treatment facility How he came into recovery to finally get a rest, but came out with the opportunity for a truly joyful and freeing life Why the most dangerous words in the English language are ‘I got this' How the outdoor community should celebrate vulnerability as much as we celebrate sending it Resources mentioned in this episode: Books: Between The World And Me White Fragility 60 Meters To Anywhere Magazines: Freeskier Adventure Journal Writer: Steve Casimiro How to catch up with Paddy: Instagram Website Thank you, as always, for listening to this episode. Please free free to follow along on the show's Instagram, our private Facebook group, or wherever you'd like.

Welcome to the Nature Untold Podcast! This is the trailer for this new show. This podcast tells stories of sobriety, addiction and recovery as they intersect with the outdoor community and industry. In this trailer, we discuss: Who I am Why I wanted to start this show My sobriety story (the shortened version) The goal of this show What to expect from the upcoming season You can follow along the happenings with the show and beyond at the links below: Instagram Facebook Group Website Thank you so much for listening! Season One drops Tuesday, January 5th! So excited for you to hear it.