Podcasts about rei co

In June 2025, 15 year old Indigenous kayaker Tasia Linwood paddled 310 miles from southern Oregon to the Northern California coast. She became one of the first people in over a century to complete the full Klamath River after the largest dam removal in U.S. history.Connect with Tasia:  Watch: First Descent: Kayaking the Klamath River after the largest dam removal in U.S. history Support Paddle Tribal Waters: https://www.tattoo34pdx.com/ptw Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Benchmade Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Liam Garner is a long distance cyclist who set out at 17 to bike from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina, completing nearly 20,000 miles and becoming the youngest person to ride the length of the Americas. Now, Liam is continuing his global cycling journey, riding roughly 15,000 miles from Portugal through Europe, the Middle East, and Asia toward Singapore as part of his goal to bike across every continent. Connect with Liam:  TikTok Instagram Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® AeroPress Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lindsay Branham is an environmental psychologist exploring how we build deeper, more reciprocal relationships with nature. Her work invites us to go beyond simply spending time outside and consider what it might look like to truly listen and even communicate with trees. Connect with Lindsay:  Website  Instagram Purchase Lindsay's book, Heartwood: The Wisdom and Healing Kinship of Trees  Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Ocean Bottle Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Public lands are for everyone, but not everyone can access them. In winter, that gap only grows. From finding a place to park, to affording gear, to knowing what's safe—winter recreation comes with real barriers. And for many communities, those barriers go far beyond logistics. So what does it actually take to make winter access possible for all? Across the country, organizations are working to open the door through new partnerships, community-led programs, and rethinking what access really means. Because access isn't just about getting people outside—it's about connection. The more people connect with wild places, the more they'll care about them and fight to protect them.SPEAKERS: Cal' Smith, Director of Winter Programming, Climbers of ColorMegan Fiske, California Stewardship Director, Winter Wildlands AllianceWill Russack, Board of Directors, Cascade Backcountry Alliance Anthony Cupaiuolo, Executive Director Tahoe Backcountry AllianceModerator: Kerry McClay, WWA National Snowschool Program Director at Winter Wildlands AllianceRESOURCES:Winter Wildlands Alliance SnowSchoolClimbers of ColorTahoe Backcountry AllianceCascade Backcountry AllianceFind your local Winter Wildlands Alliance Grassroots GroupSUPPORTED BY: Outdoor Alliance, REI Co-op, The Mountaineers, Duct Tape Then Beer/Dirt Bag Diaries, High Country News, Phreem Family Brewers,University of Washington's Pack Forest, and Mountain Training CenterCREDITS:Produced and co-hosted by Anneka Williams and Emily ScottEdited by Adam Titmuss Theme music by Rattlesnake Preachers feat. Kerry McClayAdditional Music by Blue Dot Sessions

Yassine Diboun is a Portland-based ultrarunner and coach who found endurance sports during recovery from addiction. After signing up for his first triathlon in 2004 to bring structure to his life, he discovered a talent for running that quickly evolved into a career in ultramarathons. Since then, he has become one of the sport's most respected athletes, with top 10 finishes at Western States 100, multiple course records, and a place on the U.S. trail running team. Connect with Yassine:  Instagram Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® AeroPress Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We are bringing this special CrimeScience episode from the 2024 LPRC Supply Chain Protection Summit back, as we commemorate an amazing LPRC Supply Chain Protection Summit this year! Take a listen! LIVE from the 2024 LPRC Supply Chain Protection Summit, it’s the CrimeScience Podcast! This week our hosts discuss some of the newest and latest trends, technology, and LPRC news live from Lebanon, TN! On this episode, our hosts discuss preparing for telecom issues, cyber incidents and preparations, the LPRC’s Violent Crime Summit coming up, how the supply chain protection summit went, and a great big welcome to our new BOA members. Listen in to stay updated on hot topics in the industry and more!

Joe Holder is a Nike Master Trainer and GQ fitness columnist with a track record of coaching elite athletes and high profile clients. Grounded in a background in health and wellness, he brings a practical approach to endurance training and overall fitness. His work spans marathon training, thru hike preparation, and strategies to support long term health and performance. Connect with Joe:  Instagram YouTube  Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® AeroPress Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In January 2026, Taryn Smith became the third American woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, completing a 46 day Atlantic Ocean crossing in open water conditions. With no rowing experience beforehand, she leaned on a foundation built through world travel, the New York City Marathon, and summers exploring Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains. Website Instagram Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® AeroPress Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Shane Schieffer is an endurance swimmer who spent more than 15 years dreaming of a full length swim of Lake Powell, the desert reservoir stretching from Utah into Arizona. In September 2025, he became the first person to complete it, covering 140 miles in 11 days while towing 215 pounds of gear. The route carried him through a remote landscape of sand colored canyons, rock formations, and isolated shorelines. Connect with Shane:  Instagram Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Shop The North Face Universal Collection Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® AeroPress Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Outdoor recreation on public lands is booming, but the funding to manage those lands is shrinking. As maintenance backlogs grow and budgets vital for outdoor recreation, public lands and waters tighten— the question is dire: will anyone bear the cost of managing public lands? And what happens if no one does? As federal funding falters, states, nonprofits, and local communities are stepping in. But is that a sustainable solution—or does it fundamentally reshape what national public lands are meant to be?SPEAKERS: Betsy Robblee, Conservation and Advocacy Director, The MountaineersJohn Garder, Senior Director of Budget & Appropriations, National Parks Conservation AllianceDan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural ResourcesModerator: Garrett Brennan, Raven Analytics + Three Pin StrategyRESOURCES:⁠⁠Great American Outdoors ActLand And Water Conservation FundAmerica the Beautiful ActNational Parks Conservation AssociationKeep Colorado Wild PassOutdoor Alliance ⁠⁠Subscribe to Winter Wildlands Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Winter Wildlands Alliance Stash Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Winter Wildlands Alliance Action Center⁠SUPPORTED BY: Outdoor Alliance, REI Co-op, The Mountaineers, Duct Tape Then Beer/Dirt Bag Diaries, High Country News, Phreem Family Brewers, and University of Washington's Pack Forest.CREDITS:Produced and co-hosted by Anneka Williams and Emily ScottEdited by Adam Titmuss Theme music by Rattlesnake Preachers feat. Kerry McClayAdditional Music by Blue Dot Sessions

Nikki Bettis turned a simple hike on the Appalachian Trail into an audacious plan to thru hike the entire trail with her fifteen kids, ranging in age from 4 to 21. As a single mom in rural Virginia facing financial and emotional strain, Nikki hoped the physical challenge and months spent outdoors together could help her family reconnect and find a way forward. Connect with Nikki:  Website Instagram YouTube Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Shop The North Face Universal Collection Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® AeroPress Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Adventurer Garrett Gee turned a four month family trip in 2015 into The Bucket List Family, documenting world travel with his wife, Jessica, and their kids. What began as videos shared on YouTube and Instagram became a global family travel brand with millions of followers, built on experiences from shark diving in South Africa to hot air balloons in Turkey and biking through shrines and gardens in Japan. Connect with Garrett & The Bucket List Family:  Website Instagram YouTube Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Ocean Bottle Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In 2023, Dan Rubinstein completed a 1,200 mile stand up paddleboarding journey from Ottawa to New York City and back. His expedition followed rivers and waterways, turning a long distance paddle into a rare blue space adventure. Connect with Dan:  Website  Instagram Purchase Dan's book, Water Borne Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Ocean Bottle Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lauren Duke holds a master's degree in psychology focused on physiology and body based behavior, and studies how movement helps us process emotion. In 2023, she tested that work on a 535 mile Camino de Santiago hike across Spain with her family. The month long trek surfaced unresolved family dynamics, leaving no real option but to keep walking and stay in relationship. Connect with Lauren:  Website Instagram Listen to Lauren's Tedx Talk Vote for Wild Ideas Worth Living for Best Branded Podcast! Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Ocean Bottle Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome back to Earth, Artemis II crew! In honor of Christina Koch becoming the first woman to travel around the moon, we're rereleasing her episode from 2024.  What if you had an opportunity to travel around the moon? Christina Koch has worked at NASA for the last 10 years, and has been a part of groundbreaking missions in outer space. In 2019, Christina embarked on a 328-day stay on the International Space Station, setting a record for the longest single space flight by a woman. Now Christina has a new assignment on the horizon. She was selected to join a crew that will travel around the moon. Connect with Christina:  Instagram Christina's NASA bio  NASA Artemis Instagram Vote for Wild Ideas Worth Living for Best Branded Podcast! Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With winter recreation and mountain town populations booming, more people are recreating in sensitive wildlife habitat. That raises a tricky question: when land managers decide to close a trail or restrict access, and what evidence do they use to make that call? Often, those decisions rely on research from studies done somewhere else, in different places with different conditions. And that can make it difficult for land managers and wildlife advocates to explain those decisions to the public. It also leads to some bigger questions. Is there such a thing as enough wildlife habitat? Is there such a thing as enough trails and outdoor access? What about “enough” trails or outdoor recreation access? And, how do we balance these sometimes-competing uses of public lands?SPEAKERS: Cal Waichler, Project Coordinator, ⁠Cascades Wolverine Project⁠Joel Sisolak, Lands Planning and Recreation Manager, ⁠Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife⁠Trevor Kostanich, AMGA-certified ⁠ski guide⁠ and authorModerator: Kurt Hellman, Wildlife-Recreation Coexistence Senior Coordinator, ⁠Conservation Northwest⁠RESOURCES:⁠Cascades Wolverine Project⁠⁠⁠⁠Community Observations Map⁠⁠WolverineWatch.org⁠Conservation Northwest⁠⁠"Your Stoke Won't Save Us"Wintering Wildlife Conservation Initiative ⁠Subscribe to Winter Wildlands Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Winter Wildlands Alliance Stash Blog⁠⁠⁠Winter Wildlands Alliance Action CenterSUPPORTED BY: Outdoor Alliance, REI Co-op, The Mountaineers, Duct Tape Then Beer/Dirt Bag Diaries, High Country News, Phreem Family Brewers, and University of Washington's Pack Forest.CREDITS:Produced and co-hosted by Anneka Williams and Emily ScottEdited by Adam Titmuss Theme music by Rattlesnake Preachers feat. Kerry McClayAdditional Music by Blue Dot Sessions

John John Florence is one of the most accomplished surfers in the world. After a 15 year career on the World Surf League Championship Tour, three world titles, and two Olympic appearances, he stepped away from competition to pursue a new wild idea: sailing around the world with his family. Connect with John John:  Instagram  Shop Florence Vote for Wild Ideas Worth Living for Best Branded Podcast! Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Ocean Bottle Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marathon legend Des Linden made history on April 16, 2018, becoming the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon in 33 years. Over more than a decade at the top of the sport, she raced the biggest marathons in the world, represented the United States at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, and set a 50K world record. Last year, on the morning of her 13th Boston Marathon, she announced her retirement from professional road racing. Now she is applying the same discipline and curiosity to new challenges, reshaping what a running life can look like beyond the marathon. Connect with Des:  Instagram Purchase Des' book, Choosing To Run Outside Days Early Bird Pricing Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Teva Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We often talk about public lands as playgrounds. But for many tribal nations, these places are homelands. Outdoor recreation is growing. Trailheads are full. Alpine lakes see record visitation. Social media drives more people to once-quiet places. And while that growth is a testament to how much people love wild places, it can come with real consequences. For tribal nations across Washington State, increased recreation on public lands directly impacts ancestral lands, treaty-protected rights, and the wildlife and ecosystems tribes have stewarded for generations. How do we balance growing outdoor recreation with Tribal sovereignty, cultural access, and stewardship of ancestral lands? As recreation expands, how do we move forward responsibly?SPEAKERS: Libby Nelson, Sr. Environmental Policy Analyst, Tulalip TribesSarah Ballew, External Affairs Program Manager, Snoqualmie TribeEzekiel Rohloff, Wildlife Biologist, Snoqualmie TribeJoel Sisolak, Lands Planning and Recreation Manager, Washington Department of Fish & WildlifeModerator: Betsy Robblee, Conservation and Advocacy Director, The MountaineersRESOURCES:The Recreation Boom on Public Lands in Western Washington: Impacts to Wildlife and Implications for Treaty TribesSnoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands MovementState Tribal Recreation Impact Initiative (STRI)⁠⁠Subscribe to Winter Wildlands Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠Winter Wildlands Alliance Stash Blog⁠⁠SUPPORTED BY: Outdoor Alliance, REI Co-op, The Mountaineers, Duct Tape Then Beer/Dirt Bag Diaries, High Country News, Phreem Family Brewers, and University of Washington's Pack Forest.CREDITS:Produced and co-hosted by Anneka Williams and Emily ScottEdited by Adam Titmuss Theme music by Rattlesnake Preachers feat. Kerry McClayAdditional Music by Blue Dot Sessions

In 2022, Thomas Bukowski took a risk that felt personal and professional by applying to The North Face athlete development program and pitching himself as a climber worth betting on. As a queer athlete from Hong Kong who found climbing later than most, he has long carried the feeling of being an outsider, then watched that narrative shift when he earned a place on The North Face climbing team. Since then, he has chased fear into major climbs in Argentina, Alaska, and Pakistan, and in 2024 he pushed into trail running by running the 211 mile John Muir Trail in four days. Connect with Thomas:  Website Instagram Order Thomas' Tuolumne Guide Book Outside Days Early Bird Pricing Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Teva Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Garmire is a legend in the world of fastest known times with more than 20 FKTs on routes including the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Arizona Trail, and John Muir Trail. On September 21, 2025, he reached Mount Springer after setting a self supported FKT on the Appalachian Trail, completing the route in 45 days, 8 hours, and 37 minutes.  Connect with Jeff:  Website Instagram Listen to the Free Outside podcast YouTube Substack Outside Days Early Bird Pricing Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Teva Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kimi Werner is a world champion spearfisher, ocean advocate, and chef whose life centers on sustainable fishing, food, and a deep connection to nature. After winning the largest spearfishing competition in the world in 2008, she stepped away from competition to focus on feeding her community and cooking with fish she harvests. Her upcoming cookbook, Kimi's Kitchen, blends recipes and memoir to explore living well through the ocean, the land, and family. Connect with Kimi:  Instagram Website  Purchase Kimi's new book, Kimi's Kitchen Outside Days Early Bird Pricing Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Teva Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leadership in retail today requires balancing innovation, culture and purpose. Mary Beth Laughton, president and CEO of REI Co-op, joins this episode of Retail Gets Real to share lessons from a career spanning some of the most influential brands in retail and explain how she is guiding REI into its next chapter. She discusses her career journey, the role of mentorship and how the co-op is evolving its strategy while staying rooted in its mission and values.(00:00:00) From consulting to leading iconic retail brands(00:05:51) Leveraging REI's unique strengths for growth(00:07:37) Navigating culture at an 87-year-old retailer(00:09:25) REI's strategy for the next chapter of growth(00:11:09) Turning strategy into action at REI(00:15:37) Leading retail in the age of AI(00:18:23) Keeping purpose at the center of the business(00:20:31) Building a culture that embraces change(00:24:01) The evolving future of retailThe National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 392: How Warby Parker is redefining retail and customer experience• 380: How Vera Bradley transformed a legacy brand

Avalanche forecasts are one of the most trusted safety tools in winter recreation and travel. Built daily by professionals who wake before dawn, dig into the snowpack, analyze storms, track wind, and translate complex data into clear public guidance that shapes life-or-death decisions for as many as 30 million people. But can avalanche forecasting survive the current administration? How stable is the system that keeps us informed (and alive) in the backcountry?SPEAKERS: Caroline Miller, Executive Director of the Utah Avalanche Center David Reichel, Executive Director of the Sierra Avalanche CenterScott Schell, Executive Director of the Northwest Avalanche CenterBrody Leven, professional chairlift-free adventure skier (moderator)RESOURCES:⁠Winter Wildlands Alliance Action Center⁠ ⁠Subscribe to Winter Wildlands Alliance⁠⁠Winter Wildlands Alliance Stash Blog⁠Find Your Local Avalanche CenterSUPPORTED BY: Outdoor Alliance, REI Co-op, The Mountaineers, Duct Tape Then Beer/Dirt Bag Diaries, High Country News, Phreem Family Brewers, and University of Washington's Pack Forest.CREDITS:Produced and co-hosted by Anneka Williams and Emily ScottEdited by Adam Titmuss Theme music by Rattlesnake Preachers feat. Kerry McClayAdditional Music by Blue Dot Sessions

Sofía Gómez Villafañe is a leading American gravel cyclist who broke through with a win at Unbound Gravel 2022 on her first attempt. The result cemented her place among the top gravel racers in the United States after a nontraditional start that began with a used bike her brother found on Craigslist. Sofía shares how her success is driven by clear goal setting, small process driven steps, and a systematic approach to long term performance. Connect with Sofia:  Instagram Outside Days Eearly Bird Pricing Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Thank you to our sponsors:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Teva Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kai Jones is one of the most talented young backcountry skiers in the U.S., turning professional at just 13 years old. In early 2023, he broke both of his legs in a backcountry skiing accident, spending months in a wheelchair and questioning whether he'd ever return to the sport. Last season marked a major comeback, as Kai became the youngest skier to descend the Otter Body route on Grand Teton and released multiple ski films that document his evolution as a big‑mountain skier. Connect with Kai:  Instagram Outside Days Early Bird Pricing Thank you to our sponsor:  Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Photo Credit: Tucker Adams   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rob Shaver has been living with stage four cancer for over 20 years. He's had multiple recurrences, been through multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and received more than 60 radiation treatments. In 2020, after he finished chemo to fight his third recurrence, Rob started running and ended up running for 1,175 days straight.About the film: The Life We Have is a short film about REI San Antonio employee Rob Shaver, who after two decades living with stage 4 cancer, made a pact to run at least one mile every day until he passes away. This film, his journey, and everything we learn along the way is meant to celebrate Rob, the Shaver family, and all of those inspired to live the life they have. It is a quiet reflection on mortality, resilience, and the choice to “live deeply, live thoroughly and with beautiful effort.” Watch the film: The Life We HaveJoin The Life We Have Strava ClubThank you to our sponsor: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Adventurer Mardi Fuller made history in 2021 as the first Black person to hike all 48 of New Hampshire's 4,000 foot peaks in winter. The White Mountains are defined by steep, exposed trails, deep snow, extreme winds, and rapidly changing weather that demand constant attention to navigation and risk.Connect with Mardi: InstagramThank you to our sponsor:Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The agencies charged with managing our federal public lands have been deeply understaffed and chronically underfunded for decades—even before the current administration's chainsaw approach to government. Many in the public have long been frustrated with the perceived complexity and inefficiency of public process and decision-making. Now, in the wake of the deepest cuts in the history of America's public lands, are there silver linings for the future? Are there (or will there be) opportunities for legitimate reform that might actually improve the ways that public lands agencies balance sustainable recreation management with resource protection and conservation?SPEAKERS: Susan Jane Brown, Principal & Chief Legal Counsel, Silvix ResourcesHilary Eisen, Federal Policy Director, Wild MontanaMegan Birzell, Washington State Director, The Wilderness SocietyModerator: Fitz Cahall, Dirtbag DiariesRESOURCES:⁠Travel Management Rule⁠ Winter Wildlands Alliance Action Center Subscribe to Winter Wildlands AllianceWinter Wildlands Alliance Stash BlogSUPPORTED BY: Outdoor Alliance, REI Co-op, The Mountaineers, Duct Tape Then Beer/Dirt Bag Diaries, High Country News, Phreem Family Brewers,University of Washington's Pack Forest, and Mountain Training CenterCREDITS:Produced and co-hosted by Anneka Williams and Emily ScottEdited by Adam Titmuss Theme music by Rattlesnake Preachers feat. Kerry McClayAdditional Music by Blue Dot Sessions

Brother Phap Luu is a Zen Buddhist monk at Deer Park Monastery in Southern California, founded by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. He co‑authored Hiking Zen, which explores walking and hiking as mindfulness practices that cultivate presence, awareness, and connection to nature. Drawing from monastic life and meditation traditions, Brother Phap Luu shares how slowing down outdoors can help us reconnect with ourselves and the natural world.Listen to: Finding MasteryThank you to our sponsor:Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ariana Luterman is an endurance athlete whose IRONMAN journey began after a year‑long battle with an unexplained illness that left her extremely weak and often bedridden. In 2023, she completed an IRONMAN just ten months into rebuilding her health and went on to pursue a Guinness World Record for finishing six IRONMAN races on six continents within one year.Connect with Ariana: WebsiteInstagramListen to: Finding MasteryThank you to our sponsor:Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Preet Chandi began her polar career in 2021 when she skied solo to the South Pole while hauling a 192 pound sled across Antarctica. At just 37 years old, Preet has already become one of the most accomplished polar explorers of our generation, completing three expeditions to Antarctica and setting a new Guinness World Record each time. She is currently training for a groundbreaking trip to the North Pole, which she hopes to set off for this spring.Connect with Preet: WebsiteInstagramListen to: Finding MasteryThank you to our sponsor:Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anton Krupicka is one of the most iconic ultrarunners and long-distance trail athletes in the U.S. Known for his minimalist approach—shirtless miles, long hair, and a bushy beard—he became a defining figure in the sport. Over nearly three decades, Anton has won the Leadville 100 twice and earned podium finishes at ultramarathons around the world. Beyond racing, he's set 28 fastest known time (FKT) records on notable routes, solidifying his reputation in endurance running.Connect with Anton: InstagramSubstackListen to: Finding MasteryThank you to our sponsor:Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Award-winning journalist Amy Martin has spent years tuning into nature's hidden soundtrack. As the host and creator of Threshold, she explores the intricate ways life communicates beyond human perception. In its latest season, Hark, Amy uncovers how species from birds to dolphins—and even turtles—use sound to share information we're only beginning to understand. Thanks to breakthroughs in acoustic research, these conversations are finally coming into focus.Scientists mentioned: Mike Parsons, Rex Cocroft, and Gabriel Jorgewich CohenPhoto credit: Nick Mott and Jed AllenConnect with Amy: WebsiteSubstackListen to ThresholdListen to: Finding MasteryThank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wasfia Nazreen is a Bangladeshi mountaineer and human rights advocate known for blending adventure with activism. She is the first Bangladeshi to climb the Seven Summits and the only Bengali to summit K2, one of the world's most dangerous peaks. Her expeditions serve as spiritual practice and a platform for women's rights in Bangladesh, earning her National Geographic's Adventurer of the Year in 2014.Connect with Wasfia: WebsiteInstagramListen to: Camp MonstersFinding MasteryThank you to our sponsors: NikonCapital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eric Larsen is a pioneering polar explorer who completed the first-ever summer expedition to the North Pole, navigating thin, unstable sea ice and miles of open water. In 2010, he became the first person to reach both poles and summit Mount Everest within a single year. With decades of experience crossing the Arctic Ocean and Antarctic ice sheet, Eric has become a trusted resource and guide for aspiring polar adventurers.Connect with Eric: WebsiteInstagramPurchase Eric's book, On Thin Ice: An Epic Final Quest into the Melting ArcticListen to: Camp MonstersFinding MasteryThank you to our sponsors: NikonCapital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jennifer Britz is a trail runner based in Bar Harbor, Maine. She spends half the year on Acadia National Park's rugged trails and the other half perfecting her craft on lightweight running snowshoes built for speed. Over the past decade, Britz has dedicated herself to mastering this niche sport, pushing her limits across varied terrain. In 2022, she earned gold at the World Snowshoe Championships in Argentina.Listen to: Camp MonstersFinding MasteryThank you to our sponsors: NikonCapital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Emily Pennington is an REI gear tester and outdoor expert who knows what makes equipment worth the investment. In this holiday gift guide episode, she shares her top picks for the best outdoor gear gifts—whether it's backpacking essentials, ski gear for hitting the slopes, or running gear for everyday adventures. Emily breaks down what matters most when choosing quality gear that lasts, so you can give gifts that the adventurers in your life will love. REI's Holiday Gift Guides: Best Gifts for HikersBest Gifts for CampersBest Gifts for SkiersBest Gifts for SnowboardersBest Gifts for RunnersBest Gifts for Outdoorsy DogsBest Outdoors Gifts Under $50Best Gifts for Outdoorsy KidsConnect with Emily: Website InstagramPurchase a copy of Emily's new book, Feral: Losing Myself and Finding My Way in America's National Parks Listen to: Camp MonstersFinding MasteryThank you to our sponsors: NikonCapital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tyler Turner has always been a bit of a daredevil. He grew up skiing, snowboarding, and eventually became a skydiving instructor. After a 2015 accident resulted in the amputation of both legs, he rebuilt his life around the sports he loves. Today, he's a three-time Para Snowboard Cross World Champion, a Paralympic gold medalist, and the first bilateral amputee to fly in a wingsuit.Connect with Tyler:WebsiteInstagramListen to: Camp MonstersFinding MasteryThank you to our sponsors: NikonCapital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Barrington Scott is a record-holding scuba diver who has spent the last decade exploring the underwater world through snorkeling, scuba, and freediving. He's lived in coastal towns around the globe, diving as often as possible and immersing himself in coral reefs, sea caves, and marine life. In 2024, Barrington set a Guinness World Record for scuba diving on all seven continents.Connect with Barrington:InstagramListen to: Camp MonstersFinding MasteryThank you to our sponsors: NikonCapital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chad Caruso kicked off his wild idea in Venice Beach, California, with a skateboard and a goal: to cross the country on four wheels. Over 57 days, he pushed through deserts, mountain ranges, and extreme weather, ultimately landing in Virginia Beach, Virginia and setting a Guinness World Record for the fastest coast-to-coast skateboarding journey.Connect with Chad:WebsiteInstagramYouTubeListen to: Camp MonstersFinding MasteryTake the 5-minute Listener Survey!Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Hutchinson is a science journalist who explores how technology is reshaping the way we experience the outdoors. While apps can guide us to trailheads and campsites, they can also strip away the thrill of the unexpected.In his recent book, The Explorer's Gene, Alex blends stories of adventure with insights from psychology and neuroscience to show how breaking routine and embracing the unknown can lead to a more meaningful, fun, and productive life.Connect with Alex: WebsiteInstagramPurchase Alex's book, The Explorer's GeneListen to: Camp MonstersOur Common NatureTake the 5-minute Listener Survey!Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Hugh Blane about what the leadership industrial complex has gotten wrong. Hugh Blane is a renowned leadership, athletic, and financial coach with over forty years of coaching experience. Hugh, the founder and principal of Claris Consulting, has coached successful CEOs to transform their leadership, which transforms their culture and results. As a coach, Hugh has generated over $75 million of client and enterprise value over the last ten years, and clients include Sony Pictures, Starbucks, Costco, Stanford University, Nordstrom, REI Co-op, and Wells Fargo.  Check out all of the podcasts in the HCI Podcast Network!

In October 2024, Tracee Metcalfe became the first American woman to climb all 14 of the world's tallest mountains, each towering above 8,000 meters. Her journey demanded years of preparation and survival in some of the most unforgiving conditions—from the deadly slopes of Annapurna to the steep walls of K2. Connect with Tracee:WebsiteInstagramListen to: Camp MonstersOur Common NatureTake the 5-minute Listener Survey!Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jacob Lemanski is a long distance cyclist who embarked on a global journey in 2013 with no set destination, just a desire to see how far his legs could take him. Over two and a half years, he pedaled more than 38,000 miles across 42 countries, driven by curiosity, endurance, and a love for exploration.Connect with Jacob: Instagram YouTubeListen to: Camp MonstersOur Common NatureTake the 5-minute Listener Survey!Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dean is gone, and Oren is left to face whatever lurks beneath Moon Lake. Trapped under an overturned boat, he's dragged toward the depths by something massive beneath the surface.Listen to Mermaid of Moon Lake: Part 1Listen to REI's Wild Ideas Worth Living podcast.This episode is sponsored by REI Co-op. Shop amazing products by REI Co-op in stores or at REI.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nelly Attar has climbed more than 30 notable peaks around the world, including Mount Everest. Her journey to these intense mountaineering expeditions had an unconventional origin: dance. She grew up learning choreography from YouTube and later opened Saudi Arabia's first dance studio. As she explored movement through fitness, weightlifting, and hiking, she built the foundation for high-altitude endurance. In 2022, Nelly became the first Arab to summit K2. Connect with Nelly: WebsiteInstagramListen to: Camp MonstersOur Common NatureTake the 5-minute Listener Survey!Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ron Griswell is an outdoor educator and founder of HBCU's Outside, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting students at historically Black colleges and universities with nature. After taking a gap year from North Carolina A&T State University to work as an adventure guide, Ron discovered a deeper purpose in the outdoors. Motivated by the lack of outdoor opportunities at his HBCU, he launched a movement to make nature more accessible and inclusive. His work continues to inspire the next generation of outdoor leaders.Connect with Ron: InstagramHBCU's website & InstagramBoyz N The Wood InstagramTake the 5-minute Listener Survey!Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rickey Gates is a professional athlete and endurance runner known for redefining what it means to explore on foot. After racing at an elite level, he ran 3,700 miles across America and later completed every street in San Francisco. Nearly seven years later, Rickey is tackling his latest challenge: identifying and running 50 Classic Trails across North America. His adventures go beyond distance—they are a way for him to explore, connect, and see the world in a whole new light.Connect with Rickey: WebsiteInstagramFifty Classic Trails of America website & InstagramTake the 5-minute Listener Survey!Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard®  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nadah Feteih spent years working as a software engineer before discovering a deep passion for the outdoors. As she ventured into running, trekking, and mountaineering, she often found herself as the only woman wearing a hijab on the trail. That experience led Nadah to found Ma'wa Collective, an adventure company dedicated to creating space for Muslim women in the outdoors. Connect with Nadah: WebsiteInstagramMa'wa Collective wesbite & InstagramTake the 5-minute Listener Survey!Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Benchmade Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.