Wild Ideas Worth Living

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.

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.

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.

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 Vote for Wild Ideas Worth Living for Best Branded Podcast! 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.

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 Vote for Wild Ideas Worth Living for Best Branded Podcast! 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 Vote for Wild Ideas Worth Living for Best Branded Podcast! 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Dorian Anderson was a neuroscientist and geneticist with a promising academic career when he made a radical shift: in 2014, he left the lab to pursue a year-long, cross-country birding adventure—on a bicycle. Pedaling nearly 18,000 miles across the U.S., his goal was to spot over 600 bird species while deepening his sobriety, and reconnecting with nature. Connect with Dorian:WebsiteInstagramDorian's book, Birding Under the InfluenceRegister for Camp Monsters LIVE in Denver, ColoradoThank 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.

Jeska Clark is a human performance specialist who studies how people adapt to extreme environments such as high-altitude peaks, sub-zero temperatures, and the intense pressure of deep ocean dives. Her research combines scientific inquiry with personal experience, as she applies insights from her academic work to her own wilderness expeditions. A skilled outdoorswoman, Jeska has completed several ambitious treks and is now preparing to lead the first all Black team to the North Pole.Connect with Jeska: WebsiteInstagramFull-Circle website If you enjoyed this episode, listen to: Veteran Turned Everest Climber with Dom MullinsBikepacking Through History with Erik CedeñoClimbing Mountains & Making History with Philip HendersonRegister for Camp Monsters LIVE in Denver, ColoradoThank 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.

Marlene and Dan Lin have been living on the road full-time for the past 17 years. Alongside their three children and two cats, they’ve driven across the U.S. multiple times, explored over 30 countries in Europe, and road-tripped from California to Patagonia via the Pan-American Highway. What began as a short-term adventure turned into a lifestyle they never anticipated—nearly two decades of life in a camper van. Connect with Marlene & Dan: InstagramYouTubeSubstackThank 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.

Libby DeLana began walking every day at age 50, while juggling her role as co-founder of an ad agency and parenting two teenage boys. What started as a one-month experiment became a 13-year streak of daily walks. Alongside walking, Libby embraced cold plunging as a way to reset her mind and body. These rituals helped her reinvent herself as an author, podcast host, model, and inspiration for others seeking clarity and transformation through movement.Connect with Libby: WebsiteInstagramOrder Libby's new book, Cold JoyThank 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.

Albert Lin is a renowned explorer, scientist, and storyteller. He is best known for his role as the host of multiple National Geographic programs. Together with his team, he uses advanced technologies such as satellites, drones, ground penetrating radar, and cutting edge LiDAR to uncover ancient civilizations around the world.Connect with Albert: WebsiteInstagram Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Terns — used code “WILD” at checkout to receive 25% off your first order. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ann Rose is a farmer living off the grid in rural North Carolina, where she’s spent most of her life deeply connected to the Appalachian Mountains and forests. After a series of droughts made farming more difficult, she found herself stuck and ready for change. At 58, she set out to kayak from North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico. The journey brought unfamiliar waters, unpredictable weather, and more than a few alligators.Connect with Ann: InstagramTikTokYouTubeThank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Terns — used code “WILD” at checkout to receive 25% off your first order. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amy & Dave Freeman are modern-day explorers who have spent over two decades on human-powered wilderness expeditions. In 2010, they completed a 12,000-mile journey across North America by canoe, kayak, and dog sled. Five years later, they lived off the grid for an entire year without re-entering society. No stores, no electricity, no roads, just the two of them, a nylon tent, and the frozen lakes and forests of Northern Minnesota. Connect with Amy & Dave:Website InstagramCheck out Amy & Dave's book, North American Odyssey: 12,000 Miles Across the Continent by Kayak, Canoe, and DogsledThank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Terns — used code “WILD” at checkout to receive 25% off your first order. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Robin Pacquing is a seasoned surfer based near Toronto, Canada, who has spent nearly two decades mastering the waves of the Great Lakes. Braving frigid temperatures and unpredictable swells, she’s become an expert in navigating one of the most unconventional surf scenes in the world. Robin is also the founder of Lake Surfistas, a grassroots organization that connects and supports women of all abilities who surf, SUP, and SUP surf on the Great Lakes.Connect with Robin: Website InstagramLake Surfistas Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Terns — used code “WILD” at checkout to receive 25% off your first order. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Earlier this summer, host Shelby Stanger recorded a live episode of Wild Ideas Worth Living with Alex Honnold at the Outside Festival in Denver, Colorado. Alex is one of the most well-known climbers in the world, best known for his free solo climb of El Capitan— the 3,000-foot vertical wall of granite in Yosemite National Park.In this conversation, Shelby talks to Alex about the projects he’s chasing now, how parenthood has shifted his relationship with adventure, and what his approach to free soloing looks like today.Connect with Alex: WebsiteInstagramHonnold FoundationIf you enjoyed this episode listen to Making Art as a Couple With Jimmy Chin and Chai VasarhelyiThank 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.

Welcome to the Wild Ideas Worth Living Summer Camp Series! In these bonus episodes, we’re exploring camping beyond the traditional tent—from bikepacking and packrafting to camping with kids and dispersed car camping.Felicia Fullwood is an adventure photographer and van lifer who left her corporate career to embrace the freedom of dispersed camping (also known as wild camping) and life on the road. Since her first wild camping trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, she’s built a thriving platform as a content creator, blogger, and outdoor enthusiast. On YouTube and Instagram, Felicia shares practical advice and inspiration for fellow travelers navigating van life and off-grid camping.Connect with Felicia: WebsiteInstagramYouTubeGear & Apparel Mentioned: Mountain Bike Paddle Board Ooni pizza OvenBucket Toilet Garmin InReach MiniThe Public Lands apponX Offroad is the appThank 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.

Adam Pawlikiewicz Mesa is an endurance mountain athlete and bikepacker who has explored remote regions across Latin America and the U.S. After graduating college, he turned down a financial consulting career to pursue a transformative journey on two wheels. Now a full-time athlete and visual storyteller, Adam documents his adventures through Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, capturing the landscapes, cultures, and people he encounters. His work blends endurance travel with powerful storytelling that inspires connection and exploration.Connect with Adam: Website InstagramPhoto credit: Leonardo BrasilThank 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.

Welcome to the Wild Ideas Worth Living Summer Camp Series! In these bonus episodes, we’re exploring camping beyond the traditional tent—from bikepacking and packrafting to camping with kids and dispersed car camping.Kevin Frias is a cyclist and bikepacker who's taken on multi-day adventures through deserts, mountains, and everything in between. Whether he's navigating gnarly weather or unexpected setbacks, Kevin brings a steady optimism to the ride. His motto? A good map and a good attitude can take you a long way. In this episode, Kevin breaks down the essentials of bikepacking—from planning your first trip to the gear he trusts most on the trail.Connect with Kevin: Instagram YouTubeGear & Apparel Mentioned: Gravel BikesMountain BikesBackpacking TentsHammock tentDaypacksPanniersJetboilDry BagsZpacks Tent & Sleeping QuiltNEMO Tensor Sleeping PadKatadyn BeFree Water FilterSleeping Bag LinerBike Patch KitBike toolsCheck out this Bikepacking Checklist!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 collectio

Mina Guli is a water advocate and ultrarunner who has dedicated her life to solving one of the world’s most urgent issues—the global water crisis. She runs marathons all over the world to raise awareness, logging thousands of miles across deserts and along rivers to change the way people, companies, and governments think about water.Connect with Mina:WebsiteInstagramThank 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.