Roadtrip season is almost here which means it’s time to load up your phone with some new podcasts. If you’ve exhausted all the public radio classics like This American Life, Fresh Air, Invisibilia, and Serial, I have some outdoor-related podcasts to add to your repertoire.
Freedom to Focus: Sponsored by Sterling Rope, this monthly podcast series is hosted by professional rock climber and co-star of The Dawn Wall, Kevin Jorgeson. Each podcast episode features a detailed account of incredible experiences from people who work and play at heights: climbers, arborists, firefighters, rope access technicians ,and utility workers. The first episode features one of my favorite women, Angela Hawse – legendary climber and guide, as she shares her experience as the Deputy Leader of the first Adaptive Climb of Mount Everest in 1998 by Tom Whittaker.
Wild Rye Radio: Wild Rye Radio shares stories of female entrepreneurs and their journeys that have gotten them to where they are today. In the most recent episode, the Wild Rye team interview Corinne Prevot, founder of the accessories powerhouse, Skida. Corinne got her start hand-sewing hats for her nordic ski teammates at Burke Mountain academy. Almost a decade later, Corinne has built a Burlington, VT bases brand and a team that continues to produce one of the must-have accessories for skiers around the world.
The Build Cycle: Host Tyler Benedict, founder of the website Bikerumor, interviews a variety of adventurous entrepreneurs. Ever wonder how someone went from concept to full blown business? Or how they came up with the idea in the first place? These are the stories from people that do it, day in and day out. It’s the where, what, why, when and how of starting a business.
Paceline: Paceline is a cycling podcast aimed at roadies, mountain bikers, commuters, cyclocross enthusiasts , those who grind gravel—indeed anyone who claims cycling for their own. Hosted by Fatty of Fat Cyclist fame along with Patrick Brady and Michael Hotten of Red Kite Prayer, each episode explores a wide range of topics from the role of bikes in society to nerding out on bike gear.
She Explores: I had the opportunity to interview She Explores founder Gale Straub for another project and fell in love with her stories on women using their creative talents to interpret the outdoors in unique ways — whether it be through painting, photography, or even farming. In 60+ episodes, she’s talked to entrepreneurs, creatives, activists, enthusiasts, and everyday women, all who are inspired and impacted by the outdoors.
The First 40 Miles: If you are new to backpacking or just want to know what all the fuss is about, then this podcast is for you. Hosts Heather and Josh Legler talk about the essentials, how to lighten your load, and how to make the most of your time on the trail.
Any more recommendations out there?