Outdoor Minimalist

In episode 88 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we do an overview of what a refillary is, why they should be more prevalent in the United States, and how Kerry Jones started Suds Refillery when she saw the need for more sustainable innovations in her community.

Refill shops or refilleries are popping up all over the country. Suds Refillery is an eco friendly shop located, in the Kansas City area, providing refillable products for your home and body, in an effort to help folks reduce their household plastic waste. Most refilleries focus on non toxic products and products that are packaged in refillable or compostable containers.  

In episode 87 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are returning to the foundational concepts of minimalism and mindfulness. Minimalism looks different for everyone, and our life experiences impact our lifestyle choices. To dive deeper into how minimalism can change how we live our lives and how minimizing your life can effectively reduce stress, I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with Becca Ploener. 

Becca is a whitewater kayak instructor, health and life coach, She works with women who feel overworked, burnt out, and like they have no time for themselves. She helps bring intention back into folk's lives so that they can reconnect with their true, adventurous, authentic selves and get back to doing the things they love.  

Do you have dietary restrictions that prevent you from being able to eat pre-made backpacking meals? Or do you need help finding backpacking recipes that fit your special dietary needs? 

In episode 86 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, you’ll hear how one woman created and implemented accessible backpacking and camping meals for her family that fit all of their diets. Backpacking meals don’t have to be expensive or complicated to plan. You just need to know where to start. 

In episode 85 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting about all things grizzly bears and being bear-aware when recreating outside. I have a healthy fear of bears of all varieties, and I learned so much chatting with today’s guest whose expertise can help us enjoy time outside while respecting the places that bears call home.

Garrett Tovey is a wildlife biologist / educator / long-distance backpacker working to train educators in Glacier National Park and the surrounding Flathead National Forest. He has extensive experience working with and around grizzly bears and focuses on teaching park visitors how to remain safe while in bear country.

In episode 84 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we explore the idea of taking ownership of your influence through action. Every single one of us, no matter our reach, has an influence within our community. So, how can we, as individuals, harness the power of our influence to take ownership of our lives and how we spend our time?

To explain how she did this in her own life, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sensi Graves.

Sensi is a professional kiteboarder, confidence expert, and women’s empowerment speaker. She’s also the founder of a sustainable swimwear line, Sensi Graves Swim. She helps people feel like they’re enough now by sharing the story of becoming a pro kiteboarder and starting a business before she believed she could. When not traveling for photoshoots or speaking gigs, Sensi runs women’s kiteboarding retreats and camps and mentors women on confidence and business. Her mission is to help people that look successful on the outside feel successful on the inside.

In episode 83 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with two individuals working together to create more equity in the workplace and answering the question: how are people a part of sustainability in the outdoor industry?

Respect Outside founders Gina McClard, J.D., and Jim Miller recognized the need for consulting and employee trainings designed for the kinds of bold and adventurous individuals who make their home in the outdoors industry, and so they endeavored to develop a curriculum based on a philosophy of respect and equity and in the workplace. #EquityThroughAction

Audio provided courtesy of Amy Buschatz, creator and host of the Humans Outside podcast.

The more time you spend outside, the more you might be thinking about doing what you can to make sure the thing you love so much -- nature -- is taken care of and around for others to enjoy, too. It’s a bummer to watch something you enjoy so much disappear or be carelessly shoved aside.

In episode 81 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Chris Christie about adventure, finding your passions, and what defines us as humans during every phase of our lives. I really enjoyed my conversation with Chris and his insights about building character and living life to ensure we have no regrets as we grow old.

After being an outdoor industry leader for over 30 years, Chris has decided to combine his passions for being outside and positively impacting this world. Enter 2023 and The Mill...a new social media platform that inspires people to live their adventures TODAY and empowers them to make it happen. To kick off the new platform, Chris is embarking on Character Walk 2023 and walking from North Carolina to Maine to raise money and awareness of seven amazing animal rescues along the route as part of the Character Giving program within the platform.

In episode 80 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are returning to the topic of product design. For this episode specifically, I had the pleasure of interviewing a product developer and entrepreneur in the outdoor industry that found she felt underrepresented when it came to gear, so she did something to change that.

Charlotte Young Bowens, the founder of Conscious Gear, is passionate about celebrating body diversity in the outdoors. So much so she has made it her mission to use a design aesthetic centered on taller, curvier, and bigger bodies to create outerwear and outdoor gear with input from the consumers, she hopes to serve.

A long-time outdoor enthusiast from Ann Arbor, Michigan, she currently resides in Tempe, Arizona, where she works at Arizona State University as the Administrative Director of an engineering research center. She loves music, art, writing, needlework, gear design, and being creative.

Growing her startup has taken up much of her time and has generated over $50,000 in non-dilutive capital through pitching events and participation in outdoor accelerators. The company will go to market with the world’s first ultralight hydration vest called VestaPak, designed by and for bigger bodies in the Summer of 2023. It’s true that she’s totally committed to the company, but she hopes to get back into doing her real love of ultramarathons, triathlons, and other CrossFit events in the not-so-distant future.

In episode 79 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss backpacking meals. We’ve discussed backcountry eating in terms of planning and low-waste efforts, but what goes into the manufacturing of pre-made backpacking meals?

As someone that only recently started to try backpacking meals, I had a lot of questions about sourcing, packaging materials, and the general carbon footprint of these convenient backcountry options. There are so many backpacking food companies out on the market today it is hard to know what will taste good and which companies are also considering their environmental impact while they craft their meals. For me, the best place to start was to sit down with the CEO, Duane Primozich, and one of the founders, Soraya Smith, of Backpacker’s Pantry, a pioneer company in the world of backpacking food.

With more than 20 years of natural food experience, Duane joined the Backpacker's Pantry team in the Fall of 2022 as CEO. Prior to joining American Outdoor Products (AOP), the parent company of Backpacker’s Pantry, Duane had a decades-long career founding, building, advising, and sitting on the Boards of more than 20 natural foods companies. He has been involved with Silk Soymilk, EPIC Provisions, Hope Foods, REBBL, High Brew Coffee, Bonafide Provisions, Bobo’s Oat Bars, and several others, while also having co-founded Pixie Mate, a Boulder-based Yerba Mate tea brand and two natural foods-focused investment funds. Duane is committed to furthering Backpacker’s Pantry’s commitment to sustainability, the environment, the preservation of wilderness, and sustainable food industry practices.

With over a decade of product and recipe development for Backpacker’s Pantry, Soraya Smith is a passionate advocate for the outdoors and food. Luckily, she gets to marry these two interests in her work. Soraya is President of the company’s Board of Directors, she is licensed through the Colorado Bar Association and is an accredited culinary professional. Her expertise in food innovation and passion for our planet’s sustainability guide her work in addressing sustainable supply chain, food insecurity, and outdoors access as personal goals.

In episode 78 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we return to some of the 7Rs of Outdoor Minimalism: rehome and repurpose. If you’ve listened to some of the earliest episodes, then you may be familiar with them, but if you haven’t heard those episodes or read the book, 

The 7R's of Outdoor Minimalism include: 

So, in this episode, we are focusing on the 5th R: rehome/repurpose. These two are grouped because, by the time we get to the point in our gear’s life where it no longer serves us, we have a few choices: throw it away, recycle it, or repurpose it. However, sometimes, our gear is still fully functional by the time we are done using it, which is where rehoming comes into play. Both rehoming and repurposing aim to give the gear new life and divert it from the landfill. 

To help give us some perspective and new ideas on repurposing, I interviewed Martin Armitage. 

In episode 77 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss eco-anxiety. If you’re someone that experiences anxiety regularly, then you may relate to this episode quite a lot. And while anxiety, in general, can come from a variety of places, eco-anxiety is defined as the “extreme worry about current and future harm to the environment caused by human activity and climate change.”

I am not a psychologist, and neither is my guest; however, we are individuals who have experienced eco-anxiety and adopted ways to manage it in our daily lives. Because of our first-hand experience, we felt comfortable diving into this topic and sharing how it has impacted our lives. The information shared is not meant to diagnose or eliminate anxiety for listeners. If you are struggling with anxiety or other mental health concerns, we recommend seeking guidance from a therapist or other mental health professional. 

With that, I’d like to introduce today’s guest: Margo Stoney. 

Margo is a Montana-based graphic designer and runs a design studio called High Mountain Creative. She helps conservation nonprofits and sustainable-minded brands increase their impact through visual storytelling. She’s a small business member of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and is a proud participant of the “Adopt-a-highway” litter pickup program in Montana. She’s collaborated with nonprofits like The Nature Conservancy, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and The National Forest Foundation.

Learn more about Meg's background, how she got into writing, and the origins of the Outdoor Minimalist book in her interview with Jeremy Lux, host of the Life in Motion podcast. 

In episode 75 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are returning to the topic of dogs. Since I know many listeners enjoy the company of a canine companion, I find it necessary to share tips and insights about how we can create a more sustainable environment for our dogs so they can thrive.

In episode 74 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss litter cleanups. In one of my earliest episodes, I interviewed Bill and Steve, founders of National Cleanup Day and Clean Trails, where they discussed the importance of keeping our trails clean and how land-based litter makes its way into the ocean. So, in this episode, we are elaborating on many of those ideas, but more specifically, we learn how you can start a cleanup program in your community.   

To guide us through this discussion, I had the pleasure of interviewing Brian Bell, founder of Keep Virginia Cozy. Keep Virginia Cozy is a nonprofit organization based in Richmond, VA, dedicated to protecting and preserving Virginia’s public lands and wild spaces. They do this through tangible actions such as hosting cleanups and educational outreach programs.  

In episode 73 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are talking about wild horses. More specifically, we discuss wild horse conservation and the issues and conflicts surrounding the wild horse populations inhabiting the Western United States.   

I was lucky enough to be joined by two of the three women that created Women in the Wilderness: Katherine Boucher and Louisa Behnke.  

Women in the Wilderness is a group of three women creating a documentary to educate the public about wild horses on America's public lands. The three completed a month-long horse packing trip across Wyoming with nine mustangs while interviewing experts about the wild horse issue along the way. Their mission is to educate as many people as possible about wild horses.  

In episode 72 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are talking about deadstock. For listeners who don’t know, deadstock is a standard part of the textile industry and creates a lot of waste. We have mentioned it here on the show before, but I had the pleasure of chatting with Nicole Wilson so she could put the extent of the problem into perspective.  

Nicole is a fashion designer with over a decade of experience in the industry. She has always been an animal lover and proud rescue advocate and was inspired to create a sustainable business that would benefit both animals and the environment.

In 2019, she launched Hudson Houndstooth - a small-batch pet brand specializing in stylish and functional accessories made from repurposed fabric sourced from the fashion industry that would otherwise go to a landfill.

In episode 71 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I discuss a few differences between a linear, reuse, and circular economy. Several guests on the show have discussed these concepts to some degree, but I wanted to combine the ideas into one short and sweet episode to make the ideas easier to digest. 

In episode 70 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are talking about recycling! I’ve had a few guests on the show that have shed some light on recycling, but not quite to this depth yet. Today’s guest, Amanda Close, is an expert in all things waste streams and is here to answer the question: what happens after we recycle?

Amanda Close is the Education and Outreach Manager at Waste Loop and works with local communities, schools, and businesses to reduce, reuse, repair, repurpose, recycle and, most importantly, rethink their waste streams. Waste Loop is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit based in the Wenatchee Valley of Central Washington with a mission to inspire communities to transform their 'waste' into resources. They envision a world where the concept of 'waste' no longer exists.

In episode 69, I am talking about greenwashing. We have talked about greenwashing a fair bit on the show. Some of the episodes that go into more depth about greenwashing include:

In episode 67 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are jumping back into the topic of apparel but with a new spin. We love talking about textiles and textile production on the show, but today we are approaching it from a new perspective. For this episode, I sat down with Jeremy Lux, the creator of Illumine Collect to discuss how their outdoor brand is making outdoor recreation more accessible to adventurers of all demographics across the United States.

Jeremy grew up with a love for action sports, the outdoors and travel. As he got older he wanted to find a way to help others experience the same opportunities he did, which inspired him to start Illumine Collect. They create adventure inspiring apparel to build outdoor communities that give back. To date Illumine has donated over $28,000 to nonprofits that are making the outdoors more accessible, sustainable and welcoming.

In episode 66 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are celebrating 2022 coming to a close. This year, I wanted to celebrate 2022 coming to a close by recapping our top five episodes that were released this year. If this is your first time listening, this is a great place to start because you get to hear a few clips from each one and then you can go back to hear the full episodes!

Of the episodes that were released in 2022, these five had the most streams:

In episode 65 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are talking about biodiversity, biodiversity loss, and what we can do to improve the biodiversity in our backyards. To help guide this conversation and share his expertise, I was joined by Dillion Jones. 

Dillon is a biologist and Science Communicator interested in uncovering the secrets of biodiversity! His Science Communication efforts go in-depth about wildlife conservation, break down evolutionary theory, or highlight the incredible array of life on our planet. You can find him on Instagram under the name DillonTheBiologist.

In episode 64 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are talking about wildfires. I have been wanting to do more ecology based content on the show because I think it balances out a lot of the production content really well. Plus, it’s super fun and interesting to learn about!

As we will discuss in the interview, wildfires are a somewhat misunderstood natural occurrence and is one that is often vilified in the media. To explain how and why wildfires exist in nature along with some of her personal experiences and observations, I had the pleasure of interviewing Robin Lee Carlson.

Robin is an author and natural science illustrator. After studying evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz and the University of Chicago, she spent many years working on stream habitat restoration projects in California. She is most interested in how landscapes and ecological communities change over time, and her artwork is grounded in observing and documenting the world around her as it unfolds. Her first book, The Cold Canyon Fire Journals, was just published this year and her work has also appeared in The Common and Arnoldia.

In episode 63 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are taking an inside look into what it takes to change product packaging design. This process likely looks different for every company, but today we get to learn from one company's experience as they moved from plastic packaging to a more sustainable steel container.

To break down what went into this process and how they landed on this packaging change, I had the pleasure of hosting Shannon O’Grady.

Shannon O'Grady has her Ph.D. in nutritional physiology from the University of Utah and is the Chief Product Officer of Gnarly Nutrition, a Salt Lake-based sports supplement company whose focus is to create clean, natural and effective supplements for active individuals.  Her research in nutritional physiology and her own obsession with sports nutrition has made her a strong spokesperson in the space of nutrition for athletes of all disciplines. A mother of two and competitive athlete herself, Shannon is continuously looking at the crossroads between training and nutrition for insights on improving performance, reducing injury and increasing longevity.

In episode 62 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we get to chat about gear repair. We have discussed gear repair in the past on the show, but for this episode we get to go a bit more in depth to learn what you should carry in a backcountry gear repair kit, how to save money on gear purchases by learning a few easy repairs, and how to prevent gear failures from happening as often.

To help explain all of these things and more, I had the pleasure of hosting Whitney La Ruffa.

Whitney "Allgood" La Ruffa has a long history of long-distance hiking. His first thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail was in 1996 and since then he has logged over 10,000 miles on long-distance trails and routes in the US and abroad. When not slogging miles out on the trail "Allgood" spends his time working at his job as VP of Sales and Marketing for Six Moon Designs, and as the Independent Director for FarOut guides.  "Allgood" is also the President Emeritus of ALDHA-West (American Long Distance Hiking Association-West), a non-profit focused on educating others on long-distance hiking and the home of the Triple Crown of Hiking.

Ways you can cut down on waste during your holiday celebrations this year.

Topics discussed in this episode:

In episode 60 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are talking about the impact technology has had on outdoor recreation and how we experience outdoor adventures. There are both positives and negatives to technology in the outdoor industry, and just like technology, the industry is always growing and changing.

To help me dive into the outdoor impacts of technology, I welcomed Garrett Stevens to the show.

Garrett has taken a winding path, from a career in marketing and advertising to pursuing a passion for the high and wild places of the world as a mountain guide. He grew up in North Carolina, and discovered a love for the mountains while in college. He moved to Montana to live and play in the incredible landscapes there, and has traveled and worked throughout the US, Europe, and South America. Currently working as a marketer for a software company, Garrett enjoys backpacking, hiking, hunting, skiing, and all things outdoors.

Bill Nye the Science Guy said it best, “the main thing you can do about climate change isn’t recycling– it’s voting.”

That’s why in episode 59 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I am going to discuss a few of the ways you can use your voice to vote for the environment. Now, I want to be clear, since politics can often be polarizing, I am not going to tell you who to vote for or who I support. I am simply going to overview a few of the standout environmental issues to pay attention to and how to identify candidates in your state that support important environmental policies and ideas.

In episode 58 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are returning to one of my favorite topics of discussion: textiles. We are expanding on several other episodes that have dove into textile production in the outdoor industry as well as what it means to have a circular production model.

To help me expand on these ideas, I had the pleasure of chatting with Bill Johnston.

Bill is the founder and president of Recover Brands, a North Carolina-based sustainable apparel company. Recover Brands is a mission-driven company that creates environmentally friendly and socially responsible products. From producing premium garments from start to finish all in one facility to where and how the product is locally made, Recover Brands’ renewably sourced collections deliver an innovative solution for a better tomorrow.

Here are some tips and tricks I've come across to help minimize waste during your Halloween celebrations. Now, I don't know all of the best practices to cut out waste during the holidays, but this is a good place to start. 

What are some ways you cut down on waste this Halloween? Follow me on Instagram @outdoor.minimalist.book and comment on this episode's post.  

In episode 55 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we talk about stewardship marketing, public land access for varying user groups, and how we can use our strengths to make a collective impact for good. Any type of branding and brand marketing is always super interesting to me, and I was really excited when the idea for this episode was brought to my attention by Becky Marcelliano. 

Becky is the Senior Access and Stewardship Marketing Manager for OnX. Her love of the outdoors started in the hills of New Jersey, but bigger mountains drew her to the Mountain West, where she’s spent the last two decades doing a multitude of things, including teaching environmental education, guiding wilderness travel trips, and managing marketing teams for various outdoor brands in the industry. She’s driven by human connection, our wild places, and purpose-driven initiatives. She’s a Jane-of-all-trades adventurer, master of none. Find her hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, off-roading, or throwing a fly rod on any given day.

In episode 54 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we get to discuss the topic of outdoor education and the importance of spending time outdoors not only for our physical health but for our mental health.

We are diving into some of the ways that a lack of access to outdoor play can especially impact young children, how access to nature stunts learning, and how a fear of nature has grown into a more common learned behavior. To help us dive into this topic, I had the pleasure of hosting Kenny Peavy.

Kenny is a science teacher and outdoor educator originally from the USA. He's been living in Southeast Asia for the last 20+ years exploring the rainforests of Malaysia, Indonesia & Thailand. He's ridden a bamboo bicycle from Thailand to Bali to raise awareness for sustainability and he's published an illustrated children's book entitled The Box People with the message to get out of the boxes of our daily lives and get outside to connect with Nature!

In episode 53 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are answering a listener question. How do you talk about outdoor minimalism with friends and family who don’t know much about these topics or don’t agree with the ideas?

First off, I love this question. Second, if you have a specific topic or question, please feel free to message me, email me, or submit an episode request on theoutdoorminimalist.com

For most outdoor recreationists, the concepts in the outdoor minimalist book are ones that we can agree on. But when it comes to minimizing your environmental impact, it can reach into areas of our lives like the food we eat, the clothes we buy, and how we interact with nature in general. These things can require behavioral changes that not everyone in your life may be comfortable with or even willing to ever do. 

So, if that sounds like someone you know, how can you introduce these ideas in an approachable way and might stir up a constructive conversation?

To help me with this episode, I am excited to have my older brother and audio editor, Alex, on the show. We will go over some different approaches to help introduce outdoor minimalism to people of all backgrounds and ways of life. 

In episode 52 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, I answer listener questions! 

Some of your questions have expansive answers, so I couldn't go into great detail, but more resources are provided below. If you want to listen to just one question, reference the time stamp next to the questions. 

In episode 51 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we once again are talking about dogs. I know we have a lot of dog content on this show, and that is because bringing our pets outside has a huge impact on those local ecosystems. So, as responsible pet owners, it is helpful to have the right tools and knowledge when heading outside.

For this specific episode, though, we are focusing more on the things that help set your dog up for success on the trail and the training tips that may help keep you, your dog, and the environment safe on your next hike. A part of preserving and enjoying outdoor spaces is respecting them, and while I love watching my dogs enjoy these natural spaces, some things, like staying on trails, help keep them open for public use, protect our pets, and preserve flora and fauna.

So, to help break down some of the most important training tips you can have when hiking with dogs, I’d like to introduce Stephanie Rombough.

Stephanie is the trainer and owner at Happy Hounds Dog Training in Edmonton, Alberta. Steph offers both obedience and behavioral training using force-free methods. Today we’re going to be talking about hiking with your dog, which Stephanie does all the time with her corgi/heeler cross, Nirah.

To celebrate our 50th episode and the release of the Outdoor Minimalist book on September 1, 2022, here is an exclusive sneak peak into the book itself. 

Listen in and enjoy an audiobook style reading of the Outdoor Minimalist introduction. Read by Meg Carney. 

In episode 49 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are building off last week’s episode. Now, both are stand-alone episodes, but if you haven’t already, I think you will likely get more out of this one if you listen to episode 48: can a company be 100% circular?

So, in this episode, we are diving into the topic of sustainability transparency reports. These are essentially a yearly report card that a company puts out that overviews their environmental impact across a product's entire production and life cycle, from extraction to disposal. To help break this down a bit more, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jordi Beneyto-Ferre, the Senior Manager of Global Materials and Sustainability at Icebreaker, a VF company.

Jordi has 13 years of experience in sportswear development and innovation within leading global brands (Puma, Adidas, icebreaker). Industrial engineer and industrial designer by trade.

His vision is for the apparel industry to stop being part of the problem and become an active part of the solution. He envisions a world where petrochemical synthetics are no longer needed because there are much better natural and renewable alternatives that can deliver the same or better functionality. He wants a world where every garment can be traced back all the way to the place where the fiber was grown and to the people who were part of that journey.

In episode 48 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss what it means to have a circular product range as a company and how to get there. If you aren’t sure what a circular product range or a circular economy is, that’s okay; my guest Niclas Bornling overviews all of this and much more.

Niclas is an international Swede that has lived and worked in France and the US, currently living in Portland, OR—married to an amazing woman from Portland and father of two boys. He has spent most of his career in the outdoor and sports industry. Together with sailing and skiing, one of his biggest passions is the concept of a brand and how this intangible thing can connect on an emotional level with people. He hates the word “consumer” and envies people who believe. One day he’ll start a blog, and it will be called ”I don’t know.”

In episode 47 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we get to talk about one of my favorite topics once again: dogs! We have covered a fair number of dog-related topics including trail etiquette, hiking with small dogs, and even the impacts of the pet food industry. So, in this episode, we discuss how other areas of the pet industry and pet parent consumption impacts the environment.

To help give us some pointers on how to lessen the impacts of having a canine companion, I had the pleasure of chatting with Briahna Hendey, the creator of Boba the Sustainable Mutt.

Briahna is an environmental social scientist who is passionate about bringing meaningful discussions of sustainable living to the dog community. Drawing upon her experiences working in the domains of sustainability, well-being, and conservation education in a zoo setting, Briahna hopes to spread the message that a fulfilling life with dogs needn’t compromise the environment.

In episode 46 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we overview some common talking points a vegan and a hunter may encounter in a conversation together.

Unlike most conversations or should I say debates between “carnivores” and vegans, my guest, Ben Paige, and I decided to frame the conversation surrounding our similarities instead of differences. That’s not to say that there weren’t things we don’t agree on, but instead of focusing on the areas in which we will never align, we wanted to take a closer look at the places we agree and can work better together for a collective good.

Ben Paige is a Conservation Driven Marketer, that helps State Fish & Wildlife Agencies navigate the future and adopt modern marketing technologies like CRM’s and CDP’s coupled with Data Strategies, Marketing Automations, Attribution models and Customer Journey Builds to help create better relationships between people, state agencies and ultimately the resource.

In episode 45 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we get to talk about another exciting initiative! If you listened to last week’s episode, then you know we discussed the 30x30 initiative among several other national and California specific initiatives. Anyway, in this episode we are chatting about the Zero Landfill Initiative that has been going on for a few years in select National Parks.

I hadn’t heard much of anything about this until my guests today brought it to my attention.

Patrice and Justin La Vigne are writers and environmental educators who live outside of Denali National Park in Alaska. From 2018-2020, they were Zero Landfill Initiative Traveling Trainers for the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and Subaru of America, traveling around the United States doing outreach and education in the three national parks working to become zero landfill.

In episode 44 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we discuss the 30x30 Initiative introduced by the Biden Administration. This initiative is essentially a national goal to conserve at least 30% of the US lands and freshwater and 30% of the US ocean areas by 2030. 

We aren’t only talking about that, though. We will discuss the Recreate Responsibly Campaign and many other amazing initiatives in California. I was excited to hear about these goals and initiatives, and I am even more excited to introduce someone currently working to achieve them. 

Lexie Gritlefeld is on a mission to make the outdoors welcome for all to explore. After working for a U.S. Congresswoman, Lexie discovered a particular interest for outdoor recreation and conservation policy and she decided to follow that passion, which has led her to be the only staff member for a newer non-profit organization, California Outdoor Recreation Partnership (CORP). CORP represents 80+ outdoor industry businesses and organizations in policy advocacy issues. The main sponsors are REI and The North Face. Their top priorities include equitable access, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and climate change resiliency.

Within this podcast episode, we discuss topics that may be upsetting or triggering to some listeners. Topics such as abortion, maternal mortality rate, racism, sexism, white supremacy, and white nationalism will be mentioned.

Featuring Kia Guarino (she/her), the executive director at Pro-Choice Washington; the lead organization focused on political and legislative advocacy for reproductive freedom in Washington state. Kia has a background in global health and international development, economics, policy, and advocacy, having worked at several global organizations, including Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Albright Stonebridge Group, the Clinton Foundation, and Amnesty International. She is dedicated to the advancement of reproductive rights and social justice.

In episode 42 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we discuss the pros and cons of buying used outdoor equipment. In a few of my earlier episodes, including renting vs buying gear and saving money living sustainably, we chat briefly about used gear and the benefits they provide both financially and for the environment.

There are countless benefits of buying used gear, and to help me discuss how to do it tactfully, I had the pleasure of hosting Brian and Laura, the founders of Colchuck Consignment.

Colchuck Consignment is North Central Washington’s source for high quality used outdoor gear. They believe in keeping useful gear in use and out of the landfill, while making the outdoors more affordable and accessible for everyone.

In episode 41 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we get to talk about plants. More specifically, we do a deep dive into plants within a desert ecosystem and how to recreate in a way that respects the native flora and fauna.

To educate us on this important topic, I had the pleasure of hosting a dear friend of mine, Jessica Esplin.

Born in the heart of Southern Utah. Her family instilled a sense of wonder and respect for the outdoors while adventuring on the outskirts of Zion National Park. Working in the Outdoor Industry created a platform for her to travel for work and play. She soon realized another passion lay in the ecology of her home environment, the desert.

Currently working and living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Jess works with The Arboretum to preserve, conserve and showcase the Colorado Plateaus flora & fauna. Through her fieldwork she has seen, more than ever, the need to preserve the fragile environments we all love. Whether you raise cattle, off-road, climb, or camp, we all play a part in these ecosystems. From the Sandstone Towers of the Colorado Plateau, the great cacti of the Sonoran, and the wonders of the Mojave, Jessica's unique perspective can teach us about the importance of preserving these lands.

In episode 40 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we discuss the process of becoming minimalist. Minimalism is very much an individual journey, but many people will experience overlapping challenges and hurdles along the way. 

Although I’ve talked about this in previous episodes to some extent, to share her story and give some practical advice on sustaining a minimalist lifestyle, I had the pleasure of hosting Aaron Owens Mayhew. 

Aaron is a registered dietitian and ultralight long-distance backpacker with nearly 20 years of experience as a hiker and nutrition expert. In 2017, she quit her job and began preparing for her first thru-hike. During this process, Aaron realized how uniquely qualified she was to plan and prepare meals for outdoor athletes and decided to put her skills to the test.

That same year, she founded Backcountry Foodie, an online ultralight recipes and meal planning platform. Since then, Aaron has dedicated her career to helping thousands of hikers enjoy delicious food and improve their performance in the backcountry. She focuses on ultralight, low-volume recipes and meal plans specially formulated for endurance athletes.

In episode 39 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we get to talk about eating insects. While I’d love to do an episode on insect proteins in a human diet, today we are going to focus on insect proteins, our pets, and the planet.

There is a lot to be said about dog nutrition and the impact our pet’s diets have on the environment. To help make this topic a bit more palatable, I had the pleasure of chatting with Wesley Cooper, the co-founder of Neo Bites.

Neo Bites is a company on a mission to accelerate the shift towards sustainable animal nutrition through insect protein. Neo Bites is the product of Wesley’s desire to play a pivotal role in the fight against climate change. During his time working in the food and beverage industry in NYC, his life-long passion for sustainability led him to learn more about the climate impact of our chosen protein sources. It was during this time that he was introduced to insect protein, and Neo Bites came to fruition shortly after.

In episode 38 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we do a deep dive into a topic that I’ve been wanting to learn more about for quite some time but wasn’t sure where to look. 

We are discussing solvent-based coatings. These are the waterproof and abrasion resistant coatings that we apply on a lot of our outdoor textiles from tents to backpacks, pants, and more.

Solvent-based coatings have quite the impact environmentally and socially. Luckily I had the pleasure of talking with someone that is working to help shift the industry away from toxic solvent based coatings to a safer alternative.

Gabriella Whittaker is a relatively new member of the outdoor industry professionally, but she has been an avid participant in the outdoors since before she could walk. She grew up skiing and climbing in the mountains of Washington and Idaho, and her time spent in nature fueled a passion for protecting these environments. Now, she has found a space for her love of sustainability to make an impact on the outdoor industry through PolyCore Solutions.

Is a zero-waste backpacking trip possible? What about a zero-waste thru-hike?

Well, you are about to find out. In episode 37 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we get to hear tips on how to have a low-waste thru-hike from someone that has done it: Ana Lucía Valencia

Ana Lucía (aka Eco) is a hiker from Mexico who in 2021 set out to complete a zero-waste thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. Her love for being outdoors has made her develop a close and respectful relationship with nature; she wishes to share and inspire others to do the same.

In episode 36 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss how you can start building outdoor time into your daily life and how spending more time outdoors could be good for you and the planet. To help me do that, I had the pleasure of hosting Amy Bushatz.

Amy Bushatz is the host of the Humans Outside podcast, a project inspired by her ongoing personal experiment to test what happens if you spend a certain amount of time outside every single day. With more than 1,600 days of that habit logged and counting, Amy shares her experiences and connects listeners with inspiring outdoor-minded guests from her home in Palmer, Alaska. Amy and her husband Luke are joined on their outdoor adventures by their two sons and two dogs.

In episode 35 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss what constitutes an ethical gear purchase and how consumers can make those decisions easier. One of my earliest episodes featured Mary Swanson of Lava Linens, and she shed light on identifying sustainable product materials.

Although this is a stand-alone episode, I recommend listening to episode 3: how to identify sustainable product materials, for even more tips on being a conscious consumer.

To help break down how we as consumers can make more ethical purchases in every area of our life, but outdoor recreation, in particular, I am excited to introduce Marie Wilson.

Marie Wilson is an outdoor and environmental writer. Her writing focuses on the intersectionality of sustainability, climate action, and the outdoor industry. She works to make sustainability in the outdoors more accessible while also highlighting the environmental responsibility that comes with exploring outdoor spaces.

In episode 34 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are talking about dogs once again!

Usually, when we are on the trail, we are used to seeing large or medium-sized dogs, but dogs of all sizes enjoy hiking and playing outside. If you are someone with a small dog and you want to integrate them into your outdoor activities, this is the episode for you.

As you know, I am a very proud dog mom to three large dogs, and although I might have a few tips about hiking with dogs, I’m definitely not an expert and I am very uneducated when it comes to working with smaller breeds. That’s why I was excited to sit down and chat with Jessica Williams and get her tips for taking small dogs on outdoor adventures.

In episode 33 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we are talking about shoes. This episode was actually born from a listener question! I had someone message me and ask:

“Can you do a post or an episode about shoes? Specifically tennis shoes for people who are on their feet a lot, like runners or nurses. I find that I want new shoes every 3-6 months as a nurse. Is that the normal lifetime for shoes? Can you tell me which materials are best and what might last longer or be better for the Earth?”

This is a really hard topic honestly, and there isn’t necessarily a cut-and-dry answer. Luckily, I had a chance to talk with Steven Sashen of Xero Shoes about his journey in the shoe industry and what he recommends we look for.

If you remember, Steven joined me in one of my most popular episodes, “Greenwashing in the Outdoor Industry.” He had so many great insights and the listener response has been great, which is why I’m happy to welcome him back.

For those that haven’t listened to that episode, Steven Sashen is a serial entrepreneur who has never had a job, a former professional stand up comic and award-winning screenwriter, and a competitive sprinter -- one of the fastest men over 55 in the country (maybe the fastest 55+ Jew in the world!). He and his wife, Lena Phoenix, co-founded the footwear company Xero Shoes, creating "a MOVEMENT movement" which has helped hundreds of thousands of people Live Life Feet First with happy, healthy, strong feet in addictively comfortable footwear.

In episode 32 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we are talking about sustainable adventure tourism.

Now, this is a fairly broad topic, so in this episode, we are mostly focusing on how guides and guiding companies can best equip themselves to teach and advocate for best practices when recreating outdoors.

To help me do that, I’d like to introduce Xenia Brundin.

Xenia is the co-founder of SUMMIT Adventure Academy and knows how powerful the role of a guide is in spreading knowledge and creating relationships between nature and guests. At SUMMIT Adventure Academy, they are educating a new generation of outdoor guides that are skilled but also environmentally and socially conscious to support the future of adventure travel and the outdoor industry.

In episode 31 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we are tackling the topic of recycling. This isn’t necessarily niched to the outdoor industry, but it is a topic that I get a lot of questions about so it felt fitting to discuss how recycling works in many areas and how you can learn more about what is and isn’t recyclable where you live.

We did chat a bit about things like fuel canisters and other common outdoor industry consumables that many people throw away, but you can recycle. So, stay tuned for those tips near the end of the episode!

Joining me today, I had the pleasure of hosting Courtney Lane.

Courtney is an outdoor professional who has been in the industry for about six years now, with a primary focus on outdoor and environmental education. She takes pride in trying to be the best steward of the environment that she can by trying to understand her own overall consumption and also by educating future generations by sparking curiosity and connection for the outdoors. In her spare time, she is an amateur lifestyle blogger and photographer.

In episode 30 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we are talking about reforestation projects! This is a really interesting and important topic because how reforestation is done and how companies claim these types of projects are carried out can vary. To help explain the importance of reforestation and how more outdoor industry companies can get involved, I’d like to introduce Mindy Crowell.

Mindy is the Reforestation Partnerships Director at the National Forest Foundation. Mindy holds a Master’s Certificate in Natural Resources Conflict Resolution from the University of Montana along with experience in developing and implementing public engagement campaigns, facilitation, and fund development. As a former co-host and producer on the Outlandish podcast, Mindy loves hearing about the stories and adventures people have on our public lands and she is passionate about positively impacting America’s favorite national real-estate.

In episode 29 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we are talking about regulation in the outdoor industry and what that looks like. Now, this is a topic that has always interested me but I didn’t know a ton about. It could arguably be the 8th R of Outdoor Minimalism (and maybe I will add it one day), but because regulation plays such a big role in environmental policy and how we play outside, it was very fitting topic for the show.

Since it is something I am far from an expert in, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jeff Bairlein.

Jeff Baierlein is the Director of Viristar, an organization that provides training and consulting services to outdoor, travel, experiential, and adventure programs around the world.

Viristar specializes in wilderness risk management and outdoor safety training and audits, nonprofit management consulting, wilderness medicine, and environmental education program and curriculum design.

Jeff has a background in environmental advocacy, outdoor-focused lobbying at the state and federal level, and analysis of regulatory and management systems for effectiveness.

In episode 28 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we talk about the all important topic of pooping in the woods. If you’re a backpacker, in particular, my guess is you’ve had countless discussions about poop, and to be honest, same.

While poop stories are always entertaining, our main focus in this episode is about how to poop outside the right way, the environmental impacts of it, and various options for doing so. To help me do that, I’d like to introduce Monica Aguilar.

Monica is an artist, adventurer, and now recent podcast host of the Shit We Do Outdoors Podcast. She has a passion for human powered long distance travel and has traveled over 6,000 miles on foot and bike. Her travels and love for the outdoors serve as an inspiration for her art which depict many of the places she has traveled to or wishes to go to.

In episode 27 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we explore the idea of using pee rags in the backcountry in a bit more detail. If you are a person with a vulva, and you squat when you pee, a pee rag can be an excellent low waste option.

If you want more information about pee rags, menstrual cups, and more, go back and check out episode 17 where we explore all things menses and peeing in the woods. In that episode, we briefly cover some pee rag options, one of them being the Kula Cloth.

Because peeing outside is something many of us do, I was excited to sit down and chat with Anastasia Allison.

Anastasia Allison is the founder of Kula Cloth, the first of its kind - an antimicrobial pee cloth for anybody who squats when they pee. Anastasia has been described as, 'mysteriously complex' - and when she isn't doing work for Kula or contemplating the vastness of the universe, she spends her time playing violin in the mountains, writing whimsical poetry or dancing.

Have you ever wished you could get a doctor’s note to go take a hike?

Well, in episode 26 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss parkscriptions– your prescription to get outside.

It is no secret that we often feel better after just spending 20 minutes outside, whether we are sitting and forest bathing or on a walk in the park. The physical and mental benefits are astounding. There are several movements that focus on helping people get outside more often and many organizations like the National Park Service and Recreate Northwest that make opting outdoors easier.

To help me discuss what parkscriptions are and how the idea can be added to your life, I’d like to introduce Todd Elsworth.

Todd Elsworth likes to play outside, go on adventures with family and friends, and give back to his community. In 2013, Elsworth turned his passion into a profession, founding the Bellingham-based non-profit Recreation Northwest. The organization’s mission to “teach the health benefits of nature, promote outdoor recreation, and steward the places where we play” guides his work.

Recreation Northwest provides opportunities for people to be introduced to beginner and intermediate experiences learning outdoor recreation skills, enjoying the health benefits of being mindful outdoors through immersive experiences in nature, and having a local guide to connect our parks and our people together through adventure and storytelling.

In episode 25 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are discussing lead-free fishing.

I’ve done a few fishing-specific episodes, mostly fly fishing, and I was excited to host an epsiode that focuses on lead-free fishing.

Since I am the furthest thing from an angler, I was glad when John King of Glasswater angling reached out to help guide the conversation.

John King who with his wife Kathy founded Glasswater Angling Lead Free Fishing.  John is a tackle designer currently focussing on providing alternatives to lead fishing lures and weights.  John has a public persona known as “Crappie Hippie”, describing himself as “a tree hugging redneck from eastern Kansas”.  Crappie Hippie can be found with Tim “Tackle Box Bete” and Lucy The Lurematic Supercomputer on the Lure Love Podcast. Their YouTube channel is Glasswater Angling, Lure Love, Crappie Hippie where they post the pod and Crappie Hippie posts videos on lead free jig tying.  John is here today to help us understand more about the environmental impact of fishing and how we can strive toward “a better outdoors”™  John’s co-host Lucy will also join us with some supporting facts.

In episode 24 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss needs. More specifically personal needs when it comes to adventures, outdoor gear, and safety.

During COVID-19, we saw a dramatic influx of new outdoor enthusiasts. This is great for many reasons, but it also means there are a lot more people entering outdoor spaces sometimes with very little knowledge of how to interact with the landscape safely and responsibly.

Even if you’re not completely new to outdoor recreation, maybe you’re like me and got into a new outdoor sport in the last couple of years. Anytime I start something new, I always go through a research and discovery process. This might look different for different people, but for me, I like to figure out what I might need, talk to people more experienced, and try things out a few times, adding gear gradually.

Getting hyperfocused on gear has its pros and cons, but in my experience, I’ve found it to be more detrimental than not. I could likely rant and rave about gear, marketing, and the psychology of shopping for quite some time, but instead, I’ll let my friend Moose Mutlow take the lead.

Moose Mutlow has been active in the outdoors for more than 30 years as an instructor and guide. Currently based in Yosemite National Park he is the senior project director for NatureBridge the largest provider of Environmental Education in the US National Park system. He has a long history of working in Search and Rescue and is a senior trainer for NPS.

In episode 23 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, I had the pleasure of learning the ins and outs of carbon and climate neutral certifications from the CEO of Climate Neutral Certified, Austin Whitman.

Austin Whitman is the CEO and a co-founder of Climate Neutral, a nonprofit that provides a trusted certification for carbon neutrality. Since its launch three years ago, Climate Neutral has worked with over 400 companies. The Climate Neutral Certified label is used on thousands of products and has quickly become the leading consumer climate label. Austin's work in climate change began nearly 20 years ago and has spanned across roles in finance, policy, cleantech, consulting, energy, and nonprofits.

In episode 22 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss how to perform a waste audit in your home. Now, this same concept can be applied on a larger scale in businesses, but we are going to focus on how to do this as an individual consumer.

Are we loving the land to death?

This question comes up time and time again with folks I talk to on and off the podcast, and many professionals in the outdoor industry wonder the same thing.

In episode 21 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we are going to explore this topic through the lens of conservation and political engagement.

To help guide me through this discussion, I’m excited to introduce Tom Sadler.

Tom Sadler is the deputy director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network. He is also the national capital correspondent for Mountain Journal. Sadler has an extensive history of promoting conservation through advocacy and communication. Sadler is an award-winning journalist with awards from the Outdoor Writers Association of America and the Virginia Outdoor Writers Association. He has served on the boards of numerous fly-fishing, conservation and journalism organizations.

Sadler spent 14 years as a public affairs officer in the United States Navy Reserve. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Hampshire.

A lifelong fly fisherman who, in his free time, guides and teaches for Mossy Creek Fly Fishing in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He and his wife Beth live with their family in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

In episode 20 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we will be discussing conservation and how that applies to our hiking trails.

We’ve talked about conservation pretty consistently on the show, but this will be a more in-depth look into how one conservation organization is creating a thru-hike, building community, and encouraging conservation action all across the US.

To help me discuss these topics, I had the pleasure of hosting Rue McKenrick.

Rue McKenrick is a professional backpacker, triple crowner, and avid hiker. He now calls Bend, OR home, but grew up in Pennsylvania and hiked in the Appalachians as a teen. Rue’s long distance backpacking began with the Appalachian Trail in 2003. From there, he took on the Pacific Crest Trail (2005) and Continental Divide Trail (2007), completing the triple crown. In 2004, Rue thru-hiked the Pinhotti Trail and the Long Trail, then onto the John Muir Trail in 2016l. Spending yet more time on the Appalachian Trail, he was a ridge-runner on the Pennsylvania section in 2008. All of these years and miles of thru-hiking experience have led Rue to follow his heart in embarking on his current journey- creating the American Perimeter Trail.

The APT will roughly follow the border of the contiguous United States and cross 32 states, clocking in at about 12,000 miles. Rue left his home in Oregon to begin the first scout hike in July of 2019, and backpacked continuously until his return home for a rest in October 2020. He will finish the 12,000 Miles in 2022.

In episode 19 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we are going to be discussing the topic of hunting on the show for the first time. In creating this podcast, I was unsure about including activities like hunting and fishing, but I thought it a missed opportunity if we didn’t as they are a huge sector of the outdoor industry. Sportsmen contribute immensely to the conservation of our wild spaces and to me, discussing how hunting can help you feel more connected to the land is important.

To help me introduce the topic of hunting to the show, I am excited to introduce Kalli Hawkins.

Kalli Hawkins is an outdoor, gear, and adventure writer based in a small Northern Minnesota town near the border of Canada. She grew up hunting and fishing in Northern Minnesota and has continued her passion for the outdoors throughout her life and years spent living in Colorado. Her work appears on Teton Sports, Outside Business Journal, Cleanup News, and many others.

In episode 18 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, I’m excited to be exploring a topic we briefly covered before: fly fishing!

Fly fishing is a super interesting outdoor sport to me, and a surprisingly low impact and minimalist endeavor. To help me discuss all things fly fishing, I’d like to introduce Joe Mahler.

Joe Mahler is a fly fishing author, illustrator, and casting coach. He fishes, canoes, and teaches in the waters of southwest Florida and the Everglades. His work appears in FlyFisherman magazine, Salmon & Steelhead, Outdoor Life, and other publications.