283: Alone Winner Nathan Olsen on Survival, Wilderness Therapy and Family
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
Release Date: 09/02/2025
291: Rethinking Therapeutic Consulting: A Conversation with Amanda Thomas
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
What if “consulting” in mental health meant more than just placement? In this episode Will speaks with Amanda Thomas, founder of , about how she and her team are reimagining therapeutic consulting for families navigating complex emotional and behavioral challenges. Their clinically informed, team-based approach blends therapy, coaching, and systems navigation to meet families where they are—often before residential or wilderness treatment becomes necessary. Drawing on her deep background in wilderness therapy and outdoor leadership, Amanda shares how Cobalt bridges the gap between...
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290: The Truths about Wilderness Therapy: What Outcome Research Shows
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
What do wilderness therapy outcomes really tell us? In this episode, Will talks with researchers Dr. Joanna Bettmann Schaefer and Dr. Laura Mills, two leading researchers studying outcomes in wilderness therapy and residential outdoor treatment. Drawing on data from thousands of adolescents across multiple programs, they reveal what the evidence shows about who benefits most—and who may not—from outdoor behavioral healthcare. Their conversation explores why family engagement is such a powerful predictor of success, how adopted and neurodiverse adolescents often experience different...
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289: Prescribing Nature: How to Be an Eco-Therapist
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
Dr. Patricia Hasbach of Northwest Ecotherapy joins Will to explore how clinicians can bring the healing power of nature into their therapeutic work. Drawing from her new book Patricia shares her journey from traditional therapy settings to incorporating the natural world as an active partner in treatment. She explains the concept of the “ecological self” and how reconnecting clients with nature can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress while deepening connection and meaning. Patricia also offers practical guidance on writing “nature prescriptions,” navigating ethical considerations,...
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288: Kids These Days: Rethinking Youth Mental Health
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
To hear Dr. Will Dobud's previous episodes: and To hear Dr. Nevin Haper's previous episode: This podcast is supported by White Mountain Adventure Institute offering adventure inspired retreats for men.
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287: The Nature Fix: The Science of the Outdoors and Mental Health
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
Journalist and bestselling author Florence Williams joins Will to explore how time outdoors can transform our minds and bodies. Drawing from her acclaimed book The Nature Fix and her retreats around the world, Florence shares what first inspired her to study the science of nature’s impact on mental health — and how awe, quiet, and sunlight can rewire our brains for calm and connection. They discuss the “three-day effect,” the power of forest bathing, and simple daily practices anyone can use to bring more nature into life — even in cities. Whether you’re a reader of The Nature Fix...
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286: The Trade Program: Earn While Growing, Learn By Doing
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this week’s episode, Will welcomes experiential educator Greg Hitchcock, who shares the story of —a paid apprenticeship and next-step program for young adults who feel stuck or unsure of their direction. Based on 2,000 acres in New Hampshire, helps participants learn by doing and earn while growing through hands-on training in the trades, including forestry, woodworking, construction, automotive, hospitality, and more. Apprentices live together in a supportive, therapeutic-style community, earning wages from day one while building life skills, confidence, and independence through real...
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285: Grief, Healing, and the Outdoors: The Bright Shadow Approach
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will speaks with Somerville Johnston, co-founder of , a nonprofit dedicated to helping people navigate grief and loss through nature-based retreats and community support. Somerville shares how her background in Outward Bound, somatic therapy, and adventure programs led to the creation of Bright Shadow, which began with grief retreats for whitewater kayakers and has since expanded to serve a wider community. Together, Will and Somerville explore the power of the outdoors to hold grief, foster connection, and invite healing. They discuss the unique ways blends ceremony,...
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284: Nature-Based Mental Health: The LifeWays Approach
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode, Will sits down with Chris Brown, founder of the in Durango, Colorado. Lifeways offers a unique blend of outpatient therapy and guided outdoor experiences—from rock climbing and backpacking to family retreats and professional trainings—all rooted in the “four rooms” model of mind, body, heart, and soul. Chris shares how his team is expanding access by partnering with nonprofits, providing grant-funded programs for teens, and accepting Medicaid and major insurers to reduce barriers to care. He also reflects on why shorter, voluntary wilderness experiences can be...
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283: Alone Winner Nathan Olsen on Survival, Wilderness Therapy and Family
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode, Will welcomes back Nathan Olsen—winner of the latest season of Alone. Nathan’s roots in wilderness survival run deep: his father, Larry Dean Olsen, was a pioneer in the early years of wilderness therapy, and Nathan grew up immersed in the outdoors through helping out at the Anasazi Foundation and other wilderness programs. We explore his journey in South Africa’s Great Karoo Desert, how a lifetime of “dirt time” in wilderness therapy shaped his survival skills, and the reflections on family, purpose, and the changing field of wilderness therapy. Nathan also shares...
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282: Chris Robbins on Men Healing Outdoors and The Let Them Theory
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode, Will reconnects with his friend Chris Robbins, founder of men’s retreats and husband of bestselling author Mel Robbins. Chris shares his journey from corporate burnout to creating outdoor retreats where men come together to heal, connect, and reset. Having attended two Soul Degree retreats himself, Will describes the impact of hiking, fire pits, and time in nature—experiences that inspired him to launch his own retreats for men at The conversation also explores the global success of The Let Them Theory, written by Mel Robbins with their daughter Sawyer, and how its...
info_outlineIn this episode, Will welcomes back Nathan Olsen—winner of the latest season of Alone. Nathan’s roots in wilderness survival run deep: his father, Larry Dean Olsen, was a pioneer in the early years of wilderness therapy, and Nathan grew up immersed in the outdoors through helping out at the Anasazi Foundation and other wilderness programs.
We explore his journey in South Africa’s Great Karoo Desert, how a lifetime of “dirt time” in wilderness therapy shaped his survival skills, and the reflections on family, purpose, and the changing field of wilderness therapy. Nathan also shares how research continues to prove its effectiveness and how his work co-founding BestNotes supports behavioral healthcare providers, underscoring why time in nature remains such a powerful catalyst for resilience, healing, and transformation.
Nathan Olsen was previously on episode 9 of Stories from the Field, Nov. 1 2018. You can find that episode here-https://storiesfromthefield.libsyn.com/nathan-olson-ceo-of-bestnotes or any podcast platform.
Learn more at White Mountain Adventure Institute about Will White's coaching practice- wmai.org.