Humans Outside
They say spending time in nature can change your life. But in a world packed with indoor life pressures, how can you make getting outside just a part of who you are? Welcome to Humans Outside, where we explore a wellness-rich life in the great outdoors from our perch in Alaska while hearing from fascinating outdoor-minded guests.
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382: The key to seeing wonders outside (Outdoor Diary)
04/23/2024
382: The key to seeing wonders outside (Outdoor Diary)
I used to hear friends talk about the crazy wonderful things they were spotting outside and wonder how it was I was missing out. Why didn’t I see that stuff? Were they trying harder? Going places I didn’t want to go? Getting up in tbe middle of the night to do it? And then one day I stumbled upon their secret by accident. And now that I’ve figured out the trick to seeing wonders outside, I just can’t stop. It’s not that hard It doesn’t take any extra work It does take intention Listen now! Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [00:35] Yes, I’m an early riser [01:32] This morning experience changed my perspective [02:12] All I had to do was take this step [02:31] Yes, I missed stuff [03:03] But now I see this stuff, too
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381: My outdoor habit has taught me this about getting OK with seasons (Outdoor Diary)
04/16/2024
381: My outdoor habit has taught me this about getting OK with seasons (Outdoor Diary)
When was the last time you thought about the way learning to notice and navigate changing seasons affects how you view your indoor life? One of the best things about spending a lot of time outdoors is how it prompts you to pause and see how the world is shifting day by day. Are you ready for it? Are you taking it as it comes? No matter how you approach the shift in seasons, one thing is certain: getting used to changes outdoors can teach you a thing or two about changes indoors. Getting okay with growth Noticing when it's coming Embracing what it brings Listen to this episode of Humans Outside now! Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [00:35] Here’s a highly philosophical observation about the sun [01:28] We’ve got some signs of spring up in here [02:31] Let’s get aware of seasons [03:11] No solar eclipse here, but we do have seasons changing [03:29] There’s sun and I’m not mad about it [04:00] Just over here learning from nature for my inside life, once again
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380 Best of - Safe and Solo: Empowering Women to Play Outside Alone and Feel Great About It (Nicole Snell, self-defense expert)
04/11/2024
380 Best of - Safe and Solo: Empowering Women to Play Outside Alone and Feel Great About It (Nicole Snell, self-defense expert)
Ready for solo adventure? Feeling safe? Getting out there by yourself can feel like a real safety risk. I absolutely love going out alone, but I know it comes with pros and cons. But it doesn't mean I don't go. It just means I go empowered. Nicole Snell, a safety expert and owner of Girls Fight Back who specializes in self-defense in the outdoors, has a different idea. In this episode she shares her best tips and tricks to empower you to get into nature solo while also staying safe. Hear Nicole talk about staying stafe outside in this "best of" episode. Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [4:06] Nicole Snell’s favorite outdoor space [4:52] How Nicole became someone who likes to go outside [7:16] How she got into self-defense [14:05] Why people (often women) feel unsafe alone outside [20:12] What self-defense tools should people use? [26:54] What we mean when we say “use your words.” [28:55] Why she didn't say “I’m sorry” [31:57] The role of intuition [37:41] How to make the outdoors more safe for everyone [41:10] Top three tips for self-defense in nature [44:41] Nicole’s favorite outdoor memory
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379: Have you hugged a tree lately? Because I have, and it’s great. (Outdoor Diary)
04/09/2024
379: Have you hugged a tree lately? Because I have, and it’s great. (Outdoor Diary)
When did you last hug a tree? I mean literally, actually hug a tree? Yeah, I know it sounds weird, but hang with me, because this silly thing has been recharging and reshaping how I feel about heading outside. Listen now! Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [00:35] Tree Hugging as Gratitude [01:20] Grounding Experience of Tree Hugging [01:41] Winter Contrast and Appreciation in Seattle [02:49] Monthly Sit Spot Reflection [03:08] Observations and Gratitude for Trees [04:36] Emotional and Sensory Connection with Nature
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378: Looking outside for symbols of hope (Outdoor Diary)
04/02/2024
378: Looking outside for symbols of hope (Outdoor Diary)
The changing of seasons is the perfect time to look around for signs of changing life outside. But what if instead of just seeing the signs, you looked at them as encouragement for your day? What if you saw them as symbols of hope that you can take with you or find whenever you need a little push through your day? What would you choose? How would it help you? Learn about my chosen symbol in this episode of Humans Outside. Listen now! Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [:35] Signs of spring and easter [1:19] Here’s where I see new life in nature [1:58] Excuse me winter, please leave permanently [2:21] Here’s some personal symbols I see [2:48] Why I look to the birds [4:12] And why you should find your own symbols
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377 Powered by City Nature: Fueling an Urban Outdoor Habit (Brittany Gowan, author and coach)
03/28/2024
377 Powered by City Nature: Fueling an Urban Outdoor Habit (Brittany Gowan, author and coach)
If you’ve ever spent time living in a major city, you know finding nature takes a lot more intentionality than if you spend all of your time in a rural environment. You might even think about experiencing nature in a city as happening in spite of the concrete jungle, not because of it. But what if you flipped that on its head? What if you learned ways to appreciate nature because of the city it’s in? That’s something today’s guest, Brittany Gowan, has become good at as part of her work coaching organizations and executives. With an industrial and organizational psychology master's degree, she works with her clients to lean on nature in and out of the city, a concept also shares in her new book “Turn to the Sun.” In this episode of Humans Outside Brittany talks about: Finding nature wherever you are The gifts of an outdoor habit in an urban environment How noticing nature can raise awareness for other things Listen now! Connect with this episode: (affiliate link) Some of the good stuff: [2:17] Brittany Gowan’s favorite outdoor space [4:02] How Brittany became someone who likes to go outside [4:57] How do people react to the idea of nearby nature? [6:02] Ways to find natures in the city [8:23] Why birds are cool for this [10:59] How to build awareness for nature in a city [13:06] How to create space for nature [15:03] The art of nature visualization [22:53] Do houseplants move you towards nature? [28:00] The top thing Brittany has learned through her outdoor practice [34:01] Brittany’s favorite outdoor moment
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376: Here’s an outdoor thing I’ve never once regretted (Outdoor Diary)
03/26/2024
376: Here’s an outdoor thing I’ve never once regretted (Outdoor Diary)
You know the photos don’t tell the whole story: doing something cool outdoors or going on an epic adventure takes work. And I don’t just mean deciding where to go and then peeling yourself out of your house. I mean: Sacrificing other things you want/need to do Living with the discomfort of flexibility Preparation and vision But is it worth it? Yes. Listen to this episode to hear more now! Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [:35] Just a little introvert dilemma [1:06] Answering the call of adventure despite inconvenience [2:56] You’re going to have to make some sacrifices [3:40] Some of them will be related to flexibility [5:07] Regrets? None so far.
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375 Dear future me: Here’s a lesson about the power sunshine. (Outdoor Diary)
03/19/2024
375 Dear future me: Here’s a lesson about the power sunshine. (Outdoor Diary)
You’d think after all of these days outside over years of keeping my outdoor habit, I’d have figured out that after feeling some kind of way in the winter, I am an entirely new person when the daylight comes back. But no. So this is a letter from current me to future me, based on the experience of past me. And I bet these me-s can you help you, too. Listen now. Some of the good stuff: [:35] Dear all the Amys: listen up [:48] This is a letter about the power of sunshine [1:52] Remember back like two weeks ago when you thought you were done for? [2:22] It’s all about powering through to the light [3:27] Will I ever get the memo? Connect with this episode:
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374: What to do when your adventure falls apart thanks to another human (Luc Mehl & Sarah Histand, outdoor adventure experts)
03/14/2024
374: What to do when your adventure falls apart thanks to another human (Luc Mehl & Sarah Histand, outdoor adventure experts)
Remember my rim-to-rim hike in the Grand Canyon that became a dangerous disaster after another member of the group put us all at risk? Yeah, that wasn’t great. But when I shared that story, I immediately received a parade of messages from Humans Outside followers and podcast fans with their own stories of outdoor misadventures caused by someone else’s poor choices. There’s some comfort in knowing my experience wasn’t unique. But it also made me think maybe there’s a lesson there on what we can all do better next time. If so many of us have had a similar problem, maybe we need someone to help us avoid it happening again. Enter: Luc Mehl and Sarah Histand, adventure experts who happen to be married to each other. You’ve probably heard Sarah here before, bringing insight on adventuring in ways that feel safe. Luc is a trip planning expert who has done major expeditions in Alaska and teaches courses on heading into the wilderness while having fun and not dying. Together they’re the perfect pair to help us with this problem. In this episode hear: Luc’s advice for building a solid adventure group What to do if you’re stuck on adventure with someone who is falling apart How to be kind to yourself (and others) while deal with the whole thing. Listen now! Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [3:33] Sarah’s favorite outdoor space [4:04] But wait, Luc has a different favorite [4:50] Luc and Sarah’s outdoor stories (plus, how they met) [8:05] What is risk management and why is it important? [11:04] It sounds harsh, but are there simply people who shouldn’t be invited on adventures? [12:20] How to figure out who is the right fit for your trip [13:45] What to do when you thought your had it figured out, but actually you did not [17:41] The role of people picking in trip planning [20:24] What to do when you get into the adventure and now you’ve got real problems [26:45] The fear of offending someone [29:29] Think about it as “carrying pride” [32:28] So you’re in a bad situation. Here’s what to do next. [37:50] The rumors are true: don’t leave a buddy (or frienemy) behind [41:40] How to avoid an emotional stress injury [45:16] Luc and Sarah’s favorite outdoor moments
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373: What to do when the outdoors wears on your every nerve (Outdoor Diary)
03/12/2024
373: What to do when the outdoors wears on your every nerve (Outdoor Diary)
There are just certain outdoor things that drive me absolutely bonkers. They make my nerves feel like tattered edges, especially if they’ve been going on for awhile. And that’s a problem, because I am committed to getting outside every single day, no matter what. … and that “no matter what” includes stuff I don’t like, and even stuff I hate. So what do I do when this happens? I take these three steps. Listen now. Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [:35] I’m betting you have some outdoor thing you hate. Don’t be a hero about this. [1:01] Here are some really good examples [1:55] And here’s the thing I hate, thank you. [2:04] I need you to hang on while I get this off my chest. [4:06] Obviously, it’s not going to keep me inside [4:34] Which means I have to take a few steps to move through it [6:54] Here’s a fun fact about Amy in March
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372: They clear-cut part of my backyard trails and I’m devastated (Outdoor Diary)
03/05/2024
372: They clear-cut part of my backyard trails and I’m devastated (Outdoor Diary)
They clear-cut part of my backyard trails and I’m devastated (Outdoor Diary) When I heard the saws, I should’ve known it was not a good thing, not just a trail crew clearing wood downed on the trail. I never guessed the loss those sounds were bringing. And when I saw it, I stood in disbelief. I guess that’s the risk brought by loving something. When it’s taken away, a piece of you feels gone, too. Listen now. Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [:35] Man-made destruction without warning [1:45] I assumed it wasn’t major. Boy was I wrong. [2:55] Only Treebeard has the words for this [3:45] These trees were my friends [4:50] It feels like a heavy loss [5:12] My bad for trusting anyone on the internet [6:22] But I do think this is a universal experience
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371 Low Pressure, High Fun: These Experts Know How to Maximize National Park Trips (Matt and Karen Smith, National Park travel experts)
03/01/2024
371 Low Pressure, High Fun: These Experts Know How to Maximize National Park Trips (Matt and Karen Smith, National Park travel experts)
Planning a visit to one of the many national parks or federally protected lands? You’ll be in good company. Visiting these spaces is more popular than ever before. So how do you make sure the company isn’t too good? How do you avoid the crowded spots, still get to have that bucket list trip and make the most of the journey? Matt and Karen Smith are national park travel experts because they’ve been there, done that, and share their journey in their podcast “Dear Bob and Sue” and books of the same title. Their show is packed with practical, clear advice on visiting the parks, and in this episode of Humans Outside they bring that help here. In this episode hear: The biggest mistakes national park visitors make The wonderful parks experience you might be missing The best way to avoid big crowds Listen now! Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [3:01] Matt and Karen’s favorite outdoor spaces [6:38] How they got into visiting national parks [11:30] What is it about the national parks that we love so much? [13:26] How the heck can you afford that? [16:46] Biggest national parks mistakes they see [21:31] Their favorite parks [25:41] How to avoid seeing too many people [32:33] Where you really should go [34:23] Their best tips for making the most of any national park trips [40:00] Matt and Karen’s favorite outdoor memory
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370: The day we did all of the outdoor winter things … sort of (Outdoor Diary)
02/27/2024
370: The day we did all of the outdoor winter things … sort of (Outdoor Diary)
partial selection. Check to make sure intra-doc links work. -----> What would happen if you spent a handful of hours attempting to do every available outdoor activity in a certain area? That’s the question I asked before a Do All The Things day I just did with a friend. We loaded up our cars with outfit changes, equipment and nowhere near enough snacks, and headed into Hatcher Pass for a packed five hours of outdoor fun. Here’s what happened. Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [:35] The siren song of a challenge, even it’s just one day [1:09] Can we even do all the things?! [2:16] A tiny edit, and then we set forth [2:26] (Don’t get me started on my people and these ski passes) [2:52] Here starts the activity check-check-check [5:17] A few ta
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369: The thing I like most about podcasting? It’s the connections (Outdoor Diary)
02/20/2024
369: The thing I like most about podcasting? It’s the connections (Outdoor Diary)
With four years of running this podcast behind me, I’ve been thinking about what I have learned from this journey and the many, many guests I’ve interviewed. Inspiration. Thought-provoking lessons. A change in perspective. All of my interviews and outdoor hours have left a mark on me. But this year, those are not my favorite takeaways. Instead? It’s all about connections like the ones I talk about in this episode of my Outdoor Diary. Listen now! Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [:35] Four years = a lot of takeaways [1:33] But my favorite thing right now? Connections [1:35] And here’s a bunch of my favorite examples, near and far [3:15] My other favorite connections? It’s you, of course.
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368 ‘Like Going Outdoors on a Rainy Day:’ The Power of Nature for Moving Grief and Trauma (Denali Strabel, semi-pro mountain runner)
02/15/2024
368 ‘Like Going Outdoors on a Rainy Day:’ The Power of Nature for Moving Grief and Trauma (Denali Strabel, semi-pro mountain runner)
When life comes at you hard -- pain, trauma, injury, loss, grief -- the outdoors is there just waiting for you to use it for healing. You just have to go outside. That’s what Denali Strabel, a semi-professional mountain runner and life-long Alaskan has found as she navigates the wide variety of victories and challenges life has thrown at her. From addiction to the loss of her identical twin sister, Rubye, Denali knows that by keeping the mountains a part of her, she can move through pain. In this episode Denali gifts us a rare window into what it’s like to actively move through grief after loss while still in the thick of it as she's daily making the decision to heal and move. Hear Denali share how the mountains, ocean and running have been key in helping her with this challenge and so many others -- and learn how you, too, can lean on heading into nature to get through the hard stuff. Listen now. Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [3:20] Denali Strabel’s favorite outdoor space [5:45] Denali’s outdoor story [8:35] What it’s like to grow up in Seward [12:31] About Mount Marathon [16:05] Using nature to recover [22:25] The importance of reconnecting with the outdoors [29:53] All about Rubye Blake, Denali’s identical twin sister [35:44] What it’s like to lose a twin [44:22] Advice for dealing with grief when you’re in the thick of it [53:44] Denali’s favorite outdoor memory
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367 ‘What do you do if you’re sick?’ I still keep up the outdoor streak (Outdoor Diary)
02/13/2024
367 ‘What do you do if you’re sick?’ I still keep up the outdoor streak (Outdoor Diary)
It’s a question I’ve heard several times over my more than 2,300-day outdoor streak: ‘what do you do if you’re sick?’ Since I’ve never missed a day, and I’ve definitely been sick more than once, you can easily guess that I still go outside. And fortunately the benefits I find there -- even though getting out in it takes extra effort -- make it all worth it. Of course they do. In this episode I talk about how (and why) I get outside even when I’m sick and down for the count. Listen now! Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [:35] You can tell when I’m sick -- probably [:59] But then you might assume this [2:11] I gotta get out there, but it’s winter, so… [2:37] The best thing about the 20-minute minimum [3:10] Plus, then I’m grateful
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366 Best of: How to Use Nature to Heal from Heartbreak (Florence Williams, author)
02/08/2024
366 Best of: How to Use Nature to Heal from Heartbreak (Florence Williams, author)
One of my favorite benefits of spending time outside is how doing so daily has worked to better my relationships, giving me space to grow them in the context of nature. But did you know nature can also help when a relationship ends -- that it can literally be a part of healing heartbreak? In this Best Of episode we hear from best-selling author Florence Williams about her up close and personal study on that topic. You might remember Florence from her work on one of her previous books, . She joined us to talk about the book in a . In her (and the ) Florence pairs her own experience with the kind of research she’s known for, and in the process lays out a map for using nature to heal from a broken heart. Connect with this episode: (affiliate link) Some of the Good Stuff: [4:33] Florence William’s favorite outdoor space [5:46] All about Florence’s heartbreak [7:00] The not entirely secret story of Amy’s heartbreak [8:53] Why heartbreak becomes a book [12:58] Why she decided to try a nature cure [17:01] What she tracked for her project [23:00] Exactly how to heal heartbreak by going outside [29:00] Can healing happen close to home? [32:55] Why this is all actually really simple -- but not immediate [40:05] One surprising thing Florence learned
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365: This One is About Our Dog Chloe, the Best Good Girl (Outdoor Diary)
02/06/2024
365: This One is About Our Dog Chloe, the Best Good Girl (Outdoor Diary)
It was a sad closing to the week in my house as we said “goodbye” to our dog of 12 years. We brought so much joy to each other. But it was time to let her go. Chloe was there when I first started spending time outside for nature’s sake, so remembering her in an episode seemed like the least I could do to honor her place in our lives and the joy dogs bring so many of us. She was a very good girl. Terrible breath; but such a good girl. This one is for her. Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [:42] It was harder than I thought it would be [1:30] What kind of dog is she? [2:04] All about best good girl, Chloe [4:18] Ever tried to write news stories while a dog snores? [5:19] Please, pet a dog
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364 ‘Ranger of the Lost Art:’ Chasing Down Art from the U.S. National Parks (Ranger Doug Leen, National park poster expert)
02/01/2024
364 ‘Ranger of the Lost Art:’ Chasing Down Art from the U.S. National Parks (Ranger Doug Leen, National park poster expert)
Every now and then you run across something that captures your imagination while giving you a connection to an outdoor experience you loved. That’s exactly how I felt the first time I came across one of the National Park posters designed by amateur parks historian Ranger Doug Leen and his team of artists and creators. The colors, design and connection to the past reminded me of all of the work and drama that went into protecting the lands I had come to love -- and why doing so is important. Many other collectors and park enthusiasts feel just as I do about the prints -- and the mystery and chase around creating them. In this episode Ranger Doug, so-called ‘Ranger of the Lost Art,’ tells the story of chasing down the historic park prints, creating new ones in their style and why these connect visitors to the national parks they love. Listen now. Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [2:10] Talking to Doug Leen from here [3:44] Ranger Doug’s outdoor story [5:53] A career that took him all sorts of place [7:48] How he became ‘Ranger of the Lost Art’ [16:21] What these posters look like [20:27] Why people like the posters [22:29] How the posters connect us with the parks [27:22] How people can support this work [30:17] Doug’s favorite outdoor space
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363: How to Find Time for Epic Adventures in Normal, Totally Regular Life (Outdoor Diary)
01/30/2024
363: How to Find Time for Epic Adventures in Normal, Totally Regular Life (Outdoor Diary)
Wondering if you really do have time for that epic outdoor adventure in the middle of your otherwise normal life, or not quite sure if you can make it happen? That’s how I felt recently while trying to balance my desire to head out for an ice skating trip to a glacier with having 1 million surely very important things to do. Did I actually have time? Would I be dropping too many balls by going? The answer, of course, was that, yes, I had time. You have time to add some fun to your schedule, too. And in this episode I share some ideas for making it happen. Listen now. Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [:35] My brain said no but my heart said go [1:32] The work I’ve been doing on my brain [2:31] Epic things come when you make the time [2:44] A series of three helpful tips for making time for epic stuff during normal life
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362: When the Outside Thing Just Doesn’t Feel Right It’s OK to Go Home (Outdoor Diary)
01/23/2024
362: When the Outside Thing Just Doesn’t Feel Right It’s OK to Go Home (Outdoor Diary)
How do you handle zero-fun outdoor time? Push through and get the goal anyway before calling it quits? Wrap it up and head back to the car? Beat yourself up about quitting? Know that it’s OK? This week on a mountain adventure with a few friends I found myself having zero fun time. The whole thing just didn’t feel right. And I was big done. So what did I do? Listen now. Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [:46] OK, so I like a challenge [:59] But even I have to draw a line [1:55] So I started trying to work with my nervous system [2:48] But you know what? No. [3:44] Here’s the permission we didn’t need but we have anyway
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361: ‘Everything Started to Feel More Amazing:’ The Startling Joy of Exploring Close to Home (Alastair Humphreys, author and adventurer)
01/18/2024
361: ‘Everything Started to Feel More Amazing:’ The Startling Joy of Exploring Close to Home (Alastair Humphreys, author and adventurer)
How well do you know the outdoor areas near your home? I don’t just mean the obvious spots, I mean all of the spaces. And what would happen if you took the time to truly and deeply explore them? That’s something British adventurer and author Alastair Humphreys set out to discover as part of a personal project that turned into his new book, Local. Dividing the region into one-kilometer grid squares, Alastair systematically experienced all of the outdoor spaces near his urban home, and in the process became not only more familiar with where he lived, but also grew a deep appreciation for the nature around him found in some of the most unlikely places. In this episode you’ll hear all about Alastair's truly local adventure, plus some of the simple benefits of taking time to enjoy everything -- the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful -- that nature has for you close to home. Listen now! Connect with this episode: (affiliate link) Some of the good stuff: [3:08] Alastair Humphrey’s favorite outdoor space [4:02] Alastair’s outdoor story [5:46] What “Local” is about -- project and book [8:37] What is “nearby nature?” [10:35] For the record, I don’t have this outside my window [11:38] What did Alastair find during his project that surprised him? [15:21] Embracing technology to make outside time better [17:59] The inspiration to fix problems [21:55] A mind shift to gratitude and curiosity [26:12] Taking the time for adventures big and small [28:36] How anyone can get started on a project like Local [34:03] Alistair’s favorite outdoor moment
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359: Here’s My (Easy) New Outdoor Habit. You Should Join Me (Outdoor Diary)
01/16/2024
359: Here’s My (Easy) New Outdoor Habit. You Should Join Me (Outdoor Diary)
If you’ve been keeping your outdoor habit for awhile just like me, you might be looking for a way to give it a little boost. Or maybe you’re new to this, but want to add a little spice or specific outings to your outdoor life. If that’s you, this easy new outdoor habit I’m trying this year is probably the perfect fit. It’s a simple, low time commitment and interesting option and I can’t wait to see how it goes over the coming months. Want to join me? Learn all about it in this episode of Humans Outside. Listen now! Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [:28] I was worried about getting stuck in a rut [:54] I was curious about forest bathing [1:22] And then I heard this idea from Alastair Humphreys -- brilliant! [2:19] How I picked my own version [3:24] Here’s what I picked [4:05] Here’s what I did while I was there [5:04] You should do this, too!
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358: What Is Your Superpower? Here’s Mine (Outdoor Diary)
01/09/2024
358: What Is Your Superpower? Here’s Mine (Outdoor Diary)
One of my favorite things I’ve gained from heading outside every day? The discovery that I have an incredibly useful superpower. No, it’s not x-ray vision, time travel or flying, which is a bummer because those would all be very cool. It’s a move power -- the power to make myself do things I don’t want to do. And you cannot imagine how helpful this superpower is in all sorts of circumstances. I think you have a superpower, too. Let's figure out what it is. Listen now! Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [:35] I was here when I remembered my superpower [1:14] This is my superpower and why I love it [2:35] I think you have a superpower, too -- here’s what it might be [3:29] Why these superpowers matter
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357: Here’s Exactly How to Trade-In Old ‘Bad’ Habits for Better Ones (Sarah Hays Coomer, wellness coach and habit expert)
01/04/2024
357: Here’s Exactly How to Trade-In Old ‘Bad’ Habits for Better Ones (Sarah Hays Coomer, wellness coach and habit expert)
If new habits or a wellness practice refresh is on your mind, you’re in good company. The start of a new year or new season often feels like the perfect time for a refresh. But if you’re going to squeeze in a new helpful habit or practice, you might need to phase out an old, less-helpful one. And that’s easy to say, but hard to do. In this episode of Humans Outside, wellness coach and habit expert Sarah Hays Coomer walks us through how to build good habits and get rid of old ones while talking through practical examples of how to make it happen. Listen now! Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [2:54] Sarah Hays Coomer’s favorite outdoor space [4:28] How Sarah became someone who likes to go outside [7:12] A little bit on the nuts and bolts of habits [9:29] Some practical habit building [14:41] The seasons of habits [18:20] The cruel irony of flexibility vs. consistency [19:30] Why some habits are hard to break [22:23] What a growth mindset has to do with it [24:00] The curiosity factor [28:30] Microdosing wellness [31:00] Fitting in the stuff you know you like even when the internet calls your name [34:18] Breaking out of a ‘bad’ habit [37:16] You really do have time [39:52] Sarah’s favorite outdoor moment
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Here Comes Humans Outside Season 9
01/02/2024
Here Comes Humans Outside Season 9
The weather might be frightfulish or not exactly what you’d order for your perfect outdoor day, but Humans Outside is still out here helping you get inspired to build and keep that outdoor habit all year long. And now we’re ready for Humans Outside season 9.
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356 Best Of: How to Create a Habit That Gives You What You Need (Sarah Hays Coomer, wellness coach and habit expert)
12/28/2023
356 Best Of: How to Create a Habit That Gives You What You Need (Sarah Hays Coomer, wellness coach and habit expert)
So you want to create a new habit -- maybe it’s heading outside daily for that 20 minutes, maybe it’s something related, maybe it’s something else entirely. It can be easy to pick a really aggressive goal, or, on the flip side, toy with committing to something and then back out because you don’t want to disappoint yourself. In the happy middle, though, is aiming for a habit that both improves your wellness life and gives you what you need. So how do you get there? In this episode of Humans Outside, Sarah Hays Coomer, a wellness coach and habit expert joins us for a third time to talk about creating a habit that focuses on what you need, gently. Listen now. Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [2:34] Sarah Hays Coomer’s favorite outdoor space [3:55] How Sarah became someone who likes to go outside [7:33] The nuts and bolts of a habit [16:27] The role of sustainability in habit picking [19:35] How to create a gentle guide for what you need [26:57] What counts as going outside? [32:40] Is habit building a muscle? [37:29] Some tips for a gentle wellness practice
/episode/index/show/humansoutside/id/28800428
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355: 2 Important Outdoor Lessons I Took From This Year (Outdoor Diary)
12/26/2023
355: 2 Important Outdoor Lessons I Took From This Year (Outdoor Diary)
It’s good to take a beat, think about the past few seasons and decide with intention how you want to go forward. My preferred method for memory? Photo scrolling. And so I dove into some memories of outdoor time from the past year, and when I was done I had found two important outdoor lessons that I can take with me to make my future choices and adventures that much better. … And they can help you, too. Listen now! Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [:35] Taking a cruise through old photos [1:05] A few lessons from the past year [2:03] The first lesson [2:49] Lesson, the second [4:26] My hope for you
/episode/index/show/humansoutside/id/29226813
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354: Try This Simple Resolution for the New Year (Outdoor Diary)
12/21/2023
354: Try This Simple Resolution for the New Year (Outdoor Diary)
Want to find a way to chase a goal for the new year without becoming one of the estimated 91% of Americans who abandon their new year’s resolution before completion? Here at Humans Outside we believe that one simple habit can change your life. And if you’re already chasing it, I have some simple ideas for you to give it a little boost. Listen now. Connect with this episode:
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353: Filling the Outdoor Darkness With the Light of Humans (Outdoor Diary)
12/19/2023
353: Filling the Outdoor Darkness With the Light of Humans (Outdoor Diary)
In seasons of literal darkness it's important to hunt for the light. And there’s plenty of places to find it -- warming fires, twinkle lights or the Menorah, shining stars, headlamps and more. But my favorite way is through a more figurative means: the light of other humans. With winter darkness and the importance of light on my mind, now is a perfect time to briefly pause and appreciate the light of humans as we go outside together. Listen now. Connect with this episode: Some of the good stuff: [:35] The question: where do you find light? [1:00] The light situation around here [1:48] Some light places [2:45] My favorite source of light [3:06] Here’s who they are and where to find them
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