Humans Outside

Florence Williams has learned a thing or two about making the most of what you have right outside your door and the tools you already possess to do so. Since Florence, author of “The Nature Fix,” literally wrote the book on how going outside creates positive impacts on our mental health and wellbeing, that’s really saying something. I learned about Florence before we even started going outside every day. It was her book, published shortly before we knew we were looking for it, that gave us the 20 minute daily goal. We are so honored that she gave some of her time to share her latest lessons in exactly how you can harness the power of nature for your health, happiness and mental well-being. Some of the good stuff: [2:05] Florence William’s favorite outdoor space [3:14] Why she started writing about outdoor benefits [5:16] Why going outside makes us feel good [8:01] Why going outside is good for your brain [10:26] Why going outside helps trauma [16:36] Why finding what speaks to you is important [19:05] Why tuning in matters [21:24] The difference between “seeking” and “available” [23:48] Why many doctors love drugs and ignore nature [25:49] How to find awe in what’s right outside your door [35:30] Florence’s favorite and most essential gear [36:47] Florence’s favorite outdoor moment Connect with this episode: Read (or listen to) The Nature Fix, by Florence Williams Listen to The 3-Day Effect on Audible Read Florence William’s website Follow Florence Williams on Instagram Like Florence William’s Facebook author page Follow Florence Williams on Twitter

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 hardIt doesn’t take any extra workIt does take intention Listen now! Connect with this episode: Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook 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

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: Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook 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

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: Visit Nicole Snell’s website Visit Nicole’s Girls Fight Back website Watch Nicole’s Outdoor Defense YouTube series (it’s really good!) Book a one-on-one session with Nicole Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn Follow Nicole and Girls Fight Back on Facebook Follow Nicole on Instagram Follow Girls Fight Back on Instagram Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Follow Humans Outside on Instagram 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

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: Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Listen to Alastair Humphrey’s episode on Humans Outside Listen to my episode about my scary Grand Canyon trip   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

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: Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook 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

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 areThe gifts of an outdoor habit in an urban environmentHow noticing nature can raise awareness for other things Listen now! Connect with this episode: Visit Brittany Gowan’s website Read Brittany’s book “Turn to the Sun” (affiliate link)Follow Brittany on Facebook Follow Brittany on Instagram Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook 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

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 doLiving with the discomfort of flexibilityPreparation and vision But is it worth it? Yes. Listen to this episode to hear more now! Connect with this episode: Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook 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.

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: Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook

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 groupWhat to do if you’re stuck on adventure with someone who is falling apartHow to be kind to yourself (and others) while deal with the whole thing. Listen now!     Connect with this episode: Check out coaching with Sarah on Mind & Mountain Take one of Luc’s cool adventure courses Follow Sarah on Instagram Follow Luc on Instagram Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook 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

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: Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook 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

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: Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook 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

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 makeThe wonderful parks experience you might be missingThe best way to avoid big crowds Listen now! Connect with this episode: Visit Matt and Karen’s website Follow Matt and Karen on Instagram Follow Matt and Karen on Facebook Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook 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

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: Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook 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

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: Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Nature for Everyone: Working for Outdoor Inclusivity and Respect (Brandi Small, inclusivity advocate and hiker) She Went Outside to Finish Her Dad’s Epic Bucket List and Found Big Things About Herself (Laura Carney, author and bucket list chaser) Canoeing the Entire Mississippi River to Shatter Barriers (Cory Maria Dack, Canoe guide and inclusivity advocate) She’s Conquering Trails with a Rare Brain Disease (Crystal Gail Welcome, BIPOC and disabled thru-hiker) 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.

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: Follow Denali Strabel on Instagram Follow Rubye Blake (Denali’s identical twin) on Instagram In honor of Denali’s nephew, Gunnar Visit Denali’s website Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook 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

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: Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook 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

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, The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier and More Creative. She joined us to talk about the book in a previous episode of Humans Outside. In her new book Heartbreak (and the immersive audio book) 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: Read or listen to Heartbreak by Florence Williams (affiliate link) Hear Florence Williams’ previous episode on Humans Outside  Listen to Amy and Luke Bushats with Florence on the Outside Magazine podcast Follow Florence Williams on Facebook Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook   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

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: Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook 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

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: All about Ranger Doug’s art Buy the Ranger of the Lost Art table top book Follow Ranger Doug on Facebook Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook 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