Humans Outside

Tackling big challenges outside offers plenty of opportunities to learn big lessons. But this one? This takeaway is something I am going to be able to leverage for every outdoor experience. It all started with some insight from a Humans Outside podcast guest and became crystal clear during a recent big adventure on a very windy mountain run. So what’s the lesson and how can it help you? Listen now. Connect with this episode: Visit Sarah Histand’s website Hear more about being nice to your nervous system in this Humans Outside episode Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Some of the good stuff: [:58] What is the most important thing I’ve learned? [1:05] Woooooo, nervous system [1:20] Sarah Histand, master of this topic, so check her out [1:45] The secret power of your nervous system [2:00] All the ways you might hear your nervous system talking [2:40] Training your nervous system [3:00] The fun words: titration and pendulation [3:30] How this lesson helped me. [3:50] The most important part of this lesson [4:20] A reason example of this particular learning [4:30] All about the Crazy Lazy Mountain Race and exactly how crazy it was [6:12] The moment my nervous system left the party [6:45] Why this understanding matters [7:25] How this might apply to you even if you’re not on Lazy Mountain in big wind

How does spending time outside impact or help humans who are tackling life with various forms of neurodivergence or with an autism diagnosis? Dad and daughter duo Ian and Eve Alderman, who share both an autism diagnosis and a love of hiking, are navigating the world - literally - one hike at a time. With the support of mom Sarah, the Scotland-based family is teaching Eve to pair her unique abilities with the wide world by doing long hiking projects for charity. In this episode Ian takes a break from the trail to talk about their adventures, how spending time outside aids them on their life journey, and what other humans both neuronormative and neurodivergent may be able to find by spending more time outside. Connect with this episode: Follow Our Spectrum Adventures on Facebook Buy Ian and Eve a coffee (or hot chocolate!) Visit Ian and Eve’s website Our Spectrum Adventures website Follow Our Spectrum Adventures on Instagram Support Scottish Autism through Just Giving Support Scottish Autism through GoFundMe Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Some of the good stuff: [2:58] Ian Alderman’s favorite outdoor space [3:44] All about Ian’s family and their outdoor story [8:13] What autism looks like for Eve (age 9) and Ian [12:09] How spending time outside helps Eve [17:18] How they handle Eve’s schooling while hiking full time [22:40] All about this year’s hiking project [24:02] Hiking for charity [28:13] What working through nature has taught Ian about his own autism [31:55] Feeling vulnerable in nature and why that’s everyone [32:33] What humans can find by going outside [36:24] How listeners can support Ian and Eve [37:37] Ian’s favorite outdoor moments

If getting excited about spring weather despite all of its unpredictability makes me a fool, then so be it. But while the uncertainty of spring can be exasperating, it also carries some important reminders that can help you lean into making the most of it, other seasons -- both outside and inside -- and events outside your control. Ready to be a fool for spring, 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] Spring is, well, a little dramatic [1:05] 45 winters and springs and their names (not really) [1:50] I am a fool and I like it [2:30] The reminders of spring drama [2:49] Living with flexibility due to lack of other options [3:35] The seizing the day of the winter [4:00] The power of understanding that seasons change

How Travel Photography Can Connect You to Humans Outside (Lola Akinmade Åkerström, travel photographer) We spend a lot of time talking about the act, art and benefits of connecting with nature. But what about connecting with the humans who live on the land? What about seeing and being seen no matter where you are or what kind of nature you call home? Travel photographer Lola Akinmade Åkerström has made a career of creating connections with the landscape, land and culture through portraiture of humans around the world. Born in Nigeria and now living in Sweden, Lola has a deep understanding of connecting with other humans because of the way she shares their experiences. In this episode Lola talks about what she has personally learned through travel photography, what it’s like to make excellent portraits around the world and how you can find those same connections, too. Listen now. Connect with this episode: Visit Lola Akinmade Åkerström’s website Follow Lola on Instagram Follow Lola on Facebook Follow Lola on Twitter Connect with Lola on LinkedIn Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Some of the good stuff: [3:16] How Lola Akinmade Åkerström became someone who likes to go outside [4:04] Lola’s outdoor story [8:21] The kinds of photos Lola loves to make [10:59] Lola’s books [13:00] Life as a GIS scientist and how it translates to travel [15:58] Her country tally and why it doesn’t matter [17:58] The meaninglessness of borders and the importance of humans [21:07] Why the connection of humans to seasons matters [26:27] How she’s learned about people and culture [28:45] How you can lean into that cultural connection [30:43] What the shame cycle has to do with it [33:31] The barriers, access and connection brought by being a Black woman [37:30] Lola’s favorite outdoor moment

When I started my outdoor habit it was because I needed a way to push myself outside daily, no matter what. But over those more than 2,000 days I have discovered facets that are especially meaningful to me. 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] Why I first started my outdoor habit [1:00] Taking photos daily is a good try [1:40] Things I love about my outdoor habit [2:00] The favorite of a zillion new hobbies [3:24] The favorite of new friends [4:46] The thing I love the very most about my outdoor habit

Do you head outside for your mind, body, spirit -- or all three? And when you’re out there, do you find there’s one specific activity or facet that is simply your favorite? That really moves you -- literally or figuratively? That heals whatever part of you is feeling the most neglected today? Tammah Watts followed a bird from her kitchen window while she was working on ways to physically heal. But what she found through bird watching is so much more. So what can a little connection with birds do for you? Listen now to find out. Connect with this episode: Visit Tammah’s website Read Tammah’s book (affiliate link) Follow Tammah on Instagram Follow Tammah on Facebook Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Some of the good stuff: [2:38] Tammah Watt’s favorite outdoor space [5:30] How Tammah became someone who likes to go outside [6:50] How Tammah became a birder [11:33] How this is sort of like The Secret Garden [14:22] The difference between birding and birdwatching and is there one? [19:29] What intentionality has to do with it [22:29] Why birding is healing to Tammah [25:44] Why birds are easier for this connection than mountains or trees [29:32] How birds can lead to mindfulness [35:44] Why birding is so hot right now [38:30] Tammah’s favorite outdoor moment

As the weather changes outside and one season starts to become another, it’s a good time to think about what happens when seasons change for humans. I don’t mean the outdoor seasons -- but those count, too. I mean the seasons of humans, that it’s OK to change over time and what happens when you lean into the changing instead of resisting them. 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: [:40] Lessons from a coworker [1:10] A changing of actual seasons [1:35] Reminder on a sticky note [2:00] Hints of spring in the air [2:30] Fake news weather [2:40] Seasons even when they aren’t dramatic [3:13] Seasons just happen [3:30] What happens when we resist actual seasons [3:50] What happens when humans have seasons, too. [4:20] It’s probably going to be OK

Curious about dog mushing? You’re in good company. Dog racing, known as mushing, is one of the many sports that draws tourists and lures enthusiasts to live in Alaska. But not everyone who mushes is a pro-racer tackling the Iditarod or keeping a huge yard of sled dogs. The north and Alaska are full of amateur racers who take on the sport because they both love dogs and the time in nature running a sled and dog teams brings. In this episode Sarah Varland, an author, high school English teacher and amateur musher gives us the inside scoop on dog mushing, why she loves it and how it connects her to the world. Listen now. Connect with this episode: Alaska Dog Mushers Association Read Sarah Varland’s books Follow Sarah on Instagram Listen to Iditarod dog mushers Kristy and Anna Berington on Humans Outside Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Some of the good stuff: [3:49] Sarah Varland’s favorite outdoor space [4:53] How Sarah became someone who likes to go outside [6:59] About Sarah’s writing and how going outside impacts it [9:26] The basics of dog mushing and dog racing [12:28] How Sarah got into dog racing [14:36] What is mushing like? [17:11] Is there “flow” when mushing? [19:04] Top secret musher math [23:05] What do sled dogs actually look like? [24:41] What happens when a dog doesn’t want to work or pull? [26:41] Is mushing and dog racing cruel to the dogs? [29:22] What does dog racing cost? [30:35] What dog mushing teaches Sarah about herself [35:45] What dog mushing teaches Sarah about her faith? [39:03] How to learn more about mushing if you’re interested or want to try it [41:08] Sarah’s favorite outdoor moment

I can hardly believe it: I am hitting 2,000 days in a row of my outdoor habit. That’s 2,000 days of spending at least 20 consecutive minutes outside every single day, no matter the weather. So what have I learned over 2,000 days? Unlike my 1,000 day mark, my 2,000th day is in the dead of winter. That means my three 2,000th day lessons are winter lessons -- and they look a little different than the lessons found during the good summer weather. 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] Celebrating 2,000 days of my outdoor habit [:48] It wasn’t exactly the goal [1:06] This isn’t at all like my 1,000th day outside [1:33] The difference between the things you learn [2:00] What the lessons of other anniversaries show -- and how this is different [2:30] Lesson one: Knowing I can do hard things [3:18] Lesson two: “I live in abundance” [4:06] Lesson three: knowing the value of taking it slow [5:07] How I’m marking 2,000 days outside

We’re taking a beat this week and bringing you a “best of” episode, this time on something you might be struggling with as winter turns into more winter, then into the spring of deception, then back to winter: getting your children outside even when it’s cold and no one wants to. That’s always a big problem here even with older kids, especially as the winter days drag on and everyone is kind of over it. But Sara McCarty, founder of Run Wild My Child, has some great advice on how to tackle it. Connect with this episode:  Visit Run Wild My Child Listen to the Run Wild My Child podcast Follow Run Wild My Child on Instagram Follow Run Wild My Child on Facebook Follow Run Wild My Child on Twitter Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook

What would happen if you made room each week for one big adventure and one little adventure? It’s a pretty simple concept: each week, purposefully do one small out of the ordinary, a “little adventure,” and one thing bigger that might take up to several hours, a “big adventure.” They don't have to be outside. But they certainly can be. In this episode Amy explains how she's taking on the challenge, presented in Laura Vanderkam’s recent book Tranquility by Tuesday, how she’s tackling it, a unique spin she’s trying to put on it and the challenges and benefits of doing so. Listen now. Connect with this episode: More about Tranquility by Laura Vanderkam in our episode with Laura Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Some of the good stuff: [:45] A little bit about Tranquility by Tuesday [1:15] All about one big adventure, one little adventure [2:10] Why I like this idea [2:52] How this concept looks for me [3:50] An expanded adventure idea [4:40] A quick caveat about this [4:55] My recent really big adventure [6:30] A snowboard revelation

When was the last time you experienced a sense of awe in nature? Feeling awe is something many outdoor users chase. But can you even define the experience of awe? Or is it one of things where you just know it when you see it? Where can you best find it? And what are the benefits of spending time outside purposefully chasing the feeling? Professor Dr. Dacher Keltner joins us in this episode to tackle those questions and more. Leaning on research and advice included in his new book “Awe: the new science of wonder and how it can transform your life,” Dacher guides us into an understanding of the what, how and why of chasing awe outside. Listen now. Connect with this episode: Read “Awe: the new science of wonder and how it can transform your life” (affiliate link) Visit Dr. Dacher Keltner’s website Learn about the Greater Good Science Center Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Some of the good stuff: [2:52] Dacher Keltner’s favorite outdoor space [3:35] How Dacher became someone who likes to go outside [6:47] Can we define awe? [9:12] How to experience awe in ways that are not specific to going outside [11:52] How the “eight wonders of life” are all tied to nature anyway [13:34] Do humans have a need for wild awe? [15:36] Why don’t we talk about the importance of awe? [20:01] Can you create an awe habit? [21:26] Is there such a thing as an awe muscle? [23:34] What does noticing have to do with it? [26:28] The difference between “awe” and “wonder” [28:04] Tips for finding and keeping an awe habit [30:18] Dacher’s favorite moment of outdoor awe

It’s been three years since I launched the Humans Outside podcast in the early winter of 2020. It’s been an incredible ride of learning, growth and outdoor adventures for me as I’ve connected with 101 Humans Outside guests and recorded over 270 episodes. But what were some of the ones that have stuck with me the most? In this episode I talk about my favorite takeaways from three years of Humans Outside, plus share how you can enter a giveaway I’m hosting to celebrate the Humans Outside birthday. Listen now! Connect with this episode: Enter the Humans Outside birthday giveaway Episode 18: How Nature Can Help Your Marriage (Corie Weathers) Episode 26: Heading Outdoors to Conquer Challenges Indoors (Nailah Blades Wylie) Episode 54: How to Use Outdoors as Therapy Episode 83: Here's Exactly How to Build an Outdoor Habit (Sarah Hays Coomer) Episode 99: How Heading Outside Makes Your Brain More Creative (Cordele Glass) Episode 171: How to Create an Outdoor Habit that Works for You (Sarah Hays Coomer) Episode 179: How to ‘Rewild’ Yourself Even If You Live in a City (Claire Dunn) Episode 208: Simple and Easy Ways to ‘Rewild’ Your Life by Going Outside (Micah Mortali) Episode 264: How to Create a Habit That Gives You What You Need (Sarah Hays Coomer) Episode 268: Why Outside Challenges Like Harsh Weather Can Feel Bad and What to Do About It (Sarah Histand) Some of the good stuff: [:50] What podcasting is to me [1:17] What three years of this podcast means by the numbers [1:46] What podcasting here means to me [2:23] A few highlights of the interviews I’ve loved [7:20] Info about the giveaway

The deep, cold, dark winter of the north is a unique experience that both challenges and inspires. On the one hand, it shows you things about nature and about yourself you'd never see in the long hours of warmer daylight. On the other, it carried a depth that at times feels insurmountable. Among the winter enthusiasts and survivors are cyclists, people out there riding their bikes through, on and over the ice. They are part of a rich history of people not just exploring the Arctic under their own power, but leaning into the experience despite all the odds. In today’s episode writer and editor Jessica Cherry talks about the experience of cycling through Alaska’s winter. Listen now. Some of the good stuff: [2:56] Jessica Cherry’s favorite outdoor space [3:45] How Jessica became someone who likes to go outside [6:21] Jessica’s personal connection to cycling [9:42] What is a “fat bike?” [17:01] About Frank Soos [18:58] The experience of recreating over winter in the arctic [21:01] The surprising sound factor [24:56] What people miss by not going outside in the winter’s darkness [28:36] How being a climate scientist changes how Jessica experiences nature [33:09] What Jessica learned from her book, Wheels on Ice Connect with this episode: Read Wheels on Ice, edited by Jessica Cherry and Frank Soos Visit Jessica’s website Find Jessica on Facebook Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook

When so many outdoor adventures are or can be solo, when conquering big things is about your internal drive, why does community matter? After attending a local workshop hosted by a semi-pro runner and friend, I’ve been thinking about why showing up for others and having them show-up for me isn’t just important, it’s life changing. Hear why in this Outdoor Diary episode. Connect with this episode: Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Some of the good stuff: [:56] The premise behind Humans Outside [1:27] The benefit of community [1:55] A reminder that is, obviously, related to running [2:30] The ways it’s up to you alone [2:46] But also it’s not only up to you [3:57] How Denali Strable models this [4:10] How Denali models the power of community [4:30] Why this matters [4:50] What I’m trying to do here

Life is full of opportunities for problem solving, for looking at challenges in a fresh way, for reshaping the landscape to peel out an unexpected solution. And what does it take to get there? Creativity. You might be thinking about creativity as it relates to art, but that’s not what I’m talking about. Instead I mean the creativity found in how you approach the world. And heading outside? It has a measurable impact on boosting creativity if you take the right steps -- often literally. In this episode we dive into boosting creativity by heading outside in a conversation with Garry Pratt, a business coach, author and innovator around what he calls “outside thinking.” Listen now. Connect with this episode: Follow Garry Pratt on LinkedIn Read The Creativity Factor (affiliate link) Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Some of the good stuff: [3:07] Garry Pratt’s favorite outdoor space [4:33] How Garry became someone who likes to go outside [7:10] Garry’s “outside thinking” lightbulb moment [9:01] What is “creativity?” [11:59] What is “outside thinking?” [15:06] Why is nature perfect for deep work thinking? [21:00] Why walking in nature works for creativity [24:24] The deal with 20 minutes [28:00] All about 20:3:3 [31:00] Why it works for business thinking [36:34] Does type of nature matter? [38:55] A few tips for building your own outside thinking habit [41:45] How to find Garry’s book

How do you feel about falling? Or, perhaps more importantly, how do you feel about getting up again? One of the top lessons of Amy’s outdoor habit is the inevitability of falling and all of the lessons getting OK with it brings. Learning to fall and be OK with it has not only opened the door to trying and learning new things, but given her a better understanding of risk and recovery in her indoor life. Listen to this Outdoor Diary episode to learn more. Connect with this episode: Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Some of the good stuff: [:30] Braver and more courageous: a reminder [1:45] The deal with learning to take risks [2:00] The deal with falling [2:41] Here’s what really matters [2:52] The inevitability of falling if you’re ever going to learn something new [3:30] Pro-tip about snow in your pants [4:15] What if you did this instead? [4:50] An important distinction [5:15] How this feels during inside life

Ever seen that meme that asks “why do I live some in a place where the air hurts my face?” Heading outside in harsh conditions can feel like a personal attack that has your whole body and mind screaming “noooooooooo!” You want to want to do it, but you don’t. You know there’s no actual danger, but if feels like there is. You want to be someone who goes outside and does cool stuff, but you can’t figure out how to calm down that internal “nope” monologue. So what can you do about it? In this episode Alaska-based mental health informed adventure fitness trainer Sarah Histand tackles the big question of dealing being kind to your nervous system while teaching it that, hey, heading outside for challenges big and small is a safe and even fun idea. Listen now. Connect with this episode: Learn about Ski Babes and Mind and Mountain Follow Sarah Histand on Facebook Follow Sarah Histand on Instagram What to Wear in Cold Weather, Sarah’s first Humans Outside episode Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Some of the good stuff: [2:57] Sarah Histand’s (different from last time) favorite outdoor space [6:10] How Sarah got into the subject of mind meets mountain [10:53] Why going outside in harsh weather or for big challenges sometimes feels so very bad [13:40] Why sometimes it feels totally fine and other times it feels totally not fine [19:05] All about very individualized risk tolerance [24:19] Steps for overcoming this problem [25:13] Snacks and other comfort items [30:54] Baby steps aren’t just for babies [32:24] This is an everyone problem -- not just beginners [37:27] No comparing, please [39:48] Learning to balance intuition with social pressure [45:01] How to find more about Sarah

One of the hardest things about spending time outside in all weather is figuring out what to wear to keep your body comfortable. After all, if heading outside is really uncomfortable, you’re simply not going to want to do it. But what’s the best way to dress in cold weather? And what if you’re entirely new to this and just don’t know? In this episode, Amy lays out what she personally wears in cold weather and the different layers that work really for her body. 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] Why you might be thinking about this [1:15] The great and generous thing about outdoor-minded folks [1:34] I want you to be warm and happy [1:54] A few caveats [3:30] A rundown of what I wear for slow stuff on the bottom [4:58] What I’m wearing on top [6:00] The extremities [7:30] What I wear while being active [9:30] A final important step

So you’ve got an outdoor habit, but are you actually making time for fun? If having fun is a priority, how do you make time to actually make it happen? How can you organize your life around creating space for it? Dr. Michael Rucker’s new book, The Fun Habit, lays out the reasons we should make fun a priority, how to make it happen and what happens when you do. And in this episode of Humans Outside he helps us mix an outdoor habit with a fun habit to get the most out of our time. Connect with this episode: Buy The Fun Habit (affiliate link) Dr. Michael Rucker’s website How to Find Time to Go Outside with Laura Vanderkam Hack to Make Life More Tranquil, More Fun and More Outdoorsy with Laura Vanderkam How to Make Time for Joy and Heading Outside (Dr. Cassie Holmes) Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Some of the good stuff: [2:41] Dr. Michael Rucker’s favorite outdoor space [4:17] How Mike takes his own fun habit outside [8:20] The difference between “happiness” and “fun” [10:42] The role of intentionality [20:16] What is the SAVOR model? [25:57] Why is reminiscing important? [27:42] A digression into fun types one, two and three [30:37] Awe and “the mystery”