Let's Take This Outside

Will Gadd is one of the top adventure athletes in the world (Outside, Men's Journal and Explore). He is best known for wild outdoor adventures in multiple different sports, but he's most proud of his ability to complete those adventures safely and share them with others. He has appeared in, hosted or produced more than 100 global television projects. He is an award-winning writer, film maker, and dad (no awards yet). His book on ice climbing is the top publication in its field, and has been translated into five languages. Gadd's presentations on "Risk and Reward" and related topics take him all over the world to speak to audiences ranging from Nike and Enbridge to at-risk youth . He is a National Geographic " Adventurer of the Year" and recently became the first person to climb a frozen Niagara Falls. Last winter he used his ice climbing skills to find new life forms under a glacier, a world first, and just returned from a major TV production on the last ice in Africa. He is an ACMG guide, and uses way too much spice in his cooking. https://willgadd.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josephine Baran is currently the Director of Outward Bound Canada's Training Academy for Outdoor Professionals which is seeking to create access and training opportunities for groups that have been traditionally under-represented in the outdoor industry. She fell in love with Canada’s natural spaces when she moved here as a teenager and firmly believes we are the best version of ourselves when we are outdoors. She led the National Community team for Mountain Equipment Co-op which had the largest series of races in Canada and is happiest when she is running the trails with her dogs, paddling at her cabin in Northern Ontario or snowboarding in the Rockies. About the Training Academy The Training Academy has two levels of fully funded programming, that we are able to offer at no cost to our participants; the Foundations and Essentials level. Foundations offers 6 days of workshops with a strong focus on growing outdoor technical skills and building comfort in the outdoors. There is a 5 day outdoor journey option also. It truly is about creating access for groups and communities that have been traditionally under-represented. The Essentials program offers 10 days of workshops that focuses on a broad range of topics like mental health first aid, trauma informed outdoor leadership and more. It also provides four days of technical training at a basecamp workshop and a ten day outdoor journey. This level readies participants to enter the outdoor industry with the skills to work with the diverse and evolving needs of our population. Diversity in the outdoors resources Kasiama, Jusdith. “On diversity and healing in nature.” The Great Trail. January 30, 2020.  Kelly, Ash. “The Adventure Gap: Why minorities are less likely to pursue outdoor recreation.” CBC. June 20, 2018. Brean, Joseph. “Canada's 'adventure gap': Why it doesn't make sense for the great outdoors to be such a white space.” National Post. May 28, 2018. Lockhart, Jessica Wynne. “How to help new Canadians access the great outdoors.” Cottage Life. September 22, 2017. Moye, Jayme. “Jaylyn Gough Asks: Whose Land Are You Exploring?” Outside Online. May 31, 2018. Kloos, Kassondra. “We Need More Women of Color Working in the Outdoors.” Outside Magazine. April 3, 2018. Tariq, Ambreen. “I Would But: I Am The Only Person of Color.” REI Co-Op Journal. February 22, 2018. Baker, Teresa. “Changing Faces of the Outdoors.” Alpinist. October 03, 2017. Kefauver, Olivia. "Diversifying the Outdoors: Brown People Camping." Outdoor Women's Alliance. 2017.  Haile, Rahawa. “Going It Alone.” Outside Magazine. April 11, 2017.  Tariq, Ambreen. "My Immigrant Story: Loneliness and Empowerment at the American Campground." Outside Online. April 07, 2017.  Scharper, Julie. "Nature Fix." National Parks Conservation Association. 2017.  Berger, Erin. "To Diversify the Outdoors, We Have to Think About Who We're Excluding."Outside Online. November 20, 2016.  Kloos, Kassondra. “We Need More Women of Color Working in the Outdoors.” Outside Magazine. April 3, 2018. Rassler, Brad. “The Adventure Gap and Narratives of Inclusion: James Edward Mills talks about why the face of outdoor adventure must change.” Alpinist. December 21, 2016. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lhakpa Sherpa, is a Nepalese mountain climber, having the record for the most summits of Mount Everest by a female climber (which is 10 times by the way). Lhakpa was born in Nepal and grew up in the shadow of Mount Everest, so being a Sherpa is literally in her name and blood. In 2016, she was listed as one of BBC's 100 Women. She runs a mountain climbing expedition company called Cloudscape Climbing, and is currently raising funds for her upcoming K2 expedition. Lhakpa's Instagram GoFundMe for Lhakpa's K2 expedition Cloudscape Climbing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sonya Looney is an American Pro Mountain Biker, Podcast Host, Health and Mental Performance Coach, Writer, Speaker, and mom. She’s raced her mountain bike across the world in 25+ countries at the hardest endurance races in places like the Sahara Desert, Himalayas of Nepal, tropical jungles in Asia, steppes of Mongolia, and mountain ranges in Poland.  Sonya is also interested in the integration of high performance and well-being through psychology, contemplative practices, and sport. Sonya's Website Listen to The Sonya Looney Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kyle Brittain is a freelance videojournalist and weather specialist who spent over four years documenting various high impact weather events across western Canada as a reporter for The Weather Network.  As a storm chaser and former wildland firefighter, some of the more memorable events he covered included wildfires, tornadoes, blizzards, high winds, and temperature extremes.  He is passionate about weather forecasting, risk communication, and breaking down the science behind the weather. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jill Wheatley is an athlete and mountain climber currently climbing the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 metres, with only 30% of her vision. In 2014, while teaching a physical education class in Germany, a baseball hit Jill in the side of her head, leaving her with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that took 70% of her vision and nearly her life. Before the accident, she was an athlete, teacher and coach who ran on trails, cycled and competed in duathlons. “After 26 months in hospitals, I felt lost,” Jill told ParticipACTION. “I emerged from the hospital a completely different person from how I arrived. I lost my eyesight, autonomy, car, apartment, work and residency permit. But one aspect of my life that remained the same was my passion and desire to be outside with Mother Nature.” Jill’s long road to recovery has brought her to peaks like K2 and the only Canadian female to summit 6 mountains above 8,000 metres. She aims to break down the stigma associated with traumatic brain injury, vision loss, and eating disorders. Check out her journey and story at https://mountainsofmymind.com. Jill's Instagram Vision 8000 GoFundMe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mercedes Nicoll is a 5x National Champion, she has eight World Cup podiums and represented Team Canada at 4x Winter Olympics in snowboard halfpipe. Mercedes currently works in the winter at Whistler Blackcomb in the Ride with an Olympian Program. Mercedes is chair of the Canada Snowboard athlete’s council with a seat on the Canada Snowboard board and is also on the Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes Commission.  In 2020 Mercedes launched, DROPPING IN a podcast with Mercedes Nicoll. Mercedes Podcast Mercedes Personal Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonathan Allen is the editor of Allday magazine and owner of LCKD N LDED. Ever since he can remember he was riding bikes not being attracted to video games. He raced bikes as a teen, until a big accident eventually led to him putting riding on hold. A few years later he got back on the bike, and got the ‘’bug’’ again to be more serious about it and started a bike related blog. It is after a trip during covid that he realized that it would be great to talk about all his outdoor passions but with the perspective to inform the regular non-technical people. This is how Allday magazine was born.  Almost 2 years later, 6 collaborators and over 160 published articles, Allday is a great worldwide reference for product reviews. Allday magazine website LCKD N LDED website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dawson Mossman is an ultra runner, adventurer and avid traveller. He can usually be found running the trails in New Brunswick, Canada or enjoying a long race somewhere around the world.  Dawson is also the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Product Development at Deloitte Canada and a father of three. He believes in a balance between family, health, work and personal ambitions - and always focuses on the journey rather than the result. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real is an Ottawa based outdoor and endurance enthusiast. He has participated in the Canadian Ski Marathon since 1991 – taking part every year because it’s an event that means so much to him personally and to the local outdoor community. Real is currently the “CSM” president and with a team of volunteers helped guide the event through the pandemic years. About the Canadian Ski Marathon: The Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM) is North America’s oldest XC cross country ski event. It has been held the 2nd weekend of February since 1967 and takes place in the beautiful Outaouais region of Quebec, centered in Montebello. Skiers of all ages and abilities can register for a variety of categories allowing them to ski 1 to 5 sections ranging from 12 to 25 km each day on classic groomed trails through a breathtaking winter landscape. This 160 km linear trail is unique and is only used once each year in its entirety! The CSM is not a timed race, but a personal ski adventure set in some of Canada’s most picturesque countryside. No matter the challenge you set for yourself, you are sure to find a friendly smile, or words of encouragement on the trail, as well as a warm mug of honey water, and supportive volunteers at the next checkpoint. There is something for everyone at the CSM! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corinna Coffin is a registered sports dietician, nutrition coach and hybrid athlete on a mission to help others realize their true potential and lead healthier lives through nutrition & fitness. Corinna’s interest in nutrition first began as a personal pursuit to improve her own health and performance as a multisport athlete at Virginia Tech. There she competed on the university’s club lacrosse and triathlon teams and received dual degrees in Nutrition, Food & Exercise and Spanish. After graduating, Corinna competed professionally in the sport of obstacle course racing for several years before pursuing a master’s degree in sports nutrition at the University of Utah and becoming a licensed dietitian.  Corinna’s affinity for sport and competition has remained steadfast over the last 8 years (and counting!). During this time, she has podiumed at over 40 races including the Spartan Race World Championships and Obstacle Course Racing World Championships, she has competed at the CrossFit Games, won the Tough Mudder X Championships and Spartan Stadion Series and took second at the 2020 and 2021 Spartan Games. More recently, Corinna has been pursuing a new fitness venture called The Tactical Games, which is a combination of shooting and fitness. Corinna owns her own remote coaching practice, RD Athlete Nutrition LLC and currently resides in Louisiana with her husband, Taylor. Corinna's Coaching Website Corinna's Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ted Kalil is the chair of Nordiq Canada and a strong ally to females in sport. Ted’s love for the outdoors started at age 9 attending Camp Nominingue in the Laurentians (with ties to the legendary Jackrabbit Johannsen, who effectively introduced nordic skiing to North America). It was there, in cedar canvas canoes built onsite at the camp, that his passion for paddling first began. One of his favourite quotes is Camp Nominingue’s motto, which is from Henry David Thoreau’s book, Walden, and it reads, “Rise free from care before the dawn, and seek adventure. Let the noon find thee by other lakes, and the night overtake thee everywhere at home." As a father to 3 daughters, Ted has a passion for supporting women in sport. He served for years on the board of Fast & Female, Chandra Crawford’s not-for-profit, and moved over to the Nordiq Canada board where he now serves as the Chair since 2021. Ted has also been participating in the Canadian Ski Marathon every year since 2018, including twice completing the Coureur de Bois Bronze (160km ski). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Joanna Young is an environmental educator with over a decade of experience leading backcountry expeditions for youth. She is the Director of Alaska Programs for Inspiring Girls Expeditions and a co-founder of the Girls on Ice Alaska program, which are unique, tuition-free expeditions for high school girls and gender-expansive youth that combine science, art, and outdoor exploration. Joanna is also an expert in glaciology who studies how Alaska’s glaciers are losing mass in climate change, and how that impacts communities downstream. Altogether, Joanna's work has the unifying goal of using research and education as vehicles for social justice and inclusion towards environmental sustainability. Links: https://joannayoung.mystrikingly.com/ (Personal) https://uaf-iarc.org/?directory_entry=joanna-young (Research) https://www.inspiringgirls.org/joanna-young (Inspiring Girls Expeditions) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Bennett is a ski and cycling enthusiast, and owner of Euro-Sports in Ottawa, ON. Michael founded Euro-Sports in 2004, after spending his youth working in outdoor stores in Huntsville and Ottawa, and his parent’s ski shop in Muskoka. Euro-Sports is “your Multi-Sport Lifestyle Shop” where every staff member fully indulges in the outdoor lifestyle. From cycling and trail running in the summer, to cross-country skiing, ski-mo and running in the winter months, they have you covered for all seasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nomades du Parc was created by Jacob and Vincent, two lovers of the Outaouais region who decided to settle in the heart of Chelsea, at the entrance to Gatineau Park, to offer you the rental of bikes and paddle board (SUP) by integrating guided experiences. You will only need one visit to see that the community is at the heart of this new adventure! The NDP team offers you a community facility with a terrace, a self-service bike repair station and a cleaning station that will make your bike shine throughout the park! Finally, Nomades du Parc hopes to bring together all the outdoor enthusiasts who will pass through the Outaouais. https://nomadesduparc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raised in northern Alberta, near Fort McMurray, Tracy Little grew up hunting and foraging with her forester father, first because it was practical — why spend money at the grocery store when there’s perfectly good food growing and available right beside you? Later, the she developed an appreciation for food that tells a story about the place it comes from. That passion for hyper-local food that evokes a multi-sensory experience is the driving force behind Sauvage, her restaurant in the mountain town of Canmore Alberta. Sauvage Chefs vs Wild Canada's Great Kitchen Party Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Molly Hurford is a writer in love with all things cycling, running, nutrition and movement-related. When not outside, she’s writing about being outside and healthy habits of athletes. She created The Consummate Athlete weekly podcast, website and book, Becoming A Consummate Athlete with her husband, cycling coach Peter Glassford.  Molly is a little obsessed with getting people—especially women—psyched on adventure and being outside. That's why she created the Shred Girls, a young adult fiction series and online community focused on getting girls excited about bikes. Additionally, she’s the author of multiple nonfiction books and writes regularly for publications including Bicycling magazine +Outside. She regularly hosts talks and runs clinics for cyclists and teaches yoga online and IRL… And in her spare time, the former Ironman triathlete and cyclist now spends time racing ultra-runs on trails or can be found out hiking with her mini-dachshund DW. Check out The Consummate Athlete website. Find out more on Shred Girls. Molly's Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lawrence Colsell and Alister Gardner are the co-founder and co-owner of Xact Nutrition. Xact Nutrition started with one simple idea: surely it’s possible to make a better-tasting alternative to an energy gel.  Their foody passion love of outdoor sports led them to create products that work great and taste great, starting in 2012 handing out XACT ENERGY fruit bars at a wind-swept mountain top feed station. Lawrence grew up in Bristol, UK, settling in Montreal and heads up marketing and product development, with a passion for mountains and cooking. Alister is from England, and now lives in Bromont Quebec, is a competitive runner, and has represented Canada in Mountain Running, has run his own speciality run store, and recently earned a diploma in sport nutrition. Check out their website: https://www.xactnutrition.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave believes the natural world is one of our most powerful teachers and mentors. Dave co-founded Forest Play in 2011 with the goal of facilitating programs that connect people to nature, others and themselves.  Forest Play is grounded in the learning philosophies of Coyote Mentoring and Forest Schools and inspired by the understanding that stories, wilderness skills and sensory experiences in nature can help children and adults be more creative, resilient and emotionally intelligent. Dave also facilitates nature-based leadership programs for the Banff Centre and the Pacific Centre for Leadership and leads adult workshops for teachers and educators in Forest Play and nature - connection mentoring.  He has a Master's Degree in Recreation Management, is an accredited Master Interpretive Guide a Wilderness First Responder and proud father of two wonderful daughters (ages 11 & 13). Coyote’s Guide: http://coyotesguide.com/ Child and Nature Alliance Canada/Forest School Canada: https://childnature.ca/ Wilderness Awareness School: https://www.wildernessawareness.org/ Wisdom of the Earth (Salt Spring) and the Pine Project (Toronto) (these are really Canada’s versions of Wilderness Awareness School): https://www.wisdomoftheearth.ca/ https://pineproject.org/ David Sobel: https://www.davidsobelauthor.com/nature-preschools-and-forest-kindergartens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Melissa Lem is a Vancouver family physician who also works in rural and northern communities within Canada. Director of PaRx (Park Prescriptions), Canada’s national nature prescription program powered by the BC Parks Foundation, and President-Elect of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, she is an internationally recognized expert on the nature-health connection. Just a few of Dr. Lem’s highlights include, she was the inaugural winner of University College’s Young Alumni of Influence Award at the University of Toronto, a 2020 Joule Innovation grant recipient from the Canadian Medical Association, a 2021 World Parks Week Ambassador. We covered: What is Park Prescriptions? The biggest links between nature and its healing benefits. What counts as “nature time”? What would you recommend to the general population for getting outside? www.parkprescriptions.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices