Emily McCarthy grew up on the beaches and sandlots of Florida where running became a lifelong passion. Adulthood would carry her across the globe working with volunteer groups and the CIA. Now, she and her husband run GORUCK, a group rooted in special forces principles where veterans and civilians come together to build active communities. Emily and Jason spoke over Skype one day about the mission of GORUCK, her experiences with other cultures, her history with the CIA, and the finer...

North Carolina native John Gage grew up exploring the woods and his mechanical predilections. His drive to understand things lead him into the manufacturing industry. An experience with hypothermia while backpacking shifted his perspective on gear culminating in the founding of Appalachian Gear Company. He and Jason sat in a windy AT shelter one afternoon discussing John’s history with the outdoors, his career in textiles, and the path to 100% alpaca clothing.

Climber Taylor Carpenter taught herself to sew and started a business—Static Climbing—in her bedroom. Dedication, serendipity, and contributions from others would help it grow into a successful operation serving a global climbing market. Taylor and Jason sat in a yard in Bell one evening discussing her competitive athletic youth, her penchant for injury, the challenges of growing a business, dealing with anxiety, and the controversial chalk bag choice of belt or carabiner.

Steven Reinhold wants his adventures to make an impact. Early experiences with Big City Mountaineers shifted his pursuits towards adventure philanthropy. He balances his time with guiding, brand ambassadorship, volunteer work, and leading cleanup initiatives with the Trashtag Project. He and Jason spoke in a windy AT shelter one afternoon about his path to philanthropy, the realities of being a brand ambassador, and the inspirations and goals for #trashtag.

Lady Crush Crew is a climbing community devoted to empowering and enabling women to climb together (and crush together). Initially an Instagram group to connect women in San Francisco, LCC has expanded across the U.S. Jason met with three group leaders one afternoon to discuss the history of LCC, the impact it has had, why women love climbing together, and what the future holds.

Ted Mattison, also known as Ranger Ted, is an actor and outdoor guide in Los Angeles. Born in Minnesota, his youth involved lakes, canoes, and outdoor adventures fueled by encouraging adults. Thankful for the experiences made possible by outdoor mentors, he strives to be that mentor for others via his brand, Wonder Outside. Ted and Jason spoke one afternoon about the wonders of nature, the benefits of the outdoors, fighting cancer at 21, falling into acting, and annual capture the flag...

San Francisco native Kristin Tieche loves bats and bicycles. Both of these passions find their way into her work as a filmmaker: be it a feminist horror film on two wheels, an insightful series about cycling visionaries, or a documentary reflection on the lives of bats. Kristin and Jason spoke one afternoon about these pursuits, her history with nature, managing our waste, and the joys of “bike religion.”

Nick Watts works for Occupation Wild helping others find adventurous work in the outdoor industry. Seeking adventure is his calling whether hitchhiking across the South Pacific on sailboats, living in a van surfing the breaks of New Zealand, or breaking bones on a mountain bike. He and Jason met one morning at San Onofre Beach to discuss his past, future, and how he came to be adopted by a family in Vanuatu.

When not dressed as a cow for the Butter and Eggs Parade, a young EC spent her time hiking, swimming, and camping. Serendipitous moments in her adulthood introduced her to new passions: caving, canyoneering, and diving. She and a sick Jason met one morning to discuss her experiences in the outdoors, her work as a water quality scientist for Heal the Bay, and her love for water (but not oceans).

Rowan Smith is a personal trainer for trekkers and mountaineers in Sydney, Australia. In a world bereft of quality training for adventure athletes, he aims to create programs targeting their specific needs. Rowan and Jason spoke over Skype one day about the intricacies of adventure training, his history in the outdoors, and why you shouldn’t sleep on public transit while traveling.

One of the hurdles many struggle to overcome when embarking on outdoor adventures is dealing with discomfort—be it psychological, emotional, or physical. As we head into 2020, team Chick-a-Boom—Cyndi, Marilee, and Saveria—are here to discuss why embracing your discomfort can lead to great rewards and a richer life.

Lee Trebotich grew up playing barefoot in the summers along the Mississippi coast and chasing winters in Colorado. His careers have taken him across the U.S. in the science, education, and outdoor industries ultimately landing him in Asheville, North Carolina. He and Jason spoke one afternoon about his passions for mountains, ice climbing, and 100% alpaca clothing along with a myriad of other topics including his skills as a bush doctor.

Experiences as a child and in college placed Liz Thomas on a path that has lead her to an adulthood exploring long distance trails in the backcountry and in urban areas. She is recognized as an authority on hiking and is the author of Long Trails: Mastering the art of the Thru-Hike. She and Jason spoke one morning about her experiences hiking long distances, her on-trail research, why urban hiking is a passion, and why she is known as “Snorkel.”

Washington native Chef Corso was introduced to the natural world by a group of high school friends. He quickly embraced a multitude of adventure sports, especially backpacking, but was always underwhelmed by the camp meals. A lifelong cook, Chef Corso founded MONTyBOCA, an online community dedicated to getting everyone to eat better in the outdoors. He and Jason spoke over Skype about the social importance of food, the path to creating MONTyBOCA, and how we all can elevate our meals.

Sara Al Awadhi is a lawyer from the UAE. Allen Schaidle is an academic from the Midwest United States. A chance encounter and a passion for climbing brought them together. Now married, they explore the UAE establishing new bouldering areas. Sara and Allen spoke with Jason one morning about the culture and ethics of the Middle East, the delicious sweets, the challenges of creating a guidebook, the joys of sharing climbing, and why Allen struggles to keep his shirt on.

Daisy Martinez has struggled with depression throughout her life. A day hike with a friend to Mount Baldy would unexpectedly lead her down a path to ultra running. This newfound passion gives her a renewed sense of purpose, goals to achieve, builds confidence, and helps manage her depression. Daisy and Jason met one morning to discuss her history with running, environmentalism, and mental health.

In 2010, Jason and Steven Calcote embarked on the week long journey of hiking Vancouver Island’s beloved West Coast Trail. Four days of non-stop rain, swollen rivers, and numerous obstacles would create a seminal event in their outdoor experiences. This is their story of accepting hardship and chasing epiphanies.

Previous guest (G.O. #16) Alden Anderson is 3 years into a 6 month trip across Europe and Asia. He and Jason spoke over Skype about how travel changes a person, why exploring culture is as important as exploring nature, the human connections photography can bring, and the unexpected revelations life as a nomad has brought.

what would stick with her, especially as it helped her cope with the aftermath of an abusive marriage. Now Cyndi competes as an ultrarunner, organizes outdoor events, and guides others. She and Jason met one rainy day to discuss the progression of her life in nature and how running has improved her life and those around her.

Daniel Harm has lived an eclectic existence influenced by nature and art. He grew up internationally, raced bicycles professionally, lived in the wilderness building an ornate trail system, scales mountains and trees, and shares his style of unique art through photography and film. He and Jason spoke one morning about his many experiences, his reflections on life and society, and the wild world of eco-tech futurism.

Courtney Condy was a workaholic go-getter intent on becoming a millionaire before 30. Yet, she hated her life. A spontaneous trip to Nepal shifted her perspective ultimately leading her to pursue a new career as an outdoor leader. She founded Occupation Wild, an online resource that helps others find employment in the outdoor industry. Courtney and Jason sat in a park one evening discussing existential issues, the joys of being a camp bitch, and how avoiding Coachella can change a person’s life.

Daniel Elson makes cartoons, hides his past, and descends canyons on sketchy anchors. Did we mention his mustache? He has a boffo mustache. Daniel and Jason hid from the rain in a makeup room one morning to discuss the state of animation, ways to get fired, California zebras, and the toxic aspects of the outdoor community. Oh, and his mustache, of course.

What began as an instagram account devoted to sharing hiking photos of a mother and her son has blossomed into a community of families sharing outdoor adventures with each other. Jason met with seven members of Trailmothers one morning in Griffith Park to discuss how the group has enriched their lives, taught them to manage fear, built meaningful friendships, and helped them embrace their inner crybabies.

Michael Kelley spent his youth surfing the beaches of Malibu until he discovered the competitive world of cycling and eventually SUP racing. Now, he shares his years of experience with others as a Scoutmaster, father, and REI instructor. Michael and Jason spent a morning at Will Rogers State Park discussing waves, roads, and the benefits of being a beginner.

Previously a fashionista, Tiffany Nardico’s live changed drastically after a chance encounter on a Zion shuttle bus introduced her to canyoneering. Her budding photography career shifted towards adventure sports. She now travels the U.S. in her van capturing adventures and expeditions in the recesses of the Earth and below its surface.