Outdoor Minimalist

Sustainability in the outdoor industry has come a long way, but the challenges of waste, microplastic pollution, and textile biodegradability remain an issue many brands struggle to address.  That’s where 37.5 Technology comes in. Known for creating high-performance fabrics that enhance comfort and moisture management, 37.5 has also been pushing the boundaries of sustainable textile innovation. On...

If you’re into outdoor adventure, photography, or just well-designed gear, chances are you’ve heard of Peak Design.  In episode 171 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, Meg is joined by Peter Dering, CEO and founder of Peak Design, to talk about something that sets them apart: employee ownership.  They discuss what that actually means in practice, how it influences everything from product developmen...

In the outdoor and environmental space, conservation is at the heart of so many discussions, but how those stories are told can make a difference. Whether it’s connecting policy to personal experiences or framing climate change through the lens of recreation, good storytelling has the power to inspire action. Joining me today is journalist and poet Sage Marshall. Sage has built a career covering o...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for outdoor gear skyrocketed, leading brands to ramp up production. But as the dust settled, it became clear that the industry had overestimated long-term consumer demand.  Now, we’re left with an oversaturated market, constant sales cycles, and a looming question:  What do we do with all this extra gear? To help unpack this issue, I’m joined by Megan Davin...

In this bonus episode, I break down the controversy surrounding REI’s support for Doug Burgum as the new Secretary of the Interior under the Trump administration. The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s endorsement of Burgum has sparked backlash, with calls for a boycott of REI. But what’s really happening? We explore Burgum’s background as a pro-fossil fuel businessman, his legal battles against the...

When it comes to skincare, we all want products that are safe, effective, and good for the planet.  But the reality is that many skincare brands, even those marketed as "natural" or "eco-friendly," hide some dirty secrets. From greenwashing tactics to hidden microplastics and PFAS, the industry is full of misleading claims that can make it hard for consumers to know what they’r...

Sustainability is a buzzword in the outdoor and apparel industries, but how do we know if a brand’s claims are actually legitimate? With greenwashing becoming more common, it's harder than ever to separate real impact from clever marketing. In this episode, I sit down with the co-founders of Ombraz Sunglasses to explore what it takes for a company to back up their sustainability claims with real d...

In episode 166 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we’re discussing outdoor equity and climate justice. We’ll learn how we can push for policies that help everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, have access to the benefits of outdoor spaces. Our guests also shed light on the barriers communities face in accessing the outdoors, the policy gaps we need to bridge, and the ways local govern...

Today’s bonus episode is one worth sharing with everyone in your community: What to Do If ICE Agents Approach You. Whether you’re directly impacted, a concerned family member, or an ally, understanding these rights and sharing them with others is a step toward protecting vulnerable members of our communities. In this episode, we will cover your rights when interacting with ICE or law enforcement,...

El episodio  de hoy es uno que vale la pena compartir con todos en tu comunidad: Qué hacer si agentes de ICE se acercan a ti. Ya sea que te impacte directamente, seas un familiar preocupado o un amigo, comprender estos derechos y compartirlos con otros es un paso hacia la protección de los miembros afectados de nuestras comunidades. En este episodio, cubriremos tus derechos al interactuar con ICE...

In episode 165 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we discuss conservation, how the movement needs to change, and how to reframe conservation as a human right.  We cover the historical inequities in conservation, how social justice and environmental protection intersect, and what a rights-based approach to conservation could look like in practice. We’ll also discuss ways you can influence policymak...

First, let me start by saying that the devastation from the wildfires in the LA area is horrific. Our hearts go out to everyone who has had to experience a climate disaster. Unfortunately, these events will likely become more frequent and widespread. We plan to discuss climate disasters more and how to prepare for them in the future, but for now, we will focus on some policies that no doubt influe...

Welcome to the first episode of 2025!  I’m stoked to dive into another exciting year of podcast content with all of you, and we have some exciting things planned for the year. So, if you aren’t already, make sure you’re subscribed to our weekly newsletter. Every Monday, with the release of a new episode, I send out an email newsletter with the latest content you can hear and watch and any addition...

It’s the final Monday of 2024, and what a year it’s been for the Outdoor Minimalist podcast!  In this special round-up episode, we’re celebrating the year’s highlights, including the top five most downloaded episodes. Whether you’re a first-time listener or a dedicated fan who tunes in every Monday, this episode is the perfect way to reflect on our journey together. We’re also taking a moment to c...

Happy Holidays outdoor minimalist listeners. I can’t believe this is the third holiday season I get to spend with all of you! To give the team a bit of a break over the next two weeks, we decided to repost one of our most popular and well-loved episodes –The Christmas Tree Display.  If you haven’t heard this, you’re in for a treat!  Before we get to the special though, I have a few announcements. ...

The holiday season is here, and with it comes a surge in waste and consumption. In this rare solo episode of Outdoor Minimalist , we explore how to reduce environmental impact during one of the most high-waste times of the year. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, waste in the U.S. increases by 25%, with millions of tons of trash generated from gift wrap, decorations, food waste, and shipping materia...

In the spirit of gift-giving, I want to highlight a book that I believe many listeners would love and cherish with their friends and family. Books are a timeless gift, and supporting small bookstores is something near and dear to my heart– after all, I grew up in one.  That’s why I decided to feature Sticks, Stones, and Pinecones: Games to Play in Nature by Jen Ball in episode 160 of the Outdoor M...

In this episode 159 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we’re heading into ski and snowboard season. Now, we don’t have many episodes focused around the snowsports industry (there’s a few, shout out to Ted Ligety and his episode), but as we gear up for winter sports, I wanted to look at how we enjoy our winter season with a more critical lens.  We’ve all experienced a rapid change in weather patter...

Today's episode discusses sensitive topics related to mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to reach out for help. Remember, you are not alone, and resources are available to support you. If you are in the United States, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. For those outside the U.S., please contact local mental health ser...

This episode is brought to you courtesy of Colin True from the Rock Fight and Gear & Beer podcasts. The Rock Fight: https://www.rockfight.co/ Gear & Beer: https://www.rockfight.co/yourmom/categories/gear-beer Please follow and subscribe to Gear & Beer and give them a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts and reach out to myrockfight@gmai...

We know the climate fight specifically just got a whole lot harder. Trump’s back in the White House, and with Republicans holding the Senate, we’re facing a serious uphill battle.  We’re talking about a president who’s called climate change a "hoax," pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, and rolled back major environmental protections like the Clean Air Act.  He’s promised to open up more dr...

Unfortunately, we use a lot of toxic materials in the outdoor industry and have for some time.  This reliance on synthetic and sometimes harmful materials has seen some major shifts due to regulations, but there are always some brands at the forefront of big changes.  One change we're seeing in the watersports industry is the phase-out or move away from using PVC.  In episode 156 of the Outdoor Mi...

We started our climate month by asking listeners if they were voting for the climate this November.  In what may be the most historic election in my lifetime, we need everyone to use their voice and get out to the polls.  I saw a post on Instagram from Protect Our Winters, and the photos said, "Vote like your home mountain is on fire" – swipe a couple of times, "Vote like your backyard is underwat...

Last week, I attended the Outdoor Media Summit in Missoula, MT, and here are some highlights! 😎 Meeting everyone that I've only ever talked to online 🎙️ Getting to speak on TWO panels related to the Forever Chemicals podcast 🎣 Hanging out with friends, old colleagues, and making new connections 💡 Learning from so many inspiring and innovative podcasters, journalists, editors, PR folks, brands,...

We are halfway through our first climate month on the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, and in episode 154, we explore the intersection of outdoor advocacy and climate action.  To me, loving the outdoors means more than just enjoying nature– it means standing up for it in all aspects of my life.  In a polarizing political climate, it can be difficult to know how to use your voice and if it will be heard...