Outdoor Minimalist

What is the role that brands should play in our climate change conversations?  We see some brands being consistent champions for the planet in their marketing campaigns, even beyond Earth Day, but is it enough? As consumer concern about climate change grows, so does the demand for brands to take an active role—not just in marketing but in genuine engagement with policy development and community di...

During October, we are focusing on climate change and climate change policies. While I am not a single-issue voter, aligning who I vote for, no matter the office, with my values is important. As someone who cares deeply about the planet, climate policies greatly influence how I choose to cast my vote.  So, this month, we will be hearing from experts nationwide who specialize in different aspects o...

In episode 151 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we explore the joy of camping at any age!  Many guests I've had on the show share their experiences from a young age, getting outside and growing up with a love for nature.  But what happens when you don't have a childhood that fosters that connection? How can you get started?  Today, we're chatting with the Vice President of Operations at Girl Cam...

Are there hidden chemicals lurking in our underwear? If you listened to the 10-part Forever Chemicals series we released earlier this year, you'll know that dangerous chemicals like PFAS can enter our clothing, including our underwear.  The issue is that chemicals like PFAS and BPA are known endocrine disruptors, impacting our hormones. If you're an active individual, those chemicals can b...

This episode is provided courtesy of Joy Mack of the Sustainable Jungle Podcast. The Sustainable Jungle Podcast is a mission driven show, focusing on solutions for the world’s sustainability and conservation challenges. Hosts, Lyall & Joy, talk with some of the most interesting and inspiring people working to future proof our planet. Meg was interviewed in March 2024 about the release of the F...

When we talk about what we eat, we often think of our health, but what about the planet's health? In episode 148 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we explore our food system through the lens of animal conservation and how our individual choices can contribute to devastating ecological impacts such as deforestation, which further pressures endangered species around the globe.  Katie Cleary is...

Footwear is an area of apparel that is extremely difficult to narrow down to find sustainable options. I’ve interviewed a few footwear makers, including Steven Sashen from Xero Shoes, in some earlier episodes that attest to this dilemma. Still, most footwear options on the market rely specifically on synthetic materials to make them durable enough to wear on our feet.  That’s why in episode 147 we...

Have you ever been out on the trail during a backpacking trip and wished you’d left that one thing at home? Maybe you’re looking for ways to lighten your load or you simply are struggling to identify what you actually NEED on your next adventure.  I’ve been there before, and if any backpacker claims they haven’t, well, I simply wouldn’t believe them. Becoming ultralight or even a minimalist takes...

What is your intention when you are on a hike? When I go hiking, my goal is to disconnect from technology and reconnect with my body and the natural world. That means I am not listening to music or a podcast. I typically hike alone with just my dogs, and I often pick trails that I don’t get all the way to the end. I just hike for an hour or so, making stops to look at things, check in with myself,...

In episode 144 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we return to the ever-popular topic of personal hygiene on the trail! One of our most popular episodes to this day is episode 17: Pee Rags, Menstrual Cups, and More with the menstrual cycle queen herself, Angie Marie.  In this episode, we are building on our backcountry hygiene knowledge, focusing on how we manage our waste, including disposable fe...

In this episode, we explore climate change issues and practical steps you can take to reduce your environmental impact as we wrap up Plastic Free July. Tickborne Illnesses We revisit the topic of tickborne diseases, which are becoming more prevalent due to climate change. We’re joined by Dr. Gary Richter, a renowned veterinarian, who shares tips on protecting pets from ticks and fleas. Read more a...

Fish fanatics – this one is for you!  In episode 143 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we examine the fishing industry's operations in depth and help answer the question of whether wild-caught fish is the healthiest and most sustainable option.  Since I haven't eaten fish for most of my life, I am far from an expert on this topic. That's why I was stoked to learn from Adra Kusnirova. ...

In episode 142, I am excited to introduce the topic of AI to the show. Technology plays a massive role in our daily lives, but also in shaping the outdoor industry and our experiences with the natural world.  With AI applications on the rise, there are many ways that AI can be detrimental to the environment as well as to our interpretation of the world and art. I will eventually do an episode on t...

When West Virginia broke away from Virginia in 1861 at the start of the American Civil War, its founders did not agree upon the Confederacy or the role of the state in the war. They were, however, united in their interests around the extraction and exploitation of the rich resources of the state – predominantly coal and timber – what would prove to be the dominant theme throughout the history of W...

There is wonder in storytelling, whether through words, film, photography, music, dance, or painting. Any form of art requires a deep wonder and admiration for the subject or muse. Growing up in a world plagued by a climate crisis, though, there is immense worry.  So, how can we grapple with the wonder and the worry within our world of telling stories? For episode 141 of the Outdoor Minimalist pod...

In episode 140, we enter bear country. Now, we’ve talked about bears on the show before with bear biologist Garret Tovey ( Episode 85 ). That episode is a must-listen if you are planning to enter the bear country and want to know some practical bear safety tips.  In this episode, we sit down with another bear biologist, but this time have a chance to hear about the bigger picture of bear conservat...

In this edition of In the News, we cover: 1. Why climate protesters painted Stonehenge and why you should pay attention Inspo: https://www.tiktok.com/@liloceanpaige/video/7383069081353604383Sources:https://youtu.be/IOsPJcWlqo4?si=1pRyaj6PSwieLXxD https://www.renewablematter.eu/en/amoc-collapse-consequenceshttps://apnews.com/article/stonehenge-vandalism-paint-climate-protest-summer-solstice-34d7591...

I was chatting with my brother, who is also the audio producer of this podcast, and I mentioned how we have a surprising number of anglers who listen to the show and interact with our content on social media, including YouTube.  While I was surprised, he said, “Well, maybe it is because they see all of the pollution and direct impact of the littering and waste while they’re outside just trying to...

Let’s be real: zero waste is super hard to achieve. I myself will likely never be truly zero waste, but much like minimalism, I see zero waste as more of a journey than an endpoint.  Several years ago, I came across a Facebook group called “Zero Waste, Zero Judgement." The name itself drew me in, and I decided to join. While I am no longer on Facebook, or at least I’m not at the time of this...

If you listen to this podcast, I assume you love outdoor adventure and travel. Although we may love to visit new places and schedule new adventures each year, it’s no secret that traveling is not sustainable.  So, in episode 137 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we answer the question: if travel isn’t sustainable, should we stop doing it?  To help us answer this question and how we can maximize t...

In episode 136 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we are tackling the highly requested topic of Down insulation.  If you remember, back in episode 101 we spoke with Mike Somberby from Duckworth about how ethical and sustainable wool production actually is. Well, today, we take a similar approach to learn about down insulation.  And to all of our vegan listeners: be ready for what you learn, becaus...

In episode 135 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, packaging design takes center stage.  Packaging is often at the top of many consumers' minds regarding waste, and we've discussed what goes into changing packaging, the issues with plastics and compostables, and how companies can reduce their packaging altogether. But today, we're critically examining one type of packaging often hailed...

In episode 134, we explore a new topic on the show: impact investing. In one of the very first episodes of this podcast, we discussed how living sustainably can actually save you money, but what are you actually doing with the money you save? Investing can be a big undertaking and is a topic that many people often avoid (me included). But aligning investments with my values instead of investing in...

In episode 133 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we explore some root concepts of minimalism: mindfulness.  I’ve wanted to explore more topics regarding mindfulness on the show, so when I learned about Manduka’s company story and dedication to bringing mindfulness to the masses, I knew I had to learn more.  Joining me in today’s conversation, I had the pleasure of learning from the CEO of Manduka...

In this special bonus episode, Maggie Peikon, manager of communication for American Hiking Society, is joining me to invite trail users across the country to celebrate the 32nd annual National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1st.  From trail stewardship activities, to group hikes, paddles, trail runs, and more, there's so many ways to celebrate the trails with your community. INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...