Podcasts provide education and entertainment between adventures
We know what you like to do in your free time. You go on epic adventures. But how do you pass the time between trails? We prefer to stay inspired, so we listen to podcasts about adventures and people just like us.
Podcasts are similar to radio talk shows, but you can download or stream audio recordings for free from apps you may have already, like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. Podcasts are rising in popularity because you can curate a special collection of news and stories to stream at your convenience. You can also download episodes; so the files are accessible, even while offline or driving through a dead zone.
Sorting through all your options can be daunting, though. Lucky for you, we threw together a list of podcasts to pique your interest and inspire you to get outdoors.
The Adventure Sports Podcast
Host: Mason Gravley
Like its name suggests, The Adventure Sports Podcast is all about recreation like backpacking, biking, climbing, hiking, rafting, skiing and more. Gravley releases two new episodes every week. With more than 500 episodes, this podcast provides hours of entertainment for all types of adventurers. Rather than focusing on Q&A-style interviews, Gravley asks athletes, authors, guides, instructors and outfitters to share stories that showcase how specific adventures played a role in their lives. This podcast also encourages its audience to sample new sports, and motivates listeners to chase the next adventure.
Trust the Trail
Hosts: Scott Janz and Ariane Petrucci
Part-time outdoor guides Scott Janz and Ariane Petrucci recorded the first episode of Trust the Trail in 2016. The hosts now provide weekly outdoor education through fun conversations and stories about their own misadventures. This podcast is unique because it is not recorded in a studio. The hosts use a mobile microphone to capture stories and moments for listeners, which makes it feel very genuine. The episodes vary in length, with some as short as 20 minutes and others as long as an hour. Regardless, Trust the Trail is full of great tips, hilarious stories and fun conversations for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors.
She Explores
Host: Gale Straub
She Explores is an inspired and inspiring podcast. Gale Straub started a website in 2014 to share stories, photographs and artwork from other women she met during a long road trip. In 2016, she began to produce podcasts to expand the conversations that were happening in the comment sections of her social media pages and website. Today, there are more than 100 episodes featuring the stories of women, young and old. Not to mention, there are also great gear recommendations and lots of laughs. The podcast is a mix of interviews, narratives and submissions from listeners. If you relate to these stories, you might also enjoy listening to Women on the Road by team member Laura Hughes.
MtnMeister
Host: Ben Schenck (and the Meisters)
Ben Schenck produces a podcast in which he interviews extreme athletes and outdoor professionals. The topics covered in the episodes are diverse and include gear recommendations and training tactics for listeners interested in trying something new. Schenck asks all the right questions so all the bases are covered. Over five years, he has accumulated 200 episodes, while also producing podcasts for the Outdoor Industry Association. Every episode in this series is both educational and entertaining. New episodes will return this summer, so catch up while you can.
Dirtbag Diaries
Host: Fitz Cahall
The Dirtbag Diaries began 10 years ago as a solitary journey by outdoor writer, Fitz Cahall. Now, The Dirtbag Diaries is a creative collaboration of writers, photographers, artists and more that produce stories about gritty adventures from around the world. The show has an avid following, and is sponsored by Patagonia. Part of the appeal is the way the stories are shared with the listener. There are two formats for episodes: features and shorts. Shorts are essays written and read by listeners, and these stories allow diversity in perspective and voice. Features are longer episodes including narratives or interviews, which add depth to conversations about specific experiences.
Adventure Pro is listening, so please share your favorite adventure podcast with us.
Hunter Harrell is a writer and editor based in Durango, Colorado. She loves road trips, new experiences and hole-in-the-wall diners.
