229: Healing in the Outdoors: 'No Child Left Inside" author Bryn Lottig on the Journey to Emotional Well-being

In this episode, Will talks with Bryn Lottig who shares her compelling journey from an aspiring pilot changed by 9/11 to a pioneering force in the field of outdoor experiential education. Through her personal experiences with adversity, including a challenging childhood and a transformative experience with Outward Bound, Bryn discovered her passion for the outdoors and its profound impact on personal development. This realization led her to pursue a career that not only embraces adventure but also utilizes it as a tool for fostering social and emotional growth in individuals. Bryn co-founded Kikori, a digital platform that epitomizes her commitment to democratizing experiential education. Kikori aims to bridge the gap between outdoor activities and educational curricula, providing educators and students alike with access to resources that promote social and emotional learning through adventure. The platform reflects Bryn's belief in the power of community and collaboration, featuring thousands of activities contributed by hundreds of educators, designed to cater to a diverse range of needs from early childhood education to corporate team building. "No Child Left Inside," Bryn's new book, encapsulates her vision for integrating character development into education via outdoor experiential learning. The book serves as both a memoir and a guide, offering insights into the science behind experiential learning, practical activities, and the personal stories that inspired Bryn's work. Through her narrative, Bryn advocates for a shift in educational paradigms, emphasizing the importance of equipping the next generation with the resilience, empathy, and leadership skills needed to navigate the challenges of the 21st century. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of the outdoors and its essential role in shaping confident, compassionate individuals.