Polar Adventures with Ocean Youth Academy's Gaby Pilson

On today's Adventure in Learning podcast, we meet Gaby Pilson, a guide and outdoor educator with a passion for introducing people to the world’s most beautiful and unique places. Gaby is also a founder and board secretary of Ocean Youth Academy, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a sustainable model of education that connects youth with the ocean and the wonders of our natural world. Gaby holds undergraduate degrees in Philosophy and Environmental Studies, with a focus on Meteorology and Glaciology, and a master’s degree in Outdoor Education from the University of Edinburgh.​When not working in the polar regions, you can find Gaby working as a mountaineering and climbing guide in Alaska, teaching wilderness medicine, freelance writing, traveling, or leading students on remote wilderness expeditions around the world. She is a keen hiker, climber, paddler, and skier and has travelled extensively in search of the next great adventure. I was fortunate to meet Gaby on my trip to Antarctica in December. On today's podcast, we talk glaciers, penguins, and taking action on climate change. We also talk about what a day in the life of a guide looks like, what brings her hope, and her next great adventure.00:29: Describe your adventures in learning.03:28: Reflecting on the past season in Antarctica.05:33: What drew you to wanting to work in Antarctica?06:04: A quick lesson in glaciers -- why they matter and why you should care, even if you live nowhere near a glacier.07:49: What's changed in Antarctica over the last five years?09:04: What is the Ocean Youth Academy?12:35: Sponsor Ad13:54: Polar Bears, Climate Change, and Taking Positive Action16:34: What's it like being a guide in the Polar Regions?20:22: Do you ever get used to the Drake Passage?21:51: Are there any adventures you still want to do?23:49: When you were a little girl, did you know you wanted to enter a STEM field like this?28:23: What brings you hope?Support the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.