Supporting The Guiding Community's Mental Health and Well-being with Molly Wood of The Whale Foundation

In this episode, we chat with Molly Wood, the Executive Director of The Whale Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of the Grand Canyon river guiding community. Growing up in the small town of Show Low, Arizona, Molly developed a connection to the outdoors, spending her childhood exploring the landscape and studying the native plants of the Colorado Plateau. Her journey led her to become a passionate river guide, specializing in ethnobotany and nature interpretation.Now, as the Executive Director of The Whale Foundation, she leads an organization dedicated to promoting the mental and physical well-being of river guides by providing essential support services such as counseling, scholarships, and emergency lifelines to help them navigate various challenges.Join us as Molly discusses the foundation's mission to create a stable and inclusive community for guides, the importance of mental health in the outdoor industry, and the work they do to promote a sustainable guiding career. Whether you're a seasoned guide or an outdoor enthusiast, this episode will inspire you to appreciate the deeper connections we have with the natural world and the communities that support us. Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors. Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect Find more episodes at www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcastSince 2017 Illumine has donated over $41,170 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 221 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.