The Rugged Individual Myth: Guide Mental Health with Shannon Walton

In this week's episode, Erik Weiseth sits down with Shannon Walton, Executive Director of the Redside Foundation — the organization born from tragedy in 2010 that has grown into a trusted lifeline for guides across the American West. Shannon shares the origin story of Redside, her own winding path from professional guide to corporate executive to nonprofit leader, and the remarkable scope of what the organization has built: over 23,000 counseling sessions paid for since 2014, financial coaching, professional development scholarships, healthcare access, and more. The conversation also digs into the real and complex relationship between guiding culture, substance use, mental health, and the myth of the rugged Western individual. Erik also shares IOGA updates from the spring board meeting in Salmon, including a new Hunt Vice President, committee opportunities, and highlights from the strategic planning session.