Wander Podcast

A conversation with Kade!Kade is the founding editor of Ori Magazine, a print only travel publication that is rethinking how stories about place, people, and culture are told. What began as a life centered around skiing and storytelling has grown into something much broader, rooted in curiosity, connection, and a desire to shift the way we experience the world.In this episode, we talk about Kade’s path from college soccer to ski journalism, and how years of travel and reporting led to the creation of Ori. We get into what it means to tell stories with people rather than about them, why print still matters in a digital world, and how slowing down can deepen the way we engage with both media and travel.We also explore the creative ecosystem around Ori, from working with local journalists across the globe to building initiatives like the Ori Creative Grant, which supports storytellers in a tangible way. Along the way, Kade shares thoughts on identity beyond sport, the balance between passion and burnout, and how to stay grounded while building something meaningful.ORI Explore more at⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Wander Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Wander Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠ for long form essays and interviewsFollow along on⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Wander is an independent platform centered on movement, creativity, and connection in the outdoor space. We share conversations with athletes, creatives, and culture shapers building thoughtful lives around sport and the landscapes that shape them.If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or leave a quick Spotify review — it helps independent projects like this grow <3

A conversation with Stephen Shelesky on photography, cycling, skiing, and the kinds of projects that shift the way you see your work.We talk about how Stephen found his way into photography, from shooting landscapes in college to building a career in the ski world, and how that path was shaped by time spent in Jackson, Wyoming. What started as a pretty solitary practice eventually became something deeply collaborative, working alongside athletes and learning how relationships shape the images being made.The conversation moves into cycling, Iceland, and the Mountain Races, and how stepping into something new cracked open a different creative direction. Stephen shares about signing up for the White Rim Road with almost no experience, spending months riding through the Westfjords, and later returning not as a racer but as a photographer documenting events like Silk Road and Atlas Mountain Race.We get into the shift from controlled, production based work to something more reactive and observational. What it looks like to document people moving through discomfort, how his work has become grittier and more emotional, and why he is more interested in capturing what something feels like rather than just what it looks like.We also talk about burnout, identity, place, and the tension between making a living and making work that actually feels meaningful. Stephen shares about leaving Jackson, time spent in LA, and the ongoing process of figuring out where to land and what kind of work to build a life around.We also touch on authorship, long term creative direction, and his interest in telling more stories within the endurance space that feel personal and underrepresented.Follow StephenExplore more at⁠⁠⁠ Wander Studios⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the⁠⁠⁠ Wander Substack⁠⁠⁠ for long form essays and interviewsFollow along on⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠Wander is an independent platform centered on movement, creativity, and connection in the outdoor space. We share conversations with athletes, creatives, and culture shapers building thoughtful lives around sport and the landscapes that shape them.If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or leave a quick Spotify review — it helps independent projects like this grow <3

Blair is the founder of FSP Outdoors and co creator of Amateurs Magazine, and in this episode we talk about building slow, intentional creative projects in a fast, hyper digital outdoor culture.We start with the question I ask everyone who are you and what do you spend your time doing which takes us from surfing Rockaway and running in Forest Park to ice climbing, sewing custom packs, freelancing in the photo industry, and hosting events during Paris Fashion Week. Blair shares how living in New York City shapes his relationship to the outdoors, and how public transit access to trails has quietly influenced his perspective on nature and community.We dive deep into Amateurs, how it evolved from handmade mailers tucked into FSP orders into a fully realized print publication exploring the art, philosophy, and deeper why behind outdoor pursuits. We talk about trail running as a tool rather than an end goal, the tension between performance culture and soul driven movement, and why the magazine intentionally weaves together mysticism, history, art, and endurance sport.Blair also walks through the origin of FSP Outdoors, a decade long sewing practice that grew organically from making one bag for a trip into a small batch, intentionally anti scale brand. We talk about working with athletes like Tyler Andrews on a custom Everest FKT pack, the reality of choosing craft over mass production, and what it means to step back from building a brand in favor of building something sustainable and personal.We touch on Paris Fashion Week, the crossover between fashion and outdoor culture, hosting events with brands like Keen, and the importance of creating in person spaces that extend print into real life. Throughout the conversation, we return to the idea that magazines and creative projects in general should offer something the internet cannot, permanence, depth, and a reason to sit with a story.Stay tuned for more conversations about print in the outdoor space. This episode is part of a multi week series exploring independent magazines, the resurgence of slow media, and the people shaping a new creative wave in outdoor culture.Explore more at Wander StudiosSubscribe to the Wander Substack for long-form essays and interviews.Follow along on Instagram Wander is an independent platform centered on movement, creativity, and connection in the outdoor space. We share conversations with athletes, creatives, and culture-shapers building thoughtful lives around sport and the landscapes that shape them.This episode is part of our ongoing print-focused series exploring slow media in the outdoor world.If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or leave a quick Spotify review — it helps independent projects like this grow <3!!

A conversation with Joshua Strong and Sydney Lewis, recorded in person! This is also available to watch on our youtube!We talk about how they both found their way into creative work, what it looks like to build something together through Labyrinth Studios, and the reality of freelancing in the endurance world.The conversation moves through creative burnout, stepping away from performance, parenting, and learning how to not tie your entire identity to your work. Joshua shares about being hit by a car last year and how that shifted their perspective on everything, and Sydney talks about finding her way back into sport through photography.We also get into their upcoming project with No Binary No Problem at The Speed Project and the kind of community centered work they care about most.Follow SYDNEY & JOSHUA & LABYRINTHExplore more at⁠⁠ Wander Studios⁠⁠Subscribe to the⁠⁠ Wander Substack⁠⁠ for long-form essays and interviews.Follow along on⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠Wander is an independent platform centered on movement, creativity, and connection in the outdoor space. We share conversations with athletes, creatives, and culture-shapers building thoughtful lives around sport and the landscapes that shape them.If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or leave a quick Spotify review — it helps independent projects like this grow <3!!

Izzy Wedderburn is the founder of New Mountain Magazine, an independent outdoor publication highlighting creativity, storytelling, and the many ways people move through the outdoors.This episode is the third conversation I’ve recorded with Izzy and part of an ongoing Wander series exploring print media in the outdoor world. In our earlier episodes, we talked about the origins of New Mountain, how the first issues came together, and what it looks like to build an independent magazine from the ground up as a one-woman operation.Now, with issue three about to launch, we return to the project at a new stage. In this conversation we dig into the workflow behind the latest edition, from gathering stories and working with contributors to the realities of scaling distribution, printing more copies than ever before, and navigating the balance between staying independent while partnering with brands.Izzy also shares some of the stories inside the new issue, including a look at the secret night climbing culture in Oxford, a long distance bikepacking journey from New Zealand through the Himalaya and back toward Europe, and a surf story from Liberia that explores how community forms around the ocean.More broadly, we talk about what it means to build community around print, why physical media still resonates in a fast moving digital world, and how projects like New Mountain continue to evolve while staying rooted in thoughtful storytelling.If you’re interested in independent magazines, creative production, or the resurgence of print in outdoor culture, this conversation offers a window into the process behind one of the most exciting new publications in the space.Find New Mountain Magazine at newmountainmag.com and follow along at @newmountainmag.Listen to our First & Second conversations with Izzy!

Mel Webb⁠ is a storyteller working at the intersection of bikepacking, endurance sport, and podcasting. By day, Mel produces podcasts for a B2B agency. Beyond the nine to five, she works as the media manager for the ⁠Mountain Races⁠, a series of self supported bikepacking events across Morocco, Greece, Kyrgyzstan, and now Turkey. The races include the Atlas Mountain Race, Hellenic Mountain Race, Silk Road Mountain Race, and the newly added Taurus Mountain Race, each sending riders deep into remote mountain terrain with no outside support.From inside a control car on course, Mel helps shape the story of each race in real time. She coordinates photographers and filmmakers spread across hundreds of kilometers of terrain, builds the daily narrative arcs that keep followers connected to the race, manages sponsor needs, and hosts and produces the race podcast that ties the coverage together.In this conversation, we talk about what it actually looks like to cover an ultra endurance event from the media side. Why Atlas Mountain Race can feel like its own endurance effort even when you are not the one pedaling. And the invisible work behind consistent coverage that still protects what is sacred for the riders out there.Mel shares what it is like sleeping on cafe floors in the rain, living on Pringles and omelets, downloading thousands of photos in the middle of the night, and trying to stay steady through the highs, the pressure, and the inevitable crash once it is all over.We also get into the bigger questions around storytelling in endurance sport. How much coverage is too much. Where the line is between inviting people into the experience and turning it into a spectacle. And why sometimes the best storytelling comes from restraint.We also talk about her upcoming move from Vancouver to the UK, what she hopes the time zone shift might change about her daily rhythm, and why she is choosing to race the Highland Trail 550 this spring. Hard on purpose. Scary on purpose. The kind of thing you sign up for when you want the journey more than the stamp.⁠DETOURS ⁠Explore more at⁠ Wander Studios⁠Subscribe to the⁠ Wander Substack⁠ for long-form essays and interviews.Follow along on⁠ Instagram⁠Wander is an independent platform centered on movement, creativity, and connection in the outdoor space. We share conversations with athletes, creatives, and culture-shapers building thoughtful lives around sport and the landscapes that shape them.This episode is part of our ongoing print-focused series exploring slow media in the outdoor world.If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or leave a quick Spotify review — it helps independent projects like this grow <3!!

“HARD PACK is a new type of ski magazine that combines edgy reportage with cerebral writing to create a new lexicon for the sport that is weird, philosophical, and dangerously fun.”Since its launch, Hard Pack has challenged the conventions of ski media—treating skiing not simply as a performance spectacle, but as culture. Drawing from fashion, architecture, literature, and contemporary art, the magazine expands skiing beyond the mountain and into a broader creative world, positioning the sport within conversations about design, philosophy, place, and aesthetics.In this conversation, Zach Seely shares how he built Hard Pack—from a background in academia and the creative industries of New York, to co-founding Sandwich Magazine, and eventually self-funding the first issues of Hard Pack out of what he describes as a creative existential crisis. We talk about what it means to launch an independent print publication in a digital-first era, and why he has intentionally resisted turning it into a content machine.Zach explains why he invites photographers and writers from outside the ski industry into the fold—fashion photographers, poets, critics, and novelists—believing that outsider perspectives can unlock new language for the sport and reveal skiing in ways that feel fresh, strange, and alive. Rather than focusing solely on tricks, lines, and technical feats, Hard Pack searches for tone, texture, and feeling.We also get into the realities of building a print magazine today as well as cultivating a readership that lives not only in mountain towns but in cities like New York, Tokyo, London, Milan, and Berlin, and creating in-person extensions of the magazine—gallery exhibitions, collaborative art shows, and unconventional ski film events—that bring the community together beyond the page.Explore more at Wander StudiosSubscribe to the Wander Substack for long-form essays and interviews.Follow along on Instagram Wander is an independent platform centered on movement, creativity, and connection in the outdoor space. We share conversations with athletes, creatives, and culture-shapers building thoughtful lives around sport and the landscapes that shape them.This episode is part of our ongoing print-focused series exploring slow media in the outdoor world.If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or leave a quick review :)!

PART ONE OF OUR PRINT SERIES For decades, magazines like Backcountry and Mountain Flyer have shaped how we understand skiing and biking culture. In this conversation, I sit down with Greta Close, Managing Editor of Backcountry Magazine and Mountain Flyer, to talk about what it looks like to steward legacy print publications amidst today’s digital news cycle, and alongside the rise of smaller, independent magazines.We dive into the history of Backcountry as the journal of record for backcountry skiing, and the evolution and redesign of Mountain Flyer. We also talk about how both magazines sit alongside sister publications Alpinist and Cross Country Skier under Height of Land Publications. We get into how risk shapes storytelling, particularly in backcountry skiing, and why avalanche education and mountain skills are embedded into the structure of each issue. We contrast that with the more fluid, culture- and craft-driven approach of Mountain Flyer.Greta shares what it looks like to build an issue on a year-long timeline, why constraints and intention actually make print stronger, and how editing has shaped her voice as a writer. We also touch on the realities of legacy brands in today’s media landscape, competing for advertising dollars, navigating post-COVID industry shifts, and adapting without losing trust.Stay tuned for more conversations about print in the outdoor space. This episode is part of a multi-week series exploring independent magazines, what’s exciting about this current wave, and the legacy publications that have long been the backbone of outdoor storytelling.Explore more at Wander StudiosSubscribe to the Wander Substack for long-form essays and interviews.Follow along on Instagram Wander is an independent platform centered on movement, creativity, and connection in the outdoor space. We share conversations with athletes, creatives, and culture-shapers building thoughtful lives around sport and the landscapes that shape them.This episode is part of our ongoing print-focused series exploring slow media in the outdoor world.If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or leave a quick review :)!

In this conversation, halfpipe skier Svea Irving reflects on the path that brought her from growing up at the base of Winter Park to qualifying for her first Olympic Games. She talks about skiing as a family language, learning the sport alongside her brother, and what it’s been like to move through a system that has historically been male-dominated. From early days in all-mountain programs to earning a spot on the U.S. Ski Team as a teenager, Svea shares how access, environment, and family shaped both her skiing and her sense of self.The conversation also digs into the reality of an Olympic qualifying season—relentless travel, injuries, and the unique mental pressure of competing against your teammates for limited spots. Svea opens up about navigating a lingering knee injury, spending months on the road without being home, and learning how to manage stress when every run feels like it carries long-term consequences. She breaks down the technical side of halfpipe, explaining how athletes build runs, adapt to conditions, and why the sport can be difficult for casual viewers to fully understand.Beyond competition, Svea talks about creative work as a way to reconnect with why she skis at all. Her short film Stasis became a chance to step outside the competition lens and show a quieter, more personal side of her relationship with skiing and the outdoors. Looking ahead to the Olympics, she reflects on staying grounded, leaning on music and routine, and reminding herself to enjoy the process. The conversation ultimately centers on balance—between pressure and joy, performance and creativity, and ambition and perspective.Show Notes! Svea Irving Stasis Film Olympic coverage & schedulesU.S. Ski & SnowboardFollow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠WANDER SUBSTACK ⁠If you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review really helps small shows like ours grow :)!

In this episode, photographer Sofieke van Bilsen joins the podcast to talk about finding her way into sports photography, learning to trust her instincts, and documenting elite sport through emotion rather than spectacle.Sofieke shares how growing up in multiple countries shaped the way she connects with people, why she’s more interested in what happens after the finish line than at it, and what it’s really like working inside massive events like the Olympics. From saying "yolo" and showing up to the European Championships without a press card, to photographing Team Germany, Breaking Four, and long-term running projects with Nike and Global Sports Communications.We talk about care and responsibility in photographing women’s sport, navigating burnout and adrenaline highs, and why the journey matters more than the end result.“For me, the story isn’t at the finish line — it’s the emotion that comes after.”“Sport is the holy grail for emotion.”“The journey is a lot more beautiful than the end result.”Hope you all enoy this conversation! Sofieke Van BilsenAthleta MAG interview Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠WANDER SUBSTACK If you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review really helps small shows like ours grow :)!

A conversation with photographer and artist Kenza, reflecting on five years documenting cyclocross and the creative path that led him there. From early experiments and annual team launches to assembling a printed zine that looks back on the work, we talk about what it means to build something slowly, stay curious, and let a project evolve over time!The conversation moves beyond outcomes and into process—where ideas come from, how they shift, and what it takes to actually follow through. Kenza shares how painting, print, and working outside traditional cycling spaces have shaped his approach to photography, and why collaborating closely with athletes often leads to more honest, engaging work.At its core, this episode is about learning how to look. About slowing down enough to notice what catches your eye, understanding why it matters, and translating that feeling into something real. A reflection on creativity inside and outside of sport, and making work that feels alive rather than finished.READ THIS INTERVIEW KENZA SAFTY PIN STUDIOCYCLECROSS IS DEAD Follow us on ⁠Instagram ⁠WANDER SUBSTACK If you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review really helps small shows like ours grow :)!

Sydney Peterson grew up encrusted Butte Colorado which is the kind of mountain town that will shape a person into who they are before they can realize it. Sydney is a professional Trail runner for Brooks raised by ski bum parents and surrounded by Mountain culture. Sydney was initially pulled towards team sports spending her earlier years playing basketball and volleyball and then she found running later in high school and college and credits the late start to a team sports background which helped her develop as a more well-rounded athlete who was then able to come to running with more excitement than burnout.In this episode we chat about Sydney's Journey from Colorado State's cross country and track team, her experience with Collegiate running and how her study progression was laying the foundation for what came next. that next chapter arrived unexpectedly intro running beginning with the image and pass run alongside her mom and then leading up to a breakout performance at broken arrow  showing up at  at the race with no expectations and leaving with a changed trajectoryWe also get into What followed which includes joining Brooks making the World Championships team racing in Europe heading straight into the Golden Trail World Series. Sydney also talked about how important her community is and the grounding work of her world rural Health Care still plays in her life which helps the balance between being a professional athlete and career.SHOW NOTESSydney Peterson Brooks Running Follow us on Instagram If you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review really helps small shows like ours grow :)

Sarah Diekmeyer and Maddy Nutt have spent the past few seasons chasing long days, big terrain, and the kind of races that blur the line between competition and adventure. In this episode, we catch up on everything from bikepacking across the Canary Islands to racing Gravelburn in South Africa, and why multi-day efforts continue to pull them back in.We talk about how they first met during a Traka recon, why stage races create such strong bonds, and what it’s actually like to spend seven days racing, camping, washing kit in sinks, and surviving wild weather together. They break down the realities of rough terrain, suspension choices, comfort over long days, and the moments when things go fully nonverbal.The conversation also dives into navigating long seasons, choosing when to race versus when to explore, and how mindset, recovery, and friendship play a huge role in staying grounded. Outside of racing, we chat about skiing in the offseason, creative routines like morning pages, and learning to protect the joy that brought them into the sport in the first place.Hope you enjoy this conversation :)!Sarah Diekmeyer⁠⁠Maddy Nutt ⁠Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠If you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review really helps small shows like ours grow :)!

Jaelin Kauf has spent more than a decade on the World Cup moguls circuit and is now heading into her third Olympics as one of the most consistent and dynamic skiers in the sport. She’s a two time Olympian and a silver medalist from Beijing 2022!In this episode, we chat about what it means to grow up in a ski family, with parents who were professional skiers themselves, a brother who is just as psyched on skiing, and how that made “pro skiing” feel like a real career path from a young age. Jaelin breaks down the progression from local comps to the Nor Am tour to a last minute World Cup start that opened the door to the next level, and how taking one year off before college gradually turned into a full season, then a full career on tour.We get into the Olympic cycle as well: her first Games in 2018, the pressure of going in as a favorite, finishing seventh, and the heartbreak and perspective that came with that. Then we fast forward to Beijing 2022 — qualifying early, trying to add a new trick, navigating difficult off snow stress, and ultimately choosing to ski purely for herself. That shift led to her motto, Deliver the Love, a reminder to focus on joy, intention, and the parts of skiing she can actually control.Jaelin also walks us through some of the technicalities of mogul skiing: what courses look like, how single versus dual moguls work, what judges are scoring, and why duels, making their Olympic debut this year, are such a chaotic and fun spectator event. We talk about the places this sport has taken her, from Finland’s dark December training blocks to World Cups in Japan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Chile, and home stops at Deer Valley, and what it is like to spend most of the year chasing winter across continents.Outside of competition, we talk about burnout, building a life beyond results, and the small anchors that keep her grounded: journaling on the road, finishing her degree in environmental and sustainable studies, and knitting hats and fish sweaters for friends and family. She shares what it feels like to be more than ten years into her World Cup career and still feel like things are just starting to click, mentally and technically and emotionally, as she heads into another Olympic year with a deep love for the sport :)!Hope you enjoy this conversation!Episode 51.SHOW NOTESJaelin Kauf Instagram Athlete Profile DELIVER THE LOVEWorld Cup Moguls & Dual MogulsFIS Moguls OverviewFIS Dual Moguls FormatFollow us on Instagram If you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review really helps small shows like ours grow :)!

A conversation with Danny Awang, a videographer and photographer whose year is basically built around race weekends, edit deadlines, and figuring out how to keep the story feeling fresh!Danny takes us from filming skateboard edits in middle school to an early freelance chapter in Southern California (and the burnout that came with it), then into a totally random “marketing manager for bidets” era that somehow helped him level up his skills before jumping back behind the camera.From there, everything snowballs. A road trip out West leads him to his first gravel race, cyclocross pulls him into the Mid-Atlantic scene, and a cold DM to Jeremiah Bishop opens the door to bigger projects and bigger weekends. We talk about what it looks like to actually spend time with athletes beyond race day, why the “before and after” moments are where the good stuff lives, and how he’s thinking about leveling up creatively when you’ve shot the same iconic races year after year.We also get into a few epic moments like heading to the Tour de France Femmes with EF to help make daily YouTube episodes, the logistics of shooting a stage race, and the very real push and pull of travel.Episode 50.Danny on⁠ ⁠Instagram ⁠⁠Follow us on⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ @wanderstudiossIf you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review would be really rad :)

A conversation with Roma, a content creator, cyclist, and triathlete who’s built her whole last year around saying yes to new challenges and documenting the process as she goes :)!Roma grew up as a competitive rhythmic gymnast, then found endurance sports later through a simple entry point a road bike in Seattle that turned into longer rides, brick workouts, and eventually a full send into triathlon training. She shares what it looked like to build her first real routine without a coach, fall in love with the structure of training, and find community through run clubs, track nights, and cycling groups.We also talk about how content creation became part of the journey. From early TikTok posts she didn’t want her friends to see, to a sudden stretch of momentum in spring 2025 where videos started popping off, brands started reaching out, and she decided to commit to creating full time. Roma breaks down how she thinks about making videos that still feel like her, while also understanding what performs online.On the racing side, we talk about her first ever triathlon and what surprised her about race day. From there, the convo shifts into bucket list thinking, why she likes year long “projects,” what she’s excited about next, and how she’s balancing training with travel, hiking, and trying new sports like gravel and trail running.We wrap with a few favorite moments from the year's Tour de France week, a huge mountain ride, and plenty of “how is this real life?” energy plus a book rec that reshaped how she thinks about success, and her biggest takeaway: say yes and figure it out from there.Episode 49. Roma on Instagram Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ @wanderstudiossIf you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review would be really rad :)

A conversation with Lauren Gregory, a trail runner who’s spent the last few years figuring out where she feels at home in the sport! Lauren grew up running in the foothills around Fort Collins, went on to spend six years at the University of Arkansas winning team titles and racing at the NCAA level, and eventually found herself on the start line of the 2024 Olympic Trials in the 5K. The twist: on the day she finally got there, all she really wanted was to be at Broken Arrow.In this episode we talk about what it looks like to shift from track to trail while navigating contracts, injuries, and expectations, and why she pushed so hard to make trail part of her pro path with Nike and now ACG. Lauren shares her experience racing Golden Trail and WMRA events, the contrast between “show” and “sport,” and what happens when you build an entire block around a race like Sierre-Zinal and it just doesn’t click. We also get into travel fatigue, jet lag, team camps in Chamonix, and why she’s oddly excited about gaming airline status as part of being a pro.More than anything, this is a conversation about staying in love with the work. Lauren talks about coming back from burnout, learning to trust a second (or third) chapter in running, and why the most powerful thing she’s found—on the track, in the Alps, and on Colorado trails—is simple, steady consistency.Hope you all enjoy this conversation :)!Episode 48.SHOW NOTESLauren GregorySubstack Golden Trail SeriesWorld Mountain Running Association (WMRA)Follow us on instagram @wanderstudiossIf you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review would be really rad :)

A conversation with Sam Pratt, a UK based climbing photographer and lifelong climber whose work sits at the intersection of movement, creativity, and community.Sam grew up immersed in climbing through his grandfather, spending weekends on gritstone crags, scrambling in the Peak District, and learning the rhythms of life outdoors early on. Photography came alongside climbing, introduced through film cameras and an old school approach that shaped how he sees both the sport and the people within it.In this episode, we talk about growing into photography through the climbing community, stepping away from competition, and how injuries quietly shifted his relationship with movement and work. Sam shares what it’s been like building a career as a photographer in a small, tight knit scene, learning how to value creative work, and navigating the balance between personal projects and commercial pressure.We also get into documenting the Paris 2024 Olympics, what it was like photographing sport climbing on the world’s biggest stage without a traditional assignment, and how that freedom shaped the way he approached the event. Sam reflects on scale, access, and storytelling, from World Cups to the controlled chaos of the Olympic press room.Later in the conversation, we dive into Exposure, the climbing photography festival Sam founded, why print still matters, and how creating space for photographers feels like giving something back to the community that raised him.We also talk about his recent book made with climber Hamish McArthur, a year long documentation of Hamish’s road toward the Paris Olympics. What began as a project about performance slowly became something more honest, capturing doubt, burnout, pressure, and the human side of elite sport. Sam shares what it was like photographing such an intimate season, navigating trust and boundaries, and shaping the book as a physical object that holds time, emotion, and memory.Hope you enjoy this conversation!Episode 47.SHOW NOTES Sam Pratthttps://www.instagram.com/samm_pratt/Exposure Climbing Photography Festivalhttps://www.exposurefest.co.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/exposurephotographyfestival/A Season in the Shadows BOOK! Follow us on Instagram @wanderstudiossIf you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review really really rad :)

Sara Van Vliet is an artist and cyclist who rides long distances not to escape her studio, but to deepen her connection to it. Her work lives in the space where movement, creativity, and attention meet. Drawing, cycling, filming, observing, all of it shaped by curiosity.For a long time, Sara kept her athletic and artistic lives separate. She raced long distance speed skating at a high level while studying at the art academy, moving between two worlds that kept asking her to fully commit to one. She eventually stepped away from competitive sport, but the pull toward physical challenge never really left.Things shifted in the summer of 2024 when she started recording small video vlogs during her solo cycling trips. They were meant for friends and family, but slowly turned into something else. The more she rode, the more she realized that long days on the bike created a kind of mental space she couldn’t access anywhere else.In this conversation, we talk about how cycling became a bridge between two parts of her life that once felt far apart, how documenting her rides turned into a creative tool, and how she’s exploring the connection between the bike and artistic clarity.We also walk through her four-thousand-five-hundred-kilometer solo trip from Antwerp to the North Cape. Forty-six days on the road, averaging one hundred and twenty kilometers a day, and one oil pastel drawing made every night after setting up camp. Those drawings became a record of the journey and a way to understand how repetition, solitude, and consistency shape the way we see.We talk about the quiet moments of long distance travel, the friendships formed on ferries and in campgrounds, and running into the same riders again and again along the edges of Norway. Sara also shares her thoughts on burnout, posting work online, preparing for The Traka, and the next idea she’s considering, which may involve riding from Europe to India for a friend’s wedding! Hope you enjoy this conversation :)Sara on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/doorsaravanvliet/https://www.instagram.com/cafedebedstee/Sarah’s Artwork + Exhibitionshttps://doorsaravanvliet.nlFollow us on Instagram @wanderstudiossIf you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review really helps small shows like ours grow :)Episode 46.

Mia Lambson has spent the better part of her life with a camera in hand, carving out space for women in snowboarding. She’s a filmmaker, director, and the force behind Tomboy Media. After more than a decade shooting contests, street sessions, backcountry missions, and whatever wild projects the community throws her way, she is now pouring all of that grit, skill, and vision into Wayward, a full length documentary tracing the history of women’s snowboarding and the culture that shaped it.In this episode, we start with Wayward: how an idea from 2018 grew into a multi year project that follows the evolution of snowboard culture through the lens of gender. Mia talks about uncovering nearly forgotten stories like Morgan LaFontaine throwing double backflips in the mid 90s, the lost film No Man’s Land, and what happens when women’s accomplishments aren’t preserved.We also explore the bigger arc of women’s snowboarding: the male dominated early industry, the early 2000s “sex sells” era, and the moment things finally began to shift. Mia breaks down how opportunities like Big Air opening back up to women, massive progression moments, and how social media pressure on brands helped reshape the landscape. She shares what she heard from the 30-plus women she interviewed for the film, from pioneers who had to fight for every scrap of support to a younger generation who, for the first time, doesn’t carry the same weight of “you don’t belong here.”From there, we go into Mia’s own path: her start in a world where anonymous forums tore apart every women’s edit, learning to create from fear instead of curiosity, and the way that slowly erodes your confidence. She talks about landing her dream job at Snowboarder Magazine, launching into freelance right as the pandemic hit, stepping back from snowboarding entirely to open a vintage furniture shop, and stumbling into production work in Salt Lake — where she learned the planning, organization, and producing skills that would eventually make Wayward possible.We close with Tomboy Media and what comes next: why Mia built it at first as a simple LLC and now sees it as a future home for female creatives; what shifts when women are behind the lens as well as in front of it; and how she imagines building a directory or collective that brands can turn to when they want female led media. She shares the very real, unglamorous side of making an independent film — insurance, lawyers, endless emails — and her belief that a little bit of delusion is sometimes the only way big creative things get made :)!Hope you enjoy this conversation!Episode 44.SHOW NOTES Mia Lambson Brady — filmmaker, director, and founder of Tomboy MediaTomboy Media — female-led production studio & creative collectivehttps://www.instagram.com/tomboy.mediahttps://www.tomboy-media.comWayward — A DOCUMENTARY FILM ABOUT HOW WOMEN CHANGED SNOWBOARDINGhttps://www.tomboy-media.com/waywardWoodward Park City — host of Wayward’s world premiere on December 14 !!Woodward Park City, 3863 Kilby Rd, Park City, UT 84098 COME WATCH!Follow us on Instagram @wanderstudiossIf you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review really helps small shows like ours grow :)

Australian ski mountaineer Lara Hamilton joins us from Solitude for a catch-up on life in the French Pyrenees, chasing an Olympic sprint spot, and what it’s like to race skimo at World Cup level. We talk couch surfing, learning French via bakery orders, dialing in power and transitions on a nearly snowless pre-season, and how she’s balancing big dreams with staying grounded. A fun, look at an athlete going all-in on Milan–Cortina.Follow along all weekend ⁠⁠@usaskimo!⁠⁠Saturday & Sunday Live Stream ⁠⁠HERE! ⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram @wanderstudiossIf you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review really helps small shows like ours grow :)

A conversation from Solitude, Utah with Cam Smith and Anna Gibson! We sat down and chat a bit about who they are, what brought them into the sport, and how this season fits into the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics!Cam has been racing on the skimo World Cup for nearly a decade. Anna is new to the sport but comes in with years of ski experience and strong running fitness, learning the discipline quickly after a chance conversation at Broken Arrow. We get into training through a low-snow year, what the sprint and relay formats actually look like, and how both athletes are navigating the final stretch of Olympic qualification.We also chat about the energy of having a World Cup in the U.S., the community behind the team, and what they’re most excited for as the season ramps toward the Games!Show Notes!For more on Anna listen ⁠HERE! ⁠ & follow ⁠@annaagibson⁠For more on Cam & Skimo, listen to ⁠Skimo Gold! ⁠ & ⁠@camfromcb⁠Follow along all weekend ⁠@usaskimo!⁠Saturday & Sunday Live Stream ⁠HERE! ⁠Follow us on Instagram @wanderstudiossIf you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review really helps small shows like ours grow :)

Jane Maus is one of those quietly powerful athletes whose story reveals itself layer by layer, She is a runner, climber, and registered dietitian who’s built her life around movement, curiosity, and the mountains. She grew up in Salt Lake City, found running through steep local trails and the Cirque Series, and eventually wandered her way to Boulder, where community, opportunity, and a whole lot of vertical helped her see what she was capable of.In this week’s episode, we talk about Jane’s path: from studying exercise science to stumbling into nutrition, navigating clinical work at the VA, and ultimately carving out a home in endurance sports nutrition. She shares how her own history with food, injury cycles, and early confusion about “what to do with her life” led her toward the work she does now — empowering runners through Mountain Sports Nutrition and partnering with Wild Strides as their go-to resource for fueling big goals.We get into her breakout year on the trails, one that looked nothing like she planned: a tough DNF at Black Canyon, a reset at Lake Sonoma, a surprise win at GoPro Games, a huge result at Broken Arrow, and her first time racing for Team USA at the World Championships. Along the way, she rediscovered that she thrives on steep, technical terrain, blending all the best parts of a long day out.Jane also talks about the joy of doing things that genuinely excite you, the power of betting on yourself, and what it looks like to take a real leap toward the life you want. We finish off chatting baking as a creative outlet, winter downtime, her two Caminos across Spain, and the mountain objectives she’s dreaming about next :)!Hope you enjoy this conversation! Show NotesJane Maus — trail & mountain runner, sports dietitianhttps://www.instagram.com/_janemaus_/Mountain Sports Nutrition — endurance-focused nutrition coachinghttps://www.mountainsportsnutrition.comWild Strides Coaching Collective — women-led coaching + nutrition partnershiphttps://wildstridespaper.com/pages/about-the-wild-strides-coaching-collectiveLa Sportiva — mountain running & scrambling footwearhttps://www.lasportivausa.comCamino de Santiago — the pilgrimage route Jane has walked twicehttps://www.caminodesantiago.gal/en/inicioFollow us on Instagram @wanderstudiossIf you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review really helps small shows like ours grow :)Episode 42.

This week, we sit down in-person for the first time and dive into the chaotic & creative rise of Couch View — the cycling media project turning pro racing into 30-second culture-forward mini films.Ansel shares how Couch View began as a simple experiment filming a race off his TV, evolved through early Strade Bianche edits, and grew into a global community of fans, riders, and cycling obsessives. We get into the craft behind the chaos: how he watches full races to catch the moments no traditional highlight reel notices — the costumes, the cobbles, the culture — and why music is the anchor of every edit.We also dig into the transition from a structured full-time job into a fully self-directed creative life, the unexpected learning curve of launching merch, the impact of shining a spotlight on smaller races, and the surreal moments when pro riders start sharing your work.And joining the conversation is Sofia Schugar — a professional cyclist who brings her own perspective on the sport, the community around racing, and the rise of creators reshaping how we experience cycling.Expect Tour de France stories, couch ratings, inflatable furniture, European race plans, and a reminder that sometimes the best path forward is following your dreams — responsibly.Couch ViewShop COUCHVIEWWander Sofia SchugarSOFIA PODCASTIf you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review would be much appreciated :)

A conversation with SENIQ founders Madison Hilson and Tina Thompson, who are reshaping women’s outdoor apparel and redefining what it means to feel good—on trail, on snow, and in the day-to-day!We talk through the origins of SENIQ—from their early days in merchandising at Victoria’s Secret, to chapters at Outdoor Voices and Backcountry, to the moment in the Wasatch Mountains when the idea finally clicked. They share how hikes became “therapy hikes,” how a record-breaking Utah winter inspired the name, and why mental health is just as central as movement in everything they create.Madison and Tina break down the rapid rise of SENIQ: selling out their first launch within days, bootstrapping and building out of basements in Ohio, getting into major retailers like REI, Evo, and Backcountry, and trusting their instincts even when industry advice said otherwise. We dig into what it takes to design technical yet trend-driven apparel, why versatility matters so much for women in the outdoors, and the creation of Clarity Club—SENIQ’s community initiative built around getting outside for mental reset.We also get into the realities of early-stage startups: burnout, building a business with your best friend, funding decisions, learning paid marketing on the fly, finding joy in the chaos, and why fear is often the clearest sign you’re moving in the right direction. It’s a grounded look at building a brand around mental health, movement, and choosing to take the scenic route—literally and figuratively.@wanderstudioss for more from us!If you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review really helps small shows like ours grow :)SENIQ Website: https://seniqbrand.comSENIQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seniqClarity Club (SENIQ community hikes): https://seniqbrand.com/pages/movement-meetupsSENIQ Substack: https://seniq.substack.comREI — SENIQ products: https://www.rei.com/b/seniqEvo — SENIQ products: https://www.evo.com/shop/brand/seniqBackcountry — SENIQ products: https://www.backcountry.com/seniqChristy Sports — SENIQ ski apparel: https://christysports.com

A conversation with Jazmine Lowther — a runner, coach, and former plant biologist whose path into trail running has been anything but linear. Before racing professionally, she spent years working outdoors in BC, climbing, skiing, and slowly realizing she had a real spark for moving fast in the mountains. That mix of science, curiosity, and time outside still shows up in how she trains and how she thinks about the sport today.This episode walks through her past year — one that started with a couple of tough DNFs and slowly shifted into a season full of momentum. We talk about rebuilding, playing in the Tetons, the Grand FKT project that ended up being a huge confidence boost, running OCC, and lining up for the World Championships in Spain, where she worked her way from the back of the pack to 4th. It’s a cool look at how a season can turn around when you stay patient and keep chipping away.We also get into the behind-the-scenes pieces of her life: juggling coaching, training on the road, what she’s learned from her athletes, and how she uses female physiology as a guide rather than something to work against. She shares simple tools for spotting burnout, taking real rest, and building seasons that feel exciting instead of overwhelming.Hope you enjoy this episode! :)@wanderstudioss for more!@jazmine_lowther

Sofia Schugar’s a lifelong mover who got her start in triathlon at UC San Diego, but the bike was always the part that made sense. One ride turned into a few races, and before long, cycling took over completely—first in Australia, where she learned to race crits the hard way, and now across Europe, where she’s found her groove in the gravel world!In this week’s episode, we chat about Sofia’s path from college racing to standing on international start lines. We talk about rebuilding after setbacks, finding confidence in unpredictable seasons, and chasing long days on the bike with friends. Between Girona summers and San Diego winters, she’s built a life that’s equal parts racing and exceptional  fun—community rides that somehow turn into all-day missions, donut stops, and a lot of laughter along the way.We get into her time with Team Best San Diego, the women’s rides that sparked a bigger local scene, and how she’s shaping her 2025 race calendar—a mix of UCI gravel events, spontaneous ideas, and what she calls “psychotic fun.” Sofia also talks about navigating hormones, health, and balance in a sport that rarely slows down, and why staying curious—and not taking it all too seriously—might be the key to longevity.Hope you enjoy this one—bikes, community, and all the good chaos in between.Show NotesTeam Best San Diego — inclusive cycling club and community hub based in Southern Californiahttps://teambest.cc/MAAP Cycling — apparel brand supporting Sofia through the Pro Forward Teammaap.ccThe Traka — Girona-based gravel race that marked a breakthrough moment in Sofia’s racing careerthetraka.comGravel & Wine — community-driven gravel event in California’s wine countrygravelandwine.com24 Hours in the Old Pueblo — endurance mountain-bike relay in Arizona epicrides.comFollow Sofia Instagram @sofiashugar@wanderstudioss for more from us!If you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review really helps small shows like ours grow :)

Carey De Victoria-Michel’s story is one of creative evolution and movement — both physical and artistic. A climber-turned-designer, Carey spent years guiding and co-founding She Moves Mountains before heading to Barcelona to study design and launch Studio Rocky, her own creative practice rooted in the outdoors. Her work reflects that same duality — structured yet organic, clean yet deeply human — inspired by time spent in nature and a lifetime of visual curiosity.In this week’s episode, we dive into the 40-mile run Carey completed across Minnesota’s Boundary Waters — a journey that became as much about processing grief and growth as it was about endurance. After becoming a mother and losing her dad, she felt called back to a trail she’d known for years, using movement as a way to honor memory and reconnect with herself. What unfolded was a season of quiet miles, friendship, and creative renewal — proof that sometimes, moving forward is the best way to move through it.Carey shares how movement helps her process life, how she balances screen-based design with hands-on work like block printing and natural dye, and how she’s redefining creative sustainability in a season full of change.Hope you enjoy this episode chatting all things art, running, and the simple joy of making things!Show Notes: Studio Rocky — design studio founded by Carey De Victoria-Michelstudiorocky.coInstagram: @studiorocky.coShe Moves Mountains — women’s climbing organization co-founded by Careyshemovesmountains.orgKekekabic Trail — 40-mile trail through Minnesota’s Boundary WatersLightship RV — sustainable electric RV brandlightshiprv.comLiterally Outside — Chicago-based outdoor brandliterallyoutside.comSatisfy Running — creative running and apparel brandsatisfyrunning.comAthleta Magazine — Italian sports and culture publicationathletamag.com@wanderstudioss for more from us.If you enjoyed the episode, leaving a quick Spotify review really helps small shows like ours grow.Have an epic week!Gracie :)

A conversation with trail runner and community builder Courtney Coppinger, joining from Boulder, Colorado! Courtney is the kind of person who loves to bring people together and turn simple ideas into real community. She’s part of the Brooks Trail Team and has had an epic year—racing across the Golden Trail World Series, placing fourth at the Sunapee Scramble, representing Team USA at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, and finishing top-10 overall in the Golden Trail Final. She has also helped start Sometimes Pizza, a backyard pop-up that turns runs and local gatherings into easy hangs with good food and connection!In this conversation, we chat about how Courtney shifted from the track to the trails, rediscovered her love for running in the mountains, and found her footing with the Brooks Trail Team and a year centered on curiosity over pressure. Courtney shares what fueled her season, her work with Wild Strides—a coaching collective she’s part of—and what’s next: more hosting, deeper roots in Boulder, and a low-key winter cross-country block just for fun :)!Loved getting to know Courtney—such a rad human. Hope you all enjoy this conversation!LINKS! For more Info! Wild Stride Coaching:https://wildstridespaper.com/pages/about-the-wild-strides-coaching-collectiveInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cpcop__/Sometimes PIZZA:https://www.instagram.com/sometimes.pizza/https://www.sometimes.pizza/WANDER on instagram for more updates: https://www.instagram.com/wanderstudioss/also if you would be ever so kind as to leave us a spotify review that would be amazing :) these go a ways for us small podcasters! Have an epic week! Gracie :)

A conversation with Millie Gibbons about ultra-cycling, bikepacking, and the growing women’s endurance scene! Millie shares her journey from casual weekend rides to taking on multi-day ultra events — exploring what it means to balance adventure, community, and the simple joy of being on the bike :)!We talk about how her riding has evolved, the surge of women showing up in endurance cycling, and the moments that make all those long hours the expereiences they are! Millie also shares her recent women’s Everesting challenge in Girona — where four riders took on the elevation of Mount Everest in a single day — and what it taught her about camaraderie, persistence, and the fun that comes from doing something big together!A rad conversation as usual, hope you enjoy!https://www.instagram.com/milliegibbons/http://everesting.com/

Izzy is the founder of New Mountain Magazine, an independent outdoor publication that highlights creativity, storytelling, and the many ways people move through the outdoors. In this episode, we dig into the creative process behind Edition Two — from curating stories and collaborating with contributors to navigating the logistics of printing, shipping, and global distribution!We talk about some of they key elements that define New Mountain, the balance between digital storytelling and print, and what it takes to grow an independent magazine from the ground up. Izzy shares insight into building community around print media, finding contributors whose stories feel timeless, and the realities of managing production, distribution, and funding as a one-woman operation.Inside the new issue, we explore pieces like Chris Burkard’s personal essay on burnout and rediscovery, the “Arctic Sisterhood” story following six women adventuring in Svalbard, and a collection of essays, guides, and photo features that reflect the depth and diversity of outdoor culture today.If you’re interested in independent media, creative production, or the intersection of art and adventure, this conversation offers a grounded look at the process behind a growing publication that’s redefining what outdoor storytelling can look like.Find New Mountain Magazine at newmountainmag.com and follow along at @newmountainmag.Listen to our first podcast with Izzy HERE!

A conversation with Neža, the Slovenian maker behind What Happened, a one-woman brand dedicated to building custom mountaineering backpacks. Her path into the craft is anything but straightforward. After nearly a decade in Budapest running an urban cycling brand, she walked away when she realized the business model was built on creating needs instead of answering them. Searching for a new direction, she landed a rare apprenticeship in Munich, learning the intricacies of outdoor gear repair, before joining Patagonia’s Worn Wear program and traveling across Europe in a rolling workshop that fixed gear for free.When the pandemic shut that down, Neža returned to Slovenia and set up a sewing machine in a cabin in the woods. What began as small runs of bikepacking bags slowly evolved into the highly technical, hand-built alpine packs she makes today. Each order starts with a conversation, a trust-building exchange that allows her to translate a customer’s vision into a durable tool made to last years in the harshest environments.Her packs are already traveling the world—on expeditions in Antarctica, to high peaks in Nepal, and on the backs of mountain guides who spend more than two hundred days a year outside. The name What Happened reflects both her repair roots and her belief that every piece of gear carries a story. She talks about why durability matters more than chasing recycled buzzwords, the challenges of working with Dyneema, and how true sustainability comes from building things that last and can be repaired.This conversation dives into what it means to create slowly in an outdoor industry obsessed with speed and saturation. For Neža, craftsmanship is not a trend but a practice—one that connects maker and user through trust, intention, and use. “This business can last a very long time,” she says. “Because it was never in fashion.”https://whathappenedoutdoors.com/abouthttps://www.instagram.com/whathappenedoutdoors/

A conversation with Taylen, an adventure photographer and content creator based in Whistler, whose lens captures the raw energy of sport and wild places. From growing up with a love for the outdoors to turning her camera into a career, Taylen’s story is one of curiosity, risk-taking, and saying yes to the unknown. She first picked up a following by sharing adventures on TikTok, then pursued formal training in adventure guiding and marketing, blending her passion for the outdoors with the skills to tell stories that resonate.In this episode, Taylen talks about her time in Tofino, where she pushed herself in the surf lineup and discovered a new rhythm of life on the coast. She shares how being selected for the Canon Futures Program accelerated her growth as a photographer, opening doors to mentorship and professional opportunities. And she takes us into the mountains on the Tantalus Traverse—a wild and unforgettable journey that taught her about preparation, humility, and the importance of being present in the moment.A conversation about perseverance, creativity, and the courage it takes to follow unconventional paths, this episode captures Taylen’s perspective on what it means to create and live fully in the outdoors.

A conversation with Brookmyer McIntyre! In this episode she shares her journey from being an elite rower to becoming a competitive cyclist and content creator. After her visa expired in the UK, Brookmyer shifted from rowing to cycling—discovering new challenges, fresh opportunities, and the importance of embracing uncertainty along the way!We dive into the similarities and differences between rowing and cycling, the endurance mindset required in both sports, and the nutrition strategies that fuel Brookmyer’s long rides. She opens up about the mental shifts necessary to succeed, the role of community in her development as an athlete, and how social media has amplified her ability to support and connect with other women in cycling.https://www.instagram.com/wanderwomenscollective/https://www.instagram.com/brookmyerrrr/https://wanderwomenscollective.com/

In this episode of Wander Women’s Collective, adventure photographer Nicole Giampietro shares her journey from early GoPro shots to working with major outdoor brands and launching her own production company. With experience in trail running, climbing, expedition photography, and commercial shooting, Nicole opens up about life as a freelance creative and the stories behind some of her favorite projects.We talk about the meaning she finds in the people and places that shape outdoor work, the balance of freelancing, travel, and passion projects, and the adventures that fuel her creativity—from river surfing to climbing to life on the road. Nicole also shares her big dreams for the future of her creative career and the ways she continues to blend storytelling with outdoor adventure.This is a thoughtful conversation on storytelling, creativity, and life as a freelance photographer—and such a joy to have a friend on the podcast.Connect with Nicole: @nicolegiampietro | nicolegiampietro.com

In this episode on the Wander Podcast, cyclist and gravel racer Sarah Diekmeyer shares her journey into endurance sports and the freelance life she’s built around adventure on two wheels. What started with a bikepacking trip from Montreal to New York City has grown into a career racing some of the toughest gravel and stage races in the world. Sarah reflects on the challenges and joys of life on the bike—from the Migration Gravel Race in Kenya to multi-day stage races in Morocco.We talk about what it takes to balance freelance work with training and travel, the importance of recovery and navigating injuries, and how resilience and identity are shaped through sport. Sarah also shares stories from her bikepacking adventures in Sardinia, the lessons she’s learned from life on the road, and how community keeps her motivation alive through the toughest moments.This is a thoughtful conversation on endurance cycling, gravel racing, and creative freedom, highlighting the mindset shifts that come with pushing limits, embracing setbacks, and finding joy in the ride.Sarah on Instagram: @sdiekie_

Sierra DeGroff is an ultrarunner who has taken on some of the toughest races in the world—including running Western States 100 and Badwater 135 back-to-back as part of the Mount to Coast project. In this episode, Sierra shares her journey from road running to ultras, what it was like tackling her first 100-miler, and how she discovered her love for the heat and challenge of desert races.We dive into the Las Vegas running community, how Sierra balances a full-time career with training at an elite level, and the mental and physical highs and lows that come with ultrarunning. She opens up about the realities of race day—from those moments of “I don’t think this is going to work out” to finding joy in the struggle. Along the way, she shares humorous stories, lessons learned, and the mindset that keeps her excited about future races and big goals.This conversation is full of grit, humor, and inspiration—perfect for anyone chasing endurance, adventure, or simply the joy of pushing beyond comfort zones.

Dominique Powers is a photographer, cyclist, and storyteller whose work captures the intersection of sport, creativity, and community. In this episode, Gracie chats with Dominique about her journey from New York to Los Angeles and how that transition shaped both her career and her creative outlook.Dominique shares what it was like to photograph the Tour de France Femmes, witnessing firsthand the rapid growth of women’s cycling, and why storytelling in sports photography is so vital—especially for amplifying women’s sports. She also opens up about navigating burnout, the self-care practices that keep her grounded, and the role of community in sustaining creative work.We also dive into the importance of being present in nature for mental well-being, and Dominique offers reflections for aspiring photographers—encouraging them to trust their intuition and carve out their own unique paths.This conversation is a thoughtful and grounded look at growth, creativity, and capturing moments that matter.Follow Dominique’s work: dominiquepowers.com | @dominiquepowers

In this episode, Gracie sits down with Laura Kirkpatrick—better known online as @lauradesports—to talk cycling, content creation, and what it looks like to choose the wild, uncertain path over the traditional one.Laura shares her journey from working in medicine and consulting to building a full-time creative life on the road. We dive into how she’s grown a community through honest storytelling, the realities of making content while chasing adventure, and what it takes to balance big dreams with the everyday chaos of life on two wheels.We also chat about the lessons solo travel teaches—like confidence and independence—along with the tension between relatability and unconventional living. Plus, we get into Instagram strategy, future travel plans (think Love Island meets Mallorca), and how she continues carving out her own unique path in the cycling and creative world.Follow Laura: @lauradesportsFollow Wander: @wanderwomenscollective

In this episode, Gracie sits down with Lara Hamilton—a professional mountain athlete and musician—to talk about the intersections of sport, creativity, and resilience. Lara shares her journey from nordic skiing to trail running and ski mountaineering, and how she’s navigated life as a multi-talented athlete balancing performance with art.We dive into her diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, the chronic illness that has shaped her training and health routines, and the strategies she uses to keep moving forward. Lara also opens up about her transition to life in Colorado, the role of music as a grounding force, and the realities of life on the road—from sponsorship struggles to the less glamorous side of chasing an athlete dream.At the heart of our conversation is Lara’s gift for storytelling and creativity, and how she’s building a path that honors both her athleticism and her artistry.Follow Lara’s journey: @lara_hamilton | larahamilton.comFollow all things Wander: @wanderwomenscollective

In this episode, Gracie and Sophia sit down with Izzy Wedderburn—designer, creative, and founder of New Mountain Magazine. Izzy shares her unconventional path into design, the inspiration behind launching an independent print publication, and what it really takes to bring a magazine to life in the outdoor industry.From juggling freelance design work to navigating brand sponsorships, Izzy offers an honest look at the creative process, the challenges of building something from the ground up, and why she’s drawn to physical storytelling in a digital world. We also chat about new ideas like a playful newspaper, lessons learned from the first issue, and what’s next for New Mountain.New Mountain Magazine is an independent, outdoors-focused print publication founded and creatively directed by Izzy Wedderburn. Instead of chasing extreme feats or record-breaking stats, the magazine emphasizes relatable, author-led adventures—from backyard hikes and bikepacking trips to creative outdoor expressions—celebrating the joy of nature on one’s own terms.Issue one spans 216 soft-sewn pages, featuring stories and photography from contributors around the globe. With a focus on tactile design—intentional paper, thoughtful layouts, and curated typography—each issue is crafted to be held, flipped through, and savored. It’s a celebration of everyday adventure, told with heart and made to last.Follow New Mountain: @newmountainmagExplore Izzy’s work: @izzy.wedderburn | izzywedderburn.comAbout New Mountain Magazine

Karo Migoń is a Polish gravel racer who just made history by winning the 2025 Unbound Gravel 200 in a record-setting time of 10:03:54 — averaging over 20 mph across 202 miles of brutally hot, dusty Kansas terrain. Her ride wasn’t just a win; it was a defining performance in one of the toughest and most prestigious gravel races in the world.In this episode, we talk about Karo’s journey from racing mountain bikes and road bikes during her university years in Poland to becoming a dominant force on the international gravel racing scene. We discuss how she balances life as a full-time software engineer, why she took a five-month leave to go all-in on racing, and her experience riding with Pas Normal Studios, where having a team behind her has been game-changing.We also dive into themes of burnout, training with intention, upcoming travel, and the small rituals that keep her grounded while living the highs and lows of a pro racing season.One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is the joy and love for cycling that Karo radiates—it’s contagious, and it makes following her journey even more exciting.Follow Karo on Instagram: @karo_migonAnd keep up with Wander for more updates as she continues her 2025 season.

Sami Sauri is a Spanish multi-sport athlete, creative director, and photographer who has spent the past several years discovering the world on two wheels and using her lens to tell stories that empower women and build community in cycling.In this episode, we chat about Sami’s evolving relationship with the bike—from racing gravel competitively to embracing slower, story-driven adventures that highlight connection over competition. She reflects on recent rides at Hills Gravel, Sea Otter Classic, and a Sequoia bikepacking trip ahead of The Traka in Spain.We also talk about the role of storytelling in endurance sports, as Sami shares her early roots in photography, her move to Chamonix, and the projects she’s most excited about next—including her continued work with women’s cycling initiatives and creative media.Such a fun and inspiring conversation—I hope you all enjoy it too!Follow Sami’s work: samisauri.comInstagram: @samisauri

hea Aquilano is a trail runner whose path to the sport began with college soccer and has since grown into a career at the highest level of ultrarunning. In 2024, she won the Gorge Waterfalls 100K and was recently named to the 2025 Trail Team, a recognition of her rising presence in the sport.In this episode, we chat about Shea’s journey into ultras, how she balances training as a professional athlete while working three jobs, and the rhythms that keep her grounded. She shares what it looks like to pursue big goals—like running Western States 100—while staying connected to the simple joy of running. We also dive into her race calendar, her training approach, and what she’s looking forward to most this season.Follow Shea on Instagram to keep up with her races and training updates.And if you’re around Washington next weekend—come join us at Leavenworth Trailfest!

Maddy Nutt is a professional gravel cyclist based in London, balancing life as an athlete, content creator, and all-around adventure enthusiast. From podium finishes to storytelling on social media, she’s carving her own space in the growing world of gravel racing.In this episode, we chat about all things bikes, baked goods, racing, and the athlete–influencer world—along with the joys and challenges of life on and off the bike. Maddy shares stories from some of the sport’s most iconic events:Winning the UCI Safari Gravel Race in KenyaRacing in Iceland’s legendary landscapesTackling Unbound Gravel in Kansas—the biggest gravel race in the U.S.Competing at Traka 360 in Spain, where she placed 7th despite riding 260 kilometers with a torn shoulder ligament after a crash mid-raceWe also talk about what drives her as both an athlete and a creative, her approach to balancing performance with presence, and how she’s shaping her career in a sport that’s as much about community as competition.Follow Maddy on instagram!& watch her videos here!ALSO WANDER is hosting events soon :) follow the instagram for more info but here is the link to our leavenworth trailfest ladies run & hang ;)

Alenka Mali is a filmmaker, snowboarder, photographer, and aspiring mountain guide carving her own bold path in the mountains. Her work blends adventure and creativity, from freeride competitions to remote expeditions, capturing stories that emerge where risk, rhythm, and resilience intersect.In this episode, we dive into Alenka’s latest film projects—including an all-female splitboard film shot in British Columbia and Patagonia—and talk about the flow of a life lived between snow seasons. She shares stories of base jumping, planning mountain retreats, and the challenges of documenting remote landscapes while pushing her own athletic pursuits.From freeride comps to filmmaking in wild places, Alenka’s story is one of creativity, courage, and community in the mountains.Follow Alenka for updates on her films, photography, and mountain projects.https://www.instagram.com/alenkaamali/

a conversation with the wonderful emma mchugh! emma is a menstrual equity researcher at point loma nazarene university in san diego! it has been so cool watching emma build akinyi where she and her her team spend their time interviewing a variety of people in global south counties, focusing on women’s menstrual experiences while also advocating for access to period products, education, and dignity!in her free time, emma loves connecting with people wherever she travels, collecting treasures on her walks, cooking colorful meals for all her friends, swimming in the ocean, and reading books. this conversation around menstrual equity is one that i have had the pleasure of chatting with emma about numerous times in the past three or so years that she has been working on this research, and single time the conversation ends, i think, oh my gosh more people need to hear this & i wish i could send it to every person i know!hope you enjoy the episode! and if you could leave the podcast a review & even share it with a friend that would be super appreciated! for more information check out https://akinyi.net/

Julia Cassou is an expedition photographer and videographer who has built a career documenting athletes and adventurers in their rawest, most powerful moments. From sailing across the Atlantic to climbing in Yosemite, Julia has captured stories of human resilience in some of the world’s most remote and demanding environments.In this episode, we explore Julia’s path from studying general arts to becoming a specialist in outdoor and climbing photography. She shares what it’s like to cover multi-pitch routes, trad climbing, bouldering, and alpine adventures, often while following elite athletes on their projects. Julia reflects on the realities of documenting climbs and expeditions—authentically portraying not only triumph but also the fear, failure, and physical exhaustion that define these pursuits.As a female adventure photographer in a male-dominated space, Julia brings an artistic, documentary-style lens to her work, blending emotion, environment, and storytelling. We also talk about her newest film, La Rubia, currently featured on the Mountains on Stage tour.

Anna Myers is the founder of Dirty Birdy Workwear, a new brand reimagining women’s workwear to be both functional and stylish. The idea was born during her own home remodel, when she realized how few companies were making quality options for women in the trades and DIY spaces—a major gap in the industry.In this episode, Anna shares the origin story of Dirty Birdy, what it’s been like to launch a company while working full-time and raising a family, and her vision for building a brand that empowers women to feel confident, capable, and seen in their workwear.Follow Dirty Birdy on Instagram: @heydirtybirdyExplore more: heydirtybirdy.comfollow dirty birdy on instagram https://www.instagram.com/heydirtybirdy?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Meredith Rodgers spent the past year "onboard reporter" for the Clipper Round the World Race, sailing a staggering 40,000 nautical miles across the globe as part of the Perseverance team. What started as a lifelong dream led her into this wild, transformative role—documenting the journey firsthand while living it.In this episode, she shares what it was like to become part of a crew navigating oceans and elements, the highs and lows of that epic year, and the emotional return to everyday life once the journey ended. We also dive into her creative side—how she transitioned into freelance photo and video work, and her latest passion project: filming an all-women's Northeast winter surf film.This conversation is a vibrant mix of salt air, ambition, shift, and vision—revealing the grit and grace of chasing dreams on the open sea.Follow Meredith: @meredithrodgerssAlso behind the lens at: @atrainstudios