Wild Ideas Worth Living - podcast cover

Wild Ideas Worth Living

REI Co-opwww.rei.com
High-impact interviews for those who love adventure and the outdoors. Host and journalist Shelby Stanger interviews world-class explorers, athletes, authors, scientists, health experts and entrepreneurs about how they’ve taken their own wild ideas and made them a reality, so you can too. Some of the wildest ideas can lead to the most rewarding adventures.
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Episodes

Finding Purpose in Endurance Running with Yassine Diboun

Yassine Diboun is a Portland-based ultrarunner and coach who found endurance sports during recovery from addiction. After signing up for his first triathlon in 2004 to bring structure to his life, he discovered a talent for running that quickly evolved into a career in ultramarathons. Since then, he has become one of the sport’s most respected athletes, with top 10 finishes at Western States 100, multiple course records, and a place on the U.S. trail running team. Connect with Yassine: Instagram...

Jun 02, 202629 minEp. 405

Training Tips for Your Next Adventure with Joe Holder

Joe Holder is a Nike Master Trainer and GQ fitness columnist with a track record of coaching elite athletes and high profile clients. Grounded in a background in health and wellness, he brings a practical approach to endurance training and overall fitness. His work spans marathon training, thru hike preparation, and strategies to support long term health and performance. Connect with Joe: Instagram YouTube Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® AeroPress Hosted by ...

May 26, 202622 minEp. 404

Rowing Solo Across the Atlantic Ocean with Taryn Smith

In January 2026, Taryn Smith became the third American woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, completing a 46 day Atlantic Ocean crossing in open water conditions. With no rowing experience beforehand, she leaned on a foundation built through world travel, the New York City Marathon, and summers exploring Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains. Website Instagram Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® AeroPress Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com...

May 19, 202626 minEp. 403

Swimming 140 Mies Across Lake Powell with Shane Schieffer

Shane Schieffer is an endurance swimmer who spent more than 15 years dreaming of a full length swim of Lake Powell, the desert reservoir stretching from Utah into Arizona. In September 2025, he became the first person to complete it, covering 140 miles in 11 days while towing 215 pounds of gear. The route carried him through a remote landscape of sand colored canyons, rock formations, and isolated shorelines. Connect with Shane: Instagram Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Shop The ...

May 12, 202630 minEp. 402

Thru-hiking The Appalachian Trail with 15 Kids with Nikki Bettis

Nikki Bettis turned a simple hike on the Appalachian Trail into an audacious plan to thru hike the entire trail with her fifteen kids, ranging in age from 4 to 21. As a single mom in rural Virginia facing financial and emotional strain, Nikki hoped the physical challenge and months spent outdoors together could help her family reconnect and find a way forward. Connect with Nikki: Website Instagram YouTube Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Shop The North Face Universal Collection Th...

May 05, 202628 minEp. 401

How The Bucket List Family Travels the World with Garrett Gee

Adventurer Garrett Gee turned a four month family trip in 2015 into The Bucket List Family, documenting world travel with his wife, Jessica, and their kids. What began as videos shared on YouTube and Instagram became a global family travel brand with millions of followers, built on experiences from shark diving in South Africa to hot air balloons in Turkey and biking through shrines and gardens in Japan. Connect with Garrett & The Bucket List Family: Website Instagram YouTube Explore the REI...

Apr 28, 202630 minEp. 400

Paddling 1,200 Miles from Ottawa to New York with Dan Rubinstein

In 2023, Dan Rubinstein completed a 1,200 mile stand up paddleboarding journey from Ottawa to New York City and back. His expedition followed rivers and waterways, turning a long distance paddle into a rare blue space adventure. Connect with Dan: Website Instagram Purchase Dan's book, Water Borne Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Ocean Bottle Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for infor...

Apr 21, 202625 minEp. 399

Trekking and Transforming Family Dynamics on The Camino de Santiago with Lauren Duke

Lauren Duke holds a master’s degree in psychology focused on physiology and body based behavior, and studies how movement helps us process emotion. In 2023, she tested that work on a 535 mile Camino de Santiago hike across Spain with her family. The month long trek surfaced unresolved family dynamics, leaving no real option but to keep walking and stay in relationship. Connect with Lauren: Website Instagram Listen to Lauren's Tedx Talk Vote for Wild Ideas Worth Living for Best Branded Podcast! E...

Apr 14, 202629 minEp. 397

RERELEASE: Becoming the First Woman to Travel Around the Moon with Christina Koch

Welcome back to Earth, Artemis II crew! In honor of Christina Koch becoming the first woman to travel around the moon, we're rereleasing her episode from 2024. What if you had an opportunity to travel around the moon? Christina Koch has worked at NASA for the last 10 years, and has been a part of groundbreaking missions in outer space. In 2019, Christina embarked on a 328-day stay on the International Space Station, setting a record for the longest single space flight by a woman. Now Christina h...

Apr 13, 202629 minEp. 398

Surfing and Sailing Around the World with John John Florence

John John Florence is one of the most accomplished surfers in the world. After a 15 year career on the World Surf League Championship Tour, three world titles, and two Olympic appearances, he stepped away from competition to pursue a new wild idea: sailing around the world with his family. Connect with John John: Instagram Shop Florence Vote for Wild Ideas Worth Living for Best Branded Podcast! Explore the REI and Intrepid Travel collections Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One and the REI Co-...

Apr 07, 202628 minEp. 396

From Road Racing to Ultras with Marathon Legend Des Linden

Marathon legend Des Linden made history on April 16, 2018, becoming the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon in 33 years. Over more than a decade at the top of the sport, she raced the biggest marathons in the world, represented the United States at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, and set a 50K world record. Last year, on the morning of her 13th Boston Marathon, she announced her retirement from professional road racing. Now she is applying the same discipline and curiosity to new challen...

Mar 31, 202625 minEp. 395

Big Wall Climbing and Ultrarunning with Thomas Bukowski

In 2022, Thomas Bukowski took a risk that felt personal and professional by applying to The North Face athlete development program and pitching himself as a climber worth betting on. As a queer athlete from Hong Kong who found climbing later than most, he has long carried the feeling of being an outsider, then watched that narrative shift when he earned a place on The North Face climbing team. Since then, he has chased fear into major climbs in Argentina, Alaska, and Pakistan, and in 2024 he pus...

Mar 24, 202626 minEp. 394

Breaking the Self Supported Appalachian Trail FKT with Jeff Garmire

Jeff Garmire is a legend in the world of fastest known times with more than 20 FKTs on routes including the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Arizona Trail, and John Muir Trail. On September 21, 2025, he reached Mount Springer after setting a self supported FKT on the Appalachian Trail, completing the route in 45 days, 8 hours, and 37 minutes. Connect with Jeff: Website Instagram Listen to the Free Outside podcast YouTube Substack Vote for Wild Ideas Worth Living for Best Branded Podcast! Outsi...

Mar 17, 202629 minEp. 393

Spearfishing, Motherhood, and Cooking What You Catch with Kimi Werner

Kimi Werner is a world champion spearfisher, ocean advocate, and chef whose life centers on sustainable fishing, food, and a deep connection to nature. After winning the largest spearfishing competition in the world in 2008, she stepped away from competition to focus on feeding her community and cooking with fish she harvests. Her upcoming cookbook, Kimi’s Kitchen , blends recipes and memoir to explore living well through the ocean, the land, and family. Connect with Kimi: Instagram Website Purc...

Mar 10, 202629 minEp. 392

Winning Unbound and Goal Setting for Gravel Racing with Sofía Gómez Villafañe

Sofía Gómez Villafañe is a leading American gravel cyclist who broke through with a win at Unbound Gravel 2022 on her first attempt. The result cemented her place among the top gravel racers in the United States after a nontraditional start that began with a used bike her brother found on Craigslist. Sofía shares how her success is driven by clear goal setting, small process driven steps, and a systematic approach to long term performance. Connect with Sofia: Instagram Outside Days Eearly Bird P...

Mar 03, 202625 minEp. 391

From a Life-Altering Accident to Skiing Alaska's Biggest Lines with Kai Jones

Kai Jones is one of the most talented young backcountry skiers in the U.S., turning professional at just 13 years old. In early 2023, he broke both of his legs in a backcountry skiing accident, spending months in a wheelchair and questioning whether he’d ever return to the sport. Last season marked a major comeback, as Kai became the youngest skier to descend the Otter Body route on Grand Teton and released multiple ski films that document his evolution as a big‑mountain skier. Connect with Kai:...

Feb 24, 202627 minEp. 390

Living The Life We Have with Rob Shaver

Rob Shaver has been living with stage four cancer for over 20 years. He's had multiple recurrences, been through multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and received more than 60 radiation treatments. In 2020, after he finished chemo to fight his third recurrence, Rob started running and ended up running for 1,175 days straight. About the film: The Life We Have is a short film about REI San Antonio employee Rob Shaver, who after two decades living with stage 4 cancer, made a pact to run at least one mi...

Feb 17, 202626 minEp. 389

Hiking 4,000 Ft Peaks in Winter with Mardi Fuller

Adventurer Mardi Fuller made history in 2021 as the first Black person to hike all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000 foot peaks in winter. The White Mountains are defined by steep, exposed trails, deep snow, extreme winds, and rapidly changing weather that demand constant attention to navigation and risk. Connect with Mardi: Instagram Thank you to our sponsor: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection a...

Feb 10, 202623 minEp. 388

Hiking Zen with Brother Phap Luu

Brother Phap Luu is a Zen Buddhist monk at Deer Park Monastery in Southern California, founded by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. He co‑authored Hiking Zen , which explores walking and hiking as mindfulness practices that cultivate presence, awareness, and connection to nature. Drawing from monastic life and meditation traditions, Brother Phap Luu shares how slowing down outdoors can help us reconnect with ourselves and the natural world. Listen to: Finding Mastery Thank you to our sponsor: Capital ...

Feb 03, 202629 minEp. 387

6 Ironman Races on 6 Continents in 1 Year with Ariana Luterman

Ariana Luterman is an endurance athlete whose IRONMAN journey began after a year‑long battle with an unexplained illness that left her extremely weak and often bedridden. In 2023, she completed an IRONMAN just ten months into rebuilding her health and went on to pursue a Guinness World Record for finishing six IRONMAN races on six continents within one year. Connect with Ariana: Website Instagram Listen to: Finding Mastery Thank you to our sponsor: Capital One and the REI Co-op® Mastercard® Host...

Jan 27, 202630 minEp. 386

Trekking Solo to the North and South Poles with Preet Chandi

Preet Chandi began her polar career in 2021 when she skied solo to the South Pole while hauling a 192 pound sled across Antarctica. At just 37 years old, Preet has already become one of the most accomplished polar explorers of our generation, completing three expeditions to Antarctica and setting a new Guinness World Record each time. She is currently training for a groundbreaking trip to the North Pole, which she hopes to set off for this spring. Connect with Preet: Website Instagram Listen to:...

Jan 20, 202632 minEp. 385

Ultra Running and Setting FKTs with Anton Krupicka

Anton Krupicka is one of the most iconic ultrarunners and long-distance trail athletes in the U.S. Known for his minimalist approach—shirtless miles, long hair, and a bushy beard—he became a defining figure in the sport. Over nearly three decades, Anton has won the Leadville 100 twice and earned podium finishes at ultramarathons around the world. Beyond racing, he’s set 28 fastest known time (FKT) records on notable routes, solidifying his reputation in endurance running. Connect with Anton: Ins...

Jan 13, 202629 minEp. 384

Discovering Nature’s Hidden Conversations with Amy Martin

Award-winning journalist Amy Martin has spent years tuning into nature’s hidden soundtrack. As the host and creator of Threshold , she explores the intricate ways life communicates beyond human perception. In its latest season, Hark , Amy uncovers how species from birds to dolphins—and even turtles—use sound to share information we’re only beginning to understand. Thanks to breakthroughs in acoustic research, these conversations are finally coming into focus. Scientists mentioned: Mike Parsons, ...

Jan 06, 202631 minEp. 383

A Spiritual Approach to the Seven Summits with Wasfia Nazreen

Wasfia Nazreen is a Bangladeshi mountaineer and human rights advocate known for blending adventure with activism. She is the first Bangladeshi to climb the Seven Summits and the only Bengali to summit K2, one of the world’s most dangerous peaks. Her expeditions serve as spiritual practice and a platform for women’s rights in Bangladesh, earning her National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year in 2014. Connect with Wasfia: Website Instagram Listen to: Camp Monsters Finding Mastery Thank you to ou...

Dec 23, 202529 minEp. 382

Record-Breaking Expedition to the North Pole with Eric Larsen

Eric Larsen is a pioneering polar explorer who completed the first-ever summer expedition to the North Pole, navigating thin, unstable sea ice and miles of open water. In 2010, he became the first person to reach both poles and summit Mount Everest within a single year. With decades of experience crossing the Arctic Ocean and Antarctic ice sheet, Eric has become a trusted resource and guide for aspiring polar adventurers. Connect with Eric: Website Instagram Purchase Eric's book, On Thin Ice: An...

Dec 16, 202529 minEp. 381

Winning the World Snowshoe Championships with Jennifer Britz

Jennifer Britz is a trail runner based in Bar Harbor, Maine. She spends half the year on Acadia National Park’s rugged trails and the other half perfecting her craft on lightweight running snowshoes built for speed. Over the past decade, Britz has dedicated herself to mastering this niche sport, pushing her limits across varied terrain. In 2022, she earned gold at the World Snowshoe Championships in Argentina. Listen to: Camp Monsters Finding Mastery Thank you to our sponsors: Nikon Capital One ...

Dec 09, 202524 minEp. 380

Chatting Gear & Gifting with Emily Pennington

Emily Pennington is an REI gear tester and outdoor expert who knows what makes equipment worth the investment. In this holiday gift guide episode, she shares her top picks for the best outdoor gear gifts—whether it’s backpacking essentials, ski gear for hitting the slopes, or running gear for everyday adventures. Emily breaks down what matters most when choosing quality gear that lasts, so you can give gifts that the adventurers in your life will love. REI's Holiday Gift Guides: Best Gifts for H...

Dec 02, 202530 minEp. 379

Skydiving & Becoming a Paralympic Snowboard Champion with Tyler Turner

Tyler Turner has always been a bit of a daredevil. He grew up skiing, snowboarding, and eventually became a skydiving instructor. After a 2015 accident resulted in the amputation of both legs, he rebuilt his life around the sports he loves. Today, he’s a three-time Para Snowboard Cross World Champion, a Paralympic gold medalist, and the first bilateral amputee to fly in a wingsuit. Connect with Tyler: Website Instagram Listen to: Camp Monsters Finding Mastery Thank you to our sponsors: Nikon Cap...

Nov 25, 202531 minEp. 378

Setting a Scuba Diving Record on All 7 Continents with Barrington Scott

Barrington Scott is a record-holding scuba diver who has spent the last decade exploring the underwater world through snorkeling, scuba, and freediving. He’s lived in coastal towns around the globe, diving as often as possible and immersing himself in coral reefs, sea caves, and marine life. In 2024, Barrington set a Guinness World Record for scuba diving on all seven continents. Connect with Barrington: Instagram Listen to: Camp Monsters Finding Mastery Thank you to our sponsors: Nikon Capital ...

Nov 18, 202526 minEp. 377

Skateboarding Across America with Chad Caruso

Chad Caruso kicked off his wild idea in Venice Beach, California, with a skateboard and a goal: to cross the country on four wheels. Over 57 days, he pushed through deserts, mountain ranges, and extreme weather, ultimately landing in Virginia Beach, Virginia and setting a Guinness World Record for the fastest coast-to-coast skateboarding journey. Connect with Chad: Website Instagram YouTube Listen to: Camp Monsters Finding Mastery Take the 5-minute Listener Survey! Thank you to our sponsors: Cap...

Nov 11, 202530 minEp. 376
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