In the season one finale of Outdoorsy, I'm joined by Parker McMullen Bushman (also known as KWEEN WERK)!

They share their journey of redefining what it means to be outdoorsy and the importance of representation in outdoor spaces. They discuss the barriers faced by marginalized communities in accessing nature and the need for inclusivity in environmental advocacy. Parker emphasizes the power of community, hope, and collective action in the fight for environmental justice, encouraging listeners to embrace their identities and reclaim their place in the outdoors.

TIMESTAMPS:

• 0:00 - Intro & housekeeping
• 3:26 - Meet Parker
• 5:05 - Parker's Relationship to the Outdoors & How They Define Outdoorsy
• 12:32 - The Journey to Advocacy
• 17:48 - Belonging in the Outdoors
• 23:20 - Microaggressions in Nature
• 29:53 - Building Inclusive Communities
• 32:40 - Hope and Activism
• 37:15 - How to Connect with Parker
• 38:59 - Closing Words of Wisdom

CONNECT:

• https://www.kweenwerk.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/kweenwerk
• https://www.facebook.com/kweenwerk/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@kweenwerk
• https://www.patreon.com/Outdoorsy
• https://www.instagram.com/madeleinewilsonphoto/
• https://www.youtube.com/@madeleinewilsonphoto

Is the TikTok ban really about data security, or is there something bigger at play? In this bonus episode, I break down the potential TikTok ban, its impact on small businesses, content creators, and marginalized communities, and why alternative platforms just don't compare.

🔑 Key takeaways:

• The economic impact of banning TikTok (170M users affected)
• TikTok's unique role in supporting marginalized voices
• Why Reels and Shorts aren't direct replacements
• How I’ll stay connected with you all through Discord & Patreon

Join the community:

• Patreon: patreon.com/outdoorsy
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeleinewilsonphoto/
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@madeleinewilsonphoto?hl=en
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madeleinewilsonphoto

I sat down with the incredibly talented photographer, Emilie Hofferber, for a conversation that was both inspiring and deeply relatable. Emilie shared her journey from retail burnout to building a creative life she loves on the road, blending her love for photography with a passion for the outdoors and travel. We explored what it means to break down barriers in outdoor spaces and reject gatekeeping that often keeps people from feeling like they belong outside.

We also talked about her transition to van life with minimal resources, how she built a photography career from scratch, and the power of staying true to yourself—even when the industry tells you to play it safe.

BONUS: Margaret, her sweet dog, makes a guest appearance, so check out the video version if you want to see her in action!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Emilie defines “outdoorsy” and why labels can be limiting
• Her path from Florida to Utah and how she fell in love with nature
• The realities of starting van life with only $300
• Why discomfort can actually help you get outside more
• Breaking into photography with a $13 thrift store camera
• Facing gatekeeping in creative spaces and the outdoor industry
• Navigating the outdoors as a queer woman
• The story behind Emilie’s hilarious (and meaningful) Taco Bell tattoo

Follow Emilie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilie.hofferber
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBZr5FZoQQlOj64PP1fhQdw
• More: https://hoo.be/emilie

Join the Outdoorsy Community:

• Patreon: Join Our Patreon – Gain access to bonus content, Cozy Camping Club, our Discord community, and exclusive video episodes!
• Discord: Join our safe, inclusive space for outdoor lovers to connect, share, and build community. Access this via Patreon!

Timestamps & Chapter Titles

• 00:00 – Intro: Meet Emilie (and Margaret the dog)
• 02:00 – Redefining “Outdoorsy”: What Does It Mean to You?
• 04:30 – Emilie’s Origin Story: From Florida to Utah
• 07:40 – How Van Life Began: A Story of Burnout and Adventure
• 12:00 – Overcoming Hardship & Embracing Minimalism
• 16:00 – Practical Van Life Tips: Gear, Comfort, and Minimalism
• 22:00 – Breaking Into Photography with Minimal Equipment
• 26:00 – Gatekeeping in Photography and Outdoor Spaces
• 32:00 – The Power of Inclusive Outdoor Communities
• 37:00 – Being Queer in the Outdoors: Challenges & Triumphs
• 46:00 – The Taco Bell Tattoo Story: Finding Joy in Simplicity
• 52:00 – Final Thoughts & Emilie’s Upcoming Adventures
• 55:00 – Closing Remarks and How to Stay Connected

I’m so grateful to Emilie for sharing her story with me—it’s a reminder that you can create a life that aligns with your values, even when the path is unconventional. If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it with a friend! 🌿

As 2024 comes to a close, I’m feeling immense gratitude for the Outdoorsy community and the journey we’re on together. In today’s episode, I'm tackling the most requested topic: safety in the outdoors. Whether you’re solo hiking, camping, or just starting your outdoor adventures, this episode is packed with practical strategies, personal anecdotes, and tips to help you feel empowered and prepared. The outdoors should feel safe and welcoming for everyone, and I’m here to make sure you’ve got the tools and confidence to enjoy it.

Become a patron to learn about Cozy Camping Club: https://www.patreon.com/c/Outdoorsy.

TIMESTAMPS

• Introduction and Reflections on 2024 - 00:00:08
• Why Safety Matters in the Outdoors - 00:03:15
• Key Strategies for Outdoor Safety - 00:06:55
• Planning Your Adventure - 00:09:17
• The Importance of Intuition - 00:23:05
• Tools and Weapons for Self-Defense - 00:31:54
• Closing Reflections - 00:45:55

Meet Ilsa, a fat-positive hiker and solo traveler who shares her experiences as a queer adventurer navigating the outdoors. From overcoming stereotypes to finding joy in small hikes, Ilsa’s story inspires us to embrace nature on our terms.

Join us as we dive into everything from solo hiking tips to breaking down misconceptions about gear and inclusivity in outdoor spaces. Ilsa reminds us all that there’s no “right” way to be outdoorsy—just get out there!

📌 Timestamps & Chapters
0:08 – Intro: Meet Ilsa!
1:13 – The Bee Movie: A Surprising Icon for Ilsa
4:11 – What Does Outdoorsy Mean to You?
11:35 – Ilsa’s Journey: From Travel Softball to Solo Hiking
17:20 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Hiking Alone as a Fat, Queer Person
27:01 – Starting Small: Advice for Beginner Hikers
35:38 – Social Media’s Role: Representation and Toxicity in the Outdoors
44:11 – Outdoor Gear Tips: Budget-Friendly Hacks for Plus-Size Hikers
53:06 – Debunking Gear Myths: The Real Essentials
1:01:04 – Finding Belonging: Ilsa’s Advice for New Adventurers
1:04:11 – Closing: Where to Follow Ilsa and Stay Connected

Links:
https://www.instagram.com/ilsasendeavors/
https://www.tiktok.com/@ilsasendeavors
https://www.patreon.com/Outdoorsy

Meet the incredible Chelsea McCurdy, a queer hiker and pilates instructor who founded Hobbit Hikers—a community redefining what it means to be outdoorsy.

Chelsea opens up about body neutrality, reclaiming joy in movement, and building inclusive spaces in the outdoors. Plus, we dig into her love for Lord of the Rings and how it inspired her approach to hiking and the ultimate creation of Hobbit Hikers.

🌿 Topics covered:
The inspiration behind Hobbit Hikers
Reframing fitness and embracing nature
Challenges and joys of being a plus-size adventurer
Tips for creating inclusive outdoor communities

⏰ Timestamps:
00:08 – Podcast intro and housekeeping
01:34 – Meet Chelsea McCurdy
03:50 – Redefining “outdoorsy”
08:20 – The Hobbit Hikers origin story
19:50 – Navigating mental health and body positivity in the outdoors
30:40 – Advice for plus-size and marginalized hikers
40:15 – Building community through inclusivity
52:24 – Upcoming Hobbit Hiker trips

Links to Chelsea’s social media and trip info are in below. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review!

https://www.instagram.com/_whatwouldellewoodsdo_
https://www.tiktok.com/@whatwouldellewoodsdo
https://linktr.ee/chelseamccurdy

Meet the ultimate holiday gift guide for the outdoorsy book lovers in your life! If you’re looking for the perfect gift or want ideas to add to your own wishlist, I've got you covered.

1. The Lord of the Rings (Box Set) by J.R.R. Tolkien
2. The Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership by Chaya Milchtein
3. The Green Camping Book: How to Camp Sustainably, Ethically and Responsibly by Martin Dorey
4. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
5. The Serviceberry: An Economy of Abundance by Robin Wall Kimmerer
6. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - 06:31: Introduction & housekeeping
• 06:31 - 08:15: Gift guide intro
• 08:16 - 09:45: The Lord of the Rings (Box Set)
• 09:46 - 12:00: The Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership -
• 12:01 - 14:30: The Green Camping Book
• 14:31 - 17:30: Braiding Sweetgrass and The Serviceberry
• 17:31 - 19:30: Wild
• 19:31 - 22:00: Recap &closing thoughts

🎧 Bonus Content:
To hear the part two of this bonus episode which covers all of my favorite outdoorsy gear gift ideas, join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Outdoorsy.

Support the Show:

• Rate and review the podcast ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
• Join the Outdoorsy community on Patreon
• Follow Outdoorsy on YouTube for video episodes!

Wishing you a joyful and cozy holiday season!

Is it such a crime to want outdoor gear for EVERYONE that looks cute, feels comfy, keeps us safe, and is actually functional?

In this episode, I sat down with Maria Baker, the founder of Nobody’s Princess, a groundbreaking snow apparel brand empowering women through inclusivity and innovation. Maria shares her journey from growing up in Australia to creating a brand that challenges the norms of the snow sports industry.

We discuss the barriers women face in outdoor sports, the importance of size-inclusive and technical gear, and how brands can do better to support all body types. Because everyone deserves safe and functional outdoor apparel.

If you've ever felt excluded from outdoor activities, this episode is for you.

Chapters & timestamps:

• 00:08 - Welcome to Outdoorsy!
• 00:54 - Introducing Maria Baker & Nobody’s Princess
• 02:41 - What Does “Outdoorsy” Mean to Maria?
• 05:03 - Maria’s Journey to Snow Sports
• 11:18 - Starting Nobody’s Princess: From Idea to Reality
• 18:40 - Addressing Representation in Outdoor Gear
• 23:55 - Why Size-Inclusive Apparel Matters
• 34:12 - The Safety and Confidence Connection in Gear
• 43:37 - Maria’s Mission: Breaking Barriers in Snow Sports
• 56:10 - Final Reflections on Inclusivity & Representation
• 1:07:27 - What’s Next for Nobody’s Princess?