Open Air Humans

On March 6th, 2021 Emily Ford made history as the first woman and person of color to thru hike the 1200 mile Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin in the dead of winter, sleeping out in temps as low as -35 for 69 days as she made her way across the state. Emily set out on this journey with a borrowed sled dog named Diggins to challenge herself but also to offer representation to inspire more people of color to spend time in wild places to which they may not have easy access or in which they’ve historically been made to feel unwelcome. In episode 4, a discussion about what happens in your mind during a very long hike, why winter is the most under-appreciated season (including the benefits of cold plunging) and how you can help Emily introduce more young people to the wilderness for the very first time. This episode also includes our first Open Air Diary from Becky in Minneapolis.

In episode 3, the life-improving qualities of discovering our cosmic insignificance through nature-immersed moments of awe — and what happens when you begin to cook and eat more of your meals outside. All of this from James Beard award-winning chef and television creator Andrew Zimmern. Andrew is well known as the host of the Bizarre Foods franchise but more recently has created shows like What’s Eating America for MSNBC, Family Dinner for Magnolia Network and the forthcoming Wild Game Kitchen for the Outdoor Channel, which we discuss his motivations for making in this wide ranging discussion with a one-of-a-kind culinary adventurer. Don’t be surprised if you leave this episode planning to cook your next meal over an open fire.

In episode 2, a story about second chances. And how wild things can turn a life right side up - in incredibly profound ways. Rodney Stotts is one of very few black falconers in America. He’s recently written a book about how birds of prey helped to lift him out of a life of dealing drugs after his first encounter with a Eurasian Screech Owl he calls Mr. Hoots. The story of what he’s come through and what he’s building now is one you’ll never forget.

Inspired by the conversations with our incredible guests, we’ve created a nature escape to help you put all of the great wisdom and advice shared on this show into action. It’s an 18-acre sanctuary where the woods meet the water on a private, non-motorized lake in western Wisconsin. We’ve just opened a luxury tiny cabin for you to unplug, unwind and restore yourself. Listeners of this podcast can get 10% off a stay using coupon code “podcast” and for July and August 2023, can get 20% off using coupon code “podcastsummer” Learn more and book your nature experience now at openairoutpost.com