These six podcasts will get you excited about the outdoors no matter where you are.
We may not call it mud season anymore but there’s no question that May tends to be a bit questionable when it comes to going outside. Any given day could bring sunshine, May showers, or a healthy helping of spring snow. There are ways to cope, though. Technology is a wonderful thing and while falling down the scroll hole of Instagram and Facebook can deliver a serious case of FOMO, podcasts can save you from the spiral. Listen from the couch, while you’re cleaning the house, or from a stationary bike. These six podcasts serve up a healthy dose of outdoor inspiration, even if the weather is crap.
The Dirtbag Diaries: Storytelling is the backbone of this venerable 13-year-old podcast with two different types of episodes: The Shorts (short essays written and read by listeners) and Features, longer, interview-based and narration type episodes. Topics range from running with burros to tales of tandem bikes. dirtbagdiaries.com
The Wild: “The Wild” focuses more on wildlife and how it—and we—interact with the outdoors. Entertaining and educational, this one will please the kids (or your science-curious friends). Plus, show host Chris Morgan has an incredibly soothing voice. kuow.org/podcasts/thewild
Out There: “Out There” may not overtly make you want to get outside, but it’ll certainly make you think about how lucky you are to have the opportunity. Comparable to NPR’s many offerings, these stories may make you introspective but can spark inspiration, too. outtherepodcast.com
Boldly Went: Helmed by husband-and-wife duo Angel and Tim Mathis, “Boldly Went” shares stories of the outdoors told in front of a live audience. Not all of the storytellers are experts, but the podcast consists of the best of the weekly shows, so quality is higher than you might expect. boldlywentadventures.com
She Explores: It’s a circle: Listening to stories of women who were inspired to get outside might convince you to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails yourself. Tackling themes like aging, diversity, conservation, and feminism, these tales range from adventures told by hotshot wildland firefighters, astronauts, CEOs, and (possibly) your next-door neighbor. she-explores.com
G.O. Get Outside Podcast: With episodes ranging from interviews with ultrarunners to profiles on folks working to increase inclusivity in the outdoors, G.O. has more than four seasons of inspirational (and funny) stories to keep you entertained. gogetoutside.com
