She Explores

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Wilderness #168

Come find inspiration with women in the outdoors. Interviews, in-the-field recordings, and listener submissions make up a tapestry of episodes covering themes such as solo hiking and camping, entrepreneurship, outdoor equity, aging, conservation, motherhood, chronic illness, and more as they intersect with outdoor experiences. Hosted by Gale Straub.

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Recent Reviews
  • bluesmom73
    So sad it’s over
    I loved this podcast after I found it. I still have a few old episodes to listen to. Hopefully she’ll update this podcast about any new ones she may be starting.
  • ErikaJB85
    Thank you!
    Thanks for the many years of inspiration, inclusivity, diverse perspectives, and empowerment!
  • fly fishing gal
    Adventures of the mind, body, spirit
    This podcast inspires adventure and living life to the fullest. Listen to women take chances by exploring themselves in the world around us.
  • WildMinds ZG
    Love this podcast
    As someone who works in mental health and the outdoors I absolutely love this podcast and all the beautiful stories and wisdom that is shared. Such a good listen.
  • Jessi_rose
    Great podcast
    One of my favorite podcasts to listen to. I love hearing all of these stories. Very inspiring. Please keep the episodes coming :)
  • Julie Bar
    Thank you!!
    This episode was refreshing! I had to leave a backpacking group/trip after the first day because my body just couldn’t do the EG and miles required even though I had trained. I have a neuromuscular disease that affects the nerves and muscles. The front of my thighs just couldn’t go as long and fast as the others. I was left behind by all but one person. I didn’t get to bond with anyone, no one followed up with me after leaving the trail the next day . Failure was real, not finishing was real, being left out was real. It took me weeks to overcome this and I still get frustrated and mad because I can’t do as much as others. But, I press on and will do what I can. I’ve hiked since, but not camped other than for first aide training. Thanks again.
  • rsmich
    McKayla Bower
    Loved this podcast interview! Thanks for highlighting her upcoming journey.
  • annamarieb20
    The one that challenges me and gets me through
    This podcast feels like an old friend. I’ve learned and grown and had my hand held during moments I felt like I wasn’t enough. It’s also enabled me to dream up and reach for a version of myself that I knew was inside. The conversations are always so thoughtful and life giving and show me new ways to engage with our beautiful earth home.
  • CozyHobbit
    My favorite podcast hands down
    I’ve been listening to She Explores for a few years and it’s remained my favorite podcast to listen to during that time. Gail is a great interviewer and always has interesting and diverse guests. I love all the different perspectives and ways to get outside that are shared.
  • Morgan Fielder (SIG)
    Women in the wild
    Amazing podcast for women finding what they need outdoors love it! ❤️❤️❤️
  • ecosexualscorpio
    A favorite
    I live in the Appalachian forest and LOVE hearing how other humans interact with Nature. Thank you for this podcast!
  • cassidyyod
    Love it!
    Love it! Keeps me inspired to plan another out door activity!
  • e_hollz
    Golden standard
    Gale is the golden standard for interviewing. She listens, reflects and then goes deeper. I wish all interviewers could take a class from her.
  • Alaska Amy
    Great listen
    I love the stories She Explores brings and the thoughtful interviews
  • 1Magil
    Perfectly adequate
    Overall positive impression. I appreciate that most of the guests aren’t hardcore athletes. Now that we’ve heard from a lot of moms, I’d like to heard from some women who have intentionally chosen not to have kids. As far as specific episodes, I was annoyed that for the period episode both the host and the guest both have chosen not to have periods anymore (how hard could it have been to find a menstruating woman?!) Also, if the episode truly was also for people who have never had a period, why not interview a man about how they are supportive menstruation in outdoor trips? Finally, I’m a little tired of the constant mentions of Instagram. I’m here for the stories, not the social media talk.
  • Future PFAS Researcher
    Love the Stories and People
    I love her book “She Explores” and I really love that she gives women a platform to tell their story. However, I find that it often feels like she’s not connecting with the interviewees throughout the interview.
  • Rockets96wander
    My favorite podcast
    I truly look forward to listening to Gale’s voice & other inspiring women’s voices every Wednesday. It’s like I’m a part of a community even though I feel so alone in the outdoor world.
  • mtn gal about town
    The podcast that got me into podcasts
    Long time listener. I am always inspired by the stories and love how we hear from women of all ages, races, and locations!
  • C Emory
    Not a fan
    I listened to this podcast a few years ago and deleted because I didn’t enjoy the content. Thought I would give it a try with the new series involved with the AT. Find the interviewer’s style distracting.
  • SnowyOwl455
    WAY too many ads
    The sheer amount of advertising makes this podcast impossible to enjoy. There are ads every couple minutes throughout the whole thing in addition to the super long ad in the beginning.
  • teresa ohio
    Quite the variety
    So many types of interviews. Counselors , high adventures , moms , singles. I am not a big adventurer But I am trying. This podcast inspires me that I should try more Life is meant to be lived
  • Ambywaves
    A woman’s place in outdoors
    Heartfelt content about women’s experiences with Mother Nature. Gale is an amazing host and strong woman. The podcast is relatable and eye opening. I’ve cried multiple times listening to the beautiful words.
  • Oregoniangal1632
    Best Thing Since Sliced Bread
    I'm a recent joiner of the podcast world thanks to the virus going around. (I'm always a late joiner to things...TV series, the latest fashion, etc.). And of all the podcasts that are out there, and there are a lot! She Explores is the one I've been going to every morning as I scroll through available episodes down to 2016 over my morning coffee and carefully select which ones to download for my run or walk around the neighborhood here. I LOVE them! Why haven't I been listening to this stuff before?!?! A positive of the virus...figuring out what a podcast is and even better...finding yours! I've already shared some links to some of the episodes on some outdoor groups I'm a part of to help others get through this time. The stories, the adventures, the sound bites! Oh I love the sound bites along with the thought provoking and inspiring stories. The crunch of bike tire against gravel? Yes, so much yes. And the music! I love the music! Okay...anyway..thank you! In a quick amount of time, I've gotten accustomed and look forward to these episodes to accompany me on my hour runs/walks around the dull neighborhood.
  • Marina 'The Trader Chick'
    Awesome for all of those Outdoor/Adventure Lovers
    The podcast seems like it is for general travel at firs but when you listen to it you will notice that it is mainly focused on outdoor adventures and adventurous women. I loved listening to their adventures and relating to what they have to say about the perks and difficulties of women who love hiking and adventure sports.
  • ejkane
    So glad I found this!
    I LOVE everything about this podcast. Great stories and interviews from inspiring women told in a soothing voice that allows me to start my day refreshed and inspired yet itching to get outdoors!
  • Mirelle C
    Please change the sad piano music
    I would LOVE this podcast and give it a 5 star rating if not for the piano music that it uses throughout. The demotivating music what should be an uplifting podcast with incredible interviews into something that is honestly depressing to listen to. The interviews are great and I wish I could listen to them without this unnecessary, unhappy background music thrown in. I’m not a hater - I honestly love this podcast’s content and am leaving a podcast review for the first time ever, because it breaks my heart that I can’t listen to this podcast just because of poor editing choices. Maybe the music is supposed to be “poignant” but when it’s the ONLY type of music put in, each podcast piece feels like a funeral even when the interviewee is always talking about something so positive!!!
  • craftygirl26
    My week is incomplete without She Explores
    I listen to a lot, and I mean a lot of podcasts, and have been doing so for years. And ever since I found this show I try to tune into it whenever I can. Whether I’m stuck at home, taking a break from work, driving around town or around the country...but especially when I’m pausing for a break outside, She Explores is my go-to, the show I’m always excited to hear.
  • Simsluverr
    All
    I love these podcasts but I’m starting to notice a political bias and that is upsetting. I come to this podcast to not have any political view...either way. My hopes that there will be a check on this with all episodes. Makes me sad...
  • mac_mcclelland2000
    I Love This Podcast!
    Just discovered this, so I'm way behind the curve. The host is great. Her passion is genuine. And she hardly ever uses the word "amazing," which needs to be taken from the English language for awhile and given a rest. Her guests are interesting. I even like the ads. Well done all around.
  • staucyface
    Empowering and Eyeopening
    This podcast is so tailored to women who love the outdoors, being empowered by one another and community. I’m so happy Gail started this and I am only now catching on after I purchased the she explores book. I’m kind of happy that I caught on late so that I can binge listen to all of these episodes of wonderful women.
  • HLeeY
    Very inspiring! Hard to relate.
    I have been listening to this podcast for a while and always look forward to new episodes. So inspiring and interesting! I love being transported to a peek into others lives. She’s does a great job on focusing on the person not just what they do! I do have to say I gave it a 4 because I am in a constant state of being unable to relate. I would love to hear how every day older women, moms, wives and working professionals get outdoors. Also a lot of these people live in PNW or similar places. What about rural south east? Other than that. Great job!!
  • ferloust
    Just OK
    Inspirational stories with OK story telling. They claim diversity etc but most of the people interviewed are white women. Give us more interviews and actual talk about inclusion and diversity and I might give this a try again.
  • virginvalleyyoga
    Some great ones, a little up and down
    Longtime listener. Interviews with conservationist and women explorers are awesome and inspiring. The 4 stars is because I’ve noticed A LOT more labeling of classes, races, gender in each episode in an us vs them way. We all love the outdoors and learning from each other, helping all enjoy and protect our beautiful places...stronger together and keep highlighting our mutual love for the outdoors, not just our differences :)
  • Reina Divina
    Love the focus on women outdoors
    I especially appreciated the episode on older women. As I’ve aged I’ve returned to being a naturalist like I was as a girl. I track wildlife and listen to bird language and love living in a rural area.
  • Julita_may
    Empowering!!
    Thank you for sharing! I’m in NM. Reach out @julita_may and I would be happy to share my favorite trails near Santa Fe. Xoxo
  • LouiseSh87
    Wonderful
    A beautifully produced podcast with fascinating interviewees and a sensitive, insightful and humble interviewer. I usually finish an episode feeling inspired. We need more podcasts like this, it’s superb. Thank you!
  • BrownMom4
    Not your average “feminist” perspective
    Curvy Kili, Never Alone, Mother’s Day episodes had me hiking and wiping tears and giggling with familiarity “problem solve first, panic later”... 😉🥾 ***Filled with poetic prose, thoughtful guests, authentic and diverse “she” community — even her selected sponsorship are responsible/appropriate from 3rd Love, Merrill to REI . ****Just what “SHE” needed and she will go far. I am a fan.
  • JuniperKate
    I’m not alone out there
    This podcast has been so important to me. Hearing the stories of other women has helped me to be less hard on myself and given me the courage to try new things outdoors.
  • SimmonsKA
    Plus plus plus
    Real stories told by real women on a podcast created by a woman! Love the format, great sound quality and helpful show notes. The reason I keep coming back is that in each episode there is at least one relatable nugget and usually at least one inspirational and/or “hmpf” I’ve learned something new nugget. Thank you 🙏 for the support and inspiration —There are many ways to explore.
  • Krissalee85
    Mostly enjoyable interviews
    I enjoy listening to this podcast while I’m out in the woods walking my dog. Most of the interviews are an interesting peak into the adventurous lives of women across the country and encourages me to keep exploring. One thing that I find irksome and distracting from the interview topics is the tendency of guests to end sentences with rising vocal inflections. It seems to belittle the confidence in what they are saying. For example, if asked what their inspiration is, they’ll reply “Umm, my mom?” Rather than just saying “My mom.” It is a major pet peeve of mine. Speak with the confidence and strength that your story topics contain!
  • dogfish101.1
    Mothers and daughters
    This podcast just keeps getting better and better. The diversity of ethnicity and age and abilities is such a breath of fresh air. If anyone isn’t sure, just listen to the May 8th, 2019 Mother’s Day episode - what a moving revelation of the love and connection with nature that is facilitated and engendered within families - utterly beautiful.
  • Saratomko
    Incredible.
    I have listened to thousands of hours of podcasts due to how driving intensive my job is, and I have never found one that I enjoy more than She Explores. Gale has a way of diving into the lives of so many amazing and inspiring women that cannot be replicated. Thank you for creating such an amazing space for women to share their experiences with others. I cannot wait to see what lies ahead in future episodes.
  • toriduhaime
    The endless possibilities
    I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to write a review. This podcast opened up ideas and possibilities I didn’t think were mine to take. As a photographer and retired dancer, I have belittled myself as an “athlete” which was the only way I could validate myself as an “outdoorsy” person before this podcast despite a whole childhood in the outdoors. For the last two years as a listener, I have heard stories like mine, stories beyond what I can fathom, and stories of the lives I hope to embody. This podcast makes me excited to finish my day at work while listening so I can get out with my pup and live the life I finally see I both deserve and can have as an artist, outdoor enthusiast, armature athlete, activist, and ultimately-woman.
  • hellocaitcarr
    A Thousand Thank Yous
    This review is so overdue, but I need to start with the honest truth: this podcast changed my life. I found She Explores and their sister podcast Women On The Road in late 2017 when my business was taking off to full-time and my 4 year long relationship was ending. I felt so lost and overwhelmed all at once. By trade I am a professional photographer who is in a car daily for my job, and finding podcasts to listen to changed my constant time spent on the road. Coming out of a relationship where I was told I wasn't adventurous enough (literally right after shooting in Iceland, Greece, Colorado, North Carolina, Montana, etc. all while living in north Georgia...), I wasn't financially valuable enough, and that I was less than in many other ways at the same time that I found this beautiful podcast was seriously divine intervention. Laura and Gale both do such a beautiful job of sharing legitimate stories that the masses need to hear in a way that causes an empathetic response in the listener. Their desire to educate has also been so needed as well; we all need to know more and do more for the places we call home. Because of their podcasts I was able to plan and execute a month lived out of my Subaru Crosstrek in July/August of 2018 in Utah mostly solo, from and then back to Georgia. Their links to resources are incredible as well as the guests they feature who share so much knowledge about road living/trips (for my personal trip I followed Briana Madia and Abbi Hearne to learn as much as possible about the desert/Utah before going). I will forever be grateful for this podcast. Thank you thank you thank you.
  • Ashleigh V.
    Spark of Joy!
    International Women’s Day is two days away and I am celebrating by thanking women who’ve made an impact on my life. Gale Straub is one of those women. I feel a spark of joy every time I see a new She Explores podcast pop into my feed. I have yet to not be interested in a topic this wonderful podcast covers. The content is informative, interesting, and gives me a delightful taste of the outdoors when I’m stuck in my cubicle or waiting for spring. Thank you, Gale, for the time and energy you put into this content. I (and so many others) are so grateful for you!
  • mom23chiefsADK
    Fabulous
    Love your podcasts! Look forward to them everytime I have a moment to listen.
  • eva.lou.peterson
    Diversity!
    I’m a new listener of She Explores. I started listening from your very first podcast about a week ago. I just now finished your first diversity podcast and LOVED it! Thank you so much for being such a thoughtful and progressive thinking podcast. Each episode has inspired me every new day.
  • prattstone
    Inspiring.
    Inspiring to hear a podcast dedicated to women. I do have opinions on why every woman who tells their stories always has a struggle or is “dealing with her thoughts” or “is going through a rough time” it seems as though all of these amazing episodes have a woman with a struggle. I love hearing the accomplishments of their hike and the independence and strength and empowerment they obtain through their experiences and I feel maybe the questions asked or subjects touched could be redirected to the empowerment of the woman in questioning and less on her “I’ve struggle because I’m a woman” *sad music* “and I have goals but I have struggles to deal with in my mind” YOU'RE AMAZING LADIES!! WE CAN OVER COME THESE STRUGGLES THROUGH EMPOWERMENT AND FOCUSING ON A STRONGER COMMUNITY OF SRONG WOMEN❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
  • Rainy Day Hiker
    Inspirational
    I enjoy hearing the inspirational stories. This podcast has motivated me to stop waiting for the “right time” and to start planning my solo adventure.
  • Veggie PCT 2012
    Inspiring!
    This is the podcast I turn to when I wasn't my mood to become lighter and happier. I always leave the podcast with a smile. It was great to listen to while I hiked the AT for the second time this summer.
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