Paddle Like a Girl

Tori Baird

Join host Tori Baird, founder of Paddle Like a Girl, as she sits down with inspiring, influential, and downright badass women and folks who are breaking barriers and leading the way in the outdoors. From adventurers to entrepreneurs, each episode dives into their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, offering insight, inspiration, and practical advice for anyone looking to embrace the great outdoors. Tori also shares her own experiences—lessons learned from the backcountry and from being a mom and entrepreneur.

  1. 05/06/2025

    From Home Renovations to Embracing Solo Adventures - Becki Peckham's Outdoor Journey

    Follow Becki Here: https://www.youtube.com/@beckipeckham https://www.youtube.com/@BeckiandChris https://www.instagram.com/beckipeckham In this episode of the Paddle Like a Girl podcast, host Tori Baird interviews Becki Peckham, a visual storyteller and filmmaker known for her YouTube channel, Becki and Chris. They discuss Becki's journey from home renovation blogging to outdoor adventures, her experiences with solo camping, and her excitement about an upcoming canoe trip on the Teslin River. The conversation explores themes of personal growth, overcoming fears, and the challenges of content creation in the outdoor space. In this conversation, Becki and Tori explore their fears and experiences with outdoor adventures, particularly focusing on canoeing and camping. They discuss the concept of 'Nothing Epic' in content creation, emphasizing the importance of sharing relatable stories rather than only showcasing grand adventures. The conversation also touches on managing expectations, facing negativity and imposter syndrome, and breaking taboos around topics like women's experiences in the outdoors. Additionally, they share insights into DIY projects and the learning process involved in home improvement. In this conversation, Tori Baird and Becki discuss various themes surrounding DIY projects, personal growth, and the empowerment of women in traditionally male-dominated spaces. They share insights on overcoming fears related to home improvement, the importance of representation in filmmaking and outdoor adventures, and the journey of self-discovery through adventure. Becki emphasizes the need for women to feel confident in their abilities and to embrace their unique approaches to outdoor activities. The conversation also touches on the balance between inspiration and authenticity in creative endeavors, as well as future plans for adventures and projects. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Becky Peckham 02:50 The Journey of a Visual Storyteller 05:48 Transitioning from Home Renovation to Travel Vlogging 09:04 Navigating the Challenges of Content Creation 12:03 Embracing Solo Adventures in the Outdoors 15:01 The Call of the Teslin River Trip 18:02 Experiences in Backcountry Camping 21:03 Overcoming Fears and Embracing New Experiences 22:17 Fears of the Open Water 24:50 Romanticizing Outdoor Adventures 26:43 The Concept of 'Nothing Epic' 30:47 Managing Expectations in Content Creation 32:38 Facing Negativity and Imposter Syndrome 36:55 Breaking Taboos in Outdoor Conversations 39:35 The Journey of DIY Projects 42:58 DIY Projects and Overcoming Fear 46:13 Empowering Women in Male-Dominated Spaces 49:12 Personal Growth Through Adventure 51:09 Finding Inspiration and Staying Authentic 54:08 Future Adventures and Plans

    57 min
  2. 04/29/2025

    Embracing Nature and Building Community in the Outdoors: Chelsea Murphy's Journey

    In this episode of the Paddle Like a Girl podcast, Tori Baird interviews Chelsea Murphy, an outdoor advocate and founder of She Colors Nature. Chelsea shares her journey of growing up with a love for the outdoors, the evolution of her adventures as a mother, and the importance of representation in nature. She discusses the challenges and blessings of building a community around outdoor activities, especially for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Chelsea also reflects on her personal experiences with motherhood, the joy of winter sports, and her recent decision to cut her hair, emphasizing the importance of self-care and authenticity in her life. In this conversation, Chelsea Murphy discusses her hair journey, the intersection of femininity and short hair, and the societal pressures surrounding beauty standards. She emphasizes the importance of normalizing authenticity in social media appearances, particularly for Black women. The discussion then shifts to her experiences with brand partnerships, focusing on accountability and the challenges of aligning with brands that genuinely support diversity and inclusion. Chelsea encourages Black women to explore the outdoors, highlighting the significance of community and representation in outdoor activities. She concludes by sharing her future projects and the importance of engaging with nonprofit organizations that support marginalized communities in nature. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chelsea Murphy and Her Mission 01:15 Chelsea's Childhood and Relationship with Nature 04:13 The Evolution of Outdoor Adventures 06:01 The Birth of She Colors Nature 08:51 Blessings and Challenges of Growing a Platform 12:32 Navigating Joy and Advocacy in the Outdoors 13:21 Embracing Winter Adventures with Family 17:07 The Importance of Outdoor Time for Kids 18:48 Redefining Outdoor Experiences 20:37 Kids' Excitement for Outdoor Adventures 23:00 Adapting to Changing Family Dynamics 31:37 Chelsea's Hair Journey and Its Impact on Her Life 36:14 Embracing Short Hair and Femininity 40:16 Navigating Brand Partnerships and Accountability 49:56 Encouraging Black Women to Explore the Outdoors 55:37 Future Projects and Community Engagement

    56 min
  3. 04/22/2025

    The Transformative Power of Canoe Tripping for Kids with Mercede Rogers

    Follow Mercede Here: https://www.instagram.com/backcountrybabies In this episode of the Paddle Like a Girl podcast, Tori Baird interviews Mercedes Rogers, a professional educator and outdoor leader, about her experiences in outdoor education and canoe tripping. They discuss the importance of connecting young people with nature, the structure and benefits of canoe tripping camps, and the challenges parents face when sending their children to summer camps. Mercedes shares insights on the skills children develop through outdoor experiences, the role of camp counselors, and the significance of overcoming conflicts in group settings. The conversation also touches on financial accessibility for families seeking outdoor education opportunities. In this conversation, Mercede and Tori discuss the challenges and joys of outdoor adventures with children, emphasizing the importance of starting small, building skills, and being flexible in planning. They share personal experiences and practical tips for navigating camping and canoe tripping with kids, highlighting the need for patience, understanding, and resilience in the face of challenges. The conversation also touches on the significance of modeling positive behaviors for children and the value of outdoor experiences in their development. In this conversation, Tori Baird and Mercede discuss the challenges and joys of outdoor parenting, emphasizing the importance of connection to nature and the balance needed in family adventures. They share personal experiences of navigating outdoor trips with children, the significance of building an off-grid cabin, and the lasting memories created through these experiences. Mercede offers valuable advice for mothers looking to embrace the outdoors with their kids, highlighting the importance of community support and self-compassion in the journey of parenting.

    1h 13m
  4. 04/08/2025

    The Journey of the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library with Dionne Daley

    www.bipocoutdoorgearlibrary.com www.instagram.com/bipocoutdoorgearlibrary In this episode of the Paddle Like a Girl podcast, Tori interviews Dionne Daley, the founder of the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library. They discuss the library's mission to provide outdoor equipment access to Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities, aiming to reduce barriers to outdoor recreation. Dionne shares her personal journey into outdoor adventures, the challenges she faced as a minority in outdoor spaces, and the inception and operation of the Gear Library. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement, partnerships, and the impact of the library on individuals and families seeking to connect with nature. In this conversation, Dionne Daley and Tori Baird discuss the importance of diversity in outdoor representation, the challenges and rewards of starting a gear library, and the significance of community support in outdoor activities. They share insights on navigating the non-profit registration process, building a strong board of directors, and the future goals for the gear library, including upcoming events and collaborations. The conversation emphasizes the need for innovative ideas in outdoor cooking and the importance of engaging the community to support outdoor initiatives. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library 03:05 Dionne's Journey into Outdoor Adventures 05:52 Experiences of Being a Minority in Outdoor Spaces 09:02 Inception of the Gear Library 11:53 How the Gear Library Operates 15:07 Challenges and Support for the Gear Library 18:08 Community Engagement and Events 21:07 The Impact of the Gear Library 24:03 Partnerships and Brand Collaborations 29:47 Diversity in Outdoor Representation 31:12 Starting a Gear Library: Tips and Advice 33:39 Navigating Non-Profit Registration 35:14 Building a Strong Board of Directors 38:04 Community Building in Outdoor Spaces 39:42 Future Goals for the Gear Library 40:54 Upcoming Events and Collaborations 43:05 Engaging the Community for Support 46:53 Innovative Outdoor Cooking Ideas 51:15 Connecting with the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library

    51 min
  5. 04/01/2025

    Choosing the Right Canoe & The Evolution of Nova Craft Canoe: Insights from Sara Mills

    In this episode of the Paddle Like a Girl podcast, Tori Baird interviews Sarah Mills, the marketing manager at Nova Craft Canoe. They discuss the history and evolution of Nova Craft, the unique aspects that set it apart in the canoeing industry, and the various types of canoes available. Sarah shares her passion for the outdoors and the importance of supporting organizations that promote access to nature. The conversation also delves into the factors to consider when choosing a canoe, including materials and design, and offers recommendations for different paddling scenarios. In this conversation, Tori Baird and Sara discuss various aspects of canoeing, including how to choose the right canoe, maintenance tips, and the importance of materials. They delve into customization options, the significance of tracking ability, and share personal paddling experiences. Sara also offers advice for women starting their paddling journey and highlights where to find more information about NovaCraft. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nova Craft Canoe and Sarah Mills 02:59 Sarah's Role and Passion at Nova Craft 06:04 The History and Evolution of Nova Craft Canoe 09:02 What Sets Nova Craft Apart in the Canoeing Industry 11:57 Adapting to Changes in the Paddling Industry 15:09 Understanding Canoe Types: The Prospector and More 18:14 Choosing the Right Canoe: Materials and Activities 20:50 Recommendations for Different Paddling Scenarios 27:22 Choosing the Right Canoe for Your Adventure 30:01 Canoe Maintenance and Care Tips 34:26 Understanding Canoe Materials and Their Benefits 37:15 Testing and Renting Canoes Before Purchase 39:05 Customization Options for Your Canoe 40:48 Sara's Paddling Journey and Favorite Canoe 43:15 The Importance of Tracking Ability in Canoes 45:49 Memorable Paddling Experiences and Future Aspirations 50:43 Advice for Women Starting Their Paddling Journey 52:03 Where to Find More Information on NovaCraft

    43 min
  6. 03/25/2025

    From Adventure to Leather Working - Brittany Richards from Freak of Nature Co.

    In this episode of Paddle Like a Girl, Tori Baird interviews Brittany Richards, co-founder of Freak of Nature Co., an outdoor-inspired brand specializing in handcrafted leather goods. Brittany shares her journey from hunting to leatherworking, the challenges of balancing her paramedic career with her creative pursuits, and the evolution of her brand. The conversation delves into the intricacies of running a small business, the importance of sustainability, and the unique challenges faced by women in traditionally male-dominated crafts. In this conversation, Brittany shares her two-year journey of trying to conceive, discussing the emotional and physical challenges she faces, including the impact of stress and hormonal imbalances. Tori and Brittany explore the importance of support and listening during difficult times, as well as the challenges of navigating social media while dealing with personal struggles. They also touch on the joy of reconnecting with nature and the importance of balancing work and personal life, ultimately redefining their expectations for content creation. In this engaging conversation, Tori Baird and Brittany discuss the challenges of content creation, the joy of outdoor adventures, and the importance of self-sufficiency in the wilderness. Brittany shares her memorable experiences in backcountry paddling and the transition from hunting to outdoor exploration. They also touch on dream trips, advice for aspiring adventurers, and exciting collaborations in Brittany's leather work business. The conversation wraps up with rapid-fire questions that reveal personal preferences and insights into their adventurous lifestyles.

    48 min

About

Join host Tori Baird, founder of Paddle Like a Girl, as she sits down with inspiring, influential, and downright badass women and folks who are breaking barriers and leading the way in the outdoors. From adventurers to entrepreneurs, each episode dives into their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, offering insight, inspiration, and practical advice for anyone looking to embrace the great outdoors. Tori also shares her own experiences—lessons learned from the backcountry and from being a mom and entrepreneur.