Outdoorsy

Madeleine

Welcome to Outdoorsy—a podcast and community dedicated to redefining what it means to be “outdoorsy.” If you’ve ever felt like the outdoor community wasn’t built with you in mind, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re scaling mountains, reading by the campfire, or just enjoying the occasional stroll through the park, this podcast is for you. This podcast stems from the belief that the outdoors are for everyone as long as you’re curious, kind, and respectful.Join host Madeleine (she/her), as she uplifts real-world stories from outdoor educators, small business owners, content creators, and nature enthusiasts who haven't always felt represented in the traditional "outdoorsy" community. Expect engaging, fun, and heartfelt discussions focused on inclusivity, curiosity, and building a community where everyone feels welcome, regardless of background or experience level.  Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or new to exploring nature, Outdoorsy invites you to be part of this growing movement. Let’s get started and redefine what it means to be outdoorsy!

  1. 09/16/2025 · BONUS

    URGENT: Only 4 days left to defend the Roadless Rule - let's talk about it

    Yes, the attacks on public lands just keep coming. This time, the USDA is moving to rescind the Roadless Rule (a critical conservation regulation that's protected 30% of our National Forests for nearly 25 years), and the first public comment period closes in just four days.  I break down what the rule is, why it matters, and how you can leave a meaningful comment that goes on record. I also myth-bust claims about wildfire management, accessibility, and economic value, etc. Take action now: Go to regulations.gov and search FS-2025-0001. Share your personal story, cite research, and keep it respectful. Or click here: https://bit.ly/RoadlessRuleComment. Your comment matters! TL;DR The Roadless Rule (since 2001) protects ~58M acres of National Forests (about 30%) from new industrial road-building.USDA is moving to rescind it and is rushing the scoping comment period (only 21 days).Roads do not reduce wildfire risk; they often increase human-caused ignitions and invasive species spread.Roads ≠ accessibility. True access requires intentional infrastructure (bathrooms, trail surfacing/width, maintenance, programs).Forest Service already has 386,000+ miles of roads and a $8.4B maintenance backlog. Adding more is unsafe and unsustainable.Your specific, respectful, and sourced comment becomes part of the public record and matters both now and later in court. It's important!Comment period ends SOON! Deadline: Sept. 19thLINKS Leave your comment here: https://bit.ly/RoadlessRuleComment.Roadless Rule myths debunked: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/roadless-rule-myths-debunked-facts-vs-fictionAll about public comments: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/roadless-rule-public-comment-guideWhy removing the Roadless Rule doesn't benefit disabled people: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/removing-roadless-rule-wont-increase-accessibility-disabled-peopleTIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome & urgent call to action (comment deadline in 4 days!)02:00 – Roadless Rule 101: what it is & what it protects06:10 – The rulemaking process & why comments matter legally10:25 – Myth-busting wildfire arguments16:15 – Roads ≠ accessibility: the truth about disabled access21:05 – What Roadless areas safeguard: water, wildlife, recreation25:50 – Forest Service backlog & why adding more roads is reckless29:30 – Economic reality: existing value of Roadless lands33:20 – How to write a strong public comment39:40 – Closing thoughts, collective action, and ways to support

    51 min
  2. 08/08/2025 · BONUS

    Global outdoor ethics & recreation rules around the world (why Leave No Trace isn’t one-size-fits-all)

    In this bonus episode of Outdoorsy, I’m diving into a topic I’ve been asked about a lot: How Leave No Trace and outdoor ethics apply outside the U.S. This is a Patreon-only episode, so head on over to https://www.patreon.com/c/Outdoorsy to listen to the full episode! A bit of background: As my platform has grown and reached more global listeners, it’s become clear that our U.S.-centric framework doesn’t always translate, and that’s okay! For this episode, I did a ton of research and crowd-sourced insights from my international community to bring you a more nuanced look at outdoor recreation ethics around the world. From Iceland’s invasive lupins to Scotland’s “right to roam” laws, I unpack how different regions manage access, protect ecosystems, and weave in cultural and spiritual values. Spoiler: Leave No Trace is more of a mindset than a strict rulebook. I also talk about: Why staying on trail in the U.S. is different than in Alaska or SwedenThe nuance behind those frolicking wildflower field photosHow cultural and Indigenous practices may contradict and shouldn’t be policed by LNT principlesWhat “digital Leave No Trace” means when you're sharing travel content onlineWhy planning ahead and preparing is the single most universal outdoor ethic, no matter where you areWhether you're planning an international hiking trip, wondering if it's okay to camp on private land in the UK, or just curious about how other cultures recreate outdoors, this episode will leave you with a deeper appreciation for context, culture, and curiosity. 🔗 Full blog post with all the sources: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/global-outdoor-ethics-and-recreation-rules 🎧 If this episode resonates, please subscribe, leave a review, and check out my Patreon to support the show and join the Outdoorsy Discord community. We’ve got Cozy Camping Club meetups coming up, and you won’t want to miss them. Find that here: https://www.patreon.com/c/Outdoorsy. Until next time, I hope you get outside in a way that makes sense to you, and remember: You belong out there.

    4 min
  3. 06/18/2025 · BONUS

    EMERGENCY: Our public lands are under attack! Here's how to fight back.

    This is not a normal episode of Outdoorsy. It’s an emergency. Right now, a dangerous amendment proposed in the Senate threatens to sell off 3.3 million acres of public land, including BLM and USFS land we hike, camp, and recreate on every day. It bypasses tribal consultation, disregards public input, and could permanently restrict public access to these lands. In this bonus episode, I break down: What’s in the “Big Beautiful Bill” (aka H.R.1 / the reconciliation bill)Why this land sell-off is so dangerousWhat we actually know about the millions of acres in questionHow we’ve stopped similar amendments beforeWhat YOU can do in the next two weeks to fight backWe’ve done it once. We can do it again. But we have to act now.  💥 Be brave with me. Let’s keep public lands in public hands. Let’s give them hell. 📞 Call your Senators: https://5calls.org/issue/public-land-sales-budget-reconcilliation/  ✉️ Send an email: https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/6/12/senate-spending-package-proposes-selling-off-33-million-acres-of-public-land  📲 Share online. Talk to your friends IRL. Make some good trouble. Remember: You belong out there. Always. READ THE BLOG POST: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/3-million-acres-of-public-land-at-risk-and-how-to-help SOURCES: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1https://archive.is/qTspmhttps://archive.is/K1teihttps://www.npca.org/articles/8792-position-on-h-r-1-one-big-beautiful-bill-acthttps://www.wilderness.org/articles/blog/congress-making-more-250-million-acres-public-lands-available-salehttps://wilderness.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=821970f0212d46d7aa854718aac42310&fbclid=PAQ0xDSwK-SwxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp_s7ycI--cptEA3JkG0J2StRmegtosg_UiuOnQvVSx7_IrEhhXOr4hCUG8Ax_aem_MfNlXuX_hdUnqW8m5D1SQw

    17 min
  4. Vanlife, photography, and solo travel as a queer woman in the outdoors: Chatting with Emilie Hofferber

    01/07/2025

    Vanlife, photography, and solo travel as a queer woman in the outdoors: Chatting with Emilie Hofferber

    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 limitingHer path from Florida to Utah and how she fell in love with natureThe realities of starting van life with only $300Why discomfort can actually help you get outside moreBreaking into photography with a $13 thrift store cameraFacing gatekeeping in creative spaces and the outdoor industryNavigating the outdoors as a queer womanThe story behind Emilie’s hilarious (and meaningful) Taco Bell tattooFollow Emilie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilie.hofferber YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBZr5FZoQQlOj64PP1fhQdw More: https://hoo.be/emilieJoin 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 Utah07:40 – How Van Life Began: A Story of Burnout and Adventure12:00 – Overcoming Hardship & Embracing Minimalism16:00 – Practical Van Life Tips: Gear, Comfort, and Minimalism22:00 – Breaking Into Photography with Minimal Equipment26:00 – Gatekeeping in Photography and Outdoor Spaces32:00 – The Power of Inclusive Outdoor Communities37:00 – Being Queer in the Outdoors: Challenges & Triumphs46:00 – The Taco Bell Tattoo Story: Finding Joy in Simplicity52:00 – Final Thoughts & Emilie’s Upcoming Adventures55:00 – Closing Remarks and How to Stay ConnectedI’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! 🌿

    1h 6m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Outdoorsy—a podcast and community dedicated to redefining what it means to be “outdoorsy.” If you’ve ever felt like the outdoor community wasn’t built with you in mind, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re scaling mountains, reading by the campfire, or just enjoying the occasional stroll through the park, this podcast is for you. This podcast stems from the belief that the outdoors are for everyone as long as you’re curious, kind, and respectful.Join host Madeleine (she/her), as she uplifts real-world stories from outdoor educators, small business owners, content creators, and nature enthusiasts who haven't always felt represented in the traditional "outdoorsy" community. Expect engaging, fun, and heartfelt discussions focused on inclusivity, curiosity, and building a community where everyone feels welcome, regardless of background or experience level.  Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or new to exploring nature, Outdoorsy invites you to be part of this growing movement. Let’s get started and redefine what it means to be outdoorsy!