🌲🎙️🐐🎨Episode # 12
How a Rebel Artist Built a Life Around Adventure with a Goat Named Frankie & Corn Dog
The Go Wildly Podcast is what happens when two childhood friends & dirtbag adventure junkies decide to bring a mic into the wilderness. We’re Emily & Heather...equal parts heart and chaos...pulling stories out of people like snacks from the bottom of a backpack. We hike. We float. We talk. And somehow, in between all the laughs and mosquito bites, something real always surfaces.
We take outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds into the woods & find out the common thread that led them to make the outdoors more than just a hobby, but a calling.We're goofy. We’re deep. We’re a little unhinged. And we somehow bring that out in our guests too. Think campfire vibes meets podcast energy...with just enough weird to keep things interesting.Together let’s GO WILDLY!
Today's Guest: Cate Battles
Cate Battles is an East Coast native whose passion for art began in childhood and has taken many forms over the years…from painting murals across Southern Oregon to capturing the wild through her photography. Now based in the region, she’s also a social media pro behind some of its most prominent travel pages and the creator of the travel blog Argosy Odyssey.
Cate’s life blends creativity and exploration…whether she’s camping in the Pacific Northwest, traveling the world, or spending time with her goat Frankie and dog Corn Dog. Her unique bond with Frankie was featured on the Discovery+ series The Bond. Through her murals, photography, and storytelling, Cate celebrates the beauty of wild places and the adventures that shape them.
In this episode, Cate Battles takes us from her wild boarding school years to life on the road in a renovated Airstream with her goat Frankie and dog Corn Dog. We talk about how that chapter began, the adventures and challenges along the way, and how those experiences shaped the art and murals she’s known for today. Cate also shares what life looks like now—rooted in Southern Oregon but still fueled by travel, creativity, and a love for the outdoors.
Connect with Cate www.argosyodyssey.com or on Instagram & Facebook @argosyodyssey or @catebattles
Filmed on Location: Rafting- Rogue River; Hogs Creek to Indian Mary
Let's Go Wildly Together:-Follow us on Instagram: @gowildlypodcast-Tag us on your hikes or adventures using #gowildly -Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode-Leave us a review — it helps so much!-Get inspired: www.gowildlypodcast.com-
Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Visit gowildlypodcast.com & sign-up for our newsletter & never miss an event, group hike, discount code (when those start), digital guides to the outdoors, and more behind the scenes content.
Keywords: go wildly podcast, adventure podcast, southern oregon, oregon, pnw, hiking, oregon, wilderness, public land, wilderness stories, outdoor stories, pacific northwest adventures, grants pass oregon, trail conversations, hiking podcast, trail building, explore oregon, close encounters, outdoor storytelling, go wildly, passion, purpose, mountain trail, trail talk, chitchat, yap, yapping, diet, health, change, climate change, friends, trail maintenance, youth outdoor advocate, kids outside, national land, blm, federal land, national parks, park, keep public land public, nonprofit, club, backcountry, national forest, rogue river wilderness, Rafting, whitewater, rogue river, traveling, goats, dogs, animals, artist, murals, boarding school, crazy stories, creative, floating, river, wild and scenic, canyon, river canyon, rebel, bad kid, childhood, growth, tiny house.
🌲🎙️🌊Episode # 11
How To Build a Life As a River Guide -- Even If You Didn't Grow Up Outdoorsy
"I had to find a job where I could share the outside with people"
The Go Wildly Podcast is what happens when two childhood friends & dirtbag adventure junkies decide to bring a mic into the wilderness. We’re Emily & Heather...equal parts heart and chaos...pulling stories out of people like snacks from the bottom of a backpack. We hike. We float. We talk. And somehow, in between all the laughs and mosquito bites, something real always surfaces.
We take outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds into the woods & find out the common thread that led them to make the outdoors more than just a hobby, but a calling.We're goofy. We’re deep. We’re a little unhinged. And we somehow bring that out in our guests too. Think campfire vibes meets podcast energy...with just enough weird to keep things interesting.
Together let’s GO WILDLY!
Today's Guest: Michael Hughes
Michael Hughes didn’t grow up outdoorsy. No family camping trips, no rafting childhood summers. But somewhere along the way, he said yes to the river — and it changed everything.
Now he’s the manager of Northwest Rafting Company, a career river guide, ultra runner, and the guy leading trips from the Rogue River all the way to Bhutan. In this episode, we talk about what life’s really like as a guide, the magic of the Northwest guide house, international rafting culture, and what it takes to build a life around adventure, even if you started far from it.
He also drops some real advice for anyone dreaming of a life outside: how to get started, how to stay grounded, and why it’s never too late to choose a different path.
This one’s for the explorers, the late bloomers, and the ones who keep showing up ...even if the episode’s a little late.
Let’s go wildly.
Northwest Rafting Company https://www.nwrafting.com/
also check out... https://www.whitewaterguidebook.com/
Filmed on Location: Ferry Road Boat Ramp
Let's Go Wildly Together:-Follow us on Instagram: @gowildlypodcast-Tag us on your hikes or adventures using #gowildly-Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode-Leave us a review — it helps so much!-Get inspired: www.gowildlypodcast.com-Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Visit gowildlypodcast.com & sign-up for our newsletter & never miss an event, group hike, discount code (when those start), digital guides to the outdoors, and more behind the scenes content.
Keywords: go wildly podcast, adventure podcast, southern oregon, oregon, pnw, hiking, oregon, wilderness, public land, wilderness stories, outdoor stories, pacific northwest adventures, grants pass oregon, trail conversations, hiking podcast, trail building, explore oregon, close encounters, outdoor storytelling, go wildly, passion, purpose, mountain trail, trail talk, chitchat, yap, yapping, diet, health, change, climate change, friends, trail maintenance, youth outdoor advocate, kids outside, national land, blm, federal land, national parks, park, keep public land public, nonprofit, club, backcountry, national forest, rogue river wilderness, rafting, whitewater, river, river guide, guiding rivers, outdoor guide, Bhutan, international travel
🌲🎙️🚲Episode # 10
The Singletrack Mind: How a Childhood Obsession with Bikes Built a Life of Adventure & Purpose
"Morality for me is carrying a saw and clearing trail "
The Go Wildly Podcast is what happens when two childhood friends & dirtbag adventure junkies decide to bring a mic into the wilderness. We’re Emily & Heather...equal parts heart and chaos...pulling stories out of people like snacks from the bottom of a backpack. We hike. We float. We talk. And somehow, in between all the laughs and mosquito bites, something real always surfaces.
We take outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds into the woods & find out the common thread that led them to make the outdoors more than just a hobby, but a calling.We're goofy. We’re deep. We’re a little unhinged. And we somehow bring that out in our guests too. Think campfire vibes meets podcast energy...with just enough weird to keep things interesting.Together let’s GO WILDLY!
Today's Guest: Larry Sussman
Lawrence (aka Larry) Sussman, is the Executive Director of the Southern Oregon Trail Alliance—a lifelong mountain biker, trail steward, and all-around adventure junkie with a singletrack mind that’s guided his entire life.
Larry grew up in Nevada City, California—one of the best places in the world to fall in love with mountain biking. From the moment he first swung a leg over a bike at 12 years old, two wheels became the common thread through every season of his life. He even brought his bike with him when he moved to Costa Rica as a preteen!
From racing cross-country and downhill in high school and college, to learning the mechanics that landed him his first job, to leading a trail alliance today—Larry’s story is a wild ride of passion, purpose, and community.
In this episode, we talk about the unexpected power of childhood obsessions, how early passions shape our adult lives, and the beauty of giving back to the places we play. We get into his journey of mountain bike racing, his obsession with machines (including dirt bikes and cars), and how he’s now channeling all of that energy into trail stewardship and building community here in Southern Oregon.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn what you love into a life of purpose—or how the little things you nurture as a kid can shape who you become—this one’s for you.
Connect with Larry@southernoregontrailalliance on Instagram & Facebook
Filmed on Location:Dollar Mountain Trail System in Grants Pass Oregon
Let's Go Wildly Together:-Follow us on Instagram: @gowildlypodcast-Tag us on your hikes or adventures using #gowildly-Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode-Leave us a review — it helps so much!-Get inspired: www.gowildlypodcast.com-Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Visit gowildlypodcast.com & sign-up for our newsletter & never miss an event, group hike, discount code (when those start), digital guides to the outdoors, and more behind the scenes content.
Keywords: go wildly podcast, adventure podcast, southern oregon, oregon, pnw, hiking, oregon, wilderness, public land, wilderness stories, outdoor stories, pacific northwest adventures, grants pass oregon, trail conversations, hiking podcast, trail building, explore oregon, close encounters, outdoor storytelling, go wildly, passion, purpose, mountain trail, trail talk, chitchat, yap, yapping, diet, health, change, climate change, friends, trail maintenance, youth outdoor advocate, kids outside, national land, blm, federal land, national parks, park, keep public land public, nonprofit, club, backcountry, national forest, rogue river wilderness, trail worker, trail stewardship, mountain biking, mtbing, biking, mountain bike racing, dirt bike, cross country mountain biking, costa rica, pura vida, fun, funny, southern oregon trail alliance, mule mountain, saw, cleaning, racing bikes, bike team, volunteer
🌲🎙️🥾🌀Episode # 9
WILDLY US: Emily - Drowning Lessons I Never Asked For
"The river provides a metaphor for everything in life"
The Go Wildly Podcast is what happens when two childhood friends & dirtbag adventure junkies decide to bring a mic into the wilderness. We’re Emily & Heather...equal parts heart and chaos...pulling stories out of people like snacks from the bottom of a backpack. We hike. We float. We talk. And somehow, in between all the laughs and mosquito bites, something real always surfaces.
We take outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds into the woods & find out the common thread that led them to make the outdoors more than just a hobby, but a calling.
We're goofy. We’re deep. We’re a little unhinged. And we somehow bring that out in our guests too. Think campfire vibes meets podcast energy...with just enough weird to keep things interesting.
Together let’s GO WILDLY!
WILDLY US:
Emily Berlant is a passionate storyteller, community advocate, and co-host of the Go Wildly Podcast. Rooted in Southern Oregon, she brings a deep love for nature, authentic conversation, and creative connection to everything she does. Through her work, Emily inspires others to explore the outdoors, embrace vulnerability, and build a more sustainable, compassionate world.
Her professional background spans the whitewater rafting and tourism industry, renewable energy and community engagement, small-town government, nonprofit management, and hospitality. Today, she curates a life rich with joyful activities and supportive communities that help her live her best life. Learn more about Emily each week on Go Wildly.
In Episode 9 of the Go Wildly podcast, we turn the mic inward for a special storytelling session with me, Emily, your co-host. I open up about some of the most impactful—and, honestly, traumatic—experiences I had in the wild as a young person, and how they shaped the way I learned to navigate the world - not from a place of fear, but with respect and humility.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
How the river humbles Emily
The importance of a safe community, especially on the river
How everything can change in an instant
A powerful perspective shift on the fragility of life
Connect with Emily
Here!!! on the Go Wildly Podcast or Through DM or Email @ gowildlyoregon@gmail.com
Instagram:
Emily.gowildly
Filmed on Location:
Griffin Park, Grants Pass Oregon
Let's Go Wildly Together:
-Follow us on Instagram: @gowildlypodcast
-Tag us on your hikes or adventures using #gowildly
-Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode
-Leave us a review — it helps so much!
-Get inspired: www.gowildlypodcast.com
-Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Visit gowildlypodcast.com & sign-up for our newsletter & never miss an event, group hike, discount code (when those start), digital guides to the outdoors, and more behind the scenes content.
Keywords: go wildly podcast, adventure podcast, southern oregon, oregon, pnw, hiking, oregon, wilderness, wilderville, wilderness stories, outdoor stories, pacific northwest adventures, grants pass oregon, trail conversations, hiking podcast, gay, pride month, explore oregon, close encounters, outdoor storytelling, go wildly, passion, purpose, mountain trail, trail talk, chitchat, yap, yapping, diet, health, change, climate change, friends, happy, joy, near death experience, near death stories, drowning stories, Salmon River, Middle fork of the salmon river, main salmon river Idaho, river trip, rafting guide, rafting outfitter, raft guide, whitewater, swift water, swift water rescue, lifejacket, pfd, kayak, rapid, rogue river, childhood stories, childhood trauma, camping
🌲🎙️🥾Episode # 8
The Wild TRUTH About Public Lands: They're Being Threatened- But Not By Who You Think
"Public Lands Are The Last Common Ground"
The Go Wildly Podcast is what happens when two childhood friends & dirtbag adventure junkies decide to bring a mic into the wilderness. We’re Emily & Heather...equal parts heart and chaos...pulling stories out of people like snacks from the bottom of a backpack. We hike. We float. We talk. And somehow, in between all the laughs and mosquito bites, something real always surfaces.
We take outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds into the woods & find out the common thread that led them to make the outdoors more than just a hobby, but a calling.
We're goofy. We’re deep. We’re a little unhinged. And we somehow bring that out in our guests too. Think campfire vibes meets podcast energy...with just enough weird to keep things interesting.
Together let’s GO WILDLY!
Today's Guest: Gabriel Howe
Gabriel Howe is the executive director and trailblazing force behind the Siskiyou Mountain Club, a nonprofit born in 2010 to protect and restore the wild soul of southwest Oregon and northwest California. Raised in the suburban sprawl east of Portland, Gabriel cut his teeth exploring the underbelly of Mt. Hood National Forest, where the less-traveled paths sparked a lifelong obsession with wilderness. By 2005, his compass shifted south to the rugged, untamed Siskiyou Mountains, a place that captured his soul and never let go. These days, Gabriel calls Ashland home, where he and his wife, Jill, are raising two little explorers of their own under the shadow of the peaks they love.
In this episode, we follow the thread of Gabe Howe's journey—from his wild childhood to his deep-rooted passion for making trails usable and public lands accessible. Along the way, you’ll hear a few unforgettable stories, a fired-up rant about why people are disconnected from the land (and how we fix it), and some bold ideas for getting folks back outside. We also dive into public lands as the last true frontier—and maybe the only common ground left between political sides. It’s thoughtful, fiery, and full of purpose. Let’s go there.
Connect with Gabriel Howe
@siskiyou.mountain.club on Instagram
106 Talent Ave SUITE 3, Talent, OR 97540
https://siskiyoumountainclub.org/
(458) 254 -0657
Filmed on Location:
Middle Fork Trail of The Applegate River California
Let's Go Wildly Together:
-Follow us on Instagram: @gowildlypodcast
-Tag us on your hikes or adventures using #gowildly
-Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode
-Leave us a review — it helps so much!
-Get inspired: www.gowildlypodcast.com
-Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Visit gowildlypodcast.com & sign-up for our newsletter & never miss an event, group hike, discount code (when those start), digital guides to the outdoors, and more behind the scenes content.
Keywords: go wildly podcast, adventure podcast, southern oregon, oregon, pnw, hiking, oregon, wilderness, public land, wilderness stories, outdoor stories, pacific northwest adventures, grants pass oregon, trail conversations, hiking podcast, trail building, explore oregon, close encounters, outdoor storytelling, go wildly, passion, purpose, mountain trail, trail talk, chitchat, yap, yapping, diet, health, change, climate change, friends, trail maintenance, youth outdoor advocate, kids outside, national land, blm, federal land, national parks, park, keep public land public, nonprofit, club, siskiyou mountain club, chetco river, red butte wilderness, backcountry, national forest, rogue river wilderness, applegate river, northern California, trail worker
🌲🎙️🥾🌈Episode # 7
The House Lesbian's Survival Guide: How to be Queer in the Middle of Nowhere. An Origin Story
A Wilderville-raised forest kid turned queer botanical icon shares backwoods childhood stories, forest-born wisdom and chaotic banter in this gloriously feral Pride Month special.
"There's always an opportunity to make in Gay"
The Go Wildly Podcast is what happens when two childhood friends & dirtbag adventure junkies decide to bring a mic into the wilderness. We’re Emily & Heather...equal parts heart and chaos...pulling stories out of people like snacks from the bottom of a backpack. We hike. We float. We talk. And somehow, in between all the laughs and mosquito bites, something real always surfaces.
We take outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds into the woods & find out the common thread that led them to make the outdoors more than just a hobby, but a calling.
We're goofy. We’re deep. We’re a little unhinged. And we somehow bring that out in our guests too. Think campfire vibes meets podcast energy...with just enough weird to keep things interesting.
Together let’s GO WILDLY!
Today's Guest: Asia Stehnike
We’re joined by Asia, known affectionately as Emily’s House Lesbian and her housemate. Asia is a born-and-raised Oregonian from Grants Pass, and a lover of all things beautiful, forageable, and delicious. By day, she tends to plants and people on a botanical herb farm. By night, she crafts nourishing meals as a private chef and micro-caterer, blending intuition, seasonality, and a deep reverence for whole foods. Rooted in the rhythms of the natural world, Asia’s life and work are shaped by the wild landscapes she calls home.
In this Pride Month special, we talk about growing up in a forest setting, the quiet wisdom passed down from her grandpa, and what it felt like to leave Wilderville for the suburbs — and then feel the pull to return home. Asia shares what it looked like to reconnect to herself while navigating a more urban lifestyle, and the powerful moment she had on the John Day River that reawakened her inner child.
We also dive into her identity, community, queerness, and all the hilarious chaos that comes with recording a podcast between close friends. It’s real, it’s raw, it’s full of tangents, heart, and as much gay joy as we could possibly pack into one episode.
Press play for a beautifully wild ride through memory, meaning, and coming home to yourself.
Connect with Asia Stehnike
@asiastinky (personal)
@eats_n_greens (business/cooking)
Filmed on Location:
Her Family Property in Wilderville, OR
Let's Go Wildly Together:
-Follow us on Instagram: @gowildlypodcast
-Tag us on your hikes or adventures using #gowildly
-Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode
-Leave us a review — it helps so much!
-Get inspired: www.gowildlypodcast.com
-Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Visit gowildlypodcast.com & sign-up for our newsletter & never miss an event, group hike, discount code (when those start), digital guides to the outdoors, and more behind the scenes content.
Keywords: go wildly podcast, adventure podcast, southern oregon, oregon, pnw, hiking, oregon, wilderness, wilderville, wilderness stories, outdoor stories, pacific northwest adventures, grants pass oregon, trail conversations, hiking podcast, gay, pride month, explore oregon, close encounters, outdoor storytelling, go wildly, passion, purpose, mountain trail, trail talk, chitchat, yap, yapping, diet, health, change, climate change, friends, lesbian, funny, comical, happy, joy, inner child, climbing trees, john day oregon, herbs, private chef
🌲🎙️🥾🦅Episode #6 | Part 2
⛰️🦉🐁The Owl, The Mountain, The Mouse
"You Can't Come Out Of This Without Being In The Cult"
The Go Wildly Podcast is what happens when two childhood friends & dirtbag adventure junkies and decide to bring a mic into the wilderness. We’re Emily & Heather...equal parts heart and chaos...pulling stories out of people like snacks from the bottom of a backpack. We hike. We float. We talk. And somehow, in between all the laughs and mosquito bites, something real always surfaces.
We take outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds into the woods & find out the common tread that lend them to make the outdoors more then just a hobby but a calling.
We're goofy. We’re deep. We’re a little unhinged. And we somehow bring that out in our guests too. Think campfire vibes meets podcast energy...with just enough weird to keep things interesting.
Together let’s GO WILDLY!
Today's Guest: Christy Chow
In this episode, Emily sits down with Christy Chow—environmental consultant, triple-degree holder, and longtime friend—for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from career pivots to climate grief.
In this episode, Christy Chow takes us deep into the wild heart of her childhood; where owls were friends, the backyard was sacred, and wonder came easy. She shares the story of the spotted owl who swooped down for a mouse off her head (yes, really), and the moment that changed everything. We follow her from those early outdoor roots to an unforgettable mountain trek in rural China, where she ditched the gondola for the deer path and things got… intense. It’s a story of connection, chaos, family, and finding yourself somewhere between the treetops and the trail.
Connect with Christy
Please email gowildlypodcast@gmail.com & we will personally connect you.
Filmed on Location:
Green Spring Mountain Loop Trail
Let's Go Wildly Together:
-Follow us on Instagram: @gowildlypodcast
-Tag us on your hikes or adventures using #gowildly
-Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode
-Leave us a review — it helps so much!
-Get inspired: www.gowildlypodcast.com
-Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Visit gowildlypodcast.com & sign-up for our newsletter & never miss an event, group hike, discount codes (when those start), digital guides to the outdoors, and more behind the scenes content.
Keywords: , go wildly podcast, adventure podcast, southern oregon, oregon, pnw, hiking, ashland oregon, wilderness, wilderness stories, outdoor stories, pacific northwest adventures, grants pass oregon, trail conversations, hiking podcast, wildfire prevention, explore oregon, close encounters, outdoor storytelling, go wildly, passion, purpose, green springs mountain trail, trail talk, sustainability, recycling, environmentalist, reduce, reuse, climate work, covid, urban wildfire, single use plastics, longtime friend, conversations, chitchat, yap, yapping, diet, health, change, climate change,
🌲🎙️🥾🦅Episode #6 | Part 1
♻️Sorting Trash, Spotting Ravens & Spilling Life Tea
"Humanity is Highly Combustible..."
The Go Wildly Podcast is what happens when two childhood friends & dirtbag adventure junkies and decide to bring a mic into the wilderness. We’re Emily & Heather...equal parts heart and chaos...pulling stories out of people like snacks from the bottom of a backpack. We hike. We float. We talk. And somehow, in between all the laughs and mosquito bites, something real always surfaces.
We take outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds into the woods & find out the common tread that lend them to make the outdoors more then just a hobby but a calling.
We're goofy. We’re deep. We’re a little unhinged. And we somehow bring that out in our guests too. Think campfire vibes meets podcast energy...with just enough weird to keep things interesting.
Together let’s GO WILDLY!
Today's Guest: Christy Chow
In this episode, Emily sits down with Christy Chow—environmental consultant, triple-degree holder, and longtime friend—for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from career pivots to climate grief.
The two talk through Christy’s academic journey, finishing her master’s during COVID, and the realities of working in environmental policy today. They unpack the aftermath of the Southern Oregon wildfires, the complicated relationship between zero waste and disaster response, and how COVID shifted the culture around single-use items. Plus, personal reflections on navigating adulthood, stepping away from social media, manifesting big changes, and the ways friendship can grow through it all.
🌎What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
🔥What the Talent and Phoenix wildfires revealed about community and resilience
♻️How COVID flipped the zero waste movement on its head
🤸🏽The behind-the-scenes chaos of working in sustainability during a global crisis
Connect with Christy
Please email gowildlypodcast@gmail.com & we will personally connect you.
Filmed on Location:
Green Spring Mountain Loop Trail
Let's Go Wildly Together:
-Follow us on Instagram: @gowildlypodcast
-Tag us on your hikes or adventures using #gowildly
-Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode
-Leave us a review — it helps so much!
-Get inspired: www.gowildlypodcast.com
-Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Visit gowildlypodcast.com & sign-up for our newsletter & never miss an event, group hike, discount codes (when those start), digital guides to the outdoors, and more behind the scenes content.
Keywords: , go wildly podcast, adventure podcast, southern oregon, oregon, pnw, hiking, ashland oregon, wilderness, wilderness stories, outdoor stories, pacific northwest adventures, grants pass oregon, trail conversations, hiking podcast, wildfire prevention, explore oregon, close encounters, outdoor storytelling, go wildly, passion, purpose, green springs mountain trail, trail talk, sustainability, recycling, environmentalist, reduce, reuse, climate work, covid, urban wildfire, single use plastics, longtime friend, conversations, chitchat, yap, yapping, diet, health, change, climate change,
🌲🎙️🥾🔥Episode #5
🔥Wildfire Season Special: Grit, Chainsaws, and the American Dream
"Don't be a Dickbag, listen to Smokey Bear, Put out your fires..."
The Go Wildly Podcast is what happens when two childhood friends & dirtbag adventure junkies and decide to bring a mic into the wilderness. We’re Emily & Heather...equal parts heart and chaos...pulling stories out of people like snacks from the bottom of a backpack. We hike. We float. We talk. And somehow, in between all the laughs and mosquito bites, something real always surfaces.
We take outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds into the woods & find out the common tread that lend them to make the outdoors more then just a hobby but a calling.
We're goofy. We’re deep. We’re a little unhinged. And we somehow bring that out in our guests too. Think campfire vibes meets podcast energy...with just enough weird to keep things interesting.
Together let’s GO WILDLY!
Today's Guest: Miguel Narvaez; Federal Hotshot Wildland Fire Fighter
In Episode 6, we hike straight into fire season with Miguel Narvaez— a Type 1 federal hotshot firefighter, sawyer, and living proof of what it means to chase the American dream with grit, guts, and a whole lot of smoke. Born in Mexico City, raised across the U.S., and now rooted in Southern Oregon, Miguel’s story is anything but ordinary.
From college athletics to cutting firelines with a chainsaw, Miguel walks us through the journey that led him west with $200 in his pocket and into the world of wildland fire. We talk about how he earned his citizenship, what it takes to become a hotshot, and why the fireline feels like home. He opens up about the physical and emotional toll of the job, the tight-knit crew culture, and what it’s like navigating this chapter of life as a seasoned firefighter.
This episode is a tribute to the people behind the flames — the ones holding the line, packing the saw, and finding purpose in the chaos.
🔥 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
🪓 Miguel’s road from Mexico City to the frontlines of wildfire
🇺🇸 How he earned his citizenship to follow his calling
🧭 The in-and-outs of wildland fire culture and what it really takes
🚒 The grind, grit, and purpose behind being a Type 1 Hotshot
🌲 The chapter of life Miguel’s navigating right now
🎒 Gear Rec from Miguel:
Logger Suspenders — A must for the wildland folks in your life. Rugged, local, and fireline-approved.
🔥 Shoutouts & Resources:
• Grassroots Wildland Firefighters — Advocating for better pay, classification, and well-being for federal wildland firefighters.
• Wildland Firefighter Foundation — Supporting firefighters and their families when tragedy strikes.
• Watch: Hotshot (Amazon Prime) — A solid documentary if you’re curious about what this world really looks like. (Fire Country… not so much, but yes, Miguel has watched every episode for the laugh.)
Connect With Miguel & Follow his journey
Instagram: @100migs
Filmed on Location:
Rogue River-Siskyou National Forest
Let's Go Wildly Together:
-Follow us on Instagram: @gowildlypodcast
-Tag us on your hikes or adventures using #gowildly
-Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode
-Leave us a review — it helps so much!
-Get inspired: www.gowildlypodcast.com
-Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Visit gowildlypodcast.com & sign-up for our newsletter & never miss an event, group hike, discount codes (when those start), digital guides to the outdoors, and more behind the scenes content.
Keywords: Wildland Firefighter, hotshot firefighter, wildland fire stories, fireline, fire season, oregon wildfire, wildfire podcast, go wildly podcast, adventure podcast, southern oregon, oregon, pnw, hiking, waterfall, wilderness, wilderness stories, outdoor stories, pacific northwest adventures, grants pass oregon, trail conversations, hiking podcast, wildfire prevention, explore oregon, close encounters, outdoor storytelling, go wildly, american dream, immigration to citizenship, grit, passion, purpose,
🌲🎙️🥾Episode #4 Part 2Form Wild Child to Barefoot Guide Living the Way of Natural Movement"You Just Go Outside With No Shoes On"The Go Wildly Podcast is what happens when two childhood friends & dirtbag adventure junkies and decide to bring a mic into the wilderness. We’re Emily & Heather...equal parts heart and chaos...pulling stories out of people like snacks from the bottom of a backpack. We hike. We float. We talk. And somehow, in between all the laughs and mosquito bites, something real always surfaces.At the heart of each episode is one question: What was your pivotal outdoor moment—the one that changed everything?We’re goofy. We’re deep. We’re a little unhinged. And we somehow bring that out in our guests too. Think campfire vibes meets podcast energy...with just enough weird to keep things interesting.Together let’s GO WILDLY!Today's Guest: Diana Matula, A clinical herbalist and Level 3 MovNat Trainer, Restorative Exercise Specialist, and NASM Certified Personal Trainer. Episode Summary: In Episode 4, Part 2 In this episode, we hike to the summit of Bolt Mountain with Diana Matula, a clinical herbalist and certified movement coach whose life is deeply rooted in nature, wellness, and embodied living. From our perch at the top, we dive into Diana’s journey with natural movement—what it means, how she teaches it, and why it resonates so deeply with people of all ages and backgrounds. She shares how her classes have become more than just fitness—they’re spaces of play, healing, and genuine connection where community naturally forms through movement. Her approach is accessible, joyful, and grounded in a belief that returning to our body’s innate wisdom is one of the most powerful things we can do.We also explore the path she took to become a Level 3 MovNat trainer, including the details of her intensive certification experience in the desert. Diana recounts the physical and mental challenges of the course, and some unforgettable moments from the field. We talk about what it’s like to commit to a lifestyle and she opens up about the chapter of life she’s navigating right now. This episode is a true deep dive into the philosophy, grit, and joy behind the natural movement lifestyle.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🌲Diana's Daily Routines & Rituals🤸🏽Cold Plunge Hacks🌀 Social Media Boundaries 🌞 How to start your natural movement practice todayConnect With Diana & Attend a Class With HerWebsiteInstagram: @dianagmatulaMovNat Southern Oregon: @movnat.southern.oregonMovNat CertificationFilmed on Location:Bolt Mountain Southern Oregon42.3720° N, 123.4108° Whttps://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/...https://visitgrantspass.com/Resources & Brands Mentioned (not sponsored…yet):MovNat www.movnat.comVibram Five Finger barefoot shoes https://www.vibram.com/us/shop/fivefingersYogi Tea https://yogi-life.com/en-USLet's Go Wildly Together:-Follow us on Instagram: @gowildlypodcast-Tag us on your hikes or adventures using #gowildly -Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode-Leave us a review — it helps so much!-Get inspired: www.gowildlypodcast.com-Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Visit gowildlypodcast.com & sign-up for our newsletter & never miss an event, group hike, discount codes (when those start), digital guides to the outdoors, and more behind the scenes content.Keywords: natural movement, MovNat certification, movement coach, barefoot training, functional fitness, outdoor fitness, nature-based wellness, movement classes, mobility training, wild fitness, embodied movement, mindful movement, fitness in nature, holistic movement, Southern Oregon fitness, Pacific Northwest hiking podcast, Bolt Mountain hike, Oregon movement coach, hiking podcast, natural lifestyle podcast, primal movement, movement practices, go wildly, go wildly podcast, southern oregon, pnw,oregon explored
🌲🎙️🥾Episode #4 Part 1
Form Wild Child to Barefoot Guide Living the Way of Natural Movement
"It's the Magic of the MovNat Class"
The Go Wildly Podcast is what happens when two childhood friends & dirtbag adventure junkies and decide to bring a mic into the wilderness. We’re Emily & Heather...equal parts heart and chaos...pulling stories out of people like snacks from the bottom of a backpack. We hike. We float. We talk. And somehow, in between all the laughs and mosquito bites, something real always surfaces.
At the heart of each episode is one question: What was your pivotal outdoor moment—the one that changed everything?
We’re goofy. We’re deep. We’re a little unhinged. And we somehow bring that out in our guests too. Think campfire vibes meets podcast energy...with just enough weird to keep things interesting.
Together let’s GO WILDLY!
Today's Guest: Diana Matula, A clinical herbalist and Level 3 MovNat Trainer, Restorative Exercise Specialist, and NASM Certified Personal Trainer.
Episode Summary: In Episode 4, Part 1 In this episode, we hike to the summit of Bolt Mountain with Diana Matula, a clinical herbalist and certified movement coach whose life is deeply rooted in nature, wellness, and embodied living. From our perch at the top, we dive into Diana’s journey with natural movement—what it means, how she teaches it, and why it resonates so deeply with people of all ages and backgrounds. She shares how her classes have become more than just fitness—they’re spaces of play, healing, and genuine connection where community naturally forms through movement. Her approach is accessible, joyful, and grounded in a belief that returning to our body’s innate wisdom is one of the most powerful things we can do.
We also explore the path she took to become a Level 3 MovNat trainer, including the details of her intensive certification experience in the desert. Diana recounts the physical and mental challenges of the course, and some unforgettable moments from the field. We talk about what it’s like to commit to a lifestyle and she opens up about the chapter of life she’s navigating right now. This episode is a true deep dive into the philosophy, grit, and joy behind the natural movement lifestyle.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
🌲Diana's path to becoming a MovNat coach
🤸🏽The principles of MovNat and its benefits
🌀How she runs her class & community
🌞The Chapter of Life she's currently in
👣Crazy stories of the MovNat certification
Connect With Diana & Attend a Class With Her
Filmed on Location:
Bolt Mountain Southern Oregon
42.3720° N, 123.4108° W
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/bolt-mountain-trail
https://visitgrantspass.com/
Resources & Brands Mentioned (not sponsored…yet):
MovNat www.movnat.com
Survivor https://www.cbs.com/shows/survivor/
Book Reference https://sarahjmaas.com/throne-of-glass-series/
Let's Go Wildly Together:
-Follow us on Instagram: @gowildlypodcast
-Tag us on your hikes or adventures using #gowildly
-Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode
-Leave us a review — it helps so much!
-Get inspired: www.gowildlypodcast.com
-Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Visit gowildlypodcast.com & sign-up for our newsletter & never miss an event, group hike, discount codes (when those start), digital guides to the outdoors, and more behind the scenes content.
Keywords: natural movement, MovNat certification, movement coach, barefoot training, functional fitness, outdoor fitness, nature-based wellness, movement classes, mobility training, wild fitness, embodied movement, mindful movement, fitness in nature, holistic movement, Southern Oregon fitness, Pacific Northwest hiking podcast, Bolt Mountain hike, Oregon movement coach, hiking podcast, natural lifestyle podcast, primal movement, movement practices, go wildly, go wildly podcast, southern oregon, pnw,
oregon explored
🎙️🎣🦅 Episode #3
Casting Lines, Dodging Lions: Tyler Gordon's Wild-Blooded Guide to the Good Life
"I can feel the bears breath through the tent"
The Go Wildly Podcast is what happens when two childhood friends & dirtbag adventure junkies and decide to bring a mic into the wilderness. We’re Emily & Heather...equal parts heart and chaos...pulling stories out of people like snacks from the bottom of a backpack. We hike. We float. We talk. And somehow, in between all the laughs and mosquito bites, something real always surfaces.
At the heart of each episode is one question: What was your pivotal outdoor moment—the one that changed everything?
We’re goofy. We’re deep. We’re a little unhinged. And we somehow bring that out in our guests too. Think campfire vibes meets podcast energy...with just enough weird to keep things interesting.
Together let’s GO WILDLY!
Today's Guest: Tyler Gordon [Rogue River Fishing Guide] of Gordon's Generational Guide Service located in the beautiful Southern Oregon
Episode Summary: In Episode 3 of the Go Wildly podcast, we float downstream with Tyler Gordon—third-generation Rogue River guide, Army vet, and the kind of guy who plans every trip down to the last snack. Raised with a rod in hand and a deep reverence for the wild, Tyler brings grit, heart, and precision to every guided day. We talk military life, fishing legacy, close calls with bears, and why harvesting your own meat just hits different.
This Episode is proof that legacy, intention, and wild places still matter. Whether you walk away craving a steelhead trip or just a deeper connection to the land, we hope this one Inspired you in you to think about where your food comes from, living a passionate and fulfilling life doing the things you love and staying rooted in what really matters...purpose, connection, and a little bit wild.
We chat about:
🎣How Tyler approaches life & his career guiding.
🥩The unexpected lessons of packing out big-game animals
🌲Why planning is the key to success with everything you do.
🎣Tangible tips for casting a line, reading the river, and ethical fishing practices
🎙️A powerful perspective shift on what goes into a hunting trip & Harvesting an animal for sustenance
🦁PLUS: a few insane stories about close encounters with wild predators.
Connect with Tyler & Book a trip:
https://www.rogueriverguide.com/
Instagram: @fishinwithgordo
Resources and brands mentioned (not sponsored...yet)
Resources & Brands Mentioned (not sponsored…yet):
Gordon's Generational Guide Service www.rogueriverguide.com
Pavati Boats www.pavati.com
Lamiglas Fishing Rods www.lamiglas.com
Mustang Survival www.mustangsurvival.com
Benchmade Knifes www.benchmade.com
Garmin Inreach www.garmin.com
Taylor's Sausage www.taylorsausage.com
Steven Rinella www.themeateater.com
Josephine County Parks Boat Ramps www.josephinecounty.gov
Visit Grants Pass www.visitgrantspass.com
Watch the companion film/podcast vlog on Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@gowildlypodcast
Let's Go Wildly Together:
-Follow us on Instagram: @gowildlypodcast
-Tag us on your hikes or adventures using #gowildly
-Subscribe to the -podcast so you never miss an episode
-Leave us a review — it helps so much!
-Get inspired: www.gowildlypodcast.com
-Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? gowildlypodcast.com & sign-up for our newsletter & never miss an event, group hike, discount codes (when those start), digital guides to the outdoors, and more behind the scenes content.
Keywords:
fishing in Oregon, Fishing the river, steelhead fishing, Southern Oregon adventures, Southern Oregon Rivers, Outdoor lifestyle podcast, outdoor stories, close encounters, wild game, hunting, hunting in Oregon, PNW travel tips, Podcast for adventurers, Go Wildly Podcast, Go Wildly, fishing gear, hunting gear, hunting stories, best fishing in Oregon, Outdoor stories, Outdoor lifestyle, Southern Oregon, Grants Pass, Rogue River, Rogue Valley, Pacific Northwest, outdoor gear reviews, fishing stories, fishing guide
🌲🎙️🥾 Episode #2
Transcendental Cult Kid Turned Playa Dust-Covered Earth Defender
"A Bunch of People Hopping Around on Mattresses"
The Go Wildly Podcast is what happens when two childhood friends & dirtbag adventure junkies and decide to bring a mic into the wilderness. We’re Emily & Heather...equal parts heart and chaos...pulling stories out of people like snacks from the bottom of a backpack. We hike. We float. We talk. And somehow, in between all the laughs and mosquito bites, something raw & amazing surfaces.
At the heart of each episode is one question: What was your pivotal outdoor moment—the one that changed everything?
We’re goofy. We’re deep. We’re a little unhinged. And we somehow bring that out in our guests too. Think campfire vibes meets podcast energy...with just enough weird to keep things interesting.
Together let’s GO WILDLY!
Today's Guest is: Rianna Koppel
Episode Summary: In the second episode of Go Wildly, we dive into a wide-ranging, heartfelt conversation with sustainability advocate and community builder Rianna Koppel.
Raised in a Transcendental Meditation community and deeply connected to both the natural world and her local region of Southern Oregon, Rianna shares stories from her journey—from environmental activism to yoga lineage to the dusty magic of Burning Man.
Rianna’s perspective is both grounding and inspiring—this is an episode for anyone looking to deepen their relationship with the Earth and live more intentionally.
We Chat About:
✨ How growing up in a meditation-based community shaped Rianna’s worldview
🔥 The transformative power of Burning Man and what it means to truly Leave No Trace
🌍 How small, local actions can create big change in sustainability
🌀 Reconnecting with nature, community, and purpose in chaotic times
Connect with Rianna:
Instagram: @jewessforager
Resources and Brands Mentioned (not sponsored…yet):
Burning Man www.burningman.com
Watch the companion film/podcast vlog on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@GoWildlyPodcast
Let’s Get Wild Together:
– Follow us on Instagram @gowildlypodcast
– Tag us in your hikes or takeaways using #gowildlypodcast
– Leave us a review on Spotify or Apple — it helps other wild hearts find us!
– Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? gowildlypodcast.com & Sign up for our newsletter & never miss an event, group hike, or episode.
Keywords :
Hiking in Oregon, Southern Oregon adventures, best trails in Oregon, outdoor lifestyle podcast, mindfulness in nature, PNW travel tips, podcast for adventurers, Go Wildly podcast, hiking gear reviews, best hikes in Oregon, backpacking stories, nature therapy podcast, wild outdoor stories, outdoor stories, outdoor lifestyle, Southern Oregon, Oregon, Rogue Valley, Pacific Northwest
🥾🌲🎙️
"EGO DEATH ON AASGARD PASS" Episode 1
"A PODCAST IN THE WILD FOR THE WILD"
Thank you for listening! For the FULL EXPERIENCE of the Go Wildly Podcast with Heather & Emily head over to YOUTUBE!
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COMMENT!
HIT THE BELL!
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Watch FULL experience on YOUTUBE.
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IG: @gowildlypodcast
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Heather: @heather.gowildly
Emily: @emily.gowildly
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🌟Episode Summary:
In this episode, we sit down with Brittney “Bitty” Mesica—Oregonian and environmental-advocate—to explore her journey as a climber and woman in the outdoors. From her passion for animals, to her commitment to environmental causes and meaningful communication, to summiting Aasgard Pass, Brittney shares wisdom and wit in equal measure.
🌟What We Talk About:
- Growing up outdoors in rural Oregon
- Changing careers and following the path of passion
- Best practices for bathrooms in the wild
- Summiting Aasgard Pass in Washington
- Navigating loss, anxiety, and doing hard things
- Being hot in nature
🥾Resources and Brands Mentioned (not sponsored…yet):
- Wildlife Images https://wildlifeimages.org/
- Nocs Binoculars https://www.nocsprovisions.com/
- Rogue Rock Gym https://www.roguerockgym.com/
- Honey Stinger https://honeystinger.com/
- MovNat Southern Oregon https://www.instagram.com/movnat.southern.oregon
🎙️ Guest Bio – Brittney Mesica
Brittney “Bitty” Mesica is a passionate environmental advocate whose love for animals began early in life. Whether she’s coordinating events and fundraising for a local wildlife rehabilitation center, scaling cliffs on a rock climb, or caring for her many pets, Brittney is always rooted in her connection to the natural world.
Soon to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Media Innovation, she’s driven by a mission to inspire others to reconnect with nature. With a strong sense of purpose and a deeply authentic voice, Brittney brings intention and heart to everything she does.
💕Follow Brittney:
TikTok: @brittneymesica
Instagram: @brittney.mesica
Medium: @mesicab
LinkedIn: Brittney Mesica
🌲🎙️🥾LET'S GO WILDLY TOGETHER!
