The Dirtbag Diaries

Alpinist and labradoodle devotee Graham Zimmerman has poured his heart into climate change activism after witnessing its effects in the world's great ranges. His new book, "A Fine Line" reflects on his incredible climbing career. In the sometimes overly macho, deeply risky pursuit of alpine climbing, his book offers a welcomed counterpoint to the narrative we often hear. Fitz sat down with Graham for a live Q&A at The Mountaineers in Seattle earlier this month. Read A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains Want to hear the full conversation? Subscribe to Diaries+ Gift a subscription

When Arlene Gonzalez started running eleven years ago, she quickly discovered its ability to mend a broken heart, inspire confidence, and bring people together. Today, she finds her passion in uniting a binational community across the U.S.-Mexico border around a shared love of movement. Support comes from Patagonia AG1 Kuat Racks Rumpl Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today

Cuando Arlene Gonzalez empezó a correr hace once años, descubrió cómo el deporte puede reparar un corazón roto, inspirar confianza, y crear comunidad. Hoy, Arlene encuentra pasión en unir la comunidad binacional entre EE.UU. y México a través de un amor compartido por correr.  Support comes from Patagonia AG1 Kuat Racks Rumpl Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today

In our annual Tales of Terror episode, we’ve got dark caves, unsettling landscapes, and unexplainable figures in the night. Mua ha ha. Support comes from Patagonia AG1 Kuat Racks AeroPress Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today

Fifteen years ago, Tim Irvin went on a solo trip to the Arctic with the hope of seeing the annual caribou migration. Despite mobs of blackflies and an unpleasant encounter with poop, Tim soon found his stride and connected with the natural world in a new way.  Support comes from Patagonia Athletic Greens Kuat Racks AeroPress

A crisp sunny morning with tacky stone. The spring flush of desert sun and good dirt. Long summer days that tangle with night. What's best? Armed with facts, waxing poetic prose, and a touch of emotional heat, our staff goes toe to toe to determine which region has the best season. It's tournament time! Got a favorite season in a region to share? Call us at 206-705-3006. You just might hear your voice on a future episode. Want to hear more? Subscribe to Dirtbag Diaries+

Gabaccia Moreno is our guide to one of our newest National Monuments– The Castner Range in El Paso, Texas. She talks with some of the people who worked over decades to make the designation a reality, gives us a window into the biological and cultural significance of the area, and describes a coalition that can be a model for 21st century conservation.   Learn More Frontera Land Alliance Support comes from Patagonia AG1 Kuat Racks YETI  Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today

A Campfire Chat about the silly things we've done and that we would never do again. (Well, almost never.) Got a story you want to share? Call the Dirtbag Hotline at 206- 705-3006 Want to hear more? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today

Lance Garland and Eileen Hall grappled with their identities in different ways and at different stages of their lives. In this episode, we hear how they started to how to walk tall and embrace who they are at sea and on the trail.  Support comes from Patagonia Athletic Greens Kuat Racks YETI

When Aubrey Runyon first climbed in Colorado’s Eldorado Canyon State Park, it was for fun. When she returned several years later, Aubrey was needing a place to call home. Over the years, her relationship with Eldo has weaved between recreation and survival, and eventually healing and love. When Aubrey faced a new big challenge, she leaned on Eldo for strength by way of a big goal– to reach 10,000 pitches in the park.  American Alpine Club’s Climbing Grief Fund Support comes from Patagonia AG1 Kuat Racks Aura Frames  Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today Got a Tale of Terror? Submit it now!

You ask, we answer with anecdotes, stories and advice. Today's Q-- If you could be part of any historical expedition, which would it be and why? Want to hear more? Join the Diaries+ community.

When Laura Buchan’s cycling partner bails a month before their bikepacking trip along the West Coast, she decides to go anyway. In that 1500-mile journey, she learns that she has everything she needs within her.  Support comes from Patagonia Athletic Greens Kuat Racks YETI Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today

Talking to people makes Shelby Stanger sparkle. As the host of the podcast, Wild Ideas Worth Living, Shelby dives into her guests motivations for making and taking the leap to try something unexpected. She stopped by to talk about the leaps she's made in her own life and that she shares in her new book, Will to Wild. Will To Wild — Shelby Stanger Want to hear more? Subscribe to Dirtbag Diaries+

California’s legacy of gold mining goes back generations, but as the world of mining has evolved, so too have our ideas about public lands. Today’s mining projects are still dictated by the 1872 Mining Law, leaving land managers little recourse to say no to environmentally damaging projects. Last spring, environmental advocates and cycling enthusiasts Emily Markstein and Amber Rassler organized a bike tour along the Eastern Sierra to see firsthand the spaces under imminent threat from mining projects– and to learn that some things are worth more than gold.  Friends of the Inyo Outdoor Alliance Support comes from Patagonia Athletic Greens Kuat Racks YETI

Producer Andrew Burton brings us the story of his wild hunt for a wedding ring he lost while climbing Forbidden Peak. And, we have our first Ask Me Anything, from a listener submitted question. Want to hear more? Subscribe to Dirtbag Diaries+

When Jayme Vance and her husband set out on a packrafting honeymoon deep in Denali National Park, her worries about the trip were exacerbated by her father’s illness at home. As she welcomes Luke’s new role in her life, she grapples with the knowledge that soon, she’ll need to say goodbye to her first adventure partner. Support comes from Patagonia AG1 Kuat Racks YETI  Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today

We put out a call for your best bonk stories, and you answered. Stories from listeners who miscalculated just how many calories they needed to get through the day. Thanks to everyone who called in! Want to hear more? Subscribe to Dirtbag Diaries+

Drew and Sarah embark on a once-in-a-lifetime roadtrip across the country to see the places they’ve always dreamed of seeing. In doing so, they pave a path for other people who, like them, haven’t always seen themselves represented in the outdoors. Support comes from Patagonia AG1 Kuat Racks YETI Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today

Chandra Brown, a veteran river guide, led a five day writers retreat for a group of authors along the U.S Mexico border. While canoeing the Rio Grande they navigate physical challenges, and see the effects of government policies first hand. On their final night, Mother Nature erupts and reinforces the lessons they have learned over the course of the trip.  Support comes from Patagonia AG1 Kuat Racks Aura Frames Want more episodes? Join Dirtbag Diaries+ today

We've all been down that odd, potentially hallucinogenic path of calorie miscalculation. A campfire conversation about the moments when we bonked. Got a bonk story? Leave us a message at 206-705-3006 and your story might be included in one of our next episodes. Want to hear more? Subscribe to Dirtbag Diaries+