Backcountry Bitches

Clare and Morgan want you to stop telling them how to feel--they will have whatever kind of days in the mountains that they damn well please! The girls crack open a bottle of wine and discuss their dream ski season, their complicated relationship with running, and of course BEARS (slide into my DMs if you want to hear Clare's unwell, woo-woo theory for why she is suddenly able to manifest bears at the drop of a hat). The girls also take some time to get real about the struggles of mental illness and suicidal ideation, which Clare also covers in more detail during the news item (CW: suicidal ideation). Buckle up, bitches! Love you, mean it. 

First and foremost, it needs to be known that this week's guest ABBIE WESSELS specifically requested MOVE BITCH as her intro song because she said it was her motorcycle theme song, and reminded her of Clare in highschool, so you’re welcome for that little bit of insight into both of these women. Actually, that’s going to be the whole preview, because that’s all you should need to know to fall madly in love with and want to hear everything Abbie has to say about running, cycling, overcoming EDs, and crashing her motorcycle. Sit back, grab a rich person to snack on, and enjoy the episode, bitches! CW Suicidal Ideation and Disordered Eating

Megan Thee Stallion, Galileo, Clare Olson… FEBRUARY 15TH IS FOR THE HOTTIES! To celebrate Clare’s 27 years of life, Clare sits down with past guest and bad-day connaisseur, ELLA, to detail Clare’s 27 worst days in the mountains. The women cover bloody noses, eating disorders, saving tech bros in the Sierra, sledding as a full contact sport, Men Who Surface Poop, and definitively rank Ella’s brothers! Come for the bad times, stay becasue you’re stockholm syndromed! Grab a rich person, juice them, pour the juice into a champaign flute, and enjoy the episode, bitches!Liking what you’re hearing? Then don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe anywhere you get podcasts, and come join the squad on Patreon! You can get bonus episodes, happy yoga sessions, and also warm fuzzy feelings that you’re helping support the guests that come on this show! WOW DOT GOV sounds pretty great!

Clare takes a break from listening to Driver’s License on repeat and watching Fairy Teen Dramas to interview the absolutely lovely REBECCA: hiker, mama, and elections professional! Given the past months (alright, years) we’ve been having, an extended conversation about the logistics and safety precautions put in place to protect our right to vote was extremely soothing as well as informative (don't worry the title is, while technically accurate, most definitely clickbait). Grab a rich person to snack on, register your ass to vote, and enjoy the episode! Liking what you’re hearing? Then don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe anywhere you get podcasts, and come join the squad on Patreon! You can get bonus episodes, happy yoga sessions, and also warm fuzzy feelings that you’re helping support the guests that come on this show! WOW DOT GOV sounds pretty great!

Wow, have you ever wanted a FREE 2000 century Buick? Then does Clare have a hook up for you--this week’s guest, DANIELLE! The girls reminisce about sharing a terrible, one person tent during a thunderstorm, discuss how dope rocks are (very dope), and attempt to figure out WHO GREGOR IS (why does he have a calendar named after him?!). When you’re done contemplating Gregor, google porcupine caribou and continue to advocate for blocking oil bids in the arctic wildlife refuge! Clare shares some tentatively hopeful news this week regarding this topic, but there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure protection! So sit back, grab a rich person to snack on, and enjoy! Liking what you’re hearing? Then don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe anywhere you get podcasts, and come join the squad on Patreon! You can get bonus episodes, happy yoga sessions, and also warm fuzzy feelings that you’re helping support the guests that come on this show! WOW DOT GOV sounds pretty great!

Can someone tell Seattle that it is almost the SOLSTICE and we are in need of some SNOW up in this bitch (aware all the PNW natives out there will strongly disagree)?! While Clare begs for snow to no avail, the COVID vaccine that we’ve all been begging for seems to be on the horizon! In honor of this, Clare sits down with travel nurse and hiker, ALEX “BLUE” LOWING, to talk about her insider’s view on the pandemic, and what it’s like to fall in love during quarantine (to someone in Ohio--Alex’s only fault). Sit back, grab a rich person to snack on, and enjoy! Liking what you’re hearing? Then don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe anywhere you get podcasts, and come join the squad on Patreon! You can get bonus episodes, happy yoga sessions, and also warm fuzzy feelings that you’re helping support the guests that come on this show! WOW DOT GOV sounds pretty great!

Happy December! Were you hoping for a lighthearted and cheery Christmas bop? WELL you are not in luck, but from her extremely biased position as host and producer, Clare thinks you’re going to like this even more. In honor of Clare’s divorce being finalized on November 30th (on the lunar eclipse of the Beaver moon in Gemini, no less, for all you woo-woos out there), Clare sits down with the internet’s favorite traveling/writing/hiking business woman, Nicole Antoinette! The women talk about not putting off enjoying your present life for the promise of future plans, making hard--but simple, choices--and why getting married might not actually help with your taxes. Happy listening bitches! XoxoRemember to rate, review, and subscribe anywhere you get. ALSO come join the Patreon fam for dumb bonus features and you’re helping pay the amazing guests on the show! WHAT A TREAT 4 ALL INVOLVED! 

It’s almost Halloween! What are you spooky bitches going as? Clare is going to be a fake ballot box put out by the GOP because voter suppression is fucking SCARY. Speaking of scary, it is terrifying how much time Clare spent researching public transit (instead of doing her coursework) for this intro.... What is NOT scary is this episode’s guest! Chelsea is funny, smart, kind, ALL of the adjectives. The women talk about postpartum journeys, being decidedly average in the backcountry and LOVING it, and how curly hair is ~actually~ the prettiest. Listen anywhere you get podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Xoxo. Chelsea's IG: @she_colorsnatureChelsea's website: https://shecolorsnature.wpcomstaging.com/

The internet brings us so many amazing things--tiktoks, cat memes, unlimited Trevor Noah, and sometimes dope ass friends! This episode’s guest, STEPHANIE “WEEZER” LORENZ, is one of those aforementioned dope assed individuals, and she is so adorable and wise, like a little tiny fluffy owl. Get ready for light hearted and joyful talks about subjects such as addiction, death, depression, and sobbing through the Sierra (if you didn’t cry at least twice between Lone Pine and Lake Tahoe did you really even do the thing?), after a cheerful and optimistic look at the climate change policies of both Trump and Biden, and some bonus election commentary from boys on tinder. Join for Weez’s infectious giggle, stay for the insightful revelations. Xoxo, ya bitch. 

Fall is all about new beginnings so Clare tries something completely new--a solo episode! Have you ever wanted to hear in detail about Clare's period? Her (lack thereof) training plans? Her opinions on the Caster Semenya case? No? Don't blame you. But Clare made the episode anyway and you know you're going to listen. If you hate it, all blame goes to Ella for cosigning and encouraging the madness, per the usual. 

This episode gets up close and personal in ways not often addressed by other podcasts (Backcountry Bitches knows what the people want) and we're talking labia chafe, watching a man shit himself on a mountain, peeing on everything, and also the application process to become a ranger? This week's guest, PAISLEY, can handle anything--from sussing out the best vegan options in Seattle to properly directing a helicopter to land on a busy snowfield. Join the girls and find out if you have what it takes to be a park ranger! 

HEY BITCHES do you want a comprehensive guide to Caroline Calloway, done be me and dumb bitch Ella? No? WELL HERE YOU GO ANYWAY! To celebrate the launch of my patreon, I'm releasing my first bonus episode for FREE! Joine us as we tackle the enigma who is artist, influencer, and self-proclaimed "scammer," Caroline Calloway, and the many detours we take on the way (including a long rant about Cosplay). Want to join the Patreon Fam and get access to bonus content such as this every month while supporting the fabulous guests of the podcast? Come find me! I can't wait to see you there!Clare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsPodcast Patreon: Backcountry BitchesElla's IG: @redridinghoodellaElla's Blog: Rambling RedCaroline's IG: @carolinecalloway

 Do you know what the PCTA and John Muir both have in common? They’re great at conservation, but suck at being anti-racist. Clare does a fun little dive into the problematic history of white environmentalists in America, and how it impacts today’s current “keep politics out of the outdoors” culture. Then, Clare chats it up with NADIA WESTENBURG. Nadia has lived in the Arctic on a sled dog farm. Nadia is a Hot Art History Girl ™. Nadia got to (legally) run around Yosemite during lockdown (lucky bitch). Nadia enjoys a good moose convo as much as Clare. So sit back, grab a rich person to snack on, and listen up, bitches! Xoxo. Clare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsNadia's IG: @na_diagramDirtbloc IG: @dirtbloc

WELCOME TO SEASON TWO, BAYBEE! Let's dive right in with some easy, light stuff and talk about... disordered eating! Clare does some research into diet culture's roots in white supremacy, and reads Kai Lightner's beautifully written essay about his own experience with disordered eating because of the "smaller-climbs-taller" culture of competitive climbing. Then, Clare sits down with climber, hiker, cyclist, and professional mumbler MIA HAYASHI. The girls discuss how Chris Harrison could improve the general election, the best body parts of the rich to eat, and share their own experiences struggling with disordered eating and maintaining a healthy relationship to food, while still performing athletically. Happy listening, bitches! Xoxo. Clare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsMia's IG: @isabitasian

Hi let's chat about how racial politics affect all spaces, including the outdoors! While we're at it, let's discuss how cool anti-racist teenagers with chainsaws are. Neither of these things are up for debate! Now that's cleared up, get ready to be soothed and wowed by the incredible WILL "AKUNA" ROBINSON. He's so chill and authentic, he practically finished the triple crown of hiking before realizing he was the first black man to complete this achievement. Will and Clare chat about how even the clouty-est of influencers are getting had, the racial bias rampant in the outdoor industry, and how to be a good long distance boyfriend during quarantine. As Will is the first dude on the pod, make sure to give him a warm welcome to the backcountry bitch community by giving 'er a listen. Happy listening and learning, bitches! XoxoPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsClare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildWill's IG: @akunahikes

Hi hi hi, who’s mad as hell and wants to abolish the police? Clare starts the podcast talking about her own attempts at having hard discussions with other white people about the looting and riots going on, and shares some tips from Melanin Base Camp’s writer Danielle Williams about how to be an ally in the outdoors. Then, Clare fan girls for 45 minutes over the incredible New Mexico Representative Angelica Rubio. From grassroots organizing in LA to riding her bicycle to Sante Fe in solidarity with rural communities, Angelica is truly who we all aspire to grow up to be. Most exciting, Angelica shares about her work creating the country’s first ever Outdoor Equity Fund to support organizations and groups focused on getting youth of color out in the backcountry. You can apply to have your organization funded here!Happy listening and learning, bitches! XoxoAngelica's IG: @roguerubioClare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchs

Do you know what has (unfortunately) nothing to do with the backcountry? Teaching! But both are crumbling under the pressures of individualistic capitalist American society, so Clare puts on her teaching hat for a second to do some light ranting about no profession should be labeled as superhuman. She then sits down with the closest-to-super-human (or at least #goals) climber, educator, and mama, RYANN PEVERLEY! She cooks the bougiest backcountry meals, goes on badass ice climbing dates, and is currently training to get her single pitch guiding license, all while raising 4 beautiful, well-adjusted children! Is there anything she cannot do? Absolutely, she doesn't know how to look bad in pictures like the rest of us...Happy listening and learning, bitches! Love you! xoxo

Whose ready to get the heck out of the house and run for the hills?! SAME but before you run for the hills, consider whose land you will be running to! Clare discusses this while looking at new COVID-19 data coming out of the Navajo Nation. Then, Clare and the incomparable JULIE MCCLOSKEY sit down and talk about how to treat your body like the priceless masterpiece it is, and the logistics of impulsively moving to Wyoming. Come listen for a wild ride! Love you! XoxoSocial Media: Clare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsJulie's IG: @_wildandwellWild & Well Coaching and Consults: http://wildandwell.fit/

This is truly a stupid, confusing time to be alive, so there is no time like the present to discuss the stupid, confusing sport of ultra running! After looking at the stupid patterns of ultra runners around the world during lockdown, Clare sits down with the dumbest of them all, ELLA RAFF, to discuss all things ultra running: DNFing (did not finishing), getting stalked by cougars, and celebrating suffering as an essential truth of life. Happy listening, bitches! Love youuuuu XoxoElla's IG: @redridinghoodellaElla's blog: Rambling RedClare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchs

Do you know what's really cool and sexy and shows what an outdoor advocate and regulation hottie you are? STAYING HOME! Just do it. Pinky promise, this episode will sound just as good from the comfort of your home or on a nice little socially-distant walk in your neighborhood as it would in the Sierra! You know who also is staying home right now? This episode's guest, AYESHA aka HEAPS! We talk falling in love on trail, falling out of love off trail, what it's like to third wheel for 1,000 miles, and how Saturn fucked up Ayesha's life for the better. Come hang out with us! You literally have nothing else to do right now so you might as well...xoxo love youuuu bitchesAyesha's IG: @wilderboundClare's IG: @miss.clare.in.the.wildPodcast IG: @backcountrybtchsPodcast email: backcountrybtchs@gmail.com