Finding Our Way - Diverse Outdoor Voices

In this one we sit down with Steph Wetherell, co-founder of Every Body Outdoors, a group campaigning for better representation, clothing and gear for larger and plus-sized bodies in the UK outdoors. We talk about sizest attitudes, why seeing plus size people represented by brands and media is so important, and how clothes and kit can be more inclusive. And the unexpected joy of finding your ‘tribe’. How Steph got into hiking, and didn’t know bodies like hers could do it The barriers for plus size people  Why she feels like she represents plus size people every time she goes out Why brands and media should diversify the bodies they feature  The problems with outdoor clothing size and cut for plus sizes. Trousers, bellies and baggy legs! Not having waterproofs that fit and how that changes your experience and plans in the hills The potential market for curve-friendly outdoor clothing and equipment Quick fixes - size charts, pictures, shops Skills courses for plus size people. Pace, confidence, no judgement Finding her tribe  Falling in love with her body because of what it can do Future plans for Every Body Outdoors  A response from Berghaus product team! Show notes and full transcript available at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/ Follow Every Body Outdoors on social - @Every_Body_Outdoors Facebook group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/everybodyoutdoors/

In this one we sit down with international paraclimber Anoushé Husain. She co-founded the group Paraclimbing London, competes internationally for the Luxembourg team, and recently became a Guinness World Record holder for the furthest distance climbed one-handed in one hour. She’s also a celebrated public speaker, an ambassador for Ehlers-Danlos Support, and Ambassador for Limb Power UK who work with amputees and people with limb difference. She’s also a practicing muslim and is married to paraclimber Kenneth Ellacott – we talk about that too!  How social justice and climbing come together for Anoushé Discovering the paraclimbing community Do’s and Don’t’s for non-disabled climbers  How climbing helps Anoushé manage her pain  Meeting (and marrying) paraclimber Ken Ellacott Being Muslim Becoming a Guinness World Record Holder Training for the challenge & mastering a different climbing technique Coping with Covid lockdowns and a cancer scare What Anoushé ate for breakfast on her Guinness World Record attempt day The mental strength it’s given her and the appeal of endurance challenges – an extreme way of finding normality Being called ‘Inspirational’ What’s next for Anoushé – training, and extending the paraclimbing community to Luxembourg Show notes and full transcript available at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/ Follow Anoushé on social - https://www.instagram.com/anoushehusain/ https://anoushehusain.com/ 

Content information: In this episode, Richard talks about his young son dying from cancer, and the impact of that traumatic experience on his mental health. He also describes how climbing has helped him recover and manage PTSD. Child Bereavement UK provides support for children, parents and families dealing with bereavement. They have a helpline 0800 02 888 40 or go to their website https://www.childbereavementuk.org/  If you need to talk to someone, you can call Samaritans any time day or night on 116 123.  In this one we sit down with climber and mountaineer Richard Chapman, who’s changing the way trauma is treated in mainstream healthcare. He has lived experience of trauma and PTSD, and says climbing outdoors helped him recover. He’s now helping develop NHS trials of ‘social prescribing’, where patients are offered non-medical, community-based interventions – including climbing – as a pathway to recovery and hope. Being introduced to the mountains by his Dad Richard losing his young son to cancer in 1998, at the age of 14 months The dangers of telling people about losing a child, the intensity of the emotions and the negative impact on Richard’s mental health Getting a diagnosis of PTSD and why grief counselling didn’t work The physical, psychological and emotional benefits of climbing outdoors The power of Nature Connection The neurological basis of trauma The reality of being ‘triggered’ Emotional agility and activities that can help you experience powerful emotions safely Yoga, singing, theatre…and climbing? Richard’s seven principles of why climbing is so therapeutic How this work has changed how Richard climbs – the appeal of the aesthetic line & scrambling Managing risk for people who are vulnerable What is social prescribing, why we need it, where it’s being rolled out Completing the NHS Peer Leadership Development Programme How this is a story of recovery, hope and being defined not just by what happened to you, but by what could happen next. Show notes and full transcript available at www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-rich-chapman-grief Follow Richard on twitter - @elchipmeister @climbingmatters

In this one we sit down with climbers Marie Uri and Yasmin Lazarus from United We Climb. Their group is committed to creating new opportunities and experiences designed specifically for – and with – people who are currently underserved and underrepresented in climbing and the outdoors. This includes paraclimbers, neurodiverse people and people of colour. United We Climb also work with climbing businesses to help them recognise and remove barriers to inclusive access. Marie and Yasmin on their first experiences of climbing Being the only black woman on a club meet and being stared at Experiences of beta-spraying at the crag United We Climb, a JEDI organisation: justice, equality, diversity and inclusion Empowering the climbing industry to be more representative and to make climbing more accessible A partnership needs to be more that just one project, it must be sustainable Research being conducted by United We Climb to develop training for climbing walls Building networks and why community groups are necessary If you want to have more diversity, don't wait for the diversity to come to you. Go to them Simple actions that promote inclusivity The Disability Price Tag Checking your privilege What’s next for United We Climb Show notes and full transcript available at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-united-we-climb Follow United We Climb on social - @unitedweclimb https://unitedweclimb.com/

In this one we sit down with National Geographic explorer Dwayne Fields to talk about giving young people chance to shine, helping urban communities connect with the wild, advice for allies and how to respect the outdoors. Growing up in Jamaica and the traumatic transition to life in London How Scouts gave him freedom to be himself Training in UK mountain environments The special magic of challenging yourself in the outdoors Overcoming the fear of going into wild places for the first time Experiencing inner city gang violence – being robbed, stabbed and an attempted shooting Discovering the outdoors as a way to be his real self Being the first black Briton to walk to the North Pole, and what that was like Why outdoor and adventure communities aren’t representative, and what needs to change The We Two Foundation and giving underprivileged youngsters a chance The Scouts and the Agoonoree Camp for Scouts with special needs How to be an ally to improve diversity in the outdoors Leave No Trace and wild camping What’s next for Dwayne Show notes and full transcript available at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-dwayne-fields-on-urban-britain-nature-connection Follow Dwayne on social - @dwayne_fields, @teamwetwo, www.dwayne-fields.com

In this one we sit down with legendary adventure climber Leo Houlding and adaptive adventurer Ed Jackson – both Berghaus ambassadors - to talk wild places and wild people, rebuilding your life after spinal cord injury and the wonderstuff of climbing with new friends. The impact of Ed’s spinal cord injuries and how he got into climbing mountains Motivation during rehab and the pressure to be a ‘hero’ Falling over and pushing your comfort zone How Leo chooses new people to climb with Being a beginner again Their adventures together on Scafell Pike, and tackling the Weissmeis, Allalinhorn & Aiguille Dibona in the Alps Adapting kit to address Ed’s specific physical needs, and how Berghaus Adapts helps others too Leo’s advice on using fear to supercharge your climbing Leo’s experiences using new techniques to climb with his family Ed’s charity Millimetres to Mountains, supporting people to recover from physical or psychological trauma and get excited about their future again. What’s next for Leo and Ed Show notes and full transcript available at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-leo-houlding-and-ed-jackson Follow Ed and Leo on social - @EdJackson8 @Leo_Houlding @millimetres2mountains https://www.millimetres2mountains.org/

In this one we explore the stigma of mental illness, what exactly Mental Health First Aid is, and the importance of expedition leaders who can support mental health as well as deal with broken legs and snake bites. Stu Skinner is an experienced expedition leader, mental health first aid provider and the founder of the charity Changing Horizons. He wants us to normalise conversations about mental health, break the taboo of suicide and is passionate about the mental health benefits of outdoor activity. Content information: In our conversation, Stu talks about experiencing mental health challenges including suicidal thoughts and attempting suicide. He also explains he lost a friend to suicide. There are no details about the events. Stu also talks about recovery, hope and the importance of talking to each other and breaking down stigma. Show notes and full transcript available at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast Find Stu on Instagram @OfTalesOnTrails and his charity at www.ChangingHorizons.org If you need to talk to someone, call Samaritans on 116 123 for free, at any time. You can also find help at www.samaritans.org For further information or support in relation to issues raised in this episode, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/ https://www.mind.org.uk For further information about Mountain Training’s courses including Hill & Mountain Skills and the Mountain Leader qualification, please visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/. For information on funding available to support course attendance visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/help/resources/bursaries-for-our-qualifications. Finding Our Way is sponsored by Berghaus, and hosted by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone. The cover artwork was designed by Neil Arch. Get involved with the conversation – share your thoughts on @teamBMC on instagram and twitter with the hashtag #FindingOurWay.

In this one we get some good views and good vibes with founder of outdoor network Steppers UK, Cherelle Harding. We hear how the music of Bob Marley brought her a new appreciation of nature, why outdoor upskilling is key to making change stick, and what needs to be done to improve nature connection in urban areas. Cherelle is the founder of Steppers UK, a community group based in the Midlands, focused on encouraging more people from under-represented backgrounds into outdoor activities including walking.  In this episode of Finding Our Way, Cherelle, a young woman of Black Caribbean ethnicity talks about racism, feeling safe in the countryside and her work to improve the representation and confidence of people from black, Asian and other minority ethnic communities, as well as barriers for people living in urban areas.  Show notes and full transcript available at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-cherelle-harding Find Steppers UK on Instagram @Steppers_UK  For further information or support in relation to issues raised in this episode, please visit: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/discrimination-because-of-race-religion-or-belief/ For further information about Mountain Training’s courses including Hill & Mountain Skills and the Mountain Leader qualification, please visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/. For information on funding available to support course attendance visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/help/resources/bursaries-for-our-qualifications. Finding Our Way is supported by Berghaus, and hosted by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone. The cover artwork was designed by Neil Arch. Get involved with the conversation – share your thoughts on @teamBMC on instagram and twitter with the hashtag #FindingOurWay.

In this one we talk about how to make clubs more inclusive, the joy of maps, getting qualified as an outdoor leader and how a supportive community with common interests can build confidence, skills and a lifetime of outdoor connection. Rob Mitchell is a mountain leader for Outdoor Lads, a UK-wide community who run a range of sociable outdoor activities for gay, bi and trans guys. In this episode of Finding Our Way Rob, a gay man, talks about discrimination linked to homophobia. He also talks about the importance of a supportive community to help individuals deal with stress and life challenges.  Show notes and full transcript available at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-rob-mitchell Follow Outdoor Lads on Instagram @OutdoorLads and at www.outdoorlads.com For further information or support in relation to issues raised in this episode, please visit: https://www.stonewall.org.uk For further information about Mountain Training’s courses including Hill & Mountain Skills and the Mountain Leader qualification, please visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/. For information on funding available to support course attendance visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/help/resources/bursaries-for-our-qualifications. Finding Our Way is sponsored by Berghaus, and hosted by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone. The cover artwork was designed by Neil Arch. Get involved with the conversation – share your thoughts on @teamBMC on instagram and twitter with the hashtag #FindingOurWay.

In this one we head to the high mountains to discuss the Death Zone, climbing – and falling – on Everest, attempting K2, inspiring non-climbers, and the pressure and dangers of dropping weight to climb harder. Bonita Norris has summited three of the world's 8000m peaks and retains the record as the youngest British woman to climb both Everest and reach the North Pole. She's also written candidly about suffering from bulimia as a teenager. In this episode of Finding Our Way Bonita talks about eating disorders, eating habits and body image amongst climbers. She also describes falling and getting injured on Everest.  Show notes and full transcript available at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-bonita-norris  Follow Bonita on Instagram @BonitaNorris http://www.bonita-norris.com For further information or support in relation to issues raised in this episode, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/eating-disorders/overview/ https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk Finding Our Way is supported by Berghaus, and hosted by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone. The cover artwork was designed by Neil Arch. Get involved with the conversation – share your thoughts on @teamBMC on instagram and twitter with the hashtag #FindingOurWay.

In this one we sit down with Glasgow-based photographer and filmmaker Euan Ryan to talk getting hit by rocks, why climbing is a strange sport full of brilliant people, mental health journeys, chronic illness, hidden disabilities and the taboo of ‘poo issues’. Euan has documented para-climbers on the Eiger, climbing with autism, and the mental healing that climbing can offer in his most recent film, ‘We Need to Talk About Kev’. He also suffers from Crohn's disease, a painful and sometimes debilitating inflammatory bowel condition.  In this episode of Finding Our Way, Euan, who suffers from Crohn’s Disease, talks about his chronic illness, managing a diagnosis and treatment.  Show notes and full transcript available at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-euan-ryan Follow Euan on Instagram @FinalCruxFilms & watch his films https://vimeo.com/finalcruxfilms https://www.finalcruxfilms.com For further information or support in relation to issues raised in this episode, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/crohns-disease  https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk https://www.noteverydisabilityisvisible.org.uk Finding Our Way is supported by Berghaus, and hosted by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone. The cover artwork was designed by Neil Arch. Get involved with the conversation – share your thoughts on @TeamBMC on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #FindingOurWay.

In this one we talk about the importance of decent kit, being paid to do cool stuff, the problem with the term ‘BAME’ and why building relationships with the whole community matters with outdoor instructor and community mentor Rehna Yaseen. She discovered a passion for outdoor activities in her teens and now helps other young people find their own passion for the ‘great outdoors’ as the leader of the Ashton Youth Club in Greater Manchester.  In this episode of Finding Our Way, Rehna, a young Muslim woman from a British Pakistani community, talks about inequalities linked to gender and ethnic minority communities. She describes some of the pressures that women from South Asian communities can feel.  Show notes and full transcript available at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-rehna-yaseen Follow Rehna on Instagram @outdoors_with_rehna https://www.lindleyeducationaltrust.org/social-investment/ For further information or support in relation to issues raised in this episode, please visit: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/discrimination-because-of-race-religion-or-belief/ For further information about Mountain Training’s courses including Hill & Mountain Skills and the Mountain Leader qualification, please visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/. For information on funding available to support course attendance visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/help/resources/bursaries-for-our-qualifications. Finding Our Way is supported by Berghaus, and hosted by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone. The cover artwork was designed by Neil Arch. Get involved with the conversation – share your thoughts on @TeamBMC on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #FindingOurWay.

The power of the outdoors can be transformative. Connecting with new experiences and like-minded people through walking, climbing and mountaineering creates powerful communities and lifelong memories.  We want to diversify the people we normally hear talking about the outdoors, celebrate their stories, shine a light on their insights, and create a place for discussion, inclusion and practical advice. So welcome to Finding Our Way, a podcast that aims to be thought-provoking, upbeat and entertaining. Finding Our Way is brought to you by the British Mountaineering Council and proudly supported by Berghaus. It’s hosted and produced by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone. The artwork is by Neil Arch. Season 1 launches on 22nd September 2021 – follow now on your podcast app so you don’t miss an episode. Get involved with the conversation – share your thoughts on @team_BMC on Twitter and @teamBMC on Instagram with the hashtag #FindingOurWay.