Roam from Home

In this episode, one of the best rock climbers of all-time, Sasha Digiulian, sits down to talk with Cory and I about her life, her career, and Adventure with Purpose. Sasha shares how she strives to find harmony and has rolled with the punches during her career - and at this challenging time. At 27 years old she has already had a decade-plus long career in climbing and adventure. The conversation covers her storied career and what she’s up to now while quarantined and recovering from major surgery. She dives into what it’s like to try and balance an athletic career with life, education, relationships, travel, and how she has learned to both confront and shut out the noise of social media.  She describes the power of commitment, discovering “just being” and struggling with the question of “does everything happen for a reason,” while she has been dealing with post-surgery recovery, the death of a friend, and quarantine. Sasha drops some real pearls in this conversation. It’s a great one for all of those who are looking for a dive into the concept of Adventure with Purpose and tools for confronting the unavoidable challenges life has in store. -CJ How to navigate the hard choices of career balance Coping with multiple hard things at once: injury and surgery and the death of a friend Does everything happen for a reason? Why are these bad things happening? The bigger the career the smaller the core circle is her bedrock How she has become “more calloused” over the years to criticism Confronting body-shaming online The reality of the polish of social media versus Waking up and wondering “what is my purpose” in the age of COVID Discovering stillness Applying the concept of purpose to daily habits - knowing the focus Her ambition to write a book and her writing habits now (she studied writing at Columbia) How she and the ROAM community are evolving away from travel as part of identity and the new lifestyle The concept of “you are the collective sum of the 5 people you spend time with” and why it’s important to spend time with positive people

Note: This Episode was originally released on March 20, 2020 Joining the podcast from his home in Jackson, WY, Jimmy Chin sits down with CJ and Cory to discuss origins, family, loss, risk, community, creative inspirations, the need for wild places and how it is that he is able to make the people around him feel so good. Maya Angelou said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” In the world of Adventure, no one has demonstrated, with more success,  the ability to move beyond sharing stories of peak action and platitudes to storytelling that makes people feel, like Jimmy Chin. His photography and films Meru and Free Solo have made millions feel inspired, hopeful and transformed into new perspectives on what is possible. On a personal level, those who know him and work with him, will tell you the same thing. Jimmy is a photographer, Academy Award-winning filmmaker, and mountain sports athlete known for his ability to capture extraordinary imagery while climbing and skiing in extremely high-risk environments. He began his professional career in 1999, and his talents were quickly recognized by top expedition leaders and outdoor brands. In 2002, he secured a breakthrough assignment to be the cinematographer for a high-profile National Geographic–sponsored trek across Tibet’s Chang Tang Plateau. In 2006, he was part of the first American team to ski off the summit of Mount Everest. His film Free Solo, which he co-directed with his partner and wife E. Chai Vasarhelyi, won an Oscar for Best Documentary Film in 2019. A longtime member of The North Face Athlete Team, he has joined dozens of exploratory expeditions and completed first ascents around the globe, working with the best adventure athletes in the world. He lives in New York City and Jackson, Wyoming. This is an extraordinary conversation with a special person. We drill down with Jimmy into his origins. His childhood and family experience and how they shaped him into the man he is today. Why he still rushes to get his work done so he can run out the door and get into the mountains like a kid finishing his homework. How the wilderness has shaped him. We talk about his mentors, his identity as a climber even in the midst of the Hollywood shuffle  his Oscar-winning campaign for Free Solo, the moments of gratitude and clarity in peak moments, his priorities, how he measures taking risks as a father “I truly believe that the intention of creating  positive change is so important to the collective consciousness. When you have a group of people who have the intention, capacity, intelligence and talent to actualize those intentions,  then you have something really powerful.” - Jimmy Chin Thanks for listening, Chris Jerard Founder - ROAM

This week, Harvard Psychology Professor, Dr. Josh Greene joins us and guest co-host Rebecca Rusch to give us a lesson in moral cognition and effective altruism. What motivates people to do good? How have the greatest impact in our charitable giving? What makes an effective non-profit? His work answers these questions and more. He also talk about his latest project, The Giving Multiplier, which helps us make wiser, more impactful donations. Giving Multiplier: https://givingmultiplier.org/ Be Good Foundation: https://www.rebeccarusch.com/be-good-foundation This season is sponsored by the Adventure Activist (@TheAdventureActivist) and Roam Academy (@Roam). Theme music by Greta Van Fleet.

“Once you have 10% of the population activated… the truth is really hard to stop,” says Louie Psihoyos, renowned photographer, Oscar-winning  filmmaker (The Cove), and ocean conservationist on the impact of activism through storytelling. He joins Terry and Cory to talk about his unique career-- which combines documentary filmmaking, activism, and espionage; what's at stake with our poor treatment of underwater life; and the connection between world agriculture and COVID-19. Support the work of the Oceanic Preservation Society: https://www.opsociety.org/take-action/ This season is sponsored by the Adventure Activist (@TheAdventureActivist) and Roam Academy (@Roam). Theme music by Greta Van Fleet.

This week, 'freshwater hero,' acclaimed photographer, and creator of the Disney+ documentary 'Into the Canyon, Pete McBride, and Josh Jesperson, fellow river conservationist and creator of the upcoming film, the Animas Project, join us to discuss conservation, abandoning ego, and how we can help fight back against the greatest threats to our water systems today. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.  'Into the Canyon' is available now on Disney+. Look out for Animas Project mid-July. To support Pete and Josh's work, visit: https://www.voag.org https://www.facebook.com/missionmemorialday https://petemcbride.com This season is sponsored by the Adventure Activist (@TheAdventureActivist) and Roam Academy (@Roam). Theme music by Greta Van Fleet.

Special guest co-host Conrad Anker joins us this week to speak with Chad Brown, founder of Soul River. After his doctor prescribed fly fishing as a method to heal PTSD, Chad wanted to bring that same healing to other veterans and inner-city youth. Beyond individual healing, he now also works to raise awareness about issues facing BIPOC in adventuring, advocate for mental health, build safe spaces in nature, and dismantle racism in the outdoors. Soul River: https://soulriverinc.org/ Love is King: https://loveisking.org/ This season is sponsored by the Adventure Activist (@TheAdventureActivist) and Roam Academy (@Roam). Theme music by Greta Van Fleet.

Chris Rainier is one of the most acclaimed photographers of our time. He has dedicated his career to photographing traditional cultures around the world. As a storyteller deeply connected to the emotions of his subjects and the places he visits, he uses his craft to aid in the empowerment of indigenous peoples on their own terms. On this episode, he shares lessons he's learned on the road, advice for responsible storytelling, and a million other wisdoms.  Get involved with Chris's work: https://culturalsanctuaries.org/ This season is sponsored by the Adventure Activist (@TheAdventureActivist) and Roam Academy (@Roam). Theme music by Greta Van Fleet.

Mario Rigby is an eco-explorer known for traveling the length of Africa by foot and kayak. He joined us on Roam from Home to discuss the importance of inclusion in conservation and what he learned from the communities he spent time with in Africa about being a more responsible world citizen. He also talks about his upcoming trip, The Caicos Challenge, which will raise money and awareness for the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund through. You can join virtually for runs, swims, bike rides, and other challenges to help preserve and protect the environment of the islands. Join Mario's Caicos Challenge: http://www.mariorigby.com/caicoschallenge.html This season is sponsored by the Adventure Activist (@TheAdventureActivist) and Roam Academy (@Roam). Theme music by Greta Van Fleet.

Melissa Arnot is probably best known as the first American woman to summit and descend Everest without supplemental oxygen (she's summited six times in total). In 2012, the death of a fellow mountain guide and friend revealed a problem to her: the loss of a Himalayan high-altitude worker often means the loss of the main source of income for that person's family. This realization inspired her and David Morton to found The Juniper Fund, which has now provided cost of living grants, vocational training, and small business grants to 48 families. On this episode, she teaches us about creating valuable change, accepting visceral uncomfortability, and fighting against the 'American view' of philanthropy. You can support The Juniper Fund and help us reach our goal of donating $5,000 by following the link below. Plus, if you donate $100 or more you get a Roam Academy membership on us! https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/3197520 This season is sponsored by the Adventure Activist (@TheAdventureActivist) and Roam Academy (@Roam). Theme music by Greta Van Fleet.

Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Daniel is a fourth generation runner using her platform to raise awareness and help solve the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women. On this week's episode of Roam from Home, she tells the story of how she turned the practice of running into a force for good in her community, brings up frightening statistics about the effects of white supremacy on native populations, and explains how you can help her make a difference.  This season is sponsored by the Adventure Activist (@TheAdventureActivist) and Roam Academy (@Roam). Get involved with Jordan's work @Rising_Hearts and risinghearts.org Theme music by Greta Van Fleet.

Season 2 Preview - National Geographic Photographer and Alpinist Cory Richards joins CJ and Terry to kick off our effective altruism season of Roam from Home. We discuss turning the solo act of climbing into a way to connect with the world, the power of photography in promoting activism, and what he’s learned from talking openly about his struggles with mental health.  Note: this episode was recorded from a live interview on Clubhouse. Audio quality may be lower than usual. This season is sponsored by The Adventure Activist and Roam Academy. Follow us: @Roam & @TheAdventureActivist

Roam From Home Ep. 24 with Vasu Sojitra Welcome back to the Rome Podcast, the podcast where we talk about Adventure and Purpose with some of the most iconic and interesting folks in the outdoor and adventure space. Trying to get into conversations that maybe haven't been heard before, some insights and different sides of people. Myself and Cory Richards, alpinist, natgeo photographer, and King of the conversation do this every week. So thanks for being here this week with our very special guest Vasu, Sojitra. "The way I view sport is that it's, it's a healing process for everyone. It's a way to connect to the outdoors. It's a way to connect to our natural world or other than human beings as well as each other, to feel a sense of community. And that was that moment. And that's what created like this more motivation to drift away from mechanical engineering, which was the path I was kind of going for with schooling and everything and move more towards adaptive sports. It started building this empathy of like, oh, like, this is what it's about. It's about building community. It's about the love of the feeling that we get that sense of freedom that we usually don't feel day to day because we live in such an aimless world. Because of these power struggles and power dynamics. It's causing a lot of inequities that are happening in this world, and it's causing more and more wealth and more and more privilege to be detrimental to a lot of those oppressed communities." - Vasu Sojitra Roam Media Inc.

Roam From Home Ep. 23 with Vasu Sojitra Welcome back to the Rome Podcast, the podcast where we talk about Adventure and Purpose with some of the most iconic and interesting folks in the outdoor and adventure space. Trying to get into conversations that maybe haven't been heard before, some insights and different sides of people. Myself and Cory Richards, alpinist, natgeo photographer, and King of the conversation do this every week. So thanks for being here this week with our very special guest Vasu, Sojitra. "The way I view sport is that it's, it's a healing process for everyone. It's a way to connect to the outdoors. It's a way to connect to our natural world or other than human beings as well as each other, to feel a sense of community. And that was that moment. And that's what created like this more motivation to drift away from mechanical engineering, which was the path I was kind of going for with schooling and everything and move more towards adaptive sports. It started building this empathy of like, oh, like, this is what it's about. It's about building community. It's about the love of the feeling that we get that sense of freedom that we usually don't feel day to day because we live in such an aimless world. Because of these power struggles and power dynamics. It's causing a lot of inequities that are happening in this world, and it's causing more and more wealth and more and more privilege to be detrimental to a lot of those oppressed communities." - Vasu Sojitra Have trouble hearing? Head over to Roammedia.com for transcribed versions of our podcast. 

We flipped the script and Wyn asked our hosts the hard questions. Let us know what you think by leaving a comment or review! Continuation of Roam From Home Ep.21 with Wyn Wiley AKA Pattie Gonia In this episode of the Roam Podcast, Cory and CJ get together with Wyn Wiley Aka Pattie Gonia to have an in-depth conversation around "queer" in the outdoors and industry. ⁠ We take a look at what worked for Wyn, how Pattie was born, and how we can change the outdoor space for the better.⁠ Wyn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynwileyphoto/?hl=en Pattie Gonia's: https://www.instagram.com/pattiegonia/?hl=en Pattie Gonia Events and Updates: https://mailchi.mp/a01f31450d7d/pattie-gonia Wyn's Photo Portfolio/Website: http://www.wynwileyphotoblog.com/ Roammedia.com for more.

Roam From Home Ep.21 with Wyn Wiley AKA Pattie Gonia In this episode of the Roam Podcast, Cory and CJ get together with Wyn Wiley Aka Pattie Gonia to have an in-depth conversation around "queer" in the outdoors and industry. ⁠ We take a look at what worked for Wyn, how Pattie was born, and how we can change the outdoor space for the better.⁠ Wyn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wynwileyphoto/?hl=en Pattie Gonia's: https://www.instagram.com/pattiegonia/?hl=en Pattie Gonia Events and Updates: https://mailchi.mp/a01f31450d7d/pattie-gonia Wyn's Photo Portfolio/Website: http://www.wynwileyphotoblog.com/ Roammedia.com for more. 

Dr. Shirley Whittaker and Taylor Rees: Ashes to Ashes Warning: There are graphic descriptions of lynchings and hate crime violence in this episode. Apology: We had some audio issues with Dr. Whittaker’s connection and throughout the interview, there are slight disruptions that are distracting. In the era of social distancing, we accept these production flaws as the price of creating content; however, we apologize for the lower quality. In this episode of the ROAM Podcast CJ and Cory have a conversation with Dr. Shirley Jackson Whittaker and filmmaker Taylor Rees about their film Ashes to Ashes. Directed by Taylor and inspired and created by the artist and medical doctor Whittaker, this film is a must-see. The episode’s conversation is important, emotional, and poignant. It’s about American History. It’s about deep trauma and the reality and brutality of lynching. We talk about the importance of acknowledgment when it comes to this long chapter of American History. Ashes to Ashes [https://vimeo.com/438017944] is the film created and inspired by Dr. Shirley Jackson Whittaker and directed by Taylor Rees. We spend much of the conversation talking about the film’s subject matter. This film is a must-see. It is an expertly crafted emotional body blow. It is eye-opening. It is powerful. It is important. Ashes to Ashes showcases the undeniable history of violence against Black Americans in a beautifully crafted documentation of the tragic reality and history of lynchings in America. The main character, the 74-year-old artist Winfred Rembert, was himself a victim of a lynching 1960s. The events leading to this brutal act of violence and the lifetime of trauma that resulted is brought to life by the filmmakers in an expert way. Dr. Whittaker, inspired by the African proverb, “Speak my name and I live forever, decided speaking aloud the names of the victims of lynching, most of whom did not receive proper services or funerals because of violent racial prejudice, held a service in 2016 to honor those who died at the hands of these vicious hate crimes. The film documents this heart-wrenching service with delicate and powerful elegance. It is impossible to make it through the film without being moved emotionally. Email for letters to Mr. Winfred Rembert: ashes2ashesfilm@gmail.com References: The Film: Ashes to Ashes Taylor Rees Dr. Shirley Jackson Whittaker Winfred Rembert  Ashes2Ashes Website (http://ashes2ashes4ever.com/)

Roam From Home Ep.19 with Andy Mann Following Passion and Finding Purpose “My client is the Ocean.” Having worked on all 7 continents, Andy’s imagery is remarkably memorable, reminding us how the emotion of an image can touch our spirit. He is an Emmy-nominated Director, 3 time Telly-Award Winner, National Geographic Photographer & marine conservationist whose imagery is helping tell the story of our rapidly changing planet. In 2013 his work alongside Pristine Seas was awarded the Crystal Compass Award from the Royal Geographic Society for the storytelling that led to the designation of the world largest Arctic National Park in Franz Josef Land, Russia. In 2015 Andy directed the first Oceano Azul Foundation expedition to Azores leading to the declaration of 150,000 square kilometers of new Marine Protected Areas in the Azorean Sea. In 2017 he co-directed the award-winning National Geographic / Sea Legacy expedition to Antarctica, presenting the final work at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Buenos Aires, Chile. Often best known for his shark work, Andy has worked tirelessly with the critically endangered oceanic whitetip shark, creating Google Expedition's first shark-tagging 360 VR classroom lesson plan and is working closely with NOAA on the recovery plan for the species. In 2019 he began his most ambitious project yet, the protection of Timor Leste's pristine coral reefs. Andy became a founding member of the Sea Legacy Collective in 2016 and Senior Fellow in 2019. Andy is also a public speaker, touring nationwide with National Geographic Live! and continues to work with students and classrooms around the world to inspire the next generation of ocean ambassadors. Andy is also the co-founder and director at 3 Strings Productions, the commercial and documentary film studio in Boulder, CO and works with clients such as Red Bull, Toyota, The North Face, National Geographic and more. He also a founding member of the Sea Legacy Collective and senior fellow with Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier. Follow Andy on Instagram: Andy’s website  Notes: The SInk where Andy worked as a cook when he got his first photo job over the phone 3 Strings Production the company Andy founded with Keith Ladzinski and Cory Richards Sea Legacy Why Field Biologists are Andy’s heroes His efforts to educate and empower

Episode 18 Sasha Digiuilan Navigating Change In this episode, one of the best rock climbers of all-time, Sasha Digiulian, sits down to talk with Cory and I about her life, her career, and Adventure with Purpose. Sasha shares how she strives to find harmony and has rolled with the punches during her career - and at this challenging time. At 27 years old she has already had a decade-plus long career in climbing and adventure. The conversation covers her storied career and what she’s up to now while quarantined and recovering from major surgery. She dives into what it’s like to try and balance an athletic career with life, education, relationships, travel, and how she has learned to both confront and shut out the noise of social media.  She describes the power of commitment, discovering “just being” and struggling with the question of “does everything happen for a reason,” while she has been dealing with post-surgery recovery, the death of a friend, and quarantine. Sasha drops some real pearls in this conversation. It’s a great one for all of those who are looking for a dive into the concept of Adventure with Purpose and tools for confronting the unavoidable challenges life has in store. -CJ How to navigate the hard choices of career balance Coping with multiple hard things at once: injury and surgery and the death of a friend Does everything happen for a reason? Why are these bad things happening? The bigger the career the smaller the core circle is her bedrock How she has become “more calloused” over the years to criticism Confronting body-shaming online The reality of the polish of social media versus Waking up and wondering “what is my purpose” in the age of COVID Discovering stillness Applying the concept of purpose to daily habits - knowing the focus Her ambition to write a book and her writing habits now (she studied writing at Columbia) How she and the ROAM community are evolving away from travel as part of identity and the new lifestyle The concept of “you are the collective sum of the 5 people you spend time with” and why it’s important to spend time with positive people http://sashadigiulian.com/ https://instagram.com/sashadigiulian https://facebook.com/sashadigiulian

Episode 17 Rebecca Rusch In this episode Rebecca takes Cory and CJ on the journey from being a homeless climber to finding where she belongs, “a place where I could call home.” She walks us through her month long personal journey to visit the crash site of her father in Vietnam/Laos, who died as a pilot fighting in the Vietnam war, and how that experience ended up uncovering something much deeper. This story, documented in the Emmy winning documentary Blood Road, is about the scars, both physical and emotional, that war leaves on families, countries, and cultures, and how they still exist today. Rebecca is a thoughtful, kind, empathetic human. She describes her learning process during her career, making films, and in 2020. Highlights: Anger - how she has learned to process and be proactive. Instead of yelling and stomping about the things that get us riled up. And how long bike rides help Leadership - how the best seem to find the temperance and long term vision to make change happen. How changing habit is hard - but the process of change is necessary to make work “stick” Self discovery, discipline and the road to mastery How failure and pain are our teachers and we need them The “origin” stories we tell ourselves and how that can hold us back. The power of meditation and the answers within Bio: Author, athlete, public speaker, filmmaker, entrepreneur - Rebecca defies definition. She has spent 30 years chasing “firsts” – podiums, PRs, and championship titles, yes, but also has pioneered never-before-imagined adventures, destinations and projects that have challenged and shaped her personally and professionally. It’s this continual engagement with “what’s next” that has fueled her curiosity, satisfied her soul, fed her desire for growth, connection and change and grounded her in the belief that operating out of the comfort zone is the only way for us to evolve as humans, contribute to the greater good and enjoy the richness life can offer. She loves sharing the most enduring lessons she has learned along the way. She lives by the words from her father, “Be good.” Rebecca’s Instagram Rebecca’s Website:  Blood Road

Episode 16 Hilaree Nelson Hilaree Nelson is a total badass in the mountains. Our conversation with Hilaree, takes a close look at the process, the hard fought journeys, the desperate moments of adventure and self analysis that ultimately lead to confronting your self head on. She has challenged herself mentally and physically as much as a person can. Her work on identity as a female athlete, often on male dominated teams and as a mother are fascinating and valuable for anyone who has faced the “hamster wheel” of mental questioning. She has an incredible story of life experiences that have helped her achieve mastery of her mindset, catching negative thoughts, gain focus,  perspective and find success. “And hopefully I’m more fun to be around.” She and Cory’s history together on expeditions makes for lively conversation with meaningful take-aways. They dive deep into their experience together on a 2014 expedition to climb the highest peak in southeast asia, Hkakabo Razi. It pushed them to their limits. “Everything went wrong. Our team imploded. The adversity kept coming and we fell apart at the seams. It became about surviving. It took me a long time to recover.” The lessons and parallels drawn from this trip are parallel to 2020, the year we all understand as a challenge, and worth the listen. Hear the answer to Cory’s question  - “Why did we blow up the way we did?” Hilaree’s description of “Mom Guilt” and the constant dialogue, the hamster wheel of identity as a mother. Cory and Hilaree discuss EMDR treatment and their experiences dealing with trauma. The story of Hkakabo Razi and Hilaree and Cory’s experience - as told by Hilaree Lhotse - the North Face Movie that chronicles HIlaree and Jim Morrison’s adventure to ski this holy grail in mountaineering...the Lhotse couloir Hilaree Nelson: The current North Face team captain combines a passion for exploration, mountain adventures and skiing. She has traveled to some of the most exotic mountain ranges on earth. Her expedition career has led her to many ‘firsts” in the world of ski mountaineering including linking two 8000m peaks in one push, first ski descents in Baffin Island, a first American ascent and ski descent of Papsura peak in India and a first ski descent of the 4th highest peak in the world, Lhotse. She is an avid proponent of wild places such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and holds to the philosophy that these places have huge significance in the well-being of both the planet and the human psyche. Recently named by Men’s Journal as one of the most adventurous women of the last 25 years, as well as National Geographic’s 2018 Adventurer of the Year, Hilaree rounds out her athletic endeavors by sharing her many stories on stages across the country in hopes of inspiring imagination and passion in the people she encounters. Hilaree is also the mother of two wild boys and finds her sanity in the San Juan mountains near her home in Telluride, CO.