In this episode of the Fireside Chat podcast, brought to you by Run Tri Bike, hosts Jason Bahamundi and Aum Gandhi sit down with Emily Holland, the dynamic co-founder of Wild Poppy Creative. Emily has carved a niche for herself, not only in podcast production consulting but also as an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for endurance sports. Through her journey, she’s found unique ways to combine business with her love for the outdoors, including hiking, trail running, and rock climbing, crafting an inspiring lifestyle that merges passion with purpose.

Podcast Introduction and Emily’s Background
Emily kicks off by sharing her background as co-founder of Wild Poppy Creative, a consulting agency that helps creators enhance their podcasting skills and boost production quality. She’s not just a businesswoman but an athlete with a love for endurance sports, and she shares humorous takes on lighthearted topics—like her opinion on the polarizing “pineapple on pizza” debate!

Endurance Sports and Entrepreneurial Insights
Emily delves into how her experience with running transitioned into a passion for trail running, a sport that has uniquely influenced her entrepreneurial mindset. She explains how the problem-solving and grit required in endurance sports have honed her approach to business, fostering a shift from outcome-focused goals to embracing process-driven progress. This mentality has been instrumental as she supports creators through Wild Poppy Creative, helping them navigate their own challenges.

Building Community Through Outdoor Adventures
A big advocate for fostering community, Emily highlights her passion for creating connections through outdoor activities. She started a monthly women’s hiking program to unite women who share a love for the outdoors. Her hope is to create a welcoming space where friendships flourish in nature. Emily shares how these hikes encourage women to build strength, resilience, and camaraderie while exploring beautiful trails together.

Trail Running, Race Preparation, and Terrain Experiences
The conversation turns to Emily’s preparation for her upcoming 50k race. She shares insights into training for a long-distance race, especially the diverse trails of the Pacific Northwest, known for their challenging yet beautiful terrains. Emily’s passion for trail running and love for nature shine through as she discusses how different landscapes offer new challenges and rewards. For her, the preparation is as fulfilling as the race itself, building both physical endurance and mental tenacity.

Music and Running: A Taylor Swift Obsession
As a fan of music on her runs, Emily talks about her playlist favorites, with Taylor Swift topping her list. She jokes about the unique challenge of listening to the same song on repeat—an unconventional but motivating approach that keeps her moving on the trails. For Emily, music isn’t just entertainment but a way to enhance her performance and stay focused during her runs.

Fun Food Preferences and Rapid-Fire Favorites
To end on a fun note, Emily tackles the rapid-fire round, sharing her favorite snacks, from peanut butter and jelly combinations to her sweet tooth’s love for red velvet cake. This candid insight into her personality offers listeners a lighthearted close to an insightful conversation about her journey.

Whether you’re a creator, endurance athlete, or outdoor enthusiast, this episode with Emily Holland will inspire you to explore new paths, find balance between passion and purpose, and appreciate the power of community and nature in everyday life.