The start of a channel about underrepresented stories in the outdoors
Representation matters! Which is why I decided to create this channel/show or whatever this ends up turning into. This will be the first of many videos focusing on topics related to underrepresented voices in outdoor spaces, conservation, and/or in public lands.
We out here! Two bipoc siblings outside representing, finding themselves and each other
In this episode of Black in Wild, I connect with my sibling on our shared and similar experiences living/working/playing in the outdoors. For us it is rare to find bipoc folks in the outdoors, let alone other black siblings. Listen in as we reminisce on what brought us to working and living in National Parks, our thoughts on the lack of diversity in the outdoors, and more!
Connecting to the outdoors is a personal journey
In this episode of Black in Wild, I have a conversation with my friend Karla that I met through my work on the non-profit side of conservation. During our discussion we highlight the ways people can connect with the outdoors, how the culture in these spaces can feel exclusive at times, and what her experience has been like as a first generation Mexican American.
Leave no trace aka LNT is mentioned in the episode. For more information check out the Leave No Trace website. The seven principles are:
Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of others.
*Note: the opinions represented in this podcast and during this episode do not represent other agencies or organizations.
Representation really does matter! Black families can recreate outdoors too.
In this episode of Black in Wild, I have a conversation with my friends Brittney and Jamaal about how their family got involved in recreating in the outdoors. During the pandemic Brittney encouraged her family to get outside. For both Brittney and Jamaal this was somewhat uncharted waters for them and their family. Representation really does matter. It can change your experience and perspective when you see someone else who looks like you in a position or in places where it is uncommon. Another takeaway from our discussion is that anything you’re interested in that might seem intimidating at first can become more accessible than you think. All it takes is to become more knowledgeable and to just try. Growth comes from being uncomfortable. And spending time outside is healing for everyone, and studies have proven this fact.
Follow along in their adventures on instagram @blkpplneedsunscreentoo
*Note: the opinions represented in this podcast and during this episode do not represent other agencies or organizations.
Live your truth! What happens to you does not have to define you. Use your power to create your own narrative.
In this episode I connect with a new yet dear friend Steve. And although we met through work, our friendship and bond has transcended that. Steve share about his ethnic heritage and what it has been like growing up in America as the child of Vietnamese immigrants. This episode is a reminder to live your truth. Show up authentically and unapologetically as someone who carries with them the intersectionality of many identities. And that although we cannot always control what happens to us, we can control how we respond. Thanks Steve!
*Note: The opinions represented in this episode and on this podcast/channel do not represent any agency or organization.
Community helps us open doors to exploring the world
In this episode of Black in Wild, I speak with my friend Khang who lives with a disability called osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. I learn more about how Khang's community has shaped the way he views himself in the world and what he is capable of despite his condition. The people we surround ourselves with can truly impact what our experience is like. People with disabilities are all too often turned away. We need to give people a chance to learn and figure out their limits. Listen in as Khang shares how he has overcome the limitations some have tried to place on him through the support of community. Thanks Khang!
*Note: the opinions represented in this episode and on this podcast/channel do not represent any agency or organization.
It's been a while, let's check in!
In this episode of Black in Wild, I pop in with a quick life update and message to let you know I and this podcast have not gone anywhere. This is the first of more new episodes to come.
Have ideas on what topics you'd like to hear covered on the podcast? Want to be a guest or know someone you recommend I feature? Reach out via email or on instagram!
Podcast email address: blk.in.wild@gmail.com
Instragram: @blk.in.wild
*Note: the opinions represented in this podcast and during this episode do not represent any agency or organization.
"Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world;" How my journey with hiking has introduced me to new opportunities and beginnings.
In this episode of Black in Wild, I share about my experiences with hiking and how that has evolved into backpacking. If it was not for trial and erroring, plus the kindness and patience of loved ones I would not be where I am today. Hiking has been a gateway to new opportunities and beginnings. Stay tuned for more episodes where I share about my experiences in outdoor recreation and the field of conservation. Be sure to check out the companion video on Youtube, a vlog from my last backpacking trip!
Have ideas on topics you'd like to hear covered on the podcast? Want to be a guest or know someone you recommend I feature? Reach out via email or on Instagram!
Podcast email address: blk.in.wild@gmail.com
Instagram: @blk.in.wild
Youtube: @blackinwild
*Note: the opinions represented in this podcast and during this episode do not represent any agency or organization.
"The woods are for everybody!" Learn about Justin Elkins and how she is using Pride in Yosemite as a message bringer and change maker
In this episode of Black in Wild, I chat with a long time friend from my time working and living in Yosemite Valley, Justin Elkins. A self proclaimed lady of leisure and someone who likes to just exist in a space.
Justin emphasizes that in the end it’s all about accessibility and the images that are perpetuated for given activities or places. Park accessibility goes beyond race, gender, or sexual orientation, classism and ableism play a major role as well. We can make national parks accessible for all it just takes some effort. The woods are for everybody!
According to Justin: the goal of pride is to advocate for freedom, dignity, respect and the right to live our lives safely. It does not just apply to queer people. If you have any power or privilege, it is a disservice not to use it. Justin has chosen to use the spotlight and attention gained from the Pride walks she leads in Yosemite as a platform to highlight other issues. In Justin’s words: “Pride can be a message bringer and a change maker....Pride is so much more than just a party.”
“National parks and the outdoors in general is a space for queer folks just as much as it is for anyone else. Nature is very gay. These spaces seem like they are not meant for queer people partially because they have not been able to access it like others have and have not welcome to access it because of gate keepers of nature.”
Thank you Justin for being you and bringing awareness to important issues effecting human rights. I found many parts of your personal story to be relatable and I’m sure others will too.
Be sure to follow Justin Elkins on Instagram: @justinqueef
*Note: the perspectives and opinions stated in this episode and on this podcast are not representative of any agency or organization.
How I was impacted by the executive orders
In this episode I touch on what executive orders are and share about how the executive orders impacted my work. This episode will be followed by another that will focus on highlighting how people from underrepresented communities who work in conservation have been affected by the executive orders of the Trump Administration.
*Note: the opinions in this episode and on this podcast are not representative of any agency or organization
For more information on executive orders visit:
Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/presidential-documents/executive-orders/donald-trump/2025
White House - available as PDF’s from White house press office : https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/
American Presidency Project: managed by UC Santa Barbara: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/executive_orders.php
How other from underrepresented communities have been impacted by the executive orders
This episode of Black in Wild the podcast is the follow up episode to the previous one where I shared about my experience of my work being affected by the executive orders. This episode will focus on two individuals who have also been affected by the executive orders and are from underrepresented communities. One would like to keep their identity anonymous for safety reasons and the other I will allow to introduce themselves. The first story you will hear today was submitted in the form of an email that I will read for you. And the second was submitted in audio form from the individual. My goal is to highlight how people from underrepresented backgrounds have been impacted by the executive orders as well as how these orders are destroying people's dreams.
Like-minded people are drawn to the same places
This first episode of season two is setting things off in the best way with all the good vibes. At the beginning of this season I want to highlight snow sports because we are in winter right now, so that feels most relevant. The theme for this month is going to honor Black History Month. Today’s episode features my friend, my brother from another, local Mammoth legend, Lawrence Bowie. Snowboarding and drum playing extraordinaire. I’ve known Lawrence since I officially moved to Mammoth over 6 years ago. As you’ll come to learn, he brings nothing but positive energy. Keep listening to hear about his journey into snowboarding and what the experience has been like for him finding this sport as well as living in a ski/mountain town. Without further ado, let’s get into the episode!
Lawrence! Thank you again for being a guest on Black in Wild! I’m thankful that you paved the way for me to be here and made my time living in a remote ski town feel so welcoming. This was such a good conversation where I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing. Which is true even as I listen to the episode again. Lawrence’s story reminds me of how welcoming and inclusive the Mammoth community can be. Even if you don’t always see yourself represented, there are like-minded people who are drawn to places such as this. As someone who is learning to snowboard in their 30’s, I was reminded that it is never too late to learn or try something new. It may be the best decision of your life.
If you want to stay connected with Lawrence you can follow his instagram @l.bowie and to keep up with his band Mammoth All Stars, follow their instagram @mammothallstars. If you visit Mammoth especially in the summer, you might get a chance to catch them performing somewhere locally. I promise you won’t be disappointed and may feel your hips swaying or your foot tapping along to the music.
Not only is the show back but Black in Wild now has a website where you can find all things Black in Wild. All the episodes are available there in audio format, you can find my vlogs from my adventures, and there’s a new blog too! Think of it as a one stop shop for all things Black in Wild. My goal this year is to share more diverse stories and give some more insight into what I get into during my free time. Be sure to check out the website for all the details and updates at blackinwild.com!
*Note: The opinions on Black in Wild are not representative of any agency, organization, business, or company.
Try something new, it might change your life!
To continue with the themes of the month, Winter and Black History (because lets be honest, black history is created everyday and should be celebrated all the time!). This episode features a local Mammoth celebrity, Maurice Cooper. Maurice is a former ski instructor, avid adventurer, an actor, and the most sought out MC in the Eastern Sierra Nevada. He is another long time friend of mine that is always bringing high energy.
In this conversation with Maurice, we talk about Maurice’s passion for traveling and seeking out new experiences. I hope this conversation inspires you to say yes more! Let’s get into the episode!
Maurice, thank you for such an inspiring and thought provoking conversation! It was a pleasure getting to know your story better. You reminded me that leaning into the things that bring you joy will attract your people. Community really can influence your experience. However, the way you stand in your truth does not go unnoticed as well. One of the messages that Maurice ends with is to encourage folks with melanin skin to not be afraid to try something new because it may change your life for the better.
If you want to follow along with Maurice’s adventures you can follow him on instagram at mcooper.entertainment. Maurice often hosts events such as Trivia, Karaoke, and more in various locations around the Eastern Sierra!
Make sure to check out his podcast called the Sheridan Tapes where he plays the character Jerry Price. During the episode Maurice references the play he was in called Driving Miss Daisy. This episode was recorded on January 5th. I hope that in these trying times the stories and voices amplified on Black in Wild make you feel less alone. Because we are out here and we ain’t going nowhere. See you in two weeks with another episode. The month of March will focus on women’s stories in the outdoors for Women’s History Month. Don’t forget to check out the new Black in Wild website at blackinwild.com for all things Black in Wild.
*Note: The perspective and opinions on Black in Wild are not representative of any agency, organization, or company.