Paddle Bridge Kayak Tours is not your average tour company. Their motto: Access. Stewardship. Excellence. is infused into every offering. Guide, Amber Lynum (Sparky) and Founder/Guide Kaylen Keir (Beaver) entertain as much as they educate while giving guests a front row seat to the history, wildlife and surroundings of the iconic Mississippi or Minneapolis Lakes. Thanks to these guardians of history, social justice champions, environmental stewards and really, really fun people, the waters of the Twin Cities are becoming more accessible to EVERYONE.

PB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Paddlebridge/

PB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paddle_bridge/

Amber Insta: https://www.instagram.com/amb_leslie/

Kalen Insta: https://www.instagram.com/goodnightrainbow/

Mentions: 

Devin 'Afrodiskayak' Brown Insta: https://www.instagram.com/afrodiskayak/

Two Paddles Canoe and Kayak Races Insta: https://www.instagram.com/twopaddlesmn/

Two Paddles Fb: https://www.facebook.com/TwoPaddlesMN

Migizi Insta: https://www.instagram.com/migizimn/ 

Migizi Fb: https://www.facebook.com/MIGIZIMN

1 Mississippi Insta: https://www.instagram.com/1.mississippi/

1 Mississippi Fb: https://www.facebook.com/1Mississippi

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mississippinps/

Miss National Park Fb: https://www.facebook.com/MississippiRiverNPS

Saint Paul Adaptive Recreation: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-centers/parks-recreation-programs/adaptive-recreation

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization: https://www.mwmo.org/

Your first backpacking trip comes with a lot of hacks, naivety, excitement and fear. Hear the approaches of 5 women of various ages prepare for an upcoming Yosemite hiking trip. Personalities come alive in methods of training (including a dutch oven) and preparation for tackling El Capitan. Novice to experienced with varying degrees of certainty and confidence. One thing is we all have in common? Feeling absolutely privileged for this experience and grateful for the new friendships that have bloomed.

We Do This For Fun welcomes: Sarah Julius (the experienced hiker), Sydnee Ceballos (Gen Z), Devinna Hansen (CEO), and Darbiene Sater (Dutch Oven).

@wildlandtrekking here we come!

@lecreuset thank you for being more than just amazing cookware.

@ospreypacks

@visitbentonville/

@seatosummit

@z_acefron_

@darinolien

We welcome husband and wife ultra-athletes Jere Mohr and Leah Gruhn for a candid conversation about training, nutrition, planning and the community that surrounds the world of winter cycling and specifically the Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI). Stories from the trail, tips for beginners and seasoned athletes alike, and inspiration for anyone looking to challenge themselves with new activities outdoors or anywhere else. Resources, connections and a sincere invitation to anyone who wants help with their next challenge. Check out the documentary that features Leah +Jere- 40 below, the toughest race in the world.

Remember your summer camp experiences? Join lifelong friends Kate Coward and Meghan Cosgrove as they reminisce about their friendship which began at summer camp and experiences they believe sparked their life-time involvement in wild places. Today we give Meghan Cosgrove, the Camp Director for Remember your summer camp experiences? Join lifelong friends Kate Coward and Meghan Cosgrove as they reminisce about their friendship which began at summer camp and experiences they believe sparked their life-time involvement in wild places. Today we give Meghan Cosgrove, the Camp Director for Y of the North’s, Camp Menogyn some sunshine. Learn how camp as changed since we were kids, why summer camp is more important than ever, and why Camp Menogyn might lead in “bad assery”  (my words, not Meghan’s) of the camps in the midwest.

Who makes cocktails approachable? Who throws the best parties? Who has recipes, advice and cookbooks for food and beverages to enjoy in the outdoors? Who wears technical gear and high fashion? The answer: Emily Vikre of Vikre Distillery.

Ultra-endurance athlete and Luce Line Brewing Co. Owner, Kate Coward joins Jodi as a co-host and the synergies between Kate and Emily become glaringly clear. Bad ass business leaders, dedicated moms and prioritizing their passions- so much to learn from them. Bonus? Learn the four liquors you need in your cabinet and Emily Vikre sings the Berkie song.

It’s a not to miss episode.

Life is a balancing act. Career, family, home… and if you're lucky you see friends. If you’re really lucky you have hobbies and if you are so blessed, you have time for relaxation. Something has got to give- this episode is about just that.

Devin Brown lives life with intention, service and style. An adventurer who will kayak all 2,350 miles of the mighty Mississippi, source (Itaska) to mouth (Gulf of Mexico), she shows us what might bubble to the top with a thorough life assessment. Her pay it forward approach gives everyone the chance to build their wilderness tool box and removes the obstacles that may be preventing you from getting out into nature.

Follow Devin! @afrodiskayak

Sign up for the Basic Wilderness First Aid Skills class at Theo Wirth Park, March 18.

Learn how to kayak with Devin and her friends at Paddle Bridge or give someone else a chance to learn by purchasing a seat for a community member- MPS community education spring/summer.

Role models of generosity: Get Down Coffee and Liberty Church Minneapolis.

How do you become the namesake of a tv show? In this case, you’re a charming yogi, emcee, rapper, and outdoor enthusiast who promotes Minnesota outdoor culture- this is not your grandparents’ fishing show! In his emmy award winning TPT series, Outside Chance, Chance York modernizes Minnesota adventure programming while shining a light on the people who provide the opportunities for us to get out of our comfort zones. If we step off the beaten path Chance vows we’ll begin to feel life’s limitless potential. Turn fear and uncertainty into empowerment- want to learn how? Season 2 of Outside Chance has been released, check out the preview for ideas of how you too can find your edge.

Ultra-endurance athlete Kate Coward (1st Female Bike, 2023 Arrowhead 135!) sends a vocal love letter to fellow cyclist, Leah Gruhn, who embarks on the Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI) 1000 on February 26, 2023. Kate’s big love, respect and admiration shows us what women uplifting women looks like.

Follow Kate kate_coward_athlete and Leah leahgruhn.

Races mentioned:

Winter ultras: Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI) 1000 (@itialaska) , Arrowhead 135 and Tuscobia Winter Ultra

Other ultra-bike races: DAMn and UNBOUND Gravel

Stephanie Pearson is a freelance writer, contributing editor to Outside magazine, and author of "100 Great American Parks," published by National Geographic. As one would expect, we talk about her travels, outdoor gear and her super cool assignments. Stephanie reveals she’s much more than a writer about places, but a writer who believes she has a responsibility to the natural world. When, where and how much we travel are questions infused into her work given the impact of travel on the planet.

Watch for Stephanie’s feature in National Geographic this March or April!

Follow her @stephanieapearson

The “humble hustle” of the Midwest brought Scott Rokis to MN. In 2016, Scott ditched corporate life and followed his heart to adventure and make art. Scott is a sage as much as a photographer encouraging us to pay attention to our feelings and take action when the moment calls. Be sure to listen to the end for free photography advice!

Check out Scott’s gorgeous work: https://www.scottrokis.com

Back at our favorite spot, the Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park we catch up with Executive Director of the Loppet Foundation, Claire Wilson. Updates from the foundation including an invitation to visit the Trailhead for tubing, cross country skiing and fat biking or to sip a hot beverage and play indoor games. But what you’re really looking for are the tips and tricks for experiencing the Luminary Loppet and City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival. Skijoring, Kubb, nordic ski races and a lake of luminaries all in the heart of Minneapolis. Find your snow pants- you’ve got Minnesota winter events to attend!

It’s well known that lakes are a hub of activity in the summer, but did you know that Minnesota lakes are bustling with activity throughout the winter? The Art Shanty Projects is a winter festival that takes place on Bde Unna a.k.a Lake Harriet every year like clockwork. Snowfall and warming weather due to climate change called for relocation and an operation they call “Project Beach”. Artistic Director, Erin Lavelle, hosted me at the Welcome Shanty and offers you a sneak peak at into 2023’s Art Shanty Project.

@artsharyprojects

Art Shanty Projects: Weekends, January 15 – February 6, 2022, 10am – 4pm

Inspired by her own experience at the Great Northern Festival in 2022, Nina Graham bought her first pair of snow pants and began a relationship with winter. The Great Northern Festival is coming for you too. Celebrate winter culture in Minnesota with ten days of art, dance, sports, talks, family events and parties- so many parties. This event might deepen your relationship or even begin a love affair with winter inspiring you to take action to protect our Minnesota winters from climate change.

Wilderness First Responder (WFR), thru hiker, guide, activist, and overall bad ass, Alexa Shapiro co-founded the Winona Outdoor Collaborative to break down barriers. With a commitment to outdoor recreating for all, she’s helped create an inclusive space for various marginalized voices. Free events and workshops, reduced cost equipment rental and an outdoor retail shop offer everyone the opportunity build confidence and skills to enjoy the outdoors and the bountiful benefits nature provides.

Adult summer camp? Yes please! Camp counselors, a school bus, crafts, a scavenger hunt and so much more, Jamie Nelson and Jenny Dennis created a “camp” Jodi was lucky enough to have attended. Participation without pause- adults can have fun just like kids do, we just might need “camp counselors” like Jamie and Jenny to help us get there.

Jodi, Lynn and their friend Darbie Sater show first-time camper Colleen Ueland the beauty of camping at Gooseberry Falls. Lynn brought gear, Jodi brought too much food, Darbiene brought bug hats for all and Colleen brought dance costumes (listen to learn more!). They slept under the stars, hiked the North Shore, meditated lakeside, laughed abundantly and recorded a podcast, much to Colleen and Darbie’s surprise. Get outside with friends - you will not regret it.

Jodi and Lynn speak with a world class inspirer. Bennison Sherrod Lopez shares how following your heart can lead you to paradise (literally). Bennison surfs, plants trees, builds community and parents profoundly (in the jungle no less!). From Houston to Costa Rica to Panama, this bikini clad mama and surfing evangelist encourages us to disconnect, get off the beaten path and kick-back. It’s not self care, it’s medicine.

Follow Bennison’s adventures @zephyrs.treehouse

Check out Bennison’s beloved @greentortoisetravel

Joanne Davis is a teacher, a mom of two and a badass backcountry camping enthusiast. She shares stories from her family trip along the Wonderland Trail last summer - and gets really real about the harsh realities of camping with kiddos. We talk about crying, screaming, swearing and pooping. This is a blast of an episode. Buckle up, folks.

Jodi and Lynn talk Boundary Waters Canoe Area basics for beginners with Matthew Baxley, co-host of the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast. They share tips and tricks — including how to squeeze in a BWCA trip at this late stage in the summer season.

Learn more about the WTIP podcast at WTIP.org.

Learn more about Matthew at bearwitnessmedia.com.