Safety Third

Well, pals. Elizabeth and Paddy are moving on from the show, so Safety Third is closing up shop. But, before we go we’d like to say thank you and goodbye. And remember, Safety Third. Always and forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In romantic comedies, the story always begins with a 'meet cute' — a charming first encounter that leads to a wonderfully cheesy romance. But do those really happen in our outdoor community? And after that initial meeting, what’s the reality of building off that first connection? In episode two of our Love Traverse mini series, Real Life Rom Com, climbers Annalissa Purdum and Kris Hampton revisit the beginning of their relationship. Professional matchmaker Annie Mayo and marriage counselor Hannah Eaton illuminate the relationship path and shed light on meet cute truths and myths. And in her first year of marriage, OUT There Adventures founder Elyse Rylander talks about the concrete practices she and her wife use to grow together. Because love is not a movie — real life is much more romantic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States' Mountain West region contains eight of the top ten states with the highest suicide rates in our country. The suicide rate in the Rocky Mountains is nearly three times the national per capita average, earning the Rockies the nickname, “The Suicide Belt.” But the mountain community doesn't talk about this. Why? Because mental health struggles don’t fit into the carefully curated "best outdoor life” aesthetic. Longtime Telluride, Colorado resident Ben Marshall knows this all too well. Daily panic attacks, anxiety, and depression derailed Ben’s life in his early twenties. After receiving professional treatment and building positive mental health, Ben began to work for Tri County Health Network, a non profit that focuses on mental health services. Ben’s ongoing goal is to help clear away the stigma that shrouds mental health in the mountains. Because truly, this is a life or death issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalist and author Heather Hansman’s passion for whitewater rafting was first born when she was a greenhorn raft guide in Maine. Her love for the beauty and the importance of rivers deepened when she moved West and began guiding on the 730 mile Green River, which runs through ranches, cities, national parks, endangered fish habitats, natural gas fields, and provides water for 33 million people. With so many competing water demands on rivers, Heather wanted a fresh perspective on water in the west. Her book, Downriver: Into The Future Of Water In The West, tells the story of her solo boat trip down the length of the Green and her conversations with the disparate water users in an age of increasing water demand and drought. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When conservation comes to mind, thoughts often go to natural resource preservation and land and animal protections. But what other positivity lies within the act of conservation? Scientist, author, and CEO of Conservation X Labs, Alex Dehgan, worked in Kabul from 2006 to 2007 as the head of the Wildlife Conservation Society Afghanistan Program. The work he did helped establish Afghanistan's first national park, Band-E Amir. But the outcome was more than the sheltering of spectacular wildlife and 70,000 acres of beautiful land. Alex realized that conservation is an integral part of nation building, human security, and diplomacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we start to think about battling climate change, fighting for conversation and saving Mother Earth, it can make our heads spin it’s so complicated. For ecologist, filmmaker, and conservationist Chris Morgan, the solution is simple: bears. Chris is a self proclaimed bear nut. When he was 18-years-old, Chris assisted a black bear biologist with nighttime field work at a garbage dump; it was enough to change Chris’ entire life. He changed his college major to ecology, took research jobs all over the world, and helped create over 50 films and television programs about bears. Chris has spent over twenty years dedicated to protecting the world’s eight bear species and their habitats. And Chris’ work has illuminated one irrefutable fact: if we save the bear we will save the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In April, we recorded a live show at the 5Point Adventure Film Festival in Carbondale, Colorado. Joining us on stage first were Jen Zeuner and Anne Keller: pizza shop owners, mountain bikers, and stars of the Felt Soul film “Life of Pie.” Jen and Anne first opened their pizzaria, The Hot Tomato, simply to offer Fruita, Colorado, a tasty slice. But quickly, they learned that their restaurant did more than just satisfy taste buds — it fostered community. Next, we spoke with Rob Prechtl: professional photographer, US Men’s Raft Team member, and focus of the Gnarly Bay film “People of Water.” From the outside, Rob exudes high achievement and expertise. But for Rob, staying a novice is important, because he believes mastery is a myth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a pro athlete makes their living jumping out of an airplane, it’s easy to think they’re super human with an immunity to fear and the mental minefields of emotion. That’s not the case for professional skydiver and Red Bull Air Force member Amy Chmelecki. Throughout her life, self doubt and emotional turmoil was as consistent as Amy’s need to pursue skydiving; from low self esteem and dyslexia in childhood to a constant desire to control outcomes in adulthood. But with the help of therapy, Amy was able to decrease her need for rigid control and became more malleable with her approach and reactions to life. Amy used flexibility to find success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teresa Baker has long considered herself an environmental steward. On a 2012 trip to Yosemite National Park, Teresa noticed something stark: she was the only person of color. And she wanted to change that fact. Teresa started by creating the African American National Parks Event, an annual event with thousands of participants that encourages communities of color to enjoy our National Parks, local parks and open spaces. Teresa continued to organize events with a focus on diversity. In 2018, she created the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge, urging outdoor companies to create and enforce policies that expand the diversity, equity, and inclusion of their employees, board members, and customers. Teresa contends that accurately representing the outdoor community and broadening the industry will create more environmental stewards. How do we get there? The outdoors needs a rebrand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the last year, we’ve talked with incredible folks about the origins of their beliefs and how these ideas have shaped their experiences and their lives. And, Paddy and Elizabeth noticed a common theme that connects these stories: after loss came an opportunity for change. It’s true for our hosts, too. Following the devastating loss of her father, Elizabeth found the courage to take a leap of faith in her career. And after hitting an alcoholic near-death bottom, Paddy had a true chance at life. With 50/50 hindsight, are loss and opportunity are a package deal? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From birth we are often told to be good. But what does that mean exactly? Kate Williams, CEO at 1% For The Planet, created her own “be good” guidelines when she was a child: achieve in the classroom, achieve on the lacrosse field, do what you’re told. Kate stayed within those boundaries until she attended Princeton University, where she realized that being good meant she was stifling her growth. Kate was living in accordance to the expectations and wishes of everyone except herself. In order to realize her full potential, especially within her environmental work, Kate had to find the soft spot between her wishes and the well being of those around her. Kate would have to summon the bravery it takes to be kind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Skiing with her family in Sun Valley, Idaho, and fishing in Alaska under the tutelage of her father shaped how McKenna Peterson navigates life. She learned dedication, resilience, hard work, and how to adjust plans while on the move. McKenna has an uncanny ability to try new things, seemingly without fear. At the University of Colorado, McKenna balanced studies and ski racing before she committed to competing in the Freeride World Tour. Then she eyed a pro ski career. In 2017, following the tragic death of her father, she took over as captain of the family fishing business. With every new opportunity, McKenna leaps first and then builds her own net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bianca Valenti fell in love with surfing in the breaks of Orange County, California, when she was seven years old. Soon after, she started competing, gained sponsorships, and won competitions. Even at a young age, Bianca noticed a discrepancy in the treatment, recognition, and reward of male versus female surfers. It was discouraging and disheartening. She left the surf scene entirely but the siren’s call of riding 30-plus foot waves drew her back in. As one of the sport’s best big wave surfers, it was crushing to discover that the premier big wave competition, Mavericks, didn’t allow female competitors. So, Bianca set her sights on confronting another towering giant — sexism in surf culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices