PODCAST

Emily Liebel, mom of three, runs an Instagram account called @inclusivelibrary, where she uses books to educate, promote inclusion, understanding, justice, and inspire adventure and creativity. Emily loves showing families how reading and being outdoors can overlap in exciting ways! She currently lives in Utah and explores both mountain and city outdoor spaces with her kids and friends. She even leads a local story time. Emily’s here to chat with us about how books and libraries can help busy families get outside!

Amy Bushatz is an outdoor enthusiast and mom to two boys in Anchorage, Alaska. An accomplished reporter and editor, in 2017 Amy redirected her talents to a passion project known as Humans Outside, a movement to spend at least 20 minutes outside, every day. She hosts the Humans Outside podcast, which is all about her personal experiences spending time outside, as well as travel, adventure, and outdoor living! Amy talks with us about the challenge, what it takes to be an adventurous mom in Alaska, and what getting outside every day has done for her and her family.

Meghan Garriott is a PT Assistant, photographer, and mom of 3 in rural central Illinois. At nine days old, Meghan's oldest son was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), meaning he was born without an immune system. Meghan donated her bone marrow and saved his life. Their family turned to nature and began spending a lot of time outdoors, which has been a safe space for the whole family. She chats with us about adventuring outdoors with a medically-complex child.

Tiana Kubik is a nomadic mom of two. A city girl through and through, Tiana has not always been thrilled with outdoor adventures. However, after learning the importance of nature and play she’s embracing the outdoors and all that nature has to offer. Tiana and family spent the last few years traveling in a DIY Converted Sprinter Van across North America. Tiana chats with us about her travels, the shift to homeschooling, exploring new places, and how to embrace the changes and curveballs life throws our way.

Leslie Alvis is an Ohio homeschooling and homesteading mom of four. Her family recently purchased property in the country and they are beginning the process of building a homestead from the ground up, doing most of the work themselves, along with their children. They're not only building their home with lumber milled from their own property, but they are also raising animals, growing a garden, battling poison ivy, and teaching their children the importance of hard work, family time, and outdoor play.

Somer Pickel is a RN and Tennessee mom of two girls. Her first daughter Avie was born with severe congenital heart defects and spent the majority of her 18 months of life in an ICU. Nature has been a huge part of the grieving and healing process. Her second daughter Lyra has become quite the adventure buddy and together they've hiked over 2000 miles. Somer chats with us about her motherhood journey, the importance of mental health, the joy of raising toddlers, and the healing power of nature.