My Favorite Outdoorsy Podcasts
Hey, Podcast Girlie!
Whether you're taking a casual stroll, heading to the trailhead, or relaxing at home, podcasts are a fantastic way to hear captivating stories, discover new places and people, and connect with fellow outdoor lovers.
As someone who enjoys a great outdoor-themed podcast, I've compiled a list of all my top picks. From heroic adventures to eerie tales, educational insights, and jaw-dropping moments—there's something for everyone.
Happy listening!
National Park After Dark - A podcast for the morbid outdoor enthusiast, NPAD explore tales of death, dark history and tragic events in and around national parks (mostly). Hosted by two friends from New Hampshire, Cassie and Danielle, the show explores a range of stories connected to national parks, including unsolved mysteries, disappearances, paranormal events, true crime, and even tales of survival.
Tooth & Claw: True Stories of Animal Attacks - Encounter stories of the most extreme wild animal attacks ever documented, told and explained by Wes Larson, a wildlife biologist and animal behavior expert, alongside his brother, Jeff and friend, Mike (who add some excellent comedic relief). This is a great podcast for wild animal enthusiasts to learn more about the details of animal attacks and also how to avoid these dangerous encounters while exploring outdoors. (I recommend not listening to any bear attack stories before you go out camping though… to avoid any bear-anoia.)
Outside Podcast - A longstanding podcast offering a mix of stories that capture the essence of adventure, the outdoors, and the human spirit. It focuses on real-life tales of outdoor exploration, survival, environmental issues, and the unique relationships people have with nature. Episodes offer gripping personal stories, investigative reports, and interviews with outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or someone who enjoys the outdoors casually, this podcast provides a deep dive into the adventures and issues that shape the outdoor world.
Out Alive from Backpacker - A podcast series all about the people who survived the unsurvivable, from raging rivers to hungry bears, huge avalanches and other imaginable events. Each episode features individuals who have faced life-threatening situations in the outdoors and lived to tell their story. Listen to the details of their ordeals and the critical decisions that made the difference between life and death.
Wild Ideas Worth Living - An REI Co-Op production sharing high-impact interviews for those who love adventure and the outdoors. Hosted by journalist Shelby Stanger, the podcast focuses on people who have taken unconventional paths, overcome challenges, and turned their "wild ideas" into reality, offering motivation and practical insights for listeners to follow their own passions.
Outside/In - An NHPR production where curiosity and the natural world collide. Hosted by Sam Evans-Brown, this show explores science, energy, environmentalism, and reflections on how we think about and depict nature. Whether tackling serious environmental concerns or fascinating, quirky tales from the natural world, this podcast offers listeners thought-provoking insights and stories that deepen their connection to nature and the environment.
Park Predators - Explore the dark side of the world’s most beautiful places with investigative journalist and park enthusiast, Delia D’Ambra. This true-crime podcast focuses on disturbing and often tragic cases that have occurred within national parks and other outdoor spaces, delving into stories of murders, disappearances, and other violent crimes that have taken place in these seemingly peaceful, remote settings.
