Dirtbag Therapy

In this week's minisode, Helena pulls back the curtain on vanlife’s darker side—when the escape you crave turns into isolation and discomfort. It’s not the adventure you expect, but it’s the one that forces you to confront what you’re really running from.

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Where can I find out more about Helena?

Instagram: @ghoul.you.meano

www.storiesbyhelena.com

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What started as an impulsive leap turned into a four-year journey across the U.S. in a trailer Bekah and her now-husband built from scratch. In this episode, she shares what life on the road actually looked like—messy moments, unexpected challenges, and the quiet magic of finding freedom in movement. We talk about how constant travel shaped her creativity, what it took to build a business from the road, and the advice she’d give to...

In this deeply personal and quietly wild minisode, Lauren Wooster shares the story of her first solo camping trip gone sideways in the New Zealand backcountry. What began as an impulsive winter getaway turned into a full-on survival moment—complete with a raging river, a cozy hut, a sleepless night, and a search and rescue team shouting across the valley. It’s a tale of independence, loneliness, resilience, and the sharp clarity th...

Bruce is a world-class paddler, lifelong adventurer, and all-around legend with a passport full of stories. In this episode, we dive into his solo trek through Peru, a laugh-out-loud kayaking trip in Nepal with his best friends, and the wild ride of representing two countries on the world stage. He shares close calls, travel mishaps, and the unexpected lessons he’s picked up along the way. Whether he’s navigating whitewater or swit...

In 2018, Emily Schrick walked away from a “normal” life and into the wild, tackling her first-ever thru-hike—2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, solo. That decision changed everything. In this episode, Emily shares what pushed her to take the leap, the hardest parts of going it alone (especially as a woman), and how she’s built a life that keeps her on the move. We dive into her shift from med school dreams to dirtbag reality, ...

What happens when you bring a group of women together in the wild? Trish found out firsthand—and it turned into something bigger than she ever imagined. In this episode, we dive into the story behind Women in the Wild, the spark that started it all, and the powerful transformations that happen when women step outside their comfort zones. From breaking stereotypes to the most unexpected (and hilarious) moments on the trail, Trish sh...

In this episode of Dirtbag Therapy, Bailey shares the deep bond she built with her trail dog, Prima, and the ways their adventures together changed how she sees the outdoors. From the highs of exploring side by side to the grief of losing a beloved companion, she reflects on how Prima’s spirit still guides her on the trail. We also talk about her other adventure pup, Skittles, and the excitement (and chaos) of welcoming her new pup...

In this minisode, Bonnie shares the story of a summer spent backpacking three long sections of the Appalachian Trail as a brand-new hiker. From pushing through tough miles to unexpected challenges along the way, she quickly learned that the trail has a way of surprising you—sometimes in ways you’d never expect. Tune in for a story about endurance, discovery, and one unforgettable adventure.

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In this minisode, we dive into the incredible story of Dorothy Molter, the legendary Root Beer Lady of the Boundary Waters. As the last legal resident of the BWCAW, Dorothy spent over 50 years living off-grid, brewing homemade root beer for weary canoeists, and defying the odds in one of the most remote places in America. From surviving brutal winters to standing her ground against government orders, her story is one of resilience,...

From Special Education teacher to CEO, Lloyd Vogel built Garage Grown Gear from the ground up—but what’s the real story? In this episode, we go beyond the business and get personal. Lloyd opens up about the exact moment that made him fall in love with the outdoors, how becoming a dad is reshaping his adventures, and the biggest behind-the-scenes disaster GGG has ever faced. Plus, he spills on the outdoor gear trend he thinks is tot...

What the hell is this? In this first minisode, I’m introducing myself, the podcast, and why this space exists—to share stories, question the grind, and build community when we can’t always be out adventuring. This is a space for everyone carving their own path, with a special focus on uplifting women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ folks in the outdoor world.

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In this episode of Dirtbag Therapy, I sit down with Latosha Cox from Black Girl Sabbatical to talk about the power of rest, adventure, and stepping away from the grind. We dive into how Black Girl Sabbatical is helping Black women reclaim their time through intentional travel, self-care, and community. Latosha shares her own journey, the challenges of unplugging in a hustle-driven world, and why taking a break isn’t just a luxury—i...