In this episode of Outdoorsy, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Diyor, someone I’ve admired for a long time online. Diyor is a plus-size, beginner outdoor enthusiast and content creator who is redefining what it means to be “outdoorsy.” Her story is as inspiring as it is relatable—she shares how she went from doubting her place in outdoor spaces to becoming a viral sensation and a beacon of representation for people of color, plus-size individuals, and anyone who doesn’t see themselves reflected in the traditional outdoor industry.
We talk about everything from her early hikes with her dog to the viral video that launched her outdoorsy content creation journey. I loved hearing her take on why the outdoors should be for everyone, how she handles the hate that sometimes comes with being a visible figure, and why it’s okay to be a beginner. Diyor’s passion for inclusivity and her joyful approach to trying new activities, from hiking to kayaking, reminded me why this podcast exists: to showcase that there’s no “right” way to love the outdoors.
I came away from our conversation feeling so inspired by her authenticity, her courage, and her unwavering mission to make outdoor spaces more welcoming for all. I hope you do, too.
CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS:
Introduction and Housekeeping – 00:08
Meet Diyor: A New Face in the Outdoors – 01:51
What Does Being Outdoorsy Mean to Diyor? – 02:02
Discovering the Outdoors as a Beginner – 02:28
Diving Into New Activities – 04:26
The Journey to Outdoorsy Content Creation – 06:13
Inclusivity and Representation in the Outdoors – 06:54
Finding Community and Support Online – 13:10
Navigating Hate Comments and Staying Positive – 21:09
The Joy of Shenandoah and Peace in Nature – 24:01
Breaking the Competitive Narrative of Hiking – 25:07
Embracing Mistakes and Learning Along the Way – 33:12
Gear Tips for Beginners: Use What You Have – 28:22
Diyor’s Favorite Brands and Collaborations – 17:27
Advice for Feeling Welcome in the Outdoors – 35:42
What’s Next for Diyor – 37:34
Closing Thoughts: You Belong Outdoors – 38:59
CONNECT WITH DIYOR:
https://www.instagram.com/planetdiyor/
https://www.tiktok.com/@planetdiyor
https://www.youtube.com/@planetdiyor
https://linktr.ee/planetdiyor
OTHER LINKS:
https://unlikelyhikers.org/
https://slowgirlshikingclub.com/
https://www.patreon.com/Outdoorsy
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.