This episode is one of the most special ones I’ve ever recorded because my guest isn’t just an outdoorsman, mountaineer, and Eagle Scout—he’s my dad. Jim Wilson is the man who taught me to love the outdoors, appreciate the small wonders in nature, and believe in myself on every trail, summit, and journey.
We talk about everything from his experiences climbing Tahoma (Mt. Rainier) multiple times and his attempt to summit Denali, to the joy of raising three daughters to love the outdoors. My dad shares his wisdom on what it means to be a “girl dad” in the outdoors, how he balanced empowering us while keeping us safe, and why the journey matters more than the summit.
There’s laughter, nostalgia, and yes—maybe some tears. Because my dad isn’t just the person who gave me a love for nature; he’s the reason I believe I belong in it.
Whether you’re just starting your outdoor adventures or looking for inspiration to keep going, this episode will leave you feeling like you’ve gained a second dad cheering you on.
Timestamps
00:08 – Introduction
00:48 – Meet Jim Wilson: Outdoorsman and Dad
02:36 – What Does “Outdoorsy” Mean to Jim?
03:13 – Jim’s Early Adventures in Nature
09:29 – Lessons from Boy Scouts and Camp Ol’ Jato
16:58 – Building Lifelong Relationships Outdoors
21:15 – Tackling Tahoma and Denali
31:02 – The Importance of the Journey Over the Destination
35:41 – Climbing Tahoma with My Sister, Chloe: A Special Memory
45:54 – Barriers to Getting Outdoors and How to Start Small
51:38 – The Outdoorsy Community: Sharing and Supporting
56:36 – Favorite Family Adventures in Nature
1:15:02 – Reflecting on Raising Outdoorsy Kids
1:20:22 – Balancing Adventure with Environmental Stewardship
1:25:54 – What’s Next for Jim Wilson?
1:28:12 – Final Thoughts
Links
https://jimwilsonvoice.com/
https://www.patreon.com/Outdoorsy
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