I sat down with the incredibly talented photographer, Emilie Hofferber, for a conversation that was both inspiring and deeply relatable. Emilie shared her journey from retail burnout to building a creative life she loves on the road, blending her love for photography with a passion for the outdoors and travel. We explored what it means to break down barriers in outdoor spaces and reject gatekeeping that often keeps people from feeling like they belong outside.
We also talked about her transition to van life with minimal resources, how she built a photography career from scratch, and the power of staying true to yourself—even when the industry tells you to play it safe.
BONUS: Margaret, her sweet dog, makes a guest appearance, so check out the video version if you want to see her in action!
What you’ll hear in this episode:
- How Emilie defines “outdoorsy” and why labels can be limiting
- Her path from Florida to Utah and how she fell in love with nature
- The realities of starting van life with only $300
- Why discomfort can actually help you get outside more
- Breaking into photography with a $13 thrift store camera
- Facing gatekeeping in creative spaces and the outdoor industry
- Navigating the outdoors as a queer woman
- The story behind Emilie’s hilarious (and meaningful) Taco Bell tattoo
Follow Emilie:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilie.hofferber
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBZr5FZoQQlOj64PP1fhQdw
- More: https://hoo.be/emilie
Join the Outdoorsy Community:
- Patreon: Join Our Patreon – Gain access to bonus content, Cozy Camping Club, our Discord community, and exclusive video episodes!
- Discord: Join our safe, inclusive space for outdoor lovers to connect, share, and build community. Access this via Patreon!
Timestamps & Chapter Titles
- 00:00 – Intro: Meet Emilie (and Margaret the dog)
- 02:00 – Redefining “Outdoorsy”: What Does It Mean to You?
- 04:30 – Emilie’s Origin Story: From Florida to Utah
- 07:40 – How Van Life Began: A Story of Burnout and Adventure
- 12:00 – Overcoming Hardship & Embracing Minimalism
- 16:00 – Practical Van Life Tips: Gear, Comfort, and Minimalism
- 22:00 – Breaking Into Photography with Minimal Equipment
- 26:00 – Gatekeeping in Photography and Outdoor Spaces
- 32:00 – The Power of Inclusive Outdoor Communities
- 37:00 – Being Queer in the Outdoors: Challenges & Triumphs
- 46:00 – The Taco Bell Tattoo Story: Finding Joy in Simplicity
- 52:00 – Final Thoughts & Emilie’s Upcoming Adventures
- 55:00 – Closing Remarks and How to Stay Connected
I’m so grateful to Emilie for sharing her story with me—it’s a reminder that you can create a life that aligns with your values, even when the path is unconventional. If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it with a friend! 🌿
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.