The Avid Adventurer

EP06: Climbing, Activism & Finding Your Inner Child - A Brazilian Perspective

When there is an issue that needs solving in the community, Rafa Rebello steps up. After moving to Lençóis in northeast Brazil, he realized that local residents rarely enjoyed the stunning mountains of Chapada Diamantina National Park, despite living right at their feet. As it is in so many parts of the world, mountain climbing in Brazil is almost exclusively enjoyed by affluent people, more specifically cis white males. 
 
In conjunction with a growing interest and activism in diversity, equity and inclusion practices in the field of mountaineering, Rafa, a climber, guide, outdoor educator and activist, founded Coletivo de Escalada de Lençóis. This nonprofit  takes underserved, mostly BIPOC young people from the local community on weekly sport climbing and bouldering trips in the area, teaching them the basics and providing opportunities for professional development. In 2023, Rafa, who works with Avid4 Adventure as a talent acquisition specialist, facilitated the first BIPOC climbing event in Brazil, hosting climbing clinics in the country’s capital of Brasilia.
His willingness to learn and to enjoy life is a big part of why Rafa loves to work with young people. Mountaineering and bouldering is where he discovered his true self and the courage to live his most authentic life. Through continued DEI activism and journalism, his work with his collective and as a member of Avid4 Adventure’s JEDI (Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion), he is determined to make sure others get to experience the same thrilling highs of the outdoor life.
 
Quotes
“When I got here seven years ago, I saw most of the climbing scene had a lot of people that weren’t from the city, mostly cis, white men and affluent people, there were no local people climbing. And the climbing potential is the thing that brought me here—it’s huge, there are rocks everywhere. So, I was looking at this place like, ‘OK, it’s like these people live in Hawaii, but no one’s willing to teach them to surf and they don’t have surf boards.” (11:10 | Rafa Rebello) 
“Working with kids gives you that opportunity to just be silly or to have fun or to play around. As adults, sometimes I think we put ourselves in those boxes of ‘I have to be serious,’ and sometimes you don’t. And that’s totally OK.” (29:40 | Rafa Rebello)
“Especially because I’m doing international hirings, I have to talk to people from different countries, different cultures, with different possibilities and opportunities in life. We have to make sure, during the process, that that process is inclusive for everyone. That’s my main concern always, overall, that people should feel included and should see that effort by Avid. And I feel like we do a pretty amazing job on that.” (35:01 | Rafa Rebello) 
“I see climbing as art, it’s a choreography on the rock. For me, it’s like dancing.” (38:00 | Rafa Rebello) 
“Let’s picture me 12 years ago: you wouldn’t see this hair, you wouldn’t see this beard, you would see me wearing a suit, shaving every day, and probably not with this smile. Because I was sitting in an office, doing meetings, not happy with what I wanted to do in this life. So, something that was a game changer for me was saying, ‘I’m not going to spend my whole life waiting for the right moment to live my dreams.”  (43:34 | Rafa Rebello)
Links
Connect with Rafa Rebello:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/rafahrebello 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafah.rebello/ 
Non profit - Coletivo de Escalada de Lençóis at: https://www.instagram.com/escalalec/?ref=8101&hl=ko--
 
Avid4 Adventure website: www.avid4.com
Avid4 on Instagram: @avid4adventure
Avid4 Adventure on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avid4adventure
Email the host:  podcast@avid4.com 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP05: Outdoor Athlete, Farmer & Poet - A Journey to Finding Personal Wholeness in the Land

“I see us all as seeds, as little bundles of potential that can grow into something pretty unimaginable,” says Seed Levine, a young farmer and poet, who joins the Avid Adventurer podcast from the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii, off grid, where they are farming food on a quarter acre of their family’s land. Seed is on a mission to feed the community, and give back to the earth all it has given to them. 
 
In their youth, Seed developed what ostensibly looked like a passion for the outdoors but this passion was really a need to escape their inner life. Their true sanctuary was found in the garden, amidst their “farm-ily”, growing root vegetables and becoming an authority on seed saving. There they found their true self, and chose to dedicate their life to producing seeds and celebrating all that seeds grow and become. 
 
They discuss their current goal, to become a mass producer of carrots, radish and beets, which are, traditionally, difficult to grow in the tropics. This is part of an even greater long term plan to help Hawaii, which currently imports more than 90 percent of its goods and an even greater percent of its produce, grow more of its own vegetables. Hear their inspiring vision for creating large scale production that won’t disturb the land or the people. 
 
Quotes
“Food and seeds and the act of growing has been a passion of mine since the 6th grade if not before, and it’s been the one activity that has been consistent throughout my life in that it’s been the one thing that when I’m engaged in, I feel like myself. There’s no other way that I can accurately define who I am truthfully than that of the seed.” (3:46 | Seed)
“When I was in the garden, everything was moving in slow motion, and I wanted to be there as long as possible and I wanted to feel myself. So rather than run away from myself, I wanted to be there present with myself with my thoughts in the garden. I felt held, I felt supported, I felt understood.”  (17:41 | Seed) 
“The plants, the animals, the seeds working together in synergy to create an environment that was this cradle that I needed in order to come back down to earth.” (18:36 | Seed) 
“This was this nurturing experience that I felt I needed to come down to earth and to stay on this earth, and I attribute the garden–my ‘farm-ily,’ I call it, to my continued existence here. And also my family, of course.” (19:28 | Seed)
“I don’t see myself as this controller or manager of Mother Nature, but I see myself as a part of it and as a servant to the earth.” (23:37 | Seed)
“I’m here to speak for the seed. That’s who I am. So, at that moment I decided to choose life and realized if I’m going to be alive, I don’t want to live a lie, because my past had been a lie previous to that moment.” (30:12 | Seed)
“I was pretty opposed to many man made objects in my younger years, and have now become aware of the fact that it’s really how these incredible creations are used that reflect their merit, and not what they are and how they’ve come about.” (45:54 | Seed)
“There are pros and cons to all practices, and acknowledging the agroecology surrounding us all and the core mission of feeding, nourishing and nurturing both the people and the planet. As long as I hold that true to my heart, I’m not going to be swayed by certain alternative motives. The main goal is to produce as much food as possible, but not at the peril of myself, the people or the land.”  (50:31 | Seed)
Links
Connect with Seed Levine:
To connect with Seed, you can email them at nahuaainafarms@gmail.com
 
Avid4 Adventure website: www.avid4.com
Avid4 on Instagram: @avid4adventure
Avid4 Adventure on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avid4adventure
Email the host:  podcast@avid4.com 
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP04: The Avalanche that Changed Everything - An Everest Perspective

“I had this perception that nothing bad could happen to me in the outdoors, and this was a massive wakeup call,” says climber and mountaineer Matt Moniz, of living through an avalanche that claimed nearly two dozen lives when it swept over basecamp on Mt. Everest as the result of an earthquake in Nepal. Still only a teenager, Matt leapt into action performing a search and rescue mission over the following days, and staying in Nepal for another month, ready to help. Though this experience has made him rethink his risk assessment and tolerance, his attitude remains, as it has always been, humble.
 
Though he has completed the highest peaks in all 50 states and all of Colorado’s 14-ers in the fastest time, Matt is still eager to be a novice. While a student at Dartmouth, he took up whitewater rafting and endured all the highs and occasionally embarrassing lows of learning a new sport. With all of the new skills and certifications he acquires and adventures he undertakes, he is most interested in showing other people the beauty and wonder of the outdoors, with the ultimate goal of preserving it for future generations. 
 
Matt credits the key people in his life, including his father, for shaping his attitude toward the outdoors and his aptitude for outdoor sport, and emphasizes the importance of having mentors. On today’s episode of Avid4 Adventure, Matt discusses the scientific study he conducted on Mt. Everest, learning to sail with his family, and his plans to combine his experiences into something unique. Quotes
“Being in a really amazing opportunity of privilege, to be able to go on these expeditions, to have this experience, to not share that with people almost feels like a crime to me. The outdoors, to me, is one of, if not the most valuable resources on the planet, and if we don’t inspire and get people in the outdoors, that resource won’t be enjoyed by future generations, which is really scary to me.” (7:37 | Matt Moniz)
“It’s a very humbling experience being a beginner, in any activity. I definitely felt that. Having a mentor in the space who is willing to help push your limits but also willing to understand your concerns is really important. Those experiences and those mentors can really make or break your experience in the outdoors.” (10:26 | Matt Moniz)
“Everything is risky in life. Driving down I-70 during a snowstorm is incredibly risky. Whatever your risk tolerance is, there’s no correct or wrong answer. I don’t go back country skiing on considerably high avalanche danger days, but that’s a calculus that people have to make on their own.” (29:28 | Matt Moniz) 
“It’s a fine line to balance. There were definitely times when my parents said, ‘You are not doing something,’ and at the time I thought it was ridiculous. Looking back on it, it was a very good judgment call, and one that I couldn’t make on my own. On the flip side, there were definitely experiences that I’ve had that were closer calls, that I’ve had to revise and rethink my risk tolerance in the outdoors, and the only way I could do that was to experience it on my own.” (34:05 | Matt Moniz) 
 
Links
Connect with Matt Moniz:
Instagram: matt-moniz
Twitter: climb7moniz
 
Avid4 Adventure website: www.avid4.com
Avid4 on Instagram: @avid4adventure
Avid4 Adventure on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avid4adventure
Email the host:  podcast@avid4.com 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP03: Best in the World While Having Fun - A 12 Year Old Climber’s Perspective

Meet Bayes Wilder, a 12-year-old climbing prodigy whose passion and prowess in climbing are as remarkable as his achievements. Bayes opens up about his love for climbing, an enthusiasm that is as infectious as it is inspiring. As a 5.14 climber, Bayes has not only earned the respect and admiration of his peers and climbing enthusiasts of all ages but has also excelled in MathCounts competitions at the state level, showcasing his problem-solving skills both on the rock and in the academic arena. His interests in puzzles and Rubik’s Cubes further underline his natural inclination towards solving complex problems.
 
Bayes’s deep connection with the outdoors traces back to his early childhood, nurtured by his parents, Sandy and Matt. Sandy, a former teacher, emphasized the importance of balancing educational pursuits with exploring the natural world, introducing Bayes to climbing trips across the United States from as young as two months old. Matt, sharing a lifelong passion for rock climbing, has played a crucial role in developing Bayes’s skills in a sport that demands both physical prowess and mental fortitude.
 
The episode also delves into the thoughtful approach taken by Matt and Sandy to mitigate and assess the risks involved in climbing. Through practicing in controlled environments and building trust with incremental challenges, they have created a supportive framework that acknowledges Bayes’s limitations while pushing the boundaries of his capabilities. Matt’s perspective on facing and dealing with failure offers a refreshing take on how overcoming obstacles can be a valuable part of personal and athletic development.
 
Despite his rising profile in the climbing community, Bayes maintains a humble demeanor, sharing his reluctance to be the center of attention but also revealing the mental preparation that goes into each climb. He describes a five-step process that helps him focus and prepare mentally for the challenges ahead, underscoring his disciplined approach to both climbing and life. Bayes’s dream of moving mountains to create his perfect day encapsulates not just his passion for climbing but also his boundless imagination and drive.
 
This episode of the podcast offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a young athlete who balances the demands of competitive climbing with the challenges of growing up. It’s a story of passion, dedication, and the supportive role of family in nurturing and safeguarding a young talent as he scales not only the literal heights of climbing but also the figurative peaks of adolescence. Bayes Wilder’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, the importance of problem-solving, and the enduring value of a supportive family foundation in the pursuit of excellence.
 
Quotes:
“I love doing all sorts of problems. I love solving the Rubik’s Cube and doing all sorts of different puzzles. I also love math.” (7:04 | Bayes Wilder)
“I’m so happy that my parents were so helpful to me and enthusiastic about getting me outdoors and having fun with me, and not having me be on screens too much. I’m so happy that they did that. I’m glad I’m outdoors instead of being inside playing video games all the time, or watching TV. It’s so much more fun to be outside.” (10:55 | Bayes Wilder) 
“Before I’m about to attempt a really hard climb, I visualize the climb. I visualize myself climbing it perfectly—flawless and feeling so good on it. It builds a lot of confidence in me and helps me prepare for the climb and helps me to try my hardest.” (13:03 | Bayes) 
“There’s always a risk of failure and I think that’s really good for people to struggle with. The challenge in climbing is that sometimes failure can come with injury or danger.” (27:20 | Matt Wilder)
 
Links
Connect with Bayes Wilder:
Instagram: @bayeswilder 
YouTube: Bayes Wilder Climbing
Avid4 Adventure website: www.avid4.com
Avid4 on Instagram: @avid4adventure
Avid4 Adventure on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avid4adventure
Email the host:  podcast@avid4.com 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP02: Risk & Outdoor Adventure - A 12 Year Old Perspective

12-year-old Rose Gadd, climber, gymnast, and skier, is wise beyond her years. She knows that understanding risk isn't about avoiding life's adventures; it's about knowing how to navigate them more safely. Today on The Avid Adventurer, we explore this profound insight with Rose and her father, Will Gadd, an extreme athlete and renowned outdoor educator. Together, they delve into the critical importance of risk assessment, not only in the exhilarating world of outdoor sports but also in the everyday decisions that shape our lives. Through their unique lens, we're introduced to a simple yet effective method for evaluating potential dangers, categorizing risks into three levels: Bumps and Bruises, Hospital, and Death. This approach, born from their shared experiences, provides listeners with a practical framework for making informed choices, whether facing the challenges of crossing a busy highway, ensuring safety at the airport, or enjoying family hiking trips.
 
The conversation with Rose and Will emphasizes the significance of not just identifying what could go wrong, but understanding why it might happen, empowering listeners with the knowledge to mitigate risks proactively. Will explains that teaching risk-awareness is less about instilling fear and more about equipping young adventurers with the necessary tools for independent and confident decision-making. This philosophy turns the concept of risk into a source of comfort rather than anxiety, showcasing the empowering impact of preparation and knowledge.
 
Rose's insights extend to overcoming 'embarrassment injury' and the broader implications of facing fear head-on, a stance supported by Will's belief that engaging with fear is the key to diminishing its power. Their dialogue offers invaluable lessons for listeners of all backgrounds, providing a fresh perspective on managing fear and risk in pursuit of adventure and fulfillment.
 
Join us for this enlightening episode of The Avid Adventurer, where the wisdom of a young athlete and the expertise of an extreme sports veteran converge to offer guidance on navigating life's risks with confidence and savvy.
Quotes:
“Basically, when you’re outside or doing anything that requires a risk, I pause to think and say, ‘If I get hurt in this situation, or if something goes wrong, would it fall into the bumps and bruises category, the hospital category, or the death category.’ And then I assess from there.”(4:36 | Rose Gadd) 
“Sometimes, I get very focused because I do so many things in the outdoors, but risk is something that goes across every aspect of life, including social aspects as well. You can have some of the same categories there.” (5:57 | David Secunda)
“I’ve always asked questions when we’re out doing anything, from being in the city–Rose mentioned that, the busy road with the death potential, but just asking questions. ‘What’s going on here? Are we good, or do we need to do something different?’ I think from a very early age we’ve done that and I’ve encouraged the kids to be involved in that, and they really are.” (11:13 | Will Gadd) 
“The goal is not to scare Rose, the goal is to give her tools so she feels she can make the right decisions.” (12:14 | Will Gadd)
“I guess you could even classify this to a social standard. Embarrassment injury. Something as simple as raising your hand in class to an answer you might not even know, that might be an example of a risk you could take with the worst possibility being embarrassment.”  (16:31 | Rose Gadd) 
Links
Connect with Rose and Will Gadd:
Website: willgadd.com 
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/realwillgadd/
 
Connect with Avid4 Adventure:
Avid4 Adventure website: www.avid4.com
Avid4 on Instagram: @avid4adventure
Avid4 Adventure on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avid4adventure
Email the host:  podcast@avid4.com 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP01: Choosing Their Own Path - Finding & Expressing Identity Through Adventure

‘OK, this is what’s happening. I’m on top of a massive rapid, I guess I just have to lock in,” says 17-year-old Ash Goldstein about navigating Colorado’s whitewater rapids. In the inaugural episode of The Avid Adventurer, we dive into the exhilarating and impactful journey of 17-year-old Ash Goldstein, a burgeoning leader in the whitewater kayaking community with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Ash shares their experiences of navigating the challenging waters of Colorado's rapids, paralleling these physical challenges with their proactive approach to making the kayaking world a more welcoming space for all. Adopted from China and introduced to kayaking at an early age in Colorado’s Roaring Fork valley, Ash grew up with a passion for outdoor sports. However, they quickly recognized the need for a shift away from the conquering-focused, White settler mindset they feel is prevalent in outdoor activities. Through their work with organizations like Diversify Whitewater and their role as a camp counselor, Ash is actively working to change this narrative, focusing on inclusivity and community within the sport.
 
This episode not only highlights Ash's thrilling adventures and personal growth but also provides practical advice for parents wanting to introduce their children to outdoor sports. Ash discusses the balance between staying guarded and being a visible member of the kayaking community, emphasizing the importance of complete trust among team members on the water. Their story is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have in challenging and changing the status quo, inspiring listeners to confront their own rapids, whether in outdoor adventures or personal endeavors towards creating more inclusive spaces.
 
Whether you're an avid adventurer, a parent looking to inspire your children with a love for the outdoors, or someone passionate about diversity and inclusion, this episode of The Avid Adventurer promises to engage and motivate you to make a difference in your world.
 
Quotes:
“I have spent a lot of time and am quite comfortable outdoors in ways that aren’t always the standard. And I think that was eye-opening to me in the sense of, ‘This is not an experience everyone has.’”  (10:17 | Ash)
“If your kid is singularly passionate about something, the best thing you can do is give them the skills to recognize risk themselves.” (12:01 | Ash)
“I live in a primarily White state and so fundamentally, being an Asian adoptee created this tension. So for me, it became an issue of, ‘What can I do to mitigate that and form community, not just for me but also for every other individual who experiences something similar to me?’” (16:04 | Ash) 
“I didn’t want to exist in outdoor spaces in a way that kind of perpetuated that White settler mindset because it didn’t feel inclusive or supportive of all the people whom outdoor sports could be very beneficial to.”  (17:01 | Ash) 
“I would consider myself pretty conservative, in general, in terms of sports. I’m here for a good time, I have nothing to prove, which I guess is a little countercultural, especially in the kayaking world.”(26:41 | Ash)
“In kayaking, there’s a certain continuousness. And I think that continuousness creates this interesting dynamic because, on a certain level, it’s terrifying and it’s awful and risks can quickly multiply on each other. On the other hand it forces you into this very particular mindset. I think that’s probably the reason why I’m especially drawn to kayaking, where it’s, ‘OK, this is what’s happening. I’m on top of a massive rapid, I guess I just have to lock in.’” (28:03 | Ash) 
Links
Connect with Ash Goldstein:
Website: http://ashgoldsteinorourke.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ashofalltradez_/
 
Connect with Avid4 Adventure:
Avid4 Adventure website: www.avid4.com
Avid4 on Instagram: @avid4adventure
Avid4 Adventure on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@avid4adventure
Email the host:  podcast@avid4.com 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

The Avid Adventurer - Trailer

Join us for deep and meaningful weekly inner views of kids, parents and outdoor guides as they navigate risk, compassion, limitations and upliftment found in their exploration of the outdoors. Mountain Biking, Climbing, Trekking or Paddling may be the front stage, but we’ll dig deep into what drives the avid adventurer in their quest to explore at the edge of their comfort zone. Join David Secunda, serial entrepreneur and Founder of Avid4 Adventure, for conversations that will change your lens of perception on adventure and support you in defining for yourself your journey forward in the outdoors.