The Outdoor Evolution Podcast
Nic "Darwin" Rakestraw is joined by rotating co-hosts on a podcast that seeks to go beyond the usual conversations in the outdoor community. As more people turn to hiking, cycling, van-life and the outdoors - making use of public lands and Mother Nature - the questions we ask ourselves as a community need to move beyond the surface level. The Outdoor Evolution Podcast is all about the current, difficult and important discussions in the outdoor community.
Episodes
40 episodes
39: The Harsh Truth About Cottage Gear Companies
In this episode, Darwin sits down with the owner of UGQ, Chad Houghton, to discuss the Pros and Cons of owning and operating a small cottage outdoor gear company. Why is it more expensive? How do you compete...
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2:00:39
38: When All Goes Wrong In The Alaskan Wilderness
In this episode, Darwin sits down with his Alaska hiking Partner Jonathan to do a Deep Dive on Everything that went wrong during the first 8 days of their summer Thru-Hike in the Alaskan Wilderness.This Episode Sponsored By:
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1:03:07
37: Canada to Mexico... AGAIN!
In this episode, Darwin announces his BIG Adventure Plans for 2026! A return to The Continental Divide 5 years later? YEP, but this time around he's doing it totally different! This Episode Sponsored By:
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22:18
36: Our Trails Need Us NOW!
In this episode, Darwin tackles a current Hot Topic about the recent defunding of our Public Land agencies. What can we do as a community to make sure these lands are protected & maintained during the recent National Park & Forest emplo...
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20:54
35: The END of Outdoor Evolution???
In this episode, Darwin is BACK to discuss what happened to Outdoor Evolution over the past year and what's next for The Podcast & Darwin Onthetrail!This Episode Sponsored By: onX Backco...
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32:14
34: Burning Out With Dan Becker
In this episode, Darwin is joined by YouTube creator Dan Becker to discuss the dreaded BURN OUT that we all face from time to time. Can you really get Burnt Out from Backpacking? What about burn out from doing what you love for a living? How do...
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1:21:06
33: Can You TRUST Outdoor Gear Companies?
In this episode, Darwin is joined by Mateo Favero from Zpacks to discuss how the Backpacking Gear Industry REALLY works. They also share the TRUTH about a controversial story from 2020 that people have been speculating about for years. Should y...
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1:47:31
32: How To REALLY Train For A Hike
In this episode, Darwin is joined by Dr. Morgan “Blaze” Brosnihan, PT to discuss a better way to train for a Thru-Hike or even a long weekend Backpacking Trip. Does “just get out and hike” actually cut it when it comes to getting in...
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1:36:25
31: How To NOT Run A Successful YouTube Channel
In this episode, Darwin is joined by fellow YouTuber and Photographer Nick Page to discuss the pressures of running a successful YouTube channel. Being known for a particular style and wanting to pivot doesn't always get the results you hope fo...
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1:06:46
30: Self-Care On The Trail
In this episode, Darwin is joined by Marek Bowers of Rawlogy to discuss why self-care is so vital to the success of an adventure. Whether a Thru-Hike, Weekend Backpacking Trip, Bikepacking Odyssey, or World...
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1:11:12
29: Humbled By Travel
On this very impromptu episode, Darwin is joined by friend and creative partner, Chris Carter (aka RAD), to discuss the root of why we hunger for travel. What is it about experiencing different cultures around the world, that is so humbling to ...
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33:43
28: We Started A Gear Company
On this episode, Darwin is joined by his partner in crime, Matt Evans, to announce their New Gear Company, Evolved Supply Co. They geek out on Gear Design, Tech Fabrics, & everything else about their first product, The Ranger. They also cha...
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1:10:55
27: What Happened To Public?
On this episode, Darwin is joined by Benny Braden of Responsible Stewardship to announce our 2023 #GiveAShit Adventure Sponsorship & to discuss what ever happened to the Public Land Film Series we were working on. They also chat about the a...
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47:54
26: Staying Relevant Vs Mental Health
On this episode, Darwin is joined once again by Emory to chat about doing a Mt. Everest Basecamp Trek and the powerful impact that the recent trip had on Darwin - including his realization of the unhealthy nature of trying to "Stay Relevant" in...
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1:06:52
25: Catching Up!
Back from a long hiatus, Darwin is joined once again by Emory to chat about their summer travels, rant about the outdoor community, & just plain catch up on some Big Ol' projects OE has been working on/what you can look forward for the rest...
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1:12:05
24: Too Many Hikers?
In this episode, Darwin is joined by Executive Director of the Arizona Trail Association, Matt Nelson, to discuss the overcrowding issues that are starting to plague long-distance trails like the AT, PCT, & the AZT. What does it take to run...
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58:41
23: Adventuring Abroad
In this episode, Darwin is joined by world traveler, Christy Teglo to discuss taking your adventures abroad. The experiences, logistics, costs, & more. What lessons has Christy learned on her many journeys all over the world? They also chat...
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1:41:45
22: Giving Back Globally
In this episode, Darwin is joined by Travis Avery from Sawyer Products to chat about giving back on a global scale & what Sawyer is doing to save lives all around the world. Can someone like a Thru-Hiker or Bikepacker actually make a differ...
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47:27
21: Adventuring as A Couple
In this episode, Darwin is joined by a whole round-table of Co-Hosts! Jessica (his wife), along with friends Jen & Greg Seymour all chime in to discuss the ups & downs of adventuring as a couple. Is it easy to get along when you spend e...
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1:02:41
20: The Double-Edged Sword Of Thru-Hiking
In this episode, Darwin is joined once again by co-host, Einstein, to have a different conversation about mental health in the thru-hiking community. There have been plenty of great conversations about the positive effects that thru-hiking can ...
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52:47
19: Dear Outdoor Industry
In this episode, Darwin is joined by Film Maker/Thru-Hiker Nick Greene to discuss what we "should" expect of the Outdoor Industry when it comes to stepping up for our Public Lands. Does a company that's in the Outdoor Industry owe anything to P...
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1:11:08
18: Burning Down the Trail
In this episode, Darwin is joined by Einstein to discuss a growing issue in the Thru-Hiking and overall Outdoor Communities... Wildfires! Last year we saw the PCT completely shut down in early September, and watched as nearly every Southbound h...
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41:18
17: JUST CREATE SOMETHING!
In this episode, Darwin is once again joined by Emory to talk about being a creator in the outdoor realm and dive into their own, personal creative journeys. Are you an aspiring Outdoor Media Creator? Are you thinking about starting a YouTube C...
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1:10:00