The power of the outdoors can be transformative. Connecting with new experiences and like-minded people through walking, climbing and mountaineering creates powerful communities and lifelong memories.
We want to diversify the people we normally hear talking about the outdoors, celebrate their stories, shine a light on their insights, and create a place for discussion, inclusion and practical advice. So welcome to Finding Our Way, a podcast that aims to be thought-provoking, upbeat and entertaining.
Finding Our Way is brought to you by the British Mountaineering Council and proudly sponsored by Berghaus. It’s hosted and produced by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone. The artwork is by Neil Arch.
S2 Ep6: Finding Our Way with Every Body Outdoors - Big bodies, good kit and community
In this one we sit down with Steph Wetherell, co-founder of Every Body Outdoors, a group campaigning for better representation, clothing and gear for larger and plus-sized bodies in the UK outdoors. We talk about sizest attitudes, why seeing plus size people represented by brands and media is so important, and how clothes and kit can be more inclusive. And the unexpected joy of finding your ‘tribe’.
1 Dec 2022
S2 Ep5: Finding Our Way with Anoushé Husain – Paraclimbing, pain and the possible
In this one we sit down with international paraclimber Anoushé Husain. She co-founded the group Paraclimbing London, competes internationally for the Luxembourg team, and recently became a Guinness World Record holder for the furthest distance climbed one-handed in one hour. She’s also a celebrated public speaker, an ambassador for Ehlers-Danlos Support, and Ambassador for Limb Power UK who work with amputees and people with limb difference. She’s also a practicing muslim and is married to paraclimber Kenneth Ellacott – we talk about that too!
24 Nov 2022
S2 Ep4: Finding Our Way with Richard Chapman - Grief and healing through climbing
In this one we sit down with climber and mountaineer Richard Chapman, who’s changing the way trauma is treated in mainstream healthcare. He has lived experience of trauma and PTSD, and says climbing outdoors helped him recover. He’s now helping develop NHS trials of ‘social prescribing’, where patients are offered non-medical, community-based interventions – including climbing – as a pathway to recovery and hope.
10 Nov 2022
S2 Ep3: Finding Our Way with United We Climb (ft Marie Uri and Yasmin Lazarus) – Climbing Walls and Checking Privilege
In this one we sit down with climbers Marie Uri and Yasmin Lazarus from United We Climb. Their group is committed to creating new opportunities and experiences designed specifically for – and with – people who are currently underserved and underrepresented in climbing and the outdoors. This includes paraclimbers, neurodiverse people and people of colour. United We Climb also work with climbing businesses to help them recognise and remove barriers to inclusive access.
3 Nov 2022
S2 Ep2: Finding Our Way with Dwayne Fields - Young People, Urban Britain and Nature Connection
In this one we sit down with National Geographic explorer Dwayne Fields to talk about giving young people chance to shine, helping urban communities connect with the wild, advice for allies and how to respect the outdoors.
27 Oct 2022
S2 Ep1: Leo Houlding and Ed Jackson: Quadriplegia, Alps and Ambition
In this one we sit down with legendary adventure climber Leo Houlding and adaptive adventurer Ed Jackson – both Berghaus ambassadors - to talk wild places and wild people, rebuilding your life after spinal cord injury and the wonderstuff of climbing with new friends.
19 Oct 2021
S1 Ep6: Finding Our Way with Stu Skinner – Deserts, jungles and mental health training
In this one we explore the stigma of mental illness, what exactly Mental Health First Aid is, and the importance of expedition leaders who can support mental health as well as deal with broken legs and snake bites. Stu Skinner is an experienced expedition leader, mental health first aid provider and the founder of the charity Changing Horizons. He wants us to normalise conversations about mental health, break the taboo of suicide and is passionate about the mental health benefits of outdoor activity.
Content information: In our conversation, Stu talks about experiencing mental health challenges including suicidal thoughts and attempting suicide. He also explains he lost a friend to suicide. There are no details about the events. Stu also talks about recovery, hope and the importance of talking to each other and breaking down stigma.
Show notes and full transcript available at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast (https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast)
Find Stu on Instagram @OfTalesOnTrails and his charity at www.ChangingHorizons.org (http://www.changinghorizons.org/)
If you need to talk to someone, call Samaritans on 116 123 for free, at any time. You can also find help at www.samaritans.org (http://www.samaritans.org/)
For further information or support in relation to issues raised in this episode, please visit:
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/ (https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/)
https://www.mind.org.uk (https://www.mind.org.uk)
For further information about Mountain Training’s courses including Hill & Mountain Skills and the Mountain Leader qualification, please visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/ (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mountain-training.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cd86a4f07149a4f49d12208d97df4d317%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637679312727381046%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=lniUQxR4Tv5eBAWIsWF9yCYTVDKVilrqthj%2Fp5eVizM%3D&reserved=0). For information on funding available to support course attendance visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/help/resources/bursaries-for-our-qualifications (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mountain-training.org%2Fhelp%2Fresources%2Fbursaries-for-our-qualifications&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cd86a4f07149a4f49d12208d97df4d317%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637679312727381046%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=3KAmc6Y5mnSkpc6W%2FHAk6GmdQqM4733YjUN5WODlUxI%3D&reserved=0).
Finding Our Way is sponsored by Berghaus, and hosted by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone. The cover artwork was designed by Neil Arch.
Get involved with the conversation – share your thoughts on @teamBMC on instagram and twitter with the hashtag #FindingOurWay.
12 Oct 2021
S1 Ep5: Finding Our Way with Cherelle Harding – Urban community, reggae and rolling down hills
In this one we get some good views and good vibes with founder of outdoor network Steppers UK, Cherelle Harding. We hear how the music of Bob Marley brought her a new appreciation of nature, why outdoor upskilling is key to making change stick, and what needs to be done to improve nature connection in urban areas. Cherelle is the founder of Steppers UK, a community group based in the Midlands, focused on encouraging more people from under-represented backgrounds into outdoor activities including walking.
In this episode of Finding Our Way, Cherelle, a young woman of Black Caribbean ethnicity talks about racism, feeling safe in the countryside and her work to improve the representation and confidence of people from black, Asian and other minority ethnic communities, as well as barriers for people living in urban areas.
Show notes and full transcript available at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-cherelle-harding (https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-cherelle-harding)
Find Steppers UK on Instagram @Steppers_UK
For further information or support in relation to issues raised in this episode, please visit:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/discrimination-because-of-race-religion-or-belief/ (https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/discrimination-because-of-race-religion-or-belief/)
For further information about Mountain Training’s courses including Hill & Mountain Skills and the Mountain Leader qualification, please visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/ (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mountain-training.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cd86a4f07149a4f49d12208d97df4d317%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637679312727381046%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=lniUQxR4Tv5eBAWIsWF9yCYTVDKVilrqthj%2Fp5eVizM%3D&reserved=0). For information on funding available to support course attendance visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/help/resources/bursaries-for-our-qualifications (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mountain-training.org%2Fhelp%2Fresources%2Fbursaries-for-our-qualifications&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cd86a4f07149a4f49d12208d97df4d317%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637679312727381046%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=3KAmc6Y5mnSkpc6W%2FHAk6GmdQqM4733YjUN5WODlUxI%3D&reserved=0).
Finding Our Way is supported by Berghaus, and hosted by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone. The cover artwork was designed by Neil Arch.
Get involved with the conversation – share your thoughts on @teamBMC on instagram and twitter with the hashtag #FindingOurWay.
5 Oct 2021
S1 Ep4: Finding Our Way with Rob Mitchell – Cake, maps, and gay, bi- & trans lads outdoors
In this one we talk about how to make clubs more inclusive, the joy of maps, getting qualified as an outdoor leader and how a supportive community with common interests can build confidence, skills and a lifetime of outdoor connection. Rob Mitchell is a mountain leader for Outdoor Lads, a UK-wide community who run a range of sociable outdoor activities for gay, bi and trans guys.
In this episode of Finding Our Way Rob, a gay man, talks about discrimination linked to homophobia. He also talks about the importance of a supportive community to help individuals deal with stress and life challenges.
Show notes and full transcript available at
https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-rob-mitchell (https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-rob-mitchell)
Follow Outdoor Lads on Instagram @OutdoorLads and at www.outdoorlads.com (http://www.outdoorlads.com/)
For further information or support in relation to issues raised in this episode, please visit: https://www.stonewall.org.uk (https://www.stonewall.org.uk/)
For further information about Mountain Training’s courses including Hill & Mountain Skills and the Mountain Leader qualification, please visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/ (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mountain-training.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cd86a4f07149a4f49d12208d97df4d317%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637679312727381046%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=lniUQxR4Tv5eBAWIsWF9yCYTVDKVilrqthj%2Fp5eVizM%3D&reserved=0). For information on funding available to support course attendance visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/help/resources/bursaries-for-our-qualifications (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mountain-training.org%2Fhelp%2Fresources%2Fbursaries-for-our-qualifications&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cd86a4f07149a4f49d12208d97df4d317%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637679312727381046%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=3KAmc6Y5mnSkpc6W%2FHAk6GmdQqM4733YjUN5WODlUxI%3D&reserved=0).
Finding Our Way is sponsored by Berghaus, and hosted by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone. The cover artwork was designed by Neil Arch.
Get involved with the conversation – share your thoughts on @teamBMC on instagram and twitter with the hashtag #FindingOurWay.
28 Sept 2021
S1 Ep3: Finding Our Way with Bonita Norris – Everest, ethics and disordered eating
In this one we head to the high mountains to discuss the Death Zone, climbing – and falling – on Everest, attempting K2, inspiring non-climbers, and the pressure and dangers of dropping weight to climb harder. Bonita Norris has summited three of the world's 8000m peaks and retains the record as the youngest British woman to climb both Everest and reach the North Pole. She's also written candidly about suffering from bulimia as a teenager.
In this episode of Finding Our Way Bonita talks about eating disorders, eating habits and body image amongst climbers. She also describes falling and getting injured on Everest.
Show notes and full transcript available at https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-bonita-norris (https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-bonita-norris)
Follow Bonita on Instagram @BonitaNorris
http://www.bonita-norris.com (http://www.bonita-norris.com/)
For further information or support in relation to issues raised in this episode, please visit:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/eating-disorders/overview/ (https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/eating-disorders/overview/)
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk (https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk)
Finding Our Way is supported by Berghaus, and hosted by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone. The cover artwork was designed by Neil Arch.
Get involved with the conversation – share your thoughts on @teamBMC on instagram and twitter with the hashtag #FindingOurWay.
21 Sept 2021
S1 Ep2: Finding Our Way with Euan Ryan – Making films, climbing and hidden disabilities
In this one we sit down with Glasgow-based photographer and filmmaker Euan Ryan to talk getting hit by rocks, why climbing is a strange sport full of brilliant people, mental health journeys, chronic illness, hidden disabilities and the taboo of ‘poo issues’. Euan has documented para-climbers on the Eiger, climbing with autism, and the mental healing that climbing can offer in his most recent film, ‘We Need to Talk About Kev’. He also suffers from Crohn's disease, a painful and sometimes debilitating inflammatory bowel condition.
In this episode of Finding Our Way, Euan, who suffers from Crohn’s Disease, talks about his chronic illness, managing a diagnosis and treatment.
Show notes and full transcript available at
https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-euan-ryan (https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-euan-ryan)
Follow Euan on Instagram @FinalCruxFilms & watch his films
https://vimeo.com/finalcruxfilms (https://vimeo.com/finalcruxfilms)
https://www.finalcruxfilms.com (https://www.finalcruxfilms.com/)
For further information or support in relation to issues raised in this episode, please visit:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/crohns-disease (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/crohns-disease%20)
https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk (https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk)
https://www.noteverydisabilityisvisible.org.uk (https://www.noteverydisabilityisvisible.org.uk)
Finding Our Way is supported by Berghaus, and hosted by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone. The cover artwork was designed by Neil Arch.
Get involved with the conversation – share your thoughts on @TeamBMC on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #FindingOurWay.
21 Sept 2021
S1 Ep1: Finding Our Way with Rehna Yaseen – Free kit, ‘BAME’ and inspiring young South Asians
In this one we talk about the importance of decent kit, being paid to do cool stuff, the problem with the term ‘BAME’ and why building relationships with the whole community matters with outdoor instructor and community mentor Rehna Yaseen. She discovered a passion for outdoor activities in her teens and now helps other young people find their own passion for the ‘great outdoors’ as the leader of the Ashton Youth Club in Greater Manchester.
In this episode of Finding Our Way, Rehna, a young Muslim woman from a British Pakistani community, talks about inequalities linked to gender and ethnic minority communities. She describes some of the pressures that women from South Asian communities can feel.
Show notes and full transcript available at
https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-rehna-yaseen (https://www.thebmc.co.uk/finding-our-way-podcast-rehna-yaseen)
Follow Rehna on Instagram @outdoors_with_rehna
https://www.lindleyeducationaltrust.org/social-investment/ (https://www.lindleyeducationaltrust.org/social-investment/)
For further information or support in relation to issues raised in this episode, please visit:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/discrimination-because-of-race-religion-or-belief/ (https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/discrimination-because-of-race-religion-or-belief/)
For further information about Mountain Training’s courses including Hill & Mountain Skills and the Mountain Leader qualification, please visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/ (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mountain-training.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cd86a4f07149a4f49d12208d97df4d317%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637679312727381046%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=lniUQxR4Tv5eBAWIsWF9yCYTVDKVilrqthj%2Fp5eVizM%3D&reserved=0). For information on funding available to support course attendance visit: https://www.mountain-training.org/help/resources/bursaries-for-our-qualifications (https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mountain-training.org%2Fhelp%2Fresources%2Fbursaries-for-our-qualifications&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cd86a4f07149a4f49d12208d97df4d317%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637679312727381046%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=3KAmc6Y5mnSkpc6W%2FHAk6GmdQqM4733YjUN5WODlUxI%3D&reserved=0).
Finding Our Way is supported by Berghaus, and hosted by BMC walking ambassador Mary-Ann Ochota and expedition leader and equity champion Cress Allwood. Our editor is Chris Stone. The cover artwork was designed by Neil Arch.
Get involved with the conversation – share your thoughts on @TeamBMC on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #FindingOurWay.
25 Aug 2021
S1: Welcome to Finding Our Way
This is Finding our Way the new podcast from the British Mountaineering Council, supported by Berghaus, celebrating and exploring the stories of walkers climbers and mountaineers from all walks of life.
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