SIERRA REC NOW

About SIERRA REC NOW

Sierra Rec Now is where mountain stories, unforgettable places, and the people who know them come together. Hosted by Charlie Pankey, each episode explores the Sierra Nevada and the mountain communities, trails, lakes, and adventures that make the range so special. From backpacking and hidden destinations to local history, outdoor skills, conservation, gear, and conversations with guides, creators, and lifelong locals, every episode is designed to help you experience the mountains with greater confidence and curiosity. Whether you're planning your next Sierra adventure or simply love mountain

Publisher

Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine • Authentic Mountains

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Jul 2018

Latest episode

20 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

167 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Oct 2026

   Scott Jensen of Near Zero: A Father's Legacy, Lighter Packs & Better Backpacking

   What does it take to build a backpacking brand that makes getting outdoors a little easier? For Scott Jensen, founder of Near Zero, the answer goes back to his childhood, when his father taught him to camp alone, cook over a fire, and make the most of whatever gear he had. Years later, Scott was exploring Oregon's trails with his own young son, carrying a 60-pound backpack assembled from garage sales and secondhand equipment. Those experiences, combined with a career in international supply chain and product engineering, eventually helped shape Near Zero. In this Built Outside conversation on Sierra Rec Now, Charlie Pankey talks with Scott about the influence of his father, the story behind the Dean backpack, and why affordable, practical gear can make such a difference for people getting started in backpacking. They explore the challenges of ultralight backpacking, the value of keeping gear that already works, Near Zero's complete backpacking systems and rental program, and the realities of building an outdoor company while trying to find time for family adventures. There's also plenty of trail talk, from backpacking with kids and exploring the Grand Canyon to hammock camping, bear canisters, and the simple pleasure of cooking over a campfire. Because sometimes the best outdoor innovations come from people who have spent years figuring things out on the trail. Learn more about Near Zero at https://nearzero.co (https://nearzero.co/). Sierra Rec Now is a production of Sierra Rec Magazine, sharing the people, places, and stories that keep us exploring.

2. 

   13 Oct 2026

   Keeping Women Outdoors Longer | Virginia Petersen of SWOOP

   What happens when a lifelong love of the outdoors becomes the inspiration for building a business? Virginia Petersen, founder of SWOOP, joins Charlie Pankey on Sierra Rec Now for a conversation about mountain communities, outdoor adventures in Alaska, and creating clothing that helps women stay comfortable and spend more time outside. Virginia didn't grow up in the mountains. She discovered that passion while attending college in New Mexico, and it eventually led her into trail running, rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and a life in Alaska. Along the way, she's collected stories that most of us would consider extraordinary—including encounters with bears, moose, and porcupines that are simply part of everyday outdoor life where she lives. But SWOOP didn't begin on a mountain trail. It started during Virginia's career as an emergency-room nurse, when she decided there had to be a better solution for women spending long hours on their feet. What began with a more comfortable bra eventually grew into a women's lifestyle clothing brand influenced by her years outdoors. In this Built Outside conversation, Charlie and Virginia explore the connection between mountain communities and entrepreneurship, the calculated risks involved in both backcountry adventures and business decisions, and why keeping women outside longer remains central to SWOOP's mission. Discover SWOOP: https://wearswoop.com/ (https://wearswoop.com/) Explore more with Sierra Rec: https://sierrarecmagazine.com/ (https://sierrarecmagazine.com/) Until next time... Keep Exploring. In the rugged wilderness of Alaska, Virginia Lynn Peterson discovered a profound connection to the outdoors that transformed her life and career. Join us as Virginia shares her journey from a curious trail runner to the founder of Swoop, a company that embodies her passion for outdoor adventure and community. Virginia takes us back to her first awe-inspiring encounters with the mountains, revealing how the breathtaking landscapes of New Mexico ignited a lifelong love for outdoor pursuits. She recounts exhilarating tales of trail running, skiing, and rock climbing, highlighting the unique camaraderie found within the outdoor community. "It's not just about the sports—it's about the connections we forge and the adventures we share," she emphasizes. You'll discover how Virginia's experiences shaped her understanding of resilience and teamwork, and how these values translate into her entrepreneurial journey. She shares insights on embracing challenges, the importance of mentorship, and how the spirit of adventure can drive innovation in business. What happens when you combine a passion for the outdoors with a thriving entrepreneurial spirit? Virginia’s story underscores the powerful impact of nature on personal growth and success, while also shedding light on the evolving role of women in outdoor sports. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking inspiration from the wild, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to explore how the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness shapes lives and businesses alike, and learn why Virginia's adventure is just getting started.

3. 

   6 Oct 2026

   What Happens When Kids Experience Yosemite for the First Time | NatureBridge

   What happens when a kid who has never camped, backpacked or visited Yosemite National Park steps off a bus and sees Yosemite Valley for the first time? NatureBridge Yosemite Campus Director Corinne Dedini and Operations Manager Andrés Escalante join Sierra Rec Now host Charlie Pankey for a conversation about outdoor education, environmental science and the power of introducing young people to the outdoors. NatureBridge brings thousands of students to Yosemite each year for immersive outdoor science and environmental education programs. Some arrive with years of family camping experience. Others have never slept outdoors, hiked in the wilderness or seen Yosemite despite growing up only hours away. Andrés takes us inside WildLink, a collaborative wilderness program with NatureBridge, the National Park Service and Yosemite Conservancy that introduces young people to backpacking in Yosemite. For first-time backpackers, even the gear barrier is removed—students can be provided with boots, socks, clothing, sleeping bags and tents so they can simply show up and experience the wilderness. But this conversation goes well beyond teaching kids how to backpack. Corinne and Andrés talk about what happens when phones are put away, students begin noticing the small things around them and classmates who barely spoke at school suddenly spend a week hiking, learning and solving problems together. We explore: • Outdoor and environmental education in Yosemite National Park • NatureBridge's Yosemite programs and WildLink • First-time camping and backpacking experiences for young people • Getting kids outdoors and away from screens • Building confidence, courage and community through wilderness experiences • Outdoor science, conservation and environmental stewardship • Careers with the National Park Service, Forest Service and environmental sciences • Why access and belonging matter in America's national parks Andrés also shares the story of a quiet WildLink participant whose Yosemite experience eventually inspired a career with the Forest Service. For Corinne, one of the most important lessons is helping young people cross what she calls the “courage line”—creating a place where they feel safe enough to take a risk, discover community and begin seeing themselves differently. Sometimes the most memorable part of Yosemite isn't Half Dome or a giant waterfall. It might be seeing a squirrel, noticing a tree, putting your feet in the cold Merced River or realizing for the first time: I belong here.

Who has been a guest on SIERRA REC NOW

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Lisa Michelle
• Petch
• Hanna Beth Bryce
• Owen White
• Pani Schauffler

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

151,353

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 68 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

90

Social presence

0

YouTube

86

Engagement

32

Contact SIERRA REC NOW

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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