Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors

About Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors

Stories from the Field: Mental Health in the Outdoors is an authoritative and enlightening podcast that explores the vast landscape of mental health therapies in outdoor settings. Hosted by seasoned mental health professional Dr. Will White, the podcast offers deep insights into outdoor therapies like Adventure Therapy, Eco-Therapy, Wilderness Therapy, and Experiential Therapy, among others. Dr. White engages with a diverse range of guests, including leading researchers, practitioners, authors, executive directors, guide staff, mental health clinicians, and critics, helping to shed light on the nuances of these unique therapy practices. In addition to exploring the modern implications of these evolving therapeutic modalities, he delves into their rich history, providing a holistic perspective for listeners. With over 30 years of experience at the juncture of mental health and outdoor environments, Dr. White's expertise is unparalleled. As a co-founder of the pioneering Summit Achievement, an adventure therapy program based in Maine, he has been a guiding force in the field since the 1990s. His scholarly contributions include the book "Stories from the Field: A History of Wilderness Therapy" and a chapter in "Adventure Therapy: Theories, Research, and Practice." His doctorate work, "Stories from the Elders: Chronicles and Narratives from the Early Years of Wilderness Therapy," traced the origins and evolution of this specialized field. To connect with Dr. White, visit storiesfromthefield.com. Listen to this immersive podcast to understand the power and potential of outdoor therapies in addressing mental health concerns.

Publisher

Will White

Category

education · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

30 Oct 2018

Latest episode

3 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

335 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Nov 2026

   336: You Got Sober. Now Scuba Dive? Jason Kaylor on Connection and Life in Recovery

   Getting sober can save your life—but how do you build a life you feel connected to afterward? Jason Kaylor joins Will to share his journey from a life-changing alcohol-related crash and court-mandated treatment to wilderness guiding, recovery coaching, and scuba instruction. Sober since 2008, Jason describes how working on a Colorado railroad, reconnecting with nature, attending Alcoholics Anonymous, and eventually serving others at Open Sky Wilderness Therapy and Legacy Outdoor Adventures helped him find community and purpose. Drawing on his essay "Everybody Shows Up for the Crisis," he explores the loneliness that can emerge after intensive support ends—and why having someone walk beside you still matters. The conversation moves from the backcountry to the ocean, where Jason confronts his own fear and discovers another setting for practicing presence, trust, and navigating uncertainty. He explains how optional scuba experiences can complement coaching through preparation, honest communication, and reflection, while emphasizing consent, safety, and the distinction between a therapeutic experience and clinical treatment. Along the way, Jason shares stories of a young climber who remembered feeling loved and safe years later, and a new diver whose encounter with darkness—and an unexpected sea otter—became a meaningful moment during a life transition. Together, these stories explore how outdoor adventure and human connection can support mental health, addiction recovery, and the work of building what comes next. Jason's website is https://jasonkaylorcoaching.com/ This podcast is supported by the White Mountain Adventure Institute (WMAI.org (http://wmai.org/)), where Dr. Will White helps individuals, leaders, and organizations navigate growth, change, and life transitions through coaching, consulting, and retreats

2. 

   28 Oct 2026

   335: The Privilege of Breath: A Mountaineer's Story of Caregiving and Survival

   What does it mean to appreciate the privilege of breath when you're climbing the world's highest mountains while your mother is losing her ability to breathe? Nicole LoBiondo, author of Where the Air Grows Thin: Memoir of a Mountaineer, (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GPDH8MK8) joins Will to share how her Seven Summits quest unfolded alongside caring for her mother during a seven-year battle with ALS. Nicole describes the guilt and loss of identity that can accompany family caregiving—and how outdoor adventure helped her reconnect with independence, purpose, and joy. From confronting dangerous summit fever on Aconcagua to surviving the 2015 Everest avalanche, Nicole reflects on how mountaineering changed her mental health and her understanding of courage. She explores the difference between persistence and pushing too far, the connections forged through shared adversity, and the painful realization that love and determination cannot control every outcome. Their conversation also follows her decision to step back from another Everest expedition to pursue motherhood, and the peace she now finds in local hikes and beach walks. For listeners caring for a parent, navigating grief, or seeking renewal outdoors, Nicole's story offers a reflection on accepting limits while continuing to embrace life. To learn more about Nicole check out her website: https://www.nicolelobiondo.com/about This podcast is supported by the White Mountain Adventure Institute (WMAI.org (http://wmai.org/)), where Dr. Will White helps individuals, leaders, and organizations navigate growth, change, and life transitions through coaching, consulting, and retreats.

3. 

   20 Oct 2026

   334: Nature-Based Therapy for Trauma: EMDR and Somatic Work with Chelsea Kendrick

   How can therapists integrate nature-based therapy into trauma treatment? Chelsea Kendrick, LCSW, founder of Headwaters Mental Health in New Hampshire, joins Will to discuss combining outdoor psychotherapy with EMDR, somatic therapy, and parts work. Drawing on nearly 15 years in outdoor education and her experience in community mental health, Chelsea explains how she adapts treatment to each client's needs, preferences, and mobility. From walk-and-talk sessions to nature-based imagery in the office or telehealth, she shares ways to incorporate nature into clinical practice while supporting client choice, grounding, and emotional regulation. For therapists, clinical social workers, and other mental health professionals interested in taking therapy outdoors, Chelsea discusses informed consent, confidentiality in public spaces, accessibility, and safety considerations. She also describes her Shadow Side group for people navigating trauma and loss in outdoor settings, including the grief of losing a climbing partner or mentor. The conversation explores EMDR and nature-based therapy intensives, clinician training and consultation, and how small, regular adventures help Chelsea cultivate distress tolerance and stay present in her own life and clinical work. To learn about Chelsea's practice and training check out her website: https://www.headwatersmentalhealth.com/ This podcast is supported by the White Mountain Adventure Institute (WMAI.org (http://wmai.org/)), where Dr. Will White helps individuals, leaders, and organizations navigate growth, change, and life transitions through coaching, consulting, and retreats.

Who has been a guest on Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors

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

• Chris Blankenship
• Nick Mann
• Katie Baum Mettenbrink
• Dr Neal Christensen
• Haley Bezon

Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100

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

Quality

70

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

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

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