Best Cross Country Skiing Podcasts (2024)

1
From Zero to Travel: Seizing Your Opportunity to Travel Solo 1:07:08

24h ago1:07:08

1:07:08

If a new opportunity comes your way, are you ready to take it? When professional photographer Leslie McKellar was forced to move out of her apartment in 2020 because of toxic mold, she took it as an opportunity to reevaluate her trajectory. After realizing her calling to travel full-time, she set out a plan to make it happen and left for Europe in …

1
416 Fall colors are coming! Also, are voters smart enough? 40:36

2d ago40:36

40:36

Bob welcomes Wild Westendorf back to the podcast. They discuss what they have been doing since the last time Kevin on the show. Bob talks about the end of his term on the TOPS Working Committee, his experiences there and his plans moving forward. Also, Bob talks about his conversation with a person who thinks Colorado Springs voters aren't "smart e…

1
A Solo Skiing Expedition Across Antarctica 26:48

8d ago26:48

26:48

Our solo travel mini series has followed guests on a work trip to Cannes and a six-month backpacking odyssey across South America. But in this third and final installment, we speak to a guest who pushed themselves even further—to Antarctica. Lale chats with Preet Chandhi, an endurance athlete who’s broken records skiing alone across one of the worl…

1
A Solo Backpacking Trip Across South America 24:56

15d ago24:56

24:56

In the second installment of our solo travel series, we hear from Christie Bowers, who spent six months backpacking across South America, stopping everywhere from the Amazon to Argentina. She shares how she planned the trip, budgeted for it, and navigated both the joys and challenges of going it alone far from home.…

1
415 The "Unlikely Through Hiker" Derick Lugo 47:59

16d ago47:59

47:59

On this week's episode, Bob interviews Derick Lugo, author of "The Unlikely Through Hiker". They discuss how Derick, having grown up in Brooklyn, Queens and Harlem in New York City became a through hiker, tackling the Appalachian Trail with no prior experience. Derick tells of the impact on his outlook on life and interpersonal relations the experi…

1
A Solo Work Trip to Cannes, France 24:39

22d ago24:39

24:39

In the first installment of our three-part solo travel series, Zakiya Gibbons, host of dating podcast Hang Up, recounts a pretty glamorous work trip to Cannes—and shares how she navigated moments of loneliness, figured out ways to prioritize downtime and actually see the destination, and even managed to squeeze in a date.…

1
Andy Newell has seen some things 3:07:10

24d ago3:07:10

3:07:10

Retired World Cup skier-turned-coach Andy Newell represented the U.S. at a staggering nine world championships, four Olympics, and 200-plus World Cups in his career; if it happened in international skiing between 2000 and 2020, Newell was probably there. Join him as he brings this experience to bear while discussing the challenges and successes of …

1
Reggae Singer Lila Iké on Staying True to Her Jamaican Roots 25:10

29d ago25:10

25:10

As part of Condé Nast Traveler’s music and travel coverage this month, Lale sits down with reggae singer Lila Iké to find out about life in Kingston, the old school influences that still shape her music now, and what it was like performing live on stage for the first time. But even as she tours the world, she remains faithful to Jamaica’s reggae he…

1
I Went to Barcelona to Freeze My Eggs 26:14

1M ago26:14

26:14

Freezing your eggs can be logistically challenging—and costly—here in the US, which is why some women are turning their sights overseas. Lale chats with Los Angeles-based Esther Yu McElroy about her own fertility journey, one that took her all the way to Barcelona with a stop in London along the way.…

1
414 Author & Thru-Hiker Christine Woodside is the Guest 50:12

1M ago50:12

50:12

On this week's episode, Bob chats with author and thru-hiker Christine Woodside about her book, "Going Over the Mountain: One Woman's Journey from Follower to Solo Hiker and Back". In this entertaining hour, they discuss her experiences as a day and thru-hiker, and the experiences that led to the writing of this book. Book website: https://tinyurl.…

1
Riding Waves With Olympic Surfers in Tahiti 21:57

2M ago21:57

21:57

The Paris Olympics are in full swing, but far away from the main stadium, the world’s greatest surfers are taking on Tahiti’s biggest wave as part of the competition. Lale catches up with Condé Nast Traveler’s Megan Spurrell, who flew out to the French Polynesian island to witness the power of the wave firsthand—and speak to the women surfers who a…

1
413 Special bonus episode with Wild Westendorf 38:04

1M ago38:04

38:04

With July having a 5th Wednesday, and not wanting to go too long between podcasts with our new twice-a- month schedule, I had Kevin "Wild" Westendorf come in for a short episode to catch up on things. We discuss what we've both been doing for the past few weeks, find out more about Kevin's recent health scare, new trails he's visited and any plans …

1
How to Get Out Into the Wilderness This Summer 23:06

2M ago23:06

23:06

Last time Lale chatted with outdoors expert and Condé Nast Traveler contributor Emily Pennington she was fresh off her book tour for Feral, a memoir chronicling her mission to visit every national park in the US. This week, Emily rejoins us in the studio to talk about what she’s been up to since then, including adventures in Patagonia, how she’s pr…

1
Erin French on Maine, the Lost Kitchen, and a Mammoth Cross-Country Road Trip 26:08

2M ago26:08

26:08

Each year, Erin French receives 60,000 postcards from people asking if they can dine at her Maine restaurant The Lost Kitchen. “It really becomes a luck of the draw lottery. We have big post office bins that arrive and we literally reach in, we grab a postcard, we call that person immediately and say, ‘Okay, when do you want to come?’” This episode…

1
412 Author PJ Anderson Is the Guest 59:59

2M ago59:59

59:59

On episode 412, Bob chats with local author PJ Anderson about "Cheyenne Mountain - Here's Looking at You" an exhaustively researched book about the history of Colorado Springs' nearest mountain. They discuss Anderson's history in developing Cheyenne Mountain State Park at the base of the peak, the history of the early discovery and then mining and …

1
Listeners on the Magic and Mishaps of Traveling With Kids 16:09

2M ago16:09

16:09

Traveling with kids can be all manner of things—educational yet exhausting, transformative yet taxing, magical yet maddening. In this week’s episode, three listeners share dispatches about the joys and challenges of seeing the world alongside children of all ages, from chasing a total eclipse in Dallas to seeking out new adventures in Japan. Plus, …

1
Solo Travel, According to Rachel Cargle (Rerun) 27:08

2M ago27:08

27:08

We travel for all sorts of reasons: self-discovery, something new, a chance to break out of our routines. But how often is it truly restorative? In a rerun of an episode from last year, Lale talks to activist, educator, entrepreneur, and ardent solo traveler Rachel Cargle about creating calm in every step of a journey—and her new memoir and manifes…

1
411 Lifeseeker Technology Can Save Your Life 27:23

2M ago27:23

27:23

On this episode, Bob chats with Hector Estevez, the CEO of Centum Research and Technology. Calling from his company's headquarters in Spain, he and Bob talk about the "Lifeseeker" technology and devices that have been used in Europe and are now being introduced in the United States. The devices, which can locate a missing hiker in minutes, work alo…

1
Moving to Paris for a Life in Food 26:13

3M ago26:13

26:13

Ever dreamed of swapping your current life for a brand new one in Paris? That’s what Jane Bertch did, who chronicles her own journey, and the French cooking school she subsequently opened, in her new memoir The French Ingredient. Lale chats with Jane about the lessons she’s learned (culinary and otherwise) from her years spent in Paris, her tips fo…

1
The 'Heeling' Process: Olympic Runner Andrew Butchart's Road to Recovery 37:46

3M ago37:46

37:46

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Olympian Andy Butchart, a standout figure in the world of athletics, joining us on the podcast. Andy is renowned for his incredible achievements and unwavering passion for his sport. For years though, Andy has been plagued by a condition known as Haglund's deformity, causing persistent heel pain, he recently …

1
Bonus Pod: Celebrating National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day 55:23

3M ago55:23

55:23

In June we celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day. A time to recognize the rich history, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. To celebrate, we had the privilege of speaking with Sharon Firth. She graciously shared her journey, highlighting the significance of Indigenous represe…

1
The Long Legacy of African American Expats 25:34

3M ago25:34

25:34

In her book Beyond the Shores: A History of African Americans Abroad, Dr. Tamara J. Walker recounts stories of 20th-century African-Americans who chose to build their lives outside of the United States—everywhere from Paris to Nairobi. Lale chats with Tamara about the romantic notions of 20th-century Paris and the creatives who made it their home, …

1
410 Bob visits North Carolina 28:31

3M ago28:31

28:31

On this week's podcast, Bob goes solo as he talks about his trip hiking and photographing waterfalls in North Carolina. He discusses the scenery, the trails and the people he's encountered. Also, a short discussion on when you should go with a tour group and when you should make your own arrangements. Also, Colorado Springs E-bike survey and El Pas…

1
Two Best Friends Eat Their Way Round the World 26:23

3M ago26:23

26:23

Mumtaz Mustafa and Laura Klynstra are best friends who love to cook—and host—together. Lale chats with them about how their respective childhoods in Pakistan and Michigan helped shape their passion for food, travels in Guatemala, and memories of Karachi street snacks and Dutch potlucks.By Condé Nast Traveler

1
School or Sport? Why Not Both says Jasmine Lyons! 34:58

3M ago34:58

34:58

In today's episode, we chat with National Ski Team athlete and University of New Hampshire graduate Jasmine Lyons. Pursuing an education while competing in high-performance sports isn't easy, but it is possible as we learn from Jasmine. Nordiq Canada is the governing body of Para nordic and cross-country skiing in Canada, which is the nation’s opti…

1
The Magic of Island Life in Scandanavia 24:46

3M ago24:46

24:46

There’s nothing quite like the magic of a Scandinavian summer, where daylight is near endless and hundreds of islands come to life for locals to explore and retreat to. Author Dorthe Nors—and repeat guest on this show—joins us to share stories of life on the Danish island of Fano, fascinating folklore, and tips on creating your own island hopping j…

1
409 Big changes coming to the podcast! 52:23

3M ago52:23

52:23

On this week's podcast, Bob and co-host Kevin discuss big changes coming to the podcast, and ask the listeners to voice their thoughts on the changes. Also, water safety and Kevin went to the Outdoor Magazine event in Denver Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob w…

1
#Legoffgameon: Scotland's Amputee Football squad are Euros bound 59:03

4M ago59:03

59:03

We are thrilled to have two special guests with us for this new episode, Ashley Reid, the founder of the Amputee Football Association Scotland, and Iain Matthew, the association CEO . It was Ashley's vision and dedication that brought amputee football to life in Scotland, then she was joined by sporting legend Iain. As an amputee Paralympian, Iain …

1
Dinner SOS: I Need an All-American Menu 37:08

4M ago37:08

37:08

Gabe and her husband have befriended an American couple in Treviso, Italy, where they all live. In order to give them a taste of home, Gabe would love to cook her new friends an American meal. But what typifies American food? And how can she source the right ingredients in the Veneto? Host of Dinner SOS Chris Morocco enlists the help of Bon Appetit…

1
408 Author and Adventurer Kevin Fedarko is the guest 49:58

4M ago49:58

49:58

On this week's podcast, Bob's guest us author and adventurer Kevin Fedarko. They talk about his newly released book "A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon". The book details his and photographer Pete McBride's attempt to hike the entire length of the canyon, from east to west. Also, they discuss how ov…

1
What the Heck is a Ski Playground? 53:05

4M ago53:05

53:05

In today's episode, we talk about one of three programs run through the winter by Nordiq Canada funded by Sport Canada's Community Sport for All Initiative. This episode is sponsored by Salomon! Salomon’s goal is to drive change within our communities by creating more inclusive outdoor experiences. At the same time, they are committed to conducting…

1
Why Water Makes Us Happy 27:12

4M ago27:12

27:12

It’s summer, which means we're grabbing every chance there is to hit the beach or dive into a hotel swimming pool. But some travelers are a little more intrepid, plunging into wild, frigid waters for all manner of reasons. To find out why, Lale chats with writer and wild swimmer Freya Bromley about her recent memoir The Tidal Year and catches up wi…

1
407 City leader Richard Skorman is the guest 41:25

4M ago41:25

41:25

On this week's podcast, Bob sits down for a chat with Colorado Springs' Richard Skorman. Skorman is a a former city councilor, a small business owner, outdoor advocate, civic leader and water conservation activist. They talk about his newest initiative of getting volunteers to help clean up trash in sensitive areas and neighborhoods, the scarcity o…

1
Armin Auchentaller: Steppingstone to the Future 36:45

4M ago36:45

36:45

The 2023-24 season was filled with athletic advancement with personal bests across both men’s and women’s team. And with the IBU World Cup in the books, the team has headed to Bend, Ore. for on-snow training six months out from next season’s tour. Heartbeat caught up with head coach Armin Auchentaller live from Bend to analyze the team’s success, a…

1
From ICU to the Euros: Ethan Walker's inspiring story & incredible challenge 26:26

4M ago26:26

26:26

In this heart-stopping episode of Surgical Goals, we talk to the incredible Ethan Walker. A promising young footballer, Ethan's dreams had taken him from the east coast of Scotland to the US on a scholarship, where life was sweet for the young athlete. Fate intervened though when he was hit by a car landing him in intensive care, fighting for his l…

1
An Italian Hotelier Living La Dolce Vita on Lake Como 26:02

4M ago26:02

26:02

What is it like growing up in one of the most storied and iconic hotels in Italy? Ask Valentina de Santis, who was raised in the kitchens and ballrooms of Lake Como's Grand Hotel Tremezzo and now runs the charismatic Passalacqua along with her parents nearby. Lale chats with the hotelier to hear stories of life on Lake Como, get tips on traveling i…

1
406 Pikes Peak Update, Fox Run Nature Center, other news 47:55

4M ago47:55

47:55

On this week's podcast, Bob provides an update on the shuttle and reservation system on Pikes Peak. Also, interesting facts around the proposed Fox Run Park Nature Center, a new feature on the COTREX app and website, and Bob is selling one of his cameras. Pikes Peak season/annual passes: https://tinyurl.com/tz94b427 COTREX wildfire alerts: https://…

1
A Restaurant-Critic-Turned-Cookbook Author Slows Down in Menorca 27:51

4M ago27:51

27:51

What does it take to eat well—and simply? To find out, Lale chats with Yasmin Fahr, author of the new book Cook Simply Live Fully (and former undercover restaurant critic), for advice on shopping at local markets, how to make use of an Airbnb kitchen, and the joy of cooking far from home. Plus, she shares stories of island life on her home of Menor…

1
405 City and County Master Plans, Pikes Peak Shuttle 40:22

4M ago40:22

40:22

On this week's podcast, Bob and Kevin discuss master plans projects underway for Colorado Springs' Fishers Canyon Open Space and El Paso County's Jones Park. Also, a discussion about timed-entry reservation requirement for Pikes Peak, and a new shuttle system that leaves out recreational users. Fishers Canyon Master Plan: https://tinyurl.com/3ndbv8…

1
Three Photojournalists on Revealing the Human Side of Conflict 28:38

5M ago28:38

28:38

This week, Lale speaks with women who risk their lives to document conflict and catastrophe around the world—and who are all recipients of a Courage in Photojournalism Award from the International Women's Media Foundation. Listen to hear Cairo-based Nariman El-Mofty, who has been traveling through Yemen and Sudan, and Anastasia Taylor-Lind, whose w…

1
404 A hike and conversation with "Hiking Unlimited" 24:12

5M ago24:12

24:12

On this week's podcast, Bob takes a short hike while interviewing Sheila Doherty a/k/a "Hiking Unlimited" on social media. An expert based in Phoenix, she gives advice on hiking in the desert Southwest, chats with Bob about her favorite trips and hikes, and also her future plans. Along on the hike was Sheila's friend, Michelle, a new hiker who was …

1
Criss Crossing America to Visit Every Baseball Stadium 27:30

5M ago27:30

27:30

Tiffany Mathias, a self-confessed baseball stadium chaser (and, incidentally, Lale’s sister-in-law), recounts her quest to visit every ballpark in the US, touring the stadiums, chatting to ushers and fans, and sampling the often eccentric local concessions—often as a solo traveler. To watch a game in a new stadium, says Tiffany, is “to be in her ha…

1
403 Want to hike to Hanging Lake? Plan ahead. 46:06

5M ago46:06

46:06

On this week's podcast, Bob is joined by co-host Kevin "Wild" Westendorf and they catch up on what Kevin has been doing since he was last on the show. They also discuss people behaving badly on trails, a rescue due to people being woefully underprepared, and if you want to hike to the popular Hanging Lake, you will need to prepare carefully and far…

1
How Plants Help Us Understand Our Heritage 27:49

5M ago27:49

27:49

Life begins again in spring, and as the air (and your nostrils) fill with pollen it might be a good time to learn something new about the plants with which we share the earth. To do so, Lale talks to nature writer Jessica J. Lee about how, as she's lived around the world, learning about non-native plants has given her a sense of belonging. From che…

1
402 Rocky Mountain Field Institute's Jolie NeSmith 44:29

5M ago44:29

44:29

On this week's podcast, Bob interviews Jolie NeSmith, the Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI). They talk about her first year at the helm, including challenges and accomplishments, and then move on to discuss the 2024 work season. The review the projects RMFI will be working on, with an update on the multi-year Devils Pl…

1
An Astrologer Guides Our Travel Plans 26:10

5M ago26:10

26:10

With summer travels on the horizon, Lale taps professional astrologer—and Women Who Travel columnist—Steph Koyfman to read her chart and guide her through the season and the rest of the year. Plus, we hear from three listeners who are thinking about relocating, getting citizenship in a new place, and undertaking a life changing trek, and turn to St…

1
401 Luis Benitez and How Outdoor Recreation can Save the World 56:41

5M ago56:41

56:41

Bob chats with Luis Benitez, the author of "Higher Ground: How The Outdoor Recreation Industry Can Save The World". The first head of Colorado's Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, and a leader in the outdoor recreation industry, he talks with Bob about the need to change how outdoor recreation in the United States is funded and managed, and how he…

1
Reliving Canada's Top Highlights of the 2023-24 Season 47:20

5M ago47:20

47:20

In this episode, we chat about Team Canada's top moments from the 2023-24 winter season. Do you know someone who should be recognized for their impact on Canadian skiing? For over 30 years these awards have provided national recognition to Canada’s most impactful people in our cross-country ski community. Nominate them here: https://nordiqcanada.ca…

1
Vincent Bonacci: Bringing it Home on Home Snow 34:48

6M ago34:48

34:48

Every biathlete dreams of skiing into the range and having the crowd roar with each shot. Doing it on the snow where you grew up is all the sweeter! At the IBU World Cup in Soldier Hollow, Utah native Vincent Bonacci and his teammates had just that feeling as they skied to a best-ever fourth in the men’s relay. Heartbeat caught up with Bonacci at t…

1
Bear Encounters in Nevada and Chasing Poachers on the Masai Mara 31:45

6M ago31:45

31:45

Traveling everywhere from the savannahs of Tanzania to the mountains of Montana, Dr. Rae Wynn Grant is on a mission to save the world’s most endangered species. Lale chats with the wildlife ecologist, podcaster, author and co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom to hear stories from her new memoir, WILD LIFE: Finding My Purpose in an Untamed Worl…

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Cross Country Skiing Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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