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In this episode, I sit down with Tia Banks, a former professional athlete turned mountaineer, resilience expert, and motivational speaker. Tia’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and mental toughness, and in our conversation, she shares how learning to manage setbacks helped her transition into a new passion.

From growing up in Nebraska to inspiring thousands through her speaking tour, her story is proof that adversity can be a stepping stone to something greater. Tia explains that a "setback is the setup."

Key Takeaways:

• The power of self-talk – What we tell ourselves matters in the hardest moments.
• Resilience is built, not given – Hardship creates opportunities for personal growth.
• The outdoors is transformative – Mountains provide a unique space for reflection and challenge.
• Community is essential – Finding support in the hardest moments can make all the difference.

Show Notes and Links:

• Introduction
• Tia’s Background
• Resilience & Overcoming Setbacks
• Transition from Athlete to Speaker
• Climbing Kilimanjaro
• The Power of Self-Talk
• Diversity in Mountaineering
• Mind Over Mountains Tour
• https://www.tiabanks.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/thetiabanks
• https://www.youtube.com/@thetiabanks1

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.

• www.byland.co
• Join the newsletter
• Beginner backpacking course
• Support the show
• emory@byland.co

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In this episode, I sit down with Tayson Whittaker, founder of Outdoor Vitals, to dive deep into fastpacking—what it is, why it works when time is tight, and how to cover more ground in less time. Whether you’re a backpacker looking to move faster and lighter, or someone trying to maximize limited time on the trail, this episode is packed with tons of insights on how to make fastpacking a practical tool in your outdoor adventures.

Tayson shares his personal fastpacking strategies, including gear, hydration and nutrition planning, and how to structure your days for big miles without burnout. We also get into the evolution of Outdoor Vitals gear and how it’s designed with fastpackers and minimalist adventurers in mind.

If you’ve been curious about how fastpacking can fit into your life—or you just want to find smarter ways to adventure farther and faster—this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Fastpacking is a tool to cover more ground in less time, opening up bigger adventures even when life is busy.
• Dialing in your gear makes fastpacking possible—cut the weight without sacrificing comfort or safety.
• Hydration and electrolytes are mission-critical, especially for high-mileage days. Don't underestimate your salt needs.
• Nutrition strategy is everything—consistent fueling keeps your energy steady and prevents the dreaded calorie wall.
• Planning your day around effort, rest, and fueling is the secret to consistent, high-mileage success.

Show Notes and Links:

• Introduction
• The Growth of Outdoor Vitals
• Game-Changing Gear
• Fastpacking vs. Traditional Backpacking
• Nutrition & Hydration in the Backcountry
• The Evolution of Down vs. Synthetic Insulation
• Lessons Learned from Long Days on the Trail
• What’s Next for Outdoor Vitals?
• Outdoor Vitals
• Tokes alcohol stove
• Ventus Active Hoodie
• Vario Jacket
• Skyline Fastpack
• Tushar Rain Jacket
• Altitude Sun Hoodie
• Re-Lyte

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.

• www.byland.co
• Join the newsletter
• Beginner backpacking course
• Support the show
• emory@byland.co

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In this episode of the By Land Podcast, I sit down with Bria Ruben, co-founder of Ruck Evolution, to explore the benefits of rucking—a simple yet powerful way to build fitness, mental resilience, and community. Rucking is walking with weight, and it’s one of the most accessible, low-impact ways to increase endurance and strength.

Bria shares how she discovered rucking, why it became such a key part of her life, and how Ruck Evolution is making rucking more accessible with innovative water-based weight systems. We talk about why rucking is great for all fitness levels, how it can be integrated into everyday life, and the role of community in keeping people moving.

If you’ve been looking for a practical, no-fuss way to improve your health and prepare for outdoor adventures, this conversation will inspire you to start rucking today.

Key Takeaways:

• Rucking is an easy way to build endurance, strength, and mental resilience—it’s simply walking with weight.
• Anyone can ruck—start light and gradually increase weight and distance.
• Rucking is highly functional—it translates well to activities like hiking, hunting, and everyday movement.
• It’s more than fitness—rucking builds community and brings people together.
• You don’t need fancy gear to start—a backpack and some weight (like water bottles) is enough.

Show Notes and Links:

• Introduction – Why rucking is worth your time
• Bria’s Background – How she discovered rucking and her work in recreation therapy
• Rucking 101 – What it is, why it works, and how to get started
• The Benefits of Rucking – Strength, endurance, mental clarity, and injury prevention
• How Rucking Fits Into Everyday Life – Training for outdoor adventures, fitness goals, and more
• Building a Rucking Community – Why doing it with others keeps you motivated
• Ruck Evolution’s Innovative Gear – How they’re making rucking more accessible
• Final Thoughts & Resources – Where to learn more and how to get started today
• https://www.ruckevolution.com/
• Ruck Evolution Aquabells: https://www.ruckevolution.com/product-page/ruck-evolution-aquabells
• Weighted Vest (amazon): https://amzn.to/3QPmqns

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.

• www.byland.co
• Join the newsletter
• Beginner backpacking course
• Support the show
• emory@byland.co