Earlier this summer, a producer from Outdoor Idaho (a long-standing show on Idaho Public Television) reached out to me to ask if I'd be interested in being interviewed for a show they were working on about the Idaho 12ers. Specifically, he wanted to know if I would speak to the "why"-- why do people do this? What's the psychology behind it?

I have watched Outdoor Idaho since I can remember, and I was so excited and honored by this opportunity! After discussing details, we had plans to climb an 11er (since I am working on those now after finishing the 12ers in 2019) in August. I have kept this a secret until this week when a 3 minute teaser was released. For this week's blog post I thought I'd share a link to that video clip. You'll hear and see me at the very end (but please watch the whole thing because it's worth it)!

And if you're interested in watching the whole thing, it airs on December 6 on Idaho Public TV and they'll post it online at some point too!

Click here to watch the teaser -- and let me know what you think. :)

Hello! I’ve decided to start blogging again, and I wanted my first post to be an introduction to me and what I plan to blog about. If you’ve read my website “About” section, you know I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Idaho. I have a bachelor’s degree in Writing, a master’s degree in Counseling, and a doctorate in Counselor Education. I’ve been a counselor in private practice since 2014. This is now my full time gig, which I love! I’ve also spent time working as a school counselor and as a postdoctoral researcher for NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) grant.
 
I’ve traveled quite a bit, but Idaho has always been home. Most of my family is here and I love the natural beauty and public land here. I am a nature lover at heart. The outdoors is where I get my greatest inspiration and what I rely most heavily on for self-care. I love to hike, ski (downhill and cross-country), rock climb, windsurf, and mountain bike. I have climbed all of Idaho’s 12ers (12,000’+ peaks--see photo below!) and I’m working my way through the long list of “11ers”. I also love reading and writing—and sometimes cooking, but that ebbs and flows!