Meet Emily Holland: Writer, Podcast Host & Producer, Brand Ambassador

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Holland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my new podcast, Nature Untold, because I wanted to have a concentrated place in which stories were being told about sobriety, addiction and recovery as they intersect with the outdoor industry and community at large. I had just stopped drinking and couldn’t find a solid place to find these stories coming out, so I wanted to start one. The goal of this project and community is to normalize the conversation about these topics and create more understanding within our circles for those who are struggling. I have never felt so much connection and meaning in my life. This community is full of very strong, powerful and joyous people and I want to share these stories with our groups. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been writing for the outdoors and producing and hosting The Stokecast for a few years now. We spoke to a lot of incredible outdoor athletes, entrepreneurs, activists, advocates and more about their journeys to try to inspire large communities in the outdoor communities. With the lessons I learned from all those conversations, I released a new show. I am passionate about the nitty gritty of the human experience, and I think my curiosity and desire to connect sets me apart. I’m so proud that the show is now out in the world, and people seem to really be resonating with it. The biggest challenge that I have as a creative is finding the time for full creative-mode writing or editing or whatever. I still work a 40-hour work week on top of any creative endeavors I get up to, so managing time is critical. The other big challenge is the frequency of rejection whether its writing or pitching a podcast. It happens and is just part of the game when it comes to these creative pursuits that so many people are passionately working at. At the end of the day, I find it helpful to just remember that there is always a human on the other end of any outreach, with their own lives and their own worries, and, quite frankly, not everything is about you. I want the world to listen to the Nature Untold Podcast and hear the stories of sobriety and addiction, and all the nuance that come with this space. I want people to come away with more of an understanding of these types of issues and hopefully show up more empathetically in their communities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If people come to visit me in Boulder, we’d probably do a hike of Sanitas, go show them Boulder Falls, take them skiing at Eldora or Winter Park (if they’re into that type of thing), go climbing with them (if the conditions allow), or just simply picnic at Scott Carpenter park with a great view of the Flatirons and the Boulder Creek bubbling nearby. I like to bring people up to Brainard Lake Recreation Area if possible, and tour around there. I also love to just do a nice driving tour of the area – go drive through Boulder canyon, head up to Ned for lunch, do a round-about way home by going up to Ward and the Brainard area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been a few people that have been so incredibly supportive in the process of starting this podcast, of starting this community. I’d like to shout out my friends Meghan Walker and Alison Lynch, both of whom believed this show should exist and there was a need, and more importantly, told me I could do it. Additionally, two incredible mentors, Becky Marcelliano and Kathy Karlo, who were both mentors to me in creating the show and reaching out to brands for support. Without their guidance, I wouldn’t feel as confident or convinced in the direction I should take. John Holdmeier at UST Gear has been a big believer and supporter of the show from the beginning. So appreciative of his guidance.

Website: https://www.natureuntoldcollective.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natureuntoldpodcast/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilylholland/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_feed%3BlF3X%2FnFpQKaN8UdK2bKbuQ%3D%3D
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/natureuntoldpodcast