Resilience in Recreation: Stories of a Changing Climate
Podcast series by Casey Auberle
In this Missoula-based miniseries, University of Montana grad student Casey Auberle joins outdoor recreationists in the field to hear how they’re witnessing climate change through the lens of their sport.
As the impacts of climate change become increasingly prevalent, the outdoor activities that bond us to our local communities and environments are under threat. In Missoula, MT, drought, rising temperatures, and wildfire smoke change what it means to fish, ski, run, and recreate in our town. In a series of Q&A style podcasts, Casey creates a platform to share stories of a changing climate through the lens of local recreators and climate activists. Capturing these voices invites us to consider our relationship with nature on both an individual and communal scale, to find unity in shared experiences of a changing environment, and to share messages of hope.
Episode 1: Fly Fishing
Join Russell Parks and Zach Scott of Missoula Fly Fishing Outfitters as they talk about ways they've witnessed their business and sport change over the last twenty years.
Episode 2: Paragliding
Soar the skies with paraglider Joshua Phillips as he tells us about how changing wind patterns impact his flights.
Episode 3: Cycling
In this episode, we hear from Jim Sayer and Meg Fisher about their connection to the local streets and trails of Missoula.
Episode 4: Running up for Air
Hear the voices of our community's runners and climate activists at the kickoff of the 2026 Running Up for Air (RUFA), a winter endurance event that has runners and hikers lapping Mt Sentinel for up to 24 hours in the name of clean air.
This episode features conversations with race directors Jeff Mogaver
Episode 5: Nordic Skiing
Join for a conversation with Teagan Hayes about how she stays locally and environmentally engaged through her multiple conservation roles and her membership with the Missoula Nordic Ski Club.
Episode 6: Climate Grief + Mindfulness
In this episode we hear from local climate therapist Sarah Aronson about our growing understanding of climate grief and eco-anxiety. We consider ways outdoor enthusiasts can embrace their love of place to contribute to a better future.
About the Author:
Casey Auberle is a second-year environmental philosophy graduate student at UM. Originally from Flagstaff, AZ, Casey went in search of more water and landed in Bellingham, WA for her undergrad in environmental policy. Since finding her passion for environmentally focused community development in Bellingham, she has worked and volunteered in multiple communities across the US and Europe to broaden her knowledge of sustainable practices on a local level. Now, for the final portion of her master’s, Casey is working on a climate storytelling project here in Missoula. In a series of Q&A style podcasts, she creates a platform to share stories of climate hardship and adaptation through the lens of local recreators and climate activists.
