In this episode of Outdoorsy, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Jasmine
Lowe, an outdoor educator, vegan writer, and just an all-around amazing human being. She’s someone who really brings together her love of nature, mindfulness, and education in a way that feels so natural (pun intended).
Jasmine is also a huge advocate for the outdoors and for making it a place where everyone feels like they belong. The biggest takeaway I had from Jasmine in this episode was about inclusivity and belonging in the outdoors. It was such a powerful discussion about finding community and overcoming fears.
Watch the video episode below or listen to the audio episode on all major podcast platforms.
Finding Community in the Outdoors
Jasmine didn’t grow up thinking of herself as “outdoorsy” in the traditional sense, which I know a lot of folks can relate to. Growing up near Sequoia National Park, nature was always around her, but it wasn’t until college that she really started to explore what it meant to get outside and appreciate nature. And let me tell you, when she found her people, it changed everything.
One of the coolest things Jasmine talked about was how she found community in groups like Black Girls Trekkin’. Being with a group of people who shared her background and her love for nature helped her feel like she truly belonged.
These communities not only welcomed her but also gave her the confidence to do things she never imagined—like summiting Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the continental U.S.
Jasmine’s story is such a great reminder that finding your people in the outdoors can open up so many new possibilities. And it doesn’t have to be a big, epic adventure. It can be about finding a group that feels right for you, even if you’re just grabbing a sandwich and having a picnic in the park.
The Power of Outdoor Education
Another thing I absolutely loved about our conversation was how much Jasmine is dedicated to making the outdoors accessible, especially for youth. She works with organizations like Outward Bound Adventures (OBA) and Woodcraft Rangers, where she leads kids on backpacking trips—sometimes for up to nine days in the wilderness!
Jasmine and her team teach these kids, many of whom have never been camping, to embrace the outdoors. By the end of these trips, these kids are summiting mountains and carrying all their gear on their backs. Jasmine said something that stuck with me: "Most of them didn’t think they could do it until they just did." That’s such a powerful lesson—whether it’s for kids or adults—that you’re capable of so much more than you think.
Overcoming Barriers and Microaggressions in the Outdoors
Now, we can’t talk about inclusivity in the outdoors without addressing the barriers that exist. Jasmine opened up about some of the challenges she’s faced as a woman of color (specifically a Black woman) in outdoor spaces—everything from microaggressions to straight-up racism. It’s heartbreaking and frustrating, but she still shows up and shares her story because representation matters.
Jasmine made a great point about how, when you Google "hiker," you mostly see white, cis, able-bodied men. It’s super intimidating for anyone who doesn’t fit that image. But Jasmine has found her people—like the amazing women in Black Girls Trekkin’—who make the outdoors feel like home for everyone. And now she’s working to make sure other people feel welcome, too.
"People assume that people who look like me aren't outdoors. But we’re here, and we’ve always been here. The more people that love nature, the more people who will go outside and take care of it," Jasmine Lowe.
We also touched on the rise of diversity in outdoor marketing and social media. While progress has been made, there’s still a long way to go. Jasmine mentioned that whenever a brand features a person of color in their ads, it’s often met with a lot of hate in the comments section. It’s a stark reminder that we have more work to do, but it also shows why it’s so important that people like Jasmine continue to push for visibility.
Respecting the Land While Encouraging Inclusivity
We also dove into how we can strike that balance between encouraging more people to feel welcome outdoors while also respecting the land. Jasmine is all about mindful living, which ties into her veganism and her love for sustainability. She believes that when you see yourself as part of nature, rather than above it, you’re naturally more connected to the land and more respectful of it.
She also shared how important it is to teach the next generation about Leave No Trace principles. Jasmine and her team make sure the kids they take on backpacking trips understand why we care for the land, not just how. It’s not just about getting outside—it’s about how we show up when we’re out there.
Do It Anyway - You ARE Outdoorsy
One of my favorite parts of the conversation was Jasmine’s advice for people who are nervous about going outside or feel like they don’t fit the “outdoorsy” mold: just do it anyway. Whether you’re solo hiking, going glamping, or just hanging out at the park, there’s no right way to be outdoorsy.
Jasmine is a perfect example of someone who has overcome fears—whether it’s the possibility of encountering racism or just the anxiety of being solo in nature. Her advice? Be prepared, stay safe, and go for it. The outdoors isn’t just for a certain type of person, and her message is loud and clear: you belong out there.
Final Thoughts
This conversation with Jasmine really reinforced what this podcast is all about—redefining what it means to be outdoorsy. It’s not about "bagging peaks" or "conquering" summits. It’s about finding joy in nature, connecting with like-minded people, and showing up in a way that’s mindful and respectful of the land and each other.
If you want to follow Jasmine’s work, check out her website where she shares her adventures, vegan recipes, and more. And if you’re interested in the organizations she works with, check out Outward Bound Adventures and Woodcraft Rangers as well.
However you define “outdoorsy,” just know that you belong in nature. Get out there and enjoy it—on your own terms.
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