Books and Boulders Podcast - Show Notes

Episode Title: Wild by Cheryl Strayed | Ch 1 - 3

Release Date: August 11, 2025

In this episode of Books in Boulders, Melanie and Tiffany discuss the first part of 'Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail' by Cheryl Strayed. They explore Cheryl's profound emotional journey, starting with the devastating loss of her mother, her subsequent struggles with identity, infidelity, and her decision to embark on a grueling hike along the Pacific Crest Trail as a form of self-discovery and healing. Drawing from their own outdoor experiences, the hosts consider the logistical challenges Cheryl faced and the therapeutic aspects of adventure and nature. Join them for an engaging conversation on the intersections of grief, personal transformation, and the great outdoors.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:20 Discussing the Book: Wild by Cheryl Strayed

02:26 Tiffany's European Adventure

14:02 Melanie's Summer Plans

15:58 Deep Dive into 'Wild': Part One

41:43 Strained Relationships and Desperate Connections

43:29 Transitions and Self-Discovery

44:56 Reflections on Addiction and Healing

48:36 Preparing for the Pacific Crest Trail

56:51 Overpacking and Essential Gear

01:15:46 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

• Wild by Cheryl Strayed (support your local library or book store)

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Books and Boulders Podcast

Episode Title: Written in the Waters by Tara Roberts | Chapters 13 + Epilogue

Release Date: July 21, 2025

In this episode of Books in Boulders, we take you through the final chapters of 'Written in the Waters' by Tara Roberts. We recap chapter 13 and the epilogue, discussing the journey of tracing ancestral roots back to Edenton, North Carolina, and the emotional stories of the descendants of slaves from the Clotilde. We also share our personal reflections on identity, belonging, and the inspiration we've drawn from the book. Additionally, we reveal our next book choice, 'Wild' by Cheryl Strayed, and invite you to join us on the next adventure.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Greetings

00:41 Tiffany's France Adventure

03:51 Melanie's LA Trip and Plant Obsession

06:10 Diving into Chapter 13 Recap

12:47 Reflections on Ancestral Roots and Land Ownership

19:57 The Paradox of Cultural Appropriation

20:58 Contradictions in Historical Narratives

23:48 Personal Reflections on Identity

26:24 Discovering Ancestral Roots

28:28 Full Circle Moments and Reflections

33:08 Honoring Ancestral Wishes

38:54 Final Thoughts and Future Reads

Follow Tara on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/tararoberts_explorer/

https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/initiatives/slave-wrecks-project

Tara Roberts Website

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Books and Boulders Podcast

Episode Title: [Insert Title]

Release Date: July 7, 2025

In this episode of BB Pod, Melanie and Tiffany delve into chapters 10 through 12 of 'Written in the Waters' by Tara Roberts. They discuss the historical and emotional revelations uncovered by Tara as she explores the impact of the transatlantic slave trade on places like Costa Rica and the US Virgin Islands. From the Afropunk festival in South Africa to the rich archaeological work in St. Croix, the hosts reflect on the environmental and cultural ramifications of slavery. They also consider the complexities of identity, belonging, and the legacy of African history. Join them for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that intertwines personal discovery with historical exploration.

00:00 Check-In

13:04 Chapter 10

19:32 Chapter 11

48:14 Chapter 12

Follow Tara on Instagram

Slave Wrecks Project

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Books and Boulders Podcast Show Notes

Episode Title: Written in the Waters by Tara Roberts | Chapters 7 - 9

Release Date: June 23, 2025

In this episode of Books and Boulders, Melanie and Tiffany discuss chapters 7 through 9 of 'Written in the Waters.' They delve into Tara's journey through South Africa, Benin, and Togo as she grapples with her African-American identity, her ancestral roots, and the complex history of slavery and colonialism. They also reflect on the unique challenges faced by black Americans seeking to connect with Africa, dive into rich conversations about heritage tourism, and explore how Tara finds new perspectives and a sense of belonging. Join the conversation as Melanie and Tiffany break down these thought-provoking chapters, share personal insights, and discuss the powerful narratives contained within Tara's travels.

00:34 A Hair Transformation Journey

10:00 Diving into the Book Discussion

14:41 Exploring South Africa's History

17:58 The Impact of Colonialism and Apartheid

26:37 Personal Reflections and Ancestry

34:47 Global Impact of Colonialization

35:38 Ancestry and Cultural Connections

39:10 Challenging Conversations on Identity

40:44 Journey to Benin and Togo

42:00 Exploring Benin and Togo

43:40 Heritage Tourism and Ethical Dilemmas

01:10:04 The Tree of Forgetfulness and Return

01:14:24 Heritage Tourism Controversy

01:17:48 Complex Feelings and Exhaustion from Chapter Eight

01:19:25 Exploring Senegal and Cultural Connections

01:20:38 Language and Colonization in Senegal

01:22:45 Karima's Family History and Friendship

01:24:01 Challenging Perspectives on African Identity

01:26:00 The Complexity of African American Identity

01:31:29 The Disconnect Between Black Americans and Africans

Books and Boulders Podcast Show Notes

Episode Title: Written in the Waters by Tara Roberts | Chapters 4 - 6

Release Date: June 9, 2025

Welcome back, listeners! In this episode of BB Pod, we dive into chapters 4 through 6 of 'Written in the Waters' by Tara Roberts. Join us as we discuss Tara's journey from Atlanta to Mozambique, where she begins her work with the Slave Wrecks Project. We explore the historical and emotional complexities that arise in her travels, the meticulous work of excavating the past, and her encounters with the local culture. We also touch on the themes of spiritual connection, cultural identity, and the powerful legacy of African history. Tune in for a rich discussion that resonates deeply with the threads of history and personal discovery.

00:00 Checkin

09:37 Chapter 4

12:32 Chapter 5

24:04 Chapter 6

Follow Tara on Instagram

Learn about the Slave Wrecks Project

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Books and Boulders Podcast - Show Notes

Episode Title: Written in the Waters by Tara Roberts | Chapters 1 - 3

Release Date: May 26, 2025

In this episode, we dive into the first three chapters of 'Written in the Waters' by Tara Roberts. Join us as we discuss Tara's journey to learn scuba diving and her mission to explore sunken slave ships. We explore the challenges and triumphs of her path, offering insights into both the historical significance and personal growth involved in this captivating story.

01:48 Personal Check-ins and Weather Woes

03:44 Climbing Adventures and Reflections

17:52 Chapter One: Sri Lanka and Diving Preparations

29:12 Chapter Two: Thailand and Diving Challenges

36:25 Scuba Diving Reflections

37:10 Diving Challenges and Progress

39:11 Cultural Reflections and Family Ties

42:36 Career and Personal Choices

48:55 Chapter Three: A New Opportunity

49:13 Training with Diving with a Purpose

01:02:17 The Guerrero Shipwreck

• Follow Tara on Instagram
• Tara Roberts Website

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Books and Boulders Podcast - Episode 4 Show Notes

Episode Title: Wrapping Up Climbing Free by Lynn Hill

Release Date: May 12, 2025

In this episode of 'Books in Boulders', Melanie and Tiffany wrap up their discussion on 'Climbing Free' by Lynn Hill, covering chapters 10 through 13. They dive into Lynn Hill's climbing achievements, competition experiences, and the personal struggles she faced. The episode also touches upon her attempts on El Capitan’s Nose and her exploration of European climbing. The hosts share updates on their personal climbing plans and announce their next book, 'Written in the Waters' by Tara Roberts, which explores African American history through scuba diving and the study of sunken slave ships. Tune in for a deep dive into Lynn Hill's impactful career and a preview of the next exciting read.

00:00 Welcome to Books in Boulders

00:16 Recap of Last Week's Reading

01:02 Personal Updates and Climbing Plans

08:13 Discussion on Climbing Free Chapters 10-13

15:14 Climbing Ethics and Hangdogging Debate

25:44 Lynn's Climbing Journey and Competitions

48:34 Reflecting on Lynn and Russ's Marriage

48:51 Lynn's Move to France and Personal Losses

49:34 Yabo's Tragic Death and Mental Health Struggles

53:44 Lynn's Climbing Accident and Recovery

55:04 Lynn's Final Year Competing

55:41 Freeing the Nose: Lynn's Climbing Achievements

01:01:07 Failed Film Attempt and Climbing the Nose in a Day

01:18:02 Joining the North Face Climbing Team

01:23:21 Tragic Losses in the Climbing Community

• Article about Hugues Beauzille
• Climbing Free by Lynn Hill (support your local library or book store)

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Books and Boulders Podcast - Episode 3 Show Notes

Episode Title: Adventures in Climbing: From Yosemite Dirtbags to Hollywood Stunts

Release Date: April 28, 2025

In this episode of 'Books and Boulders', hosts Melanie and Tiffany dive into chapters 7 through 9 of Lynn Hill's 'Climbing Free.' Their discussion ranges from the concept of 'dirtbagging' in Yosemite during the early days of climbing culture to Lynn's experiences with big wall climbing, her adventures and stunts in Hollywood, and her relationships with fellow climbers, including John Long and the troubled yet talented Yabo. The episode also highlights Lynn's reflections on the ethics of climbing, the influence of competitive adventure shows on her career, and the complex dynamics of climbing partnerships.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

06:33 Midway Through the Book

07:23 Chapter 7: Big Wall Thrills

07:41 Dirtbag Lifestyle and Climbing Culture

12:28 The 1977 Plane Crash

17:05 Reflections on Modern Dirtbagging

26:28 First Female Ascent of the Shield

45:04 Adventures with Largo

47:11 Survival of the Fittest

56:47 Partners in Climb

01:07:12 From Vegas to Hollywood

01:13:51 Yabo's Troubled Obsession

01:26:51 The End of the Road

01:29:27 Join the BB Book Club

• Climbing Free by Lynn Hill (support your local library or book store)

• 📸 Instagram: [@blackgirlsboulder]
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• 📩 Email: hello@firstoutdoor.co
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