169. Discovering Friendship and Adventure: The Role of Play in Personal Growth with Amy and Mandy from Rooted Wild Adventure Co.
Today’s episode is all about adventure and friendship and why you need to prioritize BOTH in your life. This is an incredibly fun conversation with Amy Beenfield and Mandi Lotze from Rooted Wild Adventure Co. and these two embody everything that Positively You is about.
Amy and Mandi have created Rooted Wild Adventure Co., a company dedicated to getting women out and adventuring. They're all about building confidence and getting us out of our comfort zones, which is right up my alley. But what's even more special is how they’re helping women create amazing friendships along the way.
We dive into how Rooted Wild Adventure Co. started, the unexpected but beautiful friendships that have formed, and the transformative power of adventure and play. Amy and Mandi share insights on how to take those first steps outdoors, no matter how daunting it may seem, and how play can be a vital part of personal growth and healing.
Get ready to be inspired and to discover the magic that happens when women come together to support each other, embrace adventure, and, most importantly, have fun. Enjoy the episode!
Meet Amy and Mandi
The co-owners of an outdoor women's guiding company called Rooted Wild Adventure Co. They guide women hiking, on overnight backpacking trips in the Uintas, and recently started their Year of Adventure program. They believe in the outdoors belonging to everyone, supporting beginners, tapping into their kid selves, and being a safe place for people to try new things.
The Birth of Rooted Wild Adventure Co.
Amy and Mandi’s business story is a heartwarming tale of friendship, adventure, and a shared vision. They met in a small, isolated town in Northern Arizona, bonding over their young children and a mutual love for the outdoors. Their friendship grew through countless hiking and camping trips, and they soon realized the need for community and friendship among women was huge.
Their idea for Rooted Wild Adventure Co. began with a simple yet powerful thought: organizing backpacking trips for mothers and daughters. This idea evolved, and after many pivots, they discovered that the true magic happened when women came together not just to adventure but to form deep, meaningful friendships.
The Power of Friendship
One of the standout moments in our conversation was realizing how Amy and Mandi's initiative has helped women create lasting friendships. While they were initially focused on building confidence through outdoor activities, they found that the real goldmine was in the connections formed. As they set out to empower women to get outdoors and leave behind their comfort zone they got to witness first hand new friendships and connections forming which has been an unexpected and beautiful bonus.
Year of Adventure
Okay, I think this is absolutely genius and I wish I thought of it myself. This year Amy and Mandi’s launched Year of Adventure. A monthly adventure subscription for women. Think of it like a monthly book club- but instead of books- you get to adventure. So far this year they have been snowshoeing, cross country skiing, gone on e-bikes across an island, done a ropes course, and floated in the Great Salt Lake. Talk about fun!
Their Year of Adventure program is designed to push boundaries and inspire personal growth. The activities are not just about the physical challenge but also about rediscovering the joy of play and reconnecting with the adventurous spirit within.
Emotional Safety and Vulnerability
Creating a safe space to adventure and try something new is a no brainer. But something that I really love is that these two women have also been really intentional about creating a safe place for emotional vulnerability as well, in fact it’s a cornerstone of Rooted Wild Adventure Co. Amy and Mandi emphasize the importance of feeling safe, not just physically, but emotionally. They encourage women to show up as they are, to embrace the struggle, and to support one another through it. This has led to deep connections and a supportive community where women can heal, grow, and thrive together.
Embracing Play and Letting Go
I love that our conversation touched on the importance of play. As adults, especially as moms, we often forget how to let go and be silly. Amy and Mandi are passionate about reintroducing play into our lives. Whether it’s through snowshoeing races or playful antics during events, they remind us that it’s okay to look a little silly and that joy and growth often come from these light-hearted moments.
Start Small, Dream Big
If you feel daunted by the idea of adventure, Amy and Mandi offer sage advice: start small. It’s not about immediately tackling a seven-day whitewater rafting trip; it’s about taking the first step. Whether it’s visiting a new park, trying a short hike, or simply exploring a trail you’ve always driven past, the key is to begin. Each small step builds confidence and opens the door to bigger adventures.
Amy and Mandi’s story is a testament to the transformative power of adventure and friendship. They’ve created a space where women can come together, push their boundaries, and form deep connections. Their journey from a small idea to a thriving community is incredibly inspiring.
So, if you’re scrolling through Instagram, dreaming of adventures but feeling unsure, take that first step. Join a local group, reach out to friends, or even just explore a new park. And remember, it’s not about doing it perfectly; it’s about showing up, embracing the journey, and finding joy in the process.
Thank you, Amy and Mandi, for sharing your incredible story and for reminding us all of the magic that happens when we combine adventure with friendship. Here’s to many more adventures and meaningful connections!
NEXT STEPS ~
Connect with the girls of Rooted Wild Adventure Co.
Search upcoming adventures with Rooted Wild Adventure Co.
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OTHER EPISODES YOU’LL LOVE ~
Ep 139: Why Taking Yourself Less Seriously Leads to More Fun & Better Relationships
Ep 59: 7 Tips To Help You Make Friends As An Adult with Camille Walker
Ep 03: Mom Guilt, Self Compassion, and High Adventure with Brittany Crane