Go Wildly Podcast
Go Wildly Podcast
Podcast Description
The Go Wildly Podcast is what happens when two childhood friends turn into dirtbag adventure junkies and decide to bring a mic into the wilderness. We’re Emily & Heather—equal parts heart and chaos—pulling stories out of people like snacks from the bottom of a backpack. We hike. We float. We talk. At the heart of each episode is one question: What was your pivotal outdoor moment—the one that changed everything?
Together let’s GO WILDLY!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on outdoor adventure stories, personal growth, and environmental consciousness, with themes including pivotal outdoor moments and sustainable living. Episodes explore topics like the transformative experience of Burning Man and overcoming personal challenges through nature.
The Go Wildly Podcast is what happens when two childhood friends turn into dirtbag adventure junkies and decide to bring a mic into the wilderness. We’re Emily & Heather—equal parts heart and chaos—pulling stories out of people like snacks from the bottom of a backpack. We hike. We float. We talk. At the heart of each episode is one question: What was your pivotal outdoor moment—the one that changed everything?
Together let’s GO WILDLY!
🎙 Go Wildly Podcast — Episode 23: Nicole Smedegaard | Life as a Rogue River Guide
🌲 About This Episode
On this episode of Go Wildly, we float with whitewater pro Nicole Smedegaard to talk about what draws people to wild rivers, the reality of “type two fun,” and what it takes to develop confidence and humility in powerful natural environments.
For the past 15 years, Nicole Smedegaard has built her life around rivers. She is a true Rogue River rat – both growing up IN Rogue River and working ON the Rogue River.
Whether you're a boater, paddler, outdoor explorer, or simply someone who feels pulled toward wild places, this conversation explores the meaning of river life and the lessons water, and women, can teach us.
In this episode we discuss
• Life as a Rogue River guide
• The meaning of “type two fun” and “type A” adventurer
• Whitewater paddling and rowing
• Swiftwater rescue and river safety
• Expedition river trips
• Community on the river
• Learning humility from wild water
• Her super cool gear!
Go Wildly is a storytelling podcast centered on real people, outdoor culture, and meaningful conversations rooted in Southern Oregon — exploring how wild places influence creativity, purpose, resilience, and community.
If you love outdoor podcasts, rivers, community, or understanding the landscapes you move through — you’re in the right place.
🎧 Follow Go Wildly
YouTube: @gowildlypodcast
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/spotifygowildlypodcast
Instagram: @gowildlypodcast
Website: https://www.gowildlypodcast.com
Contact: [email protected]
🌿 About Nicole Smedegaard
Nicole is a whitewater boater, guide, and instructor who has guided on the Rogue River for more than 15 years. She’s the owner of Nature Nicole Whitewater, an ACA Level 4–certified instructor with over 10,500 river miles and more than a thousand days on the water. A lover of inflatable boats, exploratory missions, and what she proudly calls “type two fun,” Nicole brings deep experience, curiosity, and joy to every stretch of river she runs.
🔗 Guest Links
Website: www.naturenicolewhitewater.com
Instagram: @nicolesmedegaard
🔥 Listener Discount
Use code WILDLY for $45 off Rescue 3 International’s Whitewater Rescue Technician–Pro Course, April 27–29, 2026 in Southern Oregon
Space is limited! Intended for guides, river professionals, field staff, or individuals with prior swiftwater rescue training. Valid through April 26, 2026.
👂🏽Guest Mentions
Sparkle Pad from Oregon River Gear: www.oregonrivergear.com
Worldwide Women of Whitewater: www.worldwidewomenofwhitewater.org
SOTAR: www.sotar.com
Sawyer Paddles & Oars: www.paddlesandoars.com
Class V Adventure Gear: www.classvgear.com
🛠 Credits
Hosted, Edited & Produced by Go Wildly Podcast
Theme Music: “Rainmaker” by Jared Masters
🏕 Keywords
Go Wildly Podcast, Southern Oregon podcast, Rogue Valley podcast, outdoor podcast, rafting podcast, outdoor adventure podcast, outdoor culture podcast, outdoor lifestyle podcast, nature podcast, independent podcast, local voices podcast, place-based podcast, environmental storytelling, whitewater rafting, rafting, rogue river rafting, rafting rogue river, rogue river guide, river guide life, swiftwater rescue, swiftwater rescue training, river safety, paddling safety, whitewater kayaking, river expedition, type two fun, Nicole Smedegaard, Southern Oregon rivers, Rogue River, Rogue River watershed, Oregon rivers, wild rivers Oregon, Rogue Valley Oregon, Oregon outdoors, Medford Oregon podcast, Ashland Oregon podcast, Grants Pass Oregon podcast, river ecology, watershed health, drought and rivers, wildfire and streams, love story
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.