People the Planet Needs Now

In this episode of the Joy Trip Reading Project, host James Edward Mills talks with writer and researcher Joe E. Meisel, author of The Marlin’s Fiery Eye and Other Tales from the Extraordinary World of Marine Fishes. Fish make up roughly half of all vertebrate species on Earth, yet much of their diversity remains hidden beneath the surface. Meisel’s book reveals the remarkable adaptations, behaviors, migrations, and survival strategies of marine fishes, from marlins that can warm their eyes and brains to species that thrive in some of the planet’s most extreme environments. James and Joe discuss biodiversity, evolution, sustainable fisheries, and the threats facing marine ecosystems, including overfishing, pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. They also explore a larger question: can curiosity and wonder help inspire people to protect the oceans? For Meisel, the answer begins with paying attention. The more we understand the lives of fish, the harder it becomes to see them as anonymous creatures or simply as a resource. Learn more about Joe Meisel at JoeMeisel.com. The Joy Trip Reading Project is supported by YMCA of the Rockies. Go be joyful.

In Episode 5 of the Joy Trip Reading Project, James Edward Mills welcomes Joanne Molinaro, known as The Korean Vegan, author of The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma’s Kitchen. Food and family stories: Molinaro pairs her cooking with memories of her childhood and family, connecting recipes with the people behind them. A memorable trip for walnut cookies: In the episode’s featured excerpt, Molinaro recalls her mother standing up for her after a customer insults her in a Korean walnut cookie shop. She later pairs that story with a video of herself making walnut cookies. Cooking and justice: The episode introduces Molinaro’s work as both a cookbook author and a legal voice who helps people understand their rights. Featured book: The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma’s Kitchen, by Joanne Molinaro. Explore more: The Korean Vegan · YMCA of the Rockies The Joy Trip Reading Project The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma’s Kitchen is a featured title of the Joy Trip Reading Project, where we build understanding of sustainability, environmental justice, and social equity through the power of books.

## Episode 4: Thirty Below with Cassidy Randall In 1970, six women set out to climb Denali together—and changed the history of mountaineering. Known as the **Denali Damsels**, the team completed the first all-women’s ascent of Denali and the first all-women’s ascent of any of the world’s major high peaks. Yet for decades, their achievement remained largely absent from popular histories of exploration. In this episode of the **Joy Trip Reading Project**, host **James Edward Mills** talks with author and journalist **Cassidy Randall** about her award-winning book, *Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women’s Ascent of Denali*. Cassidy shares how she first discovered the story of the Denali Damsels and why she became determined to bring their accomplishments back into the historical record. Their conversation explores sexism in mountaineering, the struggle for autonomy, the power of women climbing together, and the ways dominant narratives determine whose accomplishments are remembered—and whose are forgotten. The episode also examines a larger question at the heart of the Joy Trip Reading Project: **Who gets to be part of the story of exploration and adventure?** For James, the conversation is especially personal. In 2013, he organized **Expedition Denali**, the first all-Black American team to attempt the summit of Denali. That shared connection to the mountain opens a wider conversation about representation, belonging, and the importance of seeing ourselves reflected in stories of outdoor achievement. ### About the Book *Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women’s Ascent of Denali* tells the remarkable story of six women who challenged the conventions of climbing culture and proved that women could mountaineer at the highest level on their own terms. The book was the winner of the **2025 Banff Mountain Book Award Grand Prize** and the **Literature Award for Non-Fiction**. ### About Cassidy Randall Cassidy Randall is an author and freelance journalist whose work explores the intersections of adventure, gender, history, and the outdoors. Learn more about her work at **CassidyRandall.com**. ### In This Episode James and Cassidy discuss: * How Cassidy discovered the largely forgotten story of the Denali Damsels * Why the 1970 expedition represented a watershed moment in mountaineering history * The sexism and exclusion women encountered in climbing culture * Why the women ultimately chose to climb without men * How stories that challenge dominant narratives can disappear from history * The importance of representation in exploration and outdoor adventure * What the Denali Damsels can teach a new generation of climbers and adventurers ### Featured Book **Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women’s Ascent of Denali** by Cassidy Randall *Thirty Below* is a featured title of the **Joy Trip Reading Project**, where we build understanding of sustainability, environmental justice, and social equity through the power of books. ### Credits Hosted by **James Edward Mills** Produced by **Bianca Martin** Production assistance by **Hayleigh Dunk** The Joy Trip Project is made possible with support from **YMCA of the Rockies**, because sometimes the right setting changes the whole story. Bring your curiosity, bring your people, and join us where trails, forests, and starry skies lead to deeper conversations. Learn more at **YMCArockies.org**. ### Join the Conversation What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts, questions, and reactions in the comments or leave us a review. Subscribe to **The Joy Trip Project** wherever you listen to podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and share the episode with someone who might enjoy the conversation. **Go be joyful.**

In this episode of the Joy Trip Reading Project, James Edward Mills sits down with editors, storytellers, and creative partners Dave and Illysa Kyu, whose work invites readers to experience America’s parks, trails, and special places through the stories connected to them.

In this inspiring episode of the Joy Trip Reading Project, James Edward Mills welcomes entrepreneur, educator, and author Dr. Kimberly McGlonn for a conversation about leadership that extends far beyond business. Inspired by her book, Build It Boldly: How Daring Business Leaders Can Gain Influence and Create Impact, this discussion explores how our values shape our work, our communities, and ultimately our relationship with the world around us.

In this episode of the Joy Trip Reading Project, James Edward Mills speaks with author, photographer, and conservation storyteller Dudley Edmondson about his new book People the Planet Needs Now. Together they explore representation in the outdoors, environmental justice, the healing power of nature, and the importance of allowing communities to tell their own stories. Featuring inspiring voices from across the global majority, Edmondson’s work challenges listeners to rethink who belongs in conservation and why diverse leadership is essential to the future of the planet.

Recently I had the pleasure of attending a community discussion with an icon of the Civil Rights Movement. The distinguished lecture series at the University of Wisconsin–Madison featured a program titled “A Fireside Chat with Ruby Bridges” at the Shannon Theater in the Memorial Union. For those who may not recognize her name, the story of Ruby Bridges gained national attention when her image was depicted in Norman Rockwell's 1964 painting “The Problem We All Live With.”

The story of this iconic figure is portrayed with unapologetic accuracy and authenticity to reveal an unassailable truth. The American cowboy is Black.

At the Outside Festival James Edward Mills of the Joy Trip Project spoke with three National Park Service leaders, Sally Jewell, David Vela and Chuck Sams

In 2024 the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was harvested and delivered from the Tongass National Forest of Wrangell Alaska. For the tenth year in a row, I had the rare privilege to be the official photographer of The People’s Tree. In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the Society of American Foresters we brought an 80-foot Sitka Spruce to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building on a journey of more than 4,000 miles. Taking pictures along the way, we also gathered audio and video to tell this amazing story. In this special edition of the Joy Trip Project Podcast in three acts, we bring you the sounds and voices of our travels on the trail of a gift from the lands of Tlingit People.