Growing up, Heather Kitching was enamored with rural life. She dreamed of living in the countryside, riding horses, wearing cowboy boots, and listening to country music. 

But when she got a little older, she learned something about herself that threw a wrench into that dream. She realized that if she was going to be her true self, she’d need to leave behind the place she loved.

On this episode, she shares her story. It's a story that first ran a few years ago, but it's just as good now as it was then.

For Further Listening: If you enjoy this story, check out the episode "Out of the Shadows."

Better outside: What has gotten better since being moved outdoors due to the pandemic? Leave us a voice message, and we might use it on the show!

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Have you found yourself at odds with family members or close friends over diverging values? The past year has dredged up tensions over many issues — from racial justice, to proper pandemic behavior, to a highly politicized presidential election.

How do we nurture our relationships with loved ones, when the values that are central to our being are challenged?

On this episode, Stephanie Maltarich tells the story of a trip she took with her father in rural Ohio. The week they spent together outdoors highlighted the deep divides that existed in their politics and values, but their conversations around the campfire also laid some groundwork for reconciling with those divides.

If you enjoy this story...check out an episode called "The Truths We Hold."

Pandemic silver linings: what has gotten better since being moved outside? Leave us a voice message, and we might play it on the show!

Support Out There: Patreon | Venmo | Credit Card