Exploring Aviation, Empowerment and the Alaskan Outdoors with Melissa Castle

In this episode of the Soul Summit Podcast, co-host Kelly Reynolds chats with Melissa Castle, an active and passionate Alaskan, who's deeply connected to the outdoors. Based in Anchorage, Alaska, Melissa is working towards her commercial pilot's license while fully immersing herself in the beauty of her home state. Her love for outdoor adventures shines through as she shares her experiences.

Melissa's bond with nature is strong: Her 2023 hunting season was full of highs and lows navigating Alaska's wild terrain. She emphasizes ethical hunting practices, seeing it not just as a sport but a lifestyle centered on respecting and preserving the land.

Beyond hunting and the outdoors, Melissa discusses her aviation journey with Kelly. She draws parallels between flying and exploration, highlighting the thrill of soaring through Alaska's vast landscapes. Melissa also stresses the importance of health and fitness in enhancing her outdoor experiences.

Their conversation touches on the influence of female hunters on young girls in outdoor spaces. They advocate for inclusive dialogue within hunting and outdoor communities, empowering girls to embrace these traditionally male-dominated spaces.

Looking forward, Melissa is driven by her love for the outdoors and a commitment to preserving Alaska's wilderness. Her journey as a hunter and pilot reflects her dedication to leaving a positive impact on the land she cherishes.

As the episode wraps up, Kelly reflects on Melissa's inspiring journey, emphasizing the beauty of respecting and preserving the natural world—a lesson that resonates with anyone seeking solace and adventure outdoors.

Find the full line up of 2024 Her Outdoor Journey events and retreats here!

 

Keep up with us online!

@heroutdoorjourney_

@soulsummitpod_

@melissakcastle

 

Or tune into our YouTube Channel to take the journey together! 

 

Today's episode was brought to you by: 

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HOYT: There are some awesome bows on the market, but if you ask me, I’d say Hoyt has some of the best bows around. Built tough to withstand the wear and tear of hard hunts, this bow ensures reliability in your shot so you can focus on the hunt. Not to mention, the dead in the hand feeling that keeps you coming back for more! Head over to www.hoyt.com and check out their new custom bow builder!  

 

SAWYER: If you’re serious about the outdoors, be sure to see what Sawyer has to offer. From water filtration, to sunscreen and insect repellent, Sawyer has you covered. Their commitment to giving back, helping fight global issues, and bringing clean water to more people around the world truly sets them apart from the rest. Head over to www.sawyer.com to see all they have going on!  

 

ONX: 

When it comes to hunting and exploring the great outdoors, there are endless tools, gizmos and gear, but something I never leave home without is my onXMaps. Knowing I have access to land owner information, property lines, topographic layers, historical and wildlife data are all reasons this app takes hunters to the next level and leaves you feeling confident in the woods. Grab your free trial today at www.onXmaps.com. 

Did you enjoy this episode? We'd love to hear from you! Please take a minute to leave a review on the show. Tell us what you think OR what you want to hear next! We appreciate this community of outdoor junkies and we're looking forward to what the future holds!

Now go get after it! Tag us in your adventures #SoulSummitPodcast #HerOutdoorJourney