“I’ve spent my entire life going on adventures, but I wasn’t ever really the creator of these adventures,” says Kathy Holcombe. “My role is as the dream maker. And, I have a lot of pride in that role.” Exist in a relationship long enough and we fall into roles. Life is busy. It doesn’t make sense to double up on work. Cultural gender dynamics come into play. One partner excels at certain things. But what happens when we step out of our role? In the fall of 2017, Kathy Holcombe stepped out of her role in the family, and embarked on a year of adventures that challenged her in ways she never expected, and profoundly changed her view of herself.
You can follow Kathy and her family’s adventures on their blog at www.Famagogo.com
Music: If Walls Could Talk by Jacob Bain & Nis Kotto • Low Horizon by Kai Engel • Freaks by Bradley Carter • October Morning by Bradley Carter • The Very Beginning by Bradley Carter • The Rent is Late by Publish the Quest • Manly Nunn Steps Out by Doctor Turtle • Blowback Blues by Canyon Kids • Lau by Richard Smith • Carried Away by Jason Tyler Burton Tracks provided by Free Music Archive or with permission from the artists.
This episode was amazing and inspiring. As a mom and an outdoor adventurer (skiing, kayaking, backpacking) I found Kathy’s story to be empowering and encouraging to keep planning and fighting for my own dreams. I could also relate to being a solo backpacker in the woods. If Kathy takes on the Boundary Waters again, I recommend doing it in a lake kayak!
Oh my gosh! Kathy is an amazing storyteller! I’ve been in those shoes before where you find yourself on a solo trip or behind the group and you’re like “oh gosh…I’m super alone and in some really tough shit right now” – but these stories are so inspiring, a reminder of how strong you really are.
I really love that you covered the story about her daughter so many months ago and I caught this one from Kathy’s perspective. So awesome! Thank you for producing such exceptional listening.
One of my great friends! It’s funny now listening to this podcast. I often talk about the three of you together as family but when I find myself talking just about you, I think of you as a woman who dreams big, relentlessly chases and is spiritually stubborn in the most beautiful ways! Now, I will attach “dream whisperer” to that list. I’ve always known you as an exquisite story teller whose faceI can see and voice I can hear even in your absence. And perhaps your greatest gift to Abby is not only being a mother, but being an honest, brave kind woman in this world. I am moved by you!
Oh my gosh the end. ❤ so well said