Rethinking How We Share Our Adventures
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we document our time outside, why we do it, who we’re doing it for, and whether or not we even know anymore. This conversation with Nina from Polarsteps came at the perfect time because when Nina emailed me to see if I’d be interested in learning about Polarsteps, I had been trying to figure out a better way to share my stories without feeling like I was performing for someone.
Nina comes from a deep outdoor background of guiding and travel, but what stands out most to me isn’t just where she’s been, it’s how she thinks about how we share those experiences. As she put it, most platforms today show “the sunset,” but not everything else that happened that day, like the flat tire, the missed train, and the struggle that actually made the experience something to remember.
That’s where Polarsteps comes in.
Key Takeaways
Social media has shifted from connection to performance, changing how we experience travel
Real adventure includes discomfort, mistakes, and unpredictability. Not just highlight moments
Tools like Polarsteps are emerging to prioritize personal memory over public validation
Thru-hiking culture creates a rare environment of equality, authenticity, and community
Growth happens when you step into the unknown, not when everything goes perfectly
The Problem with Performative Sharing
We talked a lot about how social media has shifted. What used to feel like a connection with others now often feels like a performance. And the tricky part is it’s so subtle that you don’t always realize it’s happening. The more I think about it, the more I’ve come to realize we’ve been trained to omit the real moments and only express the best highlights of our lives.
At one point in our conversation, I brought up a thought I had recently: “Be careful what you film for.” I had been thinking to myself, wondering whether I was posting content for myself or for people I don’t know. Was my content sincere or self-promotional? Nina brings up that this is what makes Polarsteps so great. It is designed for small circles, like family and friends, where you’re not trying to impress anyone. You’re just documenting what actually happened and keeping people in the loop. The memories aren’t for them; they’re for you, and at the end of your trip, you can print those memories off in the form of a beautifully designed book rather than a follower count.
And that shift changes everything.
Why Real Travel Isn’t Always Pretty
One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that real travel, the kind that actually changes you, isn’t polished. It’s uncomfortable. It’s messy. And that’s the point.
Nina said it best: travel isn’t supposed to be beautiful all the time. It’s supposed to push you. Whether it’s getting lost, dealing with bad weather, or just being outside your comfort zone, those moments are where the growth happens.
A New Era of Sharing
This conversation solidified how I want to approach sharing my experiences moving forward. I want to be more intentional, more honest, and more personal because, at the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to share what I’m doing; I want to remember it. To actually hold onto those moments in a way that means something later on.
If you’ve ever questioned why you’re posting something, or felt like something was off about the way we share our lives now, I think you’ll get a lot out of this one.
And, if you have a minute, be sure to check out Polarsteps. I think they’re onto something!
Thanks for stopping by!
If you found this helpful or inspiring, I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment below or contact me at emory@byland.co.
- Emory, By Land
Episode Chapters and Links
Introduction
Nina’s Background: From Idaho to Outdoor Guiding and Travel
The River Community and Earning Your Place Outdoors
The Problem with Social Media and Performative Sharing
What Polarsteps Is and Why It Exists
Travel as a Tool for Growth and Discomfort
The Reality of Thru-Hiking and Trail Culture
Appalachian Trail Community and Hostel Life
Why Brands Must Earn Trust in the Outdoor Space
How Polarsteps Is Entering the U.S. Market
The Future of Travel, Memory, and Storytelling
Recent Episodes and Articles
I’ve been thinking a lot about how we document our time outside and whether we’re doing it for ourselves or for everyone else. In this conversation with Nina from Polarsteps, we unpack the shift away from performative social media and why real travel is often messy, uncomfortable, and far more meaningful than what we share online.