In this episode, Will is joined by Chris Blankenship, founder of Autism Learning Lab and former wilderness therapy psychotherapist. Chris shares how years in the field led him to recognize a growing number of young men arriving in treatment with undiagnosed autism—often masked by anxiety, depression, or substance use. He explains how his work at the Autism Learning Lab now supports adolescents and young adults through individualized coaching, family retreats, and outdoor-based interventions.

Chris discusses how the outdoors offers a powerful setting for building awareness, confidence, and emotional regulation, especially for neurodivergent youth. He shares compelling stories, including how nature-based experiences helped one young man shift from isolation and addiction to greater self-understanding. This episode offers practical insights for parents who suspect their son may be on the autism spectrum and are looking for holistic, nature-informed ways to support him.

The Autism Learning Lab website is: https://www.autismlearninglab.com/

Will White's men's coaching and retreats website is wmai.org.

In this powerful episode Will welcomes Nick Mann—Marine Corps veteran, former wilderness therapy program director, and founder of Dad’s Project—for an honest and inspiring conversation about the mental health challenges men and boys face today. Nick shares his journey from military service to working in wilderness therapy and now coaching fathers, highlighting how leadership, emotional presence, and outdoor experiences can help men reconnect with their purpose. Together, Will and Nick dive into why boys and men are increasingly disconnected from nature and community, and how rites of passage in outdoor settings can play a vital role in mental well-being.

Nick opens up about leaving a high-demand leadership role in wilderness therapy to be more present for his daughter, reflecting on how modern fatherhood often means navigating the tension between providing financially and being emotionally available. He and Will explore why men often resist therapy but may be more open to coaching, and why building intentional male support networks is essential to combating isolation and depression. With warmth, wisdom, and vulnerability, this episode sets the tone for a season focused on men’s mental health and the healing power of the outdoors.

Nick’s podcast link on Apple Podcast is: https://podcasts.apple.com/gr/podcast/the-dads-project-podcast/id1794615330

Stories from the Field is supported by WMAI.org

We are now on Youtube so check us out there:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkYx-8fTbZg&list=PL-RD5KVsxmkwqzjuhyghJGve6Uv7ikkGl

In this episode Will speaks with Katie Baum Mettenbrink, Director of Risk Management at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), about the intersection of risk, resilience, and mental health in outdoor education. With over two decades at NOLS, Katie shares her journey from a college backpacking trip to becoming a leader in wilderness risk management. She discusses the importance of balancing challenge and safety in the field, her role in shaping the upcoming Wilderness Risk Management Conference in Portland, Maine, and how outdoor experiences can build clarity, connection, and emotional well-being for participants of all ages.

Katie also reflects on how mental clarity and singular purpose emerge in the face of environmental adversity, such as navigating snowstorms with young children in the backcountry. The conversation touches on pressing issues in the field—from the impact of climate change on expedition planning to the challenge of adapting to a generation raised with instant access to information. For professionals concerned about safety in the outdoors, and for families considering the value of immersive wilderness programs, this episode offers critical insights into how risk can be thoughtfully managed to foster growth and healing.

Natioinal Outdoor Leadership School Website: https://www.nols.edu/en/

Wilderness Risk Management Conference Website: https://www.nols.edu/en/risk-services/wilderness-risk-management-conference/

Stories from the Field is supported by WMAI.org

We are now on Youtube so check us out there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkYx-8fTbZg&list=PL-RD5KVsxmkwqzjuhyghJGve6Uv7ikkGl