Podcast Recap: Embracing the Wild — with Brooke Whipple

This week, I sat down with Brooke Whipple, an adventurer, builder, and filmmaker known for her YouTube channel Girl in the Woods and her appearances on the survival series Alone. We talked about her fearless journey from rural Michigan to Alaska, building her own cabins, the behind-the-scenes reality of content creation, and what it really means to live a strong, independent, outdoor lifestyle.

Meet Brooke Whipple

Brooke is a true modern-day homesteader who has built multiple off-grid cabins, raised a family in the wilderness, and shares it all through her YouTube channel Girl in the Woods. With roots in rural Michigan and a heart set on Alaska, Brooke has built a life driven by adventure, creativity, and self-reliance. She’s also a two-time participant on Alone and uses her experiences to inspire others—especially women—to get outside and get happy.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• Start Scared, Start Anyway – Brooke’s leap-of-faith move to Alaska with just a backpack and $200 shows that action and mindset matter more than having it all figured out.

• Creativity and Burnout in Content Creation – Brooke opens up about the pressures of YouTube, balancing authenticity with audience expectations, and setting boundaries for mental wellness.

• Building is for Everyone – From cabins to furniture, Brooke shares how she learned to build through hands-on experience, mistakes, and a whole lot of determination—proving that you don’t need to be an expert to start.

Q&A Highlights

Q: What was the hardest part about being on Alone?

A: Food scarcity. Brooke describes the physical and emotional toll of starvation and how it became an all-consuming focus during her time on the show.

Q: How do you handle the pressure of being a full-time YouTuber?

A: Brooke explains the need for boundaries, both with her audience and herself, and how she’s learning to pivot creatively while staying true to her passion.

Q: What advice do you have for women who want to get outside but don’t feel confident yet?

A: Don’t wait for the perfect time or perfect gear. Just start. Join a group, take a class, or go solo—whatever gets you out there and trying something new.

Where to Listen & Connect

Catch the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform. Follow Brooke on YouTube at Girl in the Woods and on Instagram at @girlinthewoodz.

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