LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast - Episode 36: "Saying Yes to Adventure: Grandma Joy’s Road Trip"

Introduction

In Episode 36 of the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast, titled "Saying Yes to Adventure: Grandma Joy’s Road Trip," hosts Patrick and Brad Ryan delve into the inspiring journey of Brad and his grandmother, affectionately known as Grandma Joy. Released on March 24, 2025, this episode highlights their remarkable adventures, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational connections, embracing diversity in the outdoors, and challenging societal norms about aging.

Meet Brad and Grandma Joy

The conversation kicks off with Patrick introducing Brad Ryan and Grandma Joy, a dynamic grandmother-grandson duo from Southeast Ohio with a shared passion for the outdoors. Brad recounts their initial motivations and the deep-rooted bond that propelled them into their extensive travels.

Brad Ryan [02:48]: "I attribute a lot of my love of the great outdoors to my grandmother because my earliest memories when I was a little boy involve being exposed to wild animals and wild places, because she took me there."

The Genesis of the Road Trip

Brad shares the poignant story that ignited their journey. Amidst personal struggles and estrangement from his family, Brad sought solace in hiking the Appalachian Trail. This period of introspection led him to reconnect with Grandma Joy, culminating in their first significant adventure together.

Brad Ryan [05:31]: "We just laid out and made this plan to travel to all 63 US national parks. It took us seven and a half years to do that."

Their inaugural trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was both challenging and transformative, solidifying their commitment to exploring the outdoors together.

Grandma Joy [08:23]: "It was wild. 2:00 in the morning, he's trying to put the tent up and I'M chasing him with the umbrella..."

Embracing Diversity in the Outdoors

Justin Yoder raises a critical question about navigating the predominantly older, white, cisgender male-dominated outdoor spaces as an LGBTQ individual.

Justin Yoder [00:31]: "What do you do when you come out as LGBTQ and love the outdoors? What do you do when you see the outdoor space ruled by older white CIS men and desire a diverse community of outdoor lovers?"

Patrick succinctly responds:

Patrick [00:42]: "Accept it, change it, create it."

Brad elaborates on how their journey not only broke personal barriers but also served as a beacon for inclusivity within the outdoor community.

A Viral Inspiration

Brad and Grandma Joy’s adventures garnered significant media attention, positioning them as role models for aging gracefully and actively. They emphasize that their primary goal wasn’t fame but to inspire older individuals to stay active and engaged.

Grandma Joy [14:32]: "We only wanted to get older people to know they don't have to sit in a chair, they can get out and do things."

Brad Ryan [15:00]: "People are hungry for examples of a life well lived at every age because we're all on that conveyor belt of time."

Their story resonated widely, demonstrating that age should not be a limiting factor in pursuing adventures.

International Expeditions: From Kenya to Antarctica

Expanding beyond the U.S. national parks, Brad and Grandma Joy ventured into international territories, further illustrating their dedication to exploration despite increasing challenges with age.

Kenya: A Full Circle Experience

Brad shares his emotional connection to Kenya, a country he had longed to visit since his first international trip in 2001. Taking Grandma Joy to Kenya allowed him to bridge his past experiences with Grandma Joy’s first exposure to African wildlife and culture.

Brad Ryan [27:32]: "It was a really beautiful trip. Do you want to talk about Africa?"

Grandma Joy reminisces about the vibrant wildlife and cultural interactions, highlighting the profound impact of their journey together.

Grandma Joy [27:32]: "We just saw animals everywhere and got chased by an elephant... we saw all kinds of monkeys and all kinds of things running around."

Antarctica: The Ultimate Frontier

One of the episode’s highlights is their expedition to Antarctica, an endeavor that pushed the boundaries of what is typically expected from a 94-year-old adventurer. Brad describes the logistical complexities and the sheer awe of witnessing untouched natural landscapes.

Brad Ryan [37:35]: "When you see penguins swimming around in the water below you and you're looking out at these icebergs and this just seemingly untouched landscape..."

Grandma Joy reflects on the tranquility and profound silence of Antarctica, contrasting it with more populated natural settings.

Grandma Joy [49:58]: "I just felt like it was so peaceful and quiet. You just kill your own heart beating practically. There wasn't any noise whatsoever."

Lessons Learned and Inspirational Takeaways

Throughout their travels, Brad and Grandma Joy emphasize the importance of goal setting, staying active, and maintaining connections to foster a sense of purpose and belonging.

Brad Ryan [16:23]: "The idea of saying, let's just try, even though we don't have enough money or vacation days... it's not even if it seems out of reach."

They advocate for breaking stereotypes around aging and promoting inclusivity within the outdoor community.

Brad Ryan [57:29]: "As we get older in this community, sometimes we become more invisible... I just encourage people to have empathy for what that would feel like to age and be a part of a society that no longer sees you."

Grandma Joy echoes the sentiment with practical advice on maintaining positivity and embracing opportunities.

Grandma Joy [60:51]: "Try to stay positive, because no matter your circumstances, there's always people worse than you. So enjoy life as you go along."

Future Plans and Continued Adventures

Looking ahead, Brad and Grandma Joy have ambitious plans to continue their adventures, including rhino relocation in South Africa and further travels across Asia. They emphasize the importance of planning, seeking advice, and staying connected with supportive communities.

Brad Ryan [53:17]: "We're going to load up some rhinos at a game farm, and we're going to move them across country and release them into a national park."

Their upcoming trips aim to further promote conservation and inclusivity, reinforcing their mission to make the outdoors a welcoming space for everyone.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As the episode wraps up, Brad and Grandma Joy share heartfelt messages encouraging listeners to embrace adventure, foster intergenerational connections, and challenge societal norms regarding age and diversity in the outdoors.

Brad Ryan [57:29]: "We can model for people in their teens and their twenties so that, as we're moving up, that's seen as just what you do. We can bring people along for the ride."

Grandma Joy [61:15]: "If somebody asks you to go somewhere, don't say no."

Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that age is merely a number and that embracing adventure can lead to profound personal growth and community building.

Final Thoughts

Patrick and the hosts conclude by expressing gratitude to Brad and Grandma Joy for sharing their incredible journey, highlighting the impact of their story on the LGBTQ and outdoor communities. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Brad and Grandma Joy through social media and participate in upcoming events to support the mission of creating a diverse and inclusive outdoor space.

Notable Quotes:

• Grandma Joy [00:00]: "We only wanted to get older people to know they don't have to sit in a chair, they can get out and do things."

• Brad Ryan [05:31]: "We went hiking at our local state park... she told me she'd never seen a mountain. And the seed was planted then that I wanted to go on an adventure with her."

• Grandma Joy [08:23]: "It was wild. 2:00 in the morning, he's trying to put the tent up and I'M chasing him with the umbrella..."

• Brad Ryan [15:00]: "People are hungry for examples of a life well lived at every age because we're all on that conveyor belt of time."

• Grandma Joy [60:51]: "Try to stay positive, because no matter your circumstances, there's always people worse than you. So enjoy life as you go along."

Connect with Brad and Grandma Joy:

• Instagram: Grandma Joy’s Road Trip
• Facebook: Grandma Joy’s Road Trip
• Email: bradryndvm@il.com
• Website: lgbtqoutdoors.com

Join the Movement:

Support the LGBTQ Outdoors mission by attending events, participating in adventure trips, or becoming a member of the Trailblazer Society. Visit lgbtqoutdoors.com for more information.

Final Encouragement:

As Patrick aptly puts it, "Get out there." Embrace adventure, foster connections, and contribute to making the outdoors a more inclusive and diverse space for all.