In this episode of the Equalized Outdoors Podcast, MrJayCam sits down with Deja Charles-Tompkins, host of the Black In Wild Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation about representation, public lands, outdoor access, and the stories that shape who feels welcome outside.

Deja shares how her outdoor journey started with soft entry points like backyard camping and beach days before Yosemite National Park became the place that changed her life. From there, she talks about her background in history and anthropology, her work as an interpretive guide, the mentors who helped her see herself in public lands work, and why she created Black In Wild as a platform for stories that too often go unheard.

The conversation also gets into the real difference between being visible outdoors and actually feeling like you belong, the barriers that still exist in national parks and public lands spaces, and how independent media can help build new entry points for people who are curious but unsure where to start.

Plus, Deja joins Off the Streets with a trail etiquette message everyone needs to hear, and this week’s Soundtrack features “You Got Me Feeling” by Parcels.

This episode is about more than recreation. It’s about invitation, representation, and what can happen when someone simply says, “You want to come with us?”