Suzanne Roberts is a 54-year-old travel writer, memoirist, educator, and lifelong ski bum. (suzanneroberts.net)

Ever since quitting her full-time job at 47, Suzanne Roberts has written books, published poetry, traveled the world, and skied every winter while living off a modest income with her semi-retired husband.

We discuss Suzanne’s decision to not have kids, growing up with a family tradition of guilt, and her firm belief that education is the path to freedom. She talks about leaving her first marriage after realizing that her partner didn’t share her passion for long-term travel and backcountry skiing, how she built a life around friendship, and the appeal of quirky mountain towns (like South Lake Tahoe, California, where both she and I have lived) for those taking unconventional life paths.

Suzanne openly discusses her recent brain tumor diagnosis, how it factors into her travel and outdoor pursuits, and why “safety is a superstition” that shouldn’t stop you from doing what you love. Finally, she names the many female travel and adventure writers who have inspired her own path.

Suzanne’s Substack is 52 Writing Prompts.

Shout-out to Lauren Lindley (@laurenlindleyphoto) for connecting us.

Full transcript: dirtbagrich.com/suzanne