543 Paul Ganger: Reimagining Outdoor Retailer, Leading With Integrity, and Building Dreamland Safari Tours in Kanab, Utah

Kevin Paulson talks about Outdoor Story Telling, Tradeshows, Hunting, and more Episode Summary Kevin Paulson joins Rick Saez to talk about growing up in a U.S. Forest Service family, how hunting shaped his life, and the path that led him from guiding and outfitting to founding HuntingLife.com and later stepping into the role of Executive Director at AGLOW Outdoors. Kevin breaks down what "authentic" outdoor media really means today, why podcasting is exploding, how AI will challenge creators, and why every creator needs to start building an email list now. He also shares how AGLOW conferences and media camps work, why networking is everything, and what gear he's most excited to test this year. In This Episode, You'll Hear Kevin's upbringing around public lands and the Forest Service (and how it shaped his values) Hunting "in his dad's hip pocket" starting at age five Why he launched HuntingLife.com (and how the 2007–2009 economy forced a pivot) What AGLOW is, why it matters, and how it evolved from local newspaper columns to modern creators Why authenticity + trust beats "information" (especially in an AI-driven content world) The biggest threat in outdoor media: AI "slop content" and the fight for attention The most underrated asset: your email list Why niche audiences ("100 true fans") often beat massive reach Kevin's "year of the coyote" and what predator control looks like on working ranch land OutdoorHive.com: a job resource built specifically for the hook-and-bullet + trade show industry Gear, books, and advice for new outdoor communicators Memorable Quotes "Connection and authenticity—at the end of the day—that's what wins." "It's more important to have an audience of a hundred that loves you than a hundred thousand that may or may not pay attention." "Begin tomorrow… building your own mailing list." "Proximity is power—be in the room with the people doing the things." Resources & Links Mentioned HuntingLife.com OutdoorHive.com: AAGLOW Organizations mentioned: Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, RMEF, Ducks Unlimited, NWTF, SCI, POMA, OWAA Books Kevin mentioned: The Old Man and the Sea (Hemingway) A Sand County Almanac (Aldo Leopold) Peter Ryan titles, including The Hunting Life and Wild South (as referenced in the interview) About Kevin Paulson Kevin Paulson is a lifelong outdoorsman, entrepreneur, and advocate for hunting and conservation. He's the founder of HuntingLife.com, creator of OutdoorHive.com, and serves as the Executive Director of AGLOW Outdoors, one of the oldest hook-and-bullet media organizations in the industry. Connect with Kevin Social: @HuntingLife (most platforms) Kevin Paulson LinkedIn  Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Sponsor / Partner With the Show Hey there, adventure crew—want to reach 4,000+ outdoor lovers each week? Promote your brand, product, destination, or project to an audience of campers, hikers, and adventure travelers. Email Rick: [email protected] Facebook   Instagram Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: [email protected]

You deserve an unforgettable Moroccan adventure. Today I'm talking with Azdean Elmoustaqiim from Destinations Morocco, your guide to a seamless and authentic tour.  Show Notes In our latest podcast episode, Speaker A sat down with Azzedine Elamustakim from Destinations Morocco for a journey through the magic of Morocco. If you're dreaming of vibrant souks, sweeping deserts, epic mountain climbs, and unique cultural experiences, this episode is a must-listen! Here are the key takeaways and tips for your next adventure—plus some behind-the-scenes insights you won't want to miss. Featured Guest: Azdean Elmoustaqiim Born and raised in Marrakesh, Azdean is passionate about helping travelers experience Morocco like a local. Destinations Morocco customizes trips for all travelers, with a special focus on women-led groups and families. Top Adventure Highlight: The Moroccan Desert The desert—especially Merzouga—is a life-changing experience. From caravan rides to luxury camps, it's more than just a one-night stop! Explore fossil mountains, visit nomadic villages, and dive into Gnawa music traditions. Travel Tips from the Show For your first visit: Spend a day in Fes if you're short on time—walk winding car-free streets and travel through centuries in just a few blocks. Active adventures: Morocco has it all—deserts, mountains (hello, Mount Toubkal at 13,000 ft!), and coastlines. Plan your itinerary wisely; sometimes it's better to split north and south. Culture-mixing made easy: Embrace cooking classes, tasting tours, and local market strolls for a real taste of Morocco. Pacing matters: Avoid jam-packed schedules. Leave room for spontaneous moments and downtime! Best Time to Visit Spring (March to June) and Fall (September to November) are ideal for outdoor adventure—pleasant weather, fewer crowds. Cultural Tips Be mindful in rural areas: Ask before taking photos, avoid handshakes with women unless invited, and consider wearing local clothing to blend in and connect. Morocco's diversity means you'll rarely feel out of place; just come with openness and respect. Food to Try: Don't miss the roasted chicken with preserved lemon and green olives—Azzedine's favorite after a long day out! Safety & Language Morocco is safe, welcoming, and multilingual. Don't hesitate to hire a guide for your first visit—they can make all the difference. Connect & Plan Your Adventure Find Destinations Morocco at destinationsmorocco.com to book a discovery call, or tune in to their podcast for more inspiration and tips. Facebook   Instagram Love the show? Subscribe,  rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter  HERE I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: [email protected] Don't Miss Out! Be sure to check out the full episode for even more travel stories, practical advice, and insider secrets from Rick and Azdean, And as always, if you found the discussion helpful, leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts and share with a friend! Happy adventuring, The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast Team

In this episode, Rick sits down with Paul Gagner, an outdoor industry veteran and co-owner of Dreamland Safari Tours. Paul's four-decade career spans retail, sales rep life, and leadership roles at iconic outdoor brands, and his current work is helping guide the reimagined Outdoor Retailer show. Show Notes Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast — Episode 543 Paul Gagner: Reimagining Outdoor Retailer, Leading With Integrity, and Building Dreamland Safari Tours in Kanab, Utah Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast—where we share inspiring stories, thrilling adventures, and expert insights from leaders and legends across the outdoor adventure travel community. In this episode, Rick sits down with Paul Gagner (outdoor industry veteran + co-owner of Dreamland Safari Tours in Kanab, Utah Dreamland Safari Tours). Paul's four-decade career spans retail, sales rep life, and leadership roles at iconic outdoor brands—plus his current work helping guide the reimagined Outdoor Retailer show headed to Minneapolis, August 19–21, 2026. Outdoor Retailer Episode highlights Outdoor Retailer "tribe energy": why the show has always felt like a high-school reunion—and why outdoor is different than other industries (shared passion, not backstabbing). Long-view leadership: Paul's core values—integrity, listening, collaboration, and innovation—and how they apply across retail, brand, and rep roles. Dreamland Safari Tours: buying a guide business right before COVID, shutting down 10 days later, then having one of the best years in the company's history after reopening. Why Minneapolis: "the outdoors is woven into the city"—lakes, trails, paths, and a vibrant outdoor economy surrounding the convention center. Star Tribune Leadership Village: creating a space for diverse voices, spirited debate, and actionable outcomes (not just conference "talk"). Outdoor Retailer New + Discovery focus: elevating emerging brands and the retail experience (including collaboration with Garage Grown Gear). Outdoor Retailer Experience-first mornings: the idea of protecting time for trail runs/paddles before the show floor opens—so attendees walk in energized and connected to the why. Favorite gear: Paul's go-to piece—his Hyperlite Mountain Gear Summit Pack—and the bigger lesson: simplicity wins. About Paul Gagner Paul Gagner is a veteran outdoor industry leader and the co-owner (with his wife, Sunny Stroeer) of Dreamland Safari Tours, based in Kanab, Utah. Dreamland Safari Tours Their company offers hiking, backpacking, scenic tours, and astrophotography experiences/workshops in the desert Southwest. Dreamland Safari Tours   Paul also co-leads the Outdoor Retailer Leadership Village—a stakeholder-led initiative shaping the reimagined national show in Minneapolis. Outdoor Retailer What you'll take away from this conversation Why trust is the real currency of outdoor retail + brand partnerships How "innovation" doesn't have to mean reinventing everything—it can mean relentlessly improving what matters Why outdoor businesses (and trade shows) need to deliver actionable ideas people can take home and use immediately How guide businesses can thrive when they focus on transformation: getting people outside and watching what happens next Links & resources Dreamland Safari Tours (Kanab, UT) Dreamland Safari Tours Dreamland Safari Tours — About Paul + Sunny Dreamland Safari Tours Dreamland Safari Tours — Intro to Astrophotography Workshop Dreamland Safari Tours Outdoor Retailer — Official site + 2026 Minneapolis dates (Aug 19–21, 2026) Outdoor Retailer Outdoor Retailer — Leadership Village + Garage Grown Gear collaboration announcement

In this episode, Rick Saez sits down with Maren Hamilton, an outdoor industry marketing expert known for helping iconic brands like The North Face build communities that genuinely connect — not just "engage." Show Notes Maren is a SHORTY Award winner, an Oregon Outdoor Alliance board member, and the founder of Outdoor Industry Coffee and Coworking. She's also led social strategy at brands like Starbucks and The North Face, and today she's helping outdoor brands and creators thrive through her work at Popfly. From the early days of Instagram and Starbucks' viral Pink Drink, to flying a helicopter to deliver a replacement rain jacket in New Zealand, Maren shares what it really takes to be a social-first brand — and why community management is one of the most overlooked growth opportunities in outdoor marketing. In This Episode, You'll Learn How Maren broke into the outdoor industry and landed at The North Face What the early days of social media marketing looked like inside Starbucks corporate How "social listening" helped inspire what became the Starbucks Pink Drink What it means to be a social-first brand (and not just treat social like another channel) Why community management is the most underrated growth lever for outdoor brands How The North Face pulled off a real-time viral moment with a helicopter jacket delivery How Maren thinks about balancing brand integrity with clickable content What makes a strong creator or athlete partnership — and what red flags to avoid The biggest challenges marketers are navigating right now (AI, creators, and trust) Why representation and inclusion still matter — even when the world gets louder Advice for smaller outdoor brands trying to make a real impact without a huge budget 🌲 Memorable Moments & Stories ⭐ From "Internet-Obsessed Kid" to Social Strategy Leader Maren shares how her love of the internet started early—teaching herself how to customize early social profiles—and how that curiosity turned into a career in digital marketing. ☕ The Starbucks "Pink Drink" Origin Story Before it became a menu staple, the Pink Drink was simply a customer-created hack that went viral. Maren explains how their team spotted it through early "manual social listening," engaged the creator, and helped turn it into a cultural moment. 🧥 The North Face Helicopter Jacket Story One of the wildest stories in the episode: a customer's waterproof jacket failed mid-hike in New Zealand… and she demanded a replacement delivered to the trail. Maren and her team made it happen — using real-time social, an athlete partner, and a helicopter. And the best part? The North Face CMO signed off with one simple message: "Go have fun." Follow up with Maren: Instagram  LinkedIn  Popfly  Outdoor Industry Coffee and Coworking   .  

Welcome to episode 541 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. A Holiday conversation about podcasting with Howard Fox and Emanuel Rose.   Facebook   Twitter   Instagram Love the show? Subscribe,  rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter  HERE I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here:  [email protected] Show Notes Howard Fox https://www.outdooradventureseries.com/ Emanuel Rose https://emanuelrose.com/ #Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #adventure travel, #outdoor adventures, #podcasting, #Outdoor Writers Association of America, #OWAA, #outdooradventureseries, #emanuelrose.com

Welcome to episode 540 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. A Holiday Replay of episode 495 with Will Schafer. Will is the Founder of Altisnooze, The Sleep Aid for High-Altitude. This week, on episode 495, I'm talking with Will Schafer, founder of ALTISNOOZE. The First-of-its-kind sleep aid for high-altitude. After struggling for years with sleeping during alpine adventures, Schafer came to learn from a sleep doctor that altitude insomnia is a thing. He connected with formulation experts to develop a natural solution, ALTISNOOZE. Facebook   Twitter   Instagram Love the show? Subscribe,  rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter  HERE I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here:  [email protected] What Happened: For years, I chalked up my awful sleep in the mountains to bad luck. Every time I went to Summit County, Colorado, my nights were a mess—staring at the ceiling, waking up feeling like I'd been run over by a snowcat, and then trying to enjoy the outdoors while running on fumes. I blamed it on travel, excitement, bad pillows—you name it. But then I started noticing something weird. Friends on ski trips and camping adventures were having the same problem. Some of them, tough-as-nails hikers and backcountry warriors, were walking around like zombies after a single night at altitude. That's when I met Dr. Michael Breus, a legit sleep doctor, who hit me with a truth bomb: altitude insomnia is real. And worse? It affects up to 75% of people. Your body's struggling with low oxygen, which wrecks your sleep cycle, making it nearly impossible to rest. So, I set out on a mission to fix it. After a deep dive into research, testing a ridiculous amount of natural ingredients, and countless sleepless nights (for science), I created Altisnooze—a sleep aid designed specifically for high-altitude adventures, without the grogginess of melatonin. Principle: Bad sleep = bad adventure. Period. You can have the best gear, the most epic trail planned, and a perfect sunrise waiting for you—but if you don't sleep well, your trip is going to suck. Most people don't even realize altitude is the issue. They just assume they're bad sleepers, or that their body needs to "adjust." But waiting around for a week to acclimate? Not ideal when your trip is only a few days long. Good sleep isn't just about comfort—it's about performance, recovery, and actually enjoying the adventure you planned. Transition: A lot of outdoor lovers deal with this and don't even realize what's holding them back. They push through exhaustion, drink too much caffeine, or try to knock themselves out with melatonin—only to wake up feeling worse. That's exactly why I created Altasnooze. Because when you finally fix your sleep at altitude, everything changes—your energy, your performance, your mood, and most importantly, how much fun you have. That's Why: …we want to introduce you to Altisnooze and just dropped an episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast with Will Schaefer, founder of Altisnooze. He went from being a sleep-deprived mess in the mountains to developing a game-changing solution for adventurers who want to feel fabulous at altitude. In this episode, we dive into the science of altitude insomnia, how it messes with your body, and what you can do to fix it—so your next high-altitude trip doesn't turn into a sleepless disaster. Call to Action: If you've ever struggled to sleep in the mountains, this episode is your wake-up call. (Pun intended.) Don't let altitude ruin your adventure—get the inside scoop on fixing your sleep at high elevation and feeling your best. 🎧 Listen to the latest episode now → Podcast Link P.S. Want to try Altasnooze? Will's giving our listeners 20% off! Just use code OutdoorBiz20 at checkout. Because better sleep = better adventures.   Show Notes Will Schafer ALTISNOOZE Dr. Michael Breus #Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #altitude insomnia, #AltiSnooze, #high altitude sleep aid, #altitude sickness, #sleep doctor, #Michael Breus, #adventure travel, #melatonin-free, #sleep disturbance, #alpinists, #electrolytes, #high altitude adventures, #natural supplements, #altitude symptoms

Welcome to episode 538 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. A Holiday Replay of episode 501 with Earl Hunter. Earl is a motivational speaker and founder of The Unity Folks™. Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, on episode 501, Earl B. Hunter, Jr. from Black Folks Camp To make a second visit to The Show. is the Founder and President of Black Folks Camp Too — a marketing-driven business whose mission is to increase diversity in the outdoor industry by making it easier, more interesting, and more fun for Folks to go camping. He's an experienced business leader across multiple industries. He has been widely recognized for his ebullient personality, hard work ethic, and non-traditional approach to building relationships and closing deals. Facebook   Twitter   Instagram Love the show? Subscribe,  rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter  HERE I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here:  [email protected] What Happened: It was the summer of 2017. I was clocking miles like a long-haul trucker, repping campers for a living. My 7-year-old son called me out—said I'd promised to take him to Mount Rushmore. He was right. I'd driven past it more times than I could count, but I'd never stopped. So we hit the road. We camped our way across the country, father and son, a Black duo in a tiny pop-up trailer, parking it beside some seriously decked-out RV setups. We saw the sights, roasted marshmallows, and somewhere near Albuquerque, we spotted something we hadn't seen in thousands of miles: another Black family camping. My son lit up and said, "Hey Daddy! Black people!" That moment stuck. We talked to the family—Kimberly and crew—and she said something that flipped a switch in my brain: "Why don't you change that then?" That "why not you?" hit hard. By the time we were driving up the California coast, the name Black Folks Camp Too was born. Principle: Too often, we wait for permission—permission to belong, to show up, to start something meaningful. But sometimes, it takes seeing the gap with your own eyes, feeling the silence in certain spaces, to realize: you're the one who's supposed to fill it. And in business, just like in the outdoors, if you're only serving the same people the same way… you're gonna miss the fire. The campfire, that is. Transition: Most people think getting more folks into the outdoors is about better gear or cool photos on Instagram. But that's not it. The real challenge is the invitation—and the welcome. And too many companies still don't know why the diversity gap exists, so they don't know how to fix it. That's why a lot of businesses are struggling. Not because there's no market—but because they don't see who they're ignoring. And even when they do? They get hung up on the word Black in the name… instead of focusing on the unity behind the mission. That's why: That's why this episode matters. Earl Hunter isn't just talking about camping—he's talking about culture, connection, and cracking open an industry that's been too exclusive for too long. He's not asking for handouts or kumbayas. He's showing up with data, vision, and a real plan to shift the outdoor industry before it goes broke. Call to Action (PAS style): If you've ever felt like the outdoor world wasn't built for you—or your brand's been stuck serving the same crowd—it's time to tune in. Ignoring the invitation problem won't fix it. But this episode will give you a fresh lens and a fire to take action.  Hit play now. Let's change the campfire conversation. Show Notes: Earl Hunter Black Folks Camp Too Oboz Insoles Sylvansport  Georgia Military College  Appalachian State University Earl's Trail name:  Icebreaker  Mount Rushmore  Unity Blaze  Favorite piece of outdoor gear: OBOZ Insoles Favorite book:  The Billion Dollar Bet,  Bob Johnson Advice:  the first advice I would give folks is, is to go to our unity, go to black folks camp too, and go to our Unity blaze map and find campgrounds that are on our map that are actually there. Those folks are truly invited and welcoming you to camp at their campground. I would also say to know before you go. Do as much research as you can. You have these devices now, and you have so many YouTube channels and things of that nature to learn about camping. Follow up with Earl: [email protected] Black Folks Camp Too Thank you for joining us on another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Be sure to visit our website, rick saes.com. You'll find show notes and links to everything we talked about and more. And while you're at it, if you found value in this show, give us a rating on Apple Podcast or spread the word and tell a friend. That would really help us out too. We should tune in every week. Thanks again for listening to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. #Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #Black Folks Camp Too, #Earl Hunter, #diversity in the outdoors, #Appalachian State, #Unity Blaze, #outdoor industry, #inclusion, #Unity Blaze partners, #outdoor community, #backpacking, #state parks, #Oboz Footwear, #Spacious Skies Campgrounds, #outdoor lifestyle, #RV camping, #outdoor participation, #unity in outdoors, #generational transfer, #environmental stewardship.

Welcome to episode 539 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, on this replay episode, I'm talking with Casey Hanisko. Casey is a distinguished leader in adventure travel. She's the former President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and an executive coach helping tourism leaders navigate change. Recognized among the "50 Most Important Women in Travel," she shares her expertise through media, speaking engagements, and her "Leading Naturally" newsletter. Show Notes Casey Hanisko Linkedin Guest Focus Instagram Adventure Travel Trade Association The Leap That Terrified Me More Than Any Business Decision (And What It Taught Me About Leadership) Ever stood at the edge of something terrifying—knowing the only way forward is to leap, but every cell in your body is screaming, Nope? That was me on a canyon swing in Interlaken. Spoiler: I needed a push. You think making high-stakes decisions in business is tough? Try standing on the edge of a 300-foot drop, debating whether plummeting into the abyss is a good idea. There's a moment in adventure—and in leadership—where hesitation creeps in. Your palms sweat. Your mind races. And sometimes, you need someone to give you that push. What Happened: I'd like to think I'm pretty fearless. I've hiked, biked, and paddled my way through some of the world's most stunning (and challenging) landscapes. But nothing—not rock climbing, not waterfall jumping, not even running a business—prepared me for the sheer terror of standing on the edge of a canyon swing in Interlaken. Picture this: I'm perched on the platform, strapped in, heart pounding. My entire executive team—yes, the people I work with—are watching. The guy running the swing looks at me and asks, "Need a push?" ABSOLUTELY NOT! I sit there for two full minutes, locked in a battle with my own fear. Every rational thought in my brain says, Just do it. But my body? Oh, my body says, Are you out of your mind?! Then, the guy places a hand on my back. Just enough pressure to remind me: I either take the leap myself, or I'm going anyway. And that was it. I went. Terrified. Screaming. And, once I hit the swing… laughing. Principle: That moment on the canyon swing? It's leadership in a nutshell. Leadership requires courage. Sometimes, you're at the edge of a big decision, knowing you need to move—but fear holds you back. Sometimes, you need support. That guiding hand (or well-placed nudge) from someone who sees your potential, even when you doubt yourself. And often, the thing you dread most? Turns out to be the most exhilarating experience of your life. Whether it's taking the leap into a leadership role, starting that business, or stepping into unknown territory—you're going to feel fear. That's normal. The key is to recognize it, hold it, and move forward anyway. Transition: The problem is, most people let fear stop them. They overthink. They hesitate. They tell themselves they need more time, more preparation, more certainty. But here's the truth: the perfect moment? It doesn't exist. Too many outdoor entrepreneurs and leaders stall out waiting for the "right time" to make their next move—whether that's scaling a business, stepping into leadership, or launching that dream trip. That's Why: That's why, in this episode of The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I sat down with Casey Esco—executive coach, adventure leader, and all-around expert on navigating uncertainty in business and the outdoors. She shares exactly how adventure can teach us to embrace risk, push through hesitation, and build the courage to lead (even when you're scared out of your mind). Call to Action: If fear has ever held you back from making a move—whether in your career, your business, or even your next adventure—you need to hear this episode. Because courage isn't about being fearless, it's about taking the leap anyway. #Outdoor Adventure, #Podcast, #Adventure Travel, #Leadership, #Coaching, #Outdoor Activities, #Nature, #Curiosity, #Camping, #Hiking, #Strategic Planning, #Storytelling, #Diversity, #Women Leaders, #Inclusivity, #Nature Inspired Coaching, #Outdoor Brands, #Business Strategy, #Personal Growth, #Passion, #Wellness, #Travel Experiences, #Adventure Community, #Outdoor Lifestyle, #Networking, #Conservation, #Adventure Stories

Today on episode 537, I'm speaking with Heather Physioc. Heather is a speaker, educator, trainer, and globally recognized leader in discoverability. Heather and I are both members of the Outdoor Writers Association. Hey Heather, welcome to the show. Today, Rick talks with Heather Physioc.  Heather is a speaker, educator, trainer, and globally recognized leader in discoverability. Facebook   Twitter   Instagram Love the show? Subscribe,  rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter  HERE I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: [email protected] Show Notes WHAT HAPPENED: Ever planned the trip of a lifetime… only to have your wallet vanish before the adventure even begins? Yeah. That was me. I was in Peru, fresh off a 40-hour journey, jetlagged, under-caffeinated, and apparently running on "let's misplace everything" mode. Somewhere between airport security and the Lima coffee line, my wallet poofed into thin air. Great start to a solo trip through the Andes, right? But here's the wild part — losing that wallet wasn't the disaster it felt like. It became the perfect kick-in-the-hiking-boots reminder that adaptability isn't just an outdoor skill — it's a life skill. That week, I slept in tents outside of homes where I didn't speak the language, ate potatoes dug straight from the dirt, and learned how "risk" and "reward" share the same trail. PRINCIPLE: What I learned — or remembered — was this: the outdoors doesn't wait for your plans to be perfect. And neither does life. You don't need permission, pristine conditions, or even a full wallet to step into something bigger than your comfort zone. You just need to go. And trust that you'll figure it out as you go. TRANSITION: But here's where most of us get stuck — not because we lack the gear or the desire, but because we've been trained to wait for the right moment. The right job title. The right guide. The right, whatever. And in that waiting, we lose the chance to hear what nature — and our own gut — is trying to say. THAT'S WHY: That's why I had Heather on the podcast. Because she gets it, she's blended a high-level marketing career with nature photography, conservation storytelling, and a serious dose of wild adventure. She talks about everything from leadership lessons in the backcountry to how observing owls in the city can rewire your creative brain. If you've ever wondered whether the outdoors can really shift your mindset, your leadership style, or even your career — this episode is for you. CALL TO ACTION: Feeling stuck in the scroll, burned out from the noise, and unsure where to begin? That's your sign. Stop waiting. Start small. And listen to this episode. It might just be the nudge your nervous system — and your soul — has been craving. Follow up with Heather on her website: Heather Physioc, Speaker & Trainer 🎧 Listen here.  

Today, Rick sits down with Cincinnati-based climate science and outdoor writer Jessica Baltzersen, whose passion for storytelling has taken her from bison-filled islands to moonlit rainbows and community gardens making a difference in urban food deserts. Facebook   Twitter   Instagram Love the show? Subscribe,  rate, review, and share! Show Notes Show Notes Show Notes WHAT HAPPENED: I'll be honest—when I first started freelancing, I chased the big stuff. Wildfires out west. Epic storms. National parks everyone's heard of. And yeah, the views were killer, the access? Not so much. Crowds. Traffic. And trying to pitch a story that wasn't already told a hundred times by someone standing in the same exact spot? Near impossible. Then I moved back to Cincinnati. Yeah, the Midwest. You know, the place nobody writes about unless there's a flood or a football game. But what I found? Holy hell. 5,000 acres of parks. National Water Trails. People pulling literal tons of tires out of rivers with their bare hands and busted backs. And stories—real ones. Raw. Personal. Uncovered. One day, I'm chasing a moonbow in Kentucky. (Yes, that's a lunar rainbow, and yes, it's real.) Another, I'm writing about community gardens growing hope in the middle of urban food deserts. And all of it—every story—started right here in my own overlooked, underestimated backyard. PRINCIPLE: The best outdoor stories don't always come from the big, dramatic places. Sometimes, they're right under your nose—in the "boring" places, told by everyday folks doing extraordinary things. As outdoor storytellers, travelers, and advocates, we've got to stop thinking epic = better. Local can be just as powerful—if not more. TRANSITION: But here's the thing: too many creatives, writers, and adventurers are stuck in this belief that the only stories worth telling live out west or come with a plane ticket. That the Midwest, the South, or even your own neighborhood isn't "sexy" enough for an audience. So they scroll past, ignore it, and miss the magic right in front of them. THAT'S WHY: This episode with Jessica Erzen is so damn important. She reminds us that storytelling isn't about location—it's about perspective. It's about being curious enough to dig into the stories no one else is talking about. It's about realizing that a river full of tires can be just as compelling as a summit photo in the Rockies. Maybe more. CALL TO ACTION: Feeling like your outdoor stories aren't big enough to matter? You're not alone—most folks think if it's not wild, it's not worth it. But the truth? The stories that really move people are often right in their own backyard. Listen to Jessica's episode now—because the next great story might be just outside your front door. Follow up with Jessica: [email protected]