How Adventure Travel Shapes Eagle Creek's Direction: Insights from CEO Travis Campbell [EP 481]

Show Notes the year end news is beginning to trickle out already.  The 2024 most listened-to podcast rankings from iHeartRadio changed things up a bit, sharing which shows were the most listened to by users based on which generation they fall into. Among Gen Alpha, a show with a school-like vibe ranks first as iHeart says Stuff You Missed in History Class was the most popular with the demographic of people born between 2010 and 2024. Among Gen Z listeners, This Is Important ranks on top.  Millennial users of iHeart most streamed the on-demand version of “The Breakfast Club” radio show. Gen X listeners had something in common with Gen Alpha — they both went for something in the History genre — but Gen Xers were more interested in the bad guys. The age group’s biggest podcast was Behind the Bastards, the series that focuses on the worst people in history. Baby Boomers were more politically focused, with The Dan Bongino Show their top podcast pick in 2024. 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]

This week on episode 483 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I'm talking with Anietra Hamper. Anietra Hamper is a trusted journalist having spent a successful career in television news working as an anchor and investigative reporter. Now, she is an award-winning outdoor and travel writer, book author, keynote speaker, and owner of ThreeWordPress. Show Notes 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] Brought to you this week by Wolfgang Man and Beast Show Notes Ever wonder how a childhood dream leads to catching a fish bigger than your entire body? Spoiler alert: it involves nightcrawlers, pigtails, and a life lesson you’ll never forget. What Happened: Let me take you back to where it all began: a little girl with red bows in her pigtails and a cane pole in her hand, standing on the shore of St. Mary’s Lake. "My grandpa—a master outdoorsman—taught me the essentials of fishing: respect for nature, the thrill of the catch, and the joy of releasing what you don’t plan to eat." “Dig those nightcrawlers, and I’ll take you fishing,” he’d say. So, there I was, unbothered by the dirt or the worms, just focused on earning my spot on the lake. Fishing wasn’t just a pastime; it was a gateway to appreciating the dew on the grass, the calls of morning geese, and the quiet magic of nature. Fast forward a few decades and countless fishing trips later, I found myself in a tiny Spanish village, Mecaninza. My goal? To catch the legendary wells catfish—monsters of the deep that grow to ridiculous sizes. That day, I hooked a fish so enormous I could’ve crawled inside like a sleeping bag. Holding it, I couldn’t help but cry. Not for the sheer size of the catch but because, in that moment, I felt Grandpa’s lessons come full circle. Principle: Here’s the truth: the seeds of our passions are often planted early, and they grow with us in ways we can’t always predict. For me, it was Grandpa’s insistence on finding joy beyond the catch—the sound of frogs, the way sunlight dances on water, the respect for what we take from the earth. Whether you’re an adventurer at heart or just finding your way into nature, the journey is about more than the destination. It’s about the stories that shape us, the lessons that stick, and the memories we carry forward. Transition: But here’s the thing: so many of us feel disconnected from this kind of life. Between work, deadlines, and everyday chaos, reconnecting with nature feels… impossible. Maybe you’ve never had a “Grandpa” moment to inspire you. Or maybe you’re stuck thinking outdoor adventures are only for the pros. That’s why we dove into this topic on the podcast—so you can see how anyone, from novice hikers to world-class anglers, can find their outdoor spark. Call to Action: Feeling stuck indoors and missing out on nature’s magic? Stop waiting for “someday” to start exploring. Listen to our latest episode with Anitra Hamper and discover how one passion can change everything. 🎣 👉 Click here to tune in now. Let’s turn your “someday” into today.  

In our final episode of our multi-part series on planning and preparing for outdoor adventures, Emanuel Rose and I discuss planning the perfect road trip for camping and fishing Let’s hit the road and get ready for adventure—one mile and one cast at a time! Show Notes Nature Bound Podcast with Emanuel Rose Yosemite Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Tahoe to Yosemite Trail Kern River Mountain RIver Adventures Trinity Alps Sierra Ten Essentials Checklist Tea Candles   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]  

Today, on episode 481 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I’m talking Adventure Travel Gear, Trends, and more with Eagle Creek CEO Travis Campbell Show Notes 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] Brought to you this week by Wolfgang Man and Beast   Why Eagle Creek’s Comeback Is the Ultimate Adventure Story Hook: “How an Undervalued Icon Made the Adventure Gear Comeback of the Decade” What Happened: I still remember my first Eagle Creek backpack. I’d just scraped together enough money from a summer job and felt like I’d made it. That bag saw every trip, every mishap, and every ‘adventure’ (some more “oops” than wow). So, when I heard Eagle Creek was on the brink of being shut down, my heart sank. Enter Travis Campbell. In a world where big brands often lose touch with their roots, Travis—an outdoor enthusiast turned CEO—made a bold move. He stepped in, took the reins, and brought Eagle Creek back to life. Why? Because, like me, he understood what Eagle Creek means to adventure lovers: gear that doesn’t just last but travels with purpose. Principle: Here’s the thing: in the world of adventure travel, there’s no room for compromises. Whether it’s a zipper that breaks mid-trip or gear that fails when you need it most, adventurers need brands that understand the stakes. And that’s what makes Eagle Creek’s story so inspiring. Travis didn’t just rescue a brand; he reignited its soul—crafting durable, sustainable, adventure-first gear that lives up to its legacy. Transition: But here’s the catch: in today’s saturated travel gear market, finding gear that’s both reliable and sustainable feels harder than ever. Most travelers are stuck buying one-size-fits-all products that aren’t made to withstand the rigors of real adventure. That’s Why: That’s why this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast is a must-listen. Travis shares how Eagle Creek is reimagining travel gear with sustainability, repairability, and adventure at the forefront. It’s not just a comeback story; it’s a masterclass in how brands can honor their roots while evolving for the future. Call to Action: Struggling to find gear that can keep up with your adventures? Listen to this episode to discover how Eagle Creek’s transformation is setting a new standard for adventure travel gear. Don’t let the wrong gear ruin your next adventure—click here to tune in now!

In this episode of our multi-part series on planning and preparing for outdoor adventures, Emanuel Rose and I discuss Fly Fishing—things like techniques, hatches, locations, conservation, and more. Let’s hit the road and get ready for adventure—one mile and one cast at a time! Show Notes Dry Fly Fishing  Stonefly pattern Caddis pattern Hopper Dropper McLoud River Salmon Fly hatch Drake hatch Sacramento River Leave no trace Visit the local Fly Shop, Forest Service or BLM   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]

Today, on episode 479, I'm talking with Tim and Matt Ozerkov from Oz Lodge. Tim and Matt, along with Matt's wife, Heather, and their son, Jed, purchased property in Seward, Alaska, and have literally developed Oz Lodge from the ground up. Show Notes 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] Brought to you this week by Wolfgang Man and Beast Follow up with Oz Lodge: [email protected] What Happened: When I was a kid, I dreamed of flying a bush plane to a little cabin perched on a lake in Alaska. Picture it: a rugged, untouched landscape, floatplanes bobbing on the dock, and a life that felt more adventure than routine. Fast forward to adulthood, and one day, after a series of serendipitous events (starting with a chat over coffee in a ski lodge), I got the chance to visit Alaska for a construction project. It was supposed to be a short gig. Instead, it became the start of an obsession. From the moment we flew in and saw bears with their cubs crossing the road, we were hooked. The wildlife, the raw beauty, the sheer wildness—it felt like stepping into a nature documentary. By the time we left, we couldn’t shake the dream. My brother Matt, his wife Heather, and I decided it wasn’t enough to just visit Alaska. We had to live it. And not just live it—but build something with our own hands. So, we bought 7 acres in Seward. One problem? There wasn’t a lumber store in sight. What started as a plan to buy materials turned into us milling our own wood, snapping saw blades left and right, and learning by trial, error, and a little bit of YouTube. The result? Oz Lodge—a place where we share our passion for Alaska with anyone adventurous enough to visit. Principle: The truth is, the things that mean the most in life are never easy. Whether it’s building a lodge from scratch or chasing a dream that feels way out of reach, you’ve got to love it enough to push through the long days, unexpected roadblocks, and snapped saw blades. Passion fuels progress, and that’s what makes it all worth it. Transition: For anyone out there with a wild dream—whether it’s starting a family business, building something from the ground up, or just chasing the next big adventure—there’s one thing holding you back: the belief that the timing, resources, or circumstances need to be perfect. Spoiler alert: they never will be. That’s Why: That’s why we wanted to share this story on the podcast. Because if a couple of dreamers covered in sawdust can carve a life (and a road!) out of a cliffside in Alaska, you can tackle the thing that’s been tugging at your heart too. And maybe our journey will give you the nudge you’ve been waiting for. Call to Action: If you’ve ever felt like the leap is too big, the obstacles too steep, or the dream too wild—this episode is for you. Join us as we share how we turned a crazy idea into a life-changing reality. Listen now and start chasing what sets your soul on fire. Book YOur Oz Lodge Adventure here: [email protected]

In this episode of our multi-part series on planning and preparing for outdoor adventures, Emanuel Rose and I discuss maximizing your Outdoor Adventure—things like setting up the perfect campsite, having a good view, cooking outdoors, and more. Let’s hit the road and get ready for adventure—one mile and one cast at a time! Show Notes Rick Saez 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]

David Mcllvaney describes himself as a writer, angler, hunter, and sentimentalist who lives in the Catskill Mountains, where he draws water and hews wood while pondering things big and small. 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] Brought to you this week by Eagle Creek Pac-It Organization Show Notes Question: What if you could live the outdoor lifestyle you dream about—and actually make it your life? Promise: Discover how one writer-angler-hunter turned his passion for the outdoors into a lifestyle that spans seasons, continents, and meaningful connections. The old way? Believing the outdoors is just a weekend escape. The new way? Letting it shape your story. Ever felt stuck, dreaming about a life of adventure but weighed down by daily responsibilities and not knowing where to start? You’ve probably: Struggled to make time for real outdoor experiences. Felt intimidated by the idea of pursuing adventure professionally. Thought it was too late to reconnect with nature the way you did as a kid. What that costs you: You miss out on moments that connect you to the wilderness—and to yourself. You lose opportunities to inspire others or share stories that matter. Worst of all, the longer you wait, the more disconnected you feel from the adventure you crave. I get it—life pulls us in every direction. Between work, family, and modern distractions, it feels impossible to press pause and find your path back to nature. But it’s not your fault—society makes adventure seem like something we outgrow. The truth? It’s still waiting for you. That’s why this episode is a must-listen. David Mcllvaney shares how he turned his outdoor passions into a life of meaning, adventure, and stories worth telling. Think of this episode as your personal roadmap to embracing the outdoors in ways you never thought possible. David’s story is proof: you don’t need to be a wilderness survival expert to live closer to nature. It’s about connection—whether you’re fly-fishing in Iceland, writing about Patagonia, or sitting by a campfire in your backyard. It reminded me of that moment as a kid when you’d run wild through the woods, build forts, and poke at “dead stuff” with a stick. Adventure was instinctual. This episode will help you rediscover that feeling—and keep it. Here’s what you’ll learn: How to turn your passions into meaningful stories. David started by writing about his fly-fishing adventures—and sold every single one of his first stories. How to embrace the outdoors fully. From shedding the "layers" of daily life to truly connecting with your surroundings, David shares tips that make every trip unforgettable. How to create opportunities for yourself. Whether it’s freelancing, connecting with editors, or repurposing content, David’s journey is full of actionable advice. Benefits Reconnect deeply with nature. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a life shift, you’ll feel the joy of being part of the wilderness. Build stories worth sharing. Use David’s advice to start documenting your adventures—and maybe even see your name in print. Live the life you’ve dreamed of. Turn your outdoor hobbies into a lifestyle that inspires and sustains you. We'll leave you with this: Life’s greatest adventures aren’t just about the places you visit—they’re about how they change you. Don’t wait for permission to live your outdoor story. Start now.  

This episode is part of our multi-part series on planning and preparing for outdoor adventures, Emanuel Rose and I are talking about how to prepare your vehicle for long road trips, including necessary maintenance, storage solutions, organization, and what anglers need to know about where to get licenses and permits and up to date fishing information. Today, we’re talking about road trips—specifically planning the perfect road trip for camping and fishing. We’ll cover how to map out the best route, pack for every scenario, and ensure you have all the right gear, so you’re set for anything the road and the river throw your way. Let’s hit the road and get ready for adventure—one mile and one cast at a time! Show Notes Rick Saez 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]

Today on episode 475, I'm talking with Photographer and Writer Colleen Miniuk. Colleen has recently finished her adventure memoir, “So Said the River.” Her first appearance on the show was in Oct 23 on episode 239. Show Notes Beyond Hurricane Helene: Fuel Goods' Journey to Reconnect and Rebuild Together We Rise T-Shirts How to Stand Out as a Photographer by Being YOU Hey . . .  🎣 Hook: Think successful photography is all about mastering the technical side? Think again!    The Old Way vs. The Right Way For too long, photographers have been caught up in the technical side of the craft—perfect lighting, flawless settings, the latest gear. But guess what? That’s not what makes photos memorable. So often, photographers chase after “iconic” scenes they’ve seen before, trying to replicate what’s already out there. This approach can leave you frustrated, exhausted, and unfulfilled because… You lose the uniqueness of your voice — it gets buried under what everyone else is doing. Your photos start to feel flat—sure, they’re technically “perfect,” but something’s missing. The creative joy fades as you chase perfection over authentic expression. Colleen and I get it, though. It’s easy to feel like you’re just one in a crowd. You may even feel like your voice doesn’t matter because of all the “rules” out there. Why This Episode Is Just for You In this episode, Colleen opens up about her journey from technical perfectionist to true artist. And her number-one piece of advice? “Be you.” Dive into what it means to find your voice and create work that feels truly personal and fulfilling. Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll learn: How to see the world through your unique lens – Learn why chasing iconic shots actually limits you, and how to break free from the pressure to fit into a “photographer” mold. Creating meaning over meeting expectations – Colleen shares how she discovered her true purpose by following her own values instead of traditional definitions of “success.” Letting go of “perfect” – Tips on shifting from technical perfectionism to creating work that’s truly resonant and meaningful for you. Why Being You Works Better When you create from your own experiences and unique perspective, you: Connect deeply with your audience—People can tell when work is personal and authentic. Feel more fulfilled—Every shot becomes a story, not just a technical exercise. Stand out naturally—Your work is distinct because it’s you. No one else has your story or your way of seeing the world. Last Thought to Take With You The world has plenty of perfectly captured, “ideal” shots. What it needs is your unique vision. Start embracing the weird, wild, and wonderful perspectives you bring—because that’s what will truly set you apart. Collen Miniuk Photography and Writing  Colleen Photo Workshops Books Galleries Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast  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]