Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast

Today on episode 465 I’m talking with Sergio Ballivian. For over 40 years, Sergio has pursued his passion for adventure, always with a camera in hand. Sergio Photo Tours was born from those experiences—a desire to share the unique moments he’s witnessed and to guide others in capturing the beauty and essence of those untamed places. Sergio says . . . “this isn’t just about taking photos; it’s about experiencing the world from a different perspective.” 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches and Roam Generation PR Show Notes Welcom to episode 465  I’m talking with Sergio Ballivian. Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches and Roam Generation PR. For over 40 years, Sergio has pursued his passion for adventure, always with a camera in hand. Sergio Photo Tours was born from those experiences—a desire to share the unique moments he’s witnessed and to guide others in capturing the beauty and essence of those untamed places. Sergio says . . . “this isn’t just about taking photos; it’s about experiencing the world from a different perspective.”   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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches and Roam Generation PR Show Notes What if you could capture the beauty of untamed landscapes while also building a career that pays for your adventures? This episode shows how Sergio didn't start with fancy equipment or a studio full of clients. He began his journey with a high school adventure in Bolivia, an old truck, and a camera he bought from a friend. Sound familiar? Whether you’re shooting mountain landscapes or capturing wildlife, Sergio’s story shows how the right mix of grit, passion, and strategic planning can take you from “weekend warrior” to outdoor industry pro. By tuning in, you’ll discover key lessons from Sergio’s journey to help you grow your outdoor career: Start small, but stay consistent: Sergio began with a pocket camera, snapping photos of the landscapes he loved. Keep your gear simple and focus on mastering the basics. Network with purpose: Sergio’s career grew because he knew the power of connections. Build relationships with others in the outdoor world, but be authentic—people can spot a phony from a mile away. Monetize your skills over time: He didn’t sell his first photo overnight. By refining his craft and eventually offering photography workshops, Sergio built his career piece by piece. Don’t miss out—hit play now to uncover the secrets to blending your love of the outdoors with filmmaking! Follow up with Sergio: Website: https://www.sergiophoto.com/index Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor and adventure, find us at the Outdoor Adveneture Lifestyle podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Outdoor Adventure, #Photography, #Environmental Concerns, #Kathmandu Pollution, #Survival Mindset, #Adventure Travel, #Landscape Photography, #Technology and Nature, #Networking and Career, #Sustainable Travel Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered. Tune into Episode 465 for an experience and motivation with Sergio Ballivian—a great listen the next time you "get outside!" Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Catch you out there, The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast Team​

10/8/24 • 50:40

Don’t Miss EP 465 next week with Sergio Ballivan.  Sergio has been capturing the untamed beauty of the world for over 40 years.  Sergio's love for capturing landscapes and sharing them with friends became a full-time career. He talked about leading Explore Bolivia and how he eventually focused on photography, turning his tours into official photography workshops by 2000. Sergio Ballivian Photography Fischer Creative 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

10/4/24 • 02:38

Welcome to episode 463 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast with Mike Banker. Mike Banker is the Chief Growth Officer at Fisher Creative, a media production studio known for capturing epic content from Earth’s most iconic, and adventurous places. Mike is a multi-faceted writer, communicator, and media production jack-of-all-trades. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Grammarly and Roam Generation PR Show Notes Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn your love for storytelling and the outdoors into a career in the creative industry? This episode explores how our guest transitioned from shooting amateur films on VHS tapes to crafting compelling stories in the world’s most remote wildernesses. Whether you’re dreaming of combining your passions or looking for insights into environmental filmmaking, this conversation will speak directly to your journey. By tuning in, you’ll discover: How to combine your passions for the outdoors and creative storytelling into a successful career. Firsthand accounts of filming in Ukraine and capturing adventure documentaries. Practical tips on navigating the business side of outdoor filmmaking while maintaining an environmental ethos. Don’t miss out—hit play now to uncover the secrets to blending your love of the outdoors with filmmaking! Follow up with Mike: mike@fishercreative.com Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor and adventure, find us at the Outdoor Adveneture Lifestyle podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #SustainabilityEfforts, #Conservation, #WhitewaterTrips, #FilmingInChina, #MoraKnife, #AWalkInTheParkBook, #GrandCanyonAdventure, #NuclearWarAScenarioBook,  #BoulderOutdoorSurvivalSchool, #UkraineDocumentary, #FisherCreative, #ExpeditionEverest, #NationalGeographic, #EnvironmentalDocumentaries, #InPursuitOfPassive, #NetZeroHouseFilm Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Unleash your story and watch your brand thrive with Roam Generation PR. In the flood of content these days, brands often find themselves lost at sea. You struggle to connect and engage with the right audience at the right time. Roam Generation PR is your lifeline. They'll seamlessly connect your brand story with the ideal audience, driving results to make your brand thrive. Founded on a yacht while sailing worldwide, they bring a unique perspective to public relations because they live the lifestyle their partners represent. Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

10/1/24 • 47:55

Welcome to episode 462 of the outdoor adventure lifestyle podcast with Outdoor Adventure Writer Clay Abney. Clay is a freelance outdoor and adventure travel writer living in the ‘wild and wonderful’ state of West Virginia. He enjoys various outdoor activities and traveling as often as possible. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Grammarly and Roam Generation PR Show Notes Learn More What are your favorite outdoor activities to do in South Carolina? 23:25 I just really do a lot of paddling, I mean, there's like literally Blackwater rivers are just, they call them Blackwater because there's no elevation to them. You don't seem to have any current at all because they almost look like swamps. What advice would you give to aspiring outdoor adventure travel writers?   17:44 I would say read. Write. If you're gonna pitch a, or if you're gonna write, if you wanna write for a certain outlet, make sure that you understand their voice. What they're trying to, what, so, It's great if you want to tell it in your words, but it may not be the voice of the publication that you're going after. Follow up:  https://www.clayabney.com/ Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor and adventure, find us at the Outdoor Adveneture Lifestyle podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Adventure travel, #outdoor activities, #stand-up paddleboarding, #Norway travel, #Greenland travel, #global travel, #sustainable tourism, #local cuisine, #freelance writing, #rafting, #West Virginia, Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

9/24/24 • 47:06

Settled in Chilean Patagonia in 2004, David Dittmar is convinced that outdoor life is the best therapy for the body and soul. You’ll hear how David leveraged his climbing skills into his own guiding business, adapted his offerings to meet the market and his advice for you to do the same. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Grammarly and Roam Generation PR Show Notes Learn More Dittmar Adventures Website Favorite Books The Savage Detectives, Roberto Bolano Favorite Gear under $100 Suunto Compass Follow up: Instagram Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us at the Outdoor Biz Podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Tourism evolution, #Custom trips, #Tailored experiences, #All-inclusive hotels, #Guide services, #Solitude, #Bouldering, #Indoor climbing, #Hiking guide, #Backpacking trips, #Wilderness permit, #Camping and skiing, #Horseback expeditions, #Adventure business, #Outdoor activities, #Family-oriented environment, #Training local guides, #Government lands, #Outdoor gear, #Adventure, #Outdoor. Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

9/17/24 • 61:25

We are pivoting the podcast to bring you an even more thrilling and immersive outdoor adventure experience. Say hello to the 'Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast!' The show helping outdoor enthusiasts land your ideal outdoor adventure gig, grow your outdoor career and find more time for adventures.’ 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

9/15/24 • 01:09

INCA (formerly Inca Floats, Inc.) began in the 70s as a family adventure when Bill Roberson, a scientist and professor, and his two daughters, Kim and Marika, traveled to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. They had such an adventurous, entertaining, and educational time that they couldn't wait to share it with their friends. And so a company was born. Bill tells us about an expedition through South America before founding INCA that inspired and motivated him to start a travel company focused on the region. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Smugmug and Roam Generation PR Show Notes Learn More Inca Website Favorite Books Endurance, Alfred Lansing Follow up: Inca Website Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us at the Outdoor Biz Podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Galapagos, #Travel, #Adventure, #South America, #Inca, #Peru, #Outdoor activities, #Rafting, #Adventure travel, #Wildlife conservation, #Darwin Foundation, #Nature trips, #Naturalist guide, #Outdoor industry, #Backpacking, #Outdoor gear, #River trips, #Patagonia, #Mountain towns, #Jungle trek, #Machu Picchu, #Bolivia, #Argentina, #Chile, #Lake District, #Iguazu Falls, #La Paz. Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Unleash your story and watch your brand thrive with Roam Generation PR. In the flood of content these days, brands often find themselves lost at sea. You struggle to connect and engage with the right audience at the right time. Roam Generation PR is your lifeline. They'll seamlessly connect your brand story with the ideal audience, driving results to make your brand thrive. Founded on a yacht while sailing worldwide, they bring a unique perspective to public relations because they live the lifestyle their partners represent. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel, and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

9/10/24 • 71:05

Traveling with Experience Plus can launch a rewarding lifetime love for seeing and experiencing the world by bicycle. On a bike tour, you will pedal quiet roads, secluded paths, and carefully curated routes at your own pace. Travel under the guidance and care of professional tour leaders who joyfully share a love for their homeland, while seamlessly managing daily logistics so you can relax, ride, and make meaningful connections with both people and places along the way. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Smugmug Show Notes Learn More Experienceplus.com Favorite Books Rick: Barbara Savage, Miles from Nowhere, Stevenson's travels with a donkey, On The Road, Jack Kerouac Maria: Michner's Iberia Monica: I love guidebooks, Rough Guides, Lonely Planet, but the Blue Guide especially, and the Cadogan Favorite Piece of Gear Maria: mountain bike clips and pedals that have flats on both sides Monica: a classical jersey with those wonderful pockets that you can just carry everything you need is amazing Rick: you need a multi-tool, a pump, and a patch kit. Follow up: Experienceplus.com Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us at the Outdoor Biz Podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Bike tours, #Italy, #ExperiencePlus, #Fort Collins, #Colorado, #Travel content, #Blog recipes, #Biking benefits, #Dinner with guests, #Navigation arrows, #Tour routes, #Artisan visits, #Olive oil tastings, #Group dinners, #Tour leader, #Hotel relationships, #Bike inventory, #Experiential learning, #Mediterranean biking, #Local culture, #Sardinia tour, #Cycling gear, #Camera technology, #Family-run hotels, #Norwegian tour, #Italian lessons, #Group time, #Free time, #Travel books, #Titanium bike fleet, #Ebikes, #GPS mapping systems, #outdoor, #adventure Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Get Your Podcast Published NOW! Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered. I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions. Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.  

9/3/24 • 64:27

Hey everyone, today’s episode 458 features Auto Camp and CMO Bryan Terzi. AutoCamp continues that long legacy of honoring nature in the 21st century. As the exclusive hospitality partner of Airstream, they started their journey in 2013 with their first location in Santa Barbara, CA. From the outset, they’ve always believed guests should be able to immerse themselves in nature and world-class design. Today Bryan Terzi tells us more about they’ve evolved to so much more than Airstreams. Hey everyone, episode 458 features Auto Camp and CMO Bryan Terzi. AutoCamp continues the long legacy of honoring nature in the 21st century. As Airstream's exclusive hospitality partner, it started its journey in 2013 with its first location in Santa Barbara, CA. From the outset, AutoCamp has always believed guests should be able to immerse themselves in nature and world-class design. Today, Bryan Terzi tells us more about how they’ve evolved to so much more than Airstreams. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Smugmug Show Notes Learn More 05:39 Bryan moved to New York, worked in hospitality marketing. 07:34 His dad's extensive hospitality career taught respecting all. 12:07 AutoCamp offers Thoughtful locations, luxurious camping, nature immersion, and more. 13:27 AutoCamp offers a full wine program, grill kits for 2, fire pits, and outdoor activities, providing an elevated dining experience and gathering space for travelers. 17:55 AutoCamp provides a unique nature-focused hospitality experience catering to a wide range of travelers, including young families, Gen Z, and baby boomers, seeking to unplug and enjoy nature with the convenience of traditional hotel amenities. The properties are highly regarded and offer fully air-conditioned Airstream units and amenities like pools, creating a distinctive alternative to traditional hotels. 21:52 Fortune 500 companies host team bonding events at our camps, taking executives out of their usual work environment and fostering authentic connections through sharing experiences around the campfire. 26:34 Consistently top 5 TripAdvisor scores for unique hospitality. 30:50 Accessible nature vacations should not be expensive. 34:36 Tranquil nature spot fosters diverse solo experiences. 38:51 Bryan's focus is on strategy, quality collaborations for successful marketing. 41:04 Providing optimal guest experience, community engagement emphasized. 42:52 Don't miss Outdoor Biz Podcast- subscribe and share! Favorite Books Last Book Bryan read: A Walk in the Wood by Bill Bryson Favorite Piece of Gear Yeti Follow up with Bryan and AutoCamp Bryan: Instagram AutoCamp: Instagram AutoCamp Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us at the Outdoor Biz Podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #AutoCamp, #adventure travelers, #nature, #iconic destinations, #beginner campers, #experienced travelers, #Yeti, #hydration, #sunscreen, #half-day pack, #podcasts, #The Daily, #expansion, #Airstream, #local guides, #affordable rates, #Adventure Affordably, #wine program, #local breweries, #grill kits, #fire pits, #programming, #Field Station, #outdoor sports, #van program, #experiential hospitality, #urban accessibility, #outdoor activities. Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Get Your Podcast Published NOW!  I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions. Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

8/27/24 • 40:19

Welcome to episode 457 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast with Marika Roberson and INCA. Brought to you this week by Smugmug. INCA (formerly Inca Floats, Inc.) began in the 70s as a family adventure when Bill Roberson, a scientist and professor, and his two daughters, Kim and Marika, traveled to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. They had such an adventurous, entertaining, and educational time that they couldn't wait to share it with their friends. And so a company was born. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Smugmug Show Notes Learn More 00:00 Family enjoys rafting and learning new skills. 05:49 SalkantayTrail went from 7 to 4 days, now paved. Crosses high Andes and 15,500 ft pass, descends into the jungle. Challenging terrain, reliance on a small horse. 19:50 Used art background for brochures, taught HTML, involved in company, took on management role instead of hiring externally. 27:01 Encouraging tourism growth in South America. 28:16 Tourism benefits and challenges for Galapagos and Cuzco. 34:13 California-based company prioritizes ethical and sustainable partners for operations. 39:50 Exciting and nerve-wracking market experience in Peru. 46:53 Seek jobs with like-minded companies in the adventure travel industry and develop office and writing skills. 54:00 The travel Industry is moving towards sustainability, accountability, and awareness. Focus on impact on the environment and communities, consumer consciousness, carbon offsetting, and alternative fuels for airlines. Favorite Books The Voyage of the Beagle by Charles Darwin Favorite Piece of Gear My external battery pack for my phone Follow Marika and INCA on the Socials https://www.inca1.com/ Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Adventure travel, #Sustainability, #Overtourism, #Outdoor industry, #Galapagos, #Cusco, #Peru, #Tourism impact, #Wildlife conservation, #Environment protection, #Shoulder season, #Responsible tourism, #Infrastructure development, #Cultural barriers, #Smartphone photography, #Family business, #Communication, #Community impact, #South America, #Antarctica, #Social media, #Content creation, #Community building, #Authentic experiences, #Wildlife habitats, #Climate change impact, #Outdoor activities, #Transformational experiences, #River trips, #Backpacking, #Outdoor, #Adventure Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Get Your Podcast Published NOW!  I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions. Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

8/20/24 • 62:01

Welcome to episode 456 of the Outdoor Biz podcast with your culinary guide to the outdoors Chef Steve Corso! He’s here to put you on the path to amazing meals wherever your adventure takes you. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches Show Notes 00:00 Chef Corso founded Outdoor Eats for outdoor food. 04:20 Testing recipes, launching website, learning from others. 08:21 Culinary education in US and Italy. 10:48 I worked for Starbucks as a Food scientist and chef to create new products. 21:58 Beef stroganoff cooked outside with trail meals. 25:58 Beef jerky adds flavor and protein options. 28:51 Share the load, cook together, and eat well. 30:00 Importance of carefully selected food for outdoor activities. 35:10 Choose sustainable brands and reusable items for conservation. 38:37 Community testers contribute to Outdoor Eats recipes. Outdoor Eats Recipe Club 42:17 Foldable camp knife with 4-5 inch blade. 44:21 Delicious recipes and flavors for meal planning. 49:48 Expanding recipe bank and trail meals cookbooks. 51:51 Diverse soup flavors and forgiving ingredient options. Learn More Favorite Books Why You Eat What You Eat by Rachel Herz Any of the Michael Pollan books Food Explorer by Daniel Stone The Material World by Ed Conway Matthew McConaughey's memoir called Green Lights Favorite Piece of Gear Foldable camp knife Coffee Mug Follow Chef Corso on the Socials Facebook Tik Tok Instagram Pinterest YouTube Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #trail snacks, #truck stop recipes, #beef jerky, #rehydrating food, #outdoor challenges, #pack weight, #perishable ingredients, #sharing food load, #outdoor meal planning, #audiobooks, #outdoor adventures, #guided backpacking trips, #camp gear, #cooking gear, #food memoirs, #travel experiences, #Vagabond tour, #cooking shows, #sustainable cooking, #Leave No Trace, #recipe bank, #culinary education, #research chef, #food product development Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Get Your Podcast Published NOW!  I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions. Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

8/13/24 • 60:53

Today on episode 455 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast I’m talking with Mark Johnson from Hobnail Trekking. Mark shares how Hobnail Trekking has expanded into several destinations and continues to offer only the highest levels of service and trekking expertise. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Tee Public Show Notes 00:00 Fascination with Nepal leads to Holly creating her bucket list. 04:27 Early days of adventure travel, career transition. 10:00 Unique travel experiences from a non-traditional company. 11:00 Mark and Holly create a travel company for everyday adventurers. 14:49 Interest in Mount Everest and other treks. 20:02 Mark's memorable experience from one of the treks . . . when he napped in the woods, and was found by the trip organizers. 24:21 The World is becoming more judgmental, and there needs to be respect. 28:10 Train for the trek by mimicking conditions. 31:54 Prepare physically before operating at high altitudes. 35:36 Rick's adventure in Georgia meeting happy locals. 38:45 Population growth will lead to overpopulation problems. 40:59 Trekking remains timeless; technology won't change it. 43:33 Hobnail Adventures expanding to new adventure destinations. 46:30 Hobnail opens up new travel possibilities for clients. 49:18 Favorite piece of gear: DJI Pocket 2, OSMOS camera. 54:10 Nepal trip inspires one of Mark's books "Doofus Dad Does Everest." Learn More Hobnail Web Page Contact us Instagram X Facebook You Tube Mark's Books Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Adventure travel, #Hobnail Trekking Company, #Mark Johnson, #Everest Base Camp trek, #Adventure travel industry, #Middle-aged adventure travel, #Mount Everest, #Popular trekking destinations, #Off-the-beaten-path trekking, #Wilderness first aid, #Travel insurance, #Adventure risk, #Peruvian trek, #Business process improvement, #Tour operator partnerships, #Sustainable travel, #Physical fitness for trekking, #"Doofus Dad Does Everest Base Camp" book, #Outdoor gear, #Podcast promotions, #Embracing adventure, #Fiction writing, #Ancillary income stream, #Ecuadorian Odyssey, #Rebranding, #Expansion plans, #Outdoor industry growth, #Sherpa encounter, #Cultural exchange, #Technology impact on travel, #Altitude training. Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Get Your Podcast Published NOW!  I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions. Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

8/6/24 • 59:48

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Jorge Perez, a conservationist and tourism entrepreneur from Quito, Ecuador. Join us as Jorge shares his insights on the unique mestizo culture and the influence of Spaniards, the alluring experience of cattle drives, and the concept of time in Andean cosmovision. Listen in as he discusses purposeful travel, disconnecting from technology, and the importance of understanding our relationship with the Earth. Jorge also unveils a fascinating program for deepening family connections through adventure and offers valuable tips on packing for diverse climates and environments in Ecuador. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation on conservation, tourism with a purpose, and creating memorable experiences in the great outdoors. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Tee Public Show Notes 00:00 Ecuador's beauty, diversity, and unique geography. 05:17 Tourism focused on conservation and local opportunities. 07:33 Building trails, strong relationship with national park. 11:17 Challenges promoting a unique place Ecuador 13:31 Disconnect from home, reconnect with new experiences. 18:47 Tech detox brings freedom, family interaction, learning. 21:38 Preserving Ecuadorian cowboy culture and environmental conservation. 22:57 Mestizo culture, status, and handling fighting bulls. 27:36 Moments are fleeting, but love endures. 30:54 Creating activities to recover the beauty of travel. 36:04 Contact us for experiential family adventure programs. 39:43 Importance of context in facing planetary challenges. 41:04 Promotes conservation through sustainable tourism initiatives. 45:55 Proper gear is key to weather conditions and activities. 48:29 Responsible tourism benefits locals, cultures, and conservation. 41:44 One of Jorge's favorite books: Factfulness 48:18 One of Jorge's pieces of outdoor gear: Swiss Army Knife  Learn More Tierra Del Volcan Web Page Contact us Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Ecuador, #mestizo culture, #Spanish influence, #horses, #cattle drives, #Andean community, #purposeful travel, #Amazon, #Galapagos, #Andes, #environmental preservation, #horse encounters, #personal growth, #"Factfulness" book, #conservation, #sustainability, #tourism with purpose, #Quito, #Cotopaxi National Park Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Get Your Podcast Published NOW!  I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions. Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

7/30/24 • 53:09

John Ensley chases the sun from the Pacific Northwest in summer to Baja California Mexico in winter, as one part professional sailing instructor and one part running a virtual financial planning business. As founder of Cruise and Learn Sailing International and loves sharing his knowledge, experience and passion for sailing. John feels strongly that it isn’t just about sailing skills and certifications, it’s really about designing an amazing lifestyle and living the life of your dreams. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Tee Public Show Notes 04:27 John went on a trip to Mexico, sailed down the beautiful Pacific coast, and managed to stay connected for work while enjoying the journey. 09:02 Their process: Complete bookwork online and then practice on the boat. Subscription option for affordable monthly payments. 10:41 Variety of courses came from teaching sailing for 8-9 years. 13:14 So that's the second reason that people pursue certifications is so that they can go charter in different places. And then thirdly is insurance 17:28 Select a sailing school that aligns with your specific goals and preferences, ensuring that you have an immersive and educational experience on the water. It's important to have a conversation with the school to understand their philosophy, instructors, boats, and operations. Consider your goals, whether it's day sailing on local lakes, buying a boat, or chartering internationally, and find a school that matches your needs and personality. Remember that the cheapest or most expensive option may not always be the best, so focus on finding the right fit and value for your sailing experience. 22:47 I'm really into blending work, play, and technology. I even came up with a 3G dongle back in 2009, and cellular technology has been a big part of my journey. 24:40 A friend from my sailing class is now teaching in Puerto Rico, living on a boat. 26:45 Sailing requires training for advanced navigation and skills. 28:43 Johns favorite outdoor gear under $100, a poncho liner. And his must-read books, The Four Hour Work Week, Bank on Yourself, and the Shannara series Learn More So the very best way is to visit our website, cruiseandlearnsailing.com. There are a couple of links where you can set up a free 30-minute video consultation with us. You can also just reach out with an inquiry form or email. Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords Sailing #Cruise and Learn Sailing International #US Coast Guard master credential #Sailing instructor #Big Lake Youth Camp #Sailing school #Mexico #Tim Ferris #The 4 Hour Workweek #Entrepreneurship #La Paz, Mexico #Puget Sound #San Juan Islands #Sailing trips #NauticEd #Immersive experience #Sailing certification #Navigation Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Get Your Podcast Published NOW!  I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://produceyourpodcast.com/rsaez to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions. Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

7/27/24 • 32:51

Today my long time outdoor compadre Kenji Haroutunian makes his 3rd appearance on the show. As longtime director of two top-fifty trade shows in the country (and many events and services beyond), Kenji’s experience has afforded him a truly independent viewpoint to best understand the ebbs and flows of business trends, successes, failures and the tools that can be applied these days to make a difference. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Alabama Beaches Show Notes 04:27 The pivot from outdoor retail (A16) to trade shows. I don't quite remember how that happened. I had been managing stores, a store manager for Adventure 16 in L. A. and then in the Valley store, and was back in the L. A. store managing there. And then got a call from Larry Harrison, who was. Put on task by the outdoor retailer team to go find their next account exec. There was a long-time account executive who was leaving, and they're looking to fill that spot. And I said, like, well, what's an account executive? It's not something that I was familiar with and sounded pretty fancy, but you know, long story short, I interviewed down in Laguna Beach with the team. And then, back then, it was called Miller Freeman, who was the owner of the outdoor retailer shows. And I got hired there as a salesperson having zero experience selling space or advertising, and starting in, in earnest, my career in the media slash shows business. 08:00 The Big Gear Show Big Gear rose up out of what was the paddle sports retailer show. So that was a show launched by a couple of guys from the paddle sports industry who became sort of unhappy with the timing of outdoor retailer. Paddle sports was a big part of the outdoor retailer show, and they passed. They took their boat, went off, and started their own show. Out of that came the desire to be more inclusive categorically. So, instead of just paddle sports, why don't we bring in hike, running, camping, and biking and create a more comprehensive and inclusive platform? And so that's where the Big Gear Show came from. It launched in 2020. 14:29 Outdoor Biz Evolution Those trade shows were all a bunch of guides, and, you know, we were young kids who worked at the retail shop floors and stuff. It was not as sophisticated then as it is now today. You're right. That evolution is big. And I think, you know, the infusion of capital market representatives, you know, I, it was very different. You're right. You know, during my time, for example, at the show's helm was during the time when financial investors started showing up in numbers dozens and then like hundreds of people were coming, and we even created an event for them called what's that called, Fund Source? And it was specifically designed for new brands to pitch to investment community people and get valuable feedback and maybe even score an investor, you know, in the, in the sort of mode of Shark Tank. Right. But it was, I think Camber Outdoors is helping to sponsor it. 17:10 Do you have any thoughts on how that shakes out, consolidates, and continues to expand? I shy away from the word trade show anymore because it's kind of a loaded term. It kind of almost by default says the old. Way or the old show model that were the outdoor industry anyway, has become passé. And I think that whatever we're going to call the new show model you know, at big gear, we call it B2B2C or just simply like an inclusive platform that makes less of a deal of your categorical status. You know, interestingly, you know, I, I have a, well, I don't have my badge on right now, but I came in the show and they had sort of parsed the show entry timing by what kind of badge you had. So it was like, you get an eight, if you have this badge, get an 11, if you have this badge and you're not allowed in, if you don't have this badge. So I think that determination of who occupies what is really difficult now because. You know, who is a retailer anymore? Who is a guide outfit or influence or media, et cetera. Um, even supplier brands have, have brand, like they have products with their brand name on it, you know, Gore, for example. So it's it's a fuzzier world when you make those determinations. So creating a more inclusive show experience is I think part of the, the future equation that'll make sense and will help to, you know, In concert with several other things that need to happen. 31:48 What, what do you think are a couple of the biggest, we talked about this before we hit the record button, about the state of the outdoor industry today. What do you think are a couple of the biggest challenges facing the outdoor industry today?  I think there's a lot of challenges. I think losing our neighborhood shops, you know, in the cities, primarily, I think shops and touch points at the trailhead and near put in and at the destinations. That's still relatively strong across the country. What I see is that the urban shops are really getting crushed. Like they are, their costs are going up. Their inventory and open to buy situations are super stressed and they're just finding it hard to keep going. It's also a time of changeover. Like a lot of the shops like a 16 that were founded, you know, in the 60s and 70s. Those. Company owners are either looking to sell or turn over the younger generation may or may not be interested in running retail stores. And so they're finding this, this time of change over is very active. And that's true in other, you know, related sectors like fly fishing and surf and others, but I think that's part of the challenge right now. We're still working through the inventory glut that happened from the disruption of the of the pandemic. So get 1st. Sold, people sold everything they had and then they had nothing to sell. And then the product was getting delayed because factories were closed and then the shipping lanes were delayed because they couldn't have enough dock workers to even unload the ships. And so that just created this big lag time in the industry that we're still working through like that created this over inventory situation that we're still in right now. 37:40 How has sustainability been reflected at the Big Gear Show? What are some of the initiatives you guys have? Well, I think on the brands and the product side, you could definitely feel it. A lot of. A presence and interest in that re commerce story. For us as a show producer, you know, shows are horribly wasteful historically. So trying to minimize the flow of that you know, because we have such a small team, I was managing a lot of that myself. What was happening over on the outside festival side, we really wanted to participate in, but we weren't able to do it this year. But they had a composting aspect too. So they really activated a zero waste program that did a pretty good job, but it's pretty expensive because you've got to have people. Staff that are there saying, Oh, wait, that's not a composting thing. You got to put that over here. And this is, it's sort of pre sorting. So they had staff at each of these 10 stations or however many there were. And so that's expensive because you just got to pay people for all the time that they're there, but very very impressive commitment from outside and their partners on, on the festival side of things, we want to implement. And so we've been paying close attention to. Like the flow of trash, you know, trashable things coming in. We had a space that we dedicated just for cardboard that could be reused storing it so that it was kept dry and viable. And then, you know, the companies that needed them at the end of the show, we had it for them. So just reusing and being smarter about You know, everything from badge holders, which we didn't have, you know, no badge holders just printed on enough, you know, quality paper that it's going to stay in place and have a, have a badge holder design that is effective. And we only had that for the B2B day. You didn't need badges or anything to come in with, we had digital waivers, so again, you know, just not piles of paper that you have to keep for years, we used a digital service for that. So. You know, little by little getting smarter as a event producer and bringing those bringing those solutions to bear at the show. 38:37 What are a couple of the brands or products you think are leading the way in sustainability?  I guess the small brand Stream2Sea they're called they're making a product that doesn't like it's a sunscreen product Skin care product I guess you'd say but even the packaging on it is thoughtfully designed so that it's biodegradable, you know over time not in your backpack, of course, but and they have a system for being able to return that, you know empty or recycle it So just you know little thoughtful things like that. I think some of the different stove options, you know, I think one of the big stories coming out of the stove and cooking side is. Single use propane, you know, those green ubiquitous one pound propane bottles. And then we had a pellet stove coming from Timber Stoves. There was quite a bit, actually, especially in one of the highlights of the show was the Founders Market, which was produced by Path Ahead Ventures, REI's program for lifting up. BIPOC and women-founded organizations. Cool. And a lot of those companies are really really carefully curated to bring like really thoughtful, more sustainable solutions to the market, as well as, you know, better solutions for groups that historically haven't been addressed, whether that's different body shapes or just, you know, disabled folks. But that, you know, that's different than sustainability in a way. It is sustainability, but it's the same. Yeah. Way It's the same. 42:28 With all the talk lately of PFAS and things you know, we're discovering that are maybe worse off than we thought. How do you think, or do you think we can do more or maybe. Do some of it faster because it seems like maybe just, you know, guys like us, we're running out of time, but I think about my niece and nephew in the world, we're going to leave them and, you know, some of these things we've got to implement these programs like last week, and it seems like it takes a lot of energy and thought and conversation and things to get everybody's head around it to implement any thoughts on that. Yeah, I'm pretty active in California with the California Direct Creation Partnership that I helped found back in twenty-eighteen in addressing these aspects because you know, the way that the legislation first came out was basically saying that at retail, there can't be p fast in any of the products you sell after January first twenty-five or whatever the date was, and this is like, hey. Hold on a second. We, as the industry, believe in eliminating PFAS, just like we believe in eliminating BPA, just like we believe in using post-consumer recycled ingredients, and just like we believe in circular economy solutions. However, starting with the retail side starts with the horse's tail instead of the front. Like you've got to start at the supply chain side. Get them to stop using it, and then you can regulate. If that's a word regulation-wise, you can, you know, move down the chain. So you start at the fiber manufacturer, then you go to the fabric manufacturer, then you go to the. Apparel manufacturer, then you go to the wholesaler, then you go to the retailer and then you go to the, you know, the consumer and give them a way to get rid of that stuff or to cycle it in a way that doesn't end up with just plastic in the ocean or in the landfill. So I think more plastic in the ocean or the landfill. This is the reason why business. And government partnerships, you know, are the really so important to how we move forward, whether it is keeping PFAS out of our bodies and out of our ecosystems or doing a better job of working with tribes and taking that native knowledge and that stewardship mindedness. Of, you know, thousands of years of indigenous presence and and honoring that all of these things mean disrupting the current flow. And that's hard. You know, if a river is flowing super fast, it's pretty hard to get it to move in a different direction. And that's what we're trying to do. We're changing the culture. We're changing the entire culture of an industry, like changing our own personal culture. It's hard enough doing it for your family or your community is. Super hard and takes longer doing it for an entire industry that has all these moving parts across the country and across the globe like that's, that's going to take years. So I think part of this is just learning to keep I had a coach when I paddled out rigor and he had this phrase, you know, we would use because outrigger races are sometimes. Really long like 20 miles 30 miles. Yeah, and it's just smooth power, like keep the pressure on keep applying the pressure. Don't burn yourself out because you've got an hour and a half more to keep paddling. Don't run out. Don't burn yourself out, but smooth power, you know, and you'll keep keep the rhythm. Keep the power going. That's what we need. We need rhythm and we need, we need gentle applied power. That's. Consistent. Kind of like you and your podcast. 47:02 Where do you see the Big Gear Show in the next three to five years, say? What's that evolution look like? I think we have to keep adapting and building this new model. And I think that the future of it is going to be more more events. Kind of surrounding the main event. So I guess I think of it as like a constellation of stars or something like we've created the critical mass in the center, and now we're just, you know, you, you mentioned ATT elevate. Like I know Shannon's thinking about maybe that belongs in orbit with. The outside festival and the CEO summit idea. And I participated in an Asian outdoor leaders group meeting. They know little things that start to build around the core. People bring their sales meetings to town. That's always happened back at the old show, right? Those are the things that create. The critical mass and get people to say, you know what, I really need to be there. And the more you do that across more sectors, across more job functions and you know, the workforce part of the industry, the more that'll bring the industry to bear. And create that critical mass. So I think that's the future is continuing to work partnerships. I think partnerships are what fuel that that type of you know, critical mass building. 52:52 What is your favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars? I think last time I, I said headlamps and I still think headlamps are amazing. 56:58 Is there a memorable outdoor adventure or experience that has influenced your work side of the world? Yeah, absolutely. One of my bigger adventures was skiing the high route across the Sierra from Independence to Fresno, basically. Yeah. And I, in that experience because I was with Jeff Cooper, Dan Dalbera, and Suniva Sorby, it was great; it was pretty well documented. So I have images from that, and I can tell the story. It's a story that's relevant to people who want to ski the high route, but it's also relevant to a number of different objectives or just, um, inspiration for businesses who are facing challenges as a team or challenges as a marketplace. And it's even helpful for for our journalists and people like I, I, I use that story was included in Jeannette Stawski's recent book, The Outdoor Leader recent book called The Outdoor Leader. So I have an excerpt in there from this trip that I did, you know, and that, that I learned so much about not just, you know, how to backcountry ski a multi day like big, big objective. Yeah. Kind of thing, but also about leadership, about following, you know, when the right time is to be following and leading when the, when you're needed to be leading, and that is, It reminds me of kind of this uh, the dynamic in leadership. Like you don't always have to be the big, bad boss. You know, there's times to hand over the boss reins to your up and coming leader or identifying who is, who are your up and coming leaders and investing in them. And then when the time comes, they have the skills and they have the ability to go out and go for it and take up, take the reins. And I learned a lot about that during this trip where I was not the trip leader. But I had to become the leader for, for at least a while away. 59:44 Do you have any advice for anyone looking to break into the outdoor industry? My standard answer is for people who have, you know, been asking me this question for decades, I say, well, best way started retail, learn the retail ropes, go with the front lines, talk to people who are just getting into it or need a new piece of gear or need some advice about where to go and what to do. And you'll learn. Where the point pressure points are, where the pain points are, where the opportunities are, where the products are. Learn More You can follow up with Kenji at: the biggearshow.com and click contact. Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Outdoor industry, #Big Gear Show, #trade shows, #outdoor events, #diversity in leadership, #sustainable practices, #sustainability measures, #PFAS regulations, #environmental issues, #outdoor gear, #mentorship programs, #conservation efforts, #pandemic impact on outdoor industry, #sustainability initiatives, #re-commerce. Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Get Your Podcast Published NOW!  I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions. Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

7/16/24 • 76:38

Hello again everyone. Welcome to episode 451 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today, I’m speaking with fellow OWAA member Emanuel Rose. Emanuel is an author, outdoorsman, and marketing expert. He says his love for the natural world has been a constant in his life, and he finds joy in exploring towering forests and the energy of the ocean. His childhood fantasy of discovering special wild places inspired him to write, and his children's book series is growing as a result of that passion. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Thrive Market Show Notes 06:10 Emanuel started writing in childhood, shifted to children's books for grandchildren. 09:41 Emanuel is working on two projects, one about mentoring Gen Z and the other for Gen Z on how to be dynamic individuals. They also wrote about the importance of showing leadership in detoxing from technology and triggering more outdoor time. 12:35 Started a podcast because I was seeking to engage in conversations, provide resources for marketing and AI, and inspire outdoor exploration and wilderness activities. 15:39 re: podcasts, as the host, having the talent and the control allows for selecting guests and topics based on personal interest and connection to outdoor retail wholesale space. 17:21 Authentic Marketing in the Age of AI-AI Marketing: The text is a conversation about the challenges of marketing in the modern world. It focuses on the importance of simplifying marketing efforts and getting back to basics, such as addressing people's concerns in a human-to-human manner and making transactions easy for them. The speaker emphasizes the need to move away from getting lost in key performance indicators (KPIs) and various tools, and instead, focusing on solving problems, providing solutions, and effectively communicating with people. 21:00 Daily Routine: Morning writing and client work, followed by leisure activities in the afternoon such as golf, workouts, or mini adventures. I can easily access nature within an hour. 25:54 Including specific details when reaching out to someone generates better questions and improves the interaction. It's a great tip for effective communication. Emanuel's Childrens Books Learn More You can follow up with Emanuel at: emanuelrose.com Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #writer, #marketing books, #children's books, #nature-themed books, #value clarification, #mentorship, #nature impact, #self-discovery, #authentic marketing, #OWAA, #fishing tips, #coaching, #simplifying marketing, #generative AI, Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Get Your Podcast Published NOW!  I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions. Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

7/9/24 • 30:02

Jonathan Chester has photographed on all seven continents, and specializes in documenting the wild, remote, and extreme and is equally at home in urban and rural settings, covering nature, landscapes, and environmental themes. He continues to guide and lecture on adventure cruises in the Arctic and Antarctic. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Thrive Market Show Notes 51:13 Thanks for tuning in to the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to never miss an episode. Spread the word and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts. 00:00 Jonathan Grew up in Adelaide, enjoyed nature, joined scouts, and wanted to be a scuba diver. 03:19 The University underwater club led to a scuba diving career. 07:41 you always learn more from getting into hairy situations and trouble than you do when everything goes smoothly. When everything goes smoothly, it's like, it's too easy, right? The aphorism that, you know, good judgment is the product of experience, but experience quite often is a lot of bad judgment and a lot of sort of uncomfortable or difficult circumstances. 10:35 Decided not to be a guide, became a photojournalist and storyteller for 35 years. 14:08 Exciting sailing journey leads to Antarctic expedition. 18:27 Since 1978, Jonathan has sold photos and stories in magazines. 19:52 Had a career in presenting slideshows in Australia, learned power of storytelling, moved away from climbing and photography. 24:36 Struggling to retrieve rope, dropped camera lens, still works. 28:21 Advancements in power sources for remote travel and photography, including lithium battery packs and solar panels, have made it easier to stay charged while on the move. These technologies have also influenced the capabilities of drones for capturing aerial photography. 30:18 Travel and technology have unavoidable carbon costs. 35:30 Passionate about landscape photography, finds power in nature, and emphasizes creating rather than just taking photos. Utilizes zoom lenses for convenience. 37:15 Staying safe and comfortable while working in the field. Good gear, fitness, and routines are important for photography in challenging conditions. Multiple bodies are useful for quick changes. 40:28 Favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars: I always wanna make sure I'm well hydrated and have some decent gloves. 41:58 Favorite book: one of the best reading books about the history of the Antarctic peninsula is called The Storied Ice by Joan Booth. And there's a wonderful biography of Frank Hurley by a colleague of mine, Alistair McGregor. Frank Hurley, A Photographers Life. 40:46 Outdoor essentials: hydration, layered gloves for photography, multi-functional trekking pole. 45:19 The author discusses the importance of photo books and collaboration with a writer, encouraging others to publish. 46:11 Jonathan is excited about the new climbing book, The Art of Climbing, by an Australian, Simon Carter. He's proud of his own books and admires wildlife photographers. Learn More You can follow up with Jonathan on his website: extremeimages.com  Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Jonathan Chester, #photo books, #polar bears, #Penguins, #wildlife photographers, #Patagonia, #microplastics, #environmental impact, #landscape photography, #adventure photography, #Mountain Travel Sobek, #Extreme Images, #sustainability, #conservation, #mountaineering, #historical mountaineering, #expedition narratives, #Antarctica history Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Get Your Podcast Published NOW!  I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers' ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions. Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

7/2/24 • 48:27

Hello again, everyone. Welcome to episode 449 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. This week, I’m talking with Lauren Hefferon. Lauren has been a devoted cyclist for over 40 years. While in high school in Southern NH, Lauren discovered her passion for pedaling after a serious ski injury prevented her from downhill ski racing and playing many team sports. Upon graduation with a degree in Graphic Design in Mass Art, Laure decided to follow her entrepreneurial cravings and launched Ciclismo Classico. Their mission is to inspire active travelers to embrace cycling as a soulful form of travel that connects us with the world and to the passionate, curious, and creative human spirit. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Thrive Market Show Notes 00:00 Rick Saez shares outdoor industry insights, interviews, and product innovation on the Outdoor Biz Podcast. 03:30 Lauren grew up without a bicycle in the 1960s, until she got her purple Schwinn. 06:34 Art and curiosity drive Lauren's varied interest in anthropology. 11:21 After Cornell, Lauren toured Europe, worked as a tour guide in Italy. 13:30 Created educational bike tours, focused on teaching, not luxury. Started with Pisa to Florence itinerary. 17:21 Some of the early challenges were in bike quality and hotel operations. 20:59 Lauren believe in learning through bicycle tours. 24:25 Promotion of lesser-known trips in Italy creates a succession of tours. 27:57 The goal is to create memorable and safe experiences on bicycle trips, including organizing a surprise performance by the Cortina Choir in the Dolomites. 31:20 Switching from driving tours to biking trips, aiming for full human-powered travel, with exceptions for uninteresting or traffic-heavy stretches. 32:53 Gravel riding in Tuscany and other regions is popular. 35:25 Prefer phone calls for personal connection in planning bicycle trips. Focus on understanding and personalizing experience. 40:44 I love Mary Oliver's nature poems. They remind me to be grateful. 42:01 Cycling should be enjoyed at your own pace, not about speed or sleekness, akin to a ski vacation. 45:37 E-bikes are extending cycling age range and accessibility. 49:32 Lauren turned cyclist after a knee injury, emphasizing the importance of low-impact exercise. 51:13 Thanks for tuning in to the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Visit our website for show notes and subscribe to never miss an episode. Spread the word and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts. Learn More You can follow up with Lauren on Facebook and Instagram by email: and call her directly at: 617-640-4837. That's my cell phone. And then our 800 number is 1-800-866-7314. And our company is www.cyclismoclassico.com Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Ciclismo Classico, #bike touring, #educational tours, #Italy, #guided tours, #safety clinics, #immersive experience, #cultural interaction, #ebikes, #adventure travel, #personalized experiences, #electric bikes, #environmental benefits, #eco-friendly practices, #gravel riding, #Piedmont, #Tuscany, #Sicily. Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Get Your Podcast Published NOW!  I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the details. Let me know if you have any questions.   Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

6/25/24 • 52:05

This week I’m talking with Chris and Kelly Kibbee, founders of No Limits Scuba in Tempe Arizona. If you’re just discovering scuba or looking to go professional, No Limits Scuba sets you apart on your path, by offering the highest quality and standards for safety and fun. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Thrive Market Show Notes 06:25 Dream of scuba shop ownership fulfilled; now No Limits Scuba has been a full-time career for 11 years. 09:57 Thriving desert diving community offers surprising vibrancy. 11:23 Arizona and Colorado compete for most divers. 16:11 Training leads to becoming a diving instructor. Skills prepare for teaching and responsibility. 19:56 Progress through courses to gain new diving skills and specialties. 22:49 Gradual diving program tailored to individual goals. 24:44 Traveling fosters a sense of community through scuba diving, creating lasting connections with a group of dedicated individuals who become like family. 27:13 Instructor helped mentee become a successful scuba diving instructor. 30:21 Arizona offers diverse outdoor activities, including snowboarding and hiking. The state's geographical diversity allows for cooler, higher elevations just a few hours north of the valley, providing a refreshing escape from the heat. 36:15 Enjoys both biographies and fiction, recently read some of Nick Offerman's books, specifically recommending "Paddle Your Own Canoe" for its solid comedic approach to living a meaningful life and Dark Tower series by Stephen King. Tune in weekly for valuable insights and tips. Subscribe and spread the word! Learn More You can follow up with Chris and Kelly on Facebook and Instagram and by email: chris@nolimitesscuba.com and kelly@nolimitesscuba.com Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Scuba diving, #Outdoor gear, #SCUBA certification, #Scuba instructors, #PADI, #Open water training, #Survival skills, #Underwater world, #Exotic destinations#No Limits Scuba, #Marine life, #Dive shop, #Desert diving, #Dive school, #tropical locations, #Professional certification, #Outdoor industry, #Underwater exploration, #Scuba lessons Get Your Podcast Published NOW!  I'm partnering with Tracy DeForge, Stephanie Euler, and the Produce Your Podcast team to get it out of your head and into your followers ears. Tracy and her team have helped me grow and monetize my show, and podcasters trust them because they deliver. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp to get all the details. Let's get your show created, produced, and on the air today. Go to https://ricksaez.com/pyp and get all the deets and let me know if you have any questions. Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

6/18/24 • 40:48

Hey everyone. Welcome to episode 447 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. This week I’m talking with Cory Higgins, Cory is the Jetty Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer. One of his early memories of Jetty is Putting $200 in a trucker hat at Jerm's apartment by the Port Hole to pay his portion of starting the company and making their first 3 tees. They’ve come a long way since then! 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Thrive Market Show Notes "Outdoor Adventures: So, yeah, I mean, there's so many memories of outdoor adventures."— Cory Higgins 00:03:4100:03:45 Entrepreneurship Journey: "And after college, we were sitting around. We were working on 9 to five. And on the weekends, we'd gather at the one guy's apartment and crack some beers and talk about starting a business and working for ourselves someday."— Cory Higgins 00:04:2000:04:57 Starting a Business in the Surf Industry: "And then we just kinda, like, sat on it for a minute, and I did some I did some of that backpacking in Australia."— Cory Higgins 00:04:5700:05:26 Following Your Passion: "Can I take a sabbatical from school and come run your screen printing department?"— Cory Higgins 00:06:2300:06:28 Marketing Strategy: "Our CEO and me would both be working behind the bar talking about in the summertime, we have a big influx of, tourists, and we'll just be talking about the company and selling t shirts and hats and promoting it. And then all those tourists would then go back to their hometowns in the winter with a new t shirt or hat, and then they would talk it up for us to their hometowns. Mhmm. It just kinda kept growing like that."— Cory Higgins 00:09:2100:09:45 B-Corp Impact: "And, he was like, you should look into becoming a B-Corp."— Cory Higgins 00:11:3100:11:33 Sustainable Fashion Trends: "Just trying to use more natural fibers and trying to get everything out of China that we can and diversify a whole lot more."— Cory Higgins 00:17:2700:17:36 Customer Feedback and Retailers: "Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, constantly taking feedback. I think the most feedback we take is from our retailers."— Cory Higgins 00:19:2400:19:30 "Product Line Growth and Feedback": "Just you take it all with a grain of salt because one opinion doesn't mean anything."— Cory Higgins 00:20:1700:20:21 Life's Journey: "You're on the path you're supposed to be on."— Cory Higgins 00:27:4400:27:46 Favorite Gear Under $100: NiteIze Biner Clips Favorite Books: Start With Why by Simon Sinek, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Learn More You can follow up with Cory on Linkedin, Instagram: cory_higgins and by email: cory_higgins@jettylife.com Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Jetty, #B Corp certification, #outdoor lifestyle products, #surf lifestyle brands, #organic growth, #social media, #partnership, #collaborations, #product development, #natural fibers, #manufacturing, #US manufacturing, #community events, #international expansion, #young entrepreneurs, #outdoor gear Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

6/11/24 • 30:22

Today I’m speaking with Buttnski founder Kelly Mazanti. After leaving her corporate life in 2017, Kelly founded a brand design & strategy company, Pier Collective, which she ran for five years between LA and Breckenridge. She is an alumnus of the CU Boulder Leeds School of Business with a degree in Marketing & Management. She recently had the opportunity to participate as a Capstone partner with the CU Boulder Master's of the Environment program. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Brought to you this week by Thrive Market Show Notes 04:53 Skiing memories shape who I am now. 09:10 Skiing, eighties shorts, parents in Colorado. 09:43 Woman keeps old fleece shorts for warmth. 15:27 Supplier flexibility allowed working with local and overseas. 17:18 Family and friends supported our business launch. 21:47 Learning new things, like dealing with customs. 25:20 Thrilled to partner with smart master's student. 27:44 Using local eco-friendly company for packaging materials. 29:27 Customs issue with sourcing animal products. 32:43 Learning the high cost of building a business. 37:25 Developing product line with local designers, prototypes. 41:18 Exciting event at Arapahoe Basin with free riders. 44:16 More women supporting each other in sports. 46:05 Advice: be prepared and buckle up. 46:45 Favorite Piece of Outdoor Gear: Tire Repair Kit with Bacon and Noss Tire Sealant Favorite Book: Let My People Go Surfing, by Yvon Chouinard; Losing and Finding My Virginity by Richard Branson   Thanks for listening, and don't forget to subscribe and spread the word! Learn More You can follow up with Kelly and Buttinski on Instagram and their website Buttnski.com Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #small business, #retail partnerships, #local brand, #online sales, #brand awareness, #bootstrapping, ski resorts, #women's products, #winter sports, #summer activities, #outdoor industry, #sustainable materials, #local manufacturers, #eco-friendly Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

6/4/24 • 56:25

Welcome to episode 445 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, today I’m talking with Jon Neff founder of SKU Candy. Jon is a passionate and experienced entrepreneur and the Sku Candy mission is to be the premier buying and selling wholesale marketplace in the Outdoor, Lifestyle, Surf, and Sporting Goods Categories. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Show Notes 09:25 Promotes positive interactions with shop owners. 11:28 Challenges of trade show marketing. 13:12 Creating a trustworthy brand message and distribution. 16:38 Brands cater to emerging businesses and offer help to grow. 20:27 Growth and challenges led to a successful platform. 24:13 Brands expanding into retail, LISS makes surfboard racks. 26:19 Pale Blue Earth offers rechargeable batteries to reduce pollution from disposable ones. They have a 1,000 charge cycle and a limited lifetime guarantee. Use code OD Biz Blue 15 for 15% off at paleblueearth.com. 31:22 Experienced person continues to get gear questions. 35:28 Encouragement to join the growing surfing industry due to diversification. 37:48 Developing new platform, "we call it V2'. 39:26 Brands and buyers seek new, unique, and innovative offerings for competitive advantage. 41:34 Favorite piece of outdoor gear under a hundred dollars: Outdoor Elements Fire Biner and a new brand, Fire Maple, from Asia, which won ISPO awards and offers the X2. Favorite Books Jack Mars and Simion Sinek 40:42 Thanks for listening to the Outdoor Biz Podcast with Rick Saez. Visit our website for more info and subscribe. Thanks for listening, and don't forget to subscribe and spread the word! Learn More You can follow up with Jon on Linkedin and by email: jon@skucandy.com  Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #trade shows, #adventure products, #SKU Candy, #outdoor industry, #environmental issues, #technology in outdoor gear, #retail distribution, #direct-to-consumer, #REI Path Ahead Ventures, #alkaline batteries, #e-commerce challenges, #digital marketing, #sustainability practices, #1% for the planet, #sustainable materials, #wholesale marketplace, #Grand Trunk, #The Running Event, #Cotopaxi, #FireBeener, #Fire Maple Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

5/28/24 • 46:27

Welcome to episode of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, today I’m talking with Alex Brown from the Texas Outdoor Recreation Alliance. The Alliance was established to assemble an engaged network of outdoor enthusiasts, value aligned businesses, innovators, and workforce leaders; organized and resolved to continuously shape, grow, and elevate the Texas’ outdoor recreation ecosystem and natural resources it depends on. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Show Notes 04:34 Alex's says his passion for nature has always kind of been there. he was always the little kid now kind of running off into the woods or into the creek. They grew up around, and were in a pretty rural area, but you know, kind of on the outside of the suburbs, but had access to creeks and farm fields that they would climb fences and go over and, he was just always out there spending as much time as I could. 5:00 His Grandparents got him into nature camps as a kid when he was in elementary age and, learned a lot about it and just learned to appreciate it and learn to spend time in it and just valued it and kind of just stuck throughout the rest of his life 05:22 Alex's venture Geared Up was a startup that I saw as a way to maybe transition out of my career, which at that time was working as a project manager or a laboratory program manager with the DOD doing a lot of biomedical research programs 06:56 The inspiration came from a bit of a bit of situational awareness just keeping an eye on what was happening with the outdoor industry. Geared Up was my sort of inundation into, you know, the Outdoor Industry Association and ORR and all these resources. And I saw These offices of outdoor rec popping up across the different states. And at that time I was looking for any kind of support I could get as a small business startup that was just, you know, burning the candle at all ends.  12:38 Coordinating various groups for networking and idea exchange. 15:25 Challenges in organization growth, prioritizing Texas first. 19:03 Collaborating with nonprofits for mission alignment, soon to be announced. 21:57 Launching platform, tapping into collaborative workspaces, engaging with local chambers of commerce. 24:05 Exciting developments in Texas, momentum building for the future. 26:16 Favorite Books: Into Thin Air and Unbroken Thanks for listening and don't forget to subscribe and spread the word! Learn More Learn More The Campaign website, which is: trailblazetx.com IG Linkedin You can follow up with Alex on Linkedin and email: Alex@txora.org Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Texas Outdoor Recreation Alliance, #Outdoor Recreation Brands, #outdoor industry, #networking, #fundraising, #Texas, #small businesses, #outdoor gear, #outdoor events, #collaboration, #non-profit organization, #economic impact, #infrastructure development, #outdoor space Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

5/21/24 • 29:09

Jake Wallace was born and raised in the corn fields of Iowa where he learned how to fix fences, build barns and generally throw hay bales larger than cows with ease.  Life has been nothing but an adventure for Jake. In addition to working for NOLS Wilderness Medicine, he works as a professional mountain guide which takes him around the world to beautiful mountains and rivers alongside amazing people. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Show Notes 00:00 Experiencing outdoor adventures sparked lifelong enthusiasm. 03:59 Jake enjoys diverse pursuits and follows people they admire in various fields, such as outdoor education, leadership, and medicine. They believe in imparting wisdom and following the example of respected individuals. 07:04 Trauma where a dear friend was killed spurred career change and led to helping others outdoors. 11:13 Appreciating diverse cultures during travel. 15:52 Swift water rescue training in California, accident injures teammate. 18:13 Took first responder course, met friends, and kept up with instructors. 21:23 Wilderness medicine course with three instructors, 30 students, hands-on training, high exam pass rate. 25:32 It's important for groups and guides to push comfort levels for growth. 26:16 Learning to manage risk as I age, considering family and recovery ability and the importance of open communication in decision-making. 29:43 The future looks promising with growing outdoor interest, but time and money constraints may affect long outdoor courses like NOLS. 34:47 Advice for aspiring outdoor industry professionals: Respect the community, follow your passion, and learn from experienced mentors. 37:16 Favorite gear under $100: I've got this really old stuff sack that I think it was for a pair of skins from 15, 20, 20 years ago. That stuff sack always has all of my favorite snacks in it, so I think my favorite thing is my snack bag. 38:15 Do you have a favorite book or two? Yeah, I read a lot. One of my favorite authors is Bill Bryson and a walk in the woods. Another I can't think of right now. I think it's called the Emerald Mile. 40:42 Thanks for listening to the Outdoor Biz Podcast with Rick Saez. Visit our website for more info and subscribe. Thanks for listening and don't forget to subscribe and spread the word! Learn More You can follow up with Jake at jake_wallace@nols.edu and NOLS on their website. Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #NOLS, #wilderness EMT training, #Lander, Wyoming, #risk mitigation, #outdoor activities, #Pale Blue Earth batteries, #outdoor safety, #Devil's Lake, #mountain river guide, #outdoor education, #outdoor gear, #risk management, #environmental stewardship, #Wilderness Medicine, #swift water rescue, #instructor training. Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

5/14/24 • 41:35

Today on Episode 442 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast I’m talking with Lava Linens founder Mary Swanson. With a Master's Degree in Public Health and Environment and 15+ years of experience in the government and nonprofit sectors, Mary Swanson has now found herself leading the next generation outdoor gear company.   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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Show Notes 00:00 Episode 442 features Lava Linens founder, Mary Swanson, discussing eco-friendly outdoor gear. 03:14 Memories of childhood road trips and first trip to Peru with partner. 09:04 Challenging sourcing for quality linen towel. 10:42 Process of making high quality linen textile involves 12 manual steps, resulting in soft, mid-weight fabric with art and science. 13:20 Received valuable support, led to success, continuing partnership. 19:36 Surprised and grateful for connections, creating custom products. 22:36 Sponsored Granite Gear's groundskeepers, open to partnerships for natural fiber gear. 27:26 Focus on learning, purpose beyond production. 29:53 Favorite items under $100 include a Garmin Watch and Vibram 5 Finger shoes used after foot surgery. Thanks for listening and visiting our website. Don't forget to subscribe and spread the word! Learn More You can follow Mary on her LinkedIn page and their website, Lava Linens Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. Newsletter Subscribe Keywords #Outdoor industry #Natural fiber textiles #Minimalistic approach #Affordable outdoor gear #Sustainable products #Lava Linens #Sun protection gear #Natural fiber gear #Innovative fabrics #Eco-friendly products #Legacy brand #Flax cultivation #Small business partnerships #Custom-designed towels #Environmental sustainability Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

5/7/24 • 35:56

Today on The Outdoor Biz Podcast I’m talking with Travel Writer Jessica Poitevien. Jessica says that storytelling has always been her passion. Whether she’s reviewing a new hotel, diving deep into little-known destinations or helping a travel brand tell their story, she does it all with the hopes of inspiring others to explore this beautiful world. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Show Notes 04:54 Jessica Started a travel blog in Spain, burned out, and freelance writing led to a travel job. 08:38 Stories have a purpose - entertaining vs. informative. 10:24 Knowing your limitations as a travel writer as a travel writer, and using local expertise. 14:51 I remember I went on a press trip once, and I was on an assignment to write about this resort. It was not my type of vacation; others loved it, considering the target audience. 17:32 Style depends on story, some for issue-solving, a personal experience, expert advice, lists of things, etc. 20:39 Editors are flexible about travel stories. 29:13 Find time to create. It's challenging, but I must sit down and write or walk to gather thoughts. 30:29 Connected with ATTA through colleague Amanda Castleman, co-teaching, travel writing, pitching, recommended for ATTA events. 34:49 Jessica's advice for getting into travel writing: Start with what you know, writing about familiar places first. 38:48 AI and technology may handle basic writing, leaving space for genuine storytelling. Jessicas Favorite Book: The Alchemist Thanks for listening and visiting our website. Don't forget to subscribe and spread the word! Learn More You can follow Jessica on her LinkedIn page and on her website, She Dreams of Travel. Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. Keywords #travel writer, #storytelling, #travel blogging, #travel industry, #travel experiences, #tourism board trips, #travel writing, #outdoor storytelling, #camping, #Sahara Desert, #freelance opportunities, #journalism, #travel blog Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

4/30/24 • 43:09

In this episode of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, we wrap up our series on adventure travel with Shannon Stowell. Shannon leads the ATTA as CEO after re-starting the organization in 2004 pursuing the vision that it could be a powerful force for good in the tourism industry. 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Show Notes 00:00 ATTA Started small, took over, expanded worldwide later. 06:30 Networking, events, and travel fill our days. 16:13 High level consulting for destination events, like Panama. 18:40 Developing international adventure travel guide standards for sustainability. 24:36 Sustainability is crucial for adventure travel, combatting overuse. 30:59 An Iraq trip to an ancient monastery was impactful. 37:11 Rick was on a trip with Cindy from Changes in Latitude. Our Guide, Ecka, led a fantastic trek along the Caucasus Mtns near the Russian border. 39:31 Adventure Travel helps in preserving local heritage and pride through cultural expression. 48:45 Industry is evolving towards sustainability, responsible practices emphasized. 52:46 Friends made a tough decision about an event in Jordan. 55:44 Big crowd, positive feedback, hope for Jordan. 01:02:26 Outdoor Biz Podcast: Subscribe, rate, spread word. ATTA Partners ATTA Event Calendar Follow up with Shannon: Linkedin ATTA website Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

4/25/24 • 63:11

Welcome to Episode 439 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today, I’m talking with Bob Wohlers of Off-Road Safety Academy; Bob is, first and foremost, an outdoor adventurer. Simply put, he's a "surf and turf" kind of guy. Regarding the "surf" aspect, for 32 years Bob created curricula and invented training methodologies for PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. For the "turf" aspect, Bob has been an avid off-roader his entire life. He knows the "zen" and "fine art" of safe and environmentally responsible off-road driving." 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Show Notes 00:00 Transitioned from teaching to recreational scuba, then worked on curriculum and elearning for PADI's team. 07:18 Drove on unfinished highway in Baja while taking naps, went diving in Sea of Cortez, got into off roading and bought own off road vehicle. 10:33 Enthusiastic about off-roading courses, found value in learning and eager to improve skills. 17:40 The speaker discusses the importance of managing injuries and illnesses in the field, highlighting the necessity of a wilderness first aid kit and an AED (automated external defibrillator) for tours and training courses. They stress the significance of being prepared for medical emergencies to ensure the safety of participants. 24:08 Three rangers died in a tragic accident, one of whom was driving without 4-wheel drive knowledge, leading to a rollover in Mohave National Preserve. The vehicle was displayed at the park headquarters as a reminder of the dangers of four-wheeling. 30:02 Overlanding tours require 4WD vehicles for camping at various sites each night before sundown. The tours prioritize getting to camp early for dinner, and there are always interesting activities. 36:05 It's essential for permitted outfitters to adhere to guidelines in backcountry tours to preserve the environment and maintain their permits, as not doing so could result in significant repercussions and damage their reputation in the industry. 36:38 Bob is deeply committed to promoting environmental ethics and sustainability through his work as a master tread trainer for Tread Lightly. He emphasizes responsible off-roading and leaving campsites cleaner than they were found. 43:30 Hybrid vehicles provide extended range with both battery and internal combustion engines. Toyota is showing interest in hydrogen engines, such as their new v eight hydrogen engine, using hydrogen as an alternative to traditional fuels like gasoline or diesel. This approach aims to create an electric vehicle that runs on hydrogen directly, rather than converting it to electricity. 48:34 Praising Starlink tours with OBD 2 connector for diagnosing check engine light, but limited by the type of connector. 57:14 Not all Jeeps are great on the highway; consider your specific needs and usage before purchasing a vehicle. 58:16 Desire to shift focus to off-road safety training and build a professional association for training instructors in the industry, inspired by witnessing the success of a similar association in scuba diving. Thanks for listening and visiting our website. Don't forget to subscribe and spread the word! Learn More You can follow Bob on LinkedIn and at Off-Road Safety Academy. Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. Keywords #check engine light, #off-road training, #overlanding, #personal locator beacon, #environmental responsibility, #sustainability, #rock crawling, #overland tours, #East Mohave track, #off-road gear, #navigation tools, #GPS, #Starlink Gen 3, #Off Road Safety Academy, #Off Road Training Association (ORDA), #wilderness first aid, #VW dune buggy, #Chevy Blazer Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

4/23/24 • 67:42

In this episode of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, we dive into the world of adventure travel with Michael Hodgson and Therese Iknoian from HI Travel Tales. Therese and Michael share their many adventures with us and how HI Travel Tales came to life! 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: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Show Notes 00:00 Podcast series explores thrilling adventure travel journeys and shares captivating stories from guides, outfitters, and destinations. It ignites wanderlust and inspires outdoor adventures. 07:45 Studying in Germany had a profound impact, broadening the individual's perspective on life and travel, as the experience of living in a different culture opened their eyes to the big world and the multitude of wonderful experiences it offers. This influenced their understanding of how cultures and people interact to shape the reality we experience, ultimately leading to a much broader perspective on life and travel. 10:38 Therese's Italy visit, amazed by David statue's impact on her perception of art. 19:06 Michael discusses the transition from writing creatively to incorporating journalism and SEO keywords. They express a realization that personal experiences and deeper connections resonate most with readers. They emphasize the importance of telling stories in a unique, non-traditional way to create reader engagement. 25:17 Michael discusses his interest in AI for research, mentioning their upcoming panel at a travel writers' conference and their use of AI for story ideas. They express both fascination and unease with AI's capabilities, sharing an anecdote about using it to generate a specific request. 26:38 A program can generate requested photos, but the accuracy may not always be guaranteed, as real-life details may be overlooked. 33:12 Success in content creation can be achieved by focusing on a niche audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone. It references the concept of "1,000 True Fans" by Kevin Kelly, who argues that having 1,000 dedicated supporters who consistently pay for your content can lead to a sustainable income. The text suggests that creators don't need to have a broad following to thrive in today's world. 39:59 People value authenticity, but the shallowness of social media leads to a focus on superficial qualities like aesthetics and follower count. The obsession with Instagram-friendly content and the game of gaining and losing followers eclipses genuine engagement. 46:59 To succeed in the outdoor and travel media industry, one must be prepared to take on a variety of tasks, from writing and photography to working for destinations. It's a multifaceted world that requires perseverance, while staying true to oneself is also crucial. 50:03 Giving away content for free diminishes its value and affects the ability to sustain a livelihood in travel writing. This parallels the decline of newspapers when they offered online content for free, leading to current expectations of free access. Diluting quality for free offerings may hinder future opportunities in the travel writing business. 54:06 Experienced influencers emphasize unique, detailed content creation and collaboration, prioritizing involvement and avoiding generic itineraries. Their approach stands out in the travel industry. 01:00:07 In group settings, time is limited for in-depth questions. It's better to keep your best questions to yourself and ask them later to avoid sharing valuable information with everyone else. 01:05:31 Michael always brings his inflatable camp pillow on trips for comfort and support because he finds pillows at accommodations uncomfortable. 01:14:26 The text emphasizes the importance of correctly spelling "high travel tails" for easy Google search results. It also mentions the authors' individual Instagram accounts and encourages subscribers and followers. 01:15:52 The Outdoor Biz Podcast with Rick Saez thanks listeners for tuning in and encourages them to visit the website for show notes and to subscribe and share the podcast. Thanks for listening and visiting our website. Don't forget to subscribe and spread the word! Learn More You can learn more about HI Travel Tales and Michael & Therese HERE Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. Keywords #Adventure travel, #HI Travel Tales, #Photography, #Travel Writing, #Outdoor experiences, #Adventure gear, #Backpacking, #Adventure Travel Destinations, #Responsible travel Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.  

4/18/24 • 76:53

Hey everyone, Welcome to Episode 437 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today I’m talking with Chez Chesak. Chez is an award-winning adventure travel writer and 20+ year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. He is also Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America.  Show Notes 06:13 Frequent travel for work, including long trips to Australia and South Africa, led to amazing opportunities but strained family life. Looking forward to finally bringing family to these places. 08:33 Chez highlights the irony of spending excessive time indoors managing communication, social media, and engaging with the board and members. They also mention creating job opportunities for members through posting positions and communicating about awards. 11:35 Chez talks about Looking forward to the upcoming July event in Johnson City, Tennessee, with vetted outdoor media, regional tourism boards, and brands networking. The event will feature a marketplace for networking, city tours, and professional development, offering abundant networking opportunities in the beautiful Tennessee location. 13:17 Navigating the evolving media landscape involves supporting various content creators to boost their careers. 18:18 Podcasting growth potential in outdoor space and its ability to reach people 24/7. 20:28 Chez explains maintaining the importance of OWAA's welcoming environment for new members while embracing the tight-knit community is a great challenge. It's important to ensure new members feel included and connected when joining events like Fieldfast or the conference. 24:51 Encouraging young people with a passion for the outdoors and storytelling to join OWAA for resources and career support, including opportunities for those just starting out or making a career change. 26:18 OWAA offers fellowships to support the development of outdoor storytellers, and also provides a $30 student membership, available to undergraduate and graduate students from any school. 31:13 Discovering healing stories through yoga for veterans while facing challenges with traditional media outlets. An article about yoga for vets led to learning about the healing effects of yoga on veterans, including personal experiences with a medic. 33:58 Emphasizes the importance of consistent effort and perseverance in building one's skills and career. Stressing the value of continually refining one's craft, the speaker highlights the power of regular, persistent action in achieving recognition and opportunities. 36:40 Excited for organizational growth after focusing on internal improvements and reinventing processes with board and volunteers. 41:31 Chez is passionate about military history and acknowledges a lack of diversity in their reading habits. He tries to read other genres, particularly classics, and is reintroduced to them through a teen in the house. He is currently rereading "The Bureau of Ungentlemanly Warfare" in preparation for the upcoming movie adaptation. Thanks for listening and visiting our website. Don't forget to subscribe and spread the word! Learn More You can follow Chez at Chez Connects Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too. Keywords #Outdoor Writers Association of America, #OWA, #outdoor storytelling, #diversity and inclusion, #outdoor industry, #content creation, #career development, #award-winning adventure, #outdoor media, #podcasting, #traditional writers, #professional development, #media professionals, #social media influencers, #bloggers, #traditional print journalists, #storytelling, #tourism boards Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases. Welcome to a podcast dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor careers while embracing the freedom and joy of outdoor adventure. We dive deep into outdoor recreation, adventure travel and, outdoor activities, helping you find the best outdoor jobs that fit your ideal outdoor life. Whether you're seeking career growth or just more time to get outdoors, we've got you covered.

4/16/24 • 44:01