From mountain towns to far-flung trails, host Rick Saez sits down with the people driving the outdoor and adventure travel world. Each week, you'll hear stories of exploration, creativity, and purpose — from guides and writers to conservationists and entrepreneurs — all united by a love of the outdoors and a life lived close to adventure.
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549 The People You Meet: Adventure, Connection, and Finding Meaning in Travel with Melissa Rodway
Episode 549
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 • Duration 23:15
🎙️ Episode Title
The People You Meet: Adventure, Connection, and Finding Meaning in Travel with Melissa Rodway
🌍 Episode Summary
In this episode, Rick sits down with traveler, author, and former radio host Melissa Rodway to explore the deeper meaning behind adventure travel. From her childhood experiences in small-town Canada and a formative year in Australia to trekking through jungles in Southeast Asia, Melissa shares how travel has shaped her perspective on life, connection, and personal growth.
They dive into her Amazon bestselling memoir The People You Meet, discuss the evolution of adventure as we age, and unpack why the human connections we make on the road often matter more than the destinations themselves.
🧭 What You'll Learn in This Episode
How growing up in a small town sparked Melissa's curiosity for the world
Why early travel experiences can shape a lifelong sense of adventure
How adventure travel evolves as we get older
The importance of purpose-driven travel (hiking, cycling, paddling, etc.)
Why some places feel like "home" and others don't
How travel can teach you when it's time to go home
The role of vulnerability and honesty in storytelling
Why adventure doesn't have to be far from home
✈️ Memorable Moments
A Year in Australia at Age 7 Melissa shares how living in a rainforest and traveling through Australia, New Zealand, and Bali opened her eyes to the wider world.
The Power of Slow Adventure One of her most meaningful experiences wasn't extreme—it was spending five quiet weeks alone in wintery Quebec City.
Jordan Surprise A trip to Jordan completely changed her expectations, highlighting the kindness and hospitality of the people.
The Leeches Story (Yes, Really 😬) A jungle trek in Laos turned into a horror-movie-like experience—but also a great story later.
Travel Fatigue is Real A chance encounter taught her that knowing when to end a trip is just as important as starting one.
📚 About the Book
Melissa's memoir, The People You Meet, grew out of emails she wrote during a four-month trip through Southeast Asia and China. Years later, she revisited those stories, refined them, and turned them into a compelling narrative about connection, vulnerability, and the unpredictability of travel.
🎧 Key Takeaways
Adventure is personal — it looks different for everyone
You don't need to go far to experience meaningful adventure
Travel is about people as much as places
Being present is easier on the road—and addictive
It's okay to slow down or stop altogether
The best stories come from honesty and vulnerability
🧳 Rapid-Fire Insight
Most surprising destination: Jordan
Must-pack item: Sunscreen
Best advice: There's no age limit on adventure—start where you are
🌄 Final Thought
"Adventure is for everybody… discover what it means for you and go for it. It's a vital part of being alive." – Melissa Rodway
Clarity Over Chaos, Why Founder Led Brands Don't Need More Marketing with Jessica Dodson
Episode 547
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 • Duration 29:11
🔥 Episode Summary
If your marketing feels busy but not effective, this episode is for you.
Rick sits down with brand strategist Jessica Dodson to unpack why most founder-led brands don't actually need more marketing—they need clarity. From aligning your brand story to simplifying execution, Jessica shares how stepping back can help you move forward faster.
You'll learn how to cut through the noise, focus on what really matters, and build a brand that connects with your audience in a meaningful, measurable way.
🧭 What You'll Learn
Why "more marketing" often leads to wasted effort
The real meaning of clarity—and how to achieve it
Signs you're doing too much (and not the right things)
How to align brand, messaging, and business goals
A simple framework for turning vision into execution
What a clear go-to-market strategy actually looks like
Why community and authenticity matter more than ever
The first step to take if your brand feels scattered
💡 Key Takeaways
1. Clarity beats activity More tactics don't equal better results. Clear messaging makes everything work harder.
2. Do fewer things, better Focus on 1–3 priorities instead of chasing every new idea or trend.
3. Alignment is everything Your brand story, product, marketing, and team all need to be telling the same story.
4. Stop before you start again If things feel scattered—pause, reassess, and get back to fundamentals.
5. Community is a competitive advantage In-person and authentic brand experiences create deeper connections than digital alone.
Action Step
Feeling overwhelmed? Bring your team together this week and ask:
About Jessica Dodson Connect with Jessica Listen & Subscribe
547 Visit Livingston and Yellowstone
Episode 547
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 • Duration 27:41
Kris King tells us all about planning a visit to Livingston and Yellowstone
Episode Overview
What if you could experience Yellowstone National Park without the crowds—and pair it with a vibrant arts scene, authentic local culture, and year-round adventure?
In this episode, Rick sits down with Chris, Executive Director of the Livingston Business Improvement District and Explore Livingston, to uncover why Livingston, Montana, might be one of the most underrated gateway towns in the West.
From its roots as a historic railroad hub to its evolution into a thriving arts community, Livingston blends outdoor adventure with creativity, culture, and small-town authenticity. Chris shares insider tips on when to visit, what to do, and how to experience the town like a local.
🧭 What You'll Learn in This Episode
Why Livingston is considered the original gateway to Yellowstone
How a former railroad town became a hub for artists, writers, and creatives
The best times of year to visit (hint: it's NOT summer)
How Livingston balances tourism growth with local quality of life
Unique ways to experience the outdoors without the crowds
Why "Live Like a Local" is more than just a slogan
🏞️ Top Experiences in Livingston Must-Do Outdoor Adventures
Pine Creek Falls – A stunning and accessible hike with options to go deeper into the wilderness
Yellowstone in Winter – Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and peaceful wildlife viewing
Yellowstone River – Kayaking, fishing, or relaxing riverside picnics
Unique Local Experiences
Soak at Chico Hot Springs or Yellowstone Hot Springs
Explore 12+ art galleries and multiple live theaters
Catch live music at one of 12 intimate venues
Attend a book reading, comedy show, or storytelling night
🎨 What Makes Livingston Different? 📅 When to Visit 🧳 Sample "Perfect Day" in Livingston 🌟 Key Takeaway 🌐 Plan Your Trip 🎧 Enjoying the Show? 🧭 Want to Be Featured?
546 From Manufacturing to Orange Mud: Josh Sprague on Product Design, Grit, and Building an Outdoor Brand
Episode 546
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 • Duration 42:46
Josh Sprague, founder of Orange Mud, joins Rick to share how a simple frustration on the trail turned into a successful outdoor gear brand. Drawing on his manufacturing background, Josh breaks down what it takes to design durable products, scale production, and compete in a crowded market.
They also discuss hard lessons from supply chain disruptions, the importance of systems and customer education, and why most product ideas fail. Plus, how endurance sports like trail running shape resilience in business.
A must-listen for founders, creators, and outdoor industry professionals.
545 Kevin Paulson : Outdoor Storytelling and Content Creation
Episode 545
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 • Duration 01:05:53
Kevin Paulson talks about Outdoor Story Telling, Tradeshows, Hunting, and more
Episode Summary Kevin Paulson joins Rick Saez to talk about growing up in a U.S. Forest Service family, how hunting shaped his life, and the path that led him from guiding and outfitting to founding HuntingLife.com and later stepping into the role of Executive Director at AGLOW Outdoors. Kevin breaks down what "authentic" outdoor media really means today, why podcasting is exploding, how AI will challenge creators, and why every creator needs to start building an email list now. He also shares how AGLOW conferences and media camps work, why networking is everything, and what gear he's most excited to test this year.
In This Episode, You'll Hear
Kevin's upbringing around public lands and the Forest Service (and how it shaped his values)
Hunting "in his dad's hip pocket" starting at age five
Why he launched HuntingLife.com (and how the 2007–2009 economy forced a pivot)
What AGLOW is, why it matters, and how it evolved from local newspaper columns to modern creators
Why authenticity + trust beats "information" (especially in an AI-driven content world)
The biggest threat in outdoor media: AI "slop content" and the fight for attention
The most underrated asset: your email list
Why niche audiences ("100 true fans") often beat massive reach
Kevin's "year of the coyote" and what predator control looks like on working ranch land
OutdoorHive.com: a job resource built specifically for the hook-and-bullet + trade show industry
544 The Wonders and Wilds of Destinations Morocco
Episode 543
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 • Duration 38:13
You deserve an unforgettable Moroccan adventure. Today I'm talking with Azdean Elmoustaqiim from Destinations Morocco, your guide to a seamless and authentic tour.
Show Notes
In our latest podcast episode, Speaker A sat down with Azzedine Elamustakim from Destinations Morocco for a journey through the magic of Morocco. If you're dreaming of vibrant souks, sweeping deserts, epic mountain climbs, and unique cultural experiences, this episode is a must-listen! Here are the key takeaways and tips for your next adventure—plus some behind-the-scenes insights you won't want to miss.
Featured Guest: Azdean Elmoustaqiim
Born and raised in Marrakesh, Azdean is passionate about helping travelers experience Morocco like a local.
Destinations Morocco customizes trips for all travelers, with a special focus on women-led groups and families.
Top Adventure Highlight: The Moroccan Desert
The desert—especially Merzouga—is a life-changing experience. From caravan rides to luxury camps, it's more than just a one-night stop!
Explore fossil mountains, visit nomadic villages, and dive into Gnawa music traditions.
Travel Tips from the Show
For your first visit: Spend a day in Fes if you're short on time—walk winding car-free streets and travel through centuries in just a few blocks.
Active adventures: Morocco has it all—deserts, mountains (hello, Mount Toubkal at 13,000 ft!), and coastlines. Plan your itinerary wisely; sometimes it's better to split north and south.
Culture-mixing made easy: Embrace cooking classes, tasting tours, and local market strolls for a real taste of Morocco.
Pacing matters: Avoid jam-packed schedules. Leave room for spontaneous moments and downtime!
Best Time to Visit
543 Paul Ganger: Reimagining Outdoor Retailer, Leading With Integrity, and Building Dreamland Safari Tours in Kanab, Utah
Episode 543
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 • Duration 59:11
In this episode, Rick sits down with Paul Gagner, an outdoor industry veteran and co-owner of Dreamland Safari Tours. Paul's four-decade career spans retail, sales rep life, and leadership roles at iconic outdoor brands, and his current work is helping guide the reimagined Outdoor Retailer show.
Show Notes Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast — Episode 543 Paul Gagner: Reimagining Outdoor Retailer, Leading With Integrity, and Building Dreamland Safari Tours in Kanab, Utah
Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast—where we share inspiring stories, thrilling adventures, and expert insights from leaders and legends across the outdoor adventure travel community.
In this episode, Rick sits down with Paul Gagner (outdoor industry veteran + co-owner of Dreamland Safari Tours in Kanab, UtahDreamland Safari Tours). Paul's four-decade career spans retail, sales rep life, and leadership roles at iconic outdoor brands—plus his current work helping guide the reimagined Outdoor Retailer show headed to Minneapolis, August 19–21, 2026. Outdoor Retailer
Episode highlights
Outdoor Retailer "tribe energy": why the show has always felt like a high-school reunion—and why outdoor is different than other industries (shared passion, not backstabbing).
Long-view leadership: Paul's core values—integrity, listening, collaboration, and innovation—and how they apply across retail, brand, and rep roles.
Dreamland Safari Tours: buying a guide business right before COVID, shutting down 10 days later, then having one of the best years in the company's history after reopening.
Why Minneapolis: "the outdoors is woven into the city"—lakes, trails, paths, and a vibrant outdoor economy surrounding the convention center.
About Paul Gagner What you'll take away from this conversation Links & resources
542 Maren Hamilton Connects Outdoor Brands and Audiences Through Social Media
Episode 542
Thursday, January 22, 2026 • Duration 30:44
In this episode, Rick Saez sits down with Maren Hamilton, an outdoor industry marketing expert known for helping iconic brands like The North Face build communities that genuinely connect — not just "engage."
Show Notes
Maren is a SHORTY Award winner, an Oregon Outdoor Alliance board member, and the founder of Outdoor Industry Coffee and Coworking. She's also led social strategy at brands like Starbucks and The North Face, and today she's helping outdoor brands and creators thrive through her work at Popfly.
From the early days of Instagram and Starbucks' viral Pink Drink, to flying a helicopter to deliver a replacement rain jacket in New Zealand, Maren shares what it really takes to be a social-first brand — and why community management is one of the most overlooked growth opportunities in outdoor marketing.
In This Episode, You'll Learn
How Maren broke into the outdoor industry and landed at The North Face
What the early days of social media marketing looked like inside Starbucks corporate
How "social listening" helped inspire what became the Starbucks Pink Drink
What it means to be a social-first brand (and not just treat social like another channel)
Why community management is the most underrated growth lever for outdoor brands
How The North Face pulled off a real-time viral moment with a helicopter jacket delivery
How Maren thinks about balancing brand integrity with clickable content
What makes a strong creator or athlete partnership — and what red flags to avoid
The biggest challenges marketers are navigating right now (AI, creators, and trust)
Why representation and inclusion still matter — even when the world gets louder
🌲 Memorable Moments & Stories ⭐ From "Internet-Obsessed Kid" to Social Strategy Leader ☕ The Starbucks "Pink Drink" Origin Story 🧥 The North Face Helicopter Jacket Story
541 Howard Fox, Emanuel Rose and I re-cap our podcasting year in this Holiday Special Episode
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 • Duration 39:18
Welcome to episode 541 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. A Holiday conversation about podcasting with Howard Fox and Emanuel Rose.
#Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #adventure travel, #outdoor adventures, #podcasting, #Outdoor Writers Association of America, #OWAA, #outdooradventureseries, #emanuelrose.com
540 Innovation at Altitude: AltiSnooze solves High Elevation Sleep Challenges Replay EP 495
Episode 540
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • Duration 38:53
Welcome to episode 540 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. A Holiday Replay of episode 495 with Will Schafer. Will is the Founder of Altisnooze, The Sleep Aid for High-Altitude.
This week, on episode 495, I'm talking with Will Schafer, founder of ALTISNOOZE. The First-of-its-kind sleep aid for high-altitude.
After struggling for years with sleeping during alpine adventures, Schafer came to learn from a sleep doctor that altitude insomnia is a thing. He connected with formulation experts to develop a natural solution, ALTISNOOZE.
For years, I chalked up my awful sleep in the mountains to bad luck. Every time I went to Summit County, Colorado, my nights were a mess—staring at the ceiling, waking up feeling like I'd been run over by a snowcat, and then trying to enjoy the outdoors while running on fumes.
I blamed it on travel, excitement, bad pillows—you name it. But then I started noticing something weird. Friends on ski trips and camping adventures were having the same problem. Some of them, tough-as-nails hikers and backcountry warriors, were walking around like zombies after a single night at altitude.
Principle: Transition: That's Why: Call to Action:
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Jessica Dodson is a brand strategist who helps purpose-driven organizations align their purpose, people, and marketing to create lasting impact. With experience across nonprofit, travel, and outdoor brands—including Eagle Creek—she specializes in bringing clarity and focus to growing teams.
Summer – Peak crowds, limited availability, and a very different experience
Cool Season:
Grab a pastry from a local bakery
Head into Yellowstone for cross-country skiing
Picnic lunch with local gourmet food
Soak in hot springs
End the day with live music or theater
Warm Season:
Morning kayak on the Yellowstone River
Lunch (surprisingly!) at the local hospital café with an art collection
Hike Myers River View Trail
Visit the farmer's market or bookstore event
Go dancing or catch live music at night
Livingston isn't just a stop on the way to Yellowstone—it's a destination in its own right.
If you want a more meaningful, less crowded, and more culturally rich Montana experience, Livingston offers the perfect blend of adventure, creativity, and community.
Peter Ryan titles, including The Hunting Life and Wild South (as referenced in the interview)
About Kevin Paulson
Kevin Paulson is a lifelong outdoorsman, entrepreneur, and advocate for hunting and conservation. He's the founder of HuntingLife.com, creator of OutdoorHive.com, and serves as the Executive Director of AGLOW Outdoors, one of the oldest hook-and-bullet media organizations in the industry.
Hey there, adventure crew—want to reach 4,000+ outdoor lovers each week? Promote your brand, product, destination, or project to an audience of campers, hikers, and adventure travelers.
Spring (March to June) and Fall (September to November) are ideal for outdoor adventure—pleasant weather, fewer crowds.
Cultural Tips
Be mindful in rural areas: Ask before taking photos, avoid handshakes with women unless invited, and consider wearing local clothing to blend in and connect.
Morocco's diversity means you'll rarely feel out of place; just come with openness and respect.
Food to Try:
Don't miss the roasted chicken with preserved lemon and green olives—Azzedine's favorite after a long day out!
Safety & Language
Morocco is safe, welcoming, and multilingual. Don't hesitate to hire a guide for your first visit—they can make all the difference.
Connect & Plan Your Adventure
Find Destinations Morocco at destinationsmorocco.com to book a discovery call, or tune in to their podcast for more inspiration and tips.
Don't Miss Out! Be sure to check out the full episode for even more travel stories, practical advice, and insider secrets from Rick and Azdean, And as always, if you found the discussion helpful, leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts and share with a friend!
Happy adventuring, The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast Team
Leadership Village: creating a space for diverse voices, spirited debate, and actionable outcomes (not just conference "talk"). Outdoor Retailer
New + Discovery focus: elevating emerging brands and the retail experience (including collaboration with Garage Grown Gear). Outdoor Retailer
Experience-first mornings: the idea of protecting time for trail runs/paddles before the show floor opens—so attendees walk in energized and connected to the why.
Paul Gagner is a veteran outdoor industry leader and the co-owner (with his wife, Sunny Stroeer) of Dreamland Safari Tours, based in Kanab, Utah. Dreamland Safari Tours Their company offers hiking, backpacking, scenic tours, and astrophotography experiences/workshops in the desert Southwest. Dreamland Safari Tours
Paul also co-leads the Outdoor Retailer Leadership Village—a stakeholder-led initiative shaping the reimagined national show in Minneapolis. Outdoor Retailer
Why trust is the real currency of outdoor retail + brand partnerships
How "innovation" doesn't have to mean reinventing everything—it can mean relentlessly improving what matters
Why outdoor businesses (and trade shows) need to deliver actionable ideas people can take home and use immediately
How guide businesses can thrive when they focus on transformation: getting people outside and watching what happens next
Advice for smaller outdoor brands trying to make a real impact without a huge budget
Maren shares how her love of the internet started early—teaching herself how to customize early social profiles—and how that curiosity turned into a career in digital marketing.
Before it became a menu staple, the Pink Drink was simply a customer-created hack that went viral. Maren explains how their team spotted it through early "manual social listening," engaged the creator, and helped turn it into a cultural moment.
One of the wildest stories in the episode: a customer's waterproof jacket failed mid-hike in New Zealand… and she demanded a replacement delivered to the trail. Maren and her team made it happen — using real-time social, an athlete partner, and a helicopter.
And the best part? The North Face CMO signed off with one simple message:
That's when I met Dr. Michael Breus, a legit sleep doctor, who hit me with a truth bomb: altitude insomnia is real. And worse? It affects up to 75% of people. Your body's struggling with low oxygen, which wrecks your sleep cycle, making it nearly impossible to rest.
So, I set out on a mission to fix it. After a deep dive into research, testing a ridiculous amount of natural ingredients, and countless sleepless nights (for science), I created Altisnooze—a sleep aid designed specifically for high-altitude adventures, without the grogginess of melatonin.
Bad sleep = bad adventure. Period.
You can have the best gear, the most epic trail planned, and a perfect sunrise waiting for you—but if you don't sleep well, your trip is going to suck.
Most people don't even realize altitude is the issue. They just assume they're bad sleepers, or that their body needs to "adjust." But waiting around for a week to acclimate? Not ideal when your trip is only a few days long.
Good sleep isn't just about comfort—it's about performance, recovery, and actually enjoying the adventure you planned.
A lot of outdoor lovers deal with this and don't even realize what's holding them back. They push through exhaustion, drink too much caffeine, or try to knock themselves out with melatonin—only to wake up feeling worse.
That's exactly why I created Altasnooze. Because when you finally fix your sleep at altitude, everything changes—your energy, your performance, your mood, and most importantly, how much fun you have.
…we want to introduce you to Altisnooze and just dropped an episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast with Will Schaefer, founder of Altisnooze. He went from being a sleep-deprived mess in the mountains to developing a game-changing solution for adventurers who want to feel fabulous at altitude.
In this episode, we dive into the science of altitude insomnia, how it messes with your body, and what you can do to fix it—so your next high-altitude trip doesn't turn into a sleepless disaster.
If you've ever struggled to sleep in the mountains, this episode is your wake-up call. (Pun intended.)
Don't let altitude ruin your adventure—get the inside scoop on fixing your sleep at high elevation and feeling your best.
