Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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For years, I chalked up my awful sleep in the mountains to bad luck. Every time I went to Summit County, Colorado, my nights were a mess—staring at the ceiling, waking up feeling like I'd been run over by a snowcat, and then trying to enjoy the outdoors while running on fumes.

I blamed it on travel, excitement, bad pillows—you name it. But then I started noticing something weird. Friends on ski trips and camping adventures were having the same problem. Some of them, tough-as-nails hikers and backcountry warriors, were walking around like zombies after a single night at altitude.

That's when I met Dr. Michael Breus, a legit sleep doctor, who hit me with a truth bomb: altitude insomnia is real. And worse? It affects up to 75% of people. Your body's struggling with low oxygen, which wrecks your sleep cycle, making it nearly impossible to rest.

So, I set out on a mission to fix it. After a deep dive into research, testing a ridiculous amount of natural ingredients, and countless sleepless nights (for science), I created Altisnooze—a sleep aid designed specifically for high-altitude adventures, without the grogginess of melatonin.

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.

🎧 Listen to the latest episode now → Podcast Link

P.S. Want to try Altasnooze? Will's giving our listeners 20% off! Just use code OutdoorBiz20 at checkout. Because better sleep = better adventures.

Show Notes

Will Schafer

ALTISNOOZE

Dr. Michael Breus

#Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #altitude insomnia, #AltiSnooze, #high altitude sleep aid, #altitude sickness, #sleep doctor, #Michael Breus, #adventure travel, #melatonin-free, #sleep disturbance, #alpinists, #electrolytes, #high altitude adventures, #natural supplements, #altitude symptoms

Welcome to episode 538 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. A Holiday Replay of episode 501 with Earl Hunter. Earl is a motivational speaker and founder of The Unity Folks™.

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, on episode 501, Earl B. Hunter, Jr. from Black Folks Camp To make a second visit to The Show.

is the Founder and President of Black Folks Camp Too — a marketing-driven business whose mission is to increase diversity in the outdoor industry by making it easier, more interesting, and more fun for Folks to go camping.

He's an experienced business leader across multiple industries. He has been widely recognized for his ebullient personality, hard work ethic, and non-traditional approach to building relationships and closing deals.

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What Happened:

It was the summer of 2017. I was clocking miles like a long-haul trucker, repping campers for a living. My 7-year-old son called me out—said I'd promised to take him to Mount Rushmore. He was right. I'd driven past it more times than I could count, but I'd never stopped. So we hit the road.

We camped our way across the country, father and son, a Black duo in a tiny pop-up trailer, parking it beside some seriously decked-out RV setups. We saw the sights, roasted marshmallows, and somewhere near Albuquerque, we spotted something we hadn't seen in thousands of miles: another Black family camping. My son lit up and said, "Hey Daddy! Black people!"

That moment stuck. We talked to the family—Kimberly and crew—and she said something that flipped a switch in my brain: "Why don't you change that then?" That "why not you?" hit hard. By the time we were driving up the California coast, the name Black Folks Camp Too was born.

Principle:

Too often, we wait for permission—permission to belong, to show up, to start something meaningful. But sometimes, it takes seeing the gap with your own eyes, feeling the silence in certain spaces, to realize: you're the one who's supposed to fill it.

And in business, just like in the outdoors, if you're only serving the same people the same way… you're gonna miss the fire. The campfire, that is.

Transition:

Most people think getting more folks into the outdoors is about better gear or cool photos on Instagram. But that's not it. The real challenge is the invitation—and the welcome. And too many companies still don't know why the diversity gap exists, so they don't know how to fix it.

That's why a lot of businesses are struggling. Not because there's no market—but because they don't see who they're ignoring. And even when they do? They get hung up on the word Black in the name… instead of focusing on the unity behind the mission.

That's why:

That's why this episode matters. Earl Hunter isn't just talking about camping—he's talking about culture, connection, and cracking open an industry that's been too exclusive for too long. He's not asking for handouts or kumbayas. He's showing up with data, vision, and a real plan to shift the outdoor industry before it goes broke.

Call to Action (PAS style):

If you've ever felt like the outdoor world wasn't built for you—or your brand's been stuck serving the same crowd—it's time to tune in. Ignoring the invitation problem won't fix it. But this episode will give you a fresh lens and a fire to take action.

 Hit play now. Let's change the campfire conversation.

Show Notes:

Earl Hunter

Black Folks Camp Too

Oboz Insoles

Sylvansport

 Georgia Military College

 Appalachian State University

Earl's Trail name:  Icebreaker

 Mount Rushmore

 Unity Blaze

 Favorite piece of outdoor gear: OBOZ Insoles

Favorite book:  The Billion Dollar Bet,  Bob Johnson

Advice:  the first advice I would give folks is, is to go to our unity, go to black folks camp too, and go to our Unity blaze map and find campgrounds that are on our map that are actually there. Those folks are truly invited and welcoming you to camp at their campground.

I would also say to know before you go. Do as much research as you can. You have these devices now, and you have so many YouTube channels and things of that nature to learn about camping.

Follow up with Earl: earl@blackfolkscamptoo.com

Black Folks Camp Too

Thank you for joining us on another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Be sure to visit our website, rick saes.com. You'll find show notes and links to everything we talked about and more. And while you're at it, if you found value in this show, give us a rating on Apple Podcast or spread the word and tell a friend.

That would really help us out too. We should tune in every week. Thanks again for listening to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast.

#Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #Black Folks Camp Too, #Earl Hunter, #diversity in the outdoors, #Appalachian State, #Unity Blaze, #outdoor industry, #inclusion, #Unity Blaze partners, #outdoor community, #backpacking, #state parks, #Oboz Footwear, #Spacious Skies Campgrounds, #outdoor lifestyle, #RV camping, #outdoor participation, #unity in outdoors, #generational transfer, #environmental stewardship.

Making Impact Products Affordable: "So we had margins that were acceptable in retail and that enabled us to reduce the margins to get those lights and power banks to people that needed them at localized pricing"

WHAT HAPPENED:
I'll never forget the time I heard that our solar lanterns helped two warring factions in rural Africa literally bury the hatchet. They were both receiving our lights through an NGO, and suddenly, they were doing business together. That's not a metaphor. That's real.

Or the 10-year-old from the South Side of Chicago who handed out tens of thousands of "blessing bags" with our lights to the homeless—just because he believed no one should be left in the dark. That kind of story? It wrecks you—in the best way.

We built a business from the ground up, armed with 25 patents, a "why not both?" mindset of profit and purpose, and a deep belief that a single light could spark something bigger.

PRINCIPLE:
You don't need to choose between making money and making a difference. In fact, if you're doing it right, one fuels the other.

Too many founders think they have to "wait" until they've made it to give back. That impact comes after the profit.

Nope. Real impact is baked in from day one. When your mission is woven into your product, not just your marketing, you don't need to convince people—it resonates on its own.

TRANSITION (external problem):
But here's the kicker: a lot of us get stuck playing small because we think impact means complexity. Or we're waiting for the "right" time, the perfect investor, the green light.

And while we're waiting, other people are slapping together knockoff versions of our ideas and flooding the market with cheap stuff. Sound familiar?

We think we need permission to start building something that truly helps people.

THAT'S WHY:
That's why I sat down with John Inger on this week's episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast—because his story is proof that doing good and doing well isn't an either/or.

This isn't just about lights and patents. It's about building trust, leading with purpose, and designing products that matter—even if you're just a team of 25 going up against big-budget giants.

CALL TO ACTION:
If you're tired of building things that look good but don't do good, this episode will remind you why you started. Tune in now and rediscover how the smallest product can spark massive change.

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.

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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!

You can follow Jessica on her LinkedIn page and on her website, She Dreams of Travel.

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.

#travel writer, #storytelling, #travel blogging, #travel industry, #travel experiences, #tourism board trips, #travel writing, #outdoor storytelling, #camping, #Sahara Desert, #freelance opportunities, #journalism, #travel blog

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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.

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.

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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.

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."

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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!

You can follow Bob on LinkedIn and at Off-Road Safety Academy.

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.

#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.

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!

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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

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.

#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.

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. 

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

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.

#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.

In this episode of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, we dive into the world of adventure travel with industry pioneers, Steve and Nona Barker. Join us as we explore the origins of their iconic travel gear brand, Eagle Creek, and their journey in shaping the adventure travel market.

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I'd love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact me here: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

03:28 They agreed, and through an outdoor skills course, I got to know Nona for the first time.

08:53 The conversation covers early challenges in finance and distribution, specifically the tough nature of distribution. There is also a mention of whether the distribution was regional or national, with reference to Oshman's being in a few malls back in the day.

13:02 Struggles in the beginning, but success followed. Feedback from customers through retail stores was instrumental in achieving success.

16:09 Adventure travel caters to active, diverse customers by offering outdoor activities such as trekking, backpacking, skiing, and surfing in different locations worldwide, appealing to a wide range of interests and preferences.

17:53 In the 90s, Eagle Creek was involved in teaching retailers about adventure travel gear, while also selling the travel gear dealer program. It took some time for the retailers to catch on to the concept.

21:07 Passionate involvement in conservation, frustration over limited global funding for non-North American regions. Started The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund.

24:30 Focusing on responsible travel, minimizing impact, and community support.

29:01 Amplify local voices, elevate to leadership positions.

31:02 Service providers must balance meeting consumer demands for various travel experiences with the need to educate travelers on sustainable practices and ensure the conservation of natural resources and protection of local communities.

36:31 Thanks for joining the Outdoor Biz Podcast! Visit our website for more information and don't forget to subscribe and spread the word. Your support means a lot!

Thanks for listening and visiting our website. Don't forget to subscribe and spread the word!

Learn More

To learn more about them at the ATCF   

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.

#Adventure travel, #Eagle Creek, #Travel gear, #Retail, Distribution, #Marketing, #Conservation, #Sustainability, #Outdoor experiences, #Adventure gear, #Backpacking, #Adventure travel destinations, #Brand history, #Travel business, #Conservation fund, #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.

Today I'm talking with Barry McGeough. Barry is an applied innovation Fortune 500 leader, delivering high-impact solutions to global multi-brand verticals that drive exponential growth to some of the world's most iconic brands.

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00:00 Friend's 60th birthday boat trip to Channel Islands, cooking as camp cook after returning from China.

06:31 Discusses innovating for brands through athlete-driven ideas.

11:32 AI relies on large language models to learn and improve, needing constant updates and access to vast amounts of data.

20:58 Proposing garment recycling for polyester energy.

23:07 Companies face sustainability legislation and extended producer responsibility acts globally e.g. EU, New York, California, and France.

29:37 Used shoe recycling process lowers costs, reduces landfill waste.

36:25 Volunteered for education-focused NGO in Vietnam, aiming to uplift rural children through STEM education to attend university.

38:02 Organization supports Vietnamese education and leadership in Vietnam and the US.

46:05 Emphasis on applied innovation, connection to core business, and leveraging influence without P&L ownership.

52:16 Collaborating to ensure footwear quality and suitability for purpose during commercialization.

53:42 Barry supports startups and advises them to be honest and straightforward.

58:28 Data is collected from ambient sources, like location and environment, and used to create a detailed picture of activities and trends.

01:06:55 Recommend resources: a16z newsletter, TLDR Newsletter, MIT Technology Review, Harvard Business Review, McKinsey for trend insights.

01:11:38 Society has godlike capabilities but cavemanlike instincts, leading to the question of the human vs. the machine. The focus is on mental health and technology's impact on isolation.

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To learn more about Barry, you can find him on Linkedin

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.

#GDPR, #compliance, #circularity, #sustainability, #peer-to-peer resale, #innovation, #tech trends, #AI, #coding, #technology impact, #nature deficit disorder, #South by Southwest, #product development, #digital innovation, #machine learning, #adjacent industries, #sustainable growth, #apparel industry, #market dynamics, #outdoor industry, #innovation culture, #conservation, #sustainability efforts, #digital innovation, #brand growth

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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.