Outdoor Adventure Episodes

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In this episode, we're back in Newberry Springs, California, to explore a unique cultural oasis just off the historic Route 66—the Bataar Camp. Joined by Umba Go, the founder of this Mongolian Yurt Camp, listeners will discover how Umba is sharing the authentic experience of Mongolian nomadic culture in the California desert. You'll hear about the inspiration behind the camp’s name, the significance of yurts, and how the camp serves as bo...

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, Howard sits down in Newberry Springs with Steve Hamilton, a professional race car driver turned innovative entrepreneur, and founder of Ultimate Container Homes. After relocating from Chicago to California, Steve discovered a passion for building homes, businesses, and communities from repurposed shipping containers. Together, they discuss how container homes can reshape Newberry Springs, bringing sustainable living, business opport...

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today’s episode, Howard sits down with Kristine Watson, the Queen Mother behind the National Route 66 Pageant, right from her home in Newberry Springs, California. Together, they explore the story behind this unique pageant that celebrates not only the rich history of Route 66 but also empowers women of all ages to become ambassadors for their communities and America’s Mother Road. From the pageant's origins and its special centennial sashes...

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast. In this special episode, Howard Fox sits down with John Burrill, a new full-time resident whose family has a long-time history in the Newberry Springs area, nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert. Surrounded by stunning desert views under a rustic canopy, Howard and John Burrill discuss the rich family history that connects him to this land, dating back to 1915, and the legacy of Camp Cady—a site that has evolved from a Civil War-era fort and c...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast. We're back at the Newberry Springs Senior / Family Center—home to the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce, and chatting with Ronnie Shaw, Director, and Karla Claus, Vice President, of the Chamber. They share the vibrant history, community pride, and behind-the-scenes stories that make Newberry Springs a must-visit destination along Route 66. Whether you’re a road trip enthusiast, a festival lover, or just curious about hidden gems i...

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today’s episode, we're recording from the heart of the community at the Newberry Springs Senior/Family Center and the beloved Drifting Sands Cafe. We're chatting with local volunteer, Kim Gregory. Kim shares her journey from Menifee to Newberry Springs, her involvement with the community center, and what makes this desert town such a warm and welcoming destination.

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s show, we're immersed in the fascinating history of Newberry Springs with community leaders from the Newberry Springs Economic Development Association - Historical Committee, Paul Deel, and Brian Fisher. Together, they share the legacy of Margaret Orcutt and her unique adobe home—complete with handmade blocks, historical gun ports, and even remnants of her greenhouse where she famously grew orchids. Paul shares personal sto...

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we're joined by local community leader, Brian Fisher—affectionately known as Mr. Geocache—to explore the hidden stories and adventures of Newberry Springs, California. Tune in as Brian recounts his journey to this quiet desert community, describing its tranquil charm and the unique history that surrounds it. Discover how Brian, a retired Marine base worker turned passionate historian, is now at the forefront of efforts to preserve ...

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Today, we're chatting with Dr. Trish O'Kane, an environmental educator, action researcher, and author of the inspiring memoir, Birding to Change the World. Trish shares her remarkable journey—from investigative journalism and human rights work in Central America and Alabama, to finding a new path in environmental education after Hurricane Katrina, and discovering the healing power of birds and nature. You'll hear how Trish connects b...

On this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we're continuing our series with Newberry Springs, California, a unique community nestled along the historic Route 66. We're speaking with locals and community leaders like Ton Forbes, an energetic force behind the Route 66 Centennial planning committee. Ton shares her journey from Orange County to becoming an integral part of Newberry Springs, describing what drew her to this vibrant, nature-filled desert town and how she became involved...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this special episode, we're visiting the iconic Barn in Newberry Springs, California, for a heartfelt conversation with Renee Kaminski, owner of The Barn and president of the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce. Known for her infectious energy and deep-rooted love for her community, Renee shares her personal journey from Brooklyn to California, how she fell in love with the Mojave Desert lifestyle, and why she’s committed to keeping the ...

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In this episode, we're chatting with travel writer, outdoor enthusiast, and author Teresa Bergen. Teresa, a longtime sober traveler and advocate, shares her passion for exploring the world alcohol-free and discusses her newly published "Sober Travel Handbook: Navigating the World Alcohol-Free." From kayaking the Chicago River to rafting the Grand Canyon, Teresa inspires listeners with stories of her adventures and insightful tips for navi...

Revitalizing Newberry Springs: Community Passion on Route 66 Welcome back for another segment of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this special episode, host Howard Fox sets the scene in the stunning landscapes of Newberry Springs as the sun sets over the desert. We're joined by Community Leaders and officers on the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce, Keller Horton, a visionary advocate for sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and Karla Claus, business owner and tourism ambassador. Rath...

Welcome back to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s conversation, we're chatting with travel writer Melissa Rodway, author of the memoir “The People You Meet: Luxury, Leeches, Love, and Lao Lao." Tune in as Melissa shares captivating stories from her adventurous four-month journey through Southeast Asia—delving into everything from rustic backpacking to unexpected stays in luxury hotels, to wild encounters involving leeches and vibrant local cultures. As a seasoned tra...

The Outdoor Adventure Series welcomes Sable Ryan, relocation and lifestyle strategist and founder of Your Elevated Experiences. Sable shares her inspiring story of embracing bold lifestyle transitions—how a pivotal career shift led her to leave behind life in the U.S. and move to Panama. With a mission to help Black women over 40 stop dreaming about freedom and start living it, she discusses her signature “bougie relocation blueprint,” her firsthand experience as an expat, and the importance of ...

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. We're continuing on our journey through the Newberry Springs area of California—specifically, right into the heart of a thriving pistachio grove. Our guest is Dr. Keller Horton, a certified permaculture designer and passionate advocate for sustainable land management. Keller is also a Director for the Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce. Keller shares his journey: from purchasing his first 40 acres through a serendipitous maga...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, host Howard Fox sits down with Dr. Matt Harmody, a retired ER physician, mountaineer, endurance athlete, and author of Ascending America. Together, they delve into Dr. Harmody’s extraordinary journey—from long-distance running and adventure racing to the deeply personal experience of becoming a living kidney donor.

Welcome to another engaging episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Azdean Elmoustaquim, co-owner of Destination Morocco and host of the Destination Morocco podcast. Join Howard Fox and Azdean Elmoustaquim as they dive into the vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and unique experiences that Morocco offers, all from the perspective of a family-run tour company deeply rooted in both the US and Morocco.

Mapping Newberry Springs: Local Stories, History, and the Route 66 Centennial Celebration with Paul & Paula Deel. On today's episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we’re exploring the heart and history of Newberry Springs, California, as we kick off celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the iconic Route 66. We're chatting with longtime residents and community leaders, Paula & Paul Deal, whose decades of experience offer a unique window into the evolution, character, and spirit of this desert community. Paula is the Board President of the Newberry Community Services District (newberrycsd), and Paul is the President of the Newberry Springs Economic Development Association (NSEDA).

Welcome back to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Today, we're joined by Dr. Wenfei Tong, a conservationist, wildlife biologist, writer, nature photographer, artist, and educator. Wenfei holds a PhD in evolutionary biology from Harvard University and serves as the science editor at Cornell University. In this conversation, she shares her journey through birding, nature, and science communication—including her work at Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Conservation Media unit, where s...

Route 66 Centennial: Newberry Springs Bagdad Cafe - Magic, Memories, and Community. In this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! We're back at the iconic Bagdad Café in Newberry Springs, California, right off the historic Route 66—also known as the Mother Road—celebrating its 100th anniversary. We're joined by Karla Claus (aka "Mrs. Princess Route 66"), Jackie McKay, a new Mojave National Preserve resident, and Mark Bradley, one of the driving forces behind the cafe.

Visit Lake Tahoe: Four-Season Playground, Outdoor Adventures, Events, and Sustainability Initiatives. Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, where we dive into the people, places, and organizations committed to making the outdoors accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable. In this episode, we're joined by Ryn Muat, Communications and PR Manager for Visit Lake Tahoe. Together, we unpack what makes Lake Tahoe a truly unique, bi-state destination nestled between California and ...

Route 66 Centennial: Bagdad Café Interview with Mark Bradley. Remembering ‘desert icon’ Andrea Pruett. In this heartfelt episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we're back in Newberry Springs, California, for a very special conversation inside the iconic Bagdad Café. Joined by Mark Bradley, a long-time desert resident and someone deeply connected to the cafe, Howard and Mark explore the magic and allure that draws so many—especially travelers from France—to this legendary Route 66 stop. Ma...

Route 66 Centennial: Bagdad Cafe Interview with John Wease. Discovering Newberry Springs - Community,  Jam-Making, Festivals, and Desert Life. Welcome back to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. In this episode, recorded from the Historic Bagdad Café in Newberry Springs, California, a gem nestled right along the iconic Route 66, we're joined by longtime resident and community leader John Wease, who shares his deep-rooted connection to this unique desert community.