OWAA Episodes

Madison Boats: Water, Wellness, and Community Building - Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we have another spotlight on Madison, Wisconsin—host of the 2026 Outdoor Writers Association of America annual conference. Joining us is Tyler Leeper, owner of Madison Boats, whose lifelong passion for the water has transformed into a thriving community-building business on Madison’s beautiful lakes. From humble beginnings as a young entrepreneur to developing programs th...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, Howard sits down with Melissa Pierick, Director of Marketing and Community Relations for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Melissa shares her personal journey of discovering the Ice Age National Scenic Trail—an incredible 1,200-mile adventure that winds through Wisconsin, right past the state capital of Madison.

Protecting Midwest Flyways and Local Habitats with the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance - Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Matt Reetz, Executive Director of the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance. Sponsored by Destination Madison—host of the 2026 Outdoor Writers Association of America annual conference—we’re shining a spotlight on why Madison, Wisconsin, and the surrounding Dane County communities are such exceptional destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, family getaways, and nature lovers alike.

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, Howard Fox sits down with Emily Louina Cook—author, artist, and environmental educator—to celebrate the launch of her new illustrated children’s book, "Is That an Åga?" Emily shares her passion for environmental education, her unique journey from growing up on a conservation tree farm in Maine to fieldwork in the Mariana Islands, and the story behind the critically endangered Mariana Crow (Åga). Whether you’re an aspiring naturalist, a lover of wildlife, or a fan of children’s literature, you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation!

The Outdoor Adventure Series welcomes Helena Guglielmino, a freelance writer whose passion for the outdoors, sustainability, travel, and culture shines through her published work. Helena shares her journey from interning with the Outdoor Writers Association of America to becoming a prominent voice in outdoor writing, and she recently published her hiking guide, "Urban Trails: Reno."

Welcome to a special year-end edition of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this reflective episode, host Howard Fox is joined by fellow outdoor enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and podcasters Emanuel Rose and Rick Saez—all proud members of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Together, the trio dives deep into the highs and surprises of their 2023 podcasting journeys, swapping stories about new show launches (including Emanuel Rose’s prolific year of recording over 200 episodes across three po...

Maayan Gordon on Building Communities and Creating Lifelong Bonds Through Outdoor Adventures Welcome to another exciting episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Today, we're joined by Mayan Gordon, founder of Community Launchpad. Maayan is an expert in community building, dedicating her career to helping entrepreneurs, thought leaders and businesses create thriving and engaging online communities. Maayan shares her journey from founding Community Launchpad to recognizing the profound impact o...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! We are thrilled to bring you another exciting episode recorded at the Outdoor Writers Association of America's annual conference in El Paso. Today, Beau Beasley joins us. Beau is a retired firefighter from Fairfax County, VA, whose fascinating journey led him to become a passionate fly fisherman and author. In this episode, Beau shares his intriguing story of how a chance encounter introduced him to fly fishing, his commitment to helping vet...

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! We are wrapping up another incredible day at the Outdoor Writers Association of America annual conference in El Paso, Texas. The ever-engaging Terry Creekmore is joining us for this interview. Terry is a retired wildlife biologist turned prolific outdoor writer. Terry has a knack for storytelling, from captivating hunting stories to his thrilling fiction novels set in the wild expanses of Montana. We'll dive into his c...

This is the 10th and final episode of our collaboration with Visit El Paso to promote El Paso, Southwest Texas, New Mexico, and the State of Chihuahua MX as hosts of the OWAA 2024 annual conference. Edgar Cazares has been busy at the OWAA's annual conference. As the head of business development for !ah Chihuahua!, Edgar and his peers play crucial roles in promoting this beautiful Mexican destination. During day two of the conference, Edgar spent time with us to share his insights with attendees...

This is the 9th episode of our collaboration with Visit El Paso to promote El Paso, Southwest Texas, New Mexico, and the State of Chihuahua MX as they host the OWAA 2024 annual conference. Brooke Underwood is a passionate advocate for El Paso's unique charms. She relishes the variety of beauty and activities that the desert offers. Brooke will share insights into El Paso's diverse and collaborative tourism structure, the strategic efforts that have bolstered the city’s reputation, and heartwarm...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series, the podcast that celebrates the thrill of outdoor activities and the beauty of our natural world. This is the 7th episode of our collaboration with Visit El Paso to promote El Paso, Southwest Texas, New Mexico, and the State of Chihuahua MX, as they host the OWAA's 2024 annual conference this year. Today, we have a remarkable journey to share with you as we explore the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park. John Sproul, this incredible natural oasis's dedicated...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series, the podcast that celebrates the thrill of outdoor activities and the beauty of our natural world. This is the 6th episode of our collaboration with Visit El Paso to promote El Paso, Southwest Texas, New Mexico, and the State of Chihuahua MX, as they host the OWAA's 2024 annual conference this year. During today's episode, we're diving into the wonders of Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site with our special guest, Nicole Roque. Nicole is the Co...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! Today, we have a special guest who embodies the spirit of adventure and resilience: Colleen Miniuk, an award-winning outdoor photographer and author of "So Said the River: Life, Loss, and Pie on the Colorado." In this episode, we delve into Colleen's profound journey of self-discovery. It began with a 14-day adventure that ended abruptly, leading her through a challenging period of personal struggle. This transformativ...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. This is the 5th episode of our collaboration with Visit El Paso to promote El Paso, Southwest Texas, New Mexico, and the State of Chihuahua MX, as they host the OWAA's 2024 annual conference this year. Our guest today is Mike Coulter, the seasoned race director of the El Paso Marathon, who's been a cornerstone in the running industry for over 30 years. With the marathon now in its 17th year, Mike shares the inspiring jou...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. This is the 4th episode of our collaboration with Visit El Paso to promote El Paso, Southwest Texas, New Mexico, and the State of Chihuahua MX, as they host the OWAA's 2024 annual conference. In today's episode, we're chatting with Jamil Moutran, the Owner of Rent A UTV Off Road Adventures. We dive deep into the off-roading scene in El Paso, Texas, where the thrill of exploration meets the community's dedication to safet...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. This is the 3rd episode of our collaboration with Visit El Paso to promote El Paso, Southwest Texas, New Mexico, and the State of Chihuahua MX, as they host the OWAA's 2024 annual conference this year. In today's episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Rodney DuBois, race director for the Borderland Mountain Bike Association. Rodney, a passionate mountain biker who has called El Paso home since 1994, dives into ...

After #OWAAFF2024, Howard had the pleasure of meeting Bob Cantler, the President and CEO of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce. They discussed how the Johnson City Chamber is working to connect East Tennessee State University (ETSU) students, faculty, and local business leaders to address workforce challenges through innovative programs. We learned about ETSU's impact on education, especially in rural medicine, and how it influences local housing and workforce needs. Bob shares insights into...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. This is the 2nd episode of our collaboration with Visit El Paso to promote El Paso, Southwest Texas, New Mexico, and the State of Chihuahua MX, as they host the OWAA's 2024 annual conference this year. In today's episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Cesar Mendez, the Park Superintendent of Franklin Mountains State Park. Cesar shares insights from his upbringing, love of nature and the outdoors, educational jo...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today's special episode, Discover Gems in Northeast Tennessee: Reflections from the OWAA Inaugural Field Fest 2024, we're diving into the recent OWAA Field Fest—a groundbreaking event that brings outdoor enthusiasts, writers, and journalists to lesser-known, rural destinations. We're joined by attendees and hosts who made this event a stellar success. We'll hear firsthand experiences from a dynamic mix of guests who explored northeast T...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. This is the first episode of our collaboration with Visit El Paso to promote El Paso, Southwest Texas, New Mexico, and the State of Chihuahua MX, as they host the OWAA's 2024 annual conference this year. Today's episode with the Frontera Land Alliance is a real treat. We dive into the heart of conservation in the Chihuahuan Desert with our special guests, Janae' Reneaud Field, Executive Director, and Rocio Ronquillo, Ope...

Discover Unicoi County—Today, we're thrilled to have Austin Finch, the economic development director for the Joint Economic Development Board of Unicoi County. This is our ninth and final episode promoting Northeast Tennessee as a tourism destination. It is produced in collaboration with Visit Johnson City and regional partners hosting the OWAA's inaugural Field Fest event. Austin is passionate about growing Unicoi County’s economy through outdoor recreation and tourism. Get ready for insider t...

Visit Knoxville —Green Spaces, Artistic Flair, and Hidden Gems is the eighth episode in our series promoting Northeast Tennessee as a tourism destination. It is produced in collaboration with Visit Johnson City and regional partners hosting the OWAA's inaugural Field Fest event. Our guest is Kristen Combs, the Director of Communication and Social Strategies for Visit Knoxville. Kristen shares insights on the best outdoor activities and hidden gems in Knoxville, including unique experiences lik...

Visit Kingsport—Outdoor Adventure and Economic Growth is the seventh episode in our series promoting Northeast Tennessee as a tourism destination. It is produced in collaboration with Visit Johnson City and regional partners hosting the OWAA's inaugural Field Fest event. Our guests are Lara Potter and Chelsea Ketron. Lara is the vice president of Visit Kingsport, and Chelsea is the Director of Marketing. In today's episode, you'll hear all about the unique attractions that make Kingsport a mus...