Episodes

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, we're in Newberry Springs, California, to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Route 66 and the community’s lively “Birthday Bash.” Today’s guest is local legend Ryan Bodine, a fourth-generation Newberry Springs native and rising country western singer-songwriter. Ryan shares stories about his deep family roots in the high desert, how his upbringing and the tight-knit local community inspired his music—including his debut album, "Ghost Town Road"—and the unlikely journey from introverted guitarist to Nashville recording artist. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about heritage, the power of music, and the connections that tie us to the places—and people—that shape our stories.

Liberty Sculpture Park - Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, Howard Fox travels to Newberry Springs, California, to celebrate the Route 66 centennial and brings listeners an inspiring conversation right from the heart of the Mojave Desert. Join Howard Fox as he sits down with renowned sculptor Weiming Chen at the remarkable Liberty Sculpture Park in Yermo. Together, they explore the origins of this unique outdoor gallery, its powerful sculptures celebrating liberty ...

Williams Route-66 Car Show - Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today’s episode, host Howard Fox sits down with Judith Sell, the director of the American Legion Historic Route 66 Car Show in Williams, Arizona. As the town gears up to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Route 66 and the 11th annual car show, Judith shares insights into what makes this event truly special. Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast or simply love small-town Americana, this episode offers ...

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! We're chatting with Belinda Coker—a seasoned hiker, writer, educator, and global house sitter who currently calls Scotland home. After taking early retirement and leaving the corporate world, Belinda embarked on a global journey to embrace adventure, build confidence, and inspire others through responsible travel. In this episode, Belinda shares how she curated a life of genuine freedom and stability, combining her love of hiking wit...

Sam Teicher, co-founder and Chief Reef Officer of Coral Vita, a pioneering U.S.-based company on a mission to restore our planet’s degraded coral reefs, joins us on the Outdoor Adventure Series today. Coral Vita employs scalable, land-based coral farming and climate-resilient techniques to rebuild vital ecosystems that sustain marine life, coastal economies, and local cultures. Sam shares his journey from nature enthusiast to global leader in coral restoration, and the science and technology behind modern coral farming.

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!

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In this episode, we're chatting with Andy Chapman, President and CEO of Travel North Tahoe, Nevada. As part of our special series with the Reno Tahoe Territory, Andy shares his deep local roots and lifelong love for the Lake Tahoe region. We discuss the unique challenges and rewards of managing a world-renowned outdoor destination that spans two states, five counties, and multiple jurisdictions. From fostering stewardship and conservation to ad...

Newberry Springs Stories: Clyde and Cue’s Forever Home - Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we’re wrapping up our Newberry Springs journey with a visit to the stunning RJB Ranch. chats with Jean Bredelis, longtime ranch owner and horse lover, and Diane Yoder Bubier, equestrian, close friend, and author of Clyde’s Forever Home and Cue’s Forever Home.

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Join Howard Fox as he takes us on a unique adventure through Yermo, California, just off the famous Route 66 (aka The National Trails Hwy). Today, we're stepping inside Thrift-N-More—a beloved local thrift store brimming with history, vintage finds, and surprises around every corner. Our guest, Ron C. Bredelis, shares the intriguing journey that led him and his wife, Jean, from the bustling city life in Riverside to the peaceful open spaces of Newberry Springs. We’ll learn about the unexpected start of their thrift business, the art of thrifting, and how their store has become a community staple over the past 35 years.

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 ...