Episodes

Lake County, Oregon Frontier Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we sit down with Shelley Batty, Director of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce in Oregon. Lake County is home to the world's largest dark sky sanctuary, featuring breathtaking open spaces, vibrant outdoor recreation, and a unique blend of history and small-town charm. Shelley Batty shares what makes Lake County such a hidden gem for adventure seekers and families. From its ancient archaeological si...

Rails, Trails, and the New Adventure Hub: Exploring Boulder City. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, our Host, Howard Fox, caught up with Jill Lagan, CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce and host of the Best Dam Podcast. Together, they dive into the exciting developments happening in Boulder City—from a brand new state-of-the-art indoor Nevada State Railroad Museum, to the eagerly anticipated Travel Nevada Adventure Center, a one...

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."

The Outdoor Adventure Series welcomes Lydia Beck, the Communications Chair for Reno-Tahoe Territory and Marketing & PR Manager for Visit Carson City. Together, they dive into the vibrant, collaborative world of the Reno-Tahoe Territory—a unique, grant-funded organization of the Nevada Commission on Tourism that brings together six amazing Nevada destinations, including historic Carson City, Carson Valley, North Lake Tahoe, The Reno-Sparks region, South Lake Tahoe, and Virginia City. Lydia sha...

The Outdoor Adventure Series welcomes Teddy Bloom, a cyclist, civil rights and free speech advocate, and the driving force behind the Ride 4 Rights—a cross-country bike tour and protest spanning over 3,700 miles from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. Join us as Teddy shares what motivated him to embark on this journey, blending his passion for cycling with urgent advocacy for justice, education, unity, and free speech. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of the challenges and unexpected kindnesse...

The Outdoor Adventure Series welcomes Ellie Lloyd-Jones, founder of Elevate with Ellie and Elevate Networking, and Jonathan Passmore, professor, award-winning psychologist, Master Coach, and author, to chat about their new book, Outdoor Coaching: A Practical Guide for Coaches and Supervisors to Working with Clients, Teams and Groups using Blue-Green Psychology. Together, they share their journeys of bringing coaching outside the traditional office walls, exploring the powerful intersection of personal development, group dynamics, and nature.

On this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Today, we’re thrilled to introduce our remarkable guest, James D. Paulk —a 92-year-old author, lifelong stor yteller, and passionate angler whose military service and tireless conservation work illustrate perseverance and personal growth on a path full of growth and opportunity. We dive into Jim’s adventures: from his time at the Naval Academy, which became the foundation for his acclaimed book, “Shaking up the World: Stories of the Naval Ac...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today’s episode, we’re heading north to explore the beauty, history, and welcoming spirit of the Carson Valley communities (Genoa, Minden, Gardnerville, and Topaz Lake) in Nevada. We're joined by Keith Lewis, Executive Director of Visit Carson Valley, and Josh Rudelbach, Destination Marketing and Data Strategist, for an insider’s look at the region that sits just 45 miles south of Reno and 15 miles east of Lake Tahoe. Together, Keith an...

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...

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, we chat with Scott Dahl, the Director of Visit Springfield Illinois, to explore everything that makes Springfield a legendary destination for adventurers and history buffs alike. With 37 years in tourism and a deep love for his “heart of Illinois” hometown, Scott shares insights into Springfield’s vibrant tourism scene, the city’s rich Abraham Lincoln heritage, and its central role along historic Route 66. From world...

Impact Destinations: Philanthropic Travel Adventures with Christopher Hill. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today’s episode, we welcome Christopher Hill, the founder of Impact Destinations and Hands Up Holidays. Christopher’s lifelong passion for travel led him to create unique adventures that go far beyond sightseeing—they combine exploration with giving back to communities and supporting wildlife conservation worldwide. Join us for an inspiring conversation ab...

Exploring Nature's Wonders: Landscape Photography Adventures with Mitch Miller - Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In this episode, we're welcoming back Mitch Miller, an award-winning landscape photographer known for his stunning captures of Joshua Tree National Park and the Sierra Nevada Range. Mitch shares stories from his recent nine-day backpacking adventure to a remote, little-known lake in Sequoia National Park, detailing the grit, planning, and creativity that go into photographing some of the most breathtaking – and challenging locations to rea...

In today’s episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we're joined by Francisco Silva, a STEAM educator, Solar System Ambassador, and all-around astronomy enthusiast known for his infectious energy, storytelling, and connecting communities with nature, science, and exploration. Francisco shares his journey from a childhood fascination with the stars—sparked by mythology and a first telescope in Spain—to his work today in Las Vegas, designing engaging and inclusive astronomy experiences fo...

Lincoln County, Nevada: Stargazing, Tourism, and Dark Sky Preservation at Spring Valley State Park. On today’s episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we're chatting with Marcia Hurd, Executive Director for the Lincoln County Authority of Tourism in Nevada, and Dawn Andone, an Interpretive Ranger with Nevada State Parks. Together, they shine a light on Lincoln County’s remarkable dark sky preservation and awareness initiative—a passionate community effort to have Spring Valley State Park des...

Discover Festival Country Indiana: Outdoor Adventures, Community Events, and Hidden Gems - Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series. In this episode, we're chatting with Ken Koskey, Executive Director, and Mackenzie Steagall, Director of PR & Events, from Festival Country Indiana—a destination organization dedicated to showcasing the vibrant communities of Johnson County, just south of Indianapolis. Festival Country is more than just a collection of towns; it’s a hub for live music, farmers' markets, family-friendly festivals, and inventive outdoor experiences that attract ...

IDA Membership Meeting: Attracting Large-Scale Tournaments to Your Destination Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In this special episode, recorded at the Illinois Destinations Association Fall Meeting in Danville, IL. Today's learning is about attracting Large-Scale Tournaments to Your Destination. We're chatting with an all-star panel to spotlight the remarkable legacy of the NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament, which has been hosted in Danville for an impressive 3...

IDA Membership Meeting: Danville Stadium Outing Welcome back to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, where today we’re taking you out to the historic Danville Stadium, home of the Danville Dans, for a unique blend of networking, community, and baseball nostalgia. Whether you love travel, tourism, or just a good old-fashioned ballgame, today’s episode celebrates local pride, hidden treasures, and the beauty of enjoying what's in your own backyard. INTERVIEWS 1. Kristen Ball - Il...

Illinois Destinations Association Fall Membership Meeting: Tracey Fentem, Danville Area Visitors Bureau, at the David S. Palmer Arena. Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Today, we're back in beautiful Danville, Illinois, where we're chatting with Tracey Fentem, Sales and Event Coordinator for the Danville Area Visitors Bureau. We explore what makes Danville a unique destination—highlighting its central location in Illinois, vibrant community, and the incredible outdoo...

Illinois Destinations Association Fall Member Meeting: Mayor's Reception at the Historic Fischer Theater. Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! This multi-episode series takes us to Danville, Illinois, for the Illinois Destinations Association Fall Membership Meeting. Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. is our host for the kick-off event at the beautifully restored Fischer Theatre. DISCUSSION 1. Interview with Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. The Mayor’s tenure and background.Fischer Theater Re...

Volunteer-Driven Success: How Freedom Waters Foundation Changes Lives On the Water. Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we're chatting with Debra Frenkel, founder and chief operating officer of the Freedom Waters Foundation, live from beautiful Naples, Florida. Debra shares the inspiring journey that led her from working as a clinical social worker in Chicago to establishing a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children and adults with disabilities—inc...

Exploring Ireland’s Beauty, Health, and Wellness with Leafy Green Tours. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today’s episode, we're chatting with Ruth O’Meara, a hiking guide, surf instructor, and the director of Leafy Green Tours—a bespoke adventure company based in Ireland. Ruth shares her fascinating journey from the world of international business to her passion for outdoor wellness and guiding visitors through Ireland’s lush landscapes, as well as the transfor...

Man’s Search for Sustainability: What Bees and Locusts Teach Us About a Sustainable Future. Welcome back to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we sit down with David Auge, a sustainability expert and author of "Man's Search for Sustainability," a first-place winner in the Reader's Favorite Book Award contest for 2025 in the Non-Fiction, Environment category. With over 35 years of experience in environmental management—and a passion for transforming our perspe...

Discover Madison Wisconsin: Outdoor Adventures, Lakes, and Local Flavor with Destination Madison. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, we're chatting with Rob Gard, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs for Destination Madison. We dive into what makes Madison, Wisconsin, a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking to explore vibrant city life intertwined with nature. Rob shares the story behind Madison's unique location—an urban...

Off-Grid Adventures: Solve Waste Challenges with CompoCloset Composting Toilets Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series, the podcast that shines a spotlight on the explorers, nature lovers, and innovative entrepreneurs who make it easier for us all to access and enjoy the great outdoors. In this episode, host Howard Fox sits down with Richard Peter and Erica Pugh, the dynamic co-founders of CompoCloset—a company on a mission to revolutionize off-grid sanitation. Richard and Erica share t...