Episodes

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...

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. Today, we're chatting with a truly inspiring guest—Barry Shimelfarb. Barry is a single dad, cancer thriver, and the creative force behind Carmel Retreats, a unique boutique destination in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, dedicated to healing, wellness, joy, and romance. Barry shares the story of transforming a family vacation home into a transformative retreat space and how he has created nurturing experiences not just for himself and ...

Building Ethical Brands: Joshua Onysko’s Approach to Travel, Sustainability, and Giving Back. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we chat with Joshua Onysko, a dynamic entrepreneur, world traveler, and advocate for sustainability in the beauty industry. As the founder of Pangea Organics and Alpine Provisions, Joshua has spent over 25 years reshaping what it means to create products that are not just good for people but also for the planet. From humble begin...

Connecting Audiences to Ocean Conservation: Andrew Lewin’s Science Communication Mission

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series—Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to Marat Omarov, the visionary founder behind The ARK, a regenerative village nestled in the stunning landscape of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Marat unpacks his extraordinary journey: from growing up in Kazakhstan under strict Soviet influence, to breaking free from programming, and ultimately discovering his calling to design a new kind of community rooted in authenticity, human connection, and ha...

Exploring Small Ship Cruises: Adventures with Mikkel and Dan Woodruff In today’s episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we sit down with dynamic travel duo Mikkel and Dan Woodruff, the creative minds behind the "Small Ship Cruise Talk" podcast and founders of the travel sites Sometimes Sailing and Sometimes Home. Mikkel and Dan share stories from their unconventional journey—into how travel has shaped their relationship, recount adventures from memorable destinations like Belize, Cambodi...

Explore Riverton: The Rendezvous City’s Outdoor Experiences, Small-Town Charm, and Community Spirit. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we chat with Cindy Olson Roden, the Executive Director of the Riverton Chamber and Visitor Center in Wyoming. Join us as we journey to the heart of Fremont County—known as the Rendezvous City—where rivers, history, and adventure converge. Cindy shares what makes Riverton a unique destination, from its friendly small-town charm a...

Beneath the African Sun: Serendipity, Family, and Journalism with Barry Maughan. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today’s episode, we're joined by Barry Maughan, an international broadcast journalist, accomplished author, and true world traveler. Barry shares stories from his fascinating memoir, Beneath the African Sun, which chronicles his extraordinary six-year journey across Africa with his family. We explore Barry’s early roots in Australia, his adventurous spirit ...

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series. In today’s episode, we chat with Cody Johnston, a software engineer, entrepreneur, and the voice behind the Weird Canadian Podcast. Cody and his partner recently made the leap from Ontario to the breathtaking landscapes of Lewisport, Newfoundland & Labrador, a move inspired by a desire to reconnect with nature and embrace a quieter, more adventurous way of life. Join us as Cody shares his jou...

Regenerative Gardening for Biodiversity and Wellness in Your Backyard. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, we're chatting with Matthieu Mehuys, an author, landscape architect, and host of the Regenerative Design podcast. Matthieu, originally from Belgium and now living in the Azores, shares his passion for making the world greener and healthier, starting right in our backyards. During the conversation, Matthieu takes us through his journey from growing up on a famil...

Sole-Man Sportfishing - Experiences and Transformation for San Francisco Youth. Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we sit down with Captain Don "Sole-Man" Franklin, a longtime San Francisco Bay fishing guide and the heart behind Sole-Man Sportfishing. Don has been fishing the San Francisco waters for over 41 years and has spent the last 14 leading unforgettable charters from iconic Fisherman's Wharf. During their conversation, Don shares his journey fr...

True Nature: Resilience and Nature’s Healing Power in the High Sierra In today’s episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we sit down with Lisa Michelle, an outdoor adventurer and author of "True Nature: Hidden in the High Sierra." Join us as Lisa shares the transformation that took her from a life deeply rooted in rodeo and horses to one of solo wilderness adventures across the Sierra Nevada. With warmth and authenticity, Lisa opens up about her journey to reconnect with nature, the le...