Episodes

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...

Enjoy the eighth episode of our podcast series with UnCruise Adventures as we enjoy the fourth day of cruising and adventures on their Small Ship, the Wilderness Discoverer. We completed our Glacier Bay National Park tour, experiencing the Lamplugh Glacier. For day 4, we headed to Neka Bay, seeking more beautiful scenery and watching for creatures of all shapes and sizes. The intertidal walks and bushwacks allowed us to see marine creatures usually seen underwater. We went on shore walks to lo...

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...

Enjoy the seventh episode of our podcast series with UnCruise Adventures as we continue to enjoy the fourth day of cruising and adventures on their Small Ship, the Wilderness Discoverer. We completed our Glacier Bay National Park tour, experiencing the Lamplugh Glacier. For day 4, we headed to Neka Bay, seeking more beautiful scenery and watching for creatures of all shapes and sizes. The intertidal walks and bushwacks let us see marine creatures that live underwater. We went on shore walks to...

Enjoy the sixth episode of our podcast series with UnCruise Adventures as we enjoy the fourth day of cruising and adventures on their Small Ship, the Wilderness Discoverer. We completed our Glacier Bay National Park tour, experiencing the Lamplugh Glacier, and headed to Neka Bay for day #-4, seeking more beautiful scenery and watching for creatures of all shapes and sizes. The intertidal walks and bushwacks let us see marine creatures that normally live underwater. We went on shore walks to lo...

The Outdoor Adventure Series chats with Chad Waligura about Hunting and Fishing Innovations to Empower Disabled Adventurers. Chad is the founder of Able Outdoors. He is a quadriplegic who has been involved in disabled hunting and fishing for nearly four decades and shares his journey since the accident at 17 that changed his life. Chad and his friend have pioneered adaptive equipment for outdoor enthusiasts with disabilities. His passion extends to co-hosting a video podcast with Ashley, where...

Enjoy the fifth episode of our podcast series with UnCruise Adventures as we enjoy the second day of cruising and adventures on their Small Ship, the Wilderness Discoverer. We spent another day in Glacier Bay National Park, seeking the region's iconic glaciers. We were treated to humpback whales, eagles, other birds, sea otters, and the spectacular Margerie Glacier at the northern reach of Tarr Inlet. We had the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of a few calving moments, go guided...

Enjoy the fourth episode of our podcast series with UnCruise Adventures as we enjoy the second day of cruising and adventures on their Small Ship, the Wilderness Discoverer. We spent another day in Glacier Bay National Park, seeking the region's iconic glaciers. Today, we were treated to humpback whales, eagles, other birds, sea otters, and the spectacular Margerie Glacier at the northern reach of Tarr Inlet. We had the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of a few calving moments an...

Enjoy the third episode of our podcast series with UnCruise Adventures as we enjoy the second day of cruising and adventures on their Small Ship, the Wilderness Discoverer. We spent another day in Glacier Bay National Park, seeking the region's iconic glaciers. Today, we were treated to humpback whales, eagles, other birds, sea otters, and the spectacular Margerie Glacier at the northern reach of Tarr Inlet. We even had the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of a few calving moment...

Earlier this year, UnCruise Adventures invited me for a seven-night cruise on their Small Ship, Wilderness Discoverer. We spent two days in Glacier Bay National Park, seeking the region's iconic glaciers. We explored the Tongass National Forest shores and fjords and the Tracy Arm Fjord and searched for wildlife—bears, whales, sea lions, seals, eagles, and more. This series of short episodes includes interviews with assorted guests and crew who volunteered to share their stories. Enjoy OUR GUES...

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...

Earlier this year, UnCruise Adventures invited me to join them on their Small Ship, Wilderness Discover, for a seven-night cruise. We spent two full days in Glacier Bay National Park, seeking out the region's iconic glaciers. We explored the shores and fjords of the Tongass National Forest and the Tracy Arm Fjord and searched for wildlife—bears, whales, sea lions, seals, eagles, and more. This series of short episodes includes interviews with assorted guests and crew who volunteered to share th...

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...

Boosting Economic Development and Adventure Tourism through the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce. Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series. Today we have an extraordinary guest, Jill Lagan, the CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, and Host of The Best Dam Podcast. Jill's expertise in business promotion, event production, and government advocacy makes her a dynamic leader in the Boulder City community, The State of Nevada, and among her peers in the Regio...

Transforming Urban Landscapes: Creating Circular Systems Through Regenerative Farming, With The Urban Farm. Welcome to another exciting episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today's episode, we sit down with Greg Peterson, a food system educator, urban farmer, and host of The Urban Farm podcast. We'll delve into the crucial principles of regenerative farming, the importance of healthy soil, and the environmental impacts of our food system. Greg discusses how he seeks to inspire others to...

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...

Collecting Critical Field Data for Conservation with Adventure Scientists Welcome to another exciting episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today's episode, we sit down with Alison Ormsby, a distinguished forest specialist at Adventure Scientists. With a rich background in environmental studies and over 20 years of experience as a professor, Alison brings unparalleled expertise to our discussion. Adventure Scientists is on a mission to collect critical field data that drives conservation...

Discover Greene County—Outdoor Adventure and Economic Growth is the sixth 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, Jeff Taylor, the president and CEO of Greene County Partnership and Discover Greeneville, joins us to discuss the vibrant outdoor life in Northeast Tennessee. In this episode, we dive into how Greene County is b...

Crossing Lines: The Ultimate Guide to Breaks Interstate Park is the fifth 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. Today, our guest is Austin Bradley, Superintendent at Breaks Interstate Park. Austin is a dedicated advocate for outdoor conservation and public education about America's state and national parks. Austin's work primarily ...

In today’s episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we chatted with wilderness guide and leadership coach Dom Francks. Dom is the founder and lead guide for the VIVIFY Regenerative Leadership Program, a 4-month transformative journey for adventurous professionals and leaders ready to discover a more profound way of being that incorporates blending leadership coaching with a unique off-trail wilderness backpacking expedition. DISCUSSION Dom's early experiences with climate change influence his c...

In today’s episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we chatted with Tony Jones, a man who traded his pulpit for the wilderness, finding purpose in the hunt and the ancient dance with nature. From his youth in Minnesota to confronting personal challenges and finding solace in the great outdoors, Tony's journey is a powerful testament to mentorship and the healing power of nature. We discussed his impactful memoir, "The God of Wild Places," the sacredness of sourcing one’s meat, and how his belove...

Explore Bristol, TN/VA—Outdoors and Tourism Highlights is the fourth 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, Matt Bolas, Executive Director of Explore Bristol, the tourism office for Bristol, TN, and Bristol, VA., unveils deeply rooted insights into the unique twin-city landscape straddling Tennessee and Virginia. Matt shar...

Welcome back to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! The one and only, Chef Steve Corso, founder and head chef of Outdoor Eats, is joining us to spice up your trail meals and transform your outdoor dining experiences! Chef Corso is not your ordinary chef; with over 20 years in the food industry, this classically trained culinary expert has taken his passion for cooking to the great outdoors. DISCUSSION Introduction to Chef Corso and Outdoor Eats Recipe Ideas and Meal Planning for ...