Advancing the Outdoor Professional

This week, host Candace Brendler sits down with Towson University's Zoe Huff to pull back the curtain on her experiences at AORE's Outdoor Professional Conference (OPC). Come for the high-level professional insights, stay for the heartwarming proof that networking doesn't have to be stiff—and that the bonds built in the outdoor community are built to last. Side effects of listening may include a s...

Description In this episode of Advancing the Outdoor Professional , our host Candace Brendler speaks with Josie McKee, Director of Operations and Communications at Responder Alliance. The two discuss managing burnout and the effects of traumatic stress injuries. From climbing instructor and wilderness educator to search & rescue team member and resilience trainer, Josie shares her career journey a...

In this episode, our host Candace Brendler chats with Karina Armijo, Director of the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division, to explore what it's like to build and support outdoor recreation at the state level. Karina shares her unique career path—from graphic design and tourism marketing to leading outdoor recreation initiatives statewide—and how her deep connection to New Mexico's landscapes ins...

In this episode, Candace Brendler speaks with Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, about the evolving landscape of the outdoor recreation workforce. Chris shares his winding career path—from field educator to national policy leader—and highlights why outdoor recreation is a growing and increasingly vital sector of the U.S. economy. The conversation explor...

Join host Candace Brendler as she sits down with Morgan Costello, the chair of the Board of Directors for AORE. In this episode, they delve into the roles and responsibilities of board members, the difference between a working and strategic board, and Morgan's personal journey to leadership. Discover the importance of community, empowerment, and the impact of grassroots organizations in the outdoo...

In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Elizabeth Allen, the Director of Impact and Learning at Justice Outside. They discuss the mission of Justice Outside, Elizabeth's career journey in trauma-informed practices, and the importance of creating inclusive outdoor experiences. Elizabeth shares insights into her daily work, the significance of trauma-informed care, and how to foster inclu...

In this conversation, Candace Brendler interviews John Lacroix, the race director of the Human Potential Running Series, discussing the multifaceted role of a race director, the importance of risk management, community building through volunteerism, and the unique challenges of organizing trail running events. John shares insights into his career journey, the logistics involved in race planning, a...

In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Elliot Drake-Maurer, the High School Leader Coordinator for the Oregon State University Extension Outdoor School. They discuss the structure and impact of outdoor education programs, the role of high school leaders, and the importance of inclusivity in outdoor experiences. Elliot shares his career journey, the barriers faced by students, and the s...

In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Micah Leinbach, the executive director of the BOAT Bus, about the innovative mobile wilderness program designed to make outdoor education more accessible. They discuss the importance of inclusion in outdoor recreation, the unique model of the BOAT Bus, and the challenges and strategies related to funding, insurance, and partnerships.   Micah share...

In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Courtney Schultz, PhD, about the intersection of data science and accessibility in outdoor environments. They discuss the importance of using data to create inclusive spaces, the role of research in understanding community needs, and the necessity of innovative approaches to surveying and data collection. Courtney shares her career journey, emphas...

Check out Candace Brendler's conversation with Joe Stone, co-owner of Dovetail Trails Consulting, about the importance of creating adaptive and accessible recreation opportunities for people with disabilities. They discuss the role of Dovetail in advocating for disability rights, the challenges faced in making trails accessible, and the significance of providing detailed trail information. Joe sha...

Join Candace Brendler as she chats with Heather West, Executive Director of Loop NOLA. Heather shares insights into the operations of her nonprofit, which focuses on outdoor adventure education for youth in New Orleans. She discusses her career journey, the challenges of running an urban outdoor nonprofit, and the importance of inclusivity in outdoor education. Heather emphasizes the need for unde...

In this episode, Candace Brendler speaks with Aaryn Kay and Mike Passo about the Trail Skills Project and the evolving landscape of trail building careers. They discuss their personal journeys into the trail industry, the importance of workforce development, and the role of volunteers in maintaining and building trails. The conversation also touches on the need for sustainable trail development, t...

Check out our first live recording of a podcast while at the 2024 Outdoor Professional Conference in New Orleans. This conversation focuses on the management of a university climbing wall at James Madison University (JMU), highlighting the roles of student staff, the daily operations, and the importance of community and inclusivity in climbing. The discussion includes insights into the training an...

In this conversation, Candace Brendler interviews Jeannette Stawski, the Executive Director of AORE, discussing her journey to leadership in outdoor education, the importance of credentials, the daily responsibilities of an executive director, and the significance of professional development and community building in the outdoor leadership space. Jeannette shares insights on her experiences, the c...

In this conversation the two Advancing the Outdoor Professional podcast hosts connection about outdoor leadership. Jeannette Stawski interviews Candace Brendler, exploring her journey in outdoor leadership and student development. Candace shares her experiences as a program coordinator at Princeton University, her passion for working with students, and her unique career path that includes roles as...

In this engaging conversation, Jeannette Stawski interviews Jenny Hill, the manager of membership and administration at AORE. They discuss Jenny's journey, her role in AORE, and the new initiative called the Outdoor Champion , which aims to create a community for individuals passionate about the outdoors. The conversation emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, engagement, and collaboration with...

In this conversation, Candace Brendler interviews JD Tanner, Director of Education and Training at Leave No Trace, about his journey and experiences in outdoor education. JD shares his path to becoming an instructor, the role of traveling trainers, and the different levels of Leave No Trace certification. He discusses the importance of inclusivity in outdoor education, the day-to-day responsibilit...

In this conversation, David Wheatley, founder of Humanergy, shares his journey into leadership development, emphasizing the importance of intentional training and experiential learning. He discusses the HILT program, designed to facilitate behavior change in leaders, and reflects on the common challenges faced by those transitioning into leadership roles. The conversation also touches on the futur...

Join Jeannette Stawski as she chats with Chris Perkins to discuss the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and its recent report on recreation funding. Chris emphasizes the importance of outdoor recreation for physical and mental health, community connection, and economic impact. The discussion covers the challenges faced in maintaining outdoor infrastructure, the significance of the funding report...

Learn more about the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership (JOREL) for our final podcast of season one! In this conversation, Guy Debrun discusses the JOREL with Jeannette Stawski. He shares his own outdoor adventures and explains his role as a lecturer in sports and recreation management. They discuss the importance of research in the outdoor industry and how the JOREL provides...

In this conversation, Jeannette Stawski talks with Paul Sanford about the EXPLORE Act (H.R. 6492), federal legislation that aims to expand recreation opportunities on federal lands and waters.  The EXPLORE Act (H.R. 6492) combines various recreation bills into one package and addresses issues such as equitable access, modernizing recreation facilities, and improving the permitting system for outdo...

If you are interested in learning more about Latino Conservation week and how you can get involved, listen in as guest Jessica Godinez from the Hispanic Access Foundation shares with Candace Brendler how you can host an event.  Latino Conservation Week (LCW) is a national initiative hosted by Hispanic Access Foundation to celebrate the Latino community's presence in the outdoors and promote access...

In this episode, Anthony Iracki, the professional development manager at Playcore, discusses his career in parks and recreation and how it intersects with outdoor recreation. He shares with podcast host Candace Brendler his journey from working in local parks and recreation departments to his current role in professional development. Anthony emphasizes the importance of starting at the local level...

In this episode, Jeannette Stawski interviews Aaron Leonard about the Center for Veterans Employment in the Outdoors (CVEO). Aaron shares his background in the outdoor adventure and experiential education field and how he ended up working with Guardian Revival, an organization focused on the health and wellbeing of veterans and first responders. He explains that CVEO aims to connect service member...