Life in Motion

Mike, founder of River City Inclusive Gym (RCIG), shares how a passion for inclusive play turned into a powerful movement serving over 240 athletes a week. With over 40 weekly classes, RCIG is redefining what it means to be active, social, and supported—especially for individuals with disabilities. In this episode, Mike gets real about the challenges of balancing growth with intentionality, future...

Meet Bel, the face behind Wandering Bel—a passionate solo traveler. In this episode of Life in Motion, Bel shares how a childhood surrounded by nature shaped her love for the outdoors, and how she’s managed to keep that spark alive while balancing the daily grind. She opens up about why solo hiking empowers her, how social media both helps and hinders authenticity, and the importance of inspiring...

What happens when two first responders trade long shifts for long trails? Meet Mike and Sabrina of Off Duty Overland—a couple who turned their need to disconnect into a mission to reconnect through overlanding. In this episode, they share their story of burnout, the healing power of nature, and how their off-grid adventures became a thriving brand and community. From the challenges of balancing li...

Aaron and Ellie of Cowgill Trail Collective join this episode of Life in Motion to share how they’re making trail running more inclusive and welcoming for everyone. What started as a simple run turned into a movement that brings people together through community events, shared miles, and open arms. They talk about their personal journeys into the outdoors, how representation matters on the trails,...

What if healing meant walking forward—literally and emotionally? In this episode, we sit down with Nate Mitchell of the Anasazi Foundation, a nonprofit that helps young people and families rediscover their true selves through wilderness-based therapy. Nate shares how the rugged terrain of the Arizona desert becomes fertile ground for personal transformation. From learning friction fire-making to w...

When Giovanna Silvestre hit a wall in her career and personal life, she didn’t hide from her confusion—she embraced it. In this episode, Giovanna shares how hitting rock bottom sparked her transformational journey, leading to her new book Confused Girl: Find Your Peace in the Chaos. From yoga breakthroughs to jumping off literal bridges, Giovanna explains how she turned self-doubt into self-discov...

Gary Arndt has traveled the world, built a successful blog, and captured stunning photography—but when the pandemic hit, he pivoted in a big way. In this episode, we sit down with the host of the wildly popular "Everything Everywhere Daily" podcast to unpack how Gary’s curiosity fueled a 13-year global adventure and led to over 1,700 episodes of bite-sized, fascinating stories. From his...

In this episode we chat with long-distance hiker and gear expert Liz Thomas to talk about her award-winning book, Backpacker Long Trails: Mastering the Art of the Thru-Hike. Whether you're dreaming of your first thru-hike or already counting trail miles, this episode offers real-world insight into how to make it happen. Liz shares how the book came to life, why it’s more than just gear lists,...

Chris Cornwell of Northern Neck Bike Club, is proving that a love for two wheels can spark something bigger. What started as a passion for mountain biking turned into a mission to create outdoor opportunities for the youth of Kilmarnock, Virginia. With the town’s support and a dedicated team, Chris helped establish a nonprofit that promotes cycling, mentorship, and trail development. In this episo...

Outdoor adventure should be for everyone—and Catalyst Sports is making sure of it. In this episode, we sit down with Maggie Smith and Emily Moscoe to discuss how Catalyst Sports is breaking down barriers for individuals with physical disabilities. From adaptive climbing and mountain biking to kayaking and hiking, Catalyst Sports is building an inclusive community that gives people access to the li...

In this episode of Life in Motion, we sit down with Liz Thomas, founder of Treeline Review, to explore her mission of helping adventurers buy the right gear the first time. A celebrated thru-hiker with thousands of miles under her boots, Liz shares her journey from Northern California day hikes to conquering the Triple Crown Trails (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Tr...

In this episode of Life in Motion, we sit down with David Long, founder of Eko Patagonia, a unique eco-lodge blending outdoor adventure with cultural immersion in the heart of Chilean Patagonia. David’s journey began as a Rotary Youth Exchange student in Chile, where he was embraced by a host family who became his second home. Years later, a sabbatical from his corporate career led him back to Pat...

In this episode we chat with Jorge Salas Guevara, founder of New Paths Expeditions, to explore his journey of turning a lifelong passion for adventure into a thriving business. From his early days discovering Patagonia to leading small-group expeditions across over 58 destinations, Jorge shares captivating stories of immersing travelers in remote and authentic cultural experiences. With a commitme...

In this episode we chat with Nicole Helthaler from Prison Yoga Project, a nonprofit using yoga to foster healing and transformation in the criminal justice system. Nicole shares her journey from teaching in classrooms to bringing mindfulness and self-regulation practices into correctional facilities worldwide. We explore how Prison Yoga Project began at San Quentin and now spans over 13 states and...

In this episode we chat with Evan Stafford, the Communications Director at American Whitewater, an organization on a mission to protect and restore America's rivers. By working to restore flows in de-watered rivers and advocating against harmful dam projects, American Whitewater plays a role in balancing the needs of river ecosystems with human activity. American Whitewater's history runs deep. St...

In this episode we chat with Jackie "Flo" Sidor, an artist, photographer, writer, teacher, and forager, as she shares her unconventional journey of reinvention and self-discovery. From being a dedicated art teacher to hiking the Appalachian Trail, and then transitioning to life in a converted short bus, Flo’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of following your passions and stepping ou...

In this episode, we chat with Seneca Kristjonsdottir of The Thalweg, a publication that highlights the art and stories of those who live and work in wild landscapes. Seneca shares the inspiration behind starting The Thalweg, how it connects creatives from the outdoor community, and the challenges of building a nonprofit from the ground up. From guiding rivers to creating a platform for poetry, art...

In this episode we chat with Emma Wharton, the Executive Director of Grand Canyon Youth, an organization dedicated to connecting young people with the awe-inspiring rivers and canyons of the Southwest. Growing up in Salt Lake City with a love for the outdoors, Emma shares her journey from a river guide to a passionate advocate for youth development through nature. Join us as Emma tells some incred...

In this episode, we chat with Maddi Bourgerie, a travel expert at RVshare, the leading RV rental marketplace that's transforming how we explore the outdoors. Maddi's love for travel started during visits to her grandparents in Honduras, where she discovered the thrill of experiencing new cultures. After years of saving for trips and studying abroad, it only made sense that Maddi found a career hel...

In this episode we chat with Dan Connell, an avid adventurer and bikepacking enthusiast who has pedaled across multiple continents, including the one that got him hooked; a seven-month journey from California to Colombia. Growing up in Los Angeles, Daniel initially focused on sports, but it was during his college years at UC Santa Barbara that he discovered his love for outdoor adventure. After fi...

In this episode, we chat with Molly Wood, the Executive Director of The Whale Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of the Grand Canyon river guiding community. Growing up in the small town of Show Low, Arizona, Molly developed a connection to the outdoors, spending her childhood exploring the landscape and studying the native plants of the Colorado Plateau....

In this episode, we chat with David Zemach-Bersin, the director of Feldenkrais Access. With over 45 years of experience, David shares his journey from being part of the first Feldenkrais training in the U.S. to establishing a thriving practice and online community that empowers individuals to enhance their physical comfort and well-being. David explains the principles of the Feldenkrais Method, a...

In this episode, we chat with Kerry McClay, the National SnowSchool Director at Winter Wildlands Alliance. With a rich educational background and experience in developing innovative curricula, Kerry has helped introduce thousands of students to snow science, winter ecology, and the importance of our snowpack as a vital water source. SnowSchool engages kids from kindergarten through high school, pr...

In this episode, we chat with Chandra Brown, founder of the Freeflow Institute, to explore the power of connecting with nature through creative and immersive outdoor experiences. Originally from Alaska's Matanuska Valley, Chandra brings a unique blend of education, river guiding, and environmental writing to her work. Her journey has taken her from designing curriculum to founding an institute...

In this episode, we chat with Daniel Brown, a dedicated river guide and Executive Director of the Redside Foundation. With 19 seasons of guiding experience and a rich history of leadership roles, there's no lack of passion to his work. Daniel's journey from exploring the western US to supporting the professional outdoor guiding community is truly inspiring. The Redside Foundation is commit...