Life in Motion

In this episode we chat with Erin Tarr, a dedicated advocate for land conservation and access to nature. Raised in Iowa, Erin's journey led her to the mountains of Colorado and eventually to California, where she found her calling.  From her early days as a researcher on the rivers with the California Department of Fish and Game to her role at Bear Yuba Land Trust, there's no doubt Erin ha...

In this episode we sit down with Marra Holt, Communications Coordinator at the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks. Born and raised in Springfield, MO, Marra's childhood was steeped in a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a commitment to its preservation. Discover how Marra's upbringing, shaped by her father's environmental work, fueled her passion for protecting nature from a young...

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Jean Sideris, Executive Director of The Bicycle Coalition of Maine. From the peaks of Colorado to the serene trails of Maine, Jean's passion for environmental advocacy and biking has led her on an incredible path. Discover how Jean's love for mountain biking in Colorado evolved into a mission-driven career in bike advocacy on the East Coast. H...

In this episode, I'm joined by Hanna, Michelle, and David from Ozark Off Road Cyclist. Their paths to the organization were unique, but their shared commitment to community has kept them united. What started as a gathering of mountain biking enthusiasts in 1997 evolved into a nonprofit dedicated to trail development. If you've ever explored the trails in the Arkansas Ozarks and River Valle...

In this episode we chat with Matthew Zing of Two Bikes Knoxville. A Knoxville native, Matthew's connection with bikes began in childhood, influenced by his father's road racing adventures. However, for him, bikes meant more than just a sport; they were a means of transportation. Eventually he crossed paths with Mitchell at Dream Bikes, a shop rooted in giving back. Their shared passion for...

In this episode, we chat with Ryan Yambra of Rose City Track Club. Born and raised in Portland Oregon he was an unlikely runner. It wasn't until after college, when he completed his first half marathon, that he truly experienced running in a community driven by passion. Then, after training solo for years, he found Rose City Track Club. Valuing the spirit of competition, camaraderie, hard work...

In this episode, we chat with Andrea Kelly from Make Plus Equal. For years, Andrea faced challenges in finding outdoor gear that catered to her body for various adventures. Whether it was inadequate sizing, a lack of technical features, or uninspiring color choices, the struggle was real. The turning point came when a study revealed that 69% of women in North America were plus-sized. By then, Andr...

In this episode, we chat with Allie Valdetara of Ladies in Wadies. Growing up in the 'outdoors-adjacent' landscape of North Jersey, Allie's childhood was filled with imaginative adventures, from exploring her backyard to lakeside fishing. But for her, the joy of the outdoors was in sharing it with others. After college she struggled to carve out time to get outside - at least until rem...

In this episode, we chat with Ryan Wichlens, one of the many behind Trails Magazine. Growing up around New York's Adirondack Mountains, he started as Backpacker Magazine's go-to Northeast expert during college before becoming a full-time freelance journalist in Colorado. When the end of Backpacker magazine's print era came in 2022, Ryan stepped in to fill the void with Trails Magazine....

In this episode, we chat with Ashley Smith, a dedicated member of Lakes Region Search & Rescue. While Ashley's love for hiking started as a kid, the pandemic sparked a determination to conquer the New Hampshire 48 4,000-footers, with the majority of them being finished solo. Afterwards she had a desire to assist fellow hikers in challenging situations, obtaining certifications in wildernes...

In this episode, we chat with Sierra Schlag and Katie Cooney, key figures in the creation of 'Advice for Girls,' an all-women ski film. Both Sierra and Katie share a love for skiing, having embraced the sport since their early years, drawn to its creativity and freedom. When Addy Jacobsend shared the idea of a film featuring an all-female cast and production crew, it was an immediate yes....

In this episode, we chat with Mark Malkowicz, a wilderness first responder, passionate traveler, and guide at Big Muddy Adventures. Growing up around Saint Louis, Mark shares his journey from childhood family float trips on the Current River to embarking on 100-mile paddle board adventures. It didn't stop there though. Mark was soon conquering fourteeners in Colorado and scaling glaciers in th...

In this episode, we chat with Clark Jones, one of many behind rvaMORE, a nonprofit comprising a diverse community of trail enthusiasts dedicated to advocating for access to trails around Richmond VA. Whether they are mountain bikers, runners, boaters, hikers, or nature lovers, the common thread is their commitment to parks and everyone who finds joy within them. With a track record of over 15,000...

In this episode we chat with Annie Laurenz, an avid outdoor enthusiast, world traveler, and fearless learner. Hailing from a small Michigan town with a graduating class of 52, Annie's childhood was a canvas of rural woods exploration and frequent travels. College opened doors to international study abroad experiences across five countries and immersion in an adventure club passionate about thi...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Nacy Ryerson of EnCompass Academy. Growing up in Southwest Missouri, her journey took an unexpected turn in college when she discovered a passion for Special Education, leading to a master's degree. Over nine years, she dedicated herself to teaching in public schools, but the red tape challenges for students with disabilities and underserved populations le...

In this episode, we chat with Melissa Wright, a true advocate for the outdoors and one of the driving forces behind Women Who Explore. Although Melissa's early years in Arizona didn't offer her much access to the great outdoors, her desire to connect with nature and a lack of like-minded adventurers in her small town didn't deter her from venturing out alone. It wasn't until her 30...

In this episode, we chat with Katie Keller, a dedicated advocate for the great outdoors and part of the nonprofit, Wild Virginia. Growing up in the beautiful state of Virginia, Katie has always loved its diverse and stunning landscapes, from rivers to mountains, and everything in between. Katie's journey into outdoor advocacy was sparked by her desire to align her work with her deeply held val...

In this episode, we chat with Erica Nelson, also known as The Awkward Angler. Erica's journey into the great outdoors wasn't always a straightforward path. Growing up, she had little interest in outdoor activities. The idea of getting hot and sweaty outside just didn't do it for her. However, everything changed during her college years when she decided to enroll in a yoga elective. Yog...

In this episode, we look into the world of travel with Jacob Pitts, not only a key player in finding amazing guests for our podcast but also a travel enthusiast in his own right. Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Jacob always had a desire to explore the world. However, his first true opportunity didn't present itself until his college years. Since then, he's seen the diverse landscape...

In this episode, we chat with Ron Lahout, a third-generation owner of Lahout's Ski Shop - an iconic store and America's oldest ski shop. The story of Lahout's is a journey through time and a testament to the enduring passion for the outdoors, skiing, and community. The legacy began in 1920 when Lahout's started as a modest general store. However, it was in 1935 that Joe Lahout, Ron...

In this episode we chat with Jim Curcuruto, the Executive Director for the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF). With a wealth of experience in the world of the outdoors and conservation, Jim shares insights and stories that shed light on the importance of engaging the next generation of hunters, anglers, trappers, and shooters in conservation efforts. Jim's journey began with hi...

In this episode, we chat with John Mikolajczyk, who shares the wonders of the Dogwood Canyon Foundation. Nestled in the heart of Lampe, Missouri, this nature park encompasses 10,000 acres of breathtaking natural beauty and rugged landscapes. Dogwood Canyon is far more than just a park—it's a family destination that offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences. Whether you're into hiking,...

In this episode we chat with Nicole Llinas, the Executive Director of Current Problems. As a kid in Georgia, Nicole created miniature museums in her yard, charging neighbors and family to see her eclectic collections, ranging from dried snail shells to rocks and mud creations. Her move to Florida at the age of 10 only increased her love for the world's natural beauty, including freshwater spri...

In this episode we chat with Lucretia and Khalid, a dynamic duo with a shared dream of building a sustainable homestead from the ground up, all on a budget. Lucretia's journey into the world of herbal medicine, sparked by unforeseen events, led her on a path to embracing the healing power of nature. Khalid, on the other hand, leaned into art, initially grounded in writing and poetry. A chance...

In this episode we chat with Nick Pearson of Sober Outdoors, a community-based organization dedicated to connecting sober and sober-curious individuals with the healing properties of nature, the backcountry, and all things outdoors. Growing up in Colorado, Nick quickly fell in love with the outdoors and had a dream of working in the outdoor industry. His dream came true as he climbed the ladder fo...