More Than Outdoors Podcast

In Episode 30, Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Steve Gauthier , owner of Resurgam Forestland , for a conversation about what it takes to responsibly steward Maine's working forests. Steve discusses the balance between forestry, conservation, wildlife habitat, recreation, and long-term sustainability while sharing how working forests continue to support Maine's outdoor recreatio...

In Episode 29, Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Zach Anchors , Owner of Portland Paddle , for a conversation about paddling, entrepreneurship, and operating an outdoor adventure company in Maine. Zach shares the story behind Portland Paddle, what it takes to run a tourism-based outdoor business in 2026, and how experiences on the water help connect people to Maine’s outdoors and coastal...

Sam Roberts: Building a Maine Outdoor Brand In Episode 28, Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Sam Roberts , Owner of Sambob , for a conversation about entrepreneurship, outdoor culture, and building an outdoor apparel company in Maine. This episode launches a new series focused on the makers and creators behind Maine’s outdoor recreation economy. Sam shares the realities of operating a mo...

More Than Outdoors Podcast – Episode 27 Isaac Niblack: What It Really Takes to Run a Fly Fishing Guide Company In Episode 27, Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Isaac Niblack , CEO and Director of Guiding Operations for New England Fly Company . Isaac shares what it takes to operate a fly fishing guide business in Maine today—from guiding clients on the water to building a company centere...

In Episode 26, Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Amber Albe , Founder of Radical Riverworks and Director of Outdoor Recreation for Main Street Skowhegan . Amber shares how outdoor recreation and the arts are deeply connected in community development — from how people experience public spaces to how towns create identity, energy, and opportunity. This conversation explores the role of cre...

More Than Outdoors Podcast – Episode 25 Spring to Summer: Planning Your Next Outdoor Season In Episode 25, Austin French and Sam Andrews take a step back for a seasonal conversation as Maine transitions into spring and summer. They share what they’re most excited about for the upcoming outdoor season and offer practical insights for planning adventures — from short outings to larger trips. This ep...

In Episode 24, Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Sam Shirley from Maine Huts & Trails for a deeper follow-up conversation to one of our MOES mini episodes. They explore the impact of trail systems and hut networks on outdoor access, local economies, and community building across rural Maine. Sam shares real-world insight into the work behind maintaining and growing a recreation syste...

In Episode 23, Austin French and Sam Andrews revisit the topic of certifications in the outdoor industry in this follow-up to Episode 12. They take a deeper look at how certifications fit into career development and share honest perspectives on what actually matters when building experience and advancing your career. This episode is focused on helping outdoor professionals think more strategically...

More Than Outdoors Podcast – Episode 22 Jeff Tucker: The Story of Quarry Road Trails In Episode 22, Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Jeff Tucker from Quarry Road Trails in Waterville, Maine. Jeff discusses the history and growth of Quarry Road into a year-round outdoor recreation hub and the role community-driven trail systems play in connecting people to outdoor experiences. From Nordi...

In Episode 21, Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Kayla Lee, Director of the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center. Kayla shares how adaptive outdoor education is about more than equipment — it’s about building systems that create belonging, independence, and opportunity. The conversation explores how AOEC is expanding access across Maine and what inclusive leadership looks like in practice....

In Episode 20, Austin French and Sam Andrews talk with Justin Steele , Owner of the Hostel of Maine (HoME) in Carrabassett Valley. Justin shares how travel, entrepreneurship, and a passion for mountain-town culture inspired him to create HoME — a welcoming, affordable lodging option designed to foster connection among outdoor enthusiasts. Located near Sugarloaf and some of Maine’s premier trail ne...

More Than Outdoors Podcast – Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Mini-Series | Episode 5 The Next Generation of Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Economy In the final episode of our five-part mini-series from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit , hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Patrick McKenney and Skye Cotnoir , students in the University of Maine at Farmington’s Outdoor Recreation Business Admi...

More Than Outdoors Podcast – Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Mini-Series | Episode 4 Sam Shirley: Connecting People, Trails, and Communities In Episode 4 of our five-part mini-series from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit , hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Sam Shirley of Maine Huts & Trails to discuss trail systems, stewardship, and the role of infrastructure in Maine’s outdoor ec...

More Than Outdoors Podcast – Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Mini-Series | Episode 3 Alejandro Strong: Innovation on Maine’s Rivers In Episode 3 of our five-part mini-series from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit , hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Alejandro Strong , founder of Packraft Maine , to explore innovation and entrepreneurship in river-based outdoor recreation. Alejandro shar...

More Than Outdoors Podcast – Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Mini-Series | Episode 2 Jeff McCabe: Building the Maine Outdoor Economy Together In Episode 2 of our five-part mini-series from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit , hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Jeff McCabe , Director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and a returning guest on the podcast. Jeff shares insight from o...

More Than Outdoors Podcast – Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Mini-Series | Episode 1 Inside the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit In this kickoff episode of a five-part mini-series, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews introduce the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit and why it matters to the future of recreation, workforce, and community development in Maine. This episode sets the context for upcoming short con...

More Than Outdoors – Episode #14: Zach MacCarthy: Access Is the Adventure In Episode 14, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Zach MacCarthy , Founder and Executive Director of Inclusive Ski Touring , to explore how access and inclusion can reshape winter recreation. Zach shares how Inclusive Ski Touring works to remove barriers and create welcoming pathways for people who have histor...

More Than Outdoors – Episode #13: Patrick Guerette: More Than a Place to Play In Episode 13, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Patrick Guerette , COO of the Alfond Youth & Community Center , to explore how community organizations, camps, and recreation programs support youth and families across Maine. Patrick shares how AYCC, Camp Tracy, New England Sports Camps, and community...

More Than Outdoors – Episode #12: Certifications 101 for Outdoor Professionals In this episode, Austin French and Sam Andrews walk through the role certifications play in outdoor and recreation careers. From safety and medical training to leadership and specialized credentials, they discuss how certifications build credibility, confidence, and career pathways. Whether you’re exploring the industry...

More Than Outdoors – Episode #11: Gabe Perkins & Todd Papianou: Trail Building is Community Building Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews talk with Gabe Perkins , Executive Director of Inland Woods + Trails , and Todd Papianou , Physical Education Teacher at Mountain Valley High School , to explore how trail building and movement culture strengthen communities from the ground up. From developin...

Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews speak with Joe Kellner , CEO of LifeFlight of Maine , to explore how critical-care aviation teams respond in some of the most challenging conditions in the Northeast. Joe breaks down what it means to deliver lifesaving care across a rural state, how LifeFlight collaborates with first responders and communities, and why preparedness matters for anyone venturing i...

More Than Outdoors – Episode #9: Quincy Clifford: Perspective from Maine’s Next Generation Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Quincy Clifford , a student at the Maine Business School and Summer 2025 Intern with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation , to explore what Maine’s recreation future looks like through the eyes of a student. Quincy shares her experiences growing up in Maine...

More Than Outdoors – Episode #8: Leading Maine’s Outdoor Future – with Jeff McCabe Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Jeff McCabe , Director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation , to talk about Maine’s outdoor future — from policy to paddling. Jeff shares how outdoor recreation drives jobs, strengthens local economies, and builds community pride, while the new Maine Outdoor Rec...

More Than Outdoors – Episode #7: Revitalizing Community Through the Outdoors – with Kristina Cannon Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Kristina Cannon , President & CEO of Main Street Skowhegan , to explore how outdoor recreation and community revitalization intersect in rural Maine. From trail systems and riverfront projects to outdoor gear libraries and public programs, Kristi...

More Than Outdoors – Episode #6: Building Outdoor Passions at Camp Manitou w/ Dave Schiff Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Dave Schiff , owner and director of Camp Manitou for Boys in Oakland, Maine. With nearly 80 years of history, Camp Manitou has welcomed kids from all over the country, teaching them outdoor skills, teamwork, and resilience while building lifelong friendships....