Episoder
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Shanna Birchett, whose name means "pretty" in Yiddish, grew up in Southern California as the sixth of eight children. Her early involvement in local 5Ks ignited her passion for running. After a church mission and starting a family, she paused her competitive running career to focus on raising six children. Despite the challenges, Shanna stayed active through strength training, particularly with P90X.
In 2020, after moving to St. George, Utah, Shanna reignited her running ambitions. With a coach specializing in heart rate-based training, she aims to qualify for the Olympic Trials with a marathon goal of 2:37.
Shanna balances her training with family life, training six days a week and using her Instagram account, "Motherhood_underrunning," to inspire and connect with other moms. Her journey reflects resilience and dedication as she pursues her dreams while supporting her growing community. -
Mel Harrison, originally from Ventura County in Southern California, has always been deeply connected to the natural world. Her passion for the outdoors blossomed while attending Humboldt State University in Northern California, where she immersed herself in environmental studies and outdoor activities. This led her to a variety of seasonal jobs, including work as a cave guide and wilderness ranger, experiences that further fueled her love for nature and conservation.
Pursuing her interests, Mel moved to Eugene, Oregon, for graduate school, where she specialized in environmental studies with a focus on natural history writing. Her career path eventually took her to Jackson, Wyoming, where she fell in love with the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. This newfound passion guided her to Montana, where she settled near Yellowstone National Park. In Montana, Mel has built a career around outdoor education, freelance writing, and blogging, particularly through her platforms "Traveling Mel" and "Yellowstone Trips." These outlets allow her to share her knowledge and love for Yellowstone, Montana, and family travel, while also promoting responsible tourism.
Mel's adventurous spirit extended beyond Montana when she and her family decided to sell their home and embark on an almost three-year journey through Europe. Living in a new country each month, the family homeschooled their two young sons while Mel continued her work as a travel blogger and freelance writer. Their travels not only provided unforgettable experiences but also deepened their bond as a family. Returning to Livingston, Montana, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Harrison family seamlessly transitioned back to life in the U.S., thanks to their pre-existing homeschool and remote work lifestyle. Throughout the pandemic, Mel continued to thrive, finding new opportunities to write about responsible travel and outdoor activities. Today, Mel remains passionate about exploring the natural world and sharing her experiences with others. Whether she’s planning a women’s winter trip to Yellowstone, writing about her latest adventures, or simply enjoying the outdoors with her family, Mel continues to inspire others to appreciate and protect the environment. -
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Jason Lupardus is a wildlife management expert based in Kentucky, with a diverse career spanning the southeastern U.S. Originally from Alabama, Jason’s background includes handling bears in the Great Smoky Mountains, participating in elk reintroduction projects, and working with nonprofits dedicated to wildlife conservation. His passion for wild turkeys and outdoor adventures has led him to travel across states like Florida and Wyoming.
Jason’s love for the outdoors was sparked by his grandmother’s fishing trips, which influenced his career shift from chemical engineering to wildlife management. He holds dual undergraduate and master’s degrees in wildlife management from the University of Tennessee. His early career as a wildlife biologist in South Georgia involved working with private landowners on various wildlife projects.
After six years of managing wildlife projects, Jason joined the National Wild Turkey Federation, eventually becoming the Director of Conservation Operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he briefly transitioned to a development role before moving to the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance as COO. Currently, as CEO of Turkey’s for Tomorrow, he focuses on addressing the decline in wild turkey populations through research and conservation efforts. Jason is dedicated to ensuring future generations can enjoy the outdoors as he has. He advocates for effective turkey hunting practices and promotes the nonprofit’s growth and impact through initiatives like the "Wild Turkey Science" podcast. For more information, visit TFTT.org. -
Jesse Anderson, originally from Michigan, is the founder and owner of Grizz Media, an outdoor media agency renowned for its marketing, photography, graphic design, and brand development services. His journey into the outdoor media world began with a deep passion for fishing, which he pursued rigorously after college. To meet the demands of sponsors for photos and videos, Jesse taught himself photography and videography.
In 2018, Jesse shifted his focus from competitive fishing to hunting and launched Grizz Media. His company quickly gained traction, driven by his commitment to producing authentic and engaging content. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Jesse adeptly pivoted to tactical and self-defense media before returning to his primary focus on hunting content. Jesse's practical experience in media production has been key to Grizz Media's success, with notable achievements including landing Grizzly Coolers as a major client. His work reflects his passion for hunting, leading to unique projects such as filming brown bear encounters and creating content that resonates with outdoor enthusiasts.
Jesse’s adventurous spirit extends beyond his media career. From professional bass fishing in his teens to traveling the world filming TV shows for the Outdoor Channel and pursuing wild game, he embodies the essence of adventure. Self-taught in various skills like photography, videography, and graphic design, Jesse is always on the lookout for new thrills, whether it's hunting, skiing, shooting, skydiving, or diving. Grizz Media is dedicated to blending media production with personal passion, aiming to expand into a national and international network with Grizz Hunt, promoting a lifestyle of rigorous hunting training and authentic content creation. -
Amanda Powell is an outdoor enthusiast and advocate based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Despite having cerebral palsy, Amanda discovered a passion for hiking and adaptive mountain biking in 2017 when she learned about the accessibility options offered by U.S. National Parks.
Her love for the outdoors led her to found the nonprofit "Everybody on Trails," which provides adaptive equipment and organizes accessible trail meetups for people with disabilities. Amanda’s experiences with adaptive biking have significantly improved her physical and mental well-being, helping her manage her condition and alleviate anxiety.
Through her popular Instagram account, @AmandaCapable, she shares her adventures and connects with a supportive community. Amanda aims to visit all U.S. national parks and dreams of owning a cabin in the woods, all while continuing her advocacy for outdoor accessibility. -
Alicia Morg is a passionate huntress based in Coltmont, Pennsylvania. Hailing from the coal region, Alicia’s journey into hunting began at 21 with her first boyfriend. Despite not coming from a hunting background, her first successful hunt ignited a deep love for the sport. After parting ways with her boyfriend, Alicia continued to pursue her passion independently, managing trail cams and stands on her own.
Alicia gained widespread recognition through a viral TikTok video she posted three years ago, where she famously declared she'd rather chase bucks than men. This video helped her build a significant online presence, amassing over half a million followers on Snapchat, nearly 200k on TikTok, and 70k on Instagram. Her rise in social media success was marked by a shift from a 13-year career as a retail training instructor to working with her mother’s business, Rock and Block, before fully dedicating herself to her social media and hunting endeavors.
With sponsorships and a growing following, Alicia focuses on creating authentic content and engaging with her audience. She values simplicity in hunting gear, prioritizing scent and movement over brand names, and supports small businesses over large brands. Alicia is committed to daily hunting, continuous learning, and living in the moment without over-planning. -
Greg Sakowicz, originally from Michigan and Chicago, found his calling in Colorado after a midlife crisis led him to explore new opportunities following a layoff from his television news job. Settling in Denver, Greg developed a passion for hiking, which inspired his social media persona, "Fat Man Little Trail."
What began as a hobby quickly evolved into a successful platform, where Greg combined humor and authenticity to engage his audience. His blog, "Screw It. I'm Trying," and his Reels on Instagram brought him significant growth, shifting from nature-focused content to humorous and relatable hiking experiences.
Balancing his day job with content creation, Greg continues to share his adventures and promote outdoor inclusivity, aiming to inspire thousands to enjoy nature. -
Joy Seward is an instructor at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in Boulder, Wyoming, where she specializes in horsepacking expeditions that teach wilderness survival skills. With a background in environmental studies and art and communication, Joy combines her passion for the outdoors with her expertise in education. She grew up on a family farm in North Carolina, gaining early experience in equestrian training and outdoor adventures.
In addition to her role at NOLS, Joy co-founded RecPak, a brand offering high-nutrition, lightweight snacks for endurance athletes. Launched nearly two years ago, RecPak addresses the need for better on-the-go nutrition in remote areas. Joy's work with RekPak complements her educational efforts, supporting athletes while expanding the brand’s reach.
Joy's current focus includes leading a 16-day expedition in the Absaroka Range and attending events like the Lander Rock Climbing Festival to promote RecPak. She aims to grow RecPak into a sustainable brand and continue her career in outdoor education, including pursuing avalanche instructor certification. Balancing her professional ambitions with the challenges of remote work, Joy values risk management, community, humor, and perseverance in both her expeditions and entrepreneurial endeavors. -
Michael Chamberlain's fascination with wild turkeys began in his suburban childhood outside Richmond, Virginia, nurtured by Saturday hunting trips with his diesel mechanic father. Inspired by a wildlife biologist friend of his father's, Chamberlain pursued his passion for wildlife biology at Virginia Tech, specializing in fisheries and wildlife science. In graduate school, Chamberlain's research focused on wild turkeys in the Mississippi Delta, where he combined his love of hunting with academic study. This hands-on experience, involving capturing turkeys, attaching radio transmitters, and tracking their movements, cemented his career in turkey research.
Chamberlain has uncovered intricate social behaviors in wild turkeys, noting their tendency to be social for most of the year but solitary during reproduction. His studies reveal turkeys' complex social structures and hierarchies, similar to humans, and their regional subspecies variations. He highlights the historical domestication of turkeys, leading to today's large, non-flying commercial breeds, and contrasts their leaner, wilder counterparts.
An advocate for sustainable hunting, Chamberlain shares tips and emphasizes the importance of mentorship for aspiring hunters. His extensive research addresses concerns about declining turkey populations, particularly in the southeast and midwest. -
Hank Rogers is transitioning from a working man to an outdoor influencer with a focus on bass fishing. Raised in the Appalachian Mountains, Hank's early life was marked by various jobs and financial hardships. Despite these challenges, he pursued a college degree in computer networking at 30, leading to a successful career in IT, managing a data center for a medical facility.
Married to his high school sweetheart for 30 years, Hank and his wife have five grandchildren. His technical background and passion for fishing inspired him to document his fishing adventures on YouTube, blending his IT skills with his love for the sport. Since starting his channel in 2017, Hank has grown his following, gaining sponsors and recognition. He now posts five videos weekly, focusing on the science and art of bass fishing.
Hank emphasizes authenticity, consistency, and valuing one's worth as key to success in the influencer space. His ultimate goal is to transition to full-time content creation, exploring lesser-known lakes and providing valuable information to fellow fishing enthusiasts. -
Trevon Stoltzfus, an avid hunter from New Mexico, grew up in a farming and ranching community near the Mexican border. Although his father didn't hunt, Trevon's passion for the outdoors was nurtured by his family, leading him to hunt with his grandfather and uncle. After a wrestling career that took him to the junior Olympics, Trevon transitioned to bull riding and later became a police officer. His job in sales brought him to Colorado, where he embraced the state's abundant wildlife and began writing for Eastman's Hunting Journal. Eventually, he founded "Outback Outdoors," a show focusing on relatable hunting experiences.
Trevon's passion for bow hunting and dedication to mentoring young wrestlers reflect his intense and committed personality. He enjoys the challenges of elk hunting and the unique taste of game meat, emphasizing ethical hunting practices. Trevon is also involved in conservation efforts and promotes hunting as a more ethical way to obtain meat compared to conventional farming.
His show "Outback Outdoors" has transitioned to a vlog format on YouTube, offering raw and in-depth content about his hunting adventures. Through his work, Trevon aims to inspire others to explore the outdoors and engage in ethical hunting practices. -
Lani Chapko, a passionate climber from Seattle, Washington, has been drawn to outdoor activities from a young age, initially excelling in sprint kayaking. Her climbing journey began during college in Southern California, where friends encouraged her to take an outdoor adventure PE class despite her initial fear of heights. This class, which included both indoor climbing and outdoor trips, sparked a love for climbing that led her to explore canyoneering, backpacking, and multi-pitch trad climbing.
Starting with minimal formal training, Lani learned the ropes from more experienced friends, navigating early challenges and tricky situations through hands-on experience. Overcoming her fear of heights was a significant hurdle, but she has since learned to balance safety awareness with pushing her limits. Lani briefly experimented with free soloing but opted against it due to the risks involved.
Lani's climbing achievements include a free ascent of El Capitan's Freerider route. She is particularly impressed by climbers from previous decades who accomplished great feats with less advanced equipment. With a deep interest in climbing gear, influenced by her engineering background, Lani enjoys exploring different types of equipment and systems. -
Eva Seelye, based in Seattle, Washington, is a renowned adventure photographer and content creator with a unique and inspiring background. Born on a sailboat in Michigan and raised across diverse locations such as Washington, the Bahamas, and the Marshall Islands, Eva's adventurous spirit was nurtured from an early age by her mother. Her father's government job took the family to various remote places, allowing Eva to develop a deep appreciation for nature and exploration.
After living on a small island in the Marshall Islands until high school graduation, Eva returned to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, where she majored in photography. For the past four years, she has dedicated herself full-time to adventure photography, previously working as a social media manager and an editor. Her work often delves into the historical aspects of the places she explores, such as the Bikini Atoll nuclear tests and their lingering impact.
Eva's photography career gained significant traction around 2017-2018, with a notable growth spurt in 2019-2020 when she secured her first paid collaboration. The COVID-19 pandemic was a pivotal moment for Eva, as being laid off from her job at a global luxury travel company pushed her to embrace her passion for photography full-time. Her background in social media management equipped her with the skills to develop effective content strategies, which she now employs in her own work. Eva's work promotes sustainability and inclusivity in the outdoor adventure realm. She aims to break down barriers such as cost and accessibility, making the outdoors more inclusive for everyone. Currently based in Seattle, Eva enjoys hiking and backpacking, with plans to visit Glacier and Banff. She also engages in Airbnb photography, capturing unique rentals. -
Mike Radomski's journey started with Phelps Mountain, and he soon found himself captivated by the physical challenge and beauty of the mountains. Despite initially underestimating the demands of hiking, Mike adapted his training and skills, eventually completing both the regular and Winter 46er challenges. This transformation from an athlete to a dedicated hiker provided him with fulfillment through the physical and mental challenges of hiking.
Facing career burnout and wanting to spend more time with his sons, Mike semi-retired and began documenting his outdoor adventures on YouTube. His involvement in the Allegheny 18 challenge led him to create a community around it, eventually launching the Western New York Hiking Challenge. This self-driven challenge covers multiple trails across the region and has grown significantly, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It now boasts 3,500 participants and a supportive Facebook community of 65,000 members.
Over five years, the challenge has raised over $330,000 for local environmental causes and has helped many individuals gain confidence, lose weight, and manage anxiety and depression. The community has become a platform for people to stay active, reconnect with family, and cope with various life challenges. Mike continues to expand his initiatives, offering skills classes, guided hikes, and additional challenges like winter and birding challenges. His emphasis on preparedness and personal connections has inspired many to pursue outdoor adventures and adopt active lifestyles. Despite struggling to scale his activities due to personal involvement, Mike aims to expand regionally and considers using video content for broader impact. His recent 23-day Grand Canyon rafting trip highlights his love for long-term immersion in nature. -
Snookie, a passionate fishing enthusiast, began her journey into fishing as a way to cope with the grief of losing her beloved grandfather, "Paw-Paw," in 2014. The nickname Snookie, given to her by her grandfather in 1988, symbolizes their close bond. After his passing, she found solace in fishing, reminiscing about their shared moments, and started documenting her healing process on Instagram. Growing up in Virginia with outdoor-loving parents, Snookie's passion for fishing was nurtured from a young age. Supported by her parents and grandfather, she often went fishing with them. Unsure of her future career during high school, her mother guided her into marketing classes, which later proved invaluable for her online presence.
Initially, Snookie's Instagram journey was a personal documentation of her healing. Over time, it evolved into a significant platform where she shares her fishing experiences, blending humor and authenticity inspired by her grandfather's playful spirit. A turning point came when she received a message from a pro-staff manager, marking the start of monetizing her hobby through product marketing and affiliate links.
Snookie's therapeutic impact of fishing, sharing vivid dreams about her grandfather that resonated deeply with her followers. Her story has inspired many, and she aims to connect more women with fishing and the outdoors, believing in its healing power for those going through difficult times. She hosts fishing events, especially for women and children, to offer a supportive space for those dealing with personal challenges. While some events are free, others may have a fee, often covered by sponsors. Her humorous content contrasts with the seriousness of her origin story, reflecting her transition from grief to joy. -
Melissa's journey is marked by a series of transformative experiences that led her to a life of adventure and empowerment. Her story begins with the overcast skies of Ireland, reminiscent of the movie "Gregory's Girl." Melissa returned to the US due to job opportunities and visa challenges in the UK, which opened the door for a career shift and personal growth. Melissa's involvement with Women Who Explore began as an ambassador and later evolved into co-ownership of the company. Women Who Explore offers adventure travel and a robust community, empowering women through outdoor activities and fostering a sense of independence and camaraderie. The organization hosts various adventures worldwide and maintains a strong social media presence with numerous local chapters facilitating engagement and support.
In her role, Melissa organizes and hosts women-only trips where dedicated hosts ensure everything runs smoothly, from meals to logistics, allowing guests to fully relax. These trips address common pain points for women, who often act as caretakers and planners. She shared a touching story of a woman who initially struggled with not helping but eventually embraced being cared for. The trips provide emotional support, helping women overcome personal challenges, such as summiting Kilimanjaro or completing the Tour de Mont Blanc. Melissa and her co-founder Lindsay plan these trips based on their travel desires, making the business deeply personal.
Melissa has traveled to diverse destinations, including New Zealand, Costa Rica, Kilimanjaro, and Croatia, often on sponsored trips. Future trips will be hosted by a solid group of women, offering travel opportunities they might not have had otherwise. One memorable moment was inspiring a woman, who had never created a bucket list due to financial constraints, to explore new destinations like France or Peru. -
Tyler began to explore the outdoors, starting with a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) driven more by a desire to stretch his savings than a love for nature.His interest in the outdoors developed gradually, influenced by friends and his time living in rural Japan, where he hiked mountains on weekends. Over time, outdoor activities became a significant part of his life, leading him to adopt a nomadic lifestyle in a van. Currently, Tyler is preparing for the Tour Divide, a 2,700-mile bikepacking race from Banff to the Mexican border. His website, Halfway Anywhere, started as a personal blog in 2011 and is now his full-time job and primary source of income. Despite the uncertainties of his journey, Tyler embraces a zen-like existence, focusing on living in the moment and enjoying his outdoor adventures.
He describes his complete dedication to his outdoor adventure website, which has become his entire life. Tyler integrates his personal and professional life, often isolating himself from non-outdoor enthusiasts. He occasionally visits New York for short trips to see friends and family but primarily avoids urban settings in favor of the outdoors. Significant milestones in his journey include hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013, the Continental Divide Trail in 2017, and living in Nepal to support his hiking lifestyle. Tyler has also biked across Australia, hiked the Japanese Alps, and recently focused on lesser-known trails and off-trail routes.
Tyler plans to visit a campsite soon to perform "trail magic" for hikers by providing snacks, drinks, and rides into town—acts of unexpected kindness for hikers. His sister will join him for her first backpacking trip, despite challenging conditions. Tyler reflects on his love for the outdoors, acknowledging the risks but preferring this lifestyle over any other. He shares his updates on his website, Halfway Anywhere, and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his story. -
Kimber enjoyed an active, nature-filled upbringing despite being born with a terminal transverse defect, resulting in an underdeveloped right hand. Her parents, particularly her supportive father, encouraged her to pursue her interests. Kimber's mother, who overcame a brain tumor and Cushing's disease, was initially worried but hopeful for Kimber's future. Her father focused on finding activities in which Kimber could excel.
At 28, a breakup led Kimber and a friend to join the Mountaineers club, where they trained in rock climbing, glacier travel, and ice climbing. This training culminated in climbing Mount Olympus, the Tooth, and Mount Rainier within nine days. This transformative experience shifted her focus to climbing, leading her to become a semi-professional athlete while continuing her teaching career. Her heartbreak became the catalyst for a decade-long climbing journey supported by sponsors like North Face.
Her supportive parents initially struggled with guilt and uncertainty about their child's future but now take pride in Kimber's achievements, following her journey through social media. Kimber is actively involved with the Mountaineers, having progressed from a skeptical reception due to her disability to becoming the chair of the committee. She continues to lead and mentor climbers, travel internationally, and plan future climbs, including personal milestones like getting married. Looking ahead, Kimber aims to tackle more significant climbs worldwide, including returning to Alaska. She is passionate about exploring and pushing the boundaries of what is possible for adaptive climbers. -
Don Higgins, an avid deer hunter from Central Illinois, grew up with a deep love for the outdoors, inspired by his grandparents' farm. Despite the scarcity of deer during his youth, he shot his first deer at sixteen, igniting a lifelong passion for hunting. Dedicating himself solely to deer hunting, Higgins became an expert archery hunter. Over the decades, he established himself in the field, writing for major hunting magazines and authoring two books on deer hunting. He founded Real World Wildlife Products, a successful wildlife food plot seed company, and expanded his influence through his YouTube channel and the "Chasing Giants" podcast.
Higgins manages a 160-acre property and oversees a team of consultants who assist clients in optimizing their properties for deer hunting. His strategies focus on creating environments that attract deer during daylight hours, carefully considering terrain, wind direction, and property layout. He prefers to have his venison processed locally, believing it tastes better than what he could make himself. Despite his busy schedule, he continues to raise beef cattle, favoring beef over venison.
With consulting work that spans numerous states and notable clients, including professional athletes, Higgins has become a respected figure in the hunting community. His business ventures continue to grow, driven by a commitment to quality, innovation, and integrity in the deer hunting industry. -
April Vokey is a fly fisher, outdoorswoman, membership coordinator, casting instructor, mother, world-traveler, DIY enthusiast, and master of dirty jokes. Her journey in the fly fishing world has been one of her passion, dedication, and unwavering advocacy for the sport. From a young age, she felt an unbreakable bond with nature and the rush of the river. Even as a toddler, she was engrossed in the pursuit, meticulously assembling her tackle box with an array of lures and baits.
At 16, you could find her chasing salmon and steelhead in the rivers along the coastline of British Columbia, baitcaster and driver’s license in hand. For her, those experiences weren’t just about the catch, rather a cornerstone of self-discovery and an escape from the challenges of city life. In her late teens, she discovered fly fishing and knew that she had to somehow structure in her life so she could do it every day. Guiding for sturgeon and salmon with a local outfitter was a stepping stone, and at age 24, in 2007, she founded her own company, Fly Gal Ventures, to share her passion as a guide.
Her passion for fly fishing and the outdoors has since taken her to far-flung corners of the world, all in pursuit of the next adventure. Over the years, She's been humbled by talented anglers and a supportive community who eventually drove her to start Anchored Outdoors, an online membership that has been her most fulfilling venture to date. - Se mer
