Life In Motion

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 volunteer hours, the creation and maintenance of 75 miles of trails, and a staggering 2,000,000 users annually, rvaMORE's impact is more than just trail upkeep. If you've ever wondered about the influence a grassroots organization can have on the health and well-being of a city, then this one's for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.  Tweet us and let us know what you

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 things like backpacking and rock climbing. The adventures didn't stop there – on a whim she pedaled her bike 3,716 miles across the country. Now, through "Adventures With Annie," she shares budget-friendly travel tips, inspiring others to see the world as she has. If you've ever wondered about the fulfillment adventures can bring or why you should always be learning, then this episode's for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them

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 left her dissatisfied. Instead of succumbing to frustration, she charted an audacious course — pursuing a doctorate with a dream to establish her own school. To no surprise, EnCompass Academy emerged. Their inclusive environment is built on a foundation and culture that empowers students to discover their inner compass, encouraging them to pursue their strengths and passions. With a small yet powerful team, they also collaborate with larger school districts to develop scalable programs. If you've ever wondered why it's ok to think outside of the box to fulfill something you believe in, then this one's for y

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 30s that Melissa's passion for exploration truly took root, and it has been growing ever since. Her journey led her to an awesome community called Women Who Explore, where she initially became an ambassador. Soon enough, she seized the opportunity to become a co-owner of the empowering organization. Women Who Explore is on a mission to bring together women who share a love for adventure and for our planet. Their members are women thirsty for exploration, and thanks to the vibrant Women Who Explore communities, they are never disappointed. Through Women Who Explore, they discover more than just thrilling adventures;

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 values. Her first job out of college didn't quite align with her moral compass, so she decided to take a different path after finding Wild Virginia. They're a grassroots nonprofit committed to safeguarding the connectivity and integrity of Virginia's precious lands and waters. Their mission extends to mobilizing citizens, including individuals like you, to influence decision-makers, and empowering citizens and landowners to address threats to Virginia's wild places. Wild Virginia's approach also involves bringing together stakeholder groups to amplify their collective impact and, importantly, connect

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. Yoga introduced her to mindfulness and a deeper connection with herself. One day, she took her practice outdoors, and the experience changed everything. Erica's newfound appreciation for the outdoors led her to explore hiking. With each bend in the trail, she discovered new wonders and a growing sense of curiosity. Her adventurous spirit eventually led her on a backpacking journey in Alaska, an adventure that evolved into a search and rescue mission. Yet, even this experience failed to deter her passion for the outdoors. Driven by her insatiable curiosity, Erica delved into outdoor education, eventually discovering

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 landscapes of Europe, embracing every moment with open arms. Alongside sharing travel stories, we discuss the importance of traveling while you're still young. It's not just about the experiences, but how these adventures shape and transform you as an individual. If you've ever contemplated journeying beyond your comfort zone and exploring new countries, yet found something holding you back, then this one's for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. F

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's father, took the reins of the family business. Joe's deep love for skiing, the great outdoors, and, most importantly, his commitment to the local community became the driving forces behind the shop's success. By the 1980s, Ron, along with his brothers, took the helm of Lahout's, not only to manage the shop, but also to preserve their father's legacy. As the Lahout family expanded their shop's presence across New Hampshire, they remained rooted in their humble beginnings, while staying connected with their community and the world of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're an outdoor history

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 his work leading the research team, market development, and recruitment efforts for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, where his dedication and strategies increased participation in hunting and target shooting. However, Jim's passion extends far beyond his professional life; he's an avid hunter and angler, particularly for waterfowl, largemouth bass, and trout. Now as the Executive Director of the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation, he's helping others understand the critical role that hunters, anglers, trappers, and shooters play in preserving the natural world while fostering a deep connect

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, biking, wildlife tours, horseback riding, or trout fishing, you'll discover a world of adventure amidst towering bluffs, cascading waterfalls, meandering creek beds, handcrafted bridges, and abundant wildlife. But beyond the outdoor escapades, the Dogwood Canyon Foundation has an important mission—to champion and safeguard the natural environment of the canyon's wildlife and plant life. Through the experiences they create, families are not only given the opportunity to connect with the wonders of nature but also to reconnect with themselves. If you've ever wanted to learn more about this hidden gem in the

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 springs and coastal beaches. During her time at the Alachua Conservation Trust, Nicole experienced something that stuck with her. One day the leader of their group, a botanist, suddenly stopped the truck they were in, stepped out, and sat down in a ditch to admire a single flower by the roadside. This seemingly insignificant moment left a mark on her, inspiring her to appreciate the small details in nature as a part of the greater work of conservation. Nicole realized that she wanted to be the kind of leader who could pause amidst the chaos to cherish the beauty of nature, no matter how tiny, in her journey to protect it

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 meeting in Washington, D.C., with an inspiring artist from the Ivory Coast reshaped his perspective on visual art, and expanded his artistic journey. Serendipity played its part when a mutual friend introduced Lucretia and Khalid. With their shared passion for the natural world, driven by Lucretia's deep love for it and Khalid's romantic notions, it was a perfect match. Soon after they decided to leave the city behind and purchase a piece of land in Virginia, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. The land they chose was a blank canvas, but brimming with untapped potential. They began clearing the lan

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 for various outdoor brands, while creating relationships across the country. As Nick's presence in the outdoor industry continued to grow, so did the parties, but one day he decided enough was enough. He dedicated his life to recovery, sobriety and healthy living, but he didn't give up on the outdoors industry. Rather, Nick used his adventures as a way to ground him and stay focused on sobriety. Now, with Sober Outdoors, he's helping others do the same. They're bridging the gap between recovery and the healing power of outdoor adventures. But Sober Outdoors is more than an organization; it's a commu

In this episode we chat with Bailey Pyle of The Be Well Community, who is helping enhance the emotional health and well-being of individuals, organizations and communities. Bailey shares her passion for helping others, and how serendipity led her to join The Be Well Team. Through special initiatives, from online resources to community events and retreats, they're fostering open, honest, and impactful conversations about mental health. One remarkable symbol of hope and healing is the "Be Well Bells," which serve as a beacon of strength and resilience within our communities. After all, emotional well-being is not only a personal journey but a collective responsibility. If you've ever wondered why mental health is so important, and how you can help break the stigma surrounding it, then this one's for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it

In this episode we chat with Nettie and Dave from the UK who quit their jobs to rock climb and travel the world on a daily budget of only $26. While Dave always loved the thrill and challenges of rock climbing, it wasn't until Nettie met him that she got hooked. Little did they know that this serendipitous encounter would evolve into a shared obsession for scaling heights and exploring new places. Their occasional climbing soon turned into something more. They begin traveling to various countries for weeks at a time, immersing themselves in diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes - all because of their love for rock climbing. Now they're going all in by quitting their jobs to travel and climb on a modest daily budget of only $26. If you've ever dreamt of trading the mundane for the extraordinary, or quitting your job to follow your passion, then this one's for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and aut

In this episode we chat with Luke Kloberdanz, the Executive Director of The Ice Age Trail Alliance. With a love of conservation and exploration, Luke spearheads the mission to conserve, create, maintain, and promote the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. His journey with the Ice Age Trail Alliance began in 2001, during a chapter-led trail improvement day. This initial step led him to immerse himself in the heart of trail building efforts, by participating in the Mobile Skills Crew training in 2002. Then, in 2003 he thru-hike along the Ice Age Trail, which solidified his dedication to the trail's preservation. In 2013, Luke's involvement evolved into a full-time commitment when he joined the Alliance staff as Outreach and Education Manager. Drawing from his background as a fourth-grade teacher, he innovated the Saunters program, designed to provide children with an experiential immersion into the wonders of the Ice Age Trail. Now as the Executive Director, Luke's fulfilling their mission by fostering c

In this episode we chat with James, aka The Ethnic Explorer, who is about vanlife and uncovering black history, all while inspiring others to do the same. Growing up in a small Virginia town, James's love for the outdoors started in the woods, often accompanied by his trusty feline companion, Smokey. As he grew older, his passion for the outdoors remained steadfast, but it all changed while working at a dealership. A routine task of driving a customer's van to the service center opened up James' eyes to a new way to adventure. The fully converted van was decked out with a bed and living amenities. James thought to himself, "Oh the adventures I could take in this." He took his old basketball team's Astro Van, $500 and scrap wood from his parents remodeling project and created his own van that was ready for any adventure. But James's adventures are not solely about breathtaking landscapes; they are also a voyage into history. His travels serve as a gateway to discovering the often

In this episode we chat with Caleb Stewart, the Recruitment and Admissions Manager of The Montana Conservation Corps (MCC). Caleb's adventure began at a young age, canoeing and camping in the picturesque landscapes of Tennessee. After graduating with a degree in History from Middle Tennessee State University, he followed his heart to the breathtaking beauty of Idaho, where he joined MCC as a crew member in the vast Frank Church Wilderness. It was during this time that Caleb fell in love with the wilderness and developed a passion for public lands. He then worked for the Forest Service in the Bob Marshall Wilderness of northwest Montana, serving as a trail crew leader and a liaison to MCC crews. Now as the Recruitment and Admissions Manager of The Montana Conservation Corps he's supporting their mission of empowering young people through hands-on conservation service to become leaders, stewards of the land, and engaged citizens who actively improve their communities. If you've ever wondered how to

In this episode we chat with Sara and Morgan, the dynamic duo behind Wild & Free Mamas. Sara's love for the outdoors began in Pennsylvania, where she spent her days exploring the woods and enjoying summers at camp. On the other hand, Morgan, growing up in Georgia, discovered her passion for nature during high school. After becoming mothers, they both experienced a transformative moment when they gave themselves permission to embark on separate adventures out west. These journeys allowed them to step away from the demands of motherhood, reconnect with nature, and deepen their connection with God. Most importantly, it provided them with the opportunity to recharge and gain a fresh perspective when returning to their families. Inspired by their own experiences, Sara and Morgan realized that other moms could benefit from similar adventures and soul-nourishing moments. Thus, Wild & Free Mamas was born. What started as small meetups has evolved into exciting weekend adventures that impact moms from all

In this episode we chat with Benjamin Morris, the Development Director at Outdoor Recreation Alliance Trails. Benjamin's love for spending time in nature was ingrained from an early age, with the great lakes and rivers of Michigan serving as his playground. Saving to buy his first kayak, he explored picturesque rivers and canals. Witnessing the revitalization of the Detroit River also instilled in him an appreciation for the importance of preserving and restoring natural spaces. During college, despite being a track runner, Benjamin often found himself drawn to camping and hiking, recognizing the therapeutic and transformative power of nature. Grad school allowed him to explore the Driftless area, study abroad in Germany, and learn from the wisdom of the Ojibwe People. After moving to Detroit, he experienced firsthand the impact of limited outdoor access. Then the opportunity to relocate to La Crosse, Wisconsin, arose, leading Benjamin to discover Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA). Never expecting to work