Episodios

  • 508 Joshua Schwartz Travel Creel replay

    508 Joshua Schwartz Travel Creel replay
    May 20 2025
    Enjoy this replay of EP 373 with Joshua Schwartz and Travel Creel. Today on episode 373 of the outdoor biz podcast I’m talking with Travel Creel founder and chef Joshua Schwartz. Joshua and his team love to fish! Their goal is to combine world-class fishing destinations with comfortable accommodations and outstanding dining experiences. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Show Notes How'd you get into cooking? So, my grandfather owned a French bistro, so I kind of grew up in a restaurant as a kid, and he passed away when I was pretty young, and didn't really know how to deal with his passing. Didn't really understand grief and everyone was really upset. My family, my mom, my dad, my sister were all upset and I didn't really know what to do cuz I wasn't feeling upset, but I didn't know how to deal with it. And my mom's like, you, everyone deals with grief differently, so you just need to choose what you wanna do and how you wanna deal with it. And I said, well, I'm just gonna be a chef like grandpa was. Oh, cool. And that was really kind of like, I set my sights on it and I never looked back. So tell us about your cooking career. You cooked at the French Laundry, Bouchon, and Per Se Yeah, so I started cooking at 14 professionally and worked my way through some of local restaurants and met a chef when I was in high school, who was an instructor at the New England Culinary Institute, and he worked for Thomas Keller at his original restaurant in New York called Rakel. He helped me get set up going to the New England Culinary Institute. Which, which is where I went to school in Vermont. And my first externship, from the way that school worked was you did six months at school, six months as an externship working in a professional kitchen. And then back to school for six months and then back out in the field for six more months. And then you graduated. So my first externship was in New York working for David Bouley at the original Bouley on Duane and Houston. And that was my introduction to fine dining. When did you have time to pick up fly fishing? When I was working at the French Laundry we started the project of Buchon and me and another chef friend Jeff Cerciello, we were going to be the sous chefs at Buchon. So we, we were helping with that project and everything was going really well, but it was kind of slow-moving, you know, building a restaurant out and starting it from the ground. , it was slow-moving. So we had, we had a lot of free time. I mean, not a lot, but more than normal. And he asked me if I wanted to go up and fish go fish with him up on Hat Creek. Which is, you know, a beautiful Spring Creek in Northern California. I had grown up fishing as a kid. My grandmother used to take me flounder fishing off the dock on Long Island as a kid. And, and then we moved to Pennsylvania when I was a little bit older and we had ponds in every corner. And I used to use my spin rod and catch bass left and right. And that was kind of like a normal summer routine for me. So I loved fishing. But I'd never fly fished before. And I caught my first fish on a dry fly and that was it. I mean, on the way home, I overdrew my bank account and bought a fly rod a fly. waiters and boots at the fly shop in Redding. I remember it specifically cause I overdrew my account. Right, right, right. But I was dead set on like, I'm gonna keep doing this. It's, yeah. So it's, it's a great sport to participate in. Yeah. And then that summer, like we took another, like, we, we all mountain bike and we took. A mountain biking trip up to Tahoe. And I remember one day we were, we were gonna do the Crest Trail and I was like, I'm gonna take the day off from biking and I'm gonna go fishing. And I went out to the East Carson and, and, and set myself up with a bob or rig for the first time and caught my first Subsurface on a fly rod, on a flash, a flashback, pheasant tail. And then I was just like, now I'm in it. So it was very cool. It was pretty awesome. And that was, that was the beginning. Then a couple of years later, what happened is I went to New York at that point and went to Per Se, and all my fly fishing gear went into a bin. So what was the inspiration for Travel Creel? How did those two things mesh into what you're doing today? So, a friend of mine has an outfitting company AC Fly Fishing out of Redding. And Anthony had approached me about helping him with a travel trip going to Louisiana for Redfish, and he said, you want to come along and you can go fishing and you'd cook for everybody? And I'm like yeah, dude. Like I get to basically go do this saltwater trip for free, right? Get to do some fishing and you know, all I gotta do is cook, like I can handle that. So it was a great introduction to travel and ...
    Más Menos
    44 m
  • 507 Josh Rosen Huckberry replay

    507 Josh Rosen Huckberry replay
    May 13 2025
    Are you hungry for adventure and connection? Listen in to this replay of Episode 372 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast featuring former pro snowboarder and Saturday's co-founder Josh Rosen. As host of Huckberry’s recently launched series DIRT, Josh shares how the show reconnects and inspires viewers to explore the world of adventure, the outdoors, and cooking in the wild, their backyards, and homes. Facebook Twitter Instagram The Outdoor Biz Podcast Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE. I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: email: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Show Notes: How'd you get connected with Huckberry? Yeah, it's been a really lovely, Experience with Huckberry. Initially, we worked on a project where, Kate West, who's the content director over at Huckberry, reached out to me cuz she had been in New York when I was there and worked for a nonprofit, bringing kids out. To the beach to surf and up into the mountains to snowboard from the inner city, which was really cool. And we helped out with that and, in any capacity we could, at Saturdays. And she had moved on and started working in Huckberry and asked if I was interested in doing, it's, they sell a really amazing, product called the, 72-hour shirt. Oh yeah. Which is this, it's. All the bells and whistles, antimicrobials, sweat, wicking, all that great stuff. But you're gonna essentially wear it and do anything you want for a couple of days, without a wash. So it's a great shirt to camp with and literally anything you're getting into. So before we get to the show, tell us about your cooking chat. Yeah, sure. Is that why you're there? it's interesting because the show always starts with meeting a chef, okay? And the chef always asks or has, so far, are you a chef? Okay. And my answer and the first time I was asked that my response was, No. I'm just a cooking enthusiast. I'm a food enthusiast. So how did the idea for dirt come to life? So Kate West came to Seattle to do this article for Huckberry with me about wearing the shirt. And we went out for 72 hours. It's the 72-hour shirt. And so that's the deal. It's like a, what can you do with this shirt in 72 hours? And I loved that task because I have always love to see how many activities I can accomplish in a day, so they came out and we went out to one of the San Juan Islands, which is our little chain of islands out here in the sound, beautiful spot. And it's a special place for sure. . , absolutely gorgeous. And we just, we went nuts. We did, the list is long, but we had these amazing couple of days, and somewhere in, in that time I posed to Kate that I had this idea for a food adventure show where essentially we do what we do on dirt, which is that we go to a place we meet with a chef, or the initial idea could also have been like a, somebody who's very connected to food in that city. And we got some information and that kind of set us off on our journey. How is this show different than other adventure travel shows? I think it's interesting. It's like until you work in a, you don't really look at that space that deeply, and after working in this space over the last year and l going around and looking at other adventured shows or on, things like YouTube catching cooks or food, food adventure pieces. It just feels. A lot of those shows and, nothing against them. There are some really great ones out there. We're really about the chef or the host. So what goes into deciding where to go? Is it driven by the food sources, the sustainability? It's a great question and I think we started in Seattle with no real distinct plan of where we were gonna go next because it was the trial episode and it was I think it was meeting with the people around, in that first episode in Seattle or at Washington State that we realized we can go anywhere. It was really liberating, right? Because initially maybe you gotta go to these really important big cities or, it was, we, there was a lot of discussions, but really it's we can go anywhere. We have and we've gone to New York cities, this last one, but we were in Minneapolis, and then we were in New Orleans and then, you know, there's. , there are amazing things happening everywhere. Yeah. It's just about going and looking and so we I think for us, a balance of places that are very obvious, like a New York City mixed with places like Minneapolis that are not necessarily places you like first on your list to visit. If you have a weekend off then of course like it's important that the product that Huckberry. is selling in the season. I'm very connected to that. So you don't actually work at Huckberry, but tell me about the brand. Was your perception of it beforehand and after you started working on the show? Did it change? It was a great beginning to it because I told you, I, I worked with on. Photoshoot with about the 72-hour shirt. I've always been very employee-focused. With my ...
    Más Menos
    46 m
  • Italy the AQTO Way: Travel, Ride, Live 506

    Italy the AQTO Way: Travel, Ride, Live 506
    May 6 2025
     Today, we’re talking with Nancy De Losa from AQTO Cycling Tours in Italy. For AQTO, the magic of riding in Italy is all about the challenge and reward. You get testing yourself on Italy’s most exhilarating climbs and descents while immersing yourself in authentic Italian hospitality. Facebook Twitter Instagram Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE I’d love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com What Happened: We didn’t mean to start a cycling tour business in Italy. No, really. It all started with a blog post. Damien rode a legendary vintage bike ride in Tuscany, blogged about it for his cycling apparel brand, and boom—emails started rolling in: “Do you run tours?” Cue the two of us looking at each other with raised eyebrows and saying, “...Maybe we do?” One spontaneous road trip, a few door knocks, and a hotel booking later—AQTO Cycling Tours was born. Here’s the kicker: I’m not a cyclist. Not even close. I married one. I live with one. But cycling? Doesn’t sing to my soul. Yoga and red wine, yes. Lycra and bike grease? Not so much. So I created something for the others like me—the non-cycling partners, the half-riders, the aspiring adventurers who want the Italian magic without the saddle sores. From curated cooking classes to 3,000-year-old olive trees, that little side program became a unique (and very loved) part of our brand. Principle: Just because you're not the “typical” expert in the room doesn’t mean you don’t belong in the business. In fact, your “different lens” might be the very thing that makes the experience more complete, more inclusive, and more memorable for everyone involved. Transition: A lot of us think we need to be “all in” on something to make it work—like being a hardcore cyclist to lead cycling tours. But the truth is, many adventure-based brands get stuck trying to serve only the enthusiasts. And in doing so, they forget about the partners, the dreamers, and the curious souls who crave the journey, just not the climbs. That’s why so many businesses feel out of reach for the average person. They’re built on the assumption that only experts belong. That’s Why: That’s why this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast exists—to show how Nancy and Damien built a boutique Italian adventure company that doesn't just cater to cyclists, but to humans who crave culture, community, and challenge. Whether you ride or not, their approach is a masterclass in designing an inclusive, enriching experience that welcomes everyone at the table (and on the trail). Call to Action: Tired of feeling like adventures are only for “serious” athletes? It’s frustrating when travel feels like a test, not a treat. That’s why this episode is a must-listen—because there’s a different way to explore. One that fits you. [Listen here to episode 506 now] Show Notes What what advice would you give someone who's never done an international cycling tour before but wants to give it a shot? I probably would say stop thinking about it and just do it.- Nancy De Losa Do you have a favorite book? Yes, it's called "Italian Joy" by Carla Olson. Favorite piece of cycling gear Q36.6 windshell Follow up with Nancy: AQTO Cycling
    Más Menos
    37 m
  • Lessons from the Trail: Parenting, National Parks, and Adventure with Jeff Alt 505

    Lessons from the Trail: Parenting, National Parks, and Adventure with Jeff Alt 505
    Apr 29 2025
    “Even if you don’t have the resources or time for a six-month trek, start where you are, with what you have. Every step outside is a step toward a life more fulfilled.” Facebook Twitter Instagram Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE I’d love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com How stuffing food into trash bags and hiking in tennis shoes planted the seed for a life of adventure. What Happened: Growing up, my family loved our little camping trips, and on one of them, my brothers and I convinced our parents to let us hike part of the Appalachian Trail overnight. (Big mistake — at least for our muscles.) We were wildly unprepared: sneakers from Kmart, trash bags over our shoulders instead of proper packs, and enough sore muscles to last a lifetime. I thought I was dying — but deep down, something lit up inside me. Even though every bone in my body hurt (and we ate an entire cooler of food afterward like ravenous raccoons), that night planted a seed. Over the years, I kept going back. Again and again. And that love for adventure grew into a walk across the entire Appalachian Trail… and eventually into fundraising hikes, family treks, bestselling books, and even TEDx talks. Not bad for a kid with a trash bag and a dream, right? Principle: Sometimes, the thing that feels the hardest at the beginning — the thing you think you're the worst at — is actually pointing straight at your biggest passion. Adventure (and success) doesn’t start with the perfect gear, the perfect timing, or even knowing what you’re doing. It starts by taking that messy, imperfect first step. And when you lean into it — not run away because it’s hard — it can completely change your life. Transition: Most people think they have to have it all figured out before they start — the perfect trail shoes, the best plan, the ideal conditions. But waiting until you're "ready" is just another way of letting your dreams collect dust. If you've been feeling stuck, thinking you can't "start until" you have everything lined up… you're holding yourself back from the adventure that could change everything. That’s why: That’s why in this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, we sat down with Jeff Alt to dig deep into how those messy, unglamorous first steps can transform into a life filled with meaning, impact, and unforgettable stories. You’ll hear how Jeff turned a painful first hike into a movement, and why you don’t need perfect gear, perfect conditions, or perfect timing to build an extraordinary adventure life. Call to Action (PAS framework in one sentence): If you’re tired of feeling stuck, waiting for the “right” time to start your dream adventure (pain), and you’re sick of watching opportunities pass you by while you hesitate (agitate), listen to this episode now and discover why the imperfect first step is the one that matters most (solution). Show Notes  If you could give one piece of advice to someone who's hesitant to get started, whether it's solo hiking or taking their family on hikes, long distance treks, what would you tell 'em?  Partner up with somebody who's done it. Or, if you've never been hiking you know, there, there's lots of outdoor clubs online clubs and they're, they're based in every city USA. Join that group, go to that talk at the outfitter. You know, a lot of your fears will be overcome just by hearing. "Oh. That's how you do that. Oh, you have to filter the water before you drink it." And then if you're still like, I'm afraid to do this alone. Well, they say you shouldn't. Technically, go out backpacking alone anyway, right? So Go with a seasoned person for a night or two and mm-hmm. And learn the basics before you head off with your own family.  Do you have a favorite book?  Yes. Peter Jenkins, a Walk Across America  What about your favorite piece of outdoor gear? Under a hundred dollars?  Sea to Summit Air pillow.
    Más Menos
    33 m
  • Regenerative Travel, Storytelling, and Embracing Adventure at Any Age with Norie Quintos 504

    Regenerative Travel, Storytelling, and Embracing Adventure at Any Age with Norie Quintos 504
    Apr 22 2025
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE I’d love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Norie brings decades of experience from her roles at National Geographic Traveler and as a contributor to National Geographic. She shares fascinating insights into adventure storytelling, the evolving landscape of tourism, and the powerful shift toward regenerative travel. Subject: What a Red Puffy Jacket, a Black Lab, and the Tetons Taught Me About Adventure I discovered the magic of nature—only after realizing my feet were literally black with dirt. - Norie Quitos What Happened: If you told 12-year-old me that one day I’d be preaching the gospel of nature and conservation on a podcast, she would’ve laughed in your face while clutching her Lisa Frank diary. Back then, I was a hardcore indoors kid. My travel dreams were less “hike the Andes” and more “sip coffee outside a museum in Paris.” Nature? Great in theory. From a safe, clean, bathroom-accessible distance. But life had other plans. Specifically, two kids and a deep desire for them to experience something I hadn’t: the outdoors. Our first trip? My sister’s backyard. Borrowed tent. Questionable gear. But hey—we survived. That spiraled into state park weekends, and eventually, a full-on wagon adventure at the foot of the Tetons. Cue canvas tents, no showers, and yes—leeches. I was not okay. My soles were blacker than a burnt marshmallow, and I seriously questioned my life choices… until someone said, “It’s dirt, but it’s not dirty.” Mind. Blown. That moment changed everything. Principle: Adventure doesn’t require a plane ticket or a trust fund. It’s not always epic views and adrenaline rushes. Sometimes, it’s dirt, discomfort, and doing something that stretches you just enough to see the world—and yourself—a little differently. That shift in perspective? That’s where the real story begins. It’s not just about going places. It’s about who you become because you did. Transition: But here’s the thing… Most of us still think “adventure” only counts if it looks like a Patagonia ad. We think our stories aren’t worth telling unless they involve wild landscapes or bucket list bragging rights. The problem? That belief keeps so many of us from starting. From exploring our own backyards. From seeing travel as a tool for transformation—not just content creation. That’s Why: That’s why this episode with Nori Quintos hit home. Because it’s not just about where you go—it’s about how you go. Nori’s journey from suburban indoor kid to global storyteller proves that the adventure industry isn’t just changing—it’s opening up. She shares how regenerative travel is replacing tourism-as-usual, and why women over 50 are redefining what solo travel—and real power—looks like. Call to Action: Feeling stuck thinking your next adventure needs to be “epic” or expensive? That mindset’s the real roadblock. Break free with Nori’s story—because once you hear it, you’ll realize the best journeys don’t start with gear… they start with grit. Show Notes Adventure Travel Trade Association Adventure Travel Conservation Fund Eagle Creek Toad & Co
    Más Menos
    38 m
  • Brewing Adventure: Jess Nepstad on Outdoor Life, Coffee, and Bru Trek's Journey 503

    Brewing Adventure: Jess Nepstad on Outdoor Life, Coffee, and Bru Trek's Journey 503
    Apr 15 2025

    Today on episode 503 Jess Nepstad from Bru Trek joins me on The Show. Jess’s LinkedIn profile leads with 'Positively impact people every day!' He says they have a great little company in Bonner, MT - with a team of wonderful people who all enjoy life, the outdoors, work, and friends.

    Facebook Twitter Instagram

    Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!

    Sign up for my Newsletter HERE

    I’d love to hear your feedback about the show!

    You can contact me here: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

    What Happened:

    When I was a kid, the phrase “adventure ready” meant slapping a chili can into a backpack and pedaling 20 miles with your best friend and no helmet. Jess Nesad’s story took me right back. He and his buddy Mark did just that—bikes, backpacks, a plan (sort of), and zero water bottles. They made it to Luckock Park, camped under the stars, hiked to waterfalls, and sipped stream water like champions.

    It was rugged. It was real. And today? Jess is still chasing that kind of magic—but with a serious upgrade in gear and a lot more hydration.

    Fast forward a few decades, and he’s the founder of BruTrek, building over-engineered outdoor coffee gear that could survive a bear attack. (Okay, slight exaggeration—but seriously, this stuff is tough.)

    Principle:

    The gear you carry reflects how you show up in your adventures—and your business. Cheap tools, whether it’s instant coffee or uninspired branding, leave you flat. But when your tools are built for adventure—when they’re rugged, intentional, and actually designed for how you live—everything changes.

    Transition:

    Most outdoor brands talk a big game. But few are built by people who’ve lived it from both sides: the free-range childhood adventures and the boardroom branding meetings. If you’re tired of gear that breaks, branding that feels disconnected, or a business that doesn’t feel like you, there’s a reason for that.

    That’s why…

    That’s why this episode hits different. Jess bridges the gap between old-school outdoor grit and the next-gen mindset of thoughtful design, loyal community, and brand storytelling that actually means something. This episode isn’t just about coffee—it’s about creating a lifestyle that works as hard as you do.

    Call to Action:

    Still sipping cowboy coffee and calling it good? You deserve better.
    Don’t let bad gear (or bad branding) hold you back from the adventures you dream of.
    Listen to this episode and find out how to blend grit, growth, and a damn good cup of coffee into your brand.

    Show Notes

     Favorite piece of gear

    Neck Gators

    Favorite Bru Trek Gear: Steel Toe

    Favorite Book/ Authors

    Book:  John Irving

    Authors:

     Thomas McGuane

     Russell Rowland

    A B Gruthery

    Contact Jess

    Email:

    Facebook

    Instagram

    LinkedIn
    Más Menos
    33 m
  • Inspiration and Insights from Triple Crown Hiker Carey Kish Inspiration and Insights from Triple Crown Hiker Carey Kish 502

    Inspiration and Insights from Triple Crown Hiker Carey Kish Inspiration and Insights from Triple Crown Hiker Carey Kish 502
    Apr 8 2025
    Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, This week I’m joined by Triple Crown Hiker Carey Kish. A tireless hiker, outdoor and travel writer, Registered Maine Guide, and self-proclaimed certified fun-meister. Carey’s the author of Beer Hiking New England and a longtime columnist whose stories have inspired outdoor lovers across Maine and beyond for over two decades. We dig into trails, tales, and yes . . . a few cold brews along the way. Facebook Twitter Instagram Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE I’d love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com What Happened: I’ll be honest—before I ever hiked a long trail, I thought “grizzly country” was just a phrase thrown around to add spice to trail stories. Dramatic? Sure. But let me tell you, when you're deep in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, carrying bear spray for the first time, sleeping in wild country with bear scat nearby, you start to feel what it means to not be top of the food chain. And no, I didn’t see a grizzly. But they saw me. I know they saw me. But even wilder than the bears was the realization that after three long trails—Appalachian Trail, PCT, and CDT—I’d done it. Triple Crown, baby. I didn’t even set out to do it. It just happened. One trail became two, and then I thought, “What the hell, might as well do the third.” It was grueling, wild, hilarious (beer man, reporting for duty), and full of more characters than a Quentin Tarantino film. But that finish at the Canadian border? That was everything. Principle: Here’s the truth: You don’t need to have the perfect plan. You don’t need to start with all the gear dialed. You sure as heck don’t need to wait for the right time. The only thing that really matters? That you go. Just start. One step. Then another. Adventures don’t require perfection. They just need momentum. Transition: The problem is, most people let logistics, fear, or lack of a clear roadmap stop them from ever taking the first step. They think they need a six-month sabbatical, the latest gear, or some magical trail wisdom passed down by a bearded sage. They don’t. What they really need is someone who’s been there—who’s faced the bears (literal and metaphorical), hit the wall, and kept going. That’s why… That’s why I brought Carrie Kish on the podcast. Because she’s been through the highs and the lows—blisters, burnout, bourbon nights in the tent—and came out the other side with stories that prove you can do this. She’s not just a hiker; she’s a storyteller, a guide, and someone who’s figured out how to keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter what. Call to Action: If you’ve been dreaming of a big trail adventure but keep getting stuck in the planning—or worse, in the fear—this episode is your wake-up call. Stop waiting for perfect. Listen in now and discover how Carrie turned wild hikes and cold beers into a life well-lived (and how you can too). 🎧 Listen to the latest episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast now. Your trail starts here. Show Notes: Favorite piece of gear Puffy jacket from LL Bean Favorite Authors GearColin Fletcher John Krakauer Chris Bonnington  The travel works of Mary Morris Contact Carey Email: maineoutdoors@aol.com Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Books Thank you for joining us on another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Be sure to visit our website, rick saes.com. You'll find show notes and links to everything we talked about and more. And while you're at it, if you found value in this show, give us a rating on Apple Podcast or spread the word and tell a friend. That would really help us out too. We should tune in every week. Thanks again for listening to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast.
    Más Menos
    35 m
  • The Power of Invitation: Earl B. Hunter., Jr. Breaking Barriers in the Outdoors 501

    The Power of Invitation: Earl B. Hunter., Jr. Breaking Barriers in the Outdoors 501
    Apr 1 2025
    Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, on episode 501, Earl B. Hunter, Jr. from Black Folks Camp To make a second visit to The Show. is the Founder and President of Black Folks Camp Too — a marketing-driven business whose mission is to increase diversity in the outdoor industry by making it easier, more interesting, and more fun for Folks to go camping. He's an experienced business leader across multiple industries. He has been widely recognized for his ebullient personality, hard work ethic, and non-traditional approach to building relationships and closing deals. Facebook Twitter Instagram Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Sign up for my Newsletter HERE I’d love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com What Happened: It was the summer of 2017. I was clocking miles like a long-haul trucker, repping campers for a living. My 7-year-old son called me out—said I’d promised to take him to Mount Rushmore. He was right. I’d driven past it more times than I could count, but I’d never stopped. So we hit the road. We camped our way across the country, father and son, a Black duo in a tiny pop-up trailer, parking it beside some seriously decked-out RV setups. We saw the sights, roasted marshmallows, and somewhere near Albuquerque, we spotted something we hadn’t seen in thousands of miles: another Black family camping. My son lit up and said, “Hey Daddy! Black people!” That moment stuck. We talked to the family—Kimberly and crew—and she said something that flipped a switch in my brain: “Why don’t you change that then?” That “why not you?” hit hard. By the time we were driving up the California coast, the name Black Folks Camp Too was born. Principle: Too often, we wait for permission—permission to belong, to show up, to start something meaningful. But sometimes, it takes seeing the gap with your own eyes, feeling the silence in certain spaces, to realize: you’re the one who’s supposed to fill it. And in business, just like in the outdoors, if you’re only serving the same people the same way… you’re gonna miss the fire. The campfire, that is. Transition: Most people think getting more folks into the outdoors is about better gear or cool photos on Instagram. But that’s not it. The real challenge is the invitation—and the welcome. And too many companies still don’t know why the diversity gap exists, so they don’t know how to fix it. That’s why a lot of businesses are struggling. Not because there’s no market—but because they don’t see who they’re ignoring. And even when they do? They get hung up on the word Black in the name… instead of focusing on the unity behind the mission. That’s why: That’s why this episode matters. Earl Hunter isn’t just talking about camping—he’s talking about culture, connection, and cracking open an industry that’s been too exclusive for too long. He’s not asking for handouts or kumbayas. He’s showing up with data, vision, and a real plan to shift the outdoor industry before it goes broke. Call to Action (PAS style): If you’ve ever felt like the outdoor world wasn’t built for you—or your brand’s been stuck serving the same crowd—it’s time to tune in. Ignoring the invitation problem won’t fix it. But this episode will give you a fresh lens and a fire to take action. 👉 Hit play now. Let’s change the campfire conversation. Show Notes: Earl B. Hunter Jr. Black Folks Camp Too Oboz Insoles Sylvansport  Georgia Military College  Appalachian State University Earl's Trail name:  Icebreaker  Mount Rushmore  Unity Blaze  Favorite piece of outdoor gear: OBOZ Insoles Favorite book:  The Billion Dollar Bet,  Bob Johnson Advice:  the first advice I would give folks is, is to go to our unity, go to black folks camp too, and go to our Unity blaze map and find campgrounds that are on our map that are actually there. Those folks are truly invited and welcoming you to camp at their campground. I would also say to know before you go. Do as much research as you can. You have these devices now, and you have so many YouTube channels and things of that nature to learn about camping. Follow up with Earl: earl@blackfolkscamptoo.com Black Folks Camp Too #Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #Black Folks Camp Too, #Earl Hunter, #diversity in the outdoors, #Appalachian State, #Unity Blaze, #outdoor industry, #inclusion, #Unity Blaze partners, #outdoor community, #backpacking, #state parks, #Oboz Footwear, #Spacious Skies Campgrounds, #outdoor lifestyle, #RV camping, #outdoor participation, #unity in outdoors, #generational transfer, #environmental stewardship. Thank you for joining us on another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Be sure to visit our website, rick saes.com. You'll find show notes and links to everything we talked about and more. And while you're at it, if you ...
    Más Menos
    49 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup