
Hosted by Rick Saez · EN

Welcome to episode 538 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. A Holiday Replay of episode 501 with Earl Hunter. Earl is a motivational speaker and founder of The Unity Folks™. 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 Hunter 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 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. #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.

Welcome to episode 539 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, on this replay episode, I'm talking with Casey Hanisko. Casey is a distinguished leader in adventure travel. She's the former President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and an executive coach helping tourism leaders navigate change. Recognized among the "50 Most Important Women in Travel," she shares her expertise through media, speaking engagements, and her "Leading Naturally" newsletter. Show Notes Casey Hanisko Linkedin Guest Focus Instagram Adventure Travel Trade Association The Leap That Terrified Me More Than Any Business Decision (And What It Taught Me About Leadership) Ever stood at the edge of something terrifying—knowing the only way forward is to leap, but every cell in your body is screaming, Nope? That was me on a canyon swing in Interlaken. Spoiler: I needed a push. You think making high-stakes decisions in business is tough? Try standing on the edge of a 300-foot drop, debating whether plummeting into the abyss is a good idea. There's a moment in adventure—and in leadership—where hesitation creeps in. Your palms sweat. Your mind races. And sometimes, you need someone to give you that push. What Happened: I'd like to think I'm pretty fearless. I've hiked, biked, and paddled my way through some of the world's most stunning (and challenging) landscapes. But nothing—not rock climbing, not waterfall jumping, not even running a business—prepared me for the sheer terror of standing on the edge of a canyon swing in Interlaken. Picture this: I'm perched on the platform, strapped in, heart pounding. My entire executive team—yes, the people I work with—are watching. The guy running the swing looks at me and asks, "Need a push?" ABSOLUTELY NOT! I sit there for two full minutes, locked in a battle with my own fear. Every rational thought in my brain says, Just do it. But my body? Oh, my body says, Are you out of your mind?! Then, the guy places a hand on my back. Just enough pressure to remind me: I either take the leap myself, or I'm going anyway. And that was it. I went. Terrified. Screaming. And, once I hit the swing… laughing. Principle: That moment on the canyon swing? It's leadership in a nutshell. Leadership requires courage. Sometimes, you're at the edge of a big decision, knowing you need to move—but fear holds you back. Sometimes, you need support. That guiding hand (or well-placed nudge) from someone who sees your potential, even when you doubt yourself. And often, the thing you dread most? Turns out to be the most exhilarating experience of your life. Whether it's taking the leap into a leadership role, starting that business, or stepping into unknown territory—you're going to feel fear. That's normal. The key is to recognize it, hold it, and move forward anyway. Transition: The problem is, most people let fear stop them. They overthink. They hesitate. They tell themselves they need more time, more preparation, more certainty. But here's the truth: the perfect moment? It doesn't exist. Too many outdoor entrepreneurs and leaders stall out waiting for the "right time" to make their next move—whether that's scaling a business, stepping into leadership, or launching that dream trip. That's Why: That's why, in this episode of The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I sat down with Casey Esco—executive coach, adventure leader, and all-around expert on navigating uncertainty in business and the outdoors. She shares exactly how adventure can teach us to embrace risk, push through hesitation, and build the courage to lead (even when you're scared out of your mind). Call to Action: If fear has ever held you back from making a move—whether in your career, your business, or even your next adventure—you need to hear this episode. Because courage isn't about being fearless, it's about taking the leap anyway. #Outdoor Adventure, #Podcast, #Adventure Travel, #Leadership, #Coaching, #Outdoor Activities, #Nature, #Curiosity, #Camping, #Hiking, #Strategic Planning, #Storytelling, #Diversity, #Women Leaders, #Inclusivity, #Nature Inspired Coaching, #Outdoor Brands, #Business Strategy, #Personal Growth, #Passion, #Wellness, #Travel Experiences, #Adventure Community, #Outdoor Lifestyle, #Networking, #Conservation, #Adventure Stories

Today on episode 537, I'm speaking with Heather Physioc. Heather is a speaker, educator, trainer, and globally recognized leader in discoverability. Heather and I are both members of the Outdoor Writers Association. Hey Heather, welcome to the show. Today, Rick talks with Heather Physioc. Heather is a speaker, educator, trainer, and globally recognized leader in discoverability. 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@ricksaez.com Show Notes WHAT HAPPENED: Ever planned the trip of a lifetime… only to have your wallet vanish before the adventure even begins? Yeah. That was me. I was in Peru, fresh off a 40-hour journey, jetlagged, under-caffeinated, and apparently running on "let's misplace everything" mode. Somewhere between airport security and the Lima coffee line, my wallet poofed into thin air. Great start to a solo trip through the Andes, right? But here's the wild part — losing that wallet wasn't the disaster it felt like. It became the perfect kick-in-the-hiking-boots reminder that adaptability isn't just an outdoor skill — it's a life skill. That week, I slept in tents outside of homes where I didn't speak the language, ate potatoes dug straight from the dirt, and learned how "risk" and "reward" share the same trail. PRINCIPLE: What I learned — or remembered — was this: the outdoors doesn't wait for your plans to be perfect. And neither does life. You don't need permission, pristine conditions, or even a full wallet to step into something bigger than your comfort zone. You just need to go. And trust that you'll figure it out as you go. TRANSITION: But here's where most of us get stuck — not because we lack the gear or the desire, but because we've been trained to wait for the right moment. The right job title. The right guide. The right, whatever. And in that waiting, we lose the chance to hear what nature — and our own gut — is trying to say. THAT'S WHY: That's why I had Heather on the podcast. Because she gets it, she's blended a high-level marketing career with nature photography, conservation storytelling, and a serious dose of wild adventure. She talks about everything from leadership lessons in the backcountry to how observing owls in the city can rewire your creative brain. If you've ever wondered whether the outdoors can really shift your mindset, your leadership style, or even your career — this episode is for you. CALL TO ACTION: Feeling stuck in the scroll, burned out from the noise, and unsure where to begin? That's your sign. Stop waiting. Start small. And listen to this episode. It might just be the nudge your nervous system — and your soul — has been craving. Follow up with Heather on her website: Heather Physioc, Speaker & Trainer 🎧 Listen here.

Today, Rick sits down with Cincinnati-based climate science and outdoor writer Jessica Baltzersen, whose passion for storytelling has taken her from bison-filled islands to moonlit rainbows and community gardens making a difference in urban food deserts. Facebook Twitter Instagram Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Show Notes Show Notes Show Notes WHAT HAPPENED: I'll be honest—when I first started freelancing, I chased the big stuff. Wildfires out west. Epic storms. National parks everyone's heard of. And yeah, the views were killer, the access? Not so much. Crowds. Traffic. And trying to pitch a story that wasn't already told a hundred times by someone standing in the same exact spot? Near impossible. Then I moved back to Cincinnati. Yeah, the Midwest. You know, the place nobody writes about unless there's a flood or a football game. But what I found? Holy hell. 5,000 acres of parks. National Water Trails. People pulling literal tons of tires out of rivers with their bare hands and busted backs. And stories—real ones. Raw. Personal. Uncovered. One day, I'm chasing a moonbow in Kentucky. (Yes, that's a lunar rainbow, and yes, it's real.) Another, I'm writing about community gardens growing hope in the middle of urban food deserts. And all of it—every story—started right here in my own overlooked, underestimated backyard. PRINCIPLE: The best outdoor stories don't always come from the big, dramatic places. Sometimes, they're right under your nose—in the "boring" places, told by everyday folks doing extraordinary things. As outdoor storytellers, travelers, and advocates, we've got to stop thinking epic = better. Local can be just as powerful—if not more. TRANSITION: But here's the thing: too many creatives, writers, and adventurers are stuck in this belief that the only stories worth telling live out west or come with a plane ticket. That the Midwest, the South, or even your own neighborhood isn't "sexy" enough for an audience. So they scroll past, ignore it, and miss the magic right in front of them. THAT'S WHY: This episode with Jessica Erzen is so damn important. She reminds us that storytelling isn't about location—it's about perspective. It's about being curious enough to dig into the stories no one else is talking about. It's about realizing that a river full of tires can be just as compelling as a summit photo in the Rockies. Maybe more. CALL TO ACTION: Feeling like your outdoor stories aren't big enough to matter? You're not alone—most folks think if it's not wild, it's not worth it. But the truth? The stories that really move people are often right in their own backyard. Listen to Jessica's episode now—because the next great story might be just outside your front door. Follow up with Jessica: jpbaltzersen@gmail.com

2024 Holiday replay, Traveling with Experience Plus can launch a rewarding lifetime love for seeing and experiencing the world by bicycle. On a bike tour, you will pedal quiet roads, secluded paths, and carefully curated routes at your own pace. Show Notes Learn More 00:00 Family led bicycle tours in Italy, bilingual upbringing. 08:16 Tours focused on local culture. 13:31 Emphasis on local culture in training and tours. Interaction with cafes, supermarkets, and cultural experiences. 22:42 Started company with friends, expanded to tours in Europe and Costa Rica. 28:43 Monica and Maria have learned from their parents and experience in tour design for over 50 years. 32:04 Tour leaders gain experience, travel, and focus on local experiences for travelers. 41:29 Travel with panniers by bicycle or join a guided tour if you can't plan it yourself. 45:37 Pisa to Furli trip is popular with 5-7 yearly departures due to variety and timing. 48:23 Monica highly recommends bicycling in the Mediterranean region, particularly in Sardinia, and praises the Sardinian people. 57:45 Maria has fond memories of bike touring in Europe, particularly the Camino de Santiago. 58:50 "Missioners Iberia's impact lies in its historical and geographic insight on the Camino de Santiago." Favorite Books Rick: Barbara Savage, Miles from Nowhere, Stevenson's travels with a donkey, On The Road, Jack Kerouac Maria: Michner's Iberia Monica: I love guidebooks, Rough Guides, Lonely Planet, but the Blue Guide especially, and the Cadogan Favorite Piece of Gear Maria: mountain bike clips and pedals that have flats on both sides Monica: a classical jersey with those wonderful pockets that you can just carry everything you need is amazing Rick: you need a multi-tool, a pump, and a patch kit. Follow up: Experienceplus.com Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us at the Outdoor Biz Podcast. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our show with them, too. And be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter Keywords #Bike tours, #Italy, #ExperiencePlus, #Fort Collins, #Colorado, #Travel content, #Blog recipes, #Biking benefits, #Dinner with guests, #Navigation arrows, #Tour routes, #Artisan visits, #Olive oil tastings, #Group dinners, #Tour leader, #Hotel relationships, #Bike inventory, #Experiential learning, #Mediterranean biking, #Local culture, #Sardinia tour, #Cycling gear, #Camera technology, #Family-run hotels, #Norwegian tour, #Italian lessons, #Group time, #Free time, #Travel books, #Titanium bike fleet, #Ebikes, #GPS mapping systems Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic Podcast hosted by Libsyn: sign up with code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF Show Notes powered by Castmagic Website powered by Wordpress Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thank you. Whether you've been tuning in every week, catching up on past episodes, or just discovered us this year, your support means the world. Because of you, we've shared some incredible stories, introduced you to inspiring guests, and hopefully sparked a little extra wanderlust in you. Show Notes 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

Today I'm talking with Doni Belau. Doni fell in love with Paris when her sister took her there as a high school graduation gift. She knew then Paris and traveling would need to be a part of her life. After a girl's trip to Paris one year with friends, a light bulb went on. Doni realized something magical happens when a small group of women travel together to a place of great beauty and culture. So in 2009, she started Girls’ Guide to the World. So she no longer had to choose between what she did and what she loved. 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 Show Notes 🌍 The Secret Sauce Behind Life-Changing Adventures (for Women Only!) Why adventure travel isn’t just for thrill-seekers (and how it can change your life). What Happened: When Donnie Belau first stepped foot in Paris, she had no idea it would alter the course of her life. She was fresh out of high school, standing under the Eiffel Tower with her sister, and feeling a pull she couldn’t explain. Years later, after a girls' trip to Paris with friends, she realized there was magic in traveling with like-minded women. That realization led her to create Girls’ Guide to the World, where small groups of women could bond, explore, and rediscover themselves in the world’s most breathtaking destinations. It wasn’t always smooth sailing—Donnie started without a plan, just a dream. But now, she curates over 70 trips a year, helping women forge friendships and memories that last a lifetime. From trekking with gorillas in Rwanda to meditating at Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest, Donnie’s trips are about more than just checking destinations off a bucket list—they’re about creating connections, fostering joy, and giving women the courage to embrace their adventurous spirit. #Sustainable travel, #women-owned businesses, #organic dining, #farm-to-table, #women entrepreneurs, #cultural exchange, #supportive network, #passion in business, #group travel dynamics, #small group size, #niche travel markets, #women's travel ambitions, #intimate travel experiences, #post-hormonal adventure, #meaningful cultural exchanges. Principle: Here’s the truth: Travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about seeing yourself in a new light. Whether it’s stepping out of your comfort zone or making lifelong friends, travel has the power to transform. Transition: Too often, women feel held back by fear, logistics, or the simple fact that no one else wants to go. They stay stuck in the routine, missing out on the transformative power of adventure. But it doesn’t have to be that way. That’s Why: That’s why Episode 485 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast is a must-listen. Donnie Belau shares how her curated trips aren’t just vacations—they’re a gateway to empowerment, friendship, and freedom. Call to Action: If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the world but felt unsure where to start, this episode is for you. Don’t let fear or hesitation keep you on the sidelines. Tune in now and discover how to make your dream adventure a reality.

Show Notes the year end news is beginning to trickle out already. The 2024 most listened-to podcast rankings from iHeartRadio changed things up a bit, sharing which shows were the most listened to by users based on which generation they fall into. Among Gen Alpha, a show with a school-like vibe ranks first as iHeart says Stuff You Missed in History Class was the most popular with the demographic of people born between 2010 and 2024. Among Gen Z listeners, This Is Important ranks on top. Millennial users of iHeart most streamed the on-demand version of “The Breakfast Club” radio show. Gen X listeners had something in common with Gen Alpha — they both went for something in the History genre — but Gen Xers were more interested in the bad guys. The age group’s biggest podcast was Behind the Bastards, the series that focuses on the worst people in history. Baby Boomers were more politically focused, with The Dan Bongino Show their top podcast pick in 2024. 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

This week on episode 483 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I'm talking with Anietra Hamper. Anietra Hamper is a trusted journalist having spent a successful career in television news working as an anchor and investigative reporter. Now, she is an award-winning outdoor and travel writer, book author, keynote speaker, and owner of ThreeWordPress. Show Notes 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 Brought to you this week by Wolfgang Man and Beast Show Notes Ever wonder how a childhood dream leads to catching a fish bigger than your entire body? Spoiler alert: it involves nightcrawlers, pigtails, and a life lesson you’ll never forget. What Happened: Let me take you back to where it all began: a little girl with red bows in her pigtails and a cane pole in her hand, standing on the shore of St. Mary’s Lake. "My grandpa—a master outdoorsman—taught me the essentials of fishing: respect for nature, the thrill of the catch, and the joy of releasing what you don’t plan to eat." “Dig those nightcrawlers, and I’ll take you fishing,” he’d say. So, there I was, unbothered by the dirt or the worms, just focused on earning my spot on the lake. Fishing wasn’t just a pastime; it was a gateway to appreciating the dew on the grass, the calls of morning geese, and the quiet magic of nature. Fast forward a few decades and countless fishing trips later, I found myself in a tiny Spanish village, Mecaninza. My goal? To catch the legendary wells catfish—monsters of the deep that grow to ridiculous sizes. That day, I hooked a fish so enormous I could’ve crawled inside like a sleeping bag. Holding it, I couldn’t help but cry. Not for the sheer size of the catch but because, in that moment, I felt Grandpa’s lessons come full circle. Principle: Here’s the truth: the seeds of our passions are often planted early, and they grow with us in ways we can’t always predict. For me, it was Grandpa’s insistence on finding joy beyond the catch—the sound of frogs, the way sunlight dances on water, the respect for what we take from the earth. Whether you’re an adventurer at heart or just finding your way into nature, the journey is about more than the destination. It’s about the stories that shape us, the lessons that stick, and the memories we carry forward. Transition: But here’s the thing: so many of us feel disconnected from this kind of life. Between work, deadlines, and everyday chaos, reconnecting with nature feels… impossible. Maybe you’ve never had a “Grandpa” moment to inspire you. Or maybe you’re stuck thinking outdoor adventures are only for the pros. That’s why we dove into this topic on the podcast—so you can see how anyone, from novice hikers to world-class anglers, can find their outdoor spark. Call to Action: Feeling stuck indoors and missing out on nature’s magic? Stop waiting for “someday” to start exploring. Listen to our latest episode with Anitra Hamper and discover how one passion can change everything. 🎣 👉 Click here to tune in now. Let’s turn your “someday” into today.

In our final episode of our multi-part series on planning and preparing for outdoor adventures, Emanuel Rose and I discuss planning the perfect road trip for camping and fishing Let’s hit the road and get ready for adventure—one mile and one cast at a time! Show Notes Nature Bound Podcast with Emanuel Rose Yosemite Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Tahoe to Yosemite Trail Kern River Mountain RIver Adventures Trinity Alps Sierra Ten Essentials Checklist Tea Candles 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