We all know the importance of mental health in our own lives. We recognize the value of access to nature. But how do we understand access to mental health for outdoor guides and instructors during the off season, or when lack of health insurance stands in the way of quality therapeutic assistance? What about how to recognize the signs of burn out in your community or staff? How ca n you partner with the Redside Foundation to create awareness and support for the professionals that provide access for the public to enjoy wild spaces well.

My interview with Daniel Brown answers all these questions and more!

This subject is near and dear to my heart so please consider sharing and sending this episode to an outdoor guide you know or a local public official who can start taking the steps to create initiatives that support the outdoor recreation workforce using the Redside Foundation as a guide!

Katy Clay is the Director of Outdoor Recreation at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. We discuss the challenges of staffing a university program, onboarding and development, her personal experience working at Liberty’s outdoor program, and Katy’s personal philosophy of the value of outdoor recreation!

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On the show today is David Wheatley. David is a leadership coach, trainer, speaker and podcast host. With over 20 years’ experience of supporting individuals and groups through successful leadership transitions, David knows how to build high performing teams and confident leaders at any level. He is the co-author of "50 DOs for Everyday Leadership: Practical lessons learned the hard way (so you don't have to)" as well as, "What Great Teams DO Great" available anywhere you get your books. We talk about his past work in outdoor recreation, how to ask good questions, what creates healthy and unhealthy work culture, and how to find your way in challenging leadership positions. If you’re intrigued by what David has to say in this interview, do check out the resources mentioned previously and help yourself and your business by contacting David at Humangery.com.

On the show, we have Blue Water Freedivers Master Freediver Instructor Bob Fanok. Bob has been fascinated by the underwater world and passionate about all watersports including diving since an early age.  A PADI-certified Rescue Diver (SCUBA) since 1994, Bob had been actively scuba diving for a number of years when he became enamored by the mixed-bag of freedom, relaxation, challenge, and excitement that freediving offers. 

Between The Guidelines is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

His passion for freediving has only intensified over the years, and he’s recently had the privilege of training with 18-time world record breaking world champion freediver William Trubridge at the iconic Dean’s Blue Hole in Long Island, Bahamas. As an insured PADI Freedive Instructor, recipient of the PADI Elite Instructor Award for 2020 and 2021, and DAN CPR and First Aid Instructor, Bob trains all freediving levels from beginner to competitor, and is excited to share his knowledge and experience with those interested in this extremely rewarding and self-challenging sport.

Head to Blue Water Freedivers to learn what courses you can sign up for today! Additionally, follow Bob’s instagram to keep up with the amazing photos and updates he posts!

Comment, share, and subscribe, and feel free to reach out to Bob if you have any questions regarding Freediving.

Listen to the amazingly insightful and laughter filled conversation I had with Matthew Franklin Carter.

We talk about entrepreneurial skillsets, LinkedIn, Chick-fil-a, and how to invest in your community. Matthew is an incredible guy, intentional family man, and owner and operator of Mt. Yonder Fly Fishing.

Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to the show. If you haven’t already, please write a review of the podcast or rate it 5 stars on whatever listening platform you are using and reach out to me with any questions, comments, or insights you had regarding our interview together!

Jeannette Stawski serves as executive director for the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE). She is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and a Certified Executive Coach.  She was the director of Outdoor Adventures at the University of Michigan for eleven years and has worked as a professional outdoor guide, a wilderness medicine instructor, and NOLS instructor. She is currently the chair of the Coalition for Outdoor Access (COA) and lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan with her husband and their two children.

On the show today, Jeannette discusses her path into and through outdoor recreation and national organizational management. She is the author of The Valiant Leader: Resilience, Integrity, and Adventure. Her story is encouraging, inspiring, and so authentic to who she is as an outdoor leader. If you wish to improve your skills as a team leader, an outdoor educator, or a nature guide, I cannot recommend her book to you enough! Make sure to pre-order to receive your copy as soon as possible.

Jeannette shared amazing advice on how to set goals, deal with failure and insecurity, balance group needs and self-care, and much much more. Do consider sharing this episode with a friend to inspire them and comment below with your thoughts on our conversation! Thanks so much for walking Between the Guidelines with us today!

On the show today we have Tarin O’Donnell. She tears it up on the Tearin’ it Up Podcast, is a Jill of all trades, and was so fun to talk to and interview! In addition to hosting her own podcast, she works as the marketing director for Tahoe Mountain Sports, and is a professional yoga and fitness instructor. She champions the stories of women in the outdoor business world so please check her Podcast out wherever you listen to yours.

If you are not a paid subscriber, make sure to manage your subscription to Between the Guidelines so that you can get access to the second half of this interview!

Whether you subscribe or not, please enjoy and share this interview with a friend or colleague. Have fun Between the Guidelines out there!