Highlander Podcast

By Outdoor Product Design & Development

Arts Business Design Careers

What's Highlander Podcast about?

A podcast about the past, present, and future of the outdoor industry.

Highlander is made possible by the Outdoor Product Design & Development program at Utah State University and Aggie Radio in beautiful Logan, Utah.

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LAST EPISODE

Britt Olsen | General Manag...

09.18.2023

Britt Olsen, General Manager for the Americas region at On Running, talks to students about how she builds high-performing teams and what she looks for in great candidates. Britt Olsen Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-olsen-67b6319/ Watch these conversations on YouTube! https://bit.ly/33SVb2O Listen to ...

Highlander Podcast episodes:

09.18.2023 Britt Olsen \| General Manager - Americas Region @ On Running Britt Olsen, General Manager for the Americas region at On Running, talks to students about how she builds high-performing teams and what she looks for in great candidates. Britt Olsen Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-olsen-67b6319/ Watch these conversations on YouTube! https://bit.ly/33SVb2O Listen to ...
09.04.2023 Michael Levy \| Owner + Editor of Summit Journal \| History of Gear Michael Levy, the owner and editor of the legendary climbing publication, Summit Journal, talks about the rebirth of the publication and the impact of the Journal on climbing going back to 1955. Subscribe to Summit Journal: https://www.summitjournal.com/ Watch these conversations ...
07.10.2023 Kevin Myette \| Director of Global Brand Services \| Highlander Podcast Kevin Myette, Director of Global Brand Services at BlueSign, talks to students about the intricacies of the supply network, the responsibility of brands for creating a more sustainable system, and the opportunity for students to take on these challenges. Kevin ...
07.03.2023 Dr. Rachel Gross Follow Up \| Assistant Professor & Outdoor Rec Archive Fellow \| History of Gear Dr. Rachel Gross, an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado-Denver== and one of our Outdoor Recreation Archive Fellows, talks about her most recent research which focuses on the relationship between big box stores, outdoor brands, and outdoor consumers over ...
06.26.2023 Stine Danielle Follow Up \| Artist and Outdoor Rec Archive Fellow \| History of Gear Stine Danielle, an artist and one of our Outdoor Recreation Archive Fellows, gives an update on her project and shares more about how archival imagery influences her latest work. Stine Danielle https://stinedanielle.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stine__danielle/ Watch these conversations on YouTube! https://bit.ly/33SVb2O Listen ...
06.20.2023 Jenna Celmer \| Co-Founder + Chief Community Officer + President of Basecamp Jenna Celmer, the Co-Founder, Chief Community Officer, and President of Basecamp talks to students about red and green flags when applying for jobs in the outdoor industry and shares powerful tips for finding a fulfilling career. Jenna Celmer https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennafrombasecamp/ Basecamp ...
06.12.2023 David Mydans \| Tent Designer @ REI \| History of Gear On this episode of the History of Gear, we talk with David Mydans, a legendary tent designer who got his start as an artist making product at Chouinard Equipment to becoming REI's first in-house product designer. David Mydans https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirtbagg/ Watch ...
04.17.2023 Nicole Bassett & Maura Dilley \| Cascade Circular \| Highlander Podcast Nicole Bassett and Maura Dilley, the sustainability leaders behind Cascade Circular, talk with students about circular design, systems thinking, and challenge students to take on the critical design challenges we face. https://www.cascadecircular.com/ Watch these conversations on YouTube! https://bit.ly/33SVb2O Listen to ...
03.28.2023 Elizabeth Goodspeed \| The Casual Archivist \| History of Gear Elizabeth Goodspeed, a designer and the Casual Archivist joins the History of Gear to talk about how she incorporates archives into her process, archives as ingredients, and how designers can find better inspiration. Check out the Casual Archivist newsletter, follow ...
03.13.2023 Charles Ross \| Performance Sportswear Specialist + Lecturer @ The Royal College of Arts Charles Ross, a Performance Apparel Specialist and Lecturer at the Royal College of Art, talks to students about the challenges designers face in creating a more sustainable world and their opportunity to create real impact beyond the apparel industry. Connect ...
03.06.2023 Bruce Johnson \| UCO \| History of Gear Bruce Johnson tells the story of UCO, a company known for developing the candle lantern, ice cream makers, and a variety of other outdoor products and their influence on iconic companies like Jansport and K2. Get the book Fire and ...
02.27.2023 Salomon x NASA Collaboration with Utah State University Dr. Julie Lamarra a faculty member in OPDD and Scott Betty, VP of Footwear and Gear at Salomon North America talk about their recent collaboration, challenging students to explore opportunities to integrate NASA materials and technologies into the Salomon line. ...
02.21.2023 Peter Yee \| Former VP of Industrial Design @ Oakley Peter Yee, former VP of Industrial Design at Oakley, talks about his contributions to creating iconic products at the brand, including the Oakley “O” and his journey into the world of product design. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-yee-9613ab4/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peteryeedesign/ Watch these conversations ...
02.06.2023 Yoji Kaneda \| PLM @ Danner Boots \| Highlander Podcast Yoji Kaneda, Product Line Manager at Danner Boots, speaks to students about his day-to-day role as a PLM, key skills and traits required for success, and the behind-the-scenes dynamic between design, development, and product management. Yoji Kaneda https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoji-kaneda-584679184/ Watch these ...
01.30.2023 Dick Tracy \| Plastic Buckle Inventor \| History of Gear Dick Tracy, inventor and innovator, talks about his contributions to the outdoor industry including the invention of the plastic buckle in a world dominated by metal fasteners. Watch these conversations on YouTube! https://bit.ly/33SVb2O Listen to these conversations on the Highlander ...
01.17.2023 Spencer Wyatt \| Director of Concepts and Surface Design \| Allbirds Spencer Wyatt, Director of Concepts and Surface Design at Allbirds, speaks to OPDD students about his interest in color and materials and the influence of Ninja Turtles on his design career. Spencer Wyatt Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-wyatt-84b8237/ Watch these conversations on YouTube! ...
12.27.2022 Rhonda Summer & Katherine Connolly \| Under Armour \| Outdoor History Summit 2022 Rhonda Summer, Design Director for Men’s and Women’s Outerwear & Outdoor at Under Armour and Katherine Connolly, a Graphic Designer at Under Armour, talk about the influence of archives on the design process and the power archival collections can have ...
12.19.2022 Katie Hargrave & Meredith Laura Lynn \| Educators & Artists \| Outdoor History Summit 2022 Katie Hargrave and Meredith Laura Lynn, educators and artists, shared how archives and a recent visit to USU Special Collections influenced some recent projects and art installations that explore the intersection of the outdoors and artistic expression. Katie Hargrave Associate ...
12.12.2022 Clare Pavelka \| Brand Archivist @ Red Wing & Vasque \| Outdoor History Summit 2022 Clare Pavelka, Brand Archivist for Red Wing and Vasque, speaks at the 2022 Outdoor History Summit about her role and the creation and growth of the archive. Clare Pavelka https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-pavelka-50b0578/ Outdoor Recreation Archive Fellowship https://libguides.usu.edu/c.php?g=1082619&p=8616180 Outdoor Recreation Archive Instagram https://www.instagram.com/outdoorrecarchive/?hl=en ...
12.05.2022 Catherine Acosta \| Brand Archivist @ Vans \| Outdoor History Summit 2022 Catherine Acosta, Brand Archivist for Vans, speaks at the 2022 Outdoor History Summit about why history matters and the creation and growth of the Vans archive. Catherine Acosta https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-acosta-2778b2109/ https://www.instagram.com/bourgeoisspirituality/ Outdoor Recreation Archive Fellowship https://libguides.usu.edu/c.php?g=1082619&p=8616180 Outdoor Recreation Archive Instagram https://www.instagram.com/outdoorrecarchive/?hl=en ...
11.27.2022 Darren Ritten \| Brand Archivist @ Arc’teryx \| Outdoor History Summit Darren Ritten, Brand Archivist for Arc’teryx, speaks at the 2022 Outdoor History Summit about the origins of the corporate archive as well as the opportunities and challenges of building an archive from the ground up. Darren Ritten https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-r-642aa92a/ https://instagram.com/mgssince1989?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Outdoor ...
11.17.2022 Stine Danielle \| Artist & Outdoor Recreation Archive Fellow \| Outdoor History Summit Stine Danielle, an artist who specializes in centering the voices of people of color in outdoor spaces speaks at the Outdoor History Summit about their time in the Outdoor Recreation Archive and her research as a 2022 Outdoor Recreation Archive ...
10.20.2022 Dr. Rachel Gross \| Outdoor History Summit 2022 \| History of Gear Dr. Rachel Gross, Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado-Denver speaks at the Outdoor History Summit about their time in the Outdoor Recreation Archive and research on the history of big box and specialty retail in the outdoor industry. Dr. ...
10.17.2022 Conrad Anker \| Climbing Legend \| History of Gear Series Climbing legend Conrad Anker speaks at the Outdoor Recreation Archive Kamp Kit Exhibit opening at Utah State University. Anker talks about the history of the outdoor industry, the evolution of gear, and the challenges of a changing climate for product ...
10.03.2022 Robert Thomas \| Senior Director / USA @ Arc’teryx Robert Thomas, Senior Director - USA for Arc’teryx, talks with students about the qualities of a great product line manager and PLMs as the hub of the product creation process. Robert Thomas \| LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthomas/ Watch these conversations on YouTube! ...
09.27.2022 Laura Miera & Randy Verniers Former VPs @ Marmot \| History of Gear On this episode of the History of Gear, two Marmot alums, Laura Miera, the VP of Technical Product Development and Randy Verniers, VP of International Sales talk about the early days of the company, the transition from domestic to international ...
08.15.2022 Sarah Al-Hussein, Product Developer @ Sanuk \| Highlander Podcast Sarah Al-Hussein, a product developer at Sanuk talks with first year product students at USU about their role as part of the product triad and the specific tasks of a developer in bringing footwear to market. Sarah Al-Hussein https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-al-hussein-20485789/ Watch ...
08.09.2022 Dan Madden, Founder of Madden Equipment & Mike Valvano, Former President \| History of Gear Dan Madden, founder of Madden Equipment, and Mike Valvano, former President at Madden join the History of Gear to talk about how Madden stood out from other early pack companies and the rise, acquisition, sunsetting, and revival of the brand ...
08.01.2022 Bob Anderson, Founder and Editor of Runner’s World \| History of Gear On this episode of the History of Gear, we talk with Bob Anderson, Founder and Editor of Runner’s World. We talk about how he started the magazine, the evolution and massive growth of the sport, and how introduced millions of ...
07.28.2022 Jack Kirkham \| Owner of Springbar Tents \| History of Gear Jack Kirkham, owner of Springbar Tents, joins the History of Gear Series to talk about the oldest tentmaker in Utah, his father’s passion for making great product, and how they’ve continued to make heritage USA made tents. Learn more about ...
07.19.2022 Outdoor History Summit 2022 \| History of Gear The Outdoor History Summit brings together historians, corporate archivists, brands, and enthusiasts to talk about the history and impact of the outdoor industry. RSVP and check out the full-lineup in the link below! https://usu-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h3u7BxSfSKODasIu1WwU7w Watch these conversations on YouTube! https://bit.ly/33SVb2O ...
07.18.2022 Dominique Showers, VP of ReBird @ Arc’teryx \| Highlander Podcast On this episode, Dominque showers, VP of ReBird, the circularity program at Arc’teryx, talks with students about upcycling, circularity, and what the company is doing to address sustainability issues in the past while building a roadmap to the future. Dominique ...
07.13.2022 Ted & Greg Hine \| Founders of Hine Snowbridge \| History of Gear On this episode of the History of Gear, the Hine brothers, Ted and Greg talk about the founding of Hine Snowbridge, their time working in the pack business, the growth of bike packing, and the shift form domestic to international ...
06.13.2022 Jaimus Tailor Talks Upcycling with Sustainability Class \| Highlander Podcast On this episode Jaimus Tailor, founder and creative director of Greater Goods talks to students about his pathway into the world of product design and the upside as well as limitations of upcycling. Greater Goods https://www.instagram.com/greater.goods/ Watch these conversations on ...
06.06.2022 Catherine Acosta / Product Archivist and Brand Historian @ Vans \| History of Gear On this episode of the History of Gear, Catherine Acosta, Product Archivist and Brand Historian at Vans talks about material culture, the blending of consumer products and art, and the challenges and opportunities of building a corporate archive from the ...
05.12.2022 Dr. Sahra Kaboli-Nejad \| Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion @ On Running On this episode, Dr. Sahra Kaboli-Nejad, Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at On Running talks with students about their individual power and responsibility to create more inclusive products, experiences, and teams as future leaders in the outdoor industry. Dr. ...
05.02.2022 Beirne Chisolm / Co-Founder of The Band \| History of Gear On this episode of the History of Gear, we talk with Beirne Chisolm, co-founder of The Band. We talk about how he and his brother Greg broke into the accessories business with their watchband, the early Utah outdoor industry, and ...
04.25.2022 Ami Vo / Senior Recruiter @ Deckers Brands \| Highlander Podcast On this episode, Ami Vo, at the time of recording, a Senior Recruiter at Deckers Brands, now at Nike, talks with students about the dos and don’ts of applying for positions in product creation and peels back the curtain on ...
04.18.2022 Allan Pietrasanta / Owner & Operator of Buttermilk Mountain Works \| History of Gear Allan Pietrasanta, owner and operator behind Buttermilk Mountain Works joins the History of Gear to talk about the influence of Bishop, CA on the company, the shift from outdoor gear to soft goods for the tech industry, and other memories ...
04.12.2022 Julia Feldman / Product Coordinator & Sustainability Leader @ TEVA Julia Feldman, Product Coordinator and Sustainability Leader at Teva, talks to students about how to integrate sustainability into the design process and how she stays motivated in the fight for sustainability. Julia Feldman LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliarose97/ Watch these conversations on YouTube! ...
03.28.2022 Jeff Knight / Co-Founder of Granite Gear \| History of Gear Jeff Knight, joins the History of Gear to talk about the company he co-founded, Granite Gear, making a better portage pack, how the region influences the product, and the art of packmaking Jeff Knight / LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-knight-79ba089b/ Watch these conversations ...
03.21.2022 Annie Agle / Senior Director of Impact & Sustainability @ Cotopaxi \| Highlander Podcast Annie Agle, Senior Director of Impact / Sustainability at Cotopaxi talks with OPDD students about the the challenges designers face when balancing performance and sustainability, why Cotopaxi focuses on using remnant fabrics, and the opportunities to build a more sustainable ...
03.17.2022 Clare Pavelka / Corporate Archivist @ Red Wing Shoe Company \| History of Gear Clare Pavelka, Corporate Archivist for Red Wing Shoe Company / Vasque joins the History of Gear to talk about the origins of the Vasque archive, the intersection of brand and state / regional history, and her journey from stamp collector ...
02.28.2022 Drew Eakins / North American Marketing Manager @ Hestra Glove \| Highlander Podcast Drew Eakins, North American Marketing Manager for Hestra Gloves talks about how students can break into the industry, his role and many hats as a marketing manager, and his pathway into the outdoor industry. https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-eakins-82566b9/ Watch these conversations on YouTube! ...
01.31.2022 Dawn Thao-Yang, Director of Global Product Design @ Carhartt \| Highlander Podcast Dawn Thao-Yang, Director of Global Product Design at Carhartt talks with OPDD students about her transition from fast fashion to creating durable, heritage product and the day to day of design leadership. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-thao-yang-97bb33a/ Watch these conversations on YouTube! https://bit.ly/33SVb2O Listen ...
01.24.2022 NASA / USU Design Thinking Collaboration \| Highlander Podcast Dr. Julie Lamarra (USU) and Kris Romig (NASA Commercialization), talk about their recent partnership challenging Design Thinking students to utilize NASA materials to change the outdoor industry. https://technology.nasa.gov/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lamarra-ph-d-5b2b4a183/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kromig/ Watch these conversations on YouTube! https://bit.ly/33SVb2O Listen to these conversations ...
01.03.2022 Cache Trails Update: Carly Lansche / Cache Trails Planner Carly Lansche, Cache Trails Planner for Cache County gives an update on all things trails for 2021 and some things to look forward to in 2022. https://www.cachecounty.org/trails/ https://www.instagram.com/trailscache/?hl=en Watch these conversations on YouTube! https://bit.ly/33SVb2O Listen to these conversations on the ...
12.20.2021 Dr. Rachel Gross / ”From Buckskin to Gore-Tex” \| History of Gear Dr. Rachel Gross, professor of history and gear historian, shares her insights on the history of the outdoor industry from the buckskin era to modern day. Dr. Gross brings a unique perspective looking at the outdoor industry within the larger ...
12.13.2021 Leander Angerer, Founder of Racing Atelier \| Highlander Podcast Leander Angerer, Creative and Founder behind Racing Atelier, talks about blending synthetic and natural materials to create beautiful and functional handmade packs in Bavaria. https://racing-atelier.com/ https://www.instagram.com/racingatelier/?hl=en Watch these conversations on YouTube! https://bit.ly/33SVb2O Listen to these conversations on the Highlander Podcast. ...
12.06.2021 Damon Morris, Senior Development Manager Collaborations / The North Face \| Highlander Podcast Damon Morris, formerly the Senior Development Manager of Collaborations at The North Face (now VP of Outdoor at K2), talks with students about the role of product management in bringing great product to market. Damon Morris LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonmorris/ Watch these ...

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