Inspire Campfire

This week, we're honored to welcome Zack Luttrell, an entrepreneur, adventurer, and community builder from Charlotte, North Carolina. Growing up with an event planner mother, Zack developed an early talent for bringing people together that eventually evolved into something deeper—a calling to create authentic experiences that connect people through shared passion.

Zack takes us on a journey through his transformation from corporate employee to visionary business owner. He describes that pivotal moment when, after losing his job during the recession, he turned his casual hobby of organizing Panthers fan events into a thriving community called Roaring Riot. What began as coordinating travel packages for friends to away games soon blossomed into a movement with thousands of members, dedicated tailgates, and international travel experiences that players themselves recognize from the field.

In this episode, we explore his latest breathtaking venture—purchasing and restoring the historic SV Mandalay, a 102-year-old sailing cruise ship with a remarkable pedigree that once belonged to E.F. Hutton and his wife Marjorie Merriweather Post. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about betting on yourself, the importance of authentic human connection, and what it truly means to build community around the things you love—whether it's football fandom or sailing the Caribbean seas in board shorts instead of suits.

This week, we're honored to welcome Louis Alexander, a Guinness World Record-holding adventurer and endurance athlete from London. At just 25 years old, Louis has already achieved feats that most of us can only dream of—running marathons on all seven continents and swimming marathons in all seven seas. His journey has taken him from the frozen landscapes of Antarctica to the sweltering waters of the Arabian Sea, testing the limits of human endurance while raising tens of thousands of dollars for charity.

Louis takes us on a journey through his transformation from an ordinary young man to a full-time professional adventurer. He shares the pivotal moment that sparked his passion for adventure—climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in honor of his late grandfather, Captain Rick Taylor, who inspired his mission to raise awareness for dementia. That first adventure ignited a fire within him, leading to a relentless pursuit of challenges that push the boundaries of physical and mental endurance.

In this episode, we explore the mindset and grit required to take on such extraordinary challenges, the lessons Louis has learned from the world's most extreme environments, and the profound sense of purpose that drives him. From the Amazon Rainforest to the Arctic Circle, Louis shares stories of triumph, struggle, and the power of finding meaning through adventure.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about embracing risk, building resilience, and using adventure as a force for good.

This week, we’re honored to welcome Stephan Kesting, adventurer, firefighter, jiujitsu practitioner, and author of the new book Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subarctic.

Stephan shares the gripping story of his thousand-mile solo canoe expedition through the Canadian Subarctic—a journey he undertook after recovering from a life-threatening illness and a kidney transplant.

Stephan recounts how a near-death experience reshaped his perspective on life, inspiring him to finally pursue a decades-long dream of exploring one of the most remote and unforgiving regions of the world. From battling treacherous rapids and harsh weather to a chilling encounter with a bear, Stephan’s story is one of courage, resilience, and calculated risk-taking. He reflects on the lessons he learned about perseverance, risk management, and the fleeting nature of time.

Join us for an inspiring and raw conversation about chasing your dreams, overcoming adversity, and finding meaning in the wilderness.

This week, we're honored to welcome Bryan Murphy, creator and host of the popular podcast and social media brand "Hawaii's Best." Growing up in Southern California, Bryan developed an early fascination with the Hawaiian Islands that eventually evolved into something deeper—a calling to share Hawaii's magic with the world.

Bryan takes us on a journey through his transformation from casual tourist to passionate advocate for responsible travel to Hawaii. He describes that pivotal moment stepping off the plane for the first time, breathing in the warm Hawaiian air, and feeling an immediate connection that would shape his future.

That initial visit sparked what would become a lifelong mission to help others experience Hawaii not just as a destination, but as a way of life centered around the spirit of aloha.

In this episode, we explore the profound meaning of aloha beyond its marketing use, the unique character of each Hawaiian island, and how Bryan's media brand has become a bridge between visitors and locals.

Join us for a deep and moving conversation about finding purpose through passion, embracing adventure one step at a time, and what it truly means to travel with aloha.

This week, we’re honored to welcome Niki DiGaetano, a death doula from Salt Lake City, Utah, who has dedicated her life to supporting those at the end of theirs. Niki had long felt called to work with the dying, but it wasn’t until a 2022 section hike of the Appalachian Trail that she found the confidence to fully embrace that path.

After her journey on the trail, she told friends, "If I can find work that allows me to listen to people’s stories—the good, the bad, the ugly, traumatic, and triumphant—it would be the truest work of my soul." That realization led her to become a death doula, offering emotional, spiritual, and practical support to those facing life’s final transition.

In this episode, we explore the profound connection between living and dying, the wisdom nature imparts, and how Niki’s time on the trail shaped her approach to compassionate care. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about what it truly means to live well—and die well.

This week, we’re excited to welcome filmmaker Zach Carver for an in-depth look at a journey fueled by tradition, exploration, and sheer self-reliance. At the heart of our conversation is the Race to Alaska—a grueling, human- and wind-powered challenge through North America’s Inside Passage. With no engines, no support crews, and barely any rules, this race demands unwavering grit and determination from its competitors.

Zach Carver, the award-winning writer and director of the documentary Race to Alaska, spent over seven years capturing the essence of this extraordinary event. With more than 70,000 shots, he masterfully crafted a gripping tale of adventure and resilience. But his role wasn’t just behind the camera—Zach fully immersed himself in the race, becoming part of the story as he documented the raw spirit of those daring enough to take on the challenge. Join us as we explore the making of this remarkable film and the relentless human drive that defines the Race to Alaska.

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Oscar Newson-Smith, a visionary changemaker with an extraordinary story of purpose, resilience, and impact. Oscar is the founder of The Racso Project, a social enterprise dedicated to revitalizing Turkey's economy and infrastructure in the wake of three devastating earthquakes in 2023.

To amplify awareness and support for this critical mission, Oscar has undertaken an awe-inspiring journey: walking over 2,600 miles from London, England to Ankara, Turkey. His route spans 12 countries, weaving through forests, mountain ranges, bustling cities, and quiet towns, all fueled by a deep commitment to inspire hope and drive change.

Join us for a powerful conversation about courage, personal responsibility, and the boundless potential of one person’s determination to transform lives.

This week on the podcast, we're joined by artist and world traveler Chris Matsushige for an unforgettable story from Pamplona, Spain. Every year, the historic Running of the Bulls attracts millions of spectators and daring participants who sprint alongside six bulls and six steers through the cobblestone streets of the city. Hailing from San Diego, California, Chris has not only explored countless countries through his art but also earned the badge of bravery by running with the bulls himself. Tune in as he shares his heart-pounding, firsthand account of this centuries-old tradition—equal parts adrenaline and cultural wonder.

This week on the podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Craig O’Boyle! Craig, a real estate entrepreneur from Colorado Springs, Colorado, lives by the mantra "work hard, play hard." Each year, he organizes a unique adventure for his close-knit group of friends, the self-dubbed “Outdoorsy Guys” (OGs). The twist? Craig is the only one who knows the destination. The rest of the crew shows up at the airport, ready to embrace the unknown.

In this episode, we dive into their unconventional approach to travel, the bonds forged through shared adventure, and the magic of stepping out of your comfort zone. It's a conversation about trust, spontaneity, and the joy of the journey.

This week on the podcast, we’re bringing you a powerful episode centered on compassionate leadership, belonging, social awareness, moral courage, and driving social change. These values are at the heart of the Charlotte Unity Project by the North Carolina Outward Bound School—a transformative initiative that begins with a free 7-day wilderness program for 48 high school students from 8 diverse schools across Charlotte, North Carolina.

In this program, students develop technical skills, engage in deep, meaningful conversations, and cultivate leadership and problem-solving abilities. Upon returning to school, they’re encouraged to join their high school’s Unity Club to share their insights, inspire peers, and make impactful contributions to their communities.

You might remember episode 44, where Charlotte Program Manager Alexys Woods shared her journey with Outward Bound and her leadership of the Unity Project. Today, we’re thrilled to welcome three incredible recent participants of the program. These inspiring high school student leaders will share their transformative experiences and the impact the Unity Project has had on their lives.