Life in Motion

In this episode we interview Justin Yoder of LGBT+ Outdoors. Growing up in a small town in Missouri, Justin was no stranger to the outdoors. Always camping and exploring, his love for being outside continued to grow. He also had a love for Africa - with Nat Geo being to blame. Justin decided to start a nonprofit to support the children of Africa while combating Aids/HIV. Shortly after he 'came out', and while navigating his new journey came to a realization - there was an inherent lack of diversity present in the outdoor space for the LGBT+ community. This discovery inspired him to start LGBT+ Outdoors as a safe haven for others to share their love for the outdoors. Now with local chapters across the country, clinics and special events, their nonprofit is impacting hundreds. If you've ever wondered why the outdoors is for everyone and how you can change your way of thinking, then this one's for you!

Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.

Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

Find more episodes at https://illuminecollect.com/blogs/news/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $29,358 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 135 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Nicole Hamel who is a hiker, explorer and traveling nurse. Growing up in Massachusetts, getting outside to ski and snowboard on the White Mountains was a norm. She even hiked Mount Washington at only 6 years old. As Nicole got older, she lost interest in the outdoors - at least until college. A group of friends doing the New Hampshire 48 invited her on a hike. Uncomfortable, out of shape and slow - they didn't invite Nicole on another hike. Little did she know this would spark something within her. She soon found herself hiking regularly, building her strength and always in search of the next trail. Nicole couldn't get enough of how she felt both mentally and physically after a hike. The best part? Being a traveling nurse let her explore new cities, hike new trails and meet new people. The flexibility also allowed her to take months off at a time, which was perfect for her dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail; which she completed in 2022. If you've ever wondered how nursing and adventure can go hand in hand, then this one's for you!

Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.

Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

Find more episodes at https://illuminecollect.com/blogs/news/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $29,358 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 134 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Colin Harris of Take Me Outside. Growing up in Canada, Colin had a great appreciation for its vast landscape. He was also inspired by Terry Fox's story; the man who ran across Canada to raise awareness for cancer. This inspiration turned to a dream, and eventually a reality. But Colin wanted to raise awareness for something else - outdoor education. He founded Take Me Outside and set off across the country. Along the way, he stopped at 80 schools and engaged 20,000 students in the conversation of how to be active and connected to nature. The mission didn't stop there. Now, Take Me Outside works with organizations, school boards and individuals on initiatives that encourage thousands of youth to spend more time outside and less in front of a screen. If you've ever wondered the benefits of the outdoors and the impact it can have, then this one's for you!

Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.

Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

Find more episodes at https://illuminecollect.com/blogs/news/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $29,358 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 133 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Sydney Williams of Hiking My Feelings. After being a recently diagnosed diabetic and quitting two jobs, Sydney hiked atop a mountain in hopes to find the answers she was looking for. Rather than stunning 360º views, the only thing to see were clouds. Still, Sydney felt a certain calm. The reason? Because instead of eating and drinking her feelings, she was hiking her feelings. A light bulb went off. Next thing she knew she sold everything to hit the road, share her story and introduce others the healing powers of nature. Over 5 years later her nonprofit is helping hundreds reconnect with themselves and reconnect with nature. If you've ever wondered how simple it is to find wellness in the wilderness, then this one's for you!

Want to support their mission? For the month of January Illumine is donating 20% of all sales to Hiking My Feelings with the limited edition Wellness in the Wilderness Collection. Shop now at www.illuminecollect.com

Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.

Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

Find more episodes at https://illuminecollect.com/blogs/news/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $29,358 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 132 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Alex Bailey of Black Outside. As a kid Alex fell in love with the outdoors every time he visited his grandparent's farm and helped in their garden. There was just something about getting his hands dirty. During summer break in college he decided to be a camp counselor and the experience transformed his lens on the power that nature has on youth. One day while chasing waterfalls (and jumping in them) Alex noticed there weren't any kids around that looked like him. He knew that needed to change, but saved that thought for another date. Later he joined Teach For America, where his memory of the waterfall was sparked. Alex needed to find a way to send kids of color to summer camps like he experienced. So what did he do? Start Black Outside, a nonprofit that reconnects Black and African/American youth with the outdoors. Now they're giving hundreds of kids the opportunity to get outside. If you've ever wondered how a simple passion can make a big impact, then this one's for you!

Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.

Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

Find more episodes at https://illuminecollect.com/blogs/news/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $28,779 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 131 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview eco-explorer Mario Rigby. Born in Turks & Caicos, Mario spent his childhood in Germany, before moving to Toronto as a teen. The city changed his perspective of the outdoors, until one day he decided to walk the length of Africa. While training, he reconnected with nature, much as he did on the island with his brother. But what inspired him to take on such a feat? Mario had aspirations of becoming a track and field olympian and was competing at the highest level. That was until lack of funding and injuries put things on pause. He fell back on a 9 to 5, but as an olympian, that wasn't going to cut it. Mario missed the challenges of competition. He decided to rekindle his drive by exploring places others would only see in National Geographic - to entrench himself in their culture and stories while sharing them with the world. Mario spent 2 years trekking across Africa, an immersive experience that was more about the people than it was about the adventure. Now Mario searches for new places to travel to soak up moments and share with others. If you've ever wondered why you shouldn't live in fear and be brave enough to see the world, then this one's for you!

Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.

Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

Find more episodes at https://illuminecollect.com/blogs/news/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $28,779 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 130 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Berkeley Bryant of Blue Sky Funders Forum. Growing up in Texas, Berkeley spent a lot of time running around outside. In middle school she stumbled upon Sea Camp, which took her love for the outdoors to the next level. With her mind set on being a marine biologist, things took a turn when Berkeley realized she didn't want to study nature - she wanted to conserve it. That led her to earn a degree in environmental education and eventually became the social media manager at North Carolina State's College of Natural Resources. While Berkeley didn't see it at the time, this was the perfect opportunity to connect with others in the field. One recommended looking at environmental education through a different lens and suggested Blue Sky Funders Forum. It was an obvious fit for her love of the outdoors and educational background. Now as the program coordinator she's helping Blue Sky Funders Forum fulfill their mission of inspiring philanthropy that supports thriving communities by advancing equitable opportunities for meaningful outdoor experiences and connections to nature. If you've ever wondered why you should never stop chasing your passion, or why relationships are the most important aspect of any community, then this one's for you!

Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.

Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

Find more episodes at https://illuminecollect.com/blogs/news/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $28,779 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 129 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Caulin Donaldson aka TrashCaulin, who's on a mission to keep Florida beautiful by picking up trash everyday. So how did it all start? Growing up in Florida, Caulin fell in love with the ocean and sharing it with vacationers. But there's one thing he couldn't understand while renting out cabanas and jetskis. After commenting that Caulin had the best job ever working on the water all day, they'd proceed to leave with their trash scattered everywhere. How could someone that calls the beach the greatest place ever just leave it to ruin when vacation was over? Rather than being stuck looking at it all day, he decided to do something about it - start a conversation online. His documentation of daily trash cleanups snowballed into similar cleanups by others. Now he's inspiring millions to take action, while also working with local municipalities and tourists to keep their beaches clean. If you've ever wondered how awareness is so contagious, then this one's for you!

Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.

Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

Find more episodes at https://illuminecollect.com/blogs/news/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $28,779 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 128 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Lexie Gritlefeld of California Outdoor Recreation Partnership. Lexie grew up in California and through hiking, trail running and alpine skiing, naturally fell in love with the outdoors. In college she became disconnected with the outside, but that all changed when Lexie and her dad hiked Mt Whitney together. Getting back to what she loved so much as a kid was exactly what she needed. Being off the grid also gave Lexie a convenient way to disconnect from her career in politics. After spending too much money on gas to ski and snowboard at Mammoth, she decided to make the move. Not a year later Lexie took the opportunity with California Outdoor Recreation Partnership - the perfect fit for her passion for outdoor advocacy. Now as the membership director she's building a passionate community that powers a voice for the outdoor recreation industry to shape policy, support investments, and engage an inclusive community of outdoor participants in California around the benefits of outdoor recreation. If you've ever wondered how policy can shape outdoor recreation, or how you may never know when you'll stumble upon your dream job, then this one's for you!

Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.

Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

Find more episodes at https://illuminecollect.com/blogs/news/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $28,562 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 127 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Jade Harvey of The Outdoor Learning Store. Growing up England, Jade spent her childhood exploring its beautiful green spaces, along with those in Europe. Once she got older, Jade and her dad visited the Grand Canyon, where she became fascinated with how it was formed. She decided to study geology at university and through her learnings felt even more connected with the outdoors. Once graduating, Jade traveled the world and soon found herself sharing her passion for the outdoors with teachers and students alike. It wasn't until visiting Canada that she stumbled upon what would become The Outdoor Learning Store. Now she connects the outdoors with the education community, while showing them its physical, emotional and mental health benefits. If you've ever wondered the many benefits of the outdoors and how it can be applied to education - no matter the subject, then this one's for you!

Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.

Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

Find more episodes at https://illuminecollect.com/blogs/news/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $28,562 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 126 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.