Life in Motion

In this episode we interview Sara Kurzen and Morgan Verdery of Wild and Free Mamas, a nonprofit that captivates adventure, courage, connection and growth for mamas everywhere. Both Sara and Morgan grew up loving the outdoors, but once they had children it was hard for them to find time for themselves. That was until they each were able to take their own adventure. It was as if a passion had been reignited. They realized that stepping away for themselves was exactly what they needed, and even helped them be a better mama. Soon after they formed Wild and Free Mamas to help others recharge and connect with others. With weekend adventure retreats throughout the year, they're not only helping mamas find their wild side, but also helping them reconnect with their loved ones at home. If you’ve ever wondered why you should fight the urge of feeling guilty to do something for yourself, then this ones 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 $27,553 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 115 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Kate Mardigian of Jacob's Chance, a nonprofit that empowers individuals with developmental, intellectual, and/or physical disabilities through inclusive programs. In elementary school Kate could be found helping classmates with disabilities. Little did she know, these positive experiences would impact her entire life. One day while watching her own children play ball, she noticed a game happening on an adjacent field. The players had varying disabilities with their parents helping them. Kate wanted them to see just how great their kids were doing from the stands. With the help of some amazing volunteers, she made it happen. Soon after, Jacob's Chance was founded to offer inclusive programs promoting personal development and positive relationships. By offering things like organized sports, art, music and outdoor adventures, their impact goes further than those who they serve. If you’ve ever wondered how great things can happen through the kindness of others, then this ones 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 $27,258 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 114 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Brian Bell of Keep Virginia Cozy, a nonprofit that conserves lands by picking up trash, while connecting others with the outdoors. Brian grew up loving nature and quickly picked up the 'pack in, pack out' mindset. Once he moved to Richmond he began exploring all it had to offer, but wanted to do something more. After challenging his friends to go on weekend hiking trips to pick up trash, he posted it online and asked others to meetup to do the same. To Brian's surprise, quite the group showed up, and it only grew from there. Now as an official nonprofit, Keep Virginia Cozy has helped cleanup over 85,000lbs of trash, while being zero waste themselves. If you’ve ever wondered how to rally people around a simple cause, then this ones for you!

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 $27,258 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 113 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Danielle Katz of Rivers for Change, a nonprofit who connects individuals to rivers through adventure, conservation and education. Growing up in California it wasn't long until Danielle fell in love with the outdoors. In fact, she was only 4 months old on her first river trip. As she got older she guided for her dad's whitewater rafting company and felt most at home on the river, sleeping under the stars. In 2009 Danielle paddled the length of the Mississippi River, which opened her eyes to just how connected our waterways are. This trip combined her passion for the river with education and conservation. This experience inspired her to start Rivers for Change as a way to connect others with rivers through adventure, conservation and education. From source to sea trips, river cleanups and more, they're making a difference - one drop at a time. If you’ve ever wondered what you can do to protect the water in which you shower, or even what it's like to paddle 2,271 miles down the Mississippi River, then this ones 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 $27,258 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 112 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Mike Green who is an adventure life coach and author of 'Wandermust'. Mike grew up in a small town in New York and quickly fell in love with the outdoors. In high school he decided to take a break from wrestling to do an outward bound course. Mike was hooked, but it only got better once he discovered seasonal work. He used the job flexibility to fuel his travels around the world. Eventually he settled down as a history teacher and decided to prove a point to his students that didn't believe in the kindness of others. How? By hitchhiking across the country in 10 days with no money - only his own kindness to share along the way. The culmination of Mike's life experiences inspired him to help others, by asking the right questions, leaving people better than he found them and practicing integrity with Mike Green Leadership. If you’ve ever wondered what steps you can take to take control of this adventure we call life, then this ones 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 $27,258 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 111 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Mark and Sarah Penewit of Mobility Duo, who through physical therapy, yoga and exercise help snowboarders ride until they're 70. Sarah was introduced to yoga as an elective in High School. Then at 18 she found snowboarding. Luckily yoga saved her when it came to the aches and pains that came with learning it. Mark had a similar experience, except with physical therapy. When the pandemic hit they shared videos of what they did to recover from hiking, backpacking and snowboarding. Soon they realized this is something the snowboarding community needed. That's when they started Mobility Duo to help others prevent these injuries or assist them after an injury has taken place. Through classes, like 'SNOGA' they're helping fellow snowboarders prolong their rides. If you’ve ever wondered what steps you can take to extend your love for action sports, then this ones 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 $27,258 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 110 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Wes and Marie Black who's entire relationship is built on adventure. Both Wes and Marie grew up with a love for the outdoors. It was only natural that when they met each other on eHarmony that their first date was a 17.5 hour long hike. Little did Wes know this was a test that he passed with flying colors. Next thing they knew, they were getting married and moving to Colorado. As you can imagine, their adventures only got better. Then in 2022 they decided to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail, from Mexico to Canada. Now halfway through the hike, they've only gotten closer to one another and are already planning the next trip. If you’ve ever wondered why open communication is so important, or what it's like to live your greatest adventures with your best friend, then this ones 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 $27,802 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 109 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Holly Priestley, a solo female van lifer, who is behind Honeycomb Coaching and The Deliberate Living Podcast. Growing up in New Mexico, Holly was always out hiking, camping, and backpacking. After college she moved to Denver where she chased the typical American Dream. Only one problem - it wasn't her dream. Rather than stick to the 'normal' life, she ditched everything and moved into a van. As soon as Holly made the decision she found the freedom in her life that she was searching for. Her time on the road and camping at National Parks inspired her to help others experience the same thing. Now at Honeycomb Coaching and as the host of The Deliberate Living Podcast she not only shares stories, but gives people one on one advice. If you’ve ever wondered why it's so important to pursue your interests, even if they don't work out, then this ones 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 $27,802 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 108 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Max Penny who is the one behind Mountain Movement Bike Shop and Howler Bike Park. Growing up Max had a love for action sports and started snowboarding at the age of 3. Soon he started riding BMX and eventually mountain bikes. As he got older, he added team sports into the mix and even played football for Missouri State University. While he loved the team spirit and life lessons he learned through football, Max decided it was time to hang up the cleats and get back to mountain biking. Not long after, his dad encouraged him to start Mountain Movement Bike Shop. Only a couple months in, the perfect opportunity arose to purchase a piece of land that was just begging to have a mountain bike park built on it. Next thing Max knew, Howler Bike Park was a reality. The popularity of it has been humbling, as Howler has already attracted international riders after only being open for a few months. If you’ve ever wondered why it’s so important to chase your dream and make it happen, then this ones 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 $27,802 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 107 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we interview Rafael Monroy who is a tech developer by day and nature junkie by night. Growing up in Southern California Rafael didn't know his love of tacos would turn into a self made career. He wanted to create an app that helped find all the amazing hidden taco spots around California. With no coding experience he spent evenings and nights teaching himself to become a developer. While that particular app never worked out, he found a new career. But there was still something missing. It wasn't until the shutdown that he discovered what it was - the outdoors. A couple of family trips and he was instantly hooked. Short hikes soon turned into weekend camping trips - and those turned into conquering mountains that few attempt. For Rafael he has the perfect balance of solving advanced problems in the tech world and pushing his body in the hiking world. If you’ve ever wondered why it’s so important to find balance, or how the outdoors can give you a true appreciation of how easy we really have it, then this ones 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 $27,082 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 106 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.