Life in Motion

In this episode we interview Caroline Chomanics of IDEAS For Us. After sitting by a pond and deciding to take a shortcut through the woods on the way home everything changed. Caroline stumbled upon a historic house that had beautiful plants, trees and flowers. Once she found out their current groundskeeper was leaving, she immediately asked to take over. Even without any experience. One thing led to another and now Caroline is the COO and Fleet Farming Manager at IDEAS For Us. They help develop ideas, fund action and also scale solutions to the world's most pressing environmental challenges. If you've ever wondered why taking the long way home isn't always a bad thing or what the 5 pillars of sustainability are then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Jesse Stuart of Forest ReLeaf of Missouri. Jesse always had a love for sustainability, but it wasn't until his business began looking for nonprofits focused on the environment that he found Forest ReLeaf. Now as a board member he's helping them make an impact first hand. Through local nurseries, community programs and disaster relief they've planted over 230,000 trees since 1993. If you've ever wondered how tree canopy can help low income areas or why it's so important to replenish trees through reforestation then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview John Chiles. Throughout his young adulthood John viewed every work opportunity, not as a paycheck, but as a way to learn a new skill and expand his knowledge. From farming in Australia to framing windows like a true craftsman he appreciated his ability to be self-sufficient. It wasn't until a former professor suggested that John get his MBA in Agriculture that he realized the impact that he could make on our world. Now he's using that passion to build Noble Hill Farms to reimagine local food and the local farmers that produce it. If you've ever wondered how using wasted energy to power hydroponic greenhouses can transform communities then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Ruud Van-Holland aka IceMan Ruud. Everyday he wakes up and jumps in the freezing cold water off the shores of Texel, an island off the Netherlands. Over the years he's realized some amazing benefits from an activity that others would consider crazy. From a heightened immune system and even helping with depression the list goes on and on.  If you've ever wondered how being too cold for your own good can help you then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Luis Gallardo, who is the founder of The World Happiness Foundation. Growing up Luis had a love for sociology, but it wasn't until he became a coach and eventually a diplomat that he began to see the power of it firsthand. It was during this time that Luis noticed the impact that genetics, environment and mindset had on individuals that were transitioning into new circumstances. His personal experiences and the science behind it inspired him to found The World Happiness Foundation as a way to positively impact people around the globe. Through retreats, expeditions and festivals The World Happiness Foundation is creating a ripple effect of happiness. If you've ever wondered how something as simple as happiness can change the world then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Marisa Frazier, who is the Conservation Program Coordinator at the Missouri Sierra Club, a certified Kambo Practitioner and a triathlon coach. Marisa grew up in the Ozarks as a runner and swimmer, but it wasn't until her college years that she became passionate about other outdoor activities. Her love for hiking, rock climbing and just being in nature led her to an outdoor festival in Colorado. This experience opened her eyes to a whole other aspect of the outdoors - conservation. Shortly after she found herself on an adventure in Patagonia, where she met people that fueled her new found passion. Now as the Conservation Program Coordinator at the Missouri Sierra Club she helps protect earth's natural resources. In addition to that she is a triathlon coach at Drury University and a practitioner of Kambo - a holistic healing method that uses the secretion of Amazonian frogs. If you've ever wondered why you should always say yes to the next adventure, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Sam King, who is an avid rock climber and loves building the community around it. It wasn't until his college days at Virginia Commonwealth University that Sam really experienced rock climbing. After his freshman roommate invited him to VCU's recreation center to climb he instantly fell in love. Throughout college he was immersed in the rock climbing community. Unfortunately after graduating, 'adult' life caused Sam to lose touch with the sport until he decided to go back to the thing that made him so happy. Now as the Head Instructor at Peak Experiences, Sam is building the rock climbing community and sharing his love for the sport with others. He's also making strides to ensure that rock climbing is accessible for everyone, no matter their physical condition. If you've ever wondered why it's important to never lose touch of what makes you happy, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Gabriel Goldsack of Share A Bike - Share A Smile. As a kid Gabriel worked hard to get his first BMX bike and instantly fell in love with the adventures and community that came with it. Not only did he meet people from all over the world, but it also kept him out of trouble. However bike parts weren't cheap and his new passion became expensive. Over the years he found ways to keep rolling and helped his friends do the same by finding used BMX parts to upgrade their bikes. It wasn't long after he began collecting those used parts to give to others in developing countries. What started as a grassroots initiative turned into Share A Bike - Share A Smile. Now Gabriel's organization is a resource to donate parts to places like Africa, India and Argentina. If you've ever wondered the impact a grassroots BMX organization can have globally, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Kane Ford of Get Outside Melbourne. Growing up in Australia, Kane couldn't help but have a love for the outdoors. After going to university and climbing up the corporate ladder in the finance world, stress and anxiety began to build. He leaned on the outdoors during the weekends as a way to hit the reset button, but it wasn't enough. After deciding to take some much needed time he realized what he needed to do - not only for his own mental health, but for others as well. That's when he decided to start Get Outside Melbourne as a way to introduce others to the healing powers and freedom of the outdoors. Whether you're just starting off, or an avid outdoorsman, each adventure offers a unique perspective of the benefits of the outdoors. If you've ever wondered how important getting outside and taking a breath of fresh air is to your mental health, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Savannah Holmes and Kaylee Wilcox of The Comfort Zone. Savannah and Kaylee grew up around the outdoors, but lost touch of it during their college years. Now they've circled back to it, not only as a means of freedom, but as a way to help others that are less fortunate. How? By completing adventure challenges to raise awareness for things like leadership education in Uganda and retreats for sexual assault survivors. If you've ever wondered how something like running 500km barefoot, or trekking 1000km around Vancouver Island can make a difference, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect