Life in Motion

In this episode we interview Hazel Cimino and Mason Brown of Richmond Community Rowing. They each found their love for rowing in the freedom that it gave them to experience the outdoors. While the competitive nature, teamwork and communication of the sport has kept them passionate over the years. Now at Richmond Community Rowing they help share that same excitement with others that may have thought they never had the chance to do so. If you've ever wondered what it takes (or doesn't take) to experience the beauty behind rowing then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Caitlin Olszewski, the founder of Camp Full Send. Growing up outside of Philadelphia Caitlin didn't find her true love for the outdoors until she went to college at Penn State University. While there she couldn't get enough of the surrounding adventures, so much so that she used it as a way to clear her mind from the college grind. During that time she also became passionate about advocating and protecting the great outdoors. Fast forward a couple of years later, she moved to Richmond Virginia on a whim and has never looked back. She's now on a mission to create a safe space for public places while equipping individuals with the resources needed to protect them from wild animals and even other people. If you've ever wanted to explore the outdoors, but the fear of something going terribly wrong on the trail has held you back, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Mathew Sturtevant, the author of The Topography of Fear - a book about how traveling 6000 miles across the USA saved his life. Twice. While living in Austin Texas, Mathew had a love for the outdoors and the music scene. So much so that he became a mountain bike tour guide and wrote the book, The Sound of Austin. As he got older Mathew began to experience fear, anxiety and agoraphobia like he never had before. Rather than hiding from it he faced things head on. After therapy that others might consider a bit unordinary he was able to face his fears and traveled 6000 miles on dirt roads across America on a motorcycle. If you've ever experienced anxiety or fear and are looking for inspiration to take back control then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Forrest Lodge of Sportable in Richmond Virginia. Growing up in Chesterfield VA there was no shortage of things to do - from team sports to exploring the outdoors. His love for these activities eventually led him to volunteer at Sportable, but at first he wasn't so sure it was the right fit. Now as the program manager there's no doubt that he's 100% behind their mission of creating opportunities while transforming lives of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments. If you've ever wondered how team and adventure sports can impact the lives of all people then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center's Wilderness Programs Director Jaime Overmyer. After traveling to various winter destinations during college as a competitive skier, her heart landed in Breckenridge. It wasn't long after that she found her dream internship at BOEC - in fact she actually skied right to the interview. 18 years later she's now the Wilderness Programs Director where she helps provide life changing outdoor experiences to people with all abilities. If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to help others while working for your dream nonprofit, then this one's for you!

In this episode we interview First Descents director of programs, Mackenzie McGrath. Mackenzie has traveled and rock climbed places like Asia, Africa, North America and The Middle East as an aid, US diplomat and nonprofit consultant. She knows first hand the positive effect the outdoors can have on someone.These experiences make her the perfect fit to support First Descents mission of providing life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. If you've ever wondered how the great outdoors can be healing in more ways than one, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview backpacker, rock climber, trail runner and author - Christine Reed. After stumbling upon backpacking while surfing the web she knew she wanted to be a part of a bigger community. Her first step was to attempt to thru hike the Appalachian Trail. From there one adventure led to another and Christine couldn't get enough of the outdoors. Years later she set off to hike the Wonderland Trail in Mt Rainier National Park. Her experience was so impactful that she wrote a book, Alone In Wonderland, to share her story on the trail, as well as the life challenges she's faced and overcome. Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Shawn Hayden, an avid road cyclist and community health advocate. After searching for 20 years Shawn found his passion in road cycling, as well as community health and wellness. This led him to co-founding MO Switch, a nonprofit in Southwest Missouri which focuses on expanding the culture of health and equity throughout the region. If you've ever wondered why it's never too late to find your passion then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we've got the second edition of the MIDxMIDWST artist takeover. For those who don't know, MIDxMDWST is a Mural Arts and Culture Festival in Springfield MO. Listen as Christine Riutzel from Branson, Meg Wagler from Springfield, Ian Robertson from Los Angeles, Ally Grimm from Denver, and Alexandria Olivia Hall from Nashville chat about what inspired them over the years and how they're using art to impact others. Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we're doing a MIDxMIDWST artist takeover. For those who don't know, MIDxMIDWST is a Mural Arts and Culture Festival in Springfield MO. To kick this series off we'll have Evan Wright from Springfield, Natalie Shugailo from Chicago, Steven Teller from Fort Lauderdale and Eric Karbeling from Honolulu. Listen as we chat about what inspired them over the years and how they're using art to impact others. Stay tuned for part 2 of this 2 part series. Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect