In this episode, I'm joined by Hanna, Michelle, and David from Ozark Off Road Cyclist. Their paths to the organization were unique, but their shared commitment to community has kept them united. What started as a gathering of mountain biking enthusiasts in 1997 evolved into a nonprofit dedicated to trail development. If you've ever explored the trails in the Arkansas Ozarks and River Valley, chances are this group played a role. If you've ever wondered how sustainable trail projects foster a thriving outdoor community and promote health and wellness for various user groups, including hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners, 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 www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $35,310 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 189 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we chat with Matthew Zing of Two Bikes Knoxville. A Knoxville native, Matthew's connection with bikes began in childhood, influenced by his father's road racing adventures. However, for him, bikes meant more than just a sport; they were a means of transportation. Eventually he crossed paths with Mitchell at Dream Bikes, a shop rooted in giving back. Their shared passion for bikes and community led them to create Two Bikes after learning that Dream Bikes was closing its doors. Beyond being a mere bike shop, Two Bikes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering opportunity, sustainability, and community through bicycles.
Now Two Bikes' three transformative programs—The Bike School, Pedal It Forward, and Community Rides are making an even larger impact. If you've ever wondered why you should take that first step, or how a bike shop can impact a 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 www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $35,220 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 188 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode, we chat with Ryan Yambra of Rose City Track Club. Born and raised in Portland Oregon he was an unlikely runner. It wasn't until after college, when he completed his first half marathon, that he truly experienced running in a community driven by passion. Then, after training solo for years, he found Rose City Track Club. Valuing the spirit of competition, camaraderie, hard work and a love for running, Ryan fit right in. Not only do they provide a team-based training platform for runners aspiring to be locally or nationally competitive, but they also share their love for running with the community through special events. If you've ever wondered how running is more than just movement, or how a passionate community can be built around it, 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 www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $35,220 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 187 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode, we chat with Andrea Kelly from Make Plus Equal. For years, Andrea faced challenges in finding outdoor gear that catered to her body for various adventures. Whether it was inadequate sizing, a lack of technical features, or uninspiring color choices, the struggle was real. The turning point came when a study revealed that 69% of women in North America were plus-sized. By then, Andrea, already entrenched in the outdoor apparel industry, seized the opportunity to be the change she sought. In 2015, she committed herself to advocating for size inclusion in outdoor apparel, leveraging her industry experience to make a difference. Andrea educates and guides brands to embrace a more diverse customer base, fostering inclusivity from within. Her efforts have reshaped industry perspectives on inclusivity, leading brands to create specialized products and revamp their marketing to cater to everyone, regardless of size. If you've ever wondered about taking small steps to effect significant change or learning how an industry can be reshaped, 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 www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $35,220 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 186 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode, we chat with Allie Valdetara of Ladies in Wadies. Growing up in the 'outdoors-adjacent' landscape of North Jersey, Allie's childhood was filled with imaginative adventures, from exploring her backyard to lakeside fishing. But for her, the joy of the outdoors was in sharing it with others. After college she struggled to carve out time to get outside - at least until remote working gained popularity. Allie bought a fly rod and hit the road with her friend. A couple months later while sitting at a brewery in Bozeman they convinced themselves to start the account Ladies in Wadies. What began as a lighthearted space to share silly moments evolved into an inclusive community celebrating impromptu fishing trips, 9 am beers, and mustache selfies. They showcase the goofy side of fishing while normalizing the learning curve, whether you're a novice or a pro. If you're just getting started on your fishing journey or seeking a community that revels in the joy of the outdoors without taking themselves too seriously, this episode'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 www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $35,220 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 185 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode, we chat with Ryan Wichlens, one of the many behind Trails Magazine. Growing up around New York's Adirondack Mountains, he started as Backpacker Magazine's go-to Northeast expert during college before becoming a full-time freelance journalist in Colorado. When the end of Backpacker magazine's print era came in 2022, Ryan stepped in to fill the void with Trails Magazine. Aiming to create a print magazine tailored for backpackers but with improvements, it distinguishes itself with quality, thoughtful design, captivating large-format photography, and an emphasis on aesthetics. Unlike the ad-heavy model of many magazines, Trails relies on subscribers to sustain itself, fostering a community dedicated to the backpacking experience. If you've ever wanted to know why you should never be afraid to shoot your shot, or what it takes to build something entirely on passion, 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 www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $34,770 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 184 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode, we chat with Ashley Smith, a dedicated member of Lakes Region Search & Rescue. While Ashley's love for hiking started as a kid, the pandemic sparked a determination to conquer the New Hampshire 48 4,000-footers, with the majority of them being finished solo. Afterwards she had a desire to assist fellow hikers in challenging situations, obtaining certifications in wilderness first aid and first responder. Motivated by her own experiences in precarious trail situations, she joined the Lakes Region Search & Rescue team, a group of over 70 volunteers collaborating with Fish and Game to respond to incidents in the region. If you're curious about the intricacies of search and rescue missions or seeking valuable safety insights for your next trail adventure, this episode'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 www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $34,770 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 183 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode, we chat with Sierra Schlag and Katie Cooney, key figures in the creation of 'Advice for Girls,' an all-women ski film. Both Sierra and Katie share a love for skiing, having embraced the sport since their early years, drawn to its creativity and freedom. When Addy Jacobsend shared the idea of a film featuring an all-female cast and production crew, it was an immediate yes. With a crew of 8 and 23 remarkable female athletes, they spent a year capturing clips and unraveling the stories behind each athlete. The vision behind 'Advice for Girls' is powerful — to provide wisdom from three generations of women in skiing. The film's narrative aims to resonate with women and girls of all ages, reinforcing the messages that they deserve success, have the right to claim their space, and contribute significantly to the ski industry. If you've ever wondered how a feature-length film can serve as a catalyst, inspiring the next generation of female shredders and breaking barriers in the world of skiing 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 www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $34,770 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 182 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode, we chat with Mark Malkowicz, a wilderness first responder, passionate traveler, and guide at Big Muddy Adventures. Growing up around Saint Louis, Mark shares his journey from childhood family float trips on the Current River to embarking on 100-mile paddle board adventures. It didn't stop there though. Mark was soon conquering fourteeners in Colorado and scaling glaciers in the Cascades and Andes. Now as a guide at Big Muddy Adventures he shares his love for rivers with others, from short day trips to epic 100-mile adventures. If you've ever wondered how a simple float down the river can spiral you into an outdoor junkie, or why you should just commit, 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 www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $34,770 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 181 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode, we chat with Clark Jones, one of many behind rvaMORE, a nonprofit comprising a diverse community of trail enthusiasts dedicated to advocating for access to trails around Richmond VA. Whether they are mountain bikers, runners, boaters, hikers, or nature lovers, the common thread is their commitment to parks and everyone who finds joy within them. With a track record of over 15,000 volunteer hours, the creation and maintenance of 75 miles of trails, and a staggering 2,000,000 users annually, rvaMORE's impact is more than just trail upkeep. If you've ever wondered about the influence a grassroots organization can have on the health and well-being of a city, 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 www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcast

Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $34,770 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 180 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.