Life in Motion

In this episode, we dive into the wild world of whitewater rafting with Zachary Collier, founder of Northwest Rafting Company. From his early days leading adventure trips at Boy Scout camps to navigating the rapids of some of the West's most iconic rivers, Zach has turned his passion for the outdoors into a lifelong career.
Join us as Zach shares his journey from mechanical engineering student to full-time river guide, and how his experiences with ECHO River Trips shaped the creation of Northwest Rafting Company. They offer multi-day trips on National Wild and Scenic Rivers, many through designated federal wilderness areas. In addition to these trips, they also offer River Training - from safety and rescue, to their Pro Guide School. 
If you've ever wondered about the thrill of exploring our country's most beautiful rivers, or want to get brushed up on your river safety, then this one's for you! 

Learn more about Northwest Rafting Company here. 

Learn more about whitewater gear and preparation here. 
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 $40,584 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 215 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode, we chat with Jenifer Breaux, a retired Army veteran and founder of JB Travel Pros, who is dedicated to transforming travel experiences for families, especially those with special needs. With nearly three decades of global service in the military, Jenifer’s love for travel and commitment to service have seamlessly transitioned into her role as a travel expert.
Jenifer shares her journey from military life to becoming a travel advisor, focusing on how her unique experiences have shaped her approach to crafting luxury travel experiences. She offers insights from her book, Travel IS Possible - How to Travel with Children with Special Needs, discussing practical tips, heartfelt stories, and the challenges and triumphs of traveling with her own children who have special needs.
Whether you're trying to navigate the complex travel logistics or simply looking for inspiration for your next adventure, this episode is 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 $40,584 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 214 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Morgan Brosnihan, the founder of Blaze Physio. A seasoned Physical Therapist with a diverse background ranging from trauma hospitals to outpatient clinics, she helps her patients continue their passions and recover from injuries. Since 2017, she's guided over 2,000 hikers through their journeys, collectively walking over a million miles.
After hitting the road in her van she hiked Vermont’s Long Trail, then completed the Pacific Crest Trail. On the trail, Morgan met numerous hikers struggling with injuries and realized the need for accessible, on-trail rehabilitation. This inspired her to transform her van into a mobile rehab unit, offering essential care to those in remote areas and outdoor spaces.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or someone looking for a new perspective on healthcare, 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 $40,105 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 213 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we chat with Carly Rae, the creative mind behind "Trail Name Tales," a captivating collection of stories that dive into the origins of hikers' trail names. Carly takes us on a journey from her upbringing in Amherst, Mass, surrounded by the Mount Holyoke Range, where daily hikes and camping became a natural part of her life.
In 2020, Carly's passion for hiking deepened, leading to unforgettable experiences in the White Mountains and along the Appalachian Trail. Her love for photography intertwined with her outdoor adventures, shaping her path as both an artist and a storyteller.
While thru-hiking the AT, Carly's desire to stay connected to her creative outlet sparked the idea for "Trail Name Tales." What began as an Instagram project evolved into an amazing community where hikers share their unique stories and trail name origins.
After the hike, Carly compiled the photos and videos on the trail into the book, "Trail Name Tales". Not only does it preserve the hiker's narratives but also celebrates the spirit of camaraderie and adventure found in the outdoor community.
Whether you're an avid hiker, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the stories behind trail names, 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 $40,105 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 212 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode as we chat with Blair and Jeremy, the heart and soul behind Camp Fernweh, a cozy woodland retreat nestled in Willard, MO. As proud parents and avid outdoor enthusiasts, they've created a sanctuary on their 5-acre woodland property, blending retro scout-style camping with a passion for everyday "micro-adventures."
Discover how Blair and Jeremy turned their love for the outdoors into a community hub that celebrates nature through outdoor education and engaging workshops for all ages. Whether you're seeking a solo camping trip or gathering around a crackling campfire for their book chats under the starry sky, Camp Fernweh offers a haven where stories come alive.If you've ever wondered how you can connect with nature by embracing micro-adventures, 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 $40,105 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 211 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode, we chat with Erin Carroll, the Outdoor Learning Specialist at Durham Public Schools Outdoor Learning. Erin shares her journey from growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina, to becoming a passionate advocate for outdoor education. Her childhood summers spent at camp in Maine, disconnected from technology and immersed in nature, sparked her interest in environmental and wildlife sciences, eventually becoming an elementary school teacher.
Now as the Outdoor Learning Specialist at DPS, Erin facilitates professional development sessions for teachers, encouraging them to start with simple outdoor activities like reading under a tree or observing local wildlife. But it doesn't stop there. The diverse spectrum of outdoor education in Durham Public Schools, includes everything from nature walks to financial literacy through camping trips, tailored to meet each teacher's comfort level and students' needs.
If you've ever wondered how you can foster a culture of outdoor education, while empowering students to connect with nature through learning experiences, 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 $38,827 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 210 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode, we chat with Clifford Kipp, the Executive Director of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation (BMWF), to explore his deep-rooted commitment to wilderness preservation and stewardship. From his early days exploring the outdoors, to spending two decades with the Montana Conservation Corps, Clifford found a love for the wilderness and sharing his passion with others.
Now as the Executive Director at BMWF, he helps maintain and enhance Montana’s 1.6-million-acre Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Through collaborative efforts with the US Forest Service, BMWF facilitates volunteer projects that clear trails, restore native habitats, and educate participants about conservation and wilderness ethics.If you've ever wondered how a collective stewardship can engage and impact others in the outdoors, 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 $38,827 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 209 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we chat about the world of outdoor education with Laura Stroup, the visionary behind Firefly Nature School nestled in beautiful Missouri. Laura shares her journey from studying animal ecology and natural resource education to her roles at zoos and conservation departments. 
Her passion for connecting children with nature began during an internship at the zoo, where she witnessed the impact of outdoor education. After years of dreaming and planning, Laura launched Firefly Nature School in 2020. Resting on 20 acres of rolling hills and dense forests, Firefly Nature School is a family affair, with Laura designing lessons, her husband capturing moments through photography, and their children actively testing new curriculum.
Whether you're a parent, educator, nature enthusiast or just want to know how these lessons foster curiosity and deepen connections with the natural world, 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 $38,827 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 206 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we chat with Dana and Arthur from Green Dragon Overland, a dynamic duo on a mission for adventure travel and off-grid living. Dana and Arthur share their inspiring journey of meeting and discovering their shared passion for adventure travel. Their decision to prioritize a lifestyle of simplicity and self-sufficiency led them to give up the comforts of home and hit the road in their rig dubbed the Green Dragon. Traveling thousands of miles across the country, Dana and Arthur find fulfillment, learning valuable lessons about life and each other. Adventure, for them, is not just about reaching the next destination; it's a lifestyle choice to go beyond the ordinary and embrace the unknown. If you've ever wondered about the unexpected things you can learn in the outdoors, or are looking for some tips to get started, 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 $38,827 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 207 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

In this episode we chat with Nick Graham, the Senior Environmental Scientist at The Sierra Fund. With a wealth of experience in environmental restoration, Nick shares his insights into the organization's mission to protect and restore the ecosystems and communities of the Sierra Nevada in the face of climate change uncertainties. Through restoration efforts in forests, meadows, and rivers, Nick and his team utilize innovative techniques to enhance the resiliency of these areas. The Sierra Fund's multifaceted approach, which includes programs focused on forest and watershed resilience, tribal partnerships, and mining restoration, leads their vision for a healthier Sierra, where clean air, water, and soil contribute to thriving communities for generations to come. If you've ever wondered about the intersection of environmental science, community resilience, and conservation efforts, 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 $38,404 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 206 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.