More Than Outdoors Podcast

Episode 37 is a bittersweet one.

After 37 episodes together, Sam Andrews is stepping away from the More Than Outdoors Podcast.

Since May 2025, Austin French and Sam have hosted conversations with the people, places, and passions driving Maine's outdoor recreation economy. For this episode, the two turn the microphones on themselves for a candid conversation about the podcast, their partnership, and everything they've experienced along the way.

Sam shares why she made the decision to step away and reflects on what she's most proud of from the first 37 episodes. They talk about the people they've met, the conversations that have stuck with them, and what it has meant to build something that connects people across Maine's outdoor community.

A major theme of the conversation is Sam's reminder to herself to “do less with more intention.” It's a philosophy that ultimately played a role in her decision to create more space for herself and the things that matter most.

While Sam is stepping away, More Than Outdoors is not ending. Austin plans to continue the podcast and carry the show into its next chapter.

This episode is a celebration of the first 37 episodes, a thank-you to everyone who has been part of the journey, and a heartfelt farewell to one half of the original More Than Outdoors team.

Thank you, Sam, for helping build this thing from the ground up.

And thank you to everyone who has listened.

37 episodes down. The next chapter is just getting started.

🌄 Podcast Partner

ENO Hammocks

Shop ENO: https://alnk.to/g3g6QtF

Website: https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/

📲 Follow & Connect with More Than Outdoors

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

For Episode 36, Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Brian Threlkeld, Deputy Director of Maine Outdoor Brands, for a conversation about the people and relationships behind Maine's growing outdoor recreation economy.

Brian has been involved with Maine Outdoor Brands since its earliest days, helping with events, member recruitment, and the development of the organization before joining the team. Today, he works to connect Maine's outdoor businesses and organizations while creating opportunities for collaboration, education, advocacy, and community.

We talk what MOB has been up to over the past year, what Brian has learned from working across the industry, the role of the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, workforce development, the relationship between MOB and the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, and why collaboration is such an important part of Maine's outdoor economy.

We also dive into First Tracks: Northeast Snow Show, a new public-facing winter event coming to Thompson's Point in Portland on November 7–8, 2026. Brian explains the thinking behind creating an event that opens the door to the broader public and gives people an opportunity to meet the brands, organizations, and people working across Maine's outdoor industry.

Recorded outside at Four River Sanctuary in Portland, this episode is a conversation about community, collaboration, and the opportunity to build something together.

What you'll hear:

• Brian's journey with Maine Outdoor Brands
• The evolution of MOB and its role in Maine's outdoor economy
• Why relationships matter so much in Maine's outdoor industry
• The Maine Outdoor Economy Summit
• Workforce development and career pathways
• Advocacy and the relationship between MOB and state government
• Collaboration across Maine's outdoor industry
• The opportunities ahead for Maine's outdoor recreation economy
• Why MOB created First Tracks: Northeast Snow Show

🏔️ Learn More About Maine Outdoor BrandsWebsite:
https://maineoutdoorbrands.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/maineoutdoorbrands/

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-outdoor-brands/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/maineoutdoorbrands/

❄️ First Tracks: Northeast Snow ShowNovember 7–8, 2026 | Thompson's Point | Portland, Maine

🎟️ Tickets:
https://www.firsttrackssnowshow.com/tickets?mc_cid=35c80f736f&mc_eid=b33236081f

Website:
https://www.firsttrackssnowshow.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/firsttrackssnowshow/

🌄 Podcast PartnerENO Hammocks

Website:
https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/

📲 Follow & Connect with More Than Outdoors

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@morethanoutdoorspodcast

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

For Episode 35, Austin French and Sam Andrews head to Bradbury State Park in Pownal, Maine, to sit down with Hannah Kothari, founder of Chicks on Cliffs.

Hannah came to Maine from Texas for college and quickly fell in love with the outdoors. After teaching herself to ski and getting into hiking, she began sharing her adventures online. When women started asking if they could join her, that small idea eventually became Chicks on Cliffs.

Now, the organization is bringing women together across New England for hikes, skiing, outdoor education, and community-based adventures.

Hannah's goal isn't just to get more women outside. She's building a community where women can learn new skills, find confidence, develop leadership experience, and become more comfortable taking on outdoor adventures of their own.

In this conversation, we talk about how Chicks on Cliffs started, the power of social media to create real-world community, making outdoor experiences accessible, developing female outdoor leaders, and why spending time outside can help us better understand ourselves.

What you'll hear:

• Hannah's journey from Texas to Maine
• How Chicks on Cliffs started
• Turning an Instagram page into an outdoor community
• Making outdoor recreation more accessible
• Building female outdoor leaders
• Outdoor education and certifications
• Community-based outdoor events
• The role of social media in outdoor recreation
• Why the outdoors can be a powerful tool for self-reflection

Whether you're an experienced outdoor enthusiast or someone who's still trying to find your people outside, this episode is a reminder that community can be one of the most powerful ways to get started.

🏔️ Learn More About Chicks on Cliffs

Website:
https://www.chicksoncliffs.org/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chicksoncliffs/

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@hannahkothari

🌄 Podcast Partner

ENO Hammocks

Website:
https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/

📲 Follow & Connect with More Than Outdoors

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

MITA Month continues!

For Episode 34 of the More Than Outdoors Podcast, we're taking you out onto the Maine Island Trail with Alex Terry from the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA).

This episode brings a different perspective than our conversation with MITA Executive Director Ben Dougherty in Episode 33. Instead of focusing on the organization from the top down, we're getting out on the ground to see what stewardship of Maine's wild islands actually looks like.

Alex shares what goes into maintaining and monitoring remote campsites, supporting responsible recreation, working with volunteers, and helping make sure people can experience Maine's coast while respecting the places they're visiting.

It's a conversation about the less-visible side of outdoor recreation: the work that happens behind the scenes to make incredible outdoor experiences possible.

🏝️ What you'll hear:

• Alex's role with the Maine Island Trail Association
• What stewardship looks like in the field
• Caring for remote islands and campsites
• Responsible recreation and Leave No Trace
• Volunteers and the MITA community
• Balancing access with protecting wild places
• The challenges of managing remote recreational sites
• Why firsthand experiences can create better stewards

If you're curious about what really happens behind the scenes on the Maine Island Trail, this is your chance to get a closer look.

And if you missed Episode 33 with Ben Dougherty, go back and listen to the first installment of MITA Month before diving into this one.

🏝️ Learn More About the Maine Island Trail Association

Website:
https://mita.org/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/meislandtrail/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/maineislandtrail

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-island-trail-association/

🌄 Podcast PartnerENO Hammocks

Website:
https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/

📲 Follow & Connect with More Than OutdoorsInstagram:
https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

In Episode 33, Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Ben Dougherty, Executive Director of the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA), to explore one of Maine's most unique outdoor recreation resources.

The Maine Island Trail is a 375-mile water trail stretching along the coast of Maine, connecting paddlers, boaters, and adventurers with hundreds of island and mainland sites.

But the trail exists because of something much bigger than geography.

MITA has built a network of relationships with private landowners, public landowners, conservation organizations, volunteers, and coastal communities to create recreational access while protecting the places people come to enjoy.

Ben talks about the importance of pairing access with stewardship, MITA's volunteer network, getting young people onto the islands, and the unique opportunity Maine has to connect people with its coastline while protecting these wild places for the future.

What you'll hear:

• The story behind the Maine Island Trail

• How a 375-mile water trail works

• The relationships behind island access

• Stewardship and conservation along the Maine coast

• MITA's volunteer network

• Getting more people connected to Maine's islands

• The future of coastal recreation in Maine

EXPLORE THE MAINE ISLAND TRAIL

Maine Island Trail Association (MITA)

Website:

https://mita.org/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/meislandtrail/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/maineislandtrail

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-island-trail-association/

PODCAST PARTNER

ENO Hammocks

Website:

https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/

FOLLOW AND CONNECT WITH MORE THAN OUTDOORS

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

In Episode 32, Austin French and Sam Andrews welcome Tyler Waterson, owner and captain of A Morning in Maine, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, coastal adventure, and creating meaningful experiences on the water.

Tyler shares the story behind building his charter business in Rockland, what it's like operating a seasonal outdoor company, and why connecting people with Maine's coast is about much more than just a boat ride.

What you'll hear:

• ​How Tyler took over A Morning in Maine
• ​Life as a charter captain
• ​Outdoor entrepreneurship
• ​The importance of hospitality and authentic experiences
• ​Why Maine's coast continues to inspire visitors from around the world

⚓ Learn More About A Morning in Maine

Website: https://amorninginmaine.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amorninginmaine/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMorningInMaine

🌄 Podcast Partner

ENO Hammocks

Website:https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/

📲 Follow More Than Outdoors

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY

Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

In Episode 31, Austin French and Sam Andrews welcome Noah Kleiner, owner of Equinox Guiding Service, for a conversation about adventure, leadership, and building a career in the mountains.

Noah shares how he turned a passion for climbing into a profession, what goes into creating safe and memorable guided experiences, and why mentorship and education are at the heart of outdoor recreation.

What you'll hear:

• Building Equinox Guiding Service
• The life of a professional mountain guide
• Rock climbing, ice climbing, and backcountry travel
• Leadership and risk management
• Helping more people experience the outdoors with confidence

🏔️ Learn More About Equinox Guiding ServiceWebsite: https://www.equinoxguidingservice.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equinoxguiding/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquinoxGuidingService

🌄 Podcast PartnerENO Hammocks

Website: https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/

📲 Follow More Than OutdoorsInstagram:
https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

In Episode 30, Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Steve Gauthier, owner of Resurgam Forestland, for a conversation about what it takes to responsibly steward Maine's working forests.

Steve discusses the balance between forestry, conservation, wildlife habitat, recreation, and long-term sustainability while sharing how working forests continue to support Maine's outdoor recreation economy.

The conversation also highlights Katahdin Region Basecamp, Resurgam Forestland's glamping experience located near Mount Katahdin. Designed as a comfortable basecamp for exploring Maine's North Woods, the property gives visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the wilderness while enjoying thoughtfully designed accommodations and direct access to world-class outdoor recreation.

What you'll hear:

• The responsibilities of forest stewardship
• Managing working forests for multiple uses
• Conservation and sustainable forestry
• How outdoor recreation and glamping support land stewardship
• The future of Maine's forestland

🌲 Learn More About Resurgam Forestland

Website: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/maine-katahdin-region-basecamp-dw9hl7lj?adults=1&children=0

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resurgamforestland/

🌄 Podcast Partner

ENO Hammocks

Website:
https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/

📲 Follow More Than Outdoors

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

In Episode 29, Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Zach Anchors, Owner of Portland Paddle, for a conversation about paddling, entrepreneurship, and operating an outdoor adventure company in Maine.

Zach shares the story behind Portland Paddle, what it takes to run a tourism-based outdoor business in 2026, and how experiences on the water help connect people to Maine’s outdoors and coastal communities.

What you’ll hear:

• The growth of Portland Paddle
• Running an outdoor adventure company in Maine
• Tourism, recreation, and community connections
• Building experiences around Maine’s coastal outdoors

🌊 Check out Portland PaddleWebsite: https://www.portlandpaddle.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portlandpaddle/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/portlandpaddle

🌄 Podcast PartnerENO Hammocks
Website: https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/

📲 Follow & Connect with More Than OutdoorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

Sam Roberts: Building a Maine Outdoor Brand

In Episode 28, Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Sam Roberts, Owner of Sambob, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, outdoor culture, and building an outdoor apparel company in Maine.

This episode launches a new series focused on the makers and creators behind Maine’s outdoor recreation economy. Sam shares the realities of operating a modern outdoor brand, the importance of collaboration within the industry, and why authenticity matters when building a company connected to outdoor culture.

What you’ll hear:

• The origin story of Sambob
• The challenges of running an outdoor apparel brand
• Collaboration and community in Maine’s outdoor industry
• Building a brand rooted in authenticity and culture

🧢 Check out SambobWebsite: https://sambob.biz/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sambob.biz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sambob.biz

🌄 Podcast PartnerENO Hammocks
Website: https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/

📲 Follow & Connect with More Than OutdoorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/