In Episode 23, Austin French and Sam Andrews revisit the topic of certifications in the outdoor industry in this follow-up to Episode 12.

They take a deeper look at how certifications fit into career development and share honest perspectives on what actually matters when building experience and advancing your career. This episode is focused on helping outdoor professionals think more strategically about credentials, experience, and long-term growth.

What you’ll hear:

• How certifications impact career progression
• Choosing certifications based on your goals
• Balancing experience vs. credentials
• Real-world insights from working in the outdoor industry

📲 Follow & Connect with More Than Outdoors

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
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More Than Outdoors Podcast – Episode 22
Jeff Tucker: The Story of Quarry Road Trails

In Episode 22, Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Jeff Tucker from Quarry Road Trails in Waterville, Maine.

Jeff discusses the history and growth of Quarry Road into a year-round outdoor recreation hub and the role community-driven trail systems play in connecting people to outdoor experiences. From Nordic skiing and mountain biking to races, events, and youth programs, Quarry Road has become a central gathering place for outdoor recreation in central Maine.

What you’ll hear:

• The story behind Quarry Road Trails

• The impact of community recreation infrastructure

• How events and programming bring trail systems to life

• The importance of partnerships and volunteers in trail development

📍 Check out Quarry Road TrailsWebsite: https://quarryroad.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quarryroadtrails
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quarryroadtrails/

📲 Follow & Connect with More Than OutdoorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
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In Episode 21, Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Kayla Lee, Director of the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center.

Kayla shares how adaptive outdoor education is about more than equipment — it’s about building systems that create belonging, independence, and opportunity. The conversation explores how AOEC is expanding access across Maine and what inclusive leadership looks like in practice.

This episode is a reminder that when we design outdoor experiences intentionally, everyone benefits.

✨ What you’ll hear:

• The mission and growth of AOEC

• How adaptive recreation programs are built

• Why access must be proactive, not reactive

• The long-term impact of inclusive outdoor experiences

📍 Check out the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center

Website: https://www.adaptiveoutdoored.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adaptiveoutdoored
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adaptiveoutdoored/

📲 Follow & Connect with More Than Outdoors

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

In Episode 20, Austin French and Sam Andrews talk with Justin Steele, Owner of the Hostel of Maine (HoME) in Carrabassett Valley.

Justin shares how travel, entrepreneurship, and a passion for mountain-town culture inspired him to create HoME — a welcoming, affordable lodging option designed to foster connection among outdoor enthusiasts. Located near Sugarloaf and some of Maine’s premier trail networks, HoME serves as a hub for skiers, bikers, hikers, and adventurers looking for more than just a place to stay.

This conversation explores how thoughtful hospitality supports Maine’s outdoor recreation economy and why building community is just as important as building a business.

📍 Check out Hostel of Maine

Website: https://www.hostelofmaine.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostelofmaine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostelofmaine/

📲 Follow & Connect with More Than Outdoors

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

More Than Outdoors Podcast – Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Mini-Series | Episode 5
The Next Generation of Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Economy

In the final episode of our five-part mini-series from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Patrick McKenney and Skye Cotnoir, students in the University of Maine at Farmington’s Outdoor Recreation Business Administration (ORBA) program and members of the Maine Outdoor Brands Student Advisory Board.

Patrick and Skye share what they’re seeing, learning, and hoping for as the next generation of outdoor recreation professionals. This episode explores workforce development, career readiness, and why creating space for student voices is critical to the long-term health of Maine’s outdoor recreation economy.

What you’ll hear:

• Student perspectives on entering the outdoor recreation industry

• Career pathways and professional development

• The value of industry connection and mentorship

• Reflections from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit

📲 Organizations Mentioned

UMF Outdoor Recreation Business Administration (ORBA)
Website: https://farmington.edu/academics/majors-programs/outdoor-recreation-business-administration/

Maine Outdoor Brands
Website: https://www.maineoutdoorbrands.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maineoutdoorbrands/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-outdoor-brands/

📲 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/

More Than Outdoors Podcast – Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Mini-Series | Episode 4
Sam Shirley: Connecting People, Trails, and Communities

In Episode 4 of our five-part mini-series from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Sam Shirley of Maine Huts & Trails to discuss trail systems, stewardship, and the role of infrastructure in Maine’s outdoor economy.

Sam shares insight into how Maine Huts & Trails designs and maintains trail networks that support recreation, economic development, and community connection. This episode explores why trails matter — not just as places to recreate, but as long-term investments in people and place.

What you’ll hear:

• The mission and impact of Maine Huts & Trails

• How trails support access and economic opportunity

• The importance of long-term infrastructure planning

• Reflections from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit

📲 Organization MentionedMaine Huts & Trails
Website: https://mainehuts.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mainehutsandtrails
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainehuts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-huts-and-trails/

📲 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/

More Than Outdoors Podcast – Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Mini-Series | Episode 3
Alejandro Strong: Innovation on Maine’s Rivers

In Episode 3 of our five-part mini-series from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Alejandro Strong, founder of Packraft Maine, to explore innovation and entrepreneurship in river-based outdoor recreation.

Alejandro shares the story behind Packraft Maine, why river access and self-propelled adventure matter, and how small businesses help shape Maine’s outdoor economy. This episode highlights how creative thinking and passion can expand access, support stewardship, and build diverse outdoor experiences.

✨ What you’ll hear:

• How Packraft Maine got started

• Innovation in river recreation

• The role of small business in the outdoor economy

• Reflections from the Summit conversation

📲 Organizations Mentioned

Packraft Maine
Website: https://packraftmaine.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/packraftmaine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/packraftmaine/

📲 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/

More Than Outdoors Podcast – Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Mini-Series | Episode 2
Jeff McCabe: Building the Maine Outdoor Economy Together

In Episode 2 of our five-part mini-series from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Jeff McCabe, Director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and a returning guest on the podcast.

Jeff shares insight from one of the organizing partners behind the Summit and discusses why collaboration across government, nonprofits, businesses, and communities is essential to strengthening Maine’s outdoor economy. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Summit brings people together and why alignment matters.

What you’ll hear:

• The role of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation

• How the Summit supports collaboration

• Why shared vision matters in the outdoor economy

• Reflections from a returning guest

📲 Organization Mentioned in This Episode

Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation
Website: https://trailblazerroadmap.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maineoutdoorrec
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maineoutdoorrec
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-office-of-outdoor-recreation/

📲 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/

More Than Outdoors Podcast – Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Mini-Series | Episode 1
Inside the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit

In this kickoff episode of a five-part mini-series, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews introduce the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit and why it matters to the future of recreation, workforce, and community development in Maine.

This episode sets the context for upcoming short conversations with professionals across the outdoor economy and highlights the value of gathering in person to share ideas, build relationships, and move the industry forward.

What you’ll hear:

• An overview of the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit

• Why Maine’s outdoor economy matters

• What to expect from this mini-series

• The importance of in-person connection

📲 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/

More Than Outdoors – Episode #14: Zach MacCarthy: Access Is the Adventure

In Episode 14, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Zach MacCarthy, Founder and Executive Director of Inclusive Ski Touring, to explore how access and inclusion can reshape winter recreation.

Zach shares how Inclusive Ski Touring works to remove barriers and create welcoming pathways for people who have historically been excluded from outdoor spaces. This episode highlights why access should be the foundation of adventure — and how intentional design leads to stronger, more inclusive communities.

✨ What you’ll hear:

📲 Organizations Mentioned in This Episode

Inclusive Ski Touring
Website: https://inclusiveskitouring.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusiveskitouringInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusiveskitouring/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-ski-touring/

Podcast Sponsor: ENO Hammocks
Website: https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks