More Than Outdoors Podcast

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/

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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

More Than Outdoors – Episode #13: Patrick Guerette: More Than a Place to Play

In Episode 13, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Patrick Guerette, COO of the Alfond Youth & Community Center, to explore how community organizations, camps, and recreation programs support youth and families across Maine.

Patrick shares how AYCC, Camp Tracy, New England Sports Camps, and community events like the Maine Pond Hockey Classic help build confidence, connection, and opportunity for young people.

✨ What you’ll hear:

• How AYCC and partner programs support youth developmentThe role of camps and sports in building confidence and belonging
• How community events bring people together
• Why partnerships matter in recreation
• Voices from the Summit – rapid-fire reflections




📲 Organizations Mentioned

• Maine Pond Hockey Classic – https://www.mainepondhockey.org

• Alfond Youth & Community Center – https://www.clubaycc.org

• Camp Tracy – https://www.clubaycc.org/programs/camp-tracy/

• New England Sports Camps – https://www.clubaycc.org/programs/camp-tracy/ne-sports-camps/

• The Lodge – @thelodgemaine

• ENO Hammocks – https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com | Instagram: @enohammocks

More Than Outdoors – Episode #12: Certifications 101 for Outdoor Professionals

In this episode, Austin French and Sam Andrews walk through the role certifications play in outdoor and recreation careers. From safety and medical training to leadership and specialized credentials, they discuss how certifications build credibility, confidence, and career pathways.

Whether you’re exploring the industry or looking to take the next step in your career, this episode provides a practical, no-nonsense look at certifications and how to approach them strategically.

✨ What you’ll hear:

• An overview of key certifications in the outdoor industry

• How certifications impact safety and professionalism

• Tips for choosing certifications based on your goals

• Personal insights from Austin and Sam

• Voices from the Summit – rapid-fire reflections

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More Than Outdoors – Episode #11: Gabe Perkins & Todd Papianou: Trail Building is Community Building

Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews talk with Gabe Perkins, Executive Director of Inland Woods + Trails, and Todd Papianou, Physical Education Teacher at Mountain Valley High School, to explore how trail building and movement culture strengthen communities from the ground up.

From developing regional trail systems to engaging students in physical activity, Gabe and Todd share how access, collaboration, and community-led recreation can transform both people and places. Their insights highlight how trail networks are more than paths — they are a foundation for community health, identity, and opportunity.

✨ What you’ll hear:

• How Inland Woods + Trails is shaping regional recreation

• Why movement is essential for student wellbeing

• How educators and recreation leaders work together

• Trails as community, economic, and social assets

• Voices from the Summit – rapid-fire Maine Q&A

📲 Connect with Inland Woods + Trails:
Website: https://inlandwoodsandtrails.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InlandWoodsandTrails
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inlandwoodsandtrails/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inland-woods-trails/

📲 Follow the Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
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Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews speak with Joe Kellner, CEO of LifeFlight of Maine, to explore how critical-care aviation teams respond in some of the most challenging conditions in the Northeast. Joe breaks down what it means to deliver lifesaving care across a rural state, how LifeFlight collaborates with first responders and communities, and why preparedness matters for anyone venturing into Maine’s remote areas.

✨ What you’ll hear:

• LifeFlight’s statewide mission and lifesaving capabilities

• Joe’s leadership story and his connection to the work

• How aviation teams navigate rural terrain and time-critical emergencies

• Voices from the Summit – Joe’s rapid-fire Maine Q&A

📲 Connect with LifeFlight of Maine:
Website: https://www.lifeflightmaine.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeFlightofMaine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeflightofmaine/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifeflight-of-maine/

📲 Follow the Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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More Than Outdoors – Episode #9: Quincy Clifford: Perspective from Maine’s Next Generation

Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Quincy Clifford, a student at the Maine Business School and Summer 2025 Intern with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, to explore what Maine’s recreation future looks like through the eyes of a student. Quincy shares her experiences growing up in Maine, her academic path, and her passion for connecting people, place, and purpose through recreation.

✨ What you’ll hear:

• A student’s perspective on Maine’s recreation industry

• How internships and education shape future leaders

• What inspires Maine’s next generation of recreation professionals

• Voices from the Summit – Quincy’s rapid-fire Maine Q&A

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

📲 Follow the Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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More Than Outdoors – Episode #8: Leading Maine’s Outdoor Future – with Jeff McCabe
Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Jeff McCabe, Director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, to talk about Maine’s outdoor future — from policy to paddling. Jeff shares how outdoor recreation drives jobs, strengthens local economies, and builds community pride, while the new Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap outlines how the state plans to lead the nation in sustainable outdoor growth.

✨ What you’ll hear:

• How outdoor recreation powers Maine’s economy

• The story behind the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation

• Jeff’s path from guide to policy leader

• Fun rapid-fire insights in Voices from the Summit

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

📲 Follow the Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
👉 Follow the show and never miss an episode!