In episode 523 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I'm talking with Haley Stuart, filmmaker, environmentalist, and whitewater instructor. Haley joins us to discuss her work protecting rivers, collaborating with communities across the Americas, and raising awareness about mega hydroelectric impacts. Her journey inspires meaningful action for lasting environmental change.

What if I told you that rivers could teach us more about life than a self-help book ever could?

When Haley Stuart first dipped her paddle into a river, she wasn’t chasing adrenaline—she was running headfirst into her fears. Growing up in suburban New York, she didn’t even know kayaking was a sport. It wasn’t until she attended a kayaking-focused high school (yes, those exist!) that she realized rivers weren’t just a setting for adventures—they were life itself, rushing and relentless, filled with twists, turns, and lessons.

At first, the sport terrified her. But over time, the pull of the water and the tight-knit community of paddlers won her over. What started as a hesitant curiosity turned into an unshakable passion. Traveling the world, Haley discovered the hard truth: many of the rivers she loved were under threat—from dams, mining, and neglect. She couldn’t sit by and watch them disappear.

That’s when everything changed.

She met indigenous communities who lived alongside these rivers, fighting daily battles to protect what had sustained them for generations. Haley realized something profound: saving rivers wasn’t just about ecology—it was about people, too. And through her work, she’s helping amplify their voices, blending storytelling, conservation, and sheer grit to make an impact.

The heart of Haley’s story? Real change starts when we listen. Listen to the rivers, the people who live near them, and the truth about what’s really happening in the world’s wildest places. Many of us dream of adventure, but few think about what happens when those landscapes are lost.

It’s not enough to explore the outdoors—we need to protect it.

Too often, we underestimate the power of our choices—what we support, what we fight for, or even where we decide to paddle. We think, "Someone else will handle it," or "What difference can I make?" But here’s the truth: you matter more than you think.

Haley’s work reminds us that our adventures and the decisions we make along the way can transform the fate of entire ecosystems and the communities they sustain.

That’s why this week’s episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast is a must-listen. Haley’s journey from nervous kayaker to river conservationist will inspire you to think differently about the waterways we all rely on—and how you can play a role in preserving them.

Are you ready to discover the adventure, responsibility, and heart that comes with loving rivers? Tune in to hear Haley’s story. Don’t just explore the outdoors—help protect it for the next generation.

Amazonian Rivers Initiative

Rios to Rivers

Tuichi River

Paddle Tribal Waters & Kayakimün

👉 Click here to listen now!

The Women Behind Still River, Silent Jungle

TEDx talk by Hayley: Dammed if We Do: A Closer Look at the Dangers of Mega Hydro

Amazonian River Allies Bolivia (ARA Bolivia)

Follow up with Hayley here: [email protected]

 Today I'm joined by Jonathan Derksen, a globe-trotting storyteller whose life has spanned the rainforest of Bolivia, the peaks of the Himalaya, and the classroom of Canada. Jonathan brings a powerful mix of adventure, education, and heart to every story he tells.

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"So there I was, deep in Arunachal Pradesh, India, in a remote tribal village where headhunting wasn’t just folklore—it was very recent history.

We were there to film for Discovery Channel—me, a $100,000 camera, and a crew who knew how to sweat (and panic). We’d prepped for weeks, months even. Everything was perfect until a whisper came through the jungle vines: “Insurgents are coming. They know you have money.”

Awesome. Just what I needed—guerilla drama on top of documentary stress.

I told the team we had to bail. But first, I had to make up a lie that our camera broke—because telling a warrior tribe mid-costume that the government might be after us just didn’t feel like the right move.

What followed? Screaming. Spears. A blunderbuss aimed at my head. And me pleading forgiveness like a Catholic schoolboy who just broke the principal’s window.

I grabbed the tribal leader’s hand, bowed my head, and whispered, “Are you Christian?” “Yes,” he said, confused. “Then… forgiveness?” And just like that, I got my own Disney ending. They let us go—with only mild humiliation, a few fake wooden heads, and one hell of a story." - Jonathan Derksen

Principle: Here’s what that jungle taught me: Real stories—the ones that shake you, stir you, and stick with you—don’t come from comfort. They come from courage. From risking something to show something worth seeing.

And sometimes, telling the truth isn’t the bravest thing. It’s telling the story anyway, no matter how messy the behind-the-scenes gets.

Transition: Most people think storytelling is about having the right camera, the right lighting, the right moment. But the truth is, what holds us back isn’t gear—it’s fear. Fear of getting it wrong. Fear of offending. Fear of not being enough to tell the tale.

And yet, the world needs more honest stories, not perfect ones.

That’s why: That’s why this podcast episode with Jonathan Derksen exists. It’s not polished. It’s powerful. It’s not filtered—it’s fearless. From war-zone photojournalism to jungles laced with mercury and memories, we uncover what it really means to document a world in crisis—and do it with heart.

Call to Action: If you’ve ever felt like your story doesn’t matter, or that your voice isn’t “qualified” enough—this episode is your proof that it does and it is. Stop letting self-doubt keep your story buried. Hit play, get inspired, and tell it anyway.

 The first time I realized the outdoors could be more than just a place, it could be a calling, was somewhere between a nervous 11-year-old with a skinned knee and a whitewater rapid called Satan's Cesspool.

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I didn’t plan on building a life around the outdoors.

Then it happened.

A shy kid — the kind who barely muttered a word for two days — tugged my sleeve and asked if I could show him how to identify tracks on the trail.

We knelt in the dirt like two mini wildlife detectives, tracking a raccoon through pine needles like it was a national treasure. The look on his face when he figured it out? Lit. Up.

That moment rewired something in me.

Suddenly, the outdoors wasn’t just a place. It was a pulse. A calling. That same summer I found myself guiding rafts down the Kern River, soaking up adrenaline and humility in equal measure — because rivers don’t care if you think you’re cool. They’ll throw you out of the raft just to prove a point.

I went from teaching ghost stories around the campfire to cooking steaks by river eddies and sleeping under a galaxy-thick sky that made me feel both tiny and infinite.

Principle: Sometimes your calling doesn’t shout — it whispers through pine needles, screams from a rapid, or nudges you with a quiet “Hey, can you show me how?”

Transition: A lot of people wait for some grand sign to show them what to do next. But what if the answer is already in motion — just disguised as curiosity, community, or one unforgettable outdoor moment?

That’s why: That’s why I shared this story on the latest episode — not to tell you how to find your purpose, but to show you that it might already be hiding in the things that light you up when no one’s watching.

Call to Action: If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure about what’s next, don’t wait for clarity to knock — go listen to this episode. It might just reconnect you with the spark you didn’t know you lost. 🎧

Dive into a one-of-a-kind episode this week as I sit down with software industry leader and passionate fly fisherman, Tim Huckaby. Tim’s career has led him to work with tech giants like Microsoft and hop on stage with legends like Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, but it’s his adventures on the river and in the wild that truly inspire him.

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What Happened: I didn’t mean to create a world-famous fly. Honestly, I just wanted something that wouldn’t fall apart mid-float.

It started with a cheat.

I jacked a foam-folding technique from Charlie Craven (legendary fly tier) and started riffing. I was fishing the Upper Kern, and those trout were demolishing grasshoppers. Like full-on buffet mode. So I tied up something massive—ugly from the top, perfect from below—and boom. The Kern River rainbows went nuts.

I named it the Huck Hopper.

Fast forward a few years: I’m fishing around the world. Behind guides’ backs, I quietly swap in my Frankenfly. Next thing you know, they’re demanding to know what it is. And I’m FedExing Huck Hoppers at 3 a.m. because some poor guy “needs ‘em for Patagonia.”

I even spun up an e-comm site. “Nobody will buy them,” I thought.

Wrong.

Principle: Sometimes, what sets you apart isn't how polished your idea is—it's how deeply it solves a problem only insiders truly understand. Real traction often comes from obsession and imperfection—not slick branding or mass appeal.

Transition: A lot of outdoor entrepreneurs and creators make the same mistake I almost did: thinking your thing has to be perfect or pretty before it’s worth sharing. Or worse—waiting for permission. The truth? Your “ugly” prototype might be someone else’s holy grail.

That’s why so many talented people stall out: they’re waiting to be validated, to be “ready,” or for some guru to give them the green light.

That’s Why: That’s why we brought Tim Huckabee onto the podcast—he’s proof that your passion project doesn’t have to be fancy to make waves. Whether you're into fly fishing, side-hustling, or building gear people actually want, this episode shows how relentless curiosity, a bit of rebellion, and a lot of river time can create something unforgettable.

Call to Action (PAS-style): If you’ve been second-guessing your scrappy idea, overthinking every detail, or stuck in “not good enough” mode—this one’s for you. Listen now to hear how Tim turned a back-of-the-boat experiment into a globally loved gear essential.

Follow up with Tim: https://www.timhuckaby.com/

The fourth of 4 Episodes with Outdoor Adventure Photographer Sergio Bolivian providing tips and advice to improve your adventure photography.

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Show Notes

WHAT HAPPENED – Personal Story:

There I was, deep in the Amazon, camera in hand, soaking in this explosion of color—bright blue water, rusty orange clay, jungle green overhead, and that soft golden light photographers dream about. The kind of scene that doesn’t just ask to be photographed—it demands it.

So what did I do?

I lined up my shot, textbook rule-of-thirds style. Sky in the top third, water in the bottom, everything “perfect.”

But something felt… off.

That’s when I said screw it, let’s break some rules. I shifted the frame. Horizon smack in the middle. My boat creeping in from the corner, becoming this perfect leading line. It looked weird… until it didn’t. Until it looked just right.

It was one of those rare, unrepeatable moments. In five minutes, the light would shift, the river would curve, and that magic scene? Gone forever. But because I trusted my eye over the rulebook, I got the shot—and every time I look at it, I feel that moment again.

PRINCIPLE:

Here’s the thing—creative freedom doesn’t mean ignoring the rules; it means understanding them well enough to know when to ditch them. Composition is a tool, not a cage. The rule of thirds, leading lines, all that jazz? It’s there to guide your storytelling, not police it. Your camera is just the vehicle. You’re the driver.

TRANSITION:

But so many of us get stuck. Not because we’re not “creative enough,” but because we cling to the rules like a safety blanket. We’re afraid to break out of the grid and trust our own visual instincts. And let’s be honest—most beginner photographers aren’t struggling because they don’t have the gear. They’re struggling because they’re trapped by formula, instead of finding their own rhythm.

THAT’S WHY:

That’s why this episode with Sergio is a breath of fresh, Amazonian air. We dive into composing wild spaces with intention, not restriction. We explore how to blend intuition with technique so your photos tell your story, not just the story the rulebook approves of.

CALL TO ACTION:

Tired of taking “technically correct” photos that still feel flat? Frustrated when your shots don’t match what you felt in the moment? Listen to this episode now and start capturing the kinds of images that make people stop and feel something

In this episode, host Rick Saez sits down with acclaimed outdoor writer Dave Zoby, whose evocative essays and stories have graced the pages of top magazines like Gray’s Sporting Journal and The Drake.

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Why Some of My Best Stories Are About Not Catching Fish (and Why Editors Still Say Yes)

What Happened:

I didn’t grow up out West. I grew up in a shipbuilding town where “outdoorsy” meant mowing the lawn. So you can imagine the culture shock when I moved to Wyoming. Suddenly, public land was everywhere, the rivers were full of trout, and I had this wild idea to write a poem about duck stamps and send it to Gray’s Sporting Journal.

Back then, submissions weren’t digital. I had to physically print the thing, drive to the post office, buy a stamp, and drop it in a mailbox. It felt like time travel. But lo and behold, they wrote me back. Not a rejection. Not silence. A real, live editor wrote back. And that one little poem opened the floodgates.

I started pitching stories. I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew how to tell the truth. Not the glossy, influencer kind of truth—more like “I went fishing, caught nothing, but had a spiritual epiphany about life and Labrador Retrievers” kind of truth.

Turns out, those are the stories that stick.

Principle:

The biggest myth in outdoor storytelling? That you need epic wins to earn a voice. You don’t. You need honest stories—ones that carry the smell of pine, the sound of bugling elk at 2 a.m., and the feeling of wrestling a kayak into submission while your dog watches, judging.

Real stories about imperfect trips and imperfect people—those are the ones that resonate. That’s how you connect. That’s how you build a community. And that’s how you create something editors actually want to publish.

Transition:

But here’s the rub—most aspiring outdoor storytellers are waiting for their “perfect” moment before they write. They think they need the big trophy, the remote trip, the Instagram-worthy fish. Meanwhile, the real stories—the good ones—are sitting right in front of them, getting ignored.

That’s why:

That’s why this episode with Dave Zobe is a masterclass in grounded, gritty, authentic outdoor storytelling. We dig into the messy, beautiful reality of writing what you know—dog hair, bad Spanish, missed shots and all—and why that’s what truly moves readers.

Call to Action:

If you’ve been waiting for your story to be “epic enough” before you tell it, you’re missing the point. Listen to this episode now and learn how to turn your everyday outdoor life into stories that sell—and connect—with real people.

Follow Dave: https://linktr.ee/davezoby

The third of 4 Episodes with Outdoor Adventure Photographer Sergio Bolivian providing tips and advice to improve your adventure photography.

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Show Notes

Ever tried hiking 12 miles with a 40-pound camera bag? Yeah... I did . . . Once.

What Happened: I used to think the more gear I carried, the better photographer I’d be. Every lens, every filter, every tripod head—I looked like REI exploded on my back. But halfway up a steep ridge in the Sierra, gasping for breath, I thought my buddy Sergio—he carries two cameras, two lenses, zero sweat. Dude casually composes shots while I am usually auditioning for a Gatorade commercial.

That’s when it hit me. It's not about carrying everything. It’s about seeing everything better—with less.

Principle: Packing light isn’t just about saving your spine. It forces you to become more intentional. To stop overthinking the gear and start trusting your eye. That’s what makes your photography sharper—physically and creatively.

Transition: Most outdoor photographers think they need the “perfect” gear setup to get “the shot.” But what if that mindset is actually what's holding you back? Lugging around unnecessary equipment, over-editing photos, relying on gear instead of instinct... sound familiar?

That’s why: That’s why this week’s episode with Sergio is a must-listen. He breaks down exactly how he shoots stunning landscapes with a lean kit, no filters, and a mindset honed from decades in the field. If you’ve been overpacking, overthinking, or just overwhelmed, this one’s for you.

Call to Action: Struggling to capture powerful images because your bag’s heavy, your process is clunky, or you’re stuck in gear paralysis? Listen to this episode and finally learn how to shoot with clarity—literally and creatively. 🎧 [Tune into the episode now]

This week on The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, Rick sits down with Jason Reckers, a long-time force behind the scenes at the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA). Jason shares his journey from building tech startups in California to becoming COO at ATTA and now, his new mission to build connections between travelers and responsible tour operators through exciting projects like Adventure.Travel.

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How a Free Lunch Changed the Course of My Career (Seriously)

What Happened (Personal Story): Picture this: I'm sitting in a random California lunch spot, just expecting a free sandwich. I’d been doing some web development work, helping businesses slap together websites during the FrontPage era (yeah, that old-school).

Next thing I know, I'm getting pitched by two guys with big dreams and zero dollars about reviving this global Adventure Travel Trade Association. They needed a website, and in return? They’d buy me lunch.

Was it logical? Nope. Was it exciting? Absolutely.

I had spent years going to sterile tech conferences where unless you were knee-deep in code, you were invisible. But this adventure travel crowd? They were warm. Welcoming. Passionate. People who actually made eye contact and talked about things like culture, conservation, and sleeping under the stars (not just server downtime).

So I said yes. And twenty years later, here we are.

Principle: Here’s the thing I learned: It’s not about being the “most adventurous” or having a perfect résumé. The outdoor adventure industry thrives on real relationships and a shared belief that travel should mean something—to the traveler and the planet. You don’t need to summit Everest to belong. You just need to show up, be open, and give a damn.

Transition (Problem Identification): However, most people believe they need to have a grand, rugged origin story to break into this space or make a mark. They wait for “enough experience” or the “right time” to get started. Meanwhile, they miss the magic of community, connection, and purpose that this industry actually runs on.

That’s Why: That’s why this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast is so special. We dig into the stories behind the scenes—from scrappy beginnings to global summits—and the real human relationships that power this movement forward. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t quite “fit in” to the adventure mold, this one’s your invitation to come as you are.

Call to Action (PAS style): Think you need to be the most extreme, experienced, or expert outdoorsy person to make an impact? Think again. Stop letting imposter syndrome hold you back—there’s a place for you here. Listen to this episode now and find out why.

The second of 4 Episodes with Outdoor Adventure Photographer Sergio Bolivian providing tips and advice to improve your adventure photography.

In addition to shooting for destinations, brands, and publications, he also offers photography expeditions in South America, particularly focusing on Bolivia.

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What Happened (Personal Story) I used to believe that capturing epic travel shots was all about finding the right moment. You know—the sunset, the summit, the perfect smile. Until I took a trip with a friend who'd studied under National Geographic photographers.

Day one, we hiked for hours to a viewpoint. I pulled out my camera, lined up the shot, and BAM—caught the golden light perfectly hitting the valley. I was thrilled. My friend, though? He didn’t even blink. “Cool,” he said, “But where’s the rest of the story?” Turns out, he wasn’t just snapping random cool shots—he was building a five-frame story: who, what, where, when, and why.

And suddenly, that single “epic” shot of mine felt... empty.

I watched him plan his shots before we even set up camp, getting up before dawn to catch headlamps in the dark, positioning himself on the other ridge for the silhouette. It wasn’t luck. It was intentional, strategic, and powerful.

Principle Your travel photos shouldn’t just be pretty—they should speak. One great image is nice, but a well-crafted story in five frames? That’s unforgettable. The real magic happens when you stop chasing moments and start anticipating narratives.

Transition The problem is most people don’t know this. They think epic shots just “happen,” or worse—they wing it and hope for the best. But capturing adventure isn’t about waiting around with a camera. It’s about preparing like a storyteller and thinking like a guide. If your photos aren’t landing the way you hoped, it’s not your talent—it’s your approach.

That’s Why That’s why this week’s Thursday Drop with Sergio Ballivian is a must-listen. We’re breaking down the mindset behind visual storytelling on expeditions—how to capture moments that speak volumes without needing eight months or a magazine budget. Whether you're heading to Bolivia or your local hiking trail, these are the mental shifts that’ll upgrade your storytelling forever.

Call to Action  Still coming home with 300 photos and no story? That’s the pain. Worse—you're not even sure what you’re missing. That’s the agitation. The solution? Tune in to this week’s Thursday Drop and finally learn how to tell the story your photos deserve.

👉 Listen to Episode 515 now: [Insert Link]

Follow up with Sergio

Sergio Photo Tours

Today I'm talking with Luno founder Peter Ducato. Peter is a seasoned entrepreneur and product specialist for the passenger building brands that blend, design, and impact. He's the founder and CEO of Luno, redefining outdoor adventure by turning vehicles into comfortable, ready-to-camp spaces.

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He Slept in His Car to Save Money… Then, Accidentally Created a Category

What Happened (Personal Story Style):

A few years back, Peter D. found himself freezing in the back of a Subaru Outback somewhere near Mammoth Mountain. The wind was howling, the tent felt like a bad idea, and hotels? Not exactly college-student budget friendly.

So what did he do? He cozied up in his car with a flimsy hiking pad—and by “cozy,” I mean he survived. Barely.

But that freezing weekend ended up being the beginning of something much bigger. When Peter got back home, he grabbed a tape measure, climbed into the back of his car, and started sketching ideas. Because surely sleeping in your car didn’t have to feel like punishment.

Fast forward a few years—and a misprinted mattress valve later—and Peter had pioneered in-vehicle camping, launched a category-defining brand, and built a company that not only weathered a pandemic launch, but sold out in a month.

Principle:

What I love most about Peter’s journey is this: he didn’t wait for the perfect conditions. He leaned into what bugged him. He didn’t need a fancy van or huge investors. He started with a real problem, his own two hands, and a stubborn refusal to accept that the outdoors had to mean discomfort.

That’s a principle worth holding onto: Sometimes the best ideas are born in the middle of discomfort—and yes, even in the back of a freezing Subaru.

Transition:

Too many of us think we need ideal circumstances before we act. The perfect setup, the funding, the five-year plan.

But maybe what’s holding you back isn’t the market or the money—it’s waiting for conditions to be “just right.” It’s believing that if you’re not ready now, you’ll never be.

That’s Why:

That’s why I love this episode. It’s not just a founder story—it’s a permission slip. To start where you are. To use what you’ve got. To trust that the worst nights can become the best ideas. And to remember that even if you mess up (like mislabeling thousands of mattress valves), people will root for you if you’re honest and human.

Call to Action (PAS Style): Still waiting for “someday” to start building your thing? That delay is costing you more than time—it’s robbing you of momentum. Skip the wait, get inspired, and hear how Peter turned a freezing night into a thriving company.

👉 Click here to listen now and upgrade your camp sleep set up.

Follow up with Peter: peter.ducato @lunolife.com.