Today, Rick sits down with Cincinnati-based climate science and outdoor writer Jessica Baltzersen, whose passion for storytelling has taken her from bison-filled islands to moonlit rainbows and community gardens making a difference in urban food deserts.

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Show Notes

Show Notes

Show Notes

WHAT HAPPENED:

I'll be honest—when I first started freelancing, I chased the big stuff. Wildfires out west. Epic storms. National parks everyone's heard of. And yeah, the views were killer, the access? Not so much. Crowds. Traffic. And trying to pitch a story that wasn't already told a hundred times by someone standing in the same exact spot? Near impossible.

Then I moved back to Cincinnati.

Yeah, the Midwest. You know, the place nobody writes about unless there's a flood or a football game.

But what I found? Holy hell. 5,000 acres of parks. National Water Trails. People pulling literal tons of tires out of rivers with their bare hands and busted backs. And stories—real ones. Raw. Personal. Uncovered.

One day, I'm chasing a moonbow in Kentucky. (Yes, that's a lunar rainbow, and yes, it's real.) Another, I'm writing about community gardens growing hope in the middle of urban food deserts. And all of it—every story—started right here in my own overlooked, underestimated backyard.

PRINCIPLE:

The best outdoor stories don't always come from the big, dramatic places. Sometimes, they're right under your nose—in the "boring" places, told by everyday folks doing extraordinary things. As outdoor storytellers, travelers, and advocates, we've got to stop thinking epic = better. Local can be just as powerful—if not more.

TRANSITION:

But here's the thing: too many creatives, writers, and adventurers are stuck in this belief that the only stories worth telling live out west or come with a plane ticket. That the Midwest, the South, or even your own neighborhood isn't "sexy" enough for an audience. So they scroll past, ignore it, and miss the magic right in front of them.

THAT'S WHY:

This episode with Jessica Erzen is so damn important. She reminds us that storytelling isn't about location—it's about perspective. It's about being curious enough to dig into the stories no one else is talking about. It's about realizing that a river full of tires can be just as compelling as a summit photo in the Rockies. Maybe more.

CALL TO ACTION:

Feeling like your outdoor stories aren't big enough to matter? You're not alone—most folks think if it's not wild, it's not worth it. But the truth? The stories that really move people are often right in their own backyard. Listen to Jessica's episode now—because the next great story might be just outside your front door.

Follow up with Jessica: [email protected]

Show Notes:

Turns out you just need the right info, a bit of courage, and maybe someone to teach you to swim in Bali (true story).

Hugo's hostel conversation led to a whirlwind of new friendships, wild adventures, and eventually, a career that let me hopscotch the globe, bank some serious cash, and design a life I didn't want a vacation from.

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Show Notes

Principle: The truth is, the life you want isn't found in job boards or traditional paths—it's usually hiding in the stories of people who've already broken the mold. You don't need to have all the answers. You just need a glimpse of what's possible and the guts to say, "why not me?"

Transition: Most people get stuck right at that fork in the road. They're burned out, fed up with the 9-to-5 grind, and craving more than just two weeks of vacation. But they stay stuck because no one ever showed them what else is out there. They think they need more money, more skills, more permission.

That's why most people never leave Oklahoma City. (No offense, Oklahoma.)

That's Why: That's why this week's episode with Hugo Ortega is such a game-changer. We're not just talking about travel or yachting. We're talking about what happens when you stop waiting for the perfect moment—and just start chasing the life you actually want. Hugo lays it all out, and trust me, it's not what you think.

Call to Action: Tired of feeling trapped in a life that looks good on paper but feels like a slow death in khakis? This episode is your sign. Discover how one guy turned a pink slip into a passport to adventure—and how you can too. Listen now and start rewriting your own story.

Follow up with Hugo: [email protected]

Show Notes

Today, I'm talking with Nicole Blaser, an accomplished outdoor educator, adventurer, and co-founder of the Karuna Project. Nicole shares her inspiring journey guiding expeditions from Alaska's glaciers to Nepal's wild rivers, and reflects on the powerful role that compassion and connection play in outdoor leadership.

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Show Notes

WHAT HAPPENED:

I didn't expect a pre-dawn ski up a cold Crested Butte mountain to spark a worldwide mission—but that's exactly what happened.

There I was, skinning up the snow-covered slopes with my longtime friend and fellow guide, Seth, making conversation to keep our lungs from bursting in the thin air. At first, we were just training for a ski race, the Grand Traverse. But as we kept climbing—literally and figuratively—our chats turned into something more serious.

We talked about the world. About disconnection. About how outdoor adventure had shaped us both. And somewhere between breathless climbs and sunrise turns, Karuna Project was born.

We didn't have a 30-day course anymore or the luxury of long timelines. But we did have the skills, the scars (hello Giardia), and the belief that challenge, when shared with purpose, transforms people.

PRINCIPLE:

Adventure isn't just about adrenaline. It's about compassion. The outdoors has this sneaky way of stripping away the noise, leveling the playing field, and teaching you how to lead—not by shouting, but by showing up with empathy.

And that kind of leadership? It's not just for guides on a trail. It's what today's communities, classrooms, and even boardrooms need more than ever.

TRANSITION:

Here's the thing, though—most people never get that chance.

They're stuck thinking leadership means being the loudest. That change only happens through big platforms and politics. That real transformation only comes with a 30-day retreat or a plane ticket to Nepal.

But that's not true.

THAT'S WHY:

That's why this episode exists—to show you how meaningful growth doesn't require a mountaintop or a massive budget. Just the right environment, the right challenge, and people who know how to guide you through both.

Nicole's story isn't just inspiring—it's a blueprint for how we can all blend purpose with passion, right where we are.

CALL TO ACTION:

If you've ever felt stuck playing small, waiting for permission to lead or make a difference—stop. The world needs grounded, compassionate leaders now. And this episode? It'll remind you that your growth—and impact—can start with just one step into the wild. 🎧 Listen here.

On this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, host Rick Saez sits down with Jeff Wilser—author of eight books, public speaker, and host of the AI Curious podcast.

Show Notes

What Happened: I used to think I had life figured out. I had a solid job as a financial analyst at Intel—great salary, smart people, secure future. Until one day, I opened a spreadsheet that was supposed to "plan out my life"… and instead, it triggered an existential crisis.

There, nestled between columns for "MBA programs" and "historical PhD options," I typed something ridiculous: Writer (no money in it, but sounds fun?)

Spoiler alert: I chose the row that made the least sense on paper and the most sense in my gut. That wild decision snowballed. Fast forward: I've written eight books, roamed the globe with nothing but a carry-on, and now I'm talking to literal astronauts and storm chasers for my work.

One unexpected place that captured my heart? The Explorers Club—a community where someone casually mentions they're just back from the bottom of the ocean like it's no big deal. It's Hogwarts for grown-up adventurers.

Principle: Curiosity is more than a trait—it's a compass. Whether you're exploring a jungle, a new career path, or a better version of yourself… the only real mistake is not following the pull. Most people think they need a clear roadmap. But the truth? Most of the good stuff happens when you're in over your head and you keep going anyway.

Transition: The reason most people never "make the leap" isn't because they're not brave. It's because they're waiting for permission. Or clarity. Or a guarantee. But exploration—real, meaningful exploration—only begins after you leave the comfort zone. And sadly, most people don't even realize they're stuck in one.

That's Why: That's why this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast is so important. We dive into what modern exploration actually looks like today—from scientists risking their lives for climate research to curious souls chasing the edge of what's possible. And how the The Explorers Club is quietly shaping that future… without the chest-pounding.

Call to Action: Feeling stuck in a loop of "maybe someday"? That itch you can't quite name? That's curiosity knocking. Don't ignore it. Instead, listen to this episode and rediscover the spark you've been missing. The edge is calling—and this is your sign to answer it.

🎧 [Listen to the full episode here]

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🎧 Click here to listen to the episode and learn how to stop pitching and start connecting. (Then go outside and do something awesome.)

Scott Kaier makes his second appearance on the show today. You can his first vist way back on episode 232 in August 2020. As President of Formidable Media, Scott helps a select group of clients build their brands globally through tailored marketing services—public relations, custom content, paid media, and social support. As Senior VP at Green Threads DPP, Scott also leads efforts around the EU's upcoming Digital Product Passport (DPP) legislation, guiding companies through compliance and integration. His specialties include textiles, sustainable materials, performance fabrics, and the outdoor industry.

Show Notes

You ever have that moment where you realize you've been playing the game backwards?

That was me, mid-career, sitting in a glossy outdoor brand office with beautiful gear… that nobody wanted to write about.

What Happened:

I didn't come from some Madison Avenue ad agency. I started in bike shops — greasy hands, mismatched gear, and an obsession with adventure. I wasn't chasing media hits, I just wanted to be around people who got it.

Fast forward a few years, I'm deep into PR for top-tier outdoor brands, working with media, crafting stories, and yet… I'd see some products completely flop in the press while others (less exciting, in my opinion) stole the spotlight.

At first, I took it personally. Like, why aren't they seeing the story here?

But here's what I learned: the best stories aren't the ones brands tell about themselves — they're the ones that resonate.

Principle:

Outdoor brands often fall in love with their products, not their audience.

They get caught up in their idea of what's newsworthy, forgetting that real stories aren't about features — they're about connection. And connection comes from authenticity, timing, and meeting people where they are.

Transition:

Most outdoor brands are struggling not because they don't have great gear, but because they're telling stories no one is listening to.

The market has changed. What worked in the golden age of trade shows and glossy magazine spreads doesn't fly in today's fragmented media world. And while your product might be sustainable, your message might not be.

That's why this week's podcast episode is such a wake-up call for brand leaders trying to stay relevant. Scott Kaier dives deep into what the outdoor industry gets wrong (and right) about media, storytelling, and brand strategy — and what's coming next with EU digital product passports and sustainability compliance.

Call to Action:

Still wondering why your product isn't getting the attention it deserves? That's the pain. Getting ghosted by media, confused by content trends, feeling like your message gets lost? That's the agitation. Scott's been on both sides — agency and in-house — and he shares the mindset shift that changes everything. That's the solution.

🎧 Click here to listen to the episode

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🎧 Click here to listen to the episode and learn how to stop pitching and start connecting. (Then go outside and do something awesome.)

On this episode of The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, host Rick Saez sits down with Tyler Pierce—a lifelong outdoorsman, mountaineer, and bowhunter whose love for adventure began early among the Colorado Rockies. From summiting his first 14er at age twelve and surviving eight knee surgeries to building his own supplement brand, Panglossian, Tyler shares how the outdoors shaped his resilience, his gratitude, and his drive to keep getting after it.

Show Notes

What Happened

Back when I was 16, I applied for this obscure leadership scholarship—$5K to go live in the backcountry for two months with a bunch of strangers and a couple maps. No phone. No GPS. No "check engine" light for your soul.

After 58 days navigating the Rockies, came the solo. Three days. No guides. No group. Just a tarp, a sleeping bag, and a goal: find my way 18 miles across unknown terrain using only coordinates and instinct. I had no idea what I was doing—but I also had no way out.

There were no excuses. No parents. No bail-out plan. Just me, some snow-packed passes, and the quiet echo of, "figure it out."

That trip gave me something I couldn't have gotten anywhere else. Gratitude. Grit. And the unshakeable belief that I could handle hard things—even if my boots were frozen solid.

Principle

We don't grow when things are comfortable. We grow when the path is unclear, the gear is minimal, and the only option is to keep going anyway.

The world tells us we need the perfect setup, the best equipment, or the ideal timing. But the truth is—those who succeed in the wild (and in business, and in life) are the ones who move forward even when none of those boxes are checked.

Transition

Too many folks wait. Wait for more money. More time. The right gear. The perfect plan. But what if the reason you feel stuck isn't a lack of resources—it's the belief that you need them in the first place?

That belief is what holds most adventurers, creatives, and would-be founders back.

That's Why…

That's why this week's episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast with Tyler Pierce isn't just a story—it's a callout. A challenge. A reminder that the wild doesn't reward perfection. It rewards persistence.

Tyler went from food stamps to founder, from Columbine survivor to elite bowhunter, from frozen boots to building arrows from animals he harvested himself.

And through it all? He never waited to feel "ready." He just kept moving.

Call to Action

If you've been waiting for the "right time" to chase the thing calling your name—stop. Waiting only gets you older and more frustrated. Listen to this episode and remember what it means to move with purpose, even when the path is hard.

🎧 [Listen to the full episode now] (link)

Follow up with Pearce:

Website: https://panglossianlife.com/

email: [email protected]

Making Impact Products Affordable: "So we had margins that were acceptable in retail and that enabled us to reduce the margins to get those lights and power banks to people that needed them at localized pricing"

Show Notes

WHAT HAPPENED: I'll never forget the time I heard that our solar lanterns helped two warring factions in rural Africa literally bury the hatchet. They were both receiving our lights through an NGO, and suddenly, they were doing business together. That's not a metaphor. That's real.

Or the 10-year-old from the South Side of Chicago who handed out tens of thousands of "blessing bags" with our lights to the homeless—just because he believed no one should be left in the dark. That kind of story? It wrecks you—in the best way.

We built a business from the ground up, armed with 25 patents, a "why not both?" mindset of profit and purpose, and a deep belief that a single light could spark something bigger.

PRINCIPLE: You don't need to choose between making money and making a difference. In fact, if you're doing it right, one fuels the other.

Too many founders think they have to "wait" until they've made it to give back. That impact comes after the profit.

Nope. Real impact is baked in from day one. When your mission is woven into your product, not just your marketing, you don't need to convince people—it resonates on its own.

TRANSITION (external problem): But here's the kicker: a lot of us get stuck playing small because we think impact means complexity. Or we're waiting for the "right" time, the perfect investor, the green light.

And while we're waiting, other people are slapping together knockoff versions of our ideas and flooding the market with cheap stuff. Sound familiar?

We think we need permission to start building something that truly helps people.

THAT'S WHY: That's why I sat down with John Inger on this week's episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast—because his story is proof that doing good and doing well isn't an either/or.

This isn't just about lights and patents. It's about building trust, leading with purpose, and designing products that matter—even if you're just a team of 25 going up against big-budget giants.

CALL TO ACTION: If you're tired of building things that look good but don't do good, this episode will remind you why you started. Tune in now and rediscover how the smallest product can spark massive change.

Website: www.havenlantern.com Account Address Handle Instagram https://www.instagram.com/haven.lantern/ @haven.lantern LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/havenlantern/ HAVEN Lantern FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578361602034 HAVEN Lantern TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@haven_lantern HAVEN Lantern

Today I'm speaking with Seth Quig. Seth is a seasoned outdoor professional with over two decades of experience in outdoor education and international adventure travel.

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I didn't pay rent for nearly 10 years.

Seriously. I was either crashing in guard houses, sleeping in a tent, or living out of my truck between Idaho and Baja. Some might call it dirtbagging—I call it my MBA in life.

Back then, my "home" was wherever the river ran or the mountain rose. I wasn't building a business. I wasn't even thinking about one. I was chasing adventure, guiding people through whitewater and Himalayan passes.

But somewhere between the third trip up Kilimanjaro and watching bulldozers drop boulders into a rapid I was about to run… I realized something.

Adventure wasn't the goal. It was the vehicle.

A vehicle for connection. For transformation. For pushing people out of comfort and into character.

PRINCIPLE:

If you want to create something meaningful in the outdoor industry—or in life—you've got to stop thinking of adventure as the destination. It's the doorway. The best guides (and entrepreneurs) don't just lead people outside. They lead them into themselves.

And to do that, you don't need perfect branding or a 10-step funnel. You need to understand people, risk, fear, group dynamics—and how to hold space when someone's terrified of peeing in a Porta-Potty.

TRANSITION:

But most aspiring adventure entrepreneurs never make it to that level.

They get stuck thinking passion is enough. That loving nature or guiding people qualifies you to build a sustainable business. But loving rivers doesn't teach you finance. Running the Inca Trail doesn't show you how to manage a team, onboard a client, or navigate a cultural crisis in Kathmandu.

So what happens? Burnout. Disconnection. Businesses that are all sizzle, no soul.

THAT'S WHY:

That's why this episode with Seth Quig isn't just about whitewater and trekking tales. It's a masterclass in what it really takes to make a living in adventure travel today. We're talking risk, realism, radical honesty—and how to build a business that doesn't just profit, but gives back.

CALL TO ACTION:

Tired of feeling like your passion for the outdoors isn't enough to build the career you want? That's because it isn't—not without the right mindset and mentorship. Discover what most outdoor pros get wrong and how to flip the script. Listen to this episode now and find the trailhead to a better business.

🎧 Click here to listen to the episode

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I had a great conversation with Dr. Rachel Graham: Adventurer, scientist, and founder of MarAlliance. She's dedicated her life to protecting sharks, rays, & ocean wildlife by empowering local communities from Central America to Madagascar. Her story just might change how you see the sea.

Brought to you this week by The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund

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Show Notes

WHAT HAPPENED:

There's this moment that I haven't stopped thinking about.

A woman — a local fisher, part of a coastal community — who had spent years measuring dead sharks, told Rachel Graham she had a dream. Not a big one by the world's standards. But big for her: she wanted to scuba dive.

There was just one problem: She couldn't swim.

And another: She was terrified of sharks.

But fast forward, and there she was. Certified. Scuba gear on. Underwater. Surrounded by the very creatures she once feared.

That's not just a story about overcoming fear. It's a story about the power of inviting people into the process, not just preaching at them.

And it changed her — and her community — forever.

PRINCIPLE:

People don't change because of data. They change because of connection. You can't create a lasting impact by staying in the ivory tower. Real change happens when you bring people in. Let them be part of the discovery. Respect their knowledge. And build from there.

It's not about converting skeptics. It's about creating co-creators.

TRANSITION:

And yet, so many of us get stuck trying to do this work alone.

We've got big visions, but we're either siloed, overwhelmed, or convinced we're not "qualified enough" to lead. We think we need a perfect degree, a perfect plan, or permission to start.

We forget the truth: The people who make the biggest difference? Often, you don't have the "right" resume. But they do have the right mindset: curiosity, commitment, and community.

THAT'S WHY:

That's why this episode with Rachel Graham isn't just about shark conservation.

It's about reimagining leadership, reframing "expertise," and rebuilding ecosystems — both ecological and human — from the ground up.

If you've ever felt like your dreams were too far out of reach, or your impact wasn't big enough… this one's going to shift you.

CALL TO ACTION:

If you've been quietly questioning your path or doubting your ability to make a difference, this episode is your permission slip. Get inspired by how Rachel built a global movement — one conversation (and one fish) at a time. Website: https://maralliance.org/

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On today's episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, Rick welcomes Camilo Ortega, an adventure guide, experience designer, and passionate advocate for responsible travel based in Colombia.

Brought to you this week by The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund

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Show Notes

WHAT HAPPENED:

When I first met the PuA community deep in Colombia's Amazonian transition zone, I assumed I was there to help them build a tourism product.

You know, offer guidance, teach best practices, maybe even map out a solid route.

But instead, they taught me. About autonomy. About culture. About what happens when a community says: "We don't want to be a stop on someone's bucket list—we want this to bring our stories back to life."

They didn't want their kids leaving for the cities. They didn't want their culture watered down to a "show" for tourists.

They wanted tourism to help them remember who they are. And somehow, that remembering started a revival—young people asking questions, elders teaching forgotten traditions, a weaving school reborn, and tools once lost now repurposed into privacy dividers in a jungle lodge.

(Which, by the way, is way cozier than you'd think.)

PRINCIPLE:

It's easy to think your product or service is about solving a problem.

But what if it's about helping people reclaim their identity?

What if the real "success" is the impact your work has far beyond the transaction?

People don't want just experiences—they want transformation. That's true whether you're guiding through the Amazon or guiding your clients through a sales process.

TRANSITION:

Here's the thing though...

Most creators, founders, and community builders I know are so caught up in the deliverables—the steps, the logistics, the perfect pitch—that they miss the deeper reason someone says "yes."

It's not about showing off your expertise.

It's about building trust by standing for something bigger than the sale.

THAT'S WHY:

That's why this episode with Camilo Ortega exists. Because it's not just a conversation about adventure travel—it's a masterclass in how real connection, cultural stewardship, and community-led innovation create experiences people never forget.

And if you've ever felt stuck trying to "market" what you do—this might just be the reset your storytelling needs.

CALL TO ACTION:

If you're tired of selling services that feel flat, uninspiring, or disconnected from your bigger mission—this episode will show you what it really looks like when your product becomes a platform for change.

Follow up with Camilo: [email protected]

Website: https://www.colombianproject.com/