Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast

Switzerland offers some of the world's most beautiful train journeys, but one takes travelers beyond simply admiring the Alps from a window. Winding through some of the dramatic landscapes of the Jungfrau region, the journey aboard the Jungfrau Railway brings travelers from charming alpine villages to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe at three thousand four hundred and fifty-four meters.

What if I told you one of America's great outdoor adventure destinations is a place better known for casinos, neon lights, and all-night entertainment? Because just beyond the Las Vegas Strip, the landscape changes fast. Red sandstone cliffs, Desert canyons. High mountain forests. And some spectacular Mojave Desert country.

So forget the casinos for a minute. And what if I could give you the whole adventure plan in about five minutes?

Welcome to The Las Vegas Adventure Weekend

🎙️ Episode Title

The People You Meet: Adventure, Connection, and Finding Meaning in Travel with Melissa Rodway

In this episode, Rick sits down with traveler, author, and former radio host Melissa Rodway to explore the deeper meaning behind adventure travel. From her childhood experiences in small-town Canada and a formative year in Australia to trekking through jungles in Southeast Asia, Melissa shares how travel has shaped her perspective on life, connection, and personal growth.

They dive into her Amazon bestselling memoir The People You Meet, discuss the evolution of adventure as we age, and unpack why the human connections we make on the road often matter more than the destinations themselves.

• How growing up in a small town sparked Melissa's curiosity for the world
• Why early travel experiences can shape a lifelong sense of adventure
• How adventure travel evolves as we get older
• The importance of purpose-driven travel (hiking, cycling, paddling, etc.)
• Why some places feel like "home" and others don't
• How travel can teach you when it's time to go home
• The role of vulnerability and honesty in storytelling
• Why adventure doesn't have to be far from home

• A Year in Australia at Age 7 Melissa shares how living in a rainforest and traveling through Australia, New Zealand, and Bali opened her eyes to the wider world.
• The Power of Slow Adventure One of her most meaningful experiences wasn't extreme—it was spending five quiet weeks alone in wintery Quebec City.
• Jordan Surprise A trip to Jordan completely changed her expectations, highlighting the kindness and hospitality of the people.
• The Leeches Story (Yes, Really 😬) A jungle trek in Laos turned into a horror-movie-like experience—but also a great story later.
• Travel Fatigue is Real A chance encounter taught her that knowing when to end a trip is just as important as starting one.

Melissa's memoir, The People You Meet, grew out of emails she wrote during a four-month trip through Southeast Asia and China. Years later, she revisited those stories, refined them, and turned them into a compelling narrative about connection, vulnerability, and the unpredictability of travel.

• Adventure is personal — it looks different for everyone
• You don't need to go far to experience meaningful adventure
• Travel is about people as much as places
• Being present is easier on the road—and addictive
• It's okay to slow down or stop altogether
• The best stories come from honesty and vulnerability

• Most surprising destination: Jordan
• Must-pack item: Sunscreen
• Best advice: There's no age limit on adventure—start where you are

"Adventure is for everybody… discover what it means for you and go for it. It's a vital part of being alive." – Melissa Rodway

• Melissa Rodway – Author of The People You Meet
• https://flyrodway.com › my-travel-stories

If your marketing feels busy but not effective, this episode is for you.

Rick sits down with brand strategist Jessica Dodson to unpack why most founder-led brands don't actually need more marketing—they need clarity. From aligning your brand story to simplifying execution, Jessica shares how stepping back can help you move forward faster.

You'll learn how to cut through the noise, focus on what really matters, and build a brand that connects with your audience in a meaningful, measurable way.

• Why "more marketing" often leads to wasted effort
• The real meaning of clarity—and how to achieve it
• Signs you're doing too much (and not the right things)
• How to align brand, messaging, and business goals
• A simple framework for turning vision into execution
• What a clear go-to-market strategy actually looks like
• Why community and authenticity matter more than ever
• The first step to take if your brand feels scattered

1. Clarity beats activity More tactics don't equal better results. Clear messaging makes everything work harder.

2. Do fewer things, better Focus on 1–3 priorities instead of chasing every new idea or trend.

3. Alignment is everything Your brand story, product, marketing, and team all need to be telling the same story.

4. Stop before you start again If things feel scattered—pause, reassess, and get back to fundamentals.

5. Community is a competitive advantage In-person and authentic brand experiences create deeper connections than digital alone.

Feeling overwhelmed? Bring your team together this week and ask:

• What do we stand for?
• What are we trying to achieve?
• What's actually working?

Start the conversation—clarity begins there.

Jessica Dodson is a brand strategist who helps purpose-driven organizations align their purpose, people, and marketing to create lasting impact. With experience across nonprofit, travel, and outdoor brands—including Eagle Creek—she specializes in bringing clarity and focus to growing teams.

• LinkedIn
• Website: https://dodsonconsulting.co
• Email: [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share it with someone building a brand in the outdoor or adventure space.

Kris King tells us all about planning a visit to Livingston and Yellowstone

What if you could experience Yellowstone National Park without the crowds—and pair it with a vibrant arts scene, authentic local culture, and year-round adventure?

In this episode, Rick sits down with Chris, Executive Director of the Livingston Business Improvement District and Explore Livingston, to uncover why Livingston, Montana, might be one of the most underrated gateway towns in the West.

From its roots as a historic railroad hub to its evolution into a thriving arts community, Livingston blends outdoor adventure with creativity, culture, and small-town authenticity. Chris shares insider tips on when to visit, what to do, and how to experience the town like a local.

• Why Livingston is considered the original gateway to Yellowstone
• How a former railroad town became a hub for artists, writers, and creatives
• The best times of year to visit (hint: it's NOT summer)
• How Livingston balances tourism growth with local quality of life
• Unique ways to experience the outdoors without the crowds
• Why "Live Like a Local" is more than just a slogan

• Pine Creek Falls – A stunning and accessible hike with options to go deeper into the wilderness
• Yellowstone in Winter – Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and peaceful wildlife viewing
• Yellowstone River – Kayaking, fishing, or relaxing riverside picnics

• Soak at Chico Hot Springs or Yellowstone Hot Springs
• Explore 12+ art galleries and multiple live theaters
• Catch live music at one of 12 intimate venues
• Attend a book reading, comedy show, or storytelling night
• Browse local shops—no chain stores downtown

• A historic railroad town with architecture that feels like an Old West movie set
• One of the highest writers-per-capita communities in the U.S.
• A thriving arts scene with:
  • Galleries
  • Live theater
  • Music venues
  • Craft workshops
• A strong focus on authentic, small-scale, local experiences

Best Times:

• Fall: Elk bugling, warm temps, fewer crowds
• Winter: Snow-covered landscapes, skiing in Yellowstone, hot springs under the stars
• Spring: Wildlife babies, blooming flowers, fewer visitors

Avoid if possible:

• Summer – Peak crowds, limited availability, and a very different experience

Cool Season:

• Grab a pastry from a local bakery
• Head into Yellowstone for cross-country skiing
• Picnic lunch with local gourmet food
• Soak in hot springs
• End the day with live music or theater

Warm Season:

• Morning kayak on the Yellowstone River
• Lunch (surprisingly!) at the local hospital café with an art collection
• Hike Myers River View Trail
• Visit the farmer's market or bookstore event
• Go dancing or catch live music at night

Livingston isn't just a stop on the way to Yellowstone—it's a destination in its own right.

If you want a more meaningful, less crowded, and more culturally rich Montana experience, Livingston offers the perfect blend of adventure, creativity, and community.

👉 Website: https://explorelivingstonmt.com 📧 Email: [email protected]

Explore itineraries, events, and insider tips—and even reach out directly for personalized recommendations.

If you found value in this episode:

• ⭐ Leave a rating on Apple Podcasts
• 📲 Share it with a fellow adventure traveler
• 🌍 Visit https://ricksaez.com for more episodes and resources

If you're a destination marketing leader with incredible outdoor experiences to share, Rick would love to hear from you.

📩 Reach out: [email protected]

Josh Sprague, founder of Orange Mud, joins Rick to share how a simple frustration on the trail turned into a successful outdoor gear brand. Drawing on his manufacturing background, Josh breaks down what it takes to design durable products, scale production, and compete in a crowded market.

They also discuss hard lessons from supply chain disruptions, the importance of systems and customer education, and why most product ideas fail. Plus, how endurance sports like trail running shape resilience in business.

A must-listen for founders, creators, and outdoor industry professionals.

Kevin Paulson talks about Outdoor Story Telling, Tradeshows, Hunting, and more

Episode Summary Kevin Paulson joins Rick Saez to talk about growing up in a U.S. Forest Service family, how hunting shaped his life, and the path that led him from guiding and outfitting to founding HuntingLife.com and later stepping into the role of Executive Director at AGLOW Outdoors. Kevin breaks down what "authentic" outdoor media really means today, why podcasting is exploding, how AI will challenge creators, and why every creator needs to start building an email list now. He also shares how AGLOW conferences and media camps work, why networking is everything, and what gear he's most excited to test this year.

In This Episode, You'll Hear

Kevin's upbringing around public lands and the Forest Service (and how it shaped his values)

Hunting "in his dad's hip pocket" starting at age five

Why he launched HuntingLife.com (and how the 2007–2009 economy forced a pivot)

What AGLOW is, why it matters, and how it evolved from local newspaper columns to modern creators

Why authenticity + trust beats "information" (especially in an AI-driven content world)

The biggest threat in outdoor media: AI "slop content" and the fight for attention

The most underrated asset: your email list

Why niche audiences ("100 true fans") often beat massive reach

Kevin's "year of the coyote" and what predator control looks like on working ranch land

OutdoorHive.com: a job resource built specifically for the hook-and-bullet + trade show industry

Gear, books, and advice for new outdoor communicators

Memorable Quotes

"Connection and authenticity—at the end of the day—that's what wins."

"It's more important to have an audience of a hundred that loves you than a hundred thousand that may or may not pay attention."

"Begin tomorrow… building your own mailing list."

"Proximity is power—be in the room with the people doing the things."

Resources & Links Mentioned

HuntingLife.com

OutdoorHive.com:

AAGLOW

Organizations mentioned: Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, RMEF, Ducks Unlimited, NWTF, SCI, POMA, OWAA

Books Kevin mentioned:

The Old Man and the Sea (Hemingway)

A Sand County Almanac (Aldo Leopold)

Peter Ryan titles, including The Hunting Life and Wild South (as referenced in the interview)

About Kevin Paulson

Kevin Paulson is a lifelong outdoorsman, entrepreneur, and advocate for hunting and conservation. He's the founder of HuntingLife.com, creator of OutdoorHive.com, and serves as the Executive Director of AGLOW Outdoors, one of the oldest hook-and-bullet media organizations in the industry.

Connect with Kevin

Social: @HuntingLife (most platforms)

Kevin Paulson LinkedIn

Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Sponsor / Partner With the Show

Hey there, adventure crew—want to reach 4,000+ outdoor lovers each week? Promote your brand, product, destination, or project to an audience of campers, hikers, and adventure travelers.

Email Rick: [email protected]

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I'd love to hear your feedback about the show!

You can contact me here: [email protected]

You deserve an unforgettable Moroccan adventure. Today I'm talking with Azdean Elmoustaqiim from Destinations Morocco, your guide to a seamless and authentic tour.

In our latest podcast episode, Speaker A sat down with Azzedine Elamustakim from Destinations Morocco for a journey through the magic of Morocco. If you're dreaming of vibrant souks, sweeping deserts, epic mountain climbs, and unique cultural experiences, this episode is a must-listen! Here are the key takeaways and tips for your next adventure—plus some behind-the-scenes insights you won't want to miss.

• Born and raised in Marrakesh, Azdean is passionate about helping travelers experience Morocco like a local.

• Destinations Morocco customizes trips for all travelers, with a special focus on women-led groups and families.

• The desert—especially Merzouga—is a life-changing experience. From caravan rides to luxury camps, it's more than just a one-night stop!

• Explore fossil mountains, visit nomadic villages, and dive into Gnawa music traditions.

• For your first visit: Spend a day in Fes if you're short on time—walk winding car-free streets and travel through centuries in just a few blocks.

• Active adventures: Morocco has it all—deserts, mountains (hello, Mount Toubkal at 13,000 ft!), and coastlines. Plan your itinerary wisely; sometimes it's better to split north and south.

• Culture-mixing made easy: Embrace cooking classes, tasting tours, and local market strolls for a real taste of Morocco.

• Pacing matters: Avoid jam-packed schedules. Leave room for spontaneous moments and downtime!

• Spring (March to June) and Fall (September to November) are ideal for outdoor adventure—pleasant weather, fewer crowds.

• Be mindful in rural areas: Ask before taking photos, avoid handshakes with women unless invited, and consider wearing local clothing to blend in and connect.

• Morocco's diversity means you'll rarely feel out of place; just come with openness and respect.

• Don't miss the roasted chicken with preserved lemon and green olives—Azzedine's favorite after a long day out!

• Morocco is safe, welcoming, and multilingual. Don't hesitate to hire a guide for your first visit—they can make all the difference.

• Find Destinations Morocco at destinationsmorocco.com to book a discovery call, or tune in to their podcast for more inspiration and tips.

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You can contact me here: [email protected]

Don't Miss Out! Be sure to check out the full episode for even more travel stories, practical advice, and insider secrets from Rick and Azdean, And as always, if you found the discussion helpful, leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts and share with a friend!

Happy adventuring, The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast Team

In this episode, Rick sits down with Paul Gagner, an outdoor industry veteran and co-owner of Dreamland Safari Tours. Paul's four-decade career spans retail, sales rep life, and leadership roles at iconic outdoor brands, and his current work is helping guide the reimagined Outdoor Retailer show.

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast—where we share inspiring stories, thrilling adventures, and expert insights from leaders and legends across the outdoor adventure travel community.

In this episode, Rick sits down with Paul Gagner (outdoor industry veteran + co-owner of Dreamland Safari Tours in Kanab, Utah Dreamland Safari Tours). Paul's four-decade career spans retail, sales rep life, and leadership roles at iconic outdoor brands—plus his current work helping guide the reimagined Outdoor Retailer show headed to Minneapolis, August 19–21, 2026. Outdoor Retailer

• Outdoor Retailer "tribe energy": why the show has always felt like a high-school reunion—and why outdoor is different than other industries (shared passion, not backstabbing).

• Long-view leadership: Paul's core values—integrity, listening, collaboration, and innovation—and how they apply across retail, brand, and rep roles.

• Dreamland Safari Tours: buying a guide business right before COVID, shutting down 10 days later, then having one of the best years in the company's history after reopening.

• Why Minneapolis: "the outdoors is woven into the city"—lakes, trails, paths, and a vibrant outdoor economy surrounding the convention center. Star Tribune

• Leadership Village: creating a space for diverse voices, spirited debate, and actionable outcomes (not just conference "talk"). Outdoor Retailer

• New + Discovery focus: elevating emerging brands and the retail experience (including collaboration with Garage Grown Gear). Outdoor Retailer

• Experience-first mornings: the idea of protecting time for trail runs/paddles before the show floor opens—so attendees walk in energized and connected to the why.

• Favorite gear: Paul's go-to piece—his Hyperlite Mountain Gear Summit Pack—and the bigger lesson: simplicity wins.

Paul Gagner is a veteran outdoor industry leader and the co-owner (with his wife, Sunny Stroeer) of Dreamland Safari Tours, based in Kanab, Utah. Dreamland Safari Tours Their company offers hiking, backpacking, scenic tours, and astrophotography experiences/workshops in the desert Southwest. Dreamland Safari Tours

Paul also co-leads the Outdoor Retailer Leadership Village—a stakeholder-led initiative shaping the reimagined national show in Minneapolis. Outdoor Retailer

• Why trust is the real currency of outdoor retail + brand partnerships

• How "innovation" doesn't have to mean reinventing everything—it can mean relentlessly improving what matters

• Why outdoor businesses (and trade shows) need to deliver actionable ideas people can take home and use immediately

• How guide businesses can thrive when they focus on transformation: getting people outside and watching what happens next

• Dreamland Safari Tours (Kanab, UT) Dreamland Safari Tours

• Dreamland Safari Tours — About Paul + Sunny Dreamland Safari Tours

• Dreamland Safari Tours — Intro to Astrophotography Workshop Dreamland Safari Tours

• Outdoor Retailer — Official site + 2026 Minneapolis dates (Aug 19–21, 2026) Outdoor Retailer

• Outdoor Retailer — Leadership Village + Garage Grown Gear collaboration announcement

In this episode, Rick Saez sits down with Maren Hamilton, an outdoor industry marketing expert known for helping iconic brands like The North Face build communities that genuinely connect — not just "engage."

Show Notes

Maren is a SHORTY Award winner, an Oregon Outdoor Alliance board member, and the founder of Outdoor Industry Coffee and Coworking. She's also led social strategy at brands like Starbucks and The North Face, and today she's helping outdoor brands and creators thrive through her work at Popfly.

From the early days of Instagram and Starbucks' viral Pink Drink, to flying a helicopter to deliver a replacement rain jacket in New Zealand, Maren shares what it really takes to be a social-first brand — and why community management is one of the most overlooked growth opportunities in outdoor marketing.

• How Maren broke into the outdoor industry and landed at The North Face

• What the early days of social media marketing looked like inside Starbucks corporate

• How "social listening" helped inspire what became the Starbucks Pink Drink

• What it means to be a social-first brand (and not just treat social like another channel)

• Why community management is the most underrated growth lever for outdoor brands

• How The North Face pulled off a real-time viral moment with a helicopter jacket delivery

• How Maren thinks about balancing brand integrity with clickable content

• What makes a strong creator or athlete partnership — and what red flags to avoid

• The biggest challenges marketers are navigating right now (AI, creators, and trust)

• Why representation and inclusion still matter — even when the world gets louder

• Advice for smaller outdoor brands trying to make a real impact without a huge budget

Maren shares how her love of the internet started early—teaching herself how to customize early social profiles—and how that curiosity turned into a career in digital marketing.

Before it became a menu staple, the Pink Drink was simply a customer-created hack that went viral. Maren explains how their team spotted it through early "manual social listening," engaged the creator, and helped turn it into a cultural moment.

One of the wildest stories in the episode: a customer's waterproof jacket failed mid-hike in New Zealand… and she demanded a replacement delivered to the trail. Maren and her team made it happen — using real-time social, an athlete partner, and a helicopter.

And the best part? The North Face CMO signed off with one simple message:

"Go have fun."

Follow up with Maren:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Popfly

Outdoor Industry Coffee and Coworking

.