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/

Eugene Buchanan drops by for a deep dive into a life built around rivers, paddling, and epic adventure. He’s a former editor-in-chief of Paddler magazine, founder of Paddling Life, a Fellow of the Explorers Club, a renowned author, and a man whose stories span over 30 countries and six continents.

Show Notes

WHAT HAPPENED:

I never planned to make a living from rivers. In fact, if you had asked me back in college, I was more focused on seasonal raft guiding and avoiding any “real job” that required shoes.

But then a friend called. He had a permit for the Grand Canyon. I packed up, strapped a kayak to my car, and drove down the Alcan Highway. That trip changed everything.

I met my wife on that river.

Then I quit my job. Took freelance writing gigs. Burned my vacation time to chase rivers in Peru and Ecuador. Eventually, I found myself editing a national paddling magazine... and later, starting my own.

I’ve paddled in Siberia with Latvians who made rafts from military gear and soccer balls. I’ve seen the rise of pack rafts, drone scouting, and GPS maps. I’ve watched river communities form in the unlikeliest places. And I’ve learned the hard way—like, “class V in the Colombian jungle, middle-of-nowhere, CPR-on-the-rocks” kind of hard—that rivers don’t care about your itinerary.

PRINCIPLE:

The river doesn’t just test your skills. It reveals your priorities. It reminds you that life—like paddling—isn’t about control. It’s about choosing the current that calls to you… and having the right crew with you when it all goes sideways.

TRANSITION:

Too many people think paddling is just about adrenaline. But the truth is, most folks never get beyond the weekend warrior stage—not because they lack passion, but because they don’t have a crew, a guide, or a map for what's next.

They want to explore more, but they don’t know where to start. Or worse—they overestimate what they can handle and end up burned out, discouraged, or worse.

THAT’S WHY:

That’s why this episode with Eugene Buchanan is such a gift. It’s not just a story about rivers—it’s a deep dive into how adventure becomes a lifestyle, a career, and a calling. From Siberia to the Yampa, Eugene shows what’s possible when you follow your curiosity and stay in the current long enough to let it shape you.

CALL TO ACTION:

If you've ever wondered if you have what it takes to go from weekend paddle trips to something bigger—this is the episode you need. Don’t wait for perfect weather. Don’t wait until you “feel ready.” The river's already flowing. Jump in.

👉 Listen to the full episode now.

On this episode, Rick sits down with Hannah Tranter, project manager for the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative in Zimbabwe. With years of experience in environmental science, sustainability, and education, Hannah shares her inspiring journey into conservation—from childhood fascination with wildlife to hands-on work with rhinos, elephants, and local communities.

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Show Notes

Subject: How Four Rhinos Transformed an Entire Community

When Hannah Tranter moved from the UK to Zimbabwe, she didn’t just pack up her life—she stepped into a challenge that most of us can barely imagine.

Her mission? Help launch the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative—a project that protects endangered white rhinos and uplifts the rural villages living alongside them.

Here’s the twist: the rhinos don’t live in a national park or a fenced reserve. They roam on community land, right alongside people who have spent decades in conflict with wildlife. Crops destroyed by elephants. Livestock taken by lions. Families struggling to make ends meet.

And yet…

Hannah and her team found a way to turn that conflict into cooperation. Villagers donated grazing land for rhino habitat. Former poachers became anti-poaching scouts. Tourism dollars now fund schools, water wells, and even a new medical clinic that’s treated over 5,000 patients since 2022.

Right now, there are only four male rhinos in the program—but they’re already changing lives. Soon, females will join, calves will be born, and the ripple effect will grow.

Hannah’s story is a powerful reminder that conservation isn’t just about saving animals—it’s about saving communities, culture, and the wild places that connect us all.

Follow up with Hannah on Linkedin

Emvelo Safari Lodge

ATCF Auction

Adventure Travel Conservation Fund

Adventure Travel Trade Association

Today, on Episode 496, I'm talking with Mattias Jansson from the National Pilgrim Center in Trondheim, Norway. I recently had the opportunity to hike the Pilgrim Path along Olav's Way, and if you get the chance, do it.

Not only is the walk beautiful, but the history is quite interesting as well.

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I’ve done my fair share of hiking. From the John Muir Trail to the PCT, I thought I had a pretty solid handle on what makes an adventure worthwhile. But then I found myself in Norway, walking the Pilgrim Path to Nidaros Cathedral, and something shifted.

It wasn’t just the landscapes—though, let me tell you, those were next level. One day, we were trekking through misty mountains. The next, we were passing through sleepy villages, exchanging nods with locals who’ve seen hikers like us for centuries.

And then there was that one wild day—the rain poured, the wind howled, and instead of hurrying through it, we stopped to make coffee by a quiet pond. No rush, no race, just being in the moment. That’s when it hit me: This wasn’t just a hike. It was something deeper. Something that had been calling to people for over a thousand years.

It made me wonder: Why do we chase adventure? What are we really searching for?

Here’s the truth: Many people think adventure is about ticking off trails, collecting miles, or conquering nature. But the best adventures? They change you.

A pilgrimage isn’t just about getting from point A to B. It’s about stripping away the layers of everyday life—the distractions, the to-do lists, the noise—until all that’s left is you, the trail, and whatever you’re meant to discover along the way.

Many people don’t realize it, but they’re searching for more than just adventure. They’re searching for meaning. And yet, so many never find it—not because they’re not looking, but because they don’t know where to look.

And …

That’s why, in this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, we sat down with Mattias Jansson, a modern-day guide of these ancient trails. We talk about the Viking roots of the Pilgrim Path, the deep connection between adventure and self-discovery, and why people from all over the world are drawn to this experience today.

If you’ve ever felt stuck—like your adventures aren’t quite scratching that itch anymore—this episode is for you. Because adventure isn’t just about new places. It’s about new perspectives.

🎧 Listen to the latest episode now and find out why people are trading their modern comforts for a walk through history.

👉 Click here to listen.

P.S. If you had to leave everything behind for a month and walk one trail, where would it be? Hit reply—I want to know.

Show Notes

Mattias Jansson

National Pilgrim Center in Trondheim, Norway

Olavs Way

#Outdoor Adventure, #Inspiring Stories, #Thrilling Adventures, #Expert Insights, #Outdoor Adventure Community, #Avid Hiker, #Passionate Camper, #Adventure Traveler, #Matthias Janssen, #National Pilgrim Center, #Trondheim Norway, #Pilgrim Path, #Olav's Way, #Nidaros Cathedral, #Pilgrimage History, #Viking Culture, #Saint Olav, #Norway Pilgrimage, #Scandinavian Heritage, #Mountain Hiking, #Scenic Sites, #Spiritual Journey, #Outdoor Recreation

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