Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series. In this episode, we're chatting with Ken Koskey, Executive Director, and Mackenzie Steagall, Director of PR & Events, from Festival Country Indiana—a destination organization dedicated to showcasing the vibrant communities of Johnson County, just south of Indianapolis.

Festival Country is more than just a collection of towns; it’s a hub for live music, farmers' markets, family-friendly festivals, and inventive outdoor experiences that attract visitors from across the Midwest and beyond. From interactive exhibits at their innovative Visitor Center to unique alleyways transformed into Instagram-worthy destinations and a packed calendar of over 2,500 annual events, Ken Koskey and Mackenzie Stagall share what makes their region a true four-season getaway. 

DISCUSSION

00:00 Interactive Downtown Visitor Center

06:20 From Media to Tourism Leadership

09:43 Exploring Festival Country's Unique Alleys

12:28 "Johnson County Visitor Strategy"

14:10 Renaissance Fair & Live Events

18:01 Outdoor Adventures and Nature Preserves

21:18 Indoor Activities and Family Fun

25:25 Year-Round Events & Experiences

28:18 Tour Options: Free or Guided

32:08 Coffeehouses: Breakfast & Drinks

34:21 "Live Music and Local Festivals"

39:52 Eclipse Event Magic

43:23 "Scenic Drive Reflections"

44:59 "Explore Festival Country Indiana"

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Festival Country Indiana in Johnson County, and the services and experiences they promote, visit their website at https://www.festivalcountryindiana.com/ or on these social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FestCountryIN/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/festcountryin/

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KEYWORDS

Festival Country Indiana, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview

 #FestivalCountryIndiana #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterview 

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Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In this special episode, recorded at the Illinois Destinations Association Fall Meeting in Danville, IL, we're chatting with an all-star panel to spotlight the remarkable legacy of the NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament, which has been hosted in Danville for an impressive 33 consecutive years.

You'll hear from Scott Eisenhower, who helps drive the tournament's success as a committee member; Mike Hulvey, media representative and national radio industry leader; Brian Hensgen, chair of the championship committee; and Tim Bunton, athletic director at Danville Area Community College. Together, they share how this iconic tournament has grown—from welcoming just eight teams in its early days to now hosting twenty—and why it serves as a powerful anchor for Danville’s community spirit and economy.

Discover behind-the-scenes stories, the tournament’s impact on local youth and businesses, and how Danville has become a destination for basketball fans nationwide. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a destination marketer, or simply someone who loves hearing about community-driven events, this episode highlights the lasting magic of sports and local collaboration. So get ready to dive into the energy and excitement of one of the country’s longest-running junior college basketball championships!

LEARN MORE

Learn more about Danville, IL local attractions and experiences by visiting the Danville Area Visitors Bureau website at https://www.visitdanvillearea.com/ or on these social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danvillecvb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danvillecvb/ 

2026 NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Championships:  https://www.visitdanvillearea.com/event/2026-njcaa-division-ii-mens-basketball-championships/

Event Tags: Basketball, Championships, DACC, Division II, Men's, NJCAA

Website: https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/mbkb/div2/index

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KEYWORDS

Illinois Destinations Association, Danville Area Visitors Bureau, Basketball, Championships, DACC, Division II, Men's, NJCAA, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast

#IllinoisDestinationsAssociation #DanvilleAreaVisitorsBureau #NJCAA #Basketball #Outdo

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Welcome back to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, where today we’re taking you out to the historic Danville Dan’s Baseball Stadium for a unique blend of networking, community, and baseball nostalgia. 

Whether you love travel, tourism, or just a good old-fashioned ballgame, today’s episode celebrates local pride, hidden treasures, and the beauty of enjoying what's in your own backyard.

INTERVIEWS

1. Kristen Ball - Illinois Destinations Association (IDA)

• Kristen’s role and responsibilities as Association Manager
  • Collaboration with the board of directors and the legislative team
  • Planning events and education courses for members
  • Advocacy with the state legislature
  • Providing resources for Convention and Visitor Bureaus to drive tourism in Illinois
  • Illinois Destinations Association: https://www.ildestinations.org/

2. Interview with Jessica Miller, Matthew Bean, Baylee Dorn (Visit Bloomington Normal)

• Introductions
  • Jessica Miller: Digital Marketing Manager
  • Matthew Bean: Director of Brand and Marketing
  • Baylee Dorn: Destination Experience Manager
• Overview of the Bloomington-Normal region (“BN”)
  • Central location in Illinois, the university's presence
  • Outreach to McLean County and surrounding areas
• Unique selling points of Bloomington-Normal as a destination
  • “Big, small town” feel with accessible and affordable experiences
  • Robust events calendar, family-friendly environment
  • Constitution Trail Bike Path: https://www.visitbn.org/visit/constitution-trail/
  • Route 66: https://www.visitbn.org/illinoisroute66/
  • local lakes and outdoor spaces 
• Visit Bloomington-Normal - https://www.visitbn.org/

3. Interview with Tom Fricke and Mary Ellen - Danville Dans Organization

• Tom’s volunteer role and contributions
  • PA announcer, PR, souvenir sales, coordination of interns (“Danterns”)
  • Commitment to maintaining baseball and the Dans in Danville
• History of Danville Stadium
  • Construction: initiated by a local businessman and the Brooklyn Dodgers’ Branch Rickey
  • The stadium's origins in 1945
  • Key historic figures and teams: Brooklyn Dodgers, Giants, White Sox, Brewers
• The Danville Dans: https://danvilledans.org/

NEXT STEPS

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KEYWORDS

Illinois Destinations Association, Danville Area Visitors Bureau, Visit Bloomington-Normal, Route 66, Constitution Bike Trail, Danville Dans, Outdoor Adventure Series

#IllinoisDestinationsAssociation #DanvilleAreaVisitorsBureau #VisitBN #Route66 #ConstitutionBikeTrail #DanvilleDans #OutdoorAdventureSeries

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Illinois Destinations Association Fall Membership Meeting: Tracey Fentem interview at the David S. Palmer Arena.

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! Today, we're back in beautiful Danville, Illinois, where we're chatting with Tracey Fentem, Sales and Event Coordinator for the Danville Area Visitors Bureau. We explore what makes Danville a unique destination—highlighting its central location in Illinois, vibrant community, and the incredible outdoor recreation available across 16,000 acres of surrounding parkland. 

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the Illinois Destination Association’s Fall Member Meeting, hear about the historic David S. Palmer Arena, local landmarks like the Fisher Theater, and Danville’s love for sports with its iconic stadium. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or curious traveler, this episode is packed with inspiring stories and tips on uncovering Illinois’ hidden gems. So please grab a cup of coffee and join us as we discover all that Danville has to offer!

DISCUSSION

1. Introduction & Setting
2. Description of the Conference
3. Tracey Fentem's Role with the Danville Area Visitors Bureau
4. Venue Details: David S. Palmer Arena
5. Danville's Central Location and Accessibility
6. Parks and Outdoor Activities in Vermilion County
7. Past and Historic Venues
8. Sports and Recreation in Danville
9. Conference Activities and Discussion Topics
10. Resources for Further Information

LEARN MORE

Learn more about Danville, IL, and the local attractions and experiences by visiting the Danville Area Visitors Bureau website at https://www.visitdanvillearea.com/ or on these social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danvillecvb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danvillecvb/

David S. Palmer Arena: https://www.palmerarena.com/

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Illinois Destinations Association, Danville Area Visitors Bureau, David S. Palmer Arena, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcasting

#IllinoisDestinationsAssociation #DanvilleAreaVisitorsBureau #DavidSPalmerArena  #OutdoorAdventureSeries #Podcasting

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Illinois Destinations Association Fall Member Meeting: Mayor's Reception at the Historic Fischer Theater.

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! This multi-episode series takes us to Danville, Illinois, for the Illinois Destinations Association Fall Member Meeting. Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. is our host for the kick-off event at the beautifully restored Fischer Theatre.

DISCUSSION

1. Interview with Mayor Rickey Williams Jr.

• The Mayor’s tenure and background.
• Fischer Theater Renovation and Community Impact
• Personal and Racial Reflections on the Theater
• Future Vision for the Fischer Theater
• https://www.cityofdanville.org/

2. Interview with Ashton Greer, Executive Director, Vermilion Heritage Foundation

• Personal background and connection to Danville.
• Role in Theater Renovation and Operations
• Pride and Community Ownership of the Fischer Theater
• Historic Preservation and Vision for the Future
• https://www.fischertheatre.com/

3. Interview with Dana Rowland, Director, Vermilion Advantage (Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development)

• Overview of Vermillion Advantage's mission and scope.
• Chamber and economic development roles.
• Fisher Theater’s Role in Community Development
• Partnership with Tourism Authority
• https://www.vermilionadvantage.com/

4. Interview with Rheanna Ollis, Community Relations Administrator, City of Danville

• Role in organizing events, branding, and communications.
• First Fridays event series
• Downtown Danville’s Atmosphere
• https://www.firstfridaysdanville.com/

5. Interview with Stephanie &  Michael Ewing, The Local (Catering)

• Background in the local culinary scene.
• https://www.thelocalcovington.com/

6. Interview with P.B. Patel, VP Sunrise Hospitality

• Partnerships with the city and local organizations for community growth.
• Positive impact on local tourism and economy.

NEXT STEPS

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KEYWORDS

Illinois Destinations Association, Danville Area Visitors Bureau, Vermilion Advantage, Fischer Theatre, Outdoor Adventure Series

#IllinoisDestinationsAssociation #DanvilleAreaVisitorsBureau #VermilionAdvantage #FischerTheatre #OutdoorAdventureSeries

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Volunteer-Driven Success: How Freedom Waters Foundation Changes Lives On the Water.

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we're chatting with Debra Frenkel, founder and chief operating officer of the Freedom Waters Foundation, live from beautiful Naples, Florida. Debra shares the inspiring journey that led her from working as a clinical social worker in Chicago to establishing a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children and adults with disabilities—including illnesses like cancer—as well as veterans through therapeutic boating experiences.

Discover how Debra’s vision evolved from volunteering at disabled sailing programs to creating Freedom Waters Foundation, which now brings thousands of people out on the water every year. You’ll hear about milestone moments, the healing power of nature, and the organization’s growth into multiple states, fueled by a dedicated community of volunteers and supporters.

DISCUSSION

Introduction of Debra Frenkel, founder and Chief Operating Officer of Freedom Waters Foundation

1. Transition from Social Work to the Boating World
2. Development of Expertise in Disabled Sailing
3. Founding of Freedom Waters Foundation
4. Early Milestones and Growth of the Foundation
5. Evolution of Freedom Waters Foundation: Organizational Life Cycle
6. Participant Outreach & Program Expansion
7. Therapeutic Benefits of Boating Experiences
8. Volunteer Program: Recruitment and Culture
9. Geographic Reach & Scope of Programming
10. Program Offerings
11. Freedom Waters Foundation Website Overview
12. Meaning and Impact of the Foundation
13. Guiding Values and Personal Philosophy
14. Community, Stories, and Future Opportunities

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Debra and the Freedom Waters Foundation, visit their website at https://freedomwatersfoundation.org/ or on these social sites: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freedomwatersfoundation/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomwatersfoundation

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/freedom-waters-foundation/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FreedomWatersFoundationNaples

NEXT STEPS

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KEYWORDS

Freedom Waters Foundation Therapeutic Boating, Adaptive Sailing. Inclusion On The Water, Healing Power of Water, Naples Florida, Collier County, Outdoor Adventure Series

#FreedomWatersFoundation #TherapeuticBoating #AdaptiveSailing #InclusionOnTheWater #HealingPowerOfWater #NaplesFlorida #CollierCounty #OutdoorAdventureSeries

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Exploring Ireland’s Beauty, Health, and Wellness with Leafy Green Tours.

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today’s episode, we're chatting with Ruth O’Meara, a hiking guide, surf instructor, and the director of Leafy Green Tours—a bespoke adventure company based in Ireland. 

Ruth shares her fascinating journey from the world of international business to her passion for outdoor wellness and guiding visitors through Ireland’s lush landscapes, as well as the transformative power of spending time in nature, the rise of wellness travel, and the unique draw of Ireland’s surf spots and hiking trails.

DISCUSSION

1. Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

2. Ruth O'Meara’s Personal and Professional Journey

3. The Outdoor Culture in Ireland and the COVID-19 Impact

4. Campervans, Camping, and Shifts in Travel Trends

5. Urban Hiking and Accessible Nature Spaces

6. Founding Leafy Green Tours: Inspiration and Development

7. Leafy Green Tours: Wellness-Centered Experience

8. Guest Demographics and Travel Logistics

9. Technology, Decompression, and Tour Ethos

10. Preparation and Guest Planning for Bespoke Tours

11. Guest Experiences and Memorable Stories

12. Team Vision and Guide Alignment

13. Leafy Green Tours Website and Sample Tours

14. Seasonality and Best Times to Visit Ireland

15. Reflections and Aha Moments

16. Book Recommendation and Final Thoughts

17. Episode Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Leafy Green Tours, visit their website at https://www.leafygreentours.com.

MEDIA

https://hsph.harvard.edu/environmental-health/news/for-city-dwellers-even-15-minutes-in-nature-can-improve-mental-health/

https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2015/06/hiking-mental-health-06301

https://medium.com/@hello_42896/irelands-outdoor-sauna-revival-the-new-irish-pub-for-wellness-travelers-4b67122eaf98 

BOOK RECOMMENDATION

Hitching for Hope: A Journey into the Heart and Soul of Ireland - https://www.amazon.com/Hitching-Hope-Journey-Heart-Ireland/dp/1603589570

NEXT STEPS

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KEYWORDS

Tags: Leafy Green Tours, Nature, Mental Health, Wellness Travel, Outdoor Adventure Series, PodMatch

#LeafyGreenTours #Nature #MentalHealth #WellnessTravel #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterview #PodMatch

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Man’s Search for Sustainability: What Bees and Locusts Teach Us About a Sustainable Future.

Welcome back to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we sit down with David Auge, a sustainability expert and author of "Man's Search for Sustainability," a first-place winner in the Reader's Favorite Book Award contest for 2025 in the Non-Fiction, Environment category.

With over 35 years of experience in environmental management—and a passion for transforming our perspective on our place in nature—David explores the parallels between the resilience found in two unlikely insect communities: the beloved honeybee and the often-despised locust.

Drawing inspiration from Viktor Frankl’s classic, "Man’s Search for Meaning," David invites us to look beyond the technical definitions of sustainability and see it as a deeply human journey—one fueled by hope, purpose, and learning from the natural world around us.

DISCUSSION

1. Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

2. Overarching Question: Is There Hope in Sustainability?

3. Viktor Frankl’s Lessons and Their Parallel to Sustainability

4. Key Concepts: Honeybee and Locust as Metaphors

5. Motivations and Industry Experience

6. Science and Society’s View on Sustainability

7. Deep Dive: Why Honeybee and Locust?

8. Origins and Development of the Book

9. Adaptation and Survival Mechanisms of Locusts

10. Unique Qualities and Behaviors of Bees

11. The Book as an Agent for Change

12. Connecting Nature’s Lessons to Human Life

13. Personal Story: Overcoming Hardship

14. Reflections on the Book’s Impact

15. Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

16. Resources and Invitations

LEARN MORE

To learn more about David and his work, visit his website at https://davidaugebooks.com/.  

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273.

NEXT STEPS

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KEYWORDS

Mans Search for Sustainability, Sustainable Societies, Sustainability, Nature, Insect Communities, Outdoor Adventure Series, PodMatch

#MansSearchforSustainability #SustainableSocieties #Sustainability #Nature #InsectCommunities #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodMatch

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Discover Madison Wisconsin: Outdoor Adventures, Lakes, and Local Flavor with Destination Madison.

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, we're chatting with Rob Gard, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs for Destination Madison. We dive into what makes Madison, Wisconsin, a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking to explore vibrant city life intertwined with nature. 

Rob shares the story behind Madison's unique location—an urban haven surrounded by five lakes—offering countless ways to enjoy the outdoors, from kayaking and biking to exploring state parks just a short drive away. 

DISCUSSION

1. Overview of Destination Madison
2. Madison’s Geography and Outdoor Appeal
3. History and Evolution of Tourism in Madison
4. Types of Visitors and Tourism Patterns
5. Regional and Statewide Partnerships in Tourism
6. Working with Indigenous Communities (Ho-Chunk Nation)
7. Local Partnerships in Conferences and Events
8. Navigating the Destination Madison Website (Live Walkthrough)
9. Accessibility and Walkability of Madison
10. Madison as an Urban Destination
11. Food & Drink Highlights in Madison
12. Upcoming Events and Conferences

LEARN MORE

To discover the best of Madison, visit their website at https://www.visitmadison.com/  and on these social sites: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/destinationmadison/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destinationmadison

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DestinationMadison

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/destination-madison

NEXT STEPS

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KEYWORDS

Madison Wisconsin, Destination Madison, Outdoor Recreation, Frank Lloyd Wright, Monona Terrace, Ho Chunk Nation, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview

#madisonwisconsin #destinationmadison #OutdoorRecreation #FrankLloydWright #MononaTerrace #HoChunkNation #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterview

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Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series, the podcast that shines a spotlight on the explorers, nature lovers, and innovative entrepreneurs who make it easier for us all to access and enjoy the great outdoors. In this episode, host Howard Fox sits down with Richard Peter and Erica Pugh, the dynamic co-founders of CompoCloset—a company on a mission to revolutionize off-grid sanitation.

Richard and Erica share the unconventional journey that took them from careers in finance and wine marketing to developing innovative composting toilets designed for van-lifers, RV enthusiasts, boaters, and anyone who dreams of spending more time off-grid without sacrificing comfort or cleanliness. 

Together, they unpack the challenges (and joys) of launching a startup in a “dicey” space, why convenient and sustainable toilets are a game-changer for outdoor adventurers, and how CompoCloset is helping people stay off-grid longer with cleaner, more innovative solutions.

DISCUSSION

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome

2. Hosts and Guests’ Locations and Backgrounds

3. Origin of CompoCloset

4. Personal Experiences and Motivation

5. CompoCloset's Brand and Mission

6. Practical Problems with Off-Grid Toilets

7. Composting Toilets 101

8. Product Design and Development

9. Marketing Strategy and Target Audiences

10. Environmental and Practical Impact

11. Ongoing Research and Global Context

12. Market Challenges and Customer Perceptions

13. Product Demonstration Video and Website Tour

14. Customer Stories and Community

15. Broader Impacts and Aha Moments

16. How to Connect and Learn More

LEARN MORE

To learn more about CompoCloset, visit their website at https://CompoCloset.com and on these social sites: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompoCloset/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compocloset

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CompoCloset

MORE RESOURCES

Pipe Dreams by Chelsea Wald: https://chelseawald.com/

NEXT STEPS

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KEYWORDS

CompoCloset, Composting Toilet, Howard Fox, Outdoor Adventure Series

#CompoCloset #CompostingToilet #JustGo #GoFurther #HowardFox #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterview

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