Outdoor Biz Podcast Rick Saez

Welcome to Episode 439 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today, I’m talking with Bob Wohlers of Off-Road Safety Academy; Bob is, first and foremost, an outdoor adventurer. Simply put, he's a "surf and turf" kind of guy. Regarding the "surf" aspect, for 32 years Bob created curricula and invented training methodologies for PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. For the "turf" aspect, Bob has been an avid off-roader his entire life. He knows the "zen" and "fine art" of safe and environmentally responsible off-road driving."
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Show Notes 00:00 Transitioned from teaching to recreational scuba, then worked on curriculum and elearning for PADI's team.
07:18 Drove on unfinished highway in Baja while taking naps, went diving in Sea of Cortez, got into off roading and bought own off road vehicle.
10:33 Enthusiastic about off-roading courses, found value in learning and eager to improve skills.
17:40 The speaker discusses the importance of managing injuries and illnesses in the field, highlighting the necessity of a wilderness first aid kit and an AED (automated external defibrillator) for tours and training courses. They stress the significance of being prepared for medical emergencies to ensure the safety of participants.
24:08 Three rangers died in a tragic accident, one of whom was driving without 4-wheel drive knowledge, leading to a rollover in Mohave National Preserve. The vehicle was displayed at the park headquarters as a reminder of the dangers of four-wheeling.
30:02 Overlanding tours require 4WD vehicles for camping at various sites each night before sundown. The tours prioritize getting to camp early for dinner, and there are always interesting activities.
36:05 It's essential for permitted outfitters to adhere to guidelines in backcountry tours to preserve the environment and maintain their permits, as not doing so could result in significant repercussions and damage their reputation in the industry.
36:38 Bob is deeply committed to promoting environmental ethics and sustainability through his work as a master tread trainer for Tread Lightly. He emphasizes responsible off-roading and leaving campsites cleaner than they were found.
43:30 Hybrid vehicles provide extended range with both battery and internal combustion engines. Toyota is showing interest in hydrogen engines, such as their new v eight hydrogen engine, using hydrogen as an alternative to traditional fuels like gasoline or diesel. This approach aims to create an electric vehicle that runs on hydrogen directly, rather than converting it to electricity.
48:34 Praising Starlink tours with OBD 2 connector for diagnosing check engine light, but limited by the type of connector.
57:14 Not all Jeeps are great on the highway; consider your specific needs and usage before purchasing a vehicle.
58:16 Desire to shift focus to off-road safety training and build a professional association for training instructors in the industry, inspired by witnessing the success of a similar association in scuba diving.
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Learn More You can follow Bob on LinkedIn and at Off-Road Safety Academy.
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #check engine light, #off-road training, #overlanding, #personal locator beacon, #environmental responsibility, #sustainability, #rock crawling, #overland tours, #East Mohave track, #off-road gear, #navigation tools, #GPS, #Starlink Gen 3, #Off Road Safety Academy, #Off Road Trai

In this episode of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, we dive into the world of adventure travel with Michael Hodgson and Therese Iknoian from HI Travel Tales. Therese and Michael share their many adventures with us and how HI Travel Tales came to life!
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Show Notes 00:00 Podcast series explores thrilling adventure travel journeys and shares captivating stories from guides, outfitters, and destinations. It ignites wanderlust and inspires outdoor adventures.
07:45 Studying in Germany had a profound impact, broadening the individual's perspective on life and travel, as the experience of living in a different culture opened their eyes to the big world and the multitude of wonderful experiences it offers. This influenced their understanding of how cultures and people interact to shape the reality we experience, ultimately leading to a much broader perspective on life and travel.
10:38 Therese's Italy visit, amazed by David statue's impact on her perception of art.
19:06 Michael discusses the transition from writing creatively to incorporating journalism and SEO keywords. They express a realization that personal experiences and deeper connections resonate most with readers. They emphasize the importance of telling stories in a unique, non-traditional way to create reader engagement.
25:17 Michael discusses his interest in AI for research, mentioning their upcoming panel at a travel writers' conference and their use of AI for story ideas. They express both fascination and unease with AI's capabilities, sharing an anecdote about using it to generate a specific request.
26:38 A program can generate requested photos, but the accuracy may not always be guaranteed, as real-life details may be overlooked.
33:12 Success in content creation can be achieved by focusing on a niche audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone. It references the concept of "1,000 True Fans" by Kevin Kelly, who argues that having 1,000 dedicated supporters who consistently pay for your content can lead to a sustainable income. The text suggests that creators don't need to have a broad following to thrive in today's world.
39:59 People value authenticity, but the shallowness of social media leads to a focus on superficial qualities like aesthetics and follower count. The obsession with Instagram-friendly content and the game of gaining and losing followers eclipses genuine engagement.
46:59 To succeed in the outdoor and travel media industry, one must be prepared to take on a variety of tasks, from writing and photography to working for destinations. It's a multifaceted world that requires perseverance, while staying true to oneself is also crucial.
50:03 Giving away content for free diminishes its value and affects the ability to sustain a livelihood in travel writing. This parallels the decline of newspapers when they offered online content for free, leading to current expectations of free access. Diluting quality for free offerings may hinder future opportunities in the travel writing business.
54:06 Experienced influencers emphasize unique, detailed content creation and collaboration, prioritizing involvement and avoiding generic itineraries. Their approach stands out in the travel industry.
01:00:07 In group settings, time is limited for in-depth questions. It's better to keep your best questions to yourself and ask them later to avoid sharing valuable information with everyone else.
01:05:31 Michael always brings his inflatable camp pillow on trips for comfort and support because he finds pillows at accommodations uncomfortable.
01:14:26 The text emphasizes the importance of correctly spelling "high travel tails" for easy Google search results. It also mentions the authors' individual Insta

Hey everyone, Welcome to Episode 437 of the Outdoor Biz Podcast. Today I’m talking with Chez Chesak. Chez is an award-winning adventure travel writer and 20+ year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. He is also Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. 

Show Notes 06:13 Frequent travel for work, including long trips to Australia and South Africa, led to amazing opportunities but strained family life. Looking forward to finally bringing family to these places.
08:33 Chez highlights the irony of spending excessive time indoors managing communication, social media, and engaging with the board and members. They also mention creating job opportunities for members through posting positions and communicating about awards.
11:35 Chez talks about Looking forward to the upcoming July event in Johnson City, Tennessee, with vetted outdoor media, regional tourism boards, and brands networking. The event will feature a marketplace for networking, city tours, and professional development, offering abundant networking opportunities in the beautiful Tennessee location.
13:17 Navigating the evolving media landscape involves supporting various content creators to boost their careers.
18:18 Podcasting growth potential in outdoor space and its ability to reach people 24/7.
20:28 Chez explains maintaining the importance of OWAA's welcoming environment for new members while embracing the tight-knit community is a great challenge. It's important to ensure new members feel included and connected when joining events like Fieldfast or the conference.
24:51 Encouraging young people with a passion for the outdoors and storytelling to join OWAA for resources and career support, including opportunities for those just starting out or making a career change.
26:18 OWAA offers fellowships to support the development of outdoor storytellers, and also provides a $30 student membership, available to undergraduate and graduate students from any school.
31:13 Discovering healing stories through yoga for veterans while facing challenges with traditional media outlets. An article about yoga for vets led to learning about the healing effects of yoga on veterans, including personal experiences with a medic.
33:58 Emphasizes the importance of consistent effort and perseverance in building one's skills and career. Stressing the value of continually refining one's craft, the speaker highlights the power of regular, persistent action in achieving recognition and opportunities.
36:40 Excited for organizational growth after focusing on internal improvements and reinventing processes with board and volunteers.
41:31 Chez is passionate about military history and acknowledges a lack of diversity in their reading habits. He tries to read other genres, particularly classics, and is reintroduced to them through a teen in the house. He is currently rereading "The Bureau of Ungentlemanly Warfare" in preparation for the upcoming movie adaptation.
Thanks for listening and visiting our website. Don't forget to subscribe and spread the word!
Learn More
You can follow Chez at Chez Connects
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #Outdoor Writers Association of America, #OWA, #outdoor storytelling, #diversity and inclusion, #outdoor industry, #content creation, #career development, #award-winning adventure, #outdoor media, #podcasting, #traditional writers, #professional development, #media professionals, #social media influencers, #bloggers, #traditional print journalists, #storytelling, #tourism boards
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In this episode of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, we dive into the world of adventure travel with industry pioneers, Steve and Nona Barker. Join us as we explore the origins of their iconic travel gear brand, Eagle Creek, and their journey in shaping the adventure travel market.
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Show Notes 03:28 They agreed, and through an outdoor skills course, I got to know Nona for the first time.
08:53 The conversation covers early challenges in finance and distribution, specifically the tough nature of distribution. There is also a mention of whether the distribution was regional or national, with reference to Oshman's being in a few malls back in the day.
13:02 Struggles in the beginning, but success followed. Feedback from customers through retail stores was instrumental in achieving success.
16:09 Adventure travel caters to active, diverse customers by offering outdoor activities such as trekking, backpacking, skiing, and surfing in different locations worldwide, appealing to a wide range of interests and preferences.
17:53 In the 90s, Eagle Creek was involved in teaching retailers about adventure travel gear, while also selling the travel gear dealer program. It took some time for the retailers to catch on to the concept.
21:07 Passionate involvement in conservation, frustration over limited global funding for non-North American regions. Started The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund.
24:30 Focusing on responsible travel, minimizing impact, and community support.
29:01 Amplify local voices, elevate to leadership positions.
31:02 Service providers must balance meeting consumer demands for various travel experiences with the need to educate travelers on sustainable practices and ensure the conservation of natural resources and protection of local communities.
36:31 Thanks for joining the Outdoor Biz Podcast! Visit our website for more information and don't forget to subscribe and spread the word. Your support means a lot!
Thanks for listening and visiting our website. Don't forget to subscribe and spread the word!
Learn More
To learn more about them at the ATCF   
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #Adventure travel, #Eagle Creek, #Travel gear, #Retail, Distribution, #Marketing, #Conservation, #Sustainability, #Outdoor experiences, #Adventure gear, #Backpacking, #Adventure travel destinations, #Brand history, #Travel business, #Conservation fund, #Responsible travel
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Today I'm talking with Barry McGeough. Barry is an applied innovation Fortune 500 leader, delivering high-impact solutions to global multi-brand verticals that drive exponential growth to some of the world's most iconic brands.
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Show Notes 00:00 Friend's 60th birthday boat trip to Channel Islands, cooking as camp cook after returning from China.
06:31 Discusses innovating for brands through athlete-driven ideas.
11:32 AI relies on large language models to learn and improve, needing constant updates and access to vast amounts of data.
20:58 Proposing garment recycling for polyester energy.
23:07 Companies face sustainability legislation and extended producer responsibility acts globally e.g. EU, New York, California, and France.
29:37 Used shoe recycling process lowers costs, reduces landfill waste.
36:25 Volunteered for education-focused NGO in Vietnam, aiming to uplift rural children through STEM education to attend university.
38:02 Organization supports Vietnamese education and leadership in Vietnam and the US.
46:05 Emphasis on applied innovation, connection to core business, and leveraging influence without P&L ownership.
52:16 Collaborating to ensure footwear quality and suitability for purpose during commercialization.
53:42 Barry supports startups and advises them to be honest and straightforward.
58:28 Data is collected from ambient sources, like location and environment, and used to create a detailed picture of activities and trends.
01:06:55 Recommend resources: a16z newsletter, TLDR Newsletter, MIT Technology Review, Harvard Business Review, McKinsey for trend insights.
01:11:38 Society has godlike capabilities but cavemanlike instincts, leading to the question of the human vs. the machine. The focus is on mental health and technology's impact on isolation.
Thanks for listening and visiting our website. Don't forget to subscribe and spread the word!
Learn More
To learn more about Barry, you can find him on Linkedin
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #GDPR, #compliance, #circularity, #sustainability, #peer-to-peer resale, #innovation, #tech trends, #AI, #coding, #technology impact, #nature deficit disorder, #South by Southwest, #product development, #digital innovation, #machine learning, #adjacent industries, #sustainable growth, #apparel industry, #market dynamics, #outdoor industry, #innovation culture, #conservation, #sustainability efforts, #digital innovation, #brand growth
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Welcome to the Outdoor Biz Podcast Adventure Travel Series, where we embark on thrilling journeys and share captivating stories exploring the world of adventure travel. Join me as I share the stories of guides, outfitters, and destinations that will ignite your wanderlust and inspire your next great adventure. Whether it's scaling majestic peaks, diving into turquoise waters, We're traversing vast wilderness. We unveil the hidden gems that every outdoor enthusiast dreams of exploring.
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You can contact me here: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com

 
Show Notes 00:00 Entrepreneur recounts excitement of starting river company.
06:19 Excited guides seek new adventure on Omo River.
11:47 Hidden creatures ambush and devour prey underwater.
16:43 Encountered naked tribes, photographed and shared images.
23:43 Started small, wrote, and grew into success.
26:42 Pioneering adventure travel company explores new frontiers.
41:04 Sustainable travel, small groups, local engagement emphasized.
43:37 Enjoying meeting locals and sharing meals worldwide.
49:15 Global adventure travel company survives through challenges.
58:32 First trip to Uganda, fascinated by exploration.
01:01:06 Couple explores Africa together, she becomes hero.
50:21 Books: I'm currently reading a novel called The Romantic by William Boyd; some memorable books are River of the Gods by Candace Millard, The Devil Drives, To the Heart of the Nile by Pat Shipman
49:46 Uganda article 
54:31:01 Favorite Gear under $100: Moleskine Notebook.
 
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Learn More
To learn more about Richard, visit his website at: https://www.richardbangs.com/
and on these social sites
You Tube
Linkedin
Facebook
Instagram
 
You can find Mtn Travel Sobek here
Next Steps If you enjoy interviews devoted to the outdoor industry, find us online at ricksaez.com/listen. We love likes and comments, and if you know someone who is also an outdoor enthusiast, go ahead and share our site with them, too.
Keywords #Textile waste, #Ethical sourcing, #Forever chemicals #PFAS #Environmental impact #Environmental regulations #Publishing process #Speciesism #Outdoor Minimalist book #Podcast creation #Conservationists
Podcast produced using Descript, CastMagic
Podcast hosted by Libsyn use code 'outdoorbizpod' for 20% OFF
Show Notes powered by Castmagic
Website powered by Wordpress

Note: As an Affiliate of Amazon and others, I earn from qualifying purchases.