More Than Outdoors Podcast

Austin French and Sam Andrews
  • 5.0 (1)
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More Than Outdoors meets real-world opportunity. Hosted by two UMF ORBA alums, we explore the people, places, and passions shaping Maine’s outdoor recreation economy — from backcountry trail builders to coastal guides, resort managers to rural entrepreneurs. We go beyond the trail to uncover the stories, strategies, and real-world impact of working in the outdoors. From workforce insights to campfire chats, it’s all about what happens when passion meets profession.

  1. 6D AGO

    Kayla Lee: Expanding Access Through Adaptive Outdoor Education - Ep 21

    In Episode 21, Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Kayla Lee, Director of the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center. Kayla shares how adaptive outdoor education is about more than equipment — it’s about building systems that create belonging, independence, and opportunity. The conversation explores how AOEC is expanding access across Maine and what inclusive leadership looks like in practice. This episode is a reminder that when we design outdoor experiences intentionally, everyone benefits. ✨ What you’ll hear: The mission and growth of AOEC How adaptive recreation programs are built Why access must be proactive, not reactive The long-term impact of inclusive outdoor experiences 📍 Check out the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center Website: https://www.adaptiveoutdoored.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/adaptiveoutdooredInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/adaptiveoutdoored/ 📲 Follow & Connect with More Than Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFYApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2wLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

    47 min

  2. FEB 11

    Justin Steele: Making HoME — Community-First Adventure Lodging - Ep 20

    In Episode 20, Austin French and Sam Andrews talk with Justin Steele, Owner of the Hostel of Maine (HoME) in Carrabassett Valley. Justin shares how travel, entrepreneurship, and a passion for mountain-town culture inspired him to create HoME — a welcoming, affordable lodging option designed to foster connection among outdoor enthusiasts. Located near Sugarloaf and some of Maine’s premier trail networks, HoME serves as a hub for skiers, bikers, hikers, and adventurers looking for more than just a place to stay. This conversation explores how thoughtful hospitality supports Maine’s outdoor recreation economy and why building community is just as important as building a business. 📍 Check out Hostel of Maine Website: https://www.hostelofmaine.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostelofmaineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostelofmaine/ 📲 Follow & Connect with More Than Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFYApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2wLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

    49 min

  3. JAN 30

    Patrick McKenney and Skye Cotnoir: The Next generation of Maine's Outdoor Recreation Economy - Ep 19

    More Than Outdoors Podcast – Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Mini-Series | Episode 5The Next Generation of Maine’s Outdoor Recreation Economy In the final episode of our five-part mini-series from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Patrick McKenney and Skye Cotnoir, students in the University of Maine at Farmington’s Outdoor Recreation Business Administration (ORBA) program and members of the Maine Outdoor Brands Student Advisory Board. Patrick and Skye share what they’re seeing, learning, and hoping for as the next generation of outdoor recreation professionals. This episode explores workforce development, career readiness, and why creating space for student voices is critical to the long-term health of Maine’s outdoor recreation economy. What you’ll hear: Student perspectives on entering the outdoor recreation industry Career pathways and professional development The value of industry connection and mentorship Reflections from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit 📲 Organizations Mentioned UMF Outdoor Recreation Business Administration (ORBA)Website: https://farmington.edu/academics/majors-programs/outdoor-recreation-business-administration/ Maine Outdoor BrandsWebsite: https://www.maineoutdoorbrands.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maineoutdoorbrands/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-outdoor-brands/ 📲 Follow & Connect with More Than Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFYApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2wLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

    16 min

  4. JAN 29

    Sam Shirley: Connecting People, Trails, and Communities - Ep 18

    More Than Outdoors Podcast – Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Mini-Series | Episode 4Sam Shirley: Connecting People, Trails, and Communities In Episode 4 of our five-part mini-series from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Sam Shirley of Maine Huts & Trails to discuss trail systems, stewardship, and the role of infrastructure in Maine’s outdoor economy. Sam shares insight into how Maine Huts & Trails designs and maintains trail networks that support recreation, economic development, and community connection. This episode explores why trails matter — not just as places to recreate, but as long-term investments in people and place. What you’ll hear: The mission and impact of Maine Huts & Trails How trails support access and economic opportunity The importance of long-term infrastructure planning Reflections from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit 📲 Organization MentionedMaine Huts & TrailsWebsite: https://mainehuts.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mainehutsandtrailsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainehuts/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-huts-and-trails/ 📲 Follow & Connect with More Than OutdoorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFYApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2wLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

    11 min

  5. JAN 28

    Alejandro Strong: Innovation on Maine's Rivers - Ep 17

    More Than Outdoors Podcast – Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Mini-Series | Episode 3Alejandro Strong: Innovation on Maine’s Rivers In Episode 3 of our five-part mini-series from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Alejandro Strong, founder of Packraft Maine, to explore innovation and entrepreneurship in river-based outdoor recreation. Alejandro shares the story behind Packraft Maine, why river access and self-propelled adventure matter, and how small businesses help shape Maine’s outdoor economy. This episode highlights how creative thinking and passion can expand access, support stewardship, and build diverse outdoor experiences. ✨ What you’ll hear: How Packraft Maine got started Innovation in river recreation The role of small business in the outdoor economy Reflections from the Summit conversation 📲 Organizations Mentioned Packraft MaineWebsite: https://packraftmaine.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/packraftmaineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/packraftmaine/ 📲 Follow & Connect with More Than Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFYApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2wLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

    9 min

  6. JAN 27

    Jeff McCabe: Building the Maine Outdoor Economy Together - Ep 16

    More Than Outdoors Podcast – Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Mini-Series | Episode 2Jeff McCabe: Building the Maine Outdoor Economy Together In Episode 2 of our five-part mini-series from the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Jeff McCabe, Director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and a returning guest on the podcast. Jeff shares insight from one of the organizing partners behind the Summit and discusses why collaboration across government, nonprofits, businesses, and communities is essential to strengthening Maine’s outdoor economy. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Summit brings people together and why alignment matters. What you’ll hear: The role of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation How the Summit supports collaboration Why shared vision matters in the outdoor economy Reflections from a returning guest 📲 Organization Mentioned in This Episode Maine Office of Outdoor RecreationWebsite: https://trailblazerroadmap.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/maineoutdoorrecFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maineoutdoorrecLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-office-of-outdoor-recreation/ 📲 Follow & Connect with More Than Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFYApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2wLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

    16 min

  7. JAN 26

    Inside the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit - Ep 15

    More Than Outdoors Podcast – Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Mini-Series | Episode 1 Inside the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit In this kickoff episode of a five-part mini-series, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews introduce the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit and why it matters to the future of recreation, workforce, and community development in Maine. This episode sets the context for upcoming short conversations with professionals across the outdoor economy and highlights the value of gathering in person to share ideas, build relationships, and move the industry forward. What you’ll hear: An overview of the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit Why Maine’s outdoor economy matters What to expect from this mini-series The importance of in-person connection 📲 Follow & Connect with More Than Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/

    12 min

  8. JAN 21

    Zach MacCarthy: Access Is the Adventure - Ep 14

    More Than Outdoors – Episode #14: Zach MacCarthy: Access Is the Adventure In Episode 14, hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Zach MacCarthy, Founder and Executive Director of Inclusive Ski Touring, to explore how access and inclusion can reshape winter recreation. Zach shares how Inclusive Ski Touring works to remove barriers and create welcoming pathways for people who have historically been excluded from outdoor spaces. This episode highlights why access should be the foundation of adventure — and how intentional design leads to stronger, more inclusive communities. ✨ What you’ll hear: How Inclusive Ski Touring expands access to winter recreation Why inclusion must be intentional Leadership lessons from inclusive programming Community-building through outdoor experiences Voices from the Summit – rapid-fire reflections 📲 Organizations Mentioned in This Episode Inclusive Ski TouringWebsite: https://inclusiveskitouring.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inclusiveskitouringInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusiveskitouring/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-ski-touring/ Podcast Sponsor: ENO HammocksWebsite: https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks

    51 min
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About

More Than Outdoors meets real-world opportunity. Hosted by two UMF ORBA alums, we explore the people, places, and passions shaping Maine’s outdoor recreation economy — from backcountry trail builders to coastal guides, resort managers to rural entrepreneurs. We go beyond the trail to uncover the stories, strategies, and real-world impact of working in the outdoors. From workforce insights to campfire chats, it’s all about what happens when passion meets profession.

Information

  • Creator
    Austin French and Sam Andrews
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Austin French and Sam Andrews
  • Show Website
    More Than Outdoors Podcast