More Than Outdoors Podcast

Austin French and Sam Andrews
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Careers
  • Updated Biweekly

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. 21h ago

    Brian Threlkeld: Building Maine's Outdoor Recreation Community - Ep 36

    For Episode 36, Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Brian Threlkeld, Deputy Director of Maine Outdoor Brands, for a conversation about the people and relationships behind Maine's growing outdoor recreation economy. Brian has been involved with Maine Outdoor Brands since its earliest days, helping with events, member recruitment, and the development of the organization before joining the team. Today, he works to connect Maine's outdoor businesses and organizations while creating opportunities for collaboration, education, advocacy, and community. We talk what MOB has been up to over the past year, what Brian has learned from working across the industry, the role of the Maine Outdoor Economy Summit, workforce development, the relationship between MOB and the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, and why collaboration is such an important part of Maine's outdoor economy. We also dive into First Tracks: Northeast Snow Show, a new public-facing winter event coming to Thompson's Point in Portland on November 7–8, 2026. Brian explains the thinking behind creating an event that opens the door to the broader public and gives people an opportunity to meet the brands, organizations, and people working across Maine's outdoor industry. Recorded outside at Four River Sanctuary in Portland, this episode is a conversation about community, collaboration, and the opportunity to build something together. What you'll hear: Brian's journey with Maine Outdoor BrandsThe evolution of MOB and its role in Maine's outdoor economyWhy relationships matter so much in Maine's outdoor industryThe Maine Outdoor Economy SummitWorkforce development and career pathwaysAdvocacy and the relationship between MOB and state governmentCollaboration across Maine's outdoor industryThe opportunities ahead for Maine's outdoor recreation economyWhy MOB created First Tracks: Northeast Snow Show🏔️ Learn More About Maine Outdoor BrandsWebsite:https://maineoutdoorbrands.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/maineoutdoorbrands/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-outdoor-brands/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/maineoutdoorbrands/ ❄️ First Tracks: Northeast Snow ShowNovember 7–8, 2026 | Thompson's Point | Portland, Maine 🎟️ Tickets:https://www.firsttrackssnowshow.com/tickets?mc_cid=35c80f736f&mc_eid=b33236081f Website:https://www.firsttrackssnowshow.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/firsttrackssnowshow/ 🌄 Podcast PartnerENO Hammocks Website:https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/ 📲 Follow & Connect with More Than Outdoors Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast TikTok:https://www.tiktok.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/

  2. Sep 9

    Hannah Kothari: Building a Community for Women in the Outdoors - Ep 35

    For Episode 35, Austin French and Sam Andrews head to Bradbury State Park in Pownal, Maine, to sit down with Hannah Kothari, founder of Chicks on Cliffs. Hannah came to Maine from Texas for college and quickly fell in love with the outdoors. After teaching herself to ski and getting into hiking, she began sharing her adventures online. When women started asking if they could join her, that small idea eventually became Chicks on Cliffs. Now, the organization is bringing women together across New England for hikes, skiing, outdoor education, and community-based adventures. Hannah's goal isn't just to get more women outside. She's building a community where women can learn new skills, find confidence, develop leadership experience, and become more comfortable taking on outdoor adventures of their own. In this conversation, we talk about how Chicks on Cliffs started, the power of social media to create real-world community, making outdoor experiences accessible, developing female outdoor leaders, and why spending time outside can help us better understand ourselves. What you'll hear: Hannah's journey from Texas to MaineHow Chicks on Cliffs startedTurning an Instagram page into an outdoor communityMaking outdoor recreation more accessibleBuilding female outdoor leadersOutdoor education and certificationsCommunity-based outdoor eventsThe role of social media in outdoor recreationWhy the outdoors can be a powerful tool for self-reflectionWhether you're an experienced outdoor enthusiast or someone who's still trying to find your people outside, this episode is a reminder that community can be one of the most powerful ways to get started. 🏔️ Learn More About Chicks on Cliffs Website:https://www.chicksoncliffs.org/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chicksoncliffs/ TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@hannahkothari 🌄 Podcast Partner ENO Hammocks Website:https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/ 📲 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/

  3. Aug 26

    Alex Terry: What It Takes to Steward the Maine Island Trail - Ep 34

    MITA Month continues! For Episode 34 of the More Than Outdoors Podcast, we're taking you out onto the Maine Island Trail with Alex Terry from the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA). This episode brings a different perspective than our conversation with MITA Executive Director Ben Dougherty in Episode 33. Instead of focusing on the organization from the top down, we're getting out on the ground to see what stewardship of Maine's wild islands actually looks like. Alex shares what goes into maintaining and monitoring remote campsites, supporting responsible recreation, working with volunteers, and helping make sure people can experience Maine's coast while respecting the places they're visiting. It's a conversation about the less-visible side of outdoor recreation: the work that happens behind the scenes to make incredible outdoor experiences possible. 🏝️ What you'll hear: Alex's role with the Maine Island Trail AssociationWhat stewardship looks like in the fieldCaring for remote islands and campsitesResponsible recreation and Leave No TraceVolunteers and the MITA communityBalancing access with protecting wild placesThe challenges of managing remote recreational sitesWhy firsthand experiences can create better stewardsIf you're curious about what really happens behind the scenes on the Maine Island Trail, this is your chance to get a closer look. And if you missed Episode 33 with Ben Dougherty, go back and listen to the first installment of MITA Month before diving into this one. 🏝️ Learn More About the Maine Island Trail Association Website:https://mita.org/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meislandtrail/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/maineislandtrail LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-island-trail-association/ 🌄 Podcast PartnerENO Hammocks Website:https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/ 📲 Follow & Connect with More Than OutdoorsInstagram: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/

  4. Aug 12

    Ben Dougherty: The Maine Island Trail and the Future of Coastal Recreation - Ep 33

    In Episode 33, Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Ben Dougherty, Executive Director of the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA), to explore one of Maine's most unique outdoor recreation resources. The Maine Island Trail is a 375-mile water trail stretching along the coast of Maine, connecting paddlers, boaters, and adventurers with hundreds of island and mainland sites. But the trail exists because of something much bigger than geography. MITA has built a network of relationships with private landowners, public landowners, conservation organizations, volunteers, and coastal communities to create recreational access while protecting the places people come to enjoy. Ben talks about the importance of pairing access with stewardship, MITA's volunteer network, getting young people onto the islands, and the unique opportunity Maine has to connect people with its coastline while protecting these wild places for the future. What you'll hear: • The story behind the Maine Island Trail • How a 375-mile water trail works • The relationships behind island access • Stewardship and conservation along the Maine coast • MITA's volunteer network • Getting more people connected to Maine's islands • The future of coastal recreation in Maine EXPLORE THE MAINE ISLAND TRAIL Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) Website: https://mita.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meislandtrail/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maineislandtrail LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-island-trail-association/ PODCAST PARTNER ENO Hammocks Website: https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/ FOLLOW AND 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/

  5. Jul 29

    Tyler Waterson: Building Maine's Most Memorable Adventures - Ep 32

    In Episode 32, Austin French and Sam Andrews welcome Tyler Waterson, owner and captain of A Morning in Maine, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, coastal adventure, and creating meaningful experiences on the water. Tyler shares the story behind building his charter business in Rockland, what it's like operating a seasonal outdoor company, and why connecting people with Maine's coast is about much more than just a boat ride. What you'll hear: ​How Tyler took over A Morning in Maine​Life as a charter captain​Outdoor entrepreneurship​The importance of hospitality and authentic experiences​Why Maine's coast continues to inspire visitors from around the world ⚓ Learn More About A Morning in Maine Website: https://amorninginmaine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amorninginmaine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMorningInMaine 🌄 Podcast Partner ENO Hammocks Website:https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/ 📲 Follow 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/

  6. Jul 15

    Noah Kleiner: Building a Life in the Mountains - Ep 31

    In Episode 31, Austin French and Sam Andrews welcome Noah Kleiner, owner of Equinox Guiding Service, for a conversation about adventure, leadership, and building a career in the mountains. Noah shares how he turned a passion for climbing into a profession, what goes into creating safe and memorable guided experiences, and why mentorship and education are at the heart of outdoor recreation. What you'll hear: Building Equinox Guiding ServiceThe life of a professional mountain guideRock climbing, ice climbing, and backcountry travelLeadership and risk managementHelping more people experience the outdoors with confidence🏔️ Learn More About Equinox Guiding ServiceWebsite: https://www.equinoxguidingservice.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equinoxguiding/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquinoxGuidingService 🌄 Podcast PartnerENO Hammocks Website: https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/ 📲 Follow More Than OutdoorsInstagram: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/

  7. Jul 1

    Steve Gauthier: What It Takes to Steward Maine's Forestland - Ep 30

    In Episode 30, Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Steve Gauthier, owner of Resurgam Forestland, for a conversation about what it takes to responsibly steward Maine's working forests. Steve discusses the balance between forestry, conservation, wildlife habitat, recreation, and long-term sustainability while sharing how working forests continue to support Maine's outdoor recreation economy. The conversation also highlights Katahdin Region Basecamp, Resurgam Forestland's glamping experience located near Mount Katahdin. Designed as a comfortable basecamp for exploring Maine's North Woods, the property gives visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the wilderness while enjoying thoughtfully designed accommodations and direct access to world-class outdoor recreation. What you'll hear: The responsibilities of forest stewardshipManaging working forests for multiple usesConservation and sustainable forestryHow outdoor recreation and glamping support land stewardshipThe future of Maine's forestland🌲 Learn More About Resurgam Forestland Website: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/maine-katahdin-region-basecamp-dw9hl7lj?adults=1&children=0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resurgamforestland/ 🌄 Podcast Partner ENO Hammocks Website:https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/ 📲 Follow 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/

  8. Jun 17

    Zach Anchors: Building Portland Paddle Into a Maine Adventure Brand - Ep 29

    In Episode 29, Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Zach Anchors, Owner of Portland Paddle, for a conversation about paddling, entrepreneurship, and operating an outdoor adventure company in Maine. Zach shares the story behind Portland Paddle, what it takes to run a tourism-based outdoor business in 2026, and how experiences on the water help connect people to Maine’s outdoors and coastal communities. What you’ll hear: The growth of Portland PaddleRunning an outdoor adventure company in MaineTourism, recreation, and community connectionsBuilding experiences around Maine’s coastal outdoors🌊 Check out Portland PaddleWebsite: https://www.portlandpaddle.net/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portlandpaddle/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/portlandpaddle 🌄 Podcast PartnerENO HammocksWebsite: https://eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enohammocks/ 📲 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/

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Austin French and Sam Andrews
  • Show Website
    More Than Outdoors Podcast