Inspire Campfire

Scott Wurtzbacher
  • 5.0 (25)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED DAILY
Inspire Campfire

Welcome to Inspire Campfire. A podcast where ordinary people tell their stories of extraordinary adventure. These are campfire stories meant to inspire the rest of us to light the fire within, get outside, follow our dreams and return to tell our own stories. Ready? Let’s strike the match…

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Episode 166: On Living and Dying with Niki DiGaetano

    This week, we’re honored to welcome Niki DiGaetano, a death doula from Salt Lake City, Utah, who has dedicated her life to supporting those at the end of theirs. Niki had long felt called to work with the dying, but it wasn’t until a 2022 section hike of the Appalachian Trail that she found the confidence to fully embrace that path. After her journey on the trail, she told friends, "If I can find work that allows me to listen to people’s stories—the good, the bad, the ugly, traumatic, and triumphant—it would be the truest work of my soul." That realization led her to become a death doula, offering emotional, spiritual, and practical support to those facing life’s final transition. In this episode, we explore the profound connection between living and dying, the wisdom nature imparts, and how Niki’s time on the trail shaped her approach to compassionate care. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about what it truly means to live well—and die well. Please listen, subscribe, and share!

    51 min

  2. FEB 3

    Episode 165: The Race to Alaska with Zach Carver

    This week, we’re excited to welcome filmmaker Zach Carver for an in-depth look at a journey fueled by tradition, exploration, and sheer self-reliance. At the heart of our conversation is the Race to Alaska—a grueling, human- and wind-powered challenge through North America’s Inside Passage. With no engines, no support crews, and barely any rules, this race demands unwavering grit and determination from its competitors. Zach Carver, the award-winning writer and director of the documentary Race to Alaska, spent over seven years capturing the essence of this extraordinary event. With more than 70,000 shots, he masterfully crafted a gripping tale of adventure and resilience. But his role wasn’t just behind the camera—Zach fully immersed himself in the race, becoming part of the story as he documented the raw spirit of those daring enough to take on the challenge. Join us as we explore the making of this remarkable film and the relentless human drive that defines the Race to Alaska. Please listen, subscribe, and share!

    53 min

  3. JAN 20

    Episode 164: Steps Towards Rebuilding Turkey with Oscar Newson-Smith

    This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Oscar Newson-Smith, a visionary changemaker with an extraordinary story of purpose, resilience, and impact. Oscar is the founder of The Racso Project, a social enterprise dedicated to revitalizing Turkey's economy and infrastructure in the wake of three devastating earthquakes in 2023. To amplify awareness and support for this critical mission, Oscar has undertaken an awe-inspiring journey: walking over 2,600 miles from London, England to Ankara, Turkey. His route spans 12 countries, weaving through forests, mountain ranges, bustling cities, and quiet towns, all fueled by a deep commitment to inspire hope and drive change. Join us for a powerful conversation about courage, personal responsibility, and the boundless potential of one person’s determination to transform lives. Please listen, subscribe, and share!

    53 min

  4. JAN 6

    Episode 163: Running of the Bulls with Chris Matsushige

    This week on the podcast, we're joined by artist and world traveler Chris Matsushige for an unforgettable story from Pamplona, Spain. Every year, the historic Running of the Bulls attracts millions of spectators and daring participants who sprint alongside six bulls and six steers through the cobblestone streets of the city. Hailing from San Diego, California, Chris has not only explored countless countries through his art but also earned the badge of bravery by running with the bulls himself. Tune in as he shares his heart-pounding, firsthand account of this centuries-old tradition—equal parts adrenaline and cultural wonder. Please listen, subscribe, and share!

    54 min

  5. 12/16/2024

    Episode 162: Adventure on a Need-to-Know Basis with Craig O’Boyle

    This week on the podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Craig O’Boyle! Craig, a real estate entrepreneur from Colorado Springs, Colorado, lives by the mantra "work hard, play hard." Each year, he organizes a unique adventure for his close-knit group of friends, the self-dubbed “Outdoorsy Guys” (OGs). The twist? Craig is the only one who knows the destination. The rest of the crew shows up at the airport, ready to embrace the unknown. In this episode, we dive into their unconventional approach to travel, the bonds forged through shared adventure, and the magic of stepping out of your comfort zone. It's a conversation about trust, spontaneity, and the joy of the journey. Please listen, subscribe, and share!

    49 min

  6. 12/09/2024

    Episode 161: Experiencing the Unity Project with Crew Members Yasmin, Chris and Leilan

    This week on the podcast, we’re bringing you a powerful episode centered on compassionate leadership, belonging, social awareness, moral courage, and driving social change. These values are at the heart of the Charlotte Unity Project by the North Carolina Outward Bound School—a transformative initiative that begins with a free 7-day wilderness program for 48 high school students from 8 diverse schools across Charlotte, North Carolina. In this program, students develop technical skills, engage in deep, meaningful conversations, and cultivate leadership and problem-solving abilities. Upon returning to school, they’re encouraged to join their high school’s Unity Club to share their insights, inspire peers, and make impactful contributions to their communities. You might remember episode 44, where Charlotte Program Manager Alexys Woods shared her journey with Outward Bound and her leadership of the Unity Project. Today, we’re thrilled to welcome three incredible recent participants of the program. These inspiring high school student leaders will share their transformative experiences and the impact the Unity Project has had on their lives. Please listen, subscribe, and share!

    59 min

  7. 12/02/2024

    Episode 160: Jet Lag Junkie with Jeff Johns

    This week on the podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Jeff Johns, a lifelong adventurer, filmmaker, photographer, and writer who has spent nearly half his life traveling the globe and living abroad. Jeff's journey is an inspiring tale of embracing discomfort and finding joy through world travel. From assisting in recovery efforts in Thailand after the 2004 tsunami to creating hit television shows for Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and the BBC, his experiences are nothing short of extraordinary. Currently based in the Netherlands with his wife and daughters, Jeff is also the co-creator of *What Doesn’t Suck*, an adventure travel platform, and the author of *Jet Lag Junkie*, a memoir that captures the lessons, love, and meaning he’s discovered through his global explorations. Tune in as we dive into his incredible story, his passion for exploring the unknown, and the power of stepping outside your comfort zone. Please listen, subscribe, and share!

    57 min

  8. 11/25/2024

    Episode 159: Guided to Nature Through an Inciting Incident with Mary Leavines

    This week on the Inspire Campfire podcast, we’re excited to welcome Mary "Newfound" Leavines, a storyteller, writer, photographer, and the owner of a popular hostel for thru-hikers along the Appalachian Trail. Mary’s journey to the AT began with an inciting incident that set her on a path of self-discovery—one that led her to thru-hike the trail in 2022. During her time on the trail, she not only reconnected with her inner self but also rewrote her own story. Now, back home in Franklin, North Carolina, Mary has purchased a hostel to stay closely connected to the trail and provide a supportive space for fellow hikers. Join us as we dive into Mary’s transformative adventure and explore how the call to adventure often begins with a single, life-changing moment. Her journey is a testament to how embracing the unknown can help us discover what truly matters. Please listen, subscribe, and share!

    58 min
See All (165)

5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Welcome to Inspire Campfire. A podcast where ordinary people tell their stories of extraordinary adventure. These are campfire stories meant to inspire the rest of us to light the fire within, get outside, follow our dreams and return to tell our own stories. Ready? Let’s strike the match…

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Wurtzbacher
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    165
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Inspire Campfire. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Inspire Campfire

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