The NorthBay Podcast

NorthBay Education
  • 5.0 (4)
  • EDUCATION

Welcome to the NorthBay Podcast, where we explore the powerful connection between education, outdoor learning, and personal growth. This season, we’ll highlight outdoor schools and their transformative impact on students. Through expert insights and inspiring stories, we’ll uncover how outdoor experiences foster life skills, resilience, and deeper connections to ourselves and the world. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or student, join us for fresh perspectives and strategies to enhance learning through adventure, connection, and reflection.

Episodes

  1. 10/21/2025

    From Sixth Grade to Changemaker: How NorthBay Inspired a Rising Leader

    In this inspiring episode of the NorthBay Podcast, we sit down with James Obasiolu, a freshman at Harvard University who first experienced NorthBay as a sixth grader. James shares how his time at NorthBay ignited a lifelong curiosity about the environment and helped shape his path toward academic and personal growth. Join us as we explore how outdoor learning experiences can spark purpose, build resilience, and empower young people to see themselves as change makers in their communities. Tune in for fresh perspectives and inspiration to make the most of every educational journey!

    33 min

  2. 06/04/2025

    The Visionary Behind NorthBay: A Conversation with Founder John Erickson

    In this episode, NorthBay founder John Erickson shares the powerful origin story behind NorthBay, from the idea for effective education tactics to birthing a transformative educational experience that has impacted thousands of lives. John reflects on the values that shaped him and how those same principles became the foundation of NorthBay’s vision: to transform lives and inspire action through outdoor and character education. He opens up about the challenges and breakthroughs in bringing this vision to life, the evolution of the program in future years to come, and his unwavering commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of students. Tune in for a conversation full of purpose, passion, and a hopeful look toward NorthBay’s future.

    30 min

  3. 04/30/2025

    Outdoor School for All? How Legislation Could Transform Learning

    In this episode of the NorthBay Podcast, we explore the evolving landscape of outdoor education with two leading voices in the field: Megan Karch, President and CEO of IslandWood, and Drew Dumsch, President and CEO of The Ecology School. Together, they share how their organizations are redefining learning through immersive, place-based education that prioritizes sustainability and environmental stewardship. We dive into how outdoor schools are adapting to today’s educational and ecological challenges and highlight key policy progress, including recent legislation passed by state governments aimed at making Outdoor School for All a reality. From sustainable infrastructure to education equity, this episode offers timely insights into how Outdoor Schools are into a national movement that are preparing students for a more connected and resilient future.

    20 min
  4. Outdoor Education Unpacked: Data, Challenges, and Impact

    04/03/2025

    Outdoor Education Unpacked: Data, Challenges, and Impact

    In this episode, we’re joined by Dan Prince, the Associate Director at Friends of Outdoor School. With his extensive background in outdoor education and leadership, Dan has played a key role in advocating for and supporting outdoor school programs across Oregon. We’ll dive into the measurable outcomes of these programs, explore the challenges surrounding their implementation, and discuss important concepts like 'rite of passage' and 'Park Rx' in the world of outdoor education. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the impact and future of outdoor learning.

    25 min
  5. Buildings that Teach: Unlocking Access and Sustainability in Outdoor Education

    03/20/2025

    Buildings that Teach: Unlocking Access and Sustainability in Outdoor Education

    In this episode, Rick Garber, Senior Director at NorthBay Education, sits down with Catey McClary, President and CEO of Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, for a thought-provoking conversation on expanding financial accessibility to outdoor education. Together, they explore innovative ways to ensure that all students, regardless of background, can experience the transformative power of outdoor schools. Rick and Catey also dive into the concept of living buildings, structures designed to give back more than they take, highlighting how sustainable design can shape the future of environmental education. Join us for an inspiring discussion on breaking down barriers and building a more sustainable, inclusive future for outdoor learning.

    20 min
  6. Outdoor Schools: Essential Education or Just an Adventure?

    03/03/2025

    Outdoor Schools: Essential Education or Just an Adventure?

    Are Outdoor Schools truly necessary in today’s education system? Join host Rick Garber, Senior Director at NorthBay Education, as he sits down with Peter Smerud, Executive Director of Wolf Ridge, one of the nation’s leading outdoor schools. With 40 years of experience in outdoor education, Peter shares insights on the benefits of learning outside the classroom, challenges common misconceptions, and explains why hands-on experiences in nature are more important than ever. Website: northbayadventure.org Check out the live video of this episode on our YouTube: YouTube.com: https://www.youtube.com/@northbayeducation/podcasts Follow us on social media: Instagram & FaceBook: www.instagram.com/northbayadventure/# LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/northbay-education Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@northbaylive

    26 min
  • 6 Episodes

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to the NorthBay Podcast, where we explore the powerful connection between education, outdoor learning, and personal growth. This season, we’ll highlight outdoor schools and their transformative impact on students. Through expert insights and inspiring stories, we’ll uncover how outdoor experiences foster life skills, resilience, and deeper connections to ourselves and the world. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or student, join us for fresh perspectives and strategies to enhance learning through adventure, connection, and reflection.

Information

  • Creator
    NorthBay Education
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © NorthBay Education
  • Show Website
    The NorthBay Podcast