The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

The Rock Fight – not just another outdoor or adventure podcast; it's a full on rebellion. We’re here for those inside and outside the outdoor industry. Outdoorsy listeners who are tired of the same worn-out paths. If you want to hear honest discussions that mirror the candid outdoor industry banter you have after a long hike in the wilderness, cracking the cooler while loading the bikes, sharing the ski lift with a stranger, waxing your board at the beach, jumping off rocks into the river, or over a beer at the bar...you've found your tribe. The Rock Fight will dissect the latest headlines to come out of the outdoor industry. We'll weigh in on topics other outdoor media companies avoid like the plague. We'll also hit the things outdoorsy folks care about like pop culture, gear, footwear, apparel and even more important topics like debating the ideal attire for an adventure on the ice planet of Hoth. Our discussions are as diverse as they are real. We’re challenging the conventional, offering a fresh perspective on outdoor industry topics you won't hear anywhere else. The outdoor industry has been stagnant for too long. Missing out on The Rock Fight is missing out on the evolution of outdoor media.

  1. 15 HR. AGO

    Adventure Entertainment: The Biggest Outdoor Media Company You Haven't Heard Of

    Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin sits down with Toby Ryston-Pratt, the founder and CEO of Australia's Adventure Entertainment. Do you know about Adventure Entertainment? If you do, you are one up on Colin. AE was founded by Toby in 2016 and has made remarkable strides since its inception, acquiring multiple outdoor magazines, creating it's own streaming platform, and launching a successful adventure film tour series. And today Toby joins THE ROCK FIGHT to talk about the company he has built. Toby shares insights into AE's commitment to print media and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of quality storytelling. The conversation also touches on the current state of outdoor media, the need for in-person events, and the potential for revitalizing print publications in the industry. Click here to learn more about Adventure Entertainment. Hurricane Helene Relief Links: Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter! Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network. Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads. Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

    36 min
  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    A French Revolution? Millet Mountain Eyes U.S. Specialty Shops! Plus: The WI Paddler Who Faked His Own Death

    Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin run through some of the more notable headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community over the past week. The episode kicks off with a discussion about French brand Millet announcing their intention to enter the US outdoor marketplace and the challenges faced by the European brands have tried before them (05:33). Then Justin takes a look (18:00) at the recent piece he wrote for National Parks Traveler about attempts to stop the erosion affecting Effigy Mounds National Monument. The pair also explore the bizarre tale of a Wisconsin kayaker who faked his own death to escape his family, revealing the lengths some may go to for a fresh start (28:00). They wrap things up with their Parting Shots (36:40). For Justin it's praising Operation Bear Claw where people dressed up as a bear to commit insurance fraud while Colin finds optimism in a recent announcement by Dick's Sporting Goods. Hurricane Helene Relief Links: Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter! Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network. Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads. Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

    42 min
  3. 4 DAYS AGO

    The Running Event/Switchback Reaction Show! Plus: Is REI Back?!

    Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Producer Dave offer their thoughts on their time at last weeks edition of The Running Event/Switchback. Then Eoin Comerford makes his debut as a weekly regular on THE ROCK FIGHT! Eoin will be appearing each Monday on the show to offer his unique insights into what is happening in the outdoor industry. This week Eoin looks at a positive report to come out of REI, Arc'teryx's dominance in China, and offers his reaction to the BEA's Economic Impact Report that arrived last week showing the outdoor recreation economy has grown to $1.2 trillion. Finally Colin & Producer Dave offer their Parting Shots where Colin praises the upcoming Women Led Wednesday while Producer Dave talks about the folks at Native Women Running. Hurricane Helene Relief Links: Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter! Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network. Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads. Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

    50 min
  4. NOV 20

    The Persistent Gender Gap in How We Cover Outdoor Adventure

    Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) professional adventure athlete Sunny Stroeer joins Colin to talk about how there continues to be a gender gap in the way the outdoor media covers women's outdoor accomplishments. The outdoor gender gap is a pressing issue that continues to impact women in adventure sports, as discussed by Stroeer, a professional adventurer and the first woman to complete the Iditarod Trail Invitational on skis, shares her insights on the challenges women face in gaining recognition for their accomplishments in the outdoor world. She highlights the disparity in media coverage between male and female athletes, particularly in light of her own experiences following her notable achievements. Throughout the conversation, Sunny emphasizes the importance of amplifying women’s stories to inspire future generations and address the systemic issues that perpetuate the gender gap. Additionally, she discusses her efforts through the Alliance for Gender Equity in Outdoor Adventure, which aims to provide scholarships and resources to help women and marginalized genders access transformative outdoor experiences. Hurricane Helene Relief Links: Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter! Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network. Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads. Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

    35 min
  5. NOV 18

    YETI's Strategy: Unpacking Why Mystery Ranch is Getting the Axe

    Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show taking a closer look at this weeks big story: YETI telling retailers they will be sunsetting Mystery Ranch after 2025. YETI's decision to phase out Mystery Ranch's consumer-facing business while retaining its military operations has raised eyebrows in the outdoor industry. Colin looks at the implications of this move and questions why YETI wouldn't continue to leverage Mystery Ranch as a specialty brand alongside its broader offerings. Producer Dave contributes insights on the industry's dynamics, reflecting on how acquisitions often reshape brand identities and market strategies. Then Colin and Producer Dave talk about the odd move of French ski brand blackcrowes setting up a shop-in-shop at two Rapha clubhouses. Lastly the duo offer their Parting Shots. Producer Dave brings back his book club with another recommendation while Colin defends the real consumer who buys outdoor apparel. Hurricane Helene Relief Links: Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter! Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network. Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads. Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

    40 min
  6. NOV 13

    YETI to Sunset Mystery Ranch, REI's New CMO & Shackleton in 3D!

    Multiple sources have reached out to THE ROCK FIGHT from the GOA Connect show happening in Kansas City this week with the news that after acquiring the brand just this past January, Yeti will be sunsetting the consumer arm of Mystery Ranch after 2025 while retaining their military business. Colin & Justin talk about the implications of this move and then address the other big news story of the week, REI's hire of Abigail Jacobs as their new Chief Marketing Officer. They also talk about new images of Ernest Shackleton's sunken Endurance as well as tech that is enabling big ships to stop the annual slaughter of thousands of whales. They of course wrap up the show with their Parting Shots. Colin addresses Sunny Stroeer's AZ Trail FKT attempt and the misogyny that has followed (click here to support Sunny's effort to close the gender gap in the outdoors) while Justin shows support for some newbies who tried to haul a lot of stuff up Mt. Whitney. Hurricane Helene Relief Links: Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter! Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network. Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads. Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

    41 min
  7. NOV 11

    Polartec's Shed Less Fleece: Fabric Innovation Or Greenwashing?

    Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head), Colin opens the show discussing Polartec's recent announcement of their Shed Less fleece, a fabric that, according to the brand, reduces microfiber shedding by up to 85%. Drawing on his experience, Colin offers insights into the challenges ingredient brands face when developing innovative products, especially given the outdoor apparel industry's tendency to prioritize cost over performance. This approach often causes product messaging, like the press release for Shed Less, to come across as greenwashing rather than true innovation. Finally, Colin concludes with The Parting Shot and a tribute to JanSport co-founder Murray McCory, who recently passed away. Hurricane Helene Relief Links: Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter! Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network. Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads. Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

    20 min
4.8
out of 5
58 Ratings

About

The Rock Fight – not just another outdoor or adventure podcast; it's a full on rebellion. We’re here for those inside and outside the outdoor industry. Outdoorsy listeners who are tired of the same worn-out paths. If you want to hear honest discussions that mirror the candid outdoor industry banter you have after a long hike in the wilderness, cracking the cooler while loading the bikes, sharing the ski lift with a stranger, waxing your board at the beach, jumping off rocks into the river, or over a beer at the bar...you've found your tribe. The Rock Fight will dissect the latest headlines to come out of the outdoor industry. We'll weigh in on topics other outdoor media companies avoid like the plague. We'll also hit the things outdoorsy folks care about like pop culture, gear, footwear, apparel and even more important topics like debating the ideal attire for an adventure on the ice planet of Hoth. Our discussions are as diverse as they are real. We’re challenging the conventional, offering a fresh perspective on outdoor industry topics you won't hear anywhere else. The outdoor industry has been stagnant for too long. Missing out on The Rock Fight is missing out on the evolution of outdoor media.

More From Rock Fight Club

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada