Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, on episode 501, Earl B. Hunter, Jr. from Black Folks Camp To make a second visit to The Show. is the Founder and President of Black Folks Camp Too — a marketing-driven business whose mission is to increase diversity in the outdoor industry by making it easier, more interesting, and more fun for Folks to go camping. He's an experienced business leader across multiple industries. He has been widely recognized for his ebullient personality, hard work ethic, and non-traditional approach to building relationships and closing deals. <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/theoutdoorbizpodcast/">Facebook</a>   <a href= "https://twitter.com/rick_saez">Twitter</a>   <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rick.saez/">Instagram</a> Love the show? Subscribe,  <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-outdoor-biz-podcast/id1244919639">rate, review, and share!</a> Sign up for my Newsletter  <a href= "https://ricksaez.substack.com/p/outdoor-adventure-lifestyle-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a> I’d love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here:  <a href= "mailto:rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com">rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com</a> What Happened: It was the summer of 2017. I was clocking miles like a long-haul trucker, repping campers for a living. My 7-year-old son called me out—said I’d promised to take him to Mount Rushmore. He was right. I’d driven past it more times than I could count, but I’d never stopped. So we hit the road. We camped our way across the country, father and son, a Black duo in a tiny pop-up trailer, parking it beside some seriously decked-out RV setups. We saw the sights, roasted marshmallows, and somewhere near Albuquerque, we spotted something we hadn’t seen in thousands of miles: another Black family camping. My son lit up and said, “Hey Daddy! Black people!” That moment stuck. We talked to the family—Kimberly and crew—and she said something that flipped a switch in my brain: “Why don’t you change that then?” That “why not you?” hit hard. By the time we were driving up the California coast, the name Black Folks Camp Too was born. Principle: Too often, we wait for permission—permission to belong, to show up, to start something meaningful. But sometimes, it takes seeing the gap with your own eyes, feeling the silence in certain spaces, to realize: you’re the one who’s supposed to fill it. And in business, just like in the outdoors, if you’re only serving the same people the same way… you’re gonna miss the fire. The campfire, that is. Transition: Most people think getting more folks into the outdoors is about better gear or cool photos on Instagram. But that’s not it. The real challenge is the invitation—and the welcome. And too many companies still don’t know why the diversity gap exists, so they don’t know how to fix it. That’s why a lot of businesses are struggling. Not because there’s no market—but because they don’t see who they’re ignoring. And even when they do? They get hung up on the word Black in the name… instead of focusing on the unity behind the mission. That’s why: That’s why this episode matters. Earl Hunter isn’t just talking about camping—he’s talking about culture, connection, and cracking open an industry that’s been too exclusive for too long. He’s not asking for handouts or kumbayas. He’s showing up with data, vision, and a real plan to shift the outdoor industry before it goes broke. Call to Action (PAS style): If you’ve ever felt like the outdoor world wasn’t built for you—or your brand’s been stuck serving the same crowd—it’s time to tune in. Ignoring the invitation problem won’t fix it. But this episode will give you a fresh lens and a fire to take action. 👉 Hit play now. Let’s change the campfire conversation. Show Notes: <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/earl-b-hunter-jr-25925918" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Earl B. Hunter Jr.</a> <a href= "https://www.blackfolkscamptoo.com/about/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Black Folks Camp Too</a> <a href= "https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwjEwrD32qqMAxUgzsIEHZw_MOkYABAQGgJwdg&co=1&ase=2&gclid=CjwKCAjw7pO_BhAlEiwA4pMQvMZSL9NAmMMQ3GlDrFpqQXizfE2LMdWjInPbviacfrMRbGpNOnil7xoCfk8QAvD_BwE&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESVeD2kiU5qjhbku_7YBSqEjo8zt7VQGecg6m5rAGoYNr7zBESYM2cN4nSZWWk-Bsd_Ui5AU9tREPH1YVFCrz7iqraESg8zlkZvrMdLJHIC8kiXd5ojzM&sig=AOD64_24sxE1EyEhxVB_Cxb22Oa9xK3lEg&ctype=5&q=&nis=4&ved=2ahUKEwjCl6r32qqMAxV1GDQIHSWgJA0Q9aACKAB6BAgKEBE&adurl=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oboz Insoles</a> <a href= "https://www.sylvansport.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoomingpQ1jEDxppaTvX-MhSlHeQyF2vsOWs-7izxVy1Oj0iGeOy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sylvansport</a>  <a href= "https://www.gmc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Georgia Military College</a>  Appalachian State University Earl's Trail name:  Icebreaker  Mount Rushmore  <a href= "https://www.blackfolkscamptoo.com/unity-blaze/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unity Blaze</a>  Favorite piece of outdoor gear: OBOZ Insoles Favorite book:  <a href= "https://www.abebooks.com/9780471423638/Billion-Dollar-BET-Robert-Johnson-0471423637/plp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Billion Dollar Bet,  Bob Johnson</a> Advice:  the first advice I would give folks is, is to go to our unity, go to black folks camp too, and go to our Unity blaze map and find campgrounds that are on our map that are actually there. Those folks are truly invited and welcoming you to camp at their campground. I would also say to know before you go. Do as much research as you can. You have these devices now, and you have so many YouTube channels and things of that nature to learn about camping. Follow up with Earl: earl@blackfolkscamptoo.com <a href= "https://www.blackfolkscamptoo.com/about/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Black Folks Camp Too</a> #Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #Black Folks Camp Too, #Earl Hunter, #diversity in the outdoors, #Appalachian State, #Unity Blaze, #outdoor industry, #inclusion, #Unity Blaze partners, #outdoor community, #backpacking, #state parks, #Oboz Footwear, #Spacious Skies Campgrounds, #outdoor lifestyle, #RV camping, #outdoor participation, #unity in outdoors, #generational transfer, #environmental stewardship. Thank you for joining us on another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Be sure to visit our website, rick saes.com. You'll find show notes and links to everything we talked about and more. And while you're at it, if you found value in this show, give us a rating on Apple Podcast or spread the word and tell a friend. That would really help us out too. We should tune in every week. Thanks again for listening to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, on episode 501, Earl B. Hunter, Jr. from Black Folks Camp To make a second visit to The Show.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;is the Founder and President of Black Folks Camp Too — a marketing-driven business whose mission is to increase diversity in the outdoor industry by making it easier, more interesting, and more fun for Folks to go camping.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;He's an experienced business leader across multiple industries. He has been widely recognized for his ebullient personality, hard work ethic, and non-traditional approach to building relationships and closing deals.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="p2" style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span class="s2"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.facebook.com/theoutdoorbizpodcast/"&gt;&lt;span class= "s3"&gt;Facebook&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;   &lt;a href= "https://twitter.com/rick_saez"&gt;&lt;span class= "s3"&gt;Twitter&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;   &lt;a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rick.saez/"&gt;&lt;span class= "s3"&gt;Instagram&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="p3" style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span class= "s1"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Love the show?&lt;/strong&gt; Subscribe,  &lt;a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-outdoor-biz-podcast/id1244919639"&gt;&lt;span class="s4"&gt;rate, review, and share!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="p3" style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span class="s1"&gt;Sign up for my Newsletter  &lt;a href= "https://ricksaez.substack.com/p/outdoor-adventure-lifestyle-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;&lt;span class= "s4"&gt;HERE&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="p3" style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span class="s1"&gt;I’d love to hear your feedback about the show!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="p2" style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;span class="s2"&gt;You can contact me here:  &lt;a href= "mailto:rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com"&gt;&lt;span class= "s3"&gt;rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="501" data-end="519"&gt;&lt;strong data-start= "501" data-end="519"&gt;What Happened:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="521" data-end="812"&gt;It was the summer of 2017. I was clocking miles like a long-haul trucker, repping campers for a living. My 7-year-old son called me out—said I’d promised to take him to Mount Rushmore. He was right. I’d driven past it more times than I could count, but I’d never stopped. So we hit the road.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="814" data-end="1173"&gt;We camped our way across the country, father and son, a Black duo in a tiny pop-up trailer, parking it beside some seriously decked-out RV setups. We saw the sights, roasted marshmallows, and somewhere near Albuquerque, we spotted something we hadn’t seen in thousands of miles: another Black family camping. My son lit up and said, “Hey Daddy! Black people!”&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="1175" data-end="1450"&gt;That moment stuck. We talked to the family—Kimberly and crew—and she said something that flipped a switch in my brain: “Why don’t you change that then?” That “why not you?” hit hard. By the time we were driving up the California coast, the name Black Folks Camp Too was born.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr class="" data-start="1452" data-end="1455" /&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="1457" data-end="1471"&gt;&lt;strong data-start= "1457" data-end="1471"&gt;Principle:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="1473" data-end="1725"&gt;Too often, we wait for permission—permission to belong, to show up, to start something meaningful. But sometimes, it takes seeing the gap with your own eyes, feeling the silence in certain spaces, to realize: &lt;em data-start="1682" data-end="1725"&gt;you’re the one who’s supposed to fill it.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="1727" data-end="1874"&gt;And in business, just like in the outdoors, if you’re only serving the same people the same way… you’re gonna miss the fire. The campfire, that is.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr class="" data-start="1876" data-end="1879" /&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="1881" data-end="1896"&gt;&lt;strong data-start= "1881" data-end="1896"&gt;Transition:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="1898" data-end="2185"&gt;Most people think getting more folks into the outdoors is about better gear or cool photos on Instagram. But that’s not it. The real challenge is the invitation—and the &lt;em data-start="2067" data-end= "2077"&gt;welcome.&lt;/em&gt; And too many companies still don’t know &lt;em data-start="2118" data-end="2123"&gt;why&lt;/em&gt; the diversity gap exists, so they don’t know &lt;em data-start="2169" data-end= "2174"&gt;how&lt;/em&gt; to fix it.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="2187" data-end="2438"&gt;That’s why a lot of businesses are struggling. Not because there’s no market—but because they don’t see who they’re ignoring. And even when they do? They get hung up on the word &lt;em data-start="2365" data-end= "2372"&gt;Black&lt;/em&gt; in the name… instead of focusing on the unity behind the mission.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr class="" data-start="2440" data-end="2443" /&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="2445" data-end="2460"&gt;&lt;strong data-start= "2445" data-end="2460"&gt;That’s why:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="2462" data-end="2796"&gt;That’s why this episode matters. Earl Hunter isn’t just talking about camping—he’s talking about culture, connection, and cracking open an industry that’s been too exclusive for too long. He’s not asking for handouts or kumbayas. He’s showing up with data, vision, and a real plan to shift the outdoor industry &lt;em data-start="2773" data-end= "2796"&gt;before it goes broke.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr class="" data-start="2798" data-end="2801" /&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="2803" data-end="2834"&gt;&lt;strong data-start= "2803" data-end="2834"&gt;Call to Action (PAS style):&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt;If you’ve ever felt like the outdoor world wasn’t built for you—or your brand’s been stuck serving the same crowd—it’s time to tune in. Ignoring the invitation problem won’t fix it. But this episode will give you a fresh lens and a fire to take action.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt;👉 Hit play now. Let’s change the campfire conversation.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Show Notes:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/earl-b-hunter-jr-25925918" target= "_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Earl B. Hunter Jr.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.blackfolkscamptoo.com/about/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;Black Folks Camp Too&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=DChcSEwjEwrD32qqMAxUgzsIEHZw_MOkYABAQGgJwdg&amp;co=1&amp;ase=2&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw7pO_BhAlEiwA4pMQvMZSL9NAmMMQ3GlDrFpqQXizfE2LMdWjInPbviacfrMRbGpNOnil7xoCfk8QAvD_BwE&amp;ohost=www.google.com&amp;cid=CAESVeD2kiU5qjhbku_7YBSqEjo8zt7VQGecg6m5rAGoYNr7zBESYM2cN4nSZWWk-Bsd_Ui5AU9tREPH1YVFCrz7iqraESg8zlkZvrMdLJHIC8kiXd5ojzM&amp;sig=AOD64_24sxE1EyEhxVB_Cxb22Oa9xK3lEg&amp;ctype=5&amp;q=&amp;nis=4&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjCl6r32qqMAxV1GDQIHSWgJA0Q9aACKAB6BAgKEBE&amp;adurl=" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Oboz Insoles&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.sylvansport.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoomingpQ1jEDxppaTvX-MhSlHeQyF2vsOWs-7izxVy1Oj0iGeOy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Sylvansport&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt; &lt;a href= "https://www.gmc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Georgia Military College&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt; Appalachian State University&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt;Earl's Trail name:  Icebreaker&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt; Mount Rushmore&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt; &lt;a href= "https://www.blackfolkscamptoo.com/unity-blaze/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Unity Blaze&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt; Favorite piece of outdoor gear: OBOZ Insoles&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt;Favorite book:  &lt;a href= "https://www.abebooks.com/9780471423638/Billion-Dollar-BET-Robert-Johnson-0471423637/plp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;The Billion Dollar Bet,  Bob Johnson&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt;Advice:  the first advice I would give folks is, is to go to our unity, go to black folks camp too, and go to our Unity blaze map and find campgrounds that are on our map that are actually there. Those folks are truly invited and welcoming you to camp at their campground.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt;I would also say to know before you go. Do as much research as you can. You have these devices now, and you have so many YouTube channels and things of that nature to learn about camping.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt;Follow up with Earl: earl@blackfolkscamptoo.com&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.blackfolkscamptoo.com/about/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;Black Folks Camp Too&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2836" data-end="3147"&gt;#Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #Black Folks Camp Too, #Earl Hunter, #diversity in the outdoors, #Appalachian State, #Unity Blaze, #outdoor industry, #inclusion, #Unity Blaze partners, #outdoor community, #backpacking, #state parks, #Oboz Footwear, #Spacious Skies Campgrounds, #outdoor lifestyle, #RV camping, #outdoor participation, #unity in outdoors, #generational transfer, #environmental stewardship.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Thank you for joining us on another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Be sure to visit our website, rick saes.com. You'll find show notes and links to everything we talked about and more. And while you're at it, if you found value in this show, give us a rating on Apple Podcast or spread the word and tell a friend.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;That would really help us out too. We should tune in every week. Thanks again for listening to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, on episode 501, Earl B. Hunter, Jr. from Black Folks Camp To make a second visit to The Show. is the Founder and President of Black Folks Camp Too — a marketing-driven business whose mission...

The Power of Invitation: Earl B. Hunter., Jr. Breaking Barriers in the Outdoors 501

Welcome Episode 500 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast . . . Today I’m joined by Lindsay Cousley — a seasoned executive leader with deep roots in the outdoor, sporting goods, and wellness industries. He’s helped build and scale global brands with heart, empathy, and a whole lot of strategic know-how. Outside the boardroom, Lindsay surfs, cycles, backpacks, hikes, and even plays rugby — living proof that adventure fuels leadership. Show Notes <a href= "https://www.caseyhanisko.com/">Lindsay Cousley</a> <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaycousley/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Linkedin</a>   What Backpacking the Alps at 14 Taught Me About Building Global Brands What Happened: When I was 14, I wasn’t reading business books or plotting a career. I was deep in the Alps, sweating under a too-heavy pack, trying not to get left behind by a youth leader named Paul who thought “rest day” was code for “hike faster.” We carried everything on our backs, got lost a few times (intentionally or not, I still wonder), and somehow made it from France to Italy and back through Switzerland. It was magic. But here’s the kicker—I didn’t know it then, but that summer was shaping how I’d lead teams, sell products, and build brands. Fast forward a few decades, and I’m sitting in a boardroom, helping turn around an outdoor company. It’s go time. No time for perfect plans, just the instinct to act, adapt, and trust the people around you. Sound familiar? That’s wilderness training 101. Principle: Adventure doesn’t just happen in the mountains. It shows up in every tough decision, every product pitch, and every “what now?” moment in business. The most successful leaders in the outdoor space don’t wait for permission—they act, they adapt, and most importantly, they care. Passion for the outdoors isn't a cute brand trait—it's the fuel that drives resilient leadership. Transition: Too many folks think a successful outdoor career comes from the right resume or the right LinkedIn connections. But what’s really holding them back isn’t lack of experience—it’s a lack of direction. They’re stuck waiting to be “qualified,” not realizing that leadership often comes from showing up, not showing off. That’s Why: That’s why this episode is a must-listen. Lindsay Cousley doesn’t just talk outdoor—he’s lived it. From hauling gear across Europe as a teen to reviving struggling companies in the U.S., his journey is a masterclass in how passion, people, and a little grit can fuel leadership at any level. Call to Action: Still feeling like you’re stuck watching others make moves in the outdoor space while you spin your wheels? That "meh" feeling about your impact isn't just in your head—it’s a sign you need a new approach. Let Lindsay's story show you what’s possible when you blend passion with purpose. 🎧 Tune in to the episode now and start crafting your own adventure-fueled leadership story. #Adventure Travel, #Outdoor Industry, #Brand Building, #Specialty Retail, #Consumer Goods, #Cannabis Industry, #Business Strategy, #Digital Marketing, #Geotargeted Campaigns, #Direct to Consumer Sales, #Team Leadership, #Innovation, #New York Business, #Trade Shows

<description>&lt;p&gt;Welcome Episode 500 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast . . . Today I’m joined by Lindsay Cousley — a seasoned executive leader with deep roots in the outdoor, sporting goods, and wellness industries. He’s helped build and scale global brands with heart, empathy, and a whole lot of strategic know-how. Outside the boardroom, Lindsay surfs, cycles, backpacks, hikes, and even plays rugby — living proof that adventure fuels leadership.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Show Notes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.caseyhanisko.com/"&gt;Lindsay Cousley&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaycousley/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;Linkedin&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2 data-start="0" data-end="114"&gt;What Backpacking the Alps at 14 Taught Me About Building Global Brands&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;hr data-start="678" data-end="681" /&gt; &lt;h2 data-start="683" data-end="706"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="686" data-end="704"&gt;What Happened:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="392" data-end="809"&gt;When I was 14, I wasn’t reading business books or plotting a career. I was deep in the Alps, sweating under a too-heavy pack, trying not to get left behind by a youth leader named Paul who thought “rest day” was code for “hike faster.” We carried everything on our backs, got lost a few times (intentionally or not, I still wonder), and somehow made it from France to Italy and back through Switzerland. It was magic.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="811" data-end="936"&gt;But here’s the kicker—I didn’t know it then, but that summer was shaping how I’d lead teams, sell products, and build brands.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="" data-start="938" data-end="1192"&gt;Fast forward a few decades, and I’m sitting in a boardroom, helping turn around an outdoor company. It’s go time. No time for perfect plans, just the instinct to act, adapt, and trust the people around you. Sound familiar? That’s wilderness training 101.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="1667" data-end="1670" /&gt; &lt;h2 data-start="1672" data-end="1691"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="1675" data-end="1689"&gt;Principle:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-start="2144" data-end="2361"&gt;Adventure doesn’t just happen in the mountains. It shows up in every tough decision, every product pitch, and every “what now?” moment in business. The most successful leaders in the outdoor space don’t wait for permission—they act, they adapt, and most importantly, they &lt;em data-start="1487" data-end="1493"&gt;care&lt;/em&gt;. Passion for the outdoors isn't a cute brand trait—it's the fuel that drives resilient leadership.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="2363" data-end="2366" /&gt; &lt;h2 data-start="2368" data-end="2388"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2371" data-end="2386"&gt;Transition:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-start="2612" data-end="2812"&gt;Too many folks think a successful outdoor career comes from the right resume or the right LinkedIn connections. But what’s really holding them back isn’t lack of experience—it’s a lack of &lt;em data-start="1804" data-end= "1815"&gt;direction&lt;/em&gt;. They’re stuck waiting to be “qualified,” not realizing that leadership often comes from showing up, not showing off.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="2814" data-end="2817" /&gt; &lt;h2 data-start="2819" data-end="2839"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2822" data-end="2837"&gt;That’s Why:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-start="3057" data-end="3222"&gt;That’s why this episode is a must-listen. Lindsay Cousley doesn’t just talk outdoor—he’s lived it. From hauling gear across Europe as a teen to reviving struggling companies in the U.S., his journey is a masterclass in how passion, people, and a little grit can fuel leadership at any level.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="3224" data-end="3227" /&gt; &lt;h2 data-start="3229" data-end="3253"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="3232" data-end="3251"&gt;Call to Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-start="3441" data-end="3523"&gt;Still feeling like you’re stuck watching others make moves in the outdoor space while you spin your wheels? That "meh" feeling about your impact isn't just in your head—it’s a sign you need a new approach. Let Lindsay's story show you what’s possible when you blend passion with purpose.&lt;br data-start="2574" data-end="2577" /&gt; 🎧 Tune in to the episode now and start crafting your own adventure-fueled leadership story.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;#Adventure Travel, #Outdoor Industry, #Brand Building, #Specialty Retail, #Consumer Goods, #Cannabis Industry, #Business Strategy, #Digital Marketing, #Geotargeted Campaigns, #Direct to Consumer Sales, #Team Leadership, #Innovation, #New York Business, #Trade Shows&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Welcome Episode 500 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast . . . Today I’m joined by Lindsay Cousley — a seasoned executive leader with deep roots in the outdoor, sporting goods, and wellness industries. He’s helped build and scale global...

Big Picture Thinking: How Lindsay Cousley Builds Brands 500

Welcome to episode 499 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, I'm talking with Casey Hanisko. Casey is a distinguished leader in adventure travel. She's the former President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and an executive coach helping tourism leaders navigate change. Recognized among the "50 Most Important Women in Travel," she shares her expertise through media, speaking engagements, and her "Leading Naturally" newsletter. Show Notes <a href= "https://www.caseyhanisko.com/">Casey Hanisko</a> <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseyhanisko" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Linkedin</a> <a href= "https://guestfocus.com/team/casey-hanisko/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Guest Focus</a> <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/caseyhanisko/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Instagram</a> <a href= "https://membership.adventuretravel.biz/directory/16536bbbef76b7df940041e5ec654aad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adventure Travel Trade Association</a> The Leap That Terrified Me More Than Any Business Decision (And What It Taught Me About Leadership) <ol data-start="116" data-end="676"> <li style="font-style: italic;" data-start="116" data-end="331"> Ever stood at the edge of something terrifying—knowing the only way forward is to leap, but every cell in your body is screaming, Nope? That was me on a canyon swing in Interlaken. Spoiler: I needed a push.</li> <li style="font-style: italic;" data-start="332" data-end="503"> You think making high-stakes decisions in business is tough? Try standing on the edge of a 300-foot drop, debating whether plummeting into the abyss is a good idea.</li> <li style="font-style: italic;" data-start="504" data-end="676"> There’s a moment in adventure—and in leadership—where hesitation creeps in. Your palms sweat. Your mind races. And sometimes, you need someone to give you that push.</li> </ol> What Happened: I’d like to think I’m pretty fearless. I’ve hiked, biked, and paddled my way through some of the world’s most stunning (and challenging) landscapes. But nothing—not rock climbing, not waterfall jumping, not even running a business—prepared me for the sheer terror of standing on the edge of a canyon swing in Interlaken. Picture this: I’m perched on the platform, strapped in, heart pounding. My entire executive team—yes, the people I work with—are watching. The guy running the swing looks at me and asks, “Need a push?” ABSOLUTELY NOT! I sit there for two full minutes, locked in a battle with my own fear. Every rational thought in my brain says, Just do it. But my body? Oh, my body says, Are you out of your mind?! Then, the guy places a hand on my back. Just enough pressure to remind me: I either take the leap myself, or I’m going anyway. And that was it. I went. Terrified. Screaming. And, once I hit the swing… laughing. Principle: That moment on the canyon swing? It’s leadership in a nutshell. <ul data-start="1759" data-end="2142"> <li data-start="1759" data-end="1892">Leadership requires courage. Sometimes, you’re at the edge of a big decision, knowing you need to move—but fear holds you back.</li> <li data-start="1893" data-end="2036">Sometimes, you need support. That guiding hand (or well-placed nudge) from someone who sees your potential, even when you doubt yourself.</li> <li data-start="2037" data-end="2142">And often, the thing you dread most? Ends up being the most exhilarating experience of your life.</li> </ul> Whether it’s taking the leap into a leadership role, starting that business, or stepping into unknown territory—you’re going to feel fear. That’s normal. The key is to recognize it, hold it, and move forward anyway. Transition: The problem is, most people let fear stop them. They overthink. They hesitate. They tell themselves they need more time, more preparation, more certainty. But here’s the truth: the perfect moment? It doesn’t exist. Too many outdoor entrepreneurs and leaders stall out waiting for the “right time” to make their next move—whether that’s scaling a business, stepping into leadership, or launching that dream trip. That’s Why: That’s why, in this episode of The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I sat down with Casey Esco—executive coach, adventure leader, and all-around expert on navigating uncertainty in business and the outdoors. She shares exactly how adventure can teach us to embrace risk, push through hesitation, and build the courage to lead (even when you’re scared out of your mind). Call to Action: If fear has ever held you back from making a move—whether in your career, your business, or even your next adventure—you need to hear this episode. Because courage isn’t about being fearless. It’s about taking the leap anyway. #Outdoor Adventure, #Podcast, #Adventure Travel, #Leadership, #Coaching, #Outdoor Activities, #Nature, #Curiosity, #Camping, #Hiking, #Strategic Planning, #Storytelling, #Diversity, #Women Leaders, #Inclusivity, #Nature Inspired Coaching, #Outdoor Brands, #Business Strategy, #Personal Growth, #Passion, #Wellness, #Travel Experiences, #Adventure Community, #Outdoor Lifestyle, #Networking, #Conservation, #Adventure Stories

<description>&lt;p&gt;Welcome to episode 499 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, I'm talking with Casey Hanisko. Casey is a distinguished leader in adventure travel. She's the former President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and an executive coach helping tourism leaders navigate change. Recognized among the "50 Most Important Women in Travel," she shares her expertise through media, speaking engagements, and her "Leading Naturally" newsletter.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style= "font-size: 14pt;"&gt;Show Notes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.caseyhanisko.com/"&gt;Casey Hanisko&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseyhanisko" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;Linkedin&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://guestfocus.com/team/casey-hanisko/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;Guest Focus&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.instagram.com/caseyhanisko/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://membership.adventuretravel.biz/directory/16536bbbef76b7df940041e5ec654aad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Adventure Travel Trade Association&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2 data-start="0" data-end="114"&gt;&lt;span style= "font-size: 14pt;"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="3" data-end="112"&gt;The Leap That Terrified Me More Than Any Business Decision (And What It Taught Me About Leadership)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ol data-start="116" data-end="676"&gt; &lt;li style="font-style: italic;" data-start="116" data-end="331"&gt; &lt;em&gt;Ever stood at the edge of something terrifying—knowing the only way forward is to leap, but every cell in your body is screaming, Nope? That was me on a canyon swing in Interlaken. Spoiler: I needed a push.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="font-style: italic;" data-start="332" data-end="503"&gt; &lt;em&gt;You think making high-stakes decisions in business is tough? Try standing on the edge of a 300-foot drop, debating whether plummeting into the abyss is a good idea.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li style="font-style: italic;" data-start="504" data-end="676"&gt; &lt;em&gt;There’s a moment in adventure—and in leadership—where hesitation creeps in. Your palms sweat. Your mind races. And sometimes, you need someone to give you that push.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ol&gt; &lt;hr data-start="678" data-end="681" /&gt; &lt;h2 data-start="683" data-end="706"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="686" data-end="704"&gt;What Happened:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-start="707" data-end="1029"&gt;&lt;em&gt;I’d like to think I’m pretty fearless. I’ve hiked, biked, and paddled my way through some of the world’s most stunning (and challenging) landscapes. But nothing—not rock climbing, not waterfall jumping, not even running a business—prepared me for the sheer terror of standing on the edge of a canyon swing in Interlaken.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="1031" data-end="1236"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Picture this: I’m perched on the platform, strapped in, heart pounding. My entire executive team—yes, the people I work with—are watching. The guy running the swing looks at me and asks, “Need a push?”&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="1238" data-end="1255"&gt;&lt;em&gt;ABSOLUTELY NOT!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="1257" data-end="1444"&gt;&lt;em&gt;I sit there for two full minutes, locked in a battle with my own fear. Every rational thought in my brain says, Just do it. But my body? Oh, my body says, Are you out of your mind?!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="1446" data-end="1576"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Then, the guy places a hand on my back. Just enough pressure to remind me: I either take the leap myself, or I’m going anyway.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="1578" data-end="1665"&gt;&lt;em&gt;And that was it. I went. Terrified. Screaming. And, once I hit the swing… laughing.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="1667" data-end="1670" /&gt; &lt;h2 data-start="1672" data-end="1691"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="1675" data-end="1689"&gt;Principle:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-start="1692" data-end="1757"&gt;That moment on the canyon swing? It’s leadership in a nutshell.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul data-start="1759" data-end="2142"&gt; &lt;li data-start="1759" data-end="1892"&gt;Leadership requires &lt;em data-start="1781" data-end="1790"&gt;courage&lt;/em&gt;. Sometimes, you’re at the edge of a big decision, knowing you need to move—but fear holds you back.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-start="1893" data-end="2036"&gt;Sometimes, you need &lt;em data-start="1915" data-end="1924"&gt;support&lt;/em&gt;. That guiding hand (or well-placed nudge) from someone who sees your potential, even when you doubt yourself.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-start="2037" data-end="2142"&gt;And often, the thing you &lt;em data-start="2064" data-end="2071"&gt;dread&lt;/em&gt; most? Ends up being the most &lt;em data-start="2101" data-end= "2115"&gt;exhilarating&lt;/em&gt; experience of your life.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p data-start="2144" data-end="2361"&gt;Whether it’s taking the leap into a leadership role, starting that business, or stepping into unknown territory—you’re going to feel fear. That’s normal. The key is to recognize it, hold it, and move forward anyway.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="2363" data-end="2366" /&gt; &lt;h2 data-start="2368" data-end="2388"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2371" data-end="2386"&gt;Transition:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-start="2389" data-end="2547"&gt;The problem is, most people let fear stop them. They overthink. They hesitate. They tell themselves they &lt;em data-start="2494" data-end="2544"&gt;need more time, more preparation, more certainty&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2549" data-end="2610"&gt;But here’s the truth: the perfect moment? It doesn’t exist.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2612" data-end="2812"&gt;Too many outdoor entrepreneurs and leaders &lt;em data-start="2655" data-end="2666"&gt;stall out&lt;/em&gt; waiting for the “right time” to make their next move—whether that’s scaling a business, stepping into leadership, or launching that dream trip.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="2814" data-end="2817" /&gt; &lt;h2 data-start="2819" data-end="2839"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2822" data-end="2837"&gt;That’s Why:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-start="2840" data-end="3055"&gt;That’s why, in this episode of &lt;em data-start="2871" data-end="2912"&gt;The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast&lt;/em&gt;, I sat down with Casey Esco—executive coach, adventure leader, and all-around expert on navigating uncertainty in business and the outdoors.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="3057" data-end="3222"&gt;She shares &lt;em data-start= "3068" data-end="3077"&gt;exactly&lt;/em&gt; how adventure can teach us to embrace risk, push through hesitation, and build the courage to lead (even when you’re scared out of your mind).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="3224" data-end="3227" /&gt; &lt;h2 data-start="3229" data-end="3253"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="3232" data-end="3251"&gt;Call to Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-start="3254" data-end="3407"&gt;If fear has ever &lt;em data-start="3271" data-end="3286"&gt;held you back&lt;/em&gt; from making a move—whether in your career, your business, or even your next adventure—you &lt;em data-start="3377" data-end="3383"&gt;need&lt;/em&gt; to hear this episode.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="3441" data-end="3523"&gt;Because courage isn’t about being fearless. It’s about taking the leap &lt;em data-start="3512" data-end="3520"&gt;anyway&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;#Outdoor Adventure, #Podcast, #Adventure Travel, #Leadership, #Coaching, #Outdoor Activities, #Nature, #Curiosity, #Camping, #Hiking, #Strategic Planning, #Storytelling, #Diversity, #Women Leaders, #Inclusivity, #Nature Inspired Coaching, #Outdoor Brands, #Business Strategy, #Personal Growth, #Passion, #Wellness, #Travel Experiences, #Adventure Community, #Outdoor Lifestyle, #Networking, #Conservation, #Adventure Stories&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Welcome to episode 499 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, I'm talking with Casey Hanisko. Casey is a distinguished leader in adventure travel. She's the former President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and an executive coach...

Leadership and Adventure Insights with Executive Coach and Consultant Casey Hanisco 499

In this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, we dive into upland bird hunting with Edgar Castillo—hunter, writer, and retired law enforcement officer. Edgar shares his unique background, how a neighbor introduced him and his father to hunting, and what led him to dedicate his outdoor life to chasing birds. We explore his favorite upland hunting destinations, the gear he never leaves behind, and his journey into outdoor writing. Plus, we discuss the critical role of public lands and conservation in keeping these adventures alive for future generations. Get ready for an inspiring and adventure-filled conversation with Edgar Castillo! Show Notes <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/hunt_birdz/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Huntsbirdz</a> <a href= "https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Upland-Birds" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Kansas Bird Hunting</a> <a href="https://www.marines.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United States Marine Corps</a> What Happened: "When I first moved to the U.S. from Guatemala, hunting wasn’t even a concept in my world. My family didn’t do it. My dad didn’t do it. It just wasn’t a thing. But then our neighbor, Tom, took my dad under his wing and introduced him to the world of hunting—first waterfowl, then upland game. I, of course, tagged along, eager to be part of whatever my dad was doing. Everything was going great until one fateful day when Tom handed my dad some venison. My dad took one bite… and got violently sick. Not once, not twice, but every time he ate deer meat. Turns out, he was allergic to venison. That was it—deer hunting was officially off the table for our family. My dad stuck to birds, and so did I. Looking back, I could’ve ventured into hunting big game on my own. But I know myself—I go all in when I commit to something. If I started deer hunting, I’d be up to my ears in gear, obsessively tracking seasons and probably planning elk hunts across the country. So, I made a choice: stick to what I love, where the adventure is just as thrilling, and where I don’t have to explain to my wife why I need a new deep freezer." Principle: Sometimes, the best decisions come from knowing your limits. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of doing everything—whether it’s hunting, business, or life in general. But true mastery (and real joy) comes from focusing on what you truly love and getting really, really good at it. Transition: Too many people try to do it all. They think more = better, whether it’s hunting, hobbies, or even running a business. But that’s not always the case. The reality? Spreading yourself too thin often means never truly excelling at anything. That’s Why: That’s why, in this episode of The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I sat down with Edgar Castillo to talk about how he found his niche in upland hunting, why he never strayed into big game, and how his passion for storytelling and conservation led him to an unexpected writing career. If you’ve ever struggled with choosing your lane—or wondered how to make the most of the one you’re in—you’ll love this conversation. Call to Action: If you’ve ever felt like you’re chasing too many things at once, this episode is for you. Learn how to find joy, adventure, and mastery in one passion—and how focusing can actually open up even bigger opportunities. Listen now to our latest episode here: #Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #bird hunting, #Edgar Castillo Writer, #Outdoor Writers Association of America, #OWAA, #law enforcement, #United States Marine Corps, #hunting, #waterfowl, #upland game, #public lands, #Alaska, #ptarmigan, #grouse, #quail, #conservation, #wing shooting, #storytelling, #outdoor writing, #public land access, #mentoring, #outdoor recreation, #outdoor camp, #freelance writing

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, we dive into upland bird hunting with Edgar Castillo—hunter, writer, and retired law enforcement officer. Edgar shares his unique background, how a neighbor introduced him and his father to hunting, and what led him to dedicate his outdoor life to chasing birds. We explore his favorite upland hunting destinations, the gear he never leaves behind, and his journey into outdoor writing. Plus, we discuss the critical role of public lands and conservation in keeping these adventures alive for future generations. Get ready for an inspiring and adventure-filled conversation with Edgar Castillo!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3 style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Show Notes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.instagram.com/hunt_birdz/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;Huntsbirdz&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Upland-Birds" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;Kansas Bird Hunting&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.marines.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;United States Marine Corps&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3 data-start="400" data-end="424"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="404" data-end="422"&gt;What Happened:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p data-start="287" data-end="579"&gt;"&lt;em&gt;When I first moved to the U.S. from Guatemala, hunting wasn’t even a concept in my world. My family didn’t do it. My dad didn’t do it. It just wasn’t a thing. But then our neighbor, Tom, took my dad under his wing and introduced him to the world of hunting—first waterfowl, then upland game.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="581" data-end="881"&gt;&lt;em&gt;I, of course, tagged along, eager to be part of whatever my dad was doing. Everything was going great until one fateful day when Tom handed my dad some venison. My dad took one bite… and got violently sick. Not once, not twice, but every time he ate deer meat. Turns out, he was allergic to venison.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="883" data-end="990"&gt;&lt;em&gt;That was it—deer hunting was officially off the table for our family. My dad stuck to birds, and so did I.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="992" data-end="1408"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Looking back, I could’ve ventured into hunting big game on my own. But I know myself—I go all in when I commit to something. If I started deer hunting, I’d be up to my ears in gear, obsessively tracking seasons and probably planning elk hunts across the country. So, I made a choice: stick to what I love, where the adventure is just as thrilling, and where I don’t have to explain to my wife why I need a new deep freezer.&lt;/em&gt;"&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="1230" data-end="1233" /&gt; &lt;h3 data-start="1235" data-end="1255"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="1239" data-end="1253"&gt;Principle:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p data-start="1257" data-end="1338"&gt;Sometimes, the best decisions come from knowing your limits. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of doing &lt;strong data-start="1540" data-end= "1554"&gt;everything&lt;/strong&gt;—whether it’s hunting, business, or life in general. But &lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;true mastery (and real joy) comes from focusing on what you truly love and getting really, really good at it.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="1798" data-end="1801" /&gt; &lt;h3 data-start="1803" data-end="1824"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="1807" data-end="1822"&gt;Transition:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p data-start="1826" data-end="2024"&gt;Too many people try to do it all. They think more = better, whether it’s hunting, hobbies, or even running a business. But that’s not always the case. The reality? Spreading yourself too thin often means &lt;strong data-start="1948" data-end="1973"&gt;never truly excelling&lt;/strong&gt; at anything.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="2298" data-end="2301" /&gt; &lt;h3 data-start="2303" data-end="2324"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2307" data-end="2322"&gt;That’s Why:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p data-start="2326" data-end="2637"&gt;That’s why, in this episode of &lt;em data-start="2041" data-end="2082"&gt;The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast&lt;/em&gt;, I sat down with Edgar Castillo to talk about how he found his niche in upland hunting, why he never strayed into big game, and how his passion for storytelling and conservation led him to an unexpected writing career. &lt;strong&gt;If you’ve ever struggled with choosing your lane—or wondered how to make the most of the one you’re in—you’ll love this conversation.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="2832" data-end="2835" /&gt; &lt;h3 data-start="2837" data-end="2862"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2841" data-end="2860"&gt;Call to Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p data-start="2864" data-end="2972"&gt;If you’ve ever felt like you’re chasing &lt;strong data-start="2502" data-end="2529"&gt;too many things at once&lt;/strong&gt;, this episode is for you. Learn how to find joy, adventure, and mastery in &lt;strong data-start="2605" data-end= "2612"&gt;one&lt;/strong&gt; passion—and how focusing can actually open up even bigger opportunities. Listen now to our latest episode here:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="3116" data-end="3164"&gt;#Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #bird hunting, #Edgar Castillo Writer, #Outdoor Writers Association of America, #OWAA, #law enforcement, #United States Marine Corps, #hunting, #waterfowl, #upland game, #public lands, #Alaska, #ptarmigan, #grouse, #quail, #conservation, #wing shooting, #storytelling, #outdoor writing, #public land access, #mentoring, #outdoor recreation, #outdoor camp, #freelance writing&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, we dive into upland bird hunting with Edgar Castillo—hunter, writer, and retired law enforcement officer. Edgar shares his unique background, how a neighbor introduced him and his father to...

Finding Passion and Purpose in Bird Hunting with Edgar Castillo 498

Legendary Leo Lebon, hailed as the grandfather of adventure travel. Leo shares his incredible journey from humble beginnings in Belgium to co-founding the ground-breaking California-based company, MT Sobek, which helped launch the adventure travel industry. <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/theoutdoorbizpodcast/">Facebook</a>   <a href= "https://twitter.com/rick_saez">Twitter</a>   <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rick.saez/">Instagram</a> Love the show? Subscribe,  <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-outdoor-biz-podcast/id1244919639">rate, review, and share!</a> Sign up for my Newsletter  <a href= "https://ricksaez.substack.com/p/outdoor-adventure-lifestyle-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a> I’d love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here:  <a href= "mailto:rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com">rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com</a> Show Notes <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-le-bon-bb78a18" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Leo Le Bon</a> <a href="https://www.wanderlustconsulting.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Wanderlust Consulting</a> <a href="https://www.mtsobek.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">MT Sobek</a> <a href="https://www.thomascook.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"> Thomas Cook's</a>  <a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Sierra Club</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._O._M._Roberts" target= "_blank" rel="noopener"> Colonel James Roberts,  Mountain Travel Nepal</a>  <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurkha" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gurkha officer</a>  <a href= "https://www.patagonia.com/stories/remembering-allen-steck/story-133412.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alan Steck</a> <a href="https://www.richardbangs.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"> Richard Bangs</a> <a href="https://www.mountainlodgesofperu.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Mountain Lodges of Peru</a>   What Happened: Picture this: You’re young, your life’s in flux, and your mom casually suggests, “Why don’t you go visit my cousin in New York?”—a cousin you didn’t even know existed. That’s exactly how Leo Le Bon’s adventure began. Fast forward a few months, and he’s driving a stranger’s car across America just to get his $50 deposit back. (Gas was 25 cents a gallon back then—can you imagine?) One thing led to another. A chance meeting. A hiking trip. A casual chat with a fellow climber who just happened to have connections in Nepal. And before he knew it, Leo wasn’t just exploring—he was pioneering an entire industry. There were no guidebooks. No established trails. No GPS. Just a wild dream and a whole lot of figuring-it-out-as-you-go. And that’s how adventure travel as we know it was born. Principle: The biggest adventures don’t start with a perfect plan—they start with a yes. Leo didn’t wait until he had everything figured out. He said yes to a cross-country road trip. Yes to a new job. Yes to a trek in Nepal before most people even knew where Nepal was. The truth? Most people sit around waiting for the “right time” to go after something big—whether it’s an adventure, a new business, or a major life shift. But adventure (and success) doesn’t work that way. You don’t need certainty. You need a willingness to start. Transition: Too many people get stuck waiting for the stars to align before they chase their dreams. They tell themselves: 🚧 I need more time. 🚧 I need more money. 🚧 I need to be more prepared. But the pioneers—the ones who really make things happen—don’t wait. They jump in. They make moves. They let the journey unfold. If you’ve ever felt stuck—like you’re standing on the edge of something big but hesitating to take that first step—this episode is for you. That’s Why: That’s why, in this episode, we’re diving deep with Leo Le Bon, the godfather of adventure travel, to uncover: ✅ How a single trekking trip changed everything ✅ Why adventure travel exploded in the U.S. (and how it almost didn’t happen) ✅ The mindset shift you need to stop hesitating and start moving You don’t need to be climbing Everest to get value from this conversation. Whether you’re looking to shake up your life, career, or next big trip—this episode will give you the push you need. Call to Action: If you’re tired of waiting for the “perfect time” and ready to start your own adventure—this is your sign. 🔊 Listen to Episode 497 now and learn how to stop waiting, start moving, and create the kind of life you’d actually write a book about. 🎧 <a href= "https://sites.libsyn.com/100150/ep-497-belgium-to-the-himalayas-with-the-godfather-of-adventure-travel-leo-lebon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to listen</a> Key Words #Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #Rick Saez, #Leo Le Bon, #adventure travel, #Mount Sobek, #trekking, #Nepal, #foot safaris, #Kenya, #adventure destinations, #Tibet, #China, #Chile, #Peru, #Greenland, #hiking, #climbing, #kayaking, #skiing, #travel stories, #Sierra Club, #Thomas Cook, #Mountain Travel, #Mount Everest, #Everest Base Camp, #adventure travel industry, #Wanderlust Consulting, #Machu Picchu, #South America, #tourism, #conservation

<description>&lt;p&gt;Legendary Leo Lebon, hailed as the grandfather of adventure travel. Leo shares his incredible journey from humble beginnings in Belgium to co-founding the ground-breaking California-based company, MT Sobek, which helped launch the adventure travel industry.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="p2"&gt;&lt;span class="s2"&gt;&lt;a href= "https://www.facebook.com/theoutdoorbizpodcast/"&gt;&lt;span class= "s3"&gt;Facebook&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;   &lt;a href= "https://twitter.com/rick_saez"&gt;&lt;span class= "s3"&gt;Twitter&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;   &lt;a href= "https://www.instagram.com/rick.saez/"&gt;&lt;span class= "s3"&gt;Instagram&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="p3"&gt;&lt;span class="s1"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Love the show?&lt;/strong&gt; Subscribe,  &lt;a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-outdoor-biz-podcast/id1244919639"&gt;&lt;span class="s4"&gt;rate, review, and share!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="p3"&gt;&lt;span class="s1"&gt;Sign up for my Newsletter  &lt;a href= "https://ricksaez.substack.com/p/outdoor-adventure-lifestyle-podcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;&lt;span class= "s4"&gt;HERE&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="p3"&gt;&lt;span class="s1"&gt;I’d love to hear your feedback about the show!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p class="p2"&gt;&lt;span class="s2"&gt;You can contact me here:  &lt;a href= "mailto:rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com"&gt;&lt;span class= "s3"&gt;rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Show Notes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-le-bon-bb78a18" target= "_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Leo Le Bon&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.wanderlustconsulting.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt; Wanderlust Consulting&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.mtsobek.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;MT Sobek&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.thomascook.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt; Thomas Cook's&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt;Sierra Club&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._O._M._Roberts" target= "_blank" rel="noopener"&gt; Colonel James Roberts,  Mountain Travel Nepal&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurkha" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Gurkha officer&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;a href= "https://www.patagonia.com/stories/remembering-allen-steck/story-133412.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Alan Steck&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.richardbangs.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"&gt; Richard Bangs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.mountainlodgesofperu.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt; Mountain Lodges of Peru&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;h3 data-start="400" data-end="424"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="404" data-end="422"&gt;What Happened:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p data-start="426" data-end="645"&gt;Picture this: You’re young, your life’s in flux, and your mom casually suggests, &lt;em data-start= "507" data-end="556"&gt;“Why don’t you go visit my cousin in New York?”&lt;/em&gt;—a cousin you didn’t even know existed. That’s exactly how Leo Le Bon’s adventure began.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="647" data-end="813"&gt;Fast forward a few months, and he’s driving a stranger’s car across America just to get his $50 deposit back. (Gas was 25 cents a gallon back then—can you imagine?)&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="815" data-end="1048"&gt;One thing led to another. A chance meeting. A hiking trip. A casual chat with a fellow climber who just happened to have &lt;em data-start="936" data-end= "958"&gt;connections in Nepal&lt;/em&gt;. And before he knew it, Leo wasn’t just exploring—he was pioneering an entire industry.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="1050" data-end="1171"&gt;There were no guidebooks. No established trails. No GPS. Just a wild dream and a whole lot of figuring-it-out-as-you-go.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="1173" data-end="1228"&gt;And that’s how adventure travel as we know it was born.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="1230" data-end="1233" /&gt; &lt;h3 data-start="1235" data-end="1255"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="1239" data-end="1253"&gt;Principle:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p data-start="1257" data-end="1338"&gt;The biggest adventures don’t start with a perfect plan—they start with a &lt;em data-start="1330" data-end="1335"&gt;yes&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="1340" data-end="1525"&gt;Leo didn’t wait until he had everything figured out. He said yes to a cross-country road trip. Yes to a new job. Yes to a trek in Nepal before most people even knew where Nepal &lt;em data-start="1517" data-end= "1522"&gt;was&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="1527" data-end="1796"&gt;The truth? Most people sit around waiting for the “right time” to go after something big—whether it’s an adventure, a new business, or a major life shift. But adventure (and success) doesn’t work that way. You don’t need &lt;em data-start="1748" data-end="1759"&gt;certainty&lt;/em&gt;. You need a &lt;em data-start="1772" data-end="1794"&gt;willingness to start&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="1798" data-end="1801" /&gt; &lt;h3 data-start="1803" data-end="1824"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="1807" data-end="1822"&gt;Transition:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p data-start="1826" data-end="2024"&gt;Too many people get stuck waiting for the stars to align before they chase their dreams. They tell themselves:&lt;br data-start="1936" data-end="1939" /&gt; 🚧 &lt;em data-start="1942" data-end="1961"&gt;I need more time.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br data-start="1961" data-end="1964" /&gt; 🚧 &lt;em data-start="1967" data-end="1987"&gt;I need more money.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br data-start="1987" data-end="1990" /&gt; 🚧 &lt;em data-start="1993" data-end="2022"&gt;I need to be more prepared.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2026" data-end="2155"&gt;But the pioneers—the ones who really make things happen—don’t wait. They jump in. They make moves. They let the journey unfold.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2157" data-end="2296"&gt;If you’ve ever felt stuck—like you’re standing on the edge of something big but hesitating to take that first step—this episode is for you.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="2298" data-end="2301" /&gt; &lt;h3 data-start="2303" data-end="2324"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2307" data-end="2322"&gt;That’s Why:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p data-start="2326" data-end="2637"&gt;That’s why, in this episode, we’re diving deep with Leo Le Bon, the &lt;em data-start="2394" data-end="2405"&gt;godfather&lt;/em&gt; of adventure travel, to uncover:&lt;br data-start="2438" data-end="2441" /&gt; ✅ How a single trekking trip changed everything&lt;br data-start= "2488" data-end="2491" /&gt; ✅ Why adventure travel exploded in the U.S. (and how it almost didn’t happen)&lt;br data-start="2568" data-end="2571" /&gt; ✅ The mindset shift you need to stop hesitating and start moving&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2639" data-end="2830"&gt;You don’t need to be climbing Everest to get value from this conversation. Whether you’re looking to shake up your life, career, or next big trip—this episode will give you the push you need.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;hr data-start="2832" data-end="2835" /&gt; &lt;h3 data-start="2837" data-end="2862"&gt;&lt;strong data-start="2841" data-end="2860"&gt;Call to Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt; &lt;p data-start="2864" data-end="2972"&gt;If you’re tired of waiting for the “perfect time” and ready to start your own adventure—this is your sign.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="2974" data-end="3114"&gt;🔊 Listen to Episode 497 now and learn how to stop waiting, start moving, and create the kind of life you’d &lt;em data-start="3082" data-end="3092"&gt;actually&lt;/em&gt; write a book about.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="3116" data-end="3164"&gt;🎧 &lt;a href= "https://sites.libsyn.com/100150/ep-497-belgium-to-the-himalayas-with-the-godfather-of-adventure-travel-leo-lebon" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Click here to listen&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="3116" data-end="3164"&gt;Key Words&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p data-start="3116" data-end="3164"&gt;#Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, #Rick Saez, #Leo Le Bon, #adventure travel, #Mount Sobek, #trekking, #Nepal, #foot safaris, #Kenya, #adventure destinations, #Tibet, #China, #Chile, #Peru, #Greenland, #hiking, #climbing, #kayaking, #skiing, #travel stories, #Sierra Club, #Thomas Cook, #Mountain Travel, #Mount Everest, #Everest Base Camp, #adventure travel industry, #Wanderlust Consulting, #Machu Picchu, #South America, #tourism, #conservation&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Legendary Leo Lebon, hailed as the grandfather of adventure travel. Leo shares his incredible journey from humble beginnings in Belgium to co-founding the ground-breaking California-based company, MT Sobek, which helped launch the adventure travel...

How it all Started: with the Godfather of Adventure Travel Leo Lebon EP 497

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