Outdoor Adventure Series

Visit Carson Valley: Hiking, Relaxation, Historic Towns, and Unforgettable Experiences

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today’s episode, we’re heading north to explore the beauty, history, and welcoming spirit of the Carson Valley communities (Genoa, Minden, Gardnerville, and Topaz Lake) in Nevada. We're joined by Keith Lewis, Executive Director of Visit Carson Valley, and Josh Rudelbach, Destination Marketing and Data Strategist, for an insider’s look at the region that sits just 45 miles south of Reno and 15 miles east of Lake Tahoe.Together, Keith and Josh answer the big question: Why should visitors make Carson Valley a must-stop on their Nevada adventure? Discover four charming communities, unique outdoor activities like hiking, wild horse tours, and world-class glider soaring, plus a vibrant culinary scene rooted in Basque culture. Keith and Josh share how their backgrounds in education, analytics, and marketing help shape Carson Valley’s visitor experience, and give us a tour of their innovative website—packed with planning resources, digital passports, and AI-powered itinerary tools.Whether you’re a family looking to slow down, an outdoor enthusiast chasing new trails, or a traveler searching for that perfect cup of coffee, this episode is your guide to everything Carson Valley has to offer. So grab your wool sweater (just in case), sit back, and join us for an inspiring journey through Northern Nevada’s hidden gem!DISCUSSION00:00 "Exploring Nevada with Visit Carson Valley"07:53 Historic Nevada Towns & Tourism12:26 "Engaging Personas for Visitor Marketing"15:47 "AI-Powered Travel Itinerary Assistance"18:54 "Tourism Matters: Local Impact"21:37 "AI Travel Guide: Ask Carson"25:29 "Travel Nevada Supports Rural Marketing."29:28 Digital Passports for Visitor Experiences32:07 "Carson Valley Events Preview."35:18 Bentley Distillery Revival in Minden39:08 "Carson Valley Christmas Success."40:26 "The Valley's Unique Appeal."LEARN MORETo learn more about the Carson Valley Region, visit their website at https://visitcarsonvalley.org  or on these social sites:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visitcarsonvalley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitcarsonvalley/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/VisitCarsonValleyNVReno-Tahoe Territory: https://renotahoe.com/KEYWORDSVisit Carson Valley, Parade of Lights, Reno-Tahoe Territory, Travel Nevada, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview#VisitCarsonValley #WhyCV #RenoTahoeTerritory #TravelNevada #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterviewMy Favorite Podcast Tools: Production by Descript Hosting Buzzsprout Show Notes by Castmagic Website powered by Podpage Be a Podcast Guest by PodMatch

Great Outdoor Adventure Podcasts: Highlights and Insights From Veteran Hosts at Year’s End

Welcome to a special year-end edition of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this reflective episode, host Howard Fox is joined by fellow outdoor enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and podcasters Emanuel Rose and Rick Saez—all proud members of the Outdoor Writers Association of America.Together, the trio dives deep into the highs and surprises of their 2023 podcasting journeys, swapping stories about new show launches (including Emanuel Rose’s prolific year of recording over 200 episodes across three podcasts), the power of relationships in the outdoor and podcasting worlds, and smart strategies to book—and vet—the perfect guests. Rick Saez discusses rebranding and evolving his show to capture even more exciting stories from the outdoor and adventure travel community, while Howard Fox unveils his plans to further explore the connections between nature, well-being, and outdoor destinations in future episodes.This episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights into the podcasting life: from the magic of effective guest outreach (with help from AI tools) to the lessons learned from the occasional misstep. You’ll also hear the hosts’ advice for aspiring podcasters, their candid thoughts on whether the podcasting space is truly saturated, and their dreams of hosting “Podcamp” live from the great outdoors.Whether you’re a longtime listener, a fellow podcaster, or someone passionate about outdoor adventures and authentic conversations, this episode is an inspiring look back at a year full of growth—and an exciting preview of what’s to come. So pour yourself a coffee, settle in, and join Howard, Rick, and Emanuel for a warm, insightful, and often humorous roundtable to ring in the new year.DISCUSSION00:00 "Fluent Frame Content Creation Tool"05:16 "Listening to Fewer Podcasts"07:23 "Seeking Guests for Show"13:07 Guest Screening for Better Podcast17:11 "Podcasting Goals and AI Insights"20:48 "Coaching, Nature, and Growth"24:03 "Podcast Perseverance and Gratitude"28:10 Podcasting: Oversaturation or Opportunity?30:17 Start Podcasting for Business Growth32:20 Podcasts: The Ultimate EqualizerLEARN MORETo learn more about Emanuel Rose and his work, Google Emanuel Rose Marketing, or visit his website at https://emanuelrose.com.To learn more about Rick Saez and his work, Google the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast or visit his website at https://ricksaez.com.NEXT STEPSVisit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes. And click here to find me on LinkedIn.KEYWORDSHoward Fox, Emanuel Rose, Rick Saez, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview, OWAA, Podmatch#HowardFox #EmanuelRose #RickSaez #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterview, #OWAA #PodMatchMy Favorite Podcast Tools: Production by Descript Hosting Buzzsprout Show Notes by Castmagic Website powered by Podpage Be a Podcast Guest by PodMatch

Visit Springfield Illinois: ALWAY LEGENDARY

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series! In this episode, we chat with Scott Dahl, the Director of Visit Springfield Illinois, to explore everything that makes Springfield a legendary destination for adventurers and history buffs alike. With 37 years in tourism and a deep love for his “heart of Illinois” hometown, Scott shares insights into Springfield’s vibrant tourism scene, the city’s rich Abraham Lincoln heritage, and its central role along historic Route 66.From world-class museums and immersive historical sites to expansive bike trails and beautiful parks, Scott Dahl paints a picture of a community where history comes alive, and the outdoors are waiting to be explored. 2026 promises to be a monumental year for Springfield, with celebrations like the Route 66 Centennial, America’s 250th anniversary, and the grand opening of the new Shield Sports Park. Howard and Scott dive into local culinary treats (including Springfield’s Signature Horseshoe Sandwich, tips for planning your visit, and the best ways to experience everything this legendary destination has to offer—and why Springfield Illinois should be at the top of your travel list this year and beyond!DISCUSSION00:00 "Route 66 and 2026 Highlights"04:29 International Visitors Flock to historic Lincoln sites07:47 "Escape to Nature Through Biking"11:04 "Roving Ambassador of Tourism"15:55 Preparing Springfield for Tourism Influx17:17 "Saving the Sunrise Donut Sign"21:44 "Springfield Tour and Website Insights"25:35 "Discover Springfield: More Than Expected."30:02 Tourism Ambassador Training Initiative36:27 Springfield One-Day Itinerary37:06 "Exploring Abraham Lincoln's Legacy."42:06 Passion for Hospitality and Travel47:22 "Springfield Adventures & America 250."LEARN MORETo learn more about Springfield, Illinois, visit their website at  https://www.visitspringfieldillinois.com/ or on these social sites:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitSpringfieldInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitspringfieldYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VisitSpringfieldLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/springfield-illinois-convention-&-visitors-bureau/NEXT STEPSVisit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.KEYWORDSVisit Springfield Illinois, Lincoln Home NPS, Route 66, Illinois Destinations Association, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview#visitspringfield #springfieldil #LincolnHomeNPS #Route66 #IllinoisDestinationsAssociation #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterviewMy Favorite Podcast Tools: Production by Descript Hosting Buzzsprout Show Notes by Castmagic Website powered by Podpage Be a Podcast Guest by PodMatch

Impact Destinations: Philanthropic Travel Adventures with Christopher Hill

Impact Destinations: Philanthropic Travel Adventures with Christopher Hill.Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In today’s episode, we welcome Christopher Hill, the founder of Impact Destinations and Hands Up Holidays. Christopher’s lifelong passion for travel led him to create unique adventures that go far beyond sightseeing—they combine exploration with giving back to communities and supporting wildlife conservation worldwide.Join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of travel as a force for good, the evolution from volunteer vacations to philanthropic journeys, and the personal stories that drive Christopher’s mission.DISCUSSION1. Christopher Hill’s Journey into Impact TravelHow the travel bug developed with Habitat for HumanityBirth and Evolution of Hands Up Holidays2. Interactions with Local CommunitiesEnsuring buy-in from communities by asking what assistance is needed and delivering accordingly3. Transition to Impact DestinationsShift towards more philanthropic, funding-based experiences.4. Client Profiles and Experience CustomizationTypical clients: luxury travelers, higher net-worth individualsVetting and matching client expectations with tailor-made philanthropic opportunitiesRange: singles, couples, families, intergenerational groupsIncreased interest from families in bonding and educational experiences5. Destinations and Conservation ProjectsCore focus on wildlife conservation (Africa, Asia, Latin America)Opportunities in Australia, French Polynesia, and beyond6. Tour of the Impact Destinations WebsiteOverview of website features: intro video, trip components7. Business Insights and Client DemographicsAmerican travelers (90%+ clientele)Client motivations: instilling appreciation and privilege, creating bonding moments8. The Bigger MissionGiving travelers unique, transformative experiencesFostering engagement with communities and conservation legacy9. Hope for the Future through Impact DestinationsPositive changes for both travelers and communitiesCountering the “othering” of people—building cross-cultural understandingLEARN MORETo learn more about Impact Destinations, visit their website at https://impactdestinations.com/ or on these social sites.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/impactdestinationsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactdestinationsNEXT STEPSVisit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.KEYWORDSChristopher Hill, Impact Destinations, Philanthropic Travel, Howard Fox, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview#ChristopherHill #ImpactDestinations #PhilanthropicTravel #OutdoorAdventureSeries #PodcastInterviewMy Favorite Podcast Tools: Production by Descript Hosting Buzzsprout Show Notes by Castmagic Website powered by Podpage Be a Podcast Guest by PodMatch

Exploring Nature's Wonders: Landscape Photography Adventures with Mitch Miller

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! In this episode, we're welcoming back Mitch Miller, an award-winning landscape photographer known for his stunning captures of Joshua Tree National Park and the Sierra Nevada Range. Mitch shares stories from his recent nine-day backpacking adventure to a remote, little-known lake in Sequoia National Park, detailing the grit, planning, and creativity that go into photographing some of the most breathtaking – and challenging locations to reach.DISCUSSION1. Adventures and Landscape Photography ExpeditionsMitch's quest to return to a remote lake in Sequoia National Park2. Trail Food and Hiking PreparationAdvance meal planningEmphasis on freeze-dried foods and calorie-dense snacks3. Physical Impact and Trail LogisticsWeight lossWater planning and filtering systems4. Wildlife and Scenic ExperiencesMemorable wildlife photography momentsChanging weather conditions and their photographic significanceExperiencing world-class sunrises5. Photography Equipment and TechniquesDecision to rely on the iPhone 16 Pro MaxComparison between smartphone and traditional camera capabilities6. Evolving Approach to Landscape PhotographyJourney from adventure photographer to focused landscape photographerRevisiting locations in optimal conditions for improved shotsChampioning the “beauty of reality”: authentic nature photography as opposed to synthetic images7. Website and Portfolio ShowcaseLive tour of Mitch's website and photographic portfolioDiscussion of specific images: “Child of the Past,” superbloom, and Joshua Tree landscapes, etc.8. Upcoming Plans and Future AdventuresRecent hike to Mount San Jacinto and capturing unique astronomical eventsPlans for future sunset and mountaintop photography9. Nature Experience and Mental HealthEnjoyment of dark skies, sunsets, and natural phenomenaImportance of spending time in nature for well-beingLEARN MORETo learn more about Mitch and his work, visit his website at https://www.fineearthphotography.com/ or on these social sites:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FineEarthPhotography/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fineearthphotography/NEXT STEPSVisit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.KEYWORDSMitch Miller, Landscape Photography, Fine Earth Photography, Joshua Tree National Park, Sierra Nevada, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview#LandscapePhotography #FineEarthPhotography #JoshuaTreeNationalPark #SierraNevada #OutdoorAdventureSeries #Podcast InterviewMy Favorite Podcast Tools: Production by Descript Hosting Buzzsprout Show Notes by Castmagic Website powered by Podpage Be a Podcast Guest by PodMatch