A podcast about the past, present, and future of the outdoor industry. Highlander is made possible by the Outdoor Product Design & Development program at Utah State University and Aggie Radio in beautiful Logan, Utah.
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Outdoor Product Design & Development Podcasts
Captivating interviews with the leaders of the outdoors. Hosted by BOLOTOR Founder/CEO, podcaster, actor, stand-up comedian, Michael Stein No B.S. interviews about hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, backpacking, doomsday prepping, survival, and anything that has to do with the great outdoors.
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Podcast host Jeff Barber, Editor-in-Chief at Singletracks.com, aims to inform and inspire with topics and interviews from the mountain bike world. Since 2015, we have been sharing weekly stories from under the helmets of the most inspiring and influential mountain bikers. Join us as we learn from top athletes, product designers, trail builders, coaches, mechanics, artists, and leaders in the mountain biking community.
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A representative from Klugonyx helping emerging outdoor brands design, develop, and manufacture their products around the globe, Noah Anders.
3:40
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3:40Noah Anders is a seasoned outdoor industry professional with over a decade of experience helping emerging brands scale through smart global manufacturing. Based in Salt Lake City, he works with Klugonyx, connecting companies to trusted partners in Vietnam, Cambodia, Mexico, and beyond—especially as brands seek alternatives to China due to shiftin…
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The co-creator and driving force behind Stackem, a unique double-can cooler designed for convenience and versatility, Linsey Beirer Stackem.
6:13
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6:13 Linsey Beirer Stackem, is the co-creator and driving force behind Stackem, a unique double-can cooler designed for convenience and versatility. Inspired by a boating trip in Texas with her husband—who originally envisioned the product—Linsey helped bring the idea to life by shaping its functionality and style. Stackem’s spring-loaded, vacuum-…
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The inspiring story behind Drybrew the innovative brand turning real coffee into chewable cubes, John Schade.
16:43
16:43
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16:43John Schade is the co-founder of Drybrew, the innovative brand behind chewable coffee cubes. Originally from New Jersey, John began his career in commodities trading before pivoting into entrepreneurship with his girlfriend. Inspired by a disappointing taste test of edible coffee from Shark Tank, the pair discovered Dryvroom through a Google sear…
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Stumbles upon a hydration innovation that sparks his curiosity—a gel that hydrates four times more effectively than water, Jereme Lambert.
15:53
15:53
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15:53Jereme Lambert is a curious adventurer and podcast host with a passion for wellness, clean living, and innovation. During a walk through a trade show with his daughter, Jereme discovered a cutting-edge hydration gel that led to a deeper conversation about global water solutions. With a personal interest in clean air and water—backed by his own ho…
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Her remarkable journey from South Africa to becoming a powerhouse in fashion and brand licensing, Bonita Segall.
15:07
15:07
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15:07Bonita Segall is a designer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of a thriving licensing and branding agency representing over 220 global brands. Originally from South Africa, Bonita began her U.S. journey in the apparel industry before launching VIP Mama, a bold maternity brand merging rock culture and fashion. After a major retail deal collapse wiped …
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Friendship and shared passion for wellness sparked the rise of a powerful, all-natural skincare line rooted in personal struggle and scientific insight, Body Honey.
14:47
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14:47Body Honey is a purpose-driven skincare brand born in the small town of Twisp, Washington, and rooted in one woman’s personal battle with chronic dry skin. Founded by Sindi Scheinberg, with creative support from her close friend Val Husby, Body Honey was developed after Sindi moved from the wet Oregon coast to the dry North Cascades and faced sever…
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From Enola Gaye Grenade Company, a leader in survival gear and pyrotechnics, Justin Palmer.
4:25
4:25
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4:25Justin Palmer is a leading voice in outdoor survival innovation and a key figure at Enola Gaye Grenade Company (EG Grenade Co.), a global brand known for its pyrotechnics and tactical gear. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Justin has helped expand the company's reach from paintball and airsoft into life-saving survival tools used…
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How his passion for backpacking, gear reviews, and outdoor adventures led him from Wisconsin's state parks to becoming a micro-influencer and content creator at Outdoor Retailer, Alex Hatlevig.
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5:22Alex Hatlevig is a Milwaukee-based outdoor content creator and YouTuber known for his long blonde hair and rugged, Thor-like look. With a growing audience of around 9,000 subscribers, Alex shares his love for camping, backpacking, and gear reviews through engaging videos that blend adventure with authenticity. Raised exploring Wisconsin's state p…
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The brilliant mind behind Creaitiv App a powerful software platform that transforms how brands analyze and optimize their ad creatives, Warren Williams.
6:27
6:27
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6:27Warren Williams is a software engineer and co-founder of Creative App, an innovative platform that uses computer vision and AI to analyze creative ad assets and generate data-driven briefs for marketing teams. Originally from Puerto Rico, Warren wrote every line of code himself and partnered with an experienced agency expert to bring the product …
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He is the founder of Braven.app how his startup is helping brand owners uncover valuable conversations happening beyond traditional channels, Kory Tams.
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4:16
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4:16Kory Tams is the founder of Braven.app, a bootstrapped startup dedicated to helping brand owners uncover valuable conversations about their products happening beyond traditional platforms—like Reddit, Twitter, and online forums. With a passion for actionable data, Kory built Braven to deliver clear, weekly insights that highlight hidden issues, g…
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Their journey from indoor barbecue tools to innovative outdoor and camping gear, Jerry Lin and Bruce Hsu.
4:35
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4:35Jerry Lin is the energetic EVP of a California-based company specializing in barbecue and portable outdoor cooking gear. Known as the "fun guy" and voice of the brand, Jerry brings charisma and creativity to the team, helping lead the charge in product innovation and market expansion. Bruce G serves as the company’s hands-on manager, focused on o…
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He introduces NeverFlame a flameless battery-powered cooking system born from a brilliant idea by his 84-year-old inventor uncle, Michael Rose.
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5:12Michael Rose is the face behind NeverFlame, a groundbreaking flameless cooking system born from his family's inventive legacy. Inspired by his 84-year-old uncle—an accomplished battery expert and inventor of the electronic cash register—Michael now carries the torch, sharing a portable, eco-friendly solution for cooking without open flames. Des…
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Michael Hofler | Arc'teryx Logo Designer | History of Gear
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49:01Michael Hofler - Creative Director and the designer behind the iconic Arc’teryx logo - talks about his process, the creation of the logo, and the battle between retaining a classic logo versus reimagining it. Behance: https://www.behance.net/HOFLER?locale=en_US Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoflerdesign/ Listen to these conversations on the…
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A passionate content creator rooted in the world of fly fishing and outdoor lifestyle, Holly Jones.
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5:12Holly Jones is a passionate content creator rooted in the world of fly fishing and outdoor lifestyle. With a keen eye for storytelling and a camera always in hand, she travels to events like Outdoor Retailer to spotlight innovative products, connect with brands, and share authentic experiences with her growing audience. Since the pandemic, Holly …
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How Calirado Kid makes riders laugh while also making a difference
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34:52Joe is the Calirado Kid, a Sacramento-based mountain bike content creator known for posting hilarious bike-related videos on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube. This summer he's teaming up with a nonprofit organization called Adventure Scientists to encourage riders to help document biodiversity in California. How did you first get into mountain biking?…
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A Director of Business Development at Pirawna a full-service marketing agency specializing in Amazon and TikTok, Blake Hilton.
3:07
3:07
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3:07Blake Hilton is a high-energy marketing strategist and the Director of Business Development at Piranha, a full-service advertising agency specializing in Amazon and TikTok channels. Born and raised in Frisco, Texas, Blake brings Southern charm, relentless hustle, and sharp e-commerce instincts to the table. With over five years of industry experi…
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The inspiring story behind a groundbreaking bracelet that lets users track real animals while supporting wildlife conservation, Dustin Smith.
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6:17
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6:17Dustin Smith is a passionate advocate for marine life and wildlife conservation, whose early experiences growing up in Florida shaped his lifelong commitment to protecting the natural world. From scooping seaweed to care for seahorses as a child to working at an aquarium feeding injured sea turtles, Dustin’s love for the ocean runs deep. Today, h…
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Explores the real fears and wild stories that inspire their content as they dive deep into the origins of their wildly popular survival show, James Harris and Jared Bronstein.
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22:15James Harris and Jared Bronstein are the Toronto-based duo behind How to Survive, a fast-growing YouTube series that blends science, storytelling, and survival. James, the show's creator and a former science writer with a personal history of overcoming medical and outdoor challenges, brings a grounded, research-driven perspective. Jared, a seasoned…
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How her ADHD fuels her creativity, her love for chainsaw carving and competitive air gunning, Abby Casey.
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27:54
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27:54Abby Casey is an outdoor media personality, radio host, and content creator based in Bozeman, Montana. Originally from Georgia, she grew up immersed in the outdoors, which continues to shape her adventurous lifestyle today. Abby’s career began in television with an internship at Realtree, eventually leading her to host for Rated Red and launch he…
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A travel creator who shares her bold leap from a modest upbringing in South Dakota and a fast-paced New York City life to full-time globetrotter, Nikki Tomllin.
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29:56Nikki Tomlin is a travel creator, photographer, and content strategist known for her viral “girl that spins” videos filmed in breathtaking locations around the world. Originally from Rapid City, South Dakota. Nikki’s journey took her from a modest upbringing to studying photography, navigating life in New York City, and eventually launching her own…
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Longtime MTB trail builder Joey Klein explains how designs have changed over three decades
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1:09:57Joey Klein has been involved in mountain bike trail design for more than 30 years, and has worked for the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) longer than anyone else. This year he's being inducted into the mountain bike hall of fame in recognition of his contributions to the sport. How did you first get involved in trail design? What it …
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An adventure writer, photographer, and van life pioneer who swapped a Hollywood career for a nomadic life exploring the world’s wildest places, Emily Pennington.
23:46
23:46
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23:46Emily Pennington is an adventure writer, photographer, and author of Feral: Losing Myself and Finding My Way in America’s National Parks. A former Hollywood assistant turned full-time explorer, she’s best known for visiting all 63 U.S. national parks and documenting the journey in a popular column for Outside Magazine. Originally from suburban Hous…
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Outdoor Recreation Archive goes to Tokyo! | History of Gear
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7:45On this episode of the History of Gear, Chase Anderson gives a recap of the ORA's recent trip to Tokyo, their collaboration with Beams, and the future of the archive globally. Listen to these conversations on the Highlander Podcast. https://opdd.usu.edu/podcast The Highlander Podcast is sponsored by the Outdoor Product Design & Development program …
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Their sun-soaked life in Southwest Florida to talk about raising kids the adventurous way, Kate and James Hixson.
31:51
31:51
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31:51Kate and James Hixson are adventurous storytellers, parents, and social media entrepreneurs currently based in Southwest Florida. Originally from Ohio, they met at Ohio University, where their relationship blossomed through shared outdoor passions like hiking and rafting. After exploring life in cities across the U.S.—from New York to Denver—they s…
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How she left behind a desk job in Boston, sold everything she owned, and moved to Iceland on a whim—with no job, plan, or savings, Kyana Sue Powers.
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31:58
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31:58Kyana Sue Powers is an outdoor photographer specializing in adventure and lifestyle, with a passion for capturing the raw beauty of nature. Originally from California but raised in New England, Kyana was working in college athletics in Boston when she took a spontaneous trip to Iceland in 2018. The country’s rugged landscapes and boundless opportun…
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A Utah-based outdoor enthusiast is on a mission to revolutionize how we think about cats and adventure, Kaylin Meyer.
22:03
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22:03Kaylin Meyer is an outdoor enthusiast, remote worker, and content creator who explores the world with her feline companion, Maxine. What began as casual Instagram posts of hiking and backpacking adventures has evolved into a growing platform inspiring thousands to explore nature with their cats. Kaylin’s viral content—like her heartwarming backpa…
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Dropper posts: (Almost) everything you need to know
1:14:47
1:14:47
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1:14:47Jack Pittens is the co-founder 9point8, an Ontario-based bicycle component brand known for its dropper posts and other innovative products. How did 9point8 get its start? What is your background? For dropper posts, is there an advantage to using a sealed cartridge vs. one that's tunable, or another design? How do you make a dropper post lightweight…
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Her incredible journey from an energetic, athletic kid in Portland to a transformative leader in women’s mountain biking, Lindsey Richter.
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25:59
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25:59Lindsey Richter is a mountain biking coach, entrepreneur, and former Survivor: Africa contestant whose journey from a hyperactive Portland kid to national advocate for women’s empowerment on bikes is anything but ordinary. After a short stint in corporate advertising and a life-changing reality TV experience, Lindsey found her true calling in the w…
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At age 55, Lee McCormack is still getting faster, and helping other riders do the same
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1:09:32
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1:09:32Lee McCormack is a mountain bike skills instructor and coach, and he's the author of nearly a dozen books, including the NICA Skills Training Manual. He's written extensively on bike fitting and fitness training, and just last year he launched his own bike brand, Mistress Cycles. How have mountain biking techniques changed over the years? What's th…
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The story of how one bold decision reshaped everything, proving that home isn’t a place—it’s a feeling you carry and share, Mars and Ash Fite.
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23:17
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23:17Mars and Ash Fite are a creative couple whose journey into van life and travel was sparked by a desire to reconnect with their adventurous spirit after marriage and having children. What began with a spontaneous 48-state road trip quickly transformed into a five-year journey living and working on the road with their children. Along the way, they ho…
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Her inspiring transition from a carefully planned suburban life to embracing the unpredictable world of full-time RV living with her husband and daughter, Vanessa Russell.
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34:05Vanessa Russell is the heart behind The Adventure D-Tour, where she shares her journey of living full-time in an RV with her husband and daughter. What started as a wild idea sparked by a friend turned into a decade-long lifestyle that’s brought her family freedom, connection, and unforgettable experiences across 42 states and 37 national parks (an…
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Mountain bike trail building and development are going platinum
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52:04In this episode of the Singletracks podcast we're going to be discussing some of the latest news and trends from the world of mountain bike trail development. We discuss: A recent meta-analysis of mountain bike tourism by IMBA and the Trust for Public Land The use of private land for trail development Threats to existing trail systems What's happen…
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Doug Hintze | OPDD Alum + Founder @ Landed Footwear | Highlander Podcast
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41:37Doug Hintze, OPDD alum, footwear designer, and founder of Landed Footwear, speaks to students about his time in the program as well as professional and entrepreneurial journey. Listen to these conversations on the Highlander Podcast. https://opdd.usu.edu/podcast The Highlander Podcast is sponsored by the Outdoor Product Design & Development program…
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Jess Arnold | Product Designer + Developer @ SPG | Highlander Podcast
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44:04
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44:04Jess Arnold, a designer and developer at SPG talks to OPDD students about her role as a developer, the career path, and how the role interacts and differs from others on the product team. Listen to these conversations on the Highlander Podcast. https://opdd.usu.edu/podcast The Highlander Podcast is sponsored by the Outdoor Product Design & Developm…
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Joanna Black | Archives Spotlight - Sierra Club | Outdoor History Summit 2025
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29:57Joanna Black, Senior Archivist at the Sierra Club, shares about their work and the archive at the 2025 Outdoor History Summit. Joanna Black Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-m-b-a4880730/ Sierra Club Archives: https://www.sierraclub.org/library Listen to these conversations on the Highlander Podcast. https://opdd.usu.edu/podcast The High…
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Patrick McColgan | Archives Spotlight - Abercrombie & Fitch | Outdoor History Summit 2025
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30:42Patrick McColgan, corporate archivist and historian for Abercrombie & Fitch, shares about his work and the corporate collection at the 2025 Outdoor History Summit. Patrick McColgan Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mccolgan-2389083a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccpaddy/?hl=en Listen to these conversations on the Highlander Pod…
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Rosie Mansfield + Category Management Panel Discussion | Highlander Podcast
1:02:50
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1:02:50A panel of category/product managers joins the OPDD program for a discussion about their roles, qualities of good product managers, and their pathways into the industry. Julie Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebrophyrogers/ Rosie Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosiemansfield/ Justin McGregor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcgre…
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Nancy Zastudil | 2024 Outdoor Recreation Archive Fellow | Outdoor History Summit 2025
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25:08Nancy Zastudil, an independent curator, editor, and writer, and one of our 2024 Outdoor Recreation Archive Fellows, presents her research and findings from her time in the Outdoor Recreation Archive at our 2025 Outdoor History Summit. Nancy Zastudil Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-zastudil-68933891/ Website: https://www.thenecessarian.c…
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He had a hard time finding bikes that fit, so he designed one with 36-inch wheels
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49:04David Folch is the founder and CEO of Dirty Sixer, a boutique bike builder focused on fitting tall riders with big wheel bikes. The Dirty Sixer line currently features gravel, all-road, and electric bikes, and will soon include a mountain bike with 32" wheels. How did your brand Dirty Sixer get started? How tall do you have to be for a 32er to make…
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He is a retired firefighter turned outdoor enthusiast, photographer, and host of the podcast Outdoors with Hiking Bob, Bob Falcone.
18:03
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18:03Bob Falcone, known as "Hiking Bob," is a retired firefighter turned outdoor enthusiast, photographer, and podcaster. After nearly four decades of firefighting and relocating from rural southern New Jersey to Colorado over 30 years ago, Bob found his passion for hiking, camping, and cycling. He hikes nearly 800 miles per year and shares his experi…
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Martin Hogue | 2024 Outdoor Recreation Archive Fellow | Outdoor History Summit 2025
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29:34Martin Hogue, Associate Professor at Cornell, author of Making Camp, and one of our 2024 Outdoor Recreation Archive Fellows presents his research and findings from his time in the Outdoor Recreation Archive at our 2025 Outdoor History Summit. Martin Hogue: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-hogue-05986363/ Making Camp: https://martinhogue.net/Makin…
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Erin Narloch | Senior Director @ History Factory | Outdoor History Summit 2025
57:02
57:02
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57:02Erin Narloch, Senior Director at History Factory, speaks as our Outdoor History Summit 2025 Keynote speaker on the importance of archives, how archives and heritage can be used by brands, and the Heritage Gap report. Heritage Gap Report: https://www.historyfactory.com/insights/report/the-heritage-gap-report/ Erin Narloch on Linkedin: https://www.li…
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State of the ORA with Clint Pumphrey | Outdoor History Summit 2025
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29:32Clint Pumphrey provides a State of the Archives report at our 2025 Outdoor History Summit. Learn about how the archive grew in 2024 and other projects that we’ve been working on. Listen to these conversations on the Highlander Podcast. https://opdd.usu.edu/podcast The Highlander Podcast is sponsored by the Outdoor Product Design & Development progr…
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He embarked on a 13-year adventure to over 200 countries and territories, mastering photography and capturing stunning moments from the South Pacific to Antarctica, Gary Arndt.
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32:27Gary Arndt is an award-winning travel photographer, podcaster, and world traveler who has visited over 200 countries and territories across all seven continents. Originally from Wisconsin and an Eagle Scout, Gary sold his internet company before the dot-com bubble burst and embarked on a global journey in 2007. With no prior photography experienc…
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