Best Outdoor Product Design & Development Podcasts (2025)

1
10 Years of OPDD with Tom Adams 22:06

Play Pause

14h ago22:06

22:06

To celebrate the 10 Year Anniversary of the Outdoor Product Design & Development program at Utah State University, we are sharing conversations with alumni, faculty, and industry! Enjoy this conversation with former Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation for the State of Utah and current President / CEO of Petzl America, Tom Adams! Listen to …

1
Building Community on the Trails for Black Women with Asia Bright 24:37

1M ago24:37

24:37

Asia Bright is the Founder & CEO of Black Girls Hike. Her love for nature began in childhood, exploring creeks and watching caterpillars turn into butterflies. In 2019, a spontaneous hike with friends helped her reconnect with the outdoors and sparked her passion for hiking again. Since then, hiking has become a big part of her life. She enjoys bot…

1
Stumbling Upon Serendipity with Dani Campbell 29:23

1M ago29:23

29:23

Dani Campbell is the creator of Stumbling Upon Serendipity, a travel and lifestyle blog built around solo adventures, road trips, and the freedom of exploring new places. Through her platform, she shares stories, guides, and insights that inspire others to embrace spontaneity and live more intentionally. Her work focuses on solo female travel, hiki…

1
Outdoor Life and Conservation Stories with Abby Casey 27:54

1M ago27:54

27:54

Abby 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…

1
Capturing Life in the Outdoors with Ryan Heck 4:16

1M ago4:16

4:16

Ryan Heck is an outdoor and adventure photographer based in Oregon. Originally from Indiana, he grew up with a camera in hand and quickly developed a love for capturing the world around him. Picking up his first DSLR only deepened that passion, turning photography into more than just a hobby. In 2016, Ryan and his wife Heather moved to Oregon, wher…

1
Delivering Lifesaving Emergency Water Solutions, Troy Perry 10:32

1M ago10:32

10:32

Troy Perry is the co-owner of Snow Hill Water, a company dedicated to providing revolutionary emergency water purification solutions. With a passion for helping communities prepare for and recover from disasters, Troy works to make clean, safe drinking water accessible when it’s needed most. Through innovation and commitment, he continues to lead S…

1
Explore More, Worry Less, with Tim Richard 4:41

2M ago4:41

4:41

Tim Richard is the friendly face behind The Outdoor Geeks, where he takes care of customer service and sales. Originally from Massachusetts, Tim has been passionate about the outdoors for as long as he can remember, ever since he was a kid exploring nature and seeking new adventures. Now based in Norwood, Colorado, he uses his love for the outdoors…

1
Live Healthier the Simple Way, with Maximilian Breall. 5:27

2M ago5:27

5:27

Maximilian Breall is the Marketing & Sales Director at Central Coast Live Foods, a company that makes healthy, natural foods like Kraut Krackers and fresh cold-pressed juices. He believes food should be simple, full of nutrients, and made without unnecessary additives. When he’s not working, Maximilian enjoys an active, outdoor lifestyle like surfi…

1
Created fun and easy games that bring families and friends closer together wherever they are, Dan Sullivan. 10:37

2M ago10:37

10:37

Dan Sullivan is the co-founder of MatchShot, a fun and easy game made for all ages. The idea came from his daughter while they were watching beach games, and Dan wanted something simple that kids, parents, and even grandparents could enjoy together. He talked to friends, family, and even strangers to figure out what would make the game fun for ever…

1
Frank Clark | Patagonia + Gregory Logo Designer | History of Gear 36:43

2M ago36:43

36:43

Frank Clark talks about his career as a graphic designer, including designing the Patagonia and Gregory logos! 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 at Utah State University, a four-year, undergraduate degree train…

1
An innovative product development expert driving heat tool solutions at Master Appliance, Robert Radwill 4:59

2M ago4:59

4:59

Robert Radwill is an experienced product development professional with a strong background in engineering and manufacturing. As a key leader at Master Appliance Corp., he plays an instrumental role in the development and refinement of high-performance heat tools used across various industries. With decades of experience in product design, testing, …

1
Lee Turlington - Former VP @ The North Face / FILA - General Manager @ NIKE - VP Patagonia - Chief Product Officer - Canada Goose and more! | History of Gear 1:27:28

2M ago1:27:28

1:27:28

Lee Turlington talks about the early days of TNF, early collaborations with Apple on apparel, and other stops at iconic brands like FILA, Nike, and more! 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 at Utah State Universi…

1
The co-creator and driving force behind Stackem, a unique double-can cooler designed for convenience and versatility, Linsey Beirer Stackem. 6:13

3M ago6:13

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-…

1
The inspiring story behind Drybrew the innovative brand turning real coffee into chewable cubes, John Schade. 16:43

3M ago16:43

16:43

John 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…

1
Stumbles upon a hydration innovation that sparks his curiosity—a gel that hydrates four times more effectively than water, Jereme Lambert. 15:53

3M ago15:53

15:53

Jereme 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…

1
Her remarkable journey from South Africa to becoming a powerhouse in fashion and brand licensing, Bonita Segall. 15:07

3M ago15:07

15:07

Bonita 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 …

1
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

3M ago14:47

14:47

Body 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…

1
From Enola Gaye Grenade Company, a leader in survival gear and pyrotechnics, Justin Palmer. 4:25

3M ago4:25

4:25

Justin 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…

1
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. 5:22

3M ago5:22

5:22

Alex 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…

1
The brilliant mind behind Creaitiv App a powerful software platform that transforms how brands analyze and optimize their ad creatives, Warren Williams. 6:27

3M ago6:27

6:27

Warren 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 …

1
A representative from Klugonyx helping emerging outdoor brands design, develop, and manufacture their products around the globe, Noah Anders. 3:40

3M ago3:40

3:40

Noah 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…

1
He is the founder of Braven.app how his startup is helping brand owners uncover valuable conversations happening beyond traditional channels, Kory Tams. 4:16

3M ago4:16

4:16

Kory 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…

1
Their journey from indoor barbecue tools to innovative outdoor and camping gear, Jerry Lin and Bruce Hsu. 4:35

3M ago4:35

4:35

Jerry 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…

1
He introduces NeverFlame a flameless battery-powered cooking system born from a brilliant idea by his 84-year-old inventor uncle, Michael Rose. 5:12

3M ago5:12

5:12

Michael 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…

1
Michael Hofler | Arc'teryx Logo Designer | History of Gear 49:01

3M ago49:01

49:01

Michael 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…

1
A passionate content creator rooted in the world of fly fishing and outdoor lifestyle, Holly Jones. 5:12

3M ago5:12

5:12

Holly 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 …

1
A Director of Business Development at Pirawna a full-service marketing agency specializing in Amazon and TikTok, Blake Hilton. 3:07

3M ago3:07

3:07

Blake 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…

1
The inspiring story behind a groundbreaking bracelet that lets users track real animals while supporting wildlife conservation, Dustin Smith. 6:17

3M ago6:17

6:17

Dustin 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…

1
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. 22:15

3M ago22:15

22:15

James 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…

1
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. 29:56

3M ago29:56

29:56

Nikki 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…

1
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

4M ago23:46

23:46

Emily 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…

1
Outdoor Recreation Archive goes to Tokyo! | History of Gear 7:45

4M ago7:45

7:45

On 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 …

1
Their sun-soaked life in Southwest Florida to talk about raising kids the adventurous way, Kate and James Hixson. 31:51

4M ago31:51

31:51

Kate 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…

1
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. 31:58

4M ago31:58

31:58

Kyana 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…

1
A Utah-based outdoor enthusiast is on a mission to revolutionize how we think about cats and adventure, Kaylin Meyer. 22:03

4M ago22:03

22:03

Kaylin 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…

1
Her incredible journey from an energetic, athletic kid in Portland to a transformative leader in women’s mountain biking, Lindsey Richter. 25:59

5M ago25:59

25:59

Lindsey 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…

1
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. 23:17

5M ago23:17

23:17

Mars 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…

1
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. 34:05

5M ago34:05

34:05

Vanessa 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…

1
Doug Hintze | OPDD Alum + Founder @ Landed Footwear | Highlander Podcast 41:37

6M ago41:37

41:37

Doug 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…

1
Jess Arnold | Product Designer + Developer @ SPG | Highlander Podcast 44:04

6M ago44:04

44:04

Jess 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…

1
Joanna Black | Archives Spotlight - Sierra Club | Outdoor History Summit 2025 29:57

6M ago29:57

29:57

Joanna 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…

1
Patrick McColgan | Archives Spotlight - Abercrombie & Fitch | Outdoor History Summit 2025 30:42

6M ago30:42

30:42

Patrick 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…

1
Rosie Mansfield + Category Management Panel Discussion | Highlander Podcast 1:02:50

6M ago1:02:50

1:02:50

A 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…

1
Nancy Zastudil | 2024 Outdoor Recreation Archive Fellow | Outdoor History Summit 2025 25:08

6M ago25:08

25:08

Nancy 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…

1
He is a retired firefighter turned outdoor enthusiast, photographer, and host of the podcast Outdoors with Hiking Bob, Bob Falcone. 18:03

6M ago18:03

18:03

Bob 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…

1
Martin Hogue | 2024 Outdoor Recreation Archive Fellow | Outdoor History Summit 2025 29:34

6M ago29:34

29:34

Martin 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…

1
Erin Narloch | Senior Director @ History Factory | Outdoor History Summit 2025 57:02

6M ago57:02

57:02

Erin 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…

1
State of the ORA with Clint Pumphrey | Outdoor History Summit 2025 29:32

7M ago29:32

29:32

Clint 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…

1
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. 32:27

7M ago32:27

32:27

Gary 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…

1
Bill Simon | Outdoor Industry Executive (The North Face, Converse, Marmot, Cole Haan and more!) | History of Gear 1:41:19

7M ago1:41:19

1:41:19

Bill Simon, former executive of The North Face, Converse, Cole Haas, Marmot, and more talks about his start in the outdoor industry making technical garments in Taiwan in the late 70s, the shift to a global outdoor supply chain over the course of his career. Listen to these conversations on the Highlander Podcast. https://opdd.usu.edu/podcast The H…