Life In Motion

In this episode we interview Brent Stubblefield of Join or Die Knives. Brent grew up in Alabama, eventually finding himself in Chicago to work in an inner city mission as a full time volunteer. His job was simple - keep their community shelter from falling apart. That's where Brent honed his skills in woodworking, masonry and more. As he learned the tricks of the trade, he picked up various hobbies and personal projects. Brent soon found himself gravitating to one thing in particular - knife making. He and his family moved to Richmond, which is where his hobby took on a full time role. Now at Join or Die Knives he's helping others enjoy the craft, while building a community around it. If you've ever wondered how your passion can be less of a career and more of a way to build community, then this one's for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “k

In this episode we interview Tommy Corey who's an outdoor photographer, backpacker and storyteller. Growing up in California, Tommy had a natural love for the outdoors. At 12 his dad gave him a camera, but didn't know the impact it would have on his life. His photography evolved from casual outdoor photos with his friends to meaningful humanitarian projects. In his 20's Tommy felt that his creativity wasn't what it used to be and decided he needed to switch things up. How? By thru-hiking the 2,650 Pacific Crest Trail. It was exactly what he needed. Tommy even created a new project during the adventure, dubbed 'Hiker Trash Vogue' that featured fellow hikers he met along the way. If you've ever wondered how you can use your own passion to tell the stories of others, then this one's for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”

In this episode we interview Casey Willax who lives the dream through snowboarding, surfing, traveling and more. Casey grew up on the east coast, but didn't start snowboarding until high school. He was hooked. Weekend trips turned into competitions, and competitions turned into capturing the moment on video. Eventually Casey took on the video thing full time with his channel on YouTube - not to just share all the awesome things he was doing, but to help others see what's possible. Each episode shares travel tips, health tips, riding tips and more. If you've ever wondered why you should go all in on something you're 100% about and how you can use that passion to help others, then this one's for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors. Tweet us and let us know what you think

In this episode we interview Chris Holloway of Moore Overlanding and Off-Road Expo. Chris has always been an outdoor, car and gadget enthusiast - making the overland community a perfect fit for him. As his passion for off-roading grew, he realized that something was missing to bring that outdoor community together. Chris's solution? The Moore Expo. Now, each year they bring overland enthusiasts from all over the world to enjoy the passion they share. Taking it a step further they educate participants on gadgets, setups and survival skills. If you’ve ever been curious about the overland community, or just want to know where to start, then this ones for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors. Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Kathleen Neves of the YouTube Channel, The Hungry Hiker. Her first day hike was Half Dome in Yosemite - it was terrible. Everything that could go wrong went wrong. After that experience Kathleen decided to take a break from hiking, until her friends convinced her to get back on the trail. She caught the hiking bug once again - becoming obsessed with the Pacific Crest Trail. Kathleen set her mind to thru hiking the entire trail, spending months preparing and educating herself. It ended up being the best decision she ever made. Her experience inspired her to help other women get outdoors by creating The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System and offering tips on The Hungry Hiker. If you’ve always wanted to go thru hiking, but aren't sure where to start, then this ones for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them on

In this episode we interview Katie McLernan of Beyond Boundaries, a nonprofit that believes adventure is for everyone. Growing up in the mountains of Charlottesville VA, Katie took the outdoors for granted. She decided to go to college at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond to get a taste of the city life. To her surprise she found herself missing the outdoors, but lucky for her it wasn't long until she saw that Richmond has a great outdoor community. A weekend camping trip inspired Katie to go all in - from hiking to rock climbing and everything in between. Soon after, she got involved with Beyond Boundaries, which allowed her passions to shine through. Now she helps veterans, individuals with disabilities, at risk youth and substance recovery programs explore the outdoors. If you’ve ever wondered why adventure is for everyone and how it can help everyone, then this ones for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight

In this episode we interview Sara Kurzen and Morgan Verdery of Wild and Free Mamas, a nonprofit that captivates adventure, courage, connection and growth for mamas everywhere. Both Sara and Morgan grew up loving the outdoors, but once they had children it was hard for them to find time for themselves. That was until they each were able to take their own adventure. It was as if a passion had been reignited. They realized that stepping away for themselves was exactly what they needed, and even helped them be a better mama. Soon after they formed Wild and Free Mamas to help others recharge and connect with others. With weekend adventure retreats throughout the year, they're not only helping mamas find their wild side, but also helping them reconnect with their loved ones at home. If you’ve ever wondered why you should fight the urge of feeling guilty to do something for yourself, then this ones for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beauti

In this episode we interview Kate Mardigian of Jacob's Chance, a nonprofit that empowers individuals with developmental, intellectual, and/or physical disabilities through inclusive programs. In elementary school Kate could be found helping classmates with disabilities. Little did she know, these positive experiences would impact her entire life. One day while watching her own children play ball, she noticed a game happening on an adjacent field. The players had varying disabilities with their parents helping them. Kate wanted them to see just how great their kids were doing from the stands. With the help of some amazing volunteers, she made it happen. Soon after, Jacob's Chance was founded to offer inclusive programs promoting personal development and positive relationships. By offering things like organized sports, art, music and outdoor adventures, their impact goes further than those who they serve. If you’ve ever wondered how great things can happen through the kindness of others, then thi

In this episode we interview Brian Bell of Keep Virginia Cozy, a nonprofit that conserves lands by picking up trash, while connecting others with the outdoors. Brian grew up loving nature and quickly picked up the 'pack in, pack out' mindset. Once he moved to Richmond he began exploring all it had to offer, but wanted to do something more. After challenging his friends to go on weekend hiking trips to pick up trash, he posted it online and asked others to meetup to do the same. To Brian's surprise, quite the group showed up, and it only grew from there. Now as an official nonprofit, Keep Virginia Cozy has helped cleanup over 85,000lbs of trash, while being zero waste themselves. If you’ve ever wondered how to rally people around a simple cause, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect Find more episodes at https://illuminecollect.com/blogs/news/life-in-motion-podcast Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $27,258 to outdoor nonprofits

In this episode we interview Danielle Katz of Rivers for Change, a nonprofit who connects individuals to rivers through adventure, conservation and education. Growing up in California it wasn't long until Danielle fell in love with the outdoors. In fact, she was only 4 months old on her first river trip. As she got older she guided for her dad's whitewater rafting company and felt most at home on the river, sleeping under the stars. In 2009 Danielle paddled the length of the Mississippi River, which opened her eyes to just how connected our waterways are. This trip combined her passion for the river with education and conservation. This experience inspired her to start Rivers for Change as a way to connect others with rivers through adventure, conservation and education. From source to sea trips, river cleanups and more, they're making a difference - one drop at a time. If you’ve ever wondered what you can do to protect the water in which you shower, or even what it's like to paddle 2

In this episode we interview Mike Green who is an adventure life coach and author of 'Wandermust'. Mike grew up in a small town in New York and quickly fell in love with the outdoors. In high school he decided to take a break from wrestling to do an outward bound course. Mike was hooked, but it only got better once he discovered seasonal work. He used the job flexibility to fuel his travels around the world. Eventually he settled down as a history teacher and decided to prove a point to his students that didn't believe in the kindness of others. How? By hitchhiking across the country in 10 days with no money - only his own kindness to share along the way. The culmination of Mike's life experiences inspired him to help others, by asking the right questions, leaving people better than he found them and practicing integrity with Mike Green Leadership. If you’ve ever wondered what steps you can take to take control of this adventure we call life, then this ones for you! Life in Motion is brought to

In this episode we interview Mark and Sarah Penewit of Mobility Duo, who through physical therapy, yoga and exercise help snowboarders ride until they're 70. Sarah was introduced to yoga as an elective in High School. Then at 18 she found snowboarding. Luckily yoga saved her when it came to the aches and pains that came with learning it. Mark had a similar experience, except with physical therapy. When the pandemic hit they shared videos of what they did to recover from hiking, backpacking and snowboarding. Soon they realized this is something the snowboarding community needed. That's when they started Mobility Duo to help others prevent these injuries or assist them after an injury has taken place. Through classes, like 'SNOGA' they're helping fellow snowboarders prolong their rides. If you’ve ever wondered what steps you can take to extend your love for action sports, then this ones for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the ap

In this episode we interview Wes and Marie Black who's entire relationship is built on adventure. Both Wes and Marie grew up with a love for the outdoors. It was only natural that when they met each other on eHarmony that their first date was a 17.5 hour long hike. Little did Wes know this was a test that he passed with flying colors. Next thing they knew, they were getting married and moving to Colorado. As you can imagine, their adventures only got better. Then in 2022 they decided to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail, from Mexico to Canada. Now halfway through the hike, they've only gotten closer to one another and are already planning the next trip. If you’ve ever wondered why open communication is so important, or what it's like to live your greatest adventures with your best friend, then this ones for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it r

In this episode we interview Holly Priestley, a solo female van lifer, who is behind Honeycomb Coaching and The Deliberate Living Podcast. Growing up in New Mexico, Holly was always out hiking, camping, and backpacking. After college she moved to Denver where she chased the typical American Dream. Only one problem - it wasn't her dream. Rather than stick to the 'normal' life, she ditched everything and moved into a van. As soon as Holly made the decision she found the freedom in her life that she was searching for. Her time on the road and camping at National Parks inspired her to help others experience the same thing. Now at Honeycomb Coaching and as the host of The Deliberate Living Podcast she not only shares stories, but gives people one on one advice. If you’ve ever wondered why it's so important to pursue your interests, even if they don't work out, then this ones for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable

In this episode we interview Max Penny who is the one behind Mountain Movement Bike Shop and Howler Bike Park. Growing up Max had a love for action sports and started snowboarding at the age of 3. Soon he started riding BMX and eventually mountain bikes. As he got older, he added team sports into the mix and even played football for Missouri State University. While he loved the team spirit and life lessons he learned through football, Max decided it was time to hang up the cleats and get back to mountain biking. Not long after, his dad encouraged him to start Mountain Movement Bike Shop. Only a couple months in, the perfect opportunity arose to purchase a piece of land that was just begging to have a mountain bike park built on it. Next thing Max knew, Howler Bike Park was a reality. The popularity of it has been humbling, as Howler has already attracted international riders after only being open for a few months. If you’ve ever wondered why it’s so important to chase your dream and make it hap

In this episode we interview Rafael Monroy who is a tech developer by day and nature junkie by night. Growing up in Southern California Rafael didn't know his love of tacos would turn into a self made career. He wanted to create an app that helped find all the amazing hidden taco spots around California. With no coding experience he spent evenings and nights teaching himself to become a developer. While that particular app never worked out, he found a new career. But there was still something missing. It wasn't until the shutdown that he discovered what it was - the outdoors. A couple of family trips and he was instantly hooked. Short hikes soon turned into weekend camping trips - and those turned into conquering mountains that few attempt. For Rafael he has the perfect balance of solving advanced problems in the tech world and pushing his body in the hiking world. If you’ve ever wondered why it’s so important to find balance, or how the outdoors can give you a true apprecia

In this episode we interview Trent Dickson who loves the outdoors and is a serial volunteer at Beyond Boundaries, Jacob's Chance and Keep Virginia Cozy. Growing up in Kentucky, Trent's idea of a family vacation was hopping in the car, pitching a tent and getting lost in the woods with his brother. When his now wife convinced him to move to Richmond Virginia he instantly fell in love with the James River - which runs through the city. There was plenty of fishing and even more adventures, but that wasn't enough for Trent. He soon learned about the local outdoor nonprofits: Beyond Boundaries, Jacob's Chance and Keep Virginia Cozy. Immediately he jumped in to lend a hand. Not only because he loved the outdoors, but because he loved the impact they had on the community. Now, some might consider him a serial volunteer and he wouldn't have it any other way. If you've ever wondered how giving back to your community keeps your cup full, or some tips for instilling the love for the outdoors in your kids,

In this episode we interview Nick and Tara of Unequipped 2 Road Trip. Before meeting each other Tara spent time traveling the world and Nick loved a good ole camping trip. When they met it was a no-brainer that their love for the outdoors and adventure would be a perfect match. That's until the COVID shutdown halted everything a couple months after they began. Lucky for them they shared the same employer and ended up working remotely together. Not long after, they began to get a little stir crazy and made a rash decision - sell their house, car and personal belongings. Why? To buy a RV and set out to see all 63 United States National Parks. If you've ever wondered how to start your dream of a life on the road, or how you know you met the right adventure buddy, then this one's for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them on

In this episode we interview Zach Frantz who is an outdoor lover and owner of Wildland Coffee.  Growing up in California, Zach loved the outdoors and was an entrepreneur at heart. In fact, he started an online business as a kid back in the Yahoo days. Unfortunately it didn't take off, but that didn't kill his entrepreneurial spirit. Years later, while sitting by a campfire he thought there was a better way to enjoy coffee - without all the equipment. That's when the idea for Wildland Coffee - coffee in a tea bag came to life. Sure there were other similar products out there, but they either didn't taste very good or were positioned as an alternative to your home coffee pot. Zach aligned himself with the outdoor community - showing them just how easy it was to stay caffeinated during each adventure. Taking it a step further he created his business on the foundation of sustainable practices by eliminating waste. If you've ever wondered what it's like to start a business, or how you can

In this episode we interview James Moffitt who is a cyclist, outdoorsman and owner of TrailHead Creative. As a Boy Scout it didn't take long for James to find a love for the outdoors. While in college he studied English, but after helping his bike shop market themselves better he decided to apply to branding school. This is where James found his true passion - and eventually a career. He enjoyed helping brands such as Capital One and the NBA tell their story, but even more so he loved helping small businesses share theirs. That's why he started TrailHead creative to help small, outdoor driven businesses. One of his favorite clients is Beyond Boundaries, a nonprofit that believes adventure is for everyone. Not only does he help share their story and impact, but he also volunteers with their many outdoor activities. If you've ever wondered why it's important to tell your story, or why you shouldn't be afraid to ask for help when starting something new, then this one's for you!