Life In Motion

In this episode we interview Nick Troutman who is a professional kayaker, the host of The Great Family Adventure and the one behind the Art of Awesome Podcast. Growing up in a small town near the Ottawa River it wasn't long until Nick found himself spending the summer with his friend at a kayak school. He was immediately hooked and fell in love with the freestyle aspect. Next thing Nick knew, he was traveling all over the world competing professionally. Every minute he wasn't on the river, Nick immersed himself in the culture of the country he was visiting. By the time he and his wife were ready to have kids they decided they were going to take them along for the ride. Fast forward to now, where he's still competing, while also showing people the importance of sharing adventures together on The Great Family Adventure. If you've ever wondered why you should take every opportunity to explore with your kids, or what it's like to be a professional kayaker, then this one's for you! Life in Motion is brou

For episode 100 John Holdmeier of Actual Outdoors takes over to interview Jeremy Lux - the founder of Illumine Collect and host of the Life in Motion Podcast. Jeremy grew up in a one stoplight town in Virginia. With not much to do, he fell in love with BMX and the friendships that came with it. Soon he was working at Camp Woodward, the largest action sports camp, where he met individuals from all over the world - including his wife. This opened up the opportunity to travel and see the world differently. Jeremy realized these experiences only came from his passion for BMX and he wanted to find a way to share it with others, no matter what their passion was. In 2017 he started Illumine Collect, a brand that makes adventure-inspiring apparel to build outdoor communities that give back. Each month they partner with nonprofits that are sharing outdoor experiences while making it more accessible, sustainable and welcoming. If you've ever wondered what it looks like behind the scenes at Illumine, or how passion driv

In this episode we interview Barney 'Scout' Mann who is an author, adventurer and outdoor advocate. Even though his parents weren't the outdoors type, it didn't take long for Barney to fall in love with being in nature. At age 13 his Boy Scout Troop went on a 50 mile backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada. Barney's pack weighed half as much as he did and it poured rain the entire time. You'd think that alone would discourage him from ever stepping on a trail again - but it was the exact opposite. In fact at age 63 he conquered the Continental Divide Trail, adding to his long list of accomplishments. Now he helps others find their love for the outdoors while also protecting the trails that he loves so much. If you've ever wondered why us humans are better off out in nature walking, then this one's 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

In this episode we interview Teresa Willis who is the Eastern Missouri chapter leader of Girl Camper. Teresa fell in love with adventure, camping and the outdoors at an early age. Not only because it was fun, but because it was also budget friendly. As she had her own family it was obvious that the outdoors and camping provided a sense of connection that they couldn't experience anywhere else. This made it an easy choice for any family trip - even with a budget for a 5 star hotel. Now Teresa's using her passion to help other women get outside as the Eastern Missouri chapter leader at Girl Camper. She helps inspire others by offering local tips, tricks and events to build a women focused camping community. If you've ever wanted to know how to get your feet wet camping or why we need to recondition the way we think of women outdoors, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect Find more episodes at https://illuminecollect.com/b

In this episode we interview Joe Stone who is the Director of Mission at Teton Adaptive Sports. Growing up in Minneapolis, Joe's love for the outdoors came from camping with his family in Northern Minnesota. However, when he was back home he explored the concrete jungle on roller blades. This passion drove him for years, but in his 20's he moved to Montana. There he found something new - paragliding. For Joe there was no better feeling than flying. Unfortunately soon after, a tragic accident left him paralyzed. Months later, Joe remembered the sense of curiosity that led him there in the first place. He shifted his mindset and decided not to let his limitations define him. From there his adventures only got better, and his smile only got bigger. Now as the Director of Mission at Teton Adaptive Sports he's helping hundreds of others reignite their passions by showing them what is possible. If you've ever wondered why it's so important to stay curious, especially within the adaptive communit

In this episode we interview Eric Horst who is a rock climber, researcher, author, coach and founder of PhysiVāntage. Eric began rock climbing long before it gained the public interest that it has today and way before it became an Olympic Sport. In fact he was one of the best climbers in the country. When Eric attended Penn State he started to look deeper into the other aspects of the sport, such as strength, conditioning and nutrition. His research inspired him to help others by coaching and writing books around the topic. Now he's taken it a step further by creating PhysiVāntage, a nutrition supplement company made for rock climbers. If you've ever wondered how to stay passionate by finding your own journey, or even some tips for putting the phone down to get outside more, then this one's 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 $23

In this episode we interview an old friend - Luke Taylor. Growing up in the United Kingdom it wasn't long until he and his brother found a way to make their own fun on BMX bikes. Soon those afternoon sessions turned into weekend road trips. What he loved most about those adventures was the friendships and community that came with it. Next thing Luke knew, he was traveling across Europe and even made it to Camp Woodward in the summer of 2012, giving him the opportunity to make friends across the world. Unfortunately that all came to a halt after a couple of knee injuries. The doctor suggested that Luke take a step back from BMX and try road cycling instead. Turns out he traded one addiction for another and was surprised how similar the communities were. Now he's creating new memories on a different pair of wheels. If you've ever wondered how bikes can bring you lifelong friendships and memories, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @ill

In this episode we interview Brandon 'Horsepower' Weis. Growing up in Ohio, Brandon didn't see much of the outdoors - at least not in the sense that he does now. That all changed when Ohio State offered him a stipend to perform a transformational experience. He was immediately interested in a month-long backpacking trip in the High Sierras - but not because it was outdoors. He wanted to do it for the challenge. After his trip he was hooked and began planning longer thru hikes to finish before he headed to grad school. Only one problem. There was a global shutdown soon after those plans were made. Rather than ditching the idea - he decided to pack all of the hikes into one year. In 2021 he hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Arizona Trail. The best part? He's adding more to his list. If you've ever wondered about the mental and physical challenges that come along with so many hikes in so little time, then this one's for yo

In this episode we interview Elizabeth Daughrity of Women of Oz. She grew up in Bentonville Arkansas, which at the time wasn't the mountain biking mecca it is today. She began road cycling, but once her husband and kids fell in love with mountain biking she headed to the trails. Her new hobby gave their family a unique way to bond and create memories. As Elizabeth got more involved in racing and the community behind it, she made meaningful connections with other women in the sport. In 2019 the group came together to create Women of Oz - the mountain bike community they wanted to see. Since then they've had over 4,000 participants in group rides, clinics and social events. If you've ever wondered what it's like to get a bunch of like minded ladies on the same 'track' then this one's 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 $23,658 to outdoo

In this episode we interview Lauren and Jesse Stuart of the Wandering Stus. They grew up in Saint Louis Missouri, but always knew there was more of the world to see. Lauren fantasized over a map from her grandparents and Jesse day dreamed over the places his grandparents explored during retirement. However, when the two met in 2008 it was obvious who had more of the travel bug. In 2017, after only being married for a year, Lauren quit her corporate job and after some convincing, so did Jesse. All to see the world first hand. Their first trip? An 8 month journey across Southeast Asia. Now, years later they've traveled all over the world, while working remotely and getting creative to cover their monthly expenses back home. If you've ever wondered why no trip is too big or small when you have the travel bug then this one's 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

In this episode we interview Alba Pardo of Women In Action Sports Network. As a girl Alba had a fascination with skateboarding, but her parents weren't so sure. Then during a family ski trip she came across the next best thing - snowboarding. As her passion for the sport grew her parents got behind her. She soon found herself teaching lessons and taking photos of her friends on the slopes. This led her to becoming more and more involved in the industry from writing, photography and running events. While Alba loved being a part of the action sports community, she realized there weren't enough women getting the opportunity to make their impact. She started Women in Action Sports to change that. Now she provides a space for women athletes and industry leaders to come together to make a difference. If you've ever wondered what it's like to inspire and connect like minded individuals to help shape an industry then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @ill

In this episode we interview Mike Mielke from The Phoenix. Growing up outside of Austin Texas Mike's love for mountain bikes fueled his road trips across the country. Eventually he found himself moving to Colorado to enjoy all the outdoor activities it had to offer. As he settled into his new home he became known as the 'partier' instead the one that was down for any adventure. At 24 he realized it was taking a toll on his personal, professional and even outdoor life. That's when he learned about The Phoenix, a nonprofit that uses outdoor activities to build a community around the sober lifestyle. Not only did the organization help him get back on track, but he decided that he wanted to be more than just a participant. Now as the Senior Program Manager, Mike builds out localized programs across the country for The Phoenix to help people overcome addiction and most importantly build a positive community. If you've ever wondered how communities can come together to make a positive chang

In this episode we interview John Holdmeier from Actual Outdoors who helps make outdoor recreation more accessible by creative brand building. John grew up in Missouri and did anything he could to get on the water. As a teenager his love for the outdoors was further fueled by a job at Alpine Shop. In his college years he was a raft guide and kayaking instructor in North Carolina. It wasn't long after that he decided to turn his passion for the outdoors into a career. From product designer to brand manager and launching new gear at Outdoor Retailer, John knew the ins and outs of successful brands. With all this experience under his belt, he decided to turn his passion elsewhere by starting Actual Outdoors. Now he helps outdoor brands with all aspects of their marketing. If you've ever wondered why it's important to get your messaging right while making the outdoors more accessible for everyone then this one's for you!  Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollec

In this episode we interview Kirk Williams who's explored the world in his van and wheelchair. Growing up in Ashland VA, Kirk fell in love with mountain biking with the help of someone unexpected - his friend's dad. When it came time to apply for college Kirk didn't search for the best school in the states. He searched for the school with the best outdoor community in the states, which landed him in Colorado. Enthralled with his new home he couldn't get enough of the outdoors, but one day that all changed. While riding a trail he gave way to an approaching rider, which turned into a freak accident that left him paralyzed. At some point during his rehab Kirk made the decision that his accident wasn't going to define him - or his adventures. He took on a new perspective, got the proper equipment, bought a van and decided to take on the world as he originally intended. If you've ever wondered why mind over matter always prevails then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think

In this episode we interview Giselle and Stephen who are the ones behind The Lovers Passport. Both Giselle and Stephen had a passion for the outdoors, so it only made sense that their first date was an adventure. Eventually their day trips turned into weekend car camping trips. One day they picked up a camera to hold onto their memories even longer, but soon realized they could inspire others by posting their stories online. Thus began The Lovers Passport. Now they help people by sharing tips and tricks, while showing you don't need a big budget, fancy equipment or even extended time off to experience the great outdoors. If you've ever wondered why you need to stop making excuses and find that next adventure then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Molly Healey who is a singer songwriter and creator of The Earth Day Festival in Springfield Missouri. Growing up in a musically talented family it didn't take long for Molly to pick up an instrument. Then one night after watching her friend's band perform she got the courage to ask 'you need an extra member?'. The next morning she didn't know what she'd gotten herself into, but went for it and the rest is history. As her career grew she realized that something needed to be done about all the waste made during musical festivals. Her solution? Partner with three outdoor nonprofits on a zero waste Earth Day Festival. If you've ever wondered what can come if you combine your career with your passion for the environment then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Caroline Chomanics of IDEAS For Us. After sitting by a pond and deciding to take a shortcut through the woods on the way home everything changed. Caroline stumbled upon a historic house that had beautiful plants, trees and flowers. Once she found out their current groundskeeper was leaving, she immediately asked to take over. Even without any experience. One thing led to another and now Caroline is the COO and Fleet Farming Manager at IDEAS For Us. They help develop ideas, fund action and also scale solutions to the world's most pressing environmental challenges. If you've ever wondered why taking the long way home isn't always a bad thing or what the 5 pillars of sustainability are then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Jesse Stuart of Forest ReLeaf of Missouri. Jesse always had a love for sustainability, but it wasn't until his business began looking for nonprofits focused on the environment that he found Forest ReLeaf. Now as a board member he's helping them make an impact first hand. Through local nurseries, community programs and disaster relief they've planted over 230,000 trees since 1993. If you've ever wondered how tree canopy can help low income areas or why it's so important to replenish trees through reforestation then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview John Chiles. Throughout his young adulthood John viewed every work opportunity, not as a paycheck, but as a way to learn a new skill and expand his knowledge. From farming in Australia to framing windows like a true craftsman he appreciated his ability to be self-sufficient. It wasn't until a former professor suggested that John get his MBA in Agriculture that he realized the impact that he could make on our world. Now he's using that passion to build Noble Hill Farms to reimagine local food and the local farmers that produce it. If you've ever wondered how using wasted energy to power hydroponic greenhouses can transform communities then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Ruud Van-Holland aka IceMan Ruud. Everyday he wakes up and jumps in the freezing cold water off the shores of Texel, an island off the Netherlands. Over the years he's realized some amazing benefits from an activity that others would consider crazy. From a heightened immune system and even helping with depression the list goes on and on.  If you've ever wondered how being too cold for your own good can help you then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect