Life In Motion

In this episode we interview Luis Gallardo, who is the founder of The World Happiness Foundation. Growing up Luis had a love for sociology, but it wasn't until he became a coach and eventually a diplomat that he began to see the power of it firsthand. It was during this time that Luis noticed the impact that genetics, environment and mindset had on individuals that were transitioning into new circumstances. His personal experiences and the science behind it inspired him to found The World Happiness Foundation as a way to positively impact people around the globe. Through retreats, expeditions and festivals The World Happiness Foundation is creating a ripple effect of happiness. If you've ever wondered how something as simple as happiness can change the world then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Marisa Frazier, who is the Conservation Program Coordinator at the Missouri Sierra Club, a certified Kambo Practitioner and a triathlon coach. Marisa grew up in the Ozarks as a runner and swimmer, but it wasn't until her college years that she became passionate about other outdoor activities. Her love for hiking, rock climbing and just being in nature led her to an outdoor festival in Colorado. This experience opened her eyes to a whole other aspect of the outdoors - conservation. Shortly after she found herself on an adventure in Patagonia, where she met people that fueled her new found passion. Now as the Conservation Program Coordinator at the Missouri Sierra Club she helps protect earth's natural resources. In addition to that she is a triathlon coach at Drury University and a practitioner of Kambo - a holistic healing method that uses the secretion of Amazonian frogs. If you've ever wondered why you should always say yes to the next adventur

In this episode we interview Sam King, who is an avid rock climber and loves building the community around it. It wasn't until his college days at Virginia Commonwealth University that Sam really experienced rock climbing. After his freshman roommate invited him to VCU's recreation center to climb he instantly fell in love. Throughout college he was immersed in the rock climbing community. Unfortunately after graduating, 'adult' life caused Sam to lose touch with the sport until he decided to go back to the thing that made him so happy. Now as the Head Instructor at Peak Experiences, Sam is building the rock climbing community and sharing his love for the sport with others. He's also making strides to ensure that rock climbing is accessible for everyone, no matter their physical condition. If you've ever wondered why it's important to never lose touch of what makes you happy, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Gabriel Goldsack of Share A Bike - Share A Smile. As a kid Gabriel worked hard to get his first BMX bike and instantly fell in love with the adventures and community that came with it. Not only did he meet people from all over the world, but it also kept him out of trouble. However bike parts weren't cheap and his new passion became expensive. Over the years he found ways to keep rolling and helped his friends do the same by finding used BMX parts to upgrade their bikes. It wasn't long after he began collecting those used parts to give to others in developing countries. What started as a grassroots initiative turned into Share A Bike - Share A Smile. Now Gabriel's organization is a resource to donate parts to places like Africa, India and Argentina. If you've ever wondered the impact a grassroots BMX organization can have globally, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Kane Ford of Get Outside Melbourne. Growing up in Australia, Kane couldn't help but have a love for the outdoors. After going to university and climbing up the corporate ladder in the finance world, stress and anxiety began to build. He leaned on the outdoors during the weekends as a way to hit the reset button, but it wasn't enough. After deciding to take some much needed time he realized what he needed to do - not only for his own mental health, but for others as well. That's when he decided to start Get Outside Melbourne as a way to introduce others to the healing powers and freedom of the outdoors. Whether you're just starting off, or an avid outdoorsman, each adventure offers a unique perspective of the benefits of the outdoors. If you've ever wondered how important getting outside and taking a breath of fresh air is to your mental health, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episod

In this episode we interview Savannah Holmes and Kaylee Wilcox of The Comfort Zone. Savannah and Kaylee grew up around the outdoors, but lost touch of it during their college years. Now they've circled back to it, not only as a means of freedom, but as a way to help others that are less fortunate. How? By completing adventure challenges to raise awareness for things like leadership education in Uganda and retreats for sexual assault survivors. If you've ever wondered how something like running 500km barefoot, or trekking 1000km around Vancouver Island can make a difference, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Dannny Hairston who is the founder of SHRED Foundation. As a kid Danny grew up playing team sports and through his college years became passionate about helping kids through non profit work. It wasn't until years later after graduating college that he fell in love with snowboarding - and there was no turning back. He soon found himself in the non profit world again working in organizations that were geared towards making an impact through action sports. His experience there led him to start his own non profit, SHRED Foundation, which provides life and career paths through snowboarding and skateboarding. With this additional focus they're able to show kids what is possible beyond the sport itself. From marketing, to videography, retail and more, kids are learning how to turn their passion into a career. If you've ever wondered how it's possible to stay involved in these sports well into your adult life, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode

In this episode we interview Tiffany Risch aka Snookie who loves nothing more than making a difference while being outside with a fishing rod. Growing up Snookie had a special bond with her Grandfather, both sharing a love for fishing.  After his passing, her passion for fishing helped keep his memory alive, but it soon became more than that. She realized that it could be used as a positive way to relieve stress while providing a break from the daily grind. Now she shares her passion with everyone from youth to CEO's with corporate and nonprofit programs. If you've ever wondered how kicking your feet up on a tacklebox for a day can do the body and mind good, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Jonathan Harrison, who started the rowing team - Pacific Boys. In December 2021 they'll row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic. Why? To help clothe 3,000 children. Oh, and for the adventure too. It wasn't until his college days that Jonathan fell in love with rowing and at that time he didn't know he and his team would attempt such a feat. That was until he learned about the Atlantic Challenge which begins in the Canary Islands and ends in Antigua. The fact that he didn't have a team, didn't have a boat, and didn't even really know what to expect didn't stop him from going for it. If you've ever wondered what it takes to prepare and what kind of obstacles they could face during such a journey then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Mike Donelon, who is the founder of Action Sports Kids Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on empowering youth through the love of skateboarding. As a former City Councilman in Long Beach Mike heard it all, but one day he got the call - 'Mike there's these pesky skateboarders riding in front of my house and I don't know what to do!'. Given the man's reaction he was expecting vandalism or maybe even a fight. Mike paid them a visit and none of that was true. The kids were simply riding their skateboards in the neighborhood with their friends. This began the process to open the first public skatepark in Long Beach, it was uncharted territory, but he got it done. Since that day he's helped open 8 other skateparks and has seen violent crimes and drug related incidents drop significantly along the way. In 2011 he founded Action Sports Kids Foundation to provide auxiliary services to at-risk youth and empower them through community involvement. Skateboarding allows ASK to meet the kids

In this episode we interview Lindsey Richter, who is the founder of Ladies AllRide, an organization all about bringing ladies together and empowering them with the help of mountain bikes. It wasn't too long ago that Lindsey found herself on the first season of the hit show 'Survivor'. She loved the challenges and adventure that came with it, but it wasn't all roses. Unfortunately she was cast in a bad light, not because she was bad, but because of the way the producers portrayed her. The last thing Lindsey was going to do was let the negativity get the best of her, which is when she turned to mountain biking. As her love for the sport grew she was introduced to many aspects of it - from competing to securing sponsorships. Along the way she noticed there weren't many ladies on the trail. She had to change that. Now at Ladies AllRide she's providing women with the resources to get on the trail and test the waters. For her it's more than just getting them on a bike, it's about sharing her story wh

In this episode we interview Sydney Williams, who is the founder of Hiking My Feelings, an organization all about sharing the healing power of nature with others. Sydney grew up in Kansas, but decided to move to the west coast after college. After getting a gig as the online voice for Oscar Myer Weiner, she soon found herself as a big wig marketer for fortune 500 companies. After all her hard work she finally made it - but that's not what she would tell you. The long hours and stress that came along with her career was wearing her down, on top of unexpectedly being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It wasn't until one gloomy day looking over the San Diego skyline from atop a mountain that she realized the thing that grounded her was getting outdoors and simply hiking. Thus the concept for Hiking My Feelings was born. She decided to ditch the corporate world and chase her inherent passion to help others through the healing powers of nature. Now she inspires hundreds of individuals that have faced

In this episode we interview Eva Holland, who is the author of 'Nerve: Adventures in the Science of Fear'. As a kid Eva dreamt of becoming a writer and could typically be found hanging out in a mall. After graduating college she decided to move to the Yukon to pursue her dream, which is where her hobbies changed. Instead of browsing the latest fashion trends, she spent her time hiking, backpacking and even snowmobiling. Unfortunately as her outdoor experience grew, so did her internal fear - specifically when it came to steep climbs. She decided that enough was enough. With the help of some surprising forms of therapy, Eva was able to take back control. If you've ever wondered how the crippling effects of fear can be overcome, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Tanou Reginald who understands what it means to live a life of peace and mindfulness. Growing up in Austria Tanou loved the outdoors, but sensed that something was missing, finding it a challenge to get past some of the negativity that surrounded him. He soon learned about the Buddist culture that practiced mindfulness and self awareness. After leaving for monasteries around Asia he realized this was exactly what he was missing. Now Tanou is able to live everyday with a sense of awareness that many of us are unable to do. He even took this new knowledge to winter sports, where he taught athletes these same practices, helping them with their performance. If you've ever wondered how mindfulness can go so much deeper than the mind, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Shelly Farnan of The Be Well Community. Shelly grew up in a small town and relied on the outdoors as escapism. During her college years she spent her time on a peony farm and eventually participated in a work study program at a behavioral health center. That's when she developed a passion for helping others mental health through meaningful therapy. Now as the VP of Be Well Initiatives at Burrell Behavioral Health, she's developing new, creative ways to integrate the importance of emotional wellbeing within her community. If you've ever wondered why mental health is so important and why it shouldn't be so scary to talk about, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Deborah Hartwig and Abigail Loyd of Music Therapy of the Ozarks. Abigail is a performer and knows her way around different instruments. Deborah has a knack for communication and inspiring others. While they both have different backgrounds, they share the same love of helping others - making them the perfect fit for Music Therapy of the Ozarks. They now help hundreds of individuals reach their nonmusical goals with the help of music. If you've ever wondered the science behind what makes music so powerful and healing, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Hazel Cimino and Mason Brown of Richmond Community Rowing. They each found their love for rowing in the freedom that it gave them to experience the outdoors. While the competitive nature, teamwork and communication of the sport has kept them passionate over the years. Now at Richmond Community Rowing they help share that same excitement with others that may have thought they never had the chance to do so. If you've ever wondered what it takes (or doesn't take) to experience the beauty behind rowing then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Caitlin Olszewski, the founder of Camp Full Send. Growing up outside of Philadelphia Caitlin didn't find her true love for the outdoors until she went to college at Penn State University. While there she couldn't get enough of the surrounding adventures, so much so that she used it as a way to clear her mind from the college grind. During that time she also became passionate about advocating and protecting the great outdoors. Fast forward a couple of years later, she moved to Richmond Virginia on a whim and has never looked back. She's now on a mission to create a safe space for public places while equipping individuals with the resources needed to protect them from wild animals and even other people. If you've ever wanted to explore the outdoors, but the fear of something going terribly wrong on the trail has held you back, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Mathew Sturtevant, the author of The Topography of Fear - a book about how traveling 6000 miles across the USA saved his life. Twice. While living in Austin Texas, Mathew had a love for the outdoors and the music scene. So much so that he became a mountain bike tour guide and wrote the book, The Sound of Austin. As he got older Mathew began to experience fear, anxiety and agoraphobia like he never had before. Rather than hiding from it he faced things head on. After therapy that others might consider a bit unordinary he was able to face his fears and traveled 6000 miles on dirt roads across America on a motorcycle. If you've ever experienced anxiety or fear and are looking for inspiration to take back control then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Forrest Lodge of Sportable in Richmond Virginia. Growing up in Chesterfield VA there was no shortage of things to do - from team sports to exploring the outdoors. His love for these activities eventually led him to volunteer at Sportable, but at first he wasn't so sure it was the right fit. Now as the program manager there's no doubt that he's 100% behind their mission of creating opportunities while transforming lives of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments. If you've ever wondered how team and adventure sports can impact the lives of all people then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect