Life In Motion

In this episode we interview Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center's Wilderness Programs Director Jaime Overmyer. After traveling to various winter destinations during college as a competitive skier, her heart landed in Breckenridge. It wasn't long after that she found her dream internship at BOEC - in fact she actually skied right to the interview. 18 years later she's now the Wilderness Programs Director where she helps provide life changing outdoor experiences to people with all abilities. If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to help others while working for your dream nonprofit, then this one's for you!

In this episode we interview First Descents director of programs, Mackenzie McGrath. Mackenzie has traveled and rock climbed places like Asia, Africa, North America and The Middle East as an aid, US diplomat and nonprofit consultant. She knows first hand the positive effect the outdoors can have on someone.These experiences make her the perfect fit to support First Descents mission of providing life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. If you've ever wondered how the great outdoors can be healing in more ways than one, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview backpacker, rock climber, trail runner and author - Christine Reed. After stumbling upon backpacking while surfing the web she knew she wanted to be a part of a bigger community. Her first step was to attempt to thru hike the Appalachian Trail. From there one adventure led to another and Christine couldn't get enough of the outdoors. Years later she set off to hike the Wonderland Trail in Mt Rainier National Park. Her experience was so impactful that she wrote a book, Alone In Wonderland, to share her story on the trail, as well as the life challenges she's faced and overcome. Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Shawn Hayden, an avid road cyclist and community health advocate. After searching for 20 years Shawn found his passion in road cycling, as well as community health and wellness. This led him to co-founding MO Switch, a nonprofit in Southwest Missouri which focuses on expanding the culture of health and equity throughout the region. If you've ever wondered why it's never too late to find your passion then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we've got the second edition of the MIDxMIDWST artist takeover. For those who don't know, MIDxMDWST is a Mural Arts and Culture Festival in Springfield MO. Listen as Christine Riutzel from Branson, Meg Wagler from Springfield, Ian Robertson from Los Angeles, Ally Grimm from Denver, and Alexandria Olivia Hall from Nashville chat about what inspired them over the years and how they're using art to impact others. Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we're doing a MIDxMIDWST artist takeover. For those who don't know, MIDxMIDWST is a Mural Arts and Culture Festival in Springfield MO. To kick this series off we'll have Evan Wright from Springfield, Natalie Shugailo from Chicago, Steven Teller from Fort Lauderdale and Eric Karbeling from Honolulu. Listen as we chat about what inspired them over the years and how they're using art to impact others. Stay tuned for part 2 of this 2 part series. Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Heather Zoccali, the manager of the caregiver programs at No Barriers USA. After becoming a caregiver to her son in 2017 she noticed there wasn't a proper support system for caregivers to help them through the emotional and physical challenges. This led her to starting the Arch Foundation, which did just that. Years later, she now helps others through the caregiver programs at No Barriers USA, all with the help of the great outdoors. If you've ever wondered why it's so important for caregivers to work on their own selfcare, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Justine Nobbe of Adventure Mamas Initiative. After having her first child, Justine wasn't ready to put her outdoor adventures behind her. That's when she decided to build a community around motherhood, allowing women to connect, while sharing their experiences. Now Adventure Mamas Initiative is a nation-wide community that offers not only outdoor expeditions and workshops, but emotional support as well. If you've ever wondered how to keep the adventure going, even after motherhood, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Derick Lugo, a Brooklyn born New Yorker. After living in Europe for some time, he was ready to head back to the states in search for his next adventure. With no hiking, or camping experience, the most logical option was to thru-hike over 2,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail. Along the way Derick met people he'll never forget and learned more than he'd ever thought he could about himself. Enough so that he wrote the book, "The Unlikely Thru-Hiker: An Appalachian Trail Journey" to share his story. If you've ever wondered what to do, and what not to do while thru-hiking then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Lilo Navales and John Nixon of rvaMORE, a nonprofit in Richmond Virginia whose mission is to build and develop mountain bike trails, while fostering a community around them. Since the beginning they've built over 75 miles of multi-use trails with over 12,000 volunteer hours, and they're just getting started. If you've ever wondered how a local mountain bike club can impact their community then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Danny Collins. As the founder of 37 North Expeditions, he continues to push his limits, not only for himself but for his clients. After staying in South America, Danny decided it was time to mark off two things from his bucket list - summiting Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. One is an active volcano, the other is the closest place to outer space on earth. Even though the weather wasn't ideal Danny was up for the challenge. If you've ever wondered what it's like to prepare and summit these famous mountains then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Constance Beverley of Share Winter Foundation. As a kid Constance had a love for the outdoors, especially snowboarding. After finding creative ways to get on the slopes, and even scoring some free lessons she knew there had to be a better way. She later graduated from law school, and during her stint on Wall Street became passionate about nonprofits that were helping tear down barriers for underserved youth. Now as the CEO of Share Winter Foundation, she is on her way to bringing winter sports to over 100,000 youth each season through grants and partners across multiple states. If you've ever wondered what it's like to share your passion with others while living your dream, then this one's for you!  Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Adam Kunes, the founder of the voluntourism company, Have Fun Do Good. During college he spent a semester at sea, which was a 100 day cruise around the world. These experiences opened Adam's eyes, showing him what it means to give back to others. Years later he founded Have Fun Do Good, a travel guide company with a twist. With each trip they volunteer with local nonprofits to help give back to the communities they're visiting. If you've ever wondered what kind of impact you can make while on an epic 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 Eric Hadley, the founder of Got Your Six Coffee. During his time as an Engineering Officer for the Military Sealift Command, Eric traveled to 59 different countries. These experiences grew his love for adventure and introduced him to cultures from around the world. They also inspired him to start Got Your Six Coffee with the mission to serve those who serve us. Each cup gives back to veterans, EMT's, LEO's, firefighters and their families. If you've ever wondered how a simple cup of coffee can make a big impact, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Matt & Cristen, the ones behind the blog and podcast, Keyword Adventure. After meeting each other at an outdoor store they took their first adventure together and the rest is history. Now they spend their time hiking, biking, camping, RVing, sailing and kayaking around the country with their young son Eric. If you've ever wondered why you shouldn't let kids hold you back from your life adventures, but rather include them, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Paul Barach, author of Fighting Monks and Burning Mountains: Misadventures on a Buddhist Pilgrimage. After studying abroad in college, Paul fell in love with the spirit of adventure and the experiences that came with it. However, it wasn't until years later that he fully committed after leaving the corporate world behind. Hear how his journey on the 750 mile Shikoku pilgrimage trail changed his outlook on life. If you've ever wanted to know how not to prepare for a trip, or what it's like to spar a monk then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Meg Wagler. Hear how art influenced her life at an early age, eventually leading her to an art director gig in the corporate world. After missing her creative spark she decided to take a leap into freelancing. Since then she's left her mark around Springfield, while bringing smiles throughout the community. If you've ever wondered what it means to create something for others to truly enjoy then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Uli Gulje who is a firefighter, podcast host, brewer in training, and arguably the best bingo host this side of the Mississippi. Learn how his spontaneous decisions (like moving from sunny Cali to freezing Alaska) has allowed him to live life on his own terms. If you've ever wondered why you should just go for it and not care what anyone thinks then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Bobby Raetz of Team Overland. Their nonprofit provides guided outdoor adventures for veterans, their families, and civilian supporters. These adventures not only serve as a good time, but also as a much needed outlet for veterans that are getting reintegrated into society. If you've ever wondered what kind of impact the great outdoors can have on those who have served then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Nate Gillette, the backcountry programs manager at No Barriers. Nate's love for the outdoors started in Central Pennsylvania, and eventually led him to discover the nonprofit, No Barriers. From veterans to our youth, Nate is helping others experience the outdoors in ways they never thought was possible. If you've ever wondered how powerful the outdoors can be then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect