Life In Motion

In this episode of Life in Motion, Jeremy talks with “Happy” David Rintala, the adventure entrepreneur behind the Life Expanded Community.At 19, Happy was living in a van, making about five dollars an hour, and dreaming about owning a helicopter ski company. Three years later, he was helping build one in Alaska. That same approach eventually led to snowcat skiing, rafting, skydiving, helicopter adventures, and a life built around the things he actually wanted to do.Now, Happy helps others get clear on what matters most, imagine what life could look like without immediately focusing on the limitations, and create an actionable path forward.They talk about recognizing the right opportunities, learning from setbacks, ignoring distractions, and why even one small step toward the life you want can change how you show up every day.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 i

In this episode of Life in Motion, Jeremy talks with Jenifer Wisniewski of the National Deer Association about the bigger conservation story behind deer hunting.Jenifer shares how hunters help fund wildlife conservation, how habitat work on public and private lands can benefit deer, pollinators, and other wildlife, and why food is such an important part of the conversation. They talk about the more than 119 million pounds of venison hunters donate each year, the value of knowing where your food comes from, and how the National Deer Association is helping adults learn to hunt through its Field to Fork programs.It’s a conversation about stewardship, responsibility, and the many ways hunting can give back to the land and the communities around it.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.

In this episode of Life in Motion, Jeremy talks with Cat Fribley, Executive Director of Birdability, about making birding and the outdoors more accessible and inclusive.Cat shares how birding first became a source of calm and connection in her own life, and how a later mobility-related disability changed the way she experienced nature. That journey eventually led her to Birdability, an organization helping people find accessible places, programs, and communities where they can enjoy birds and the outdoors.They talk about Birdability’s growing accessibility map, the small changes that can make a big difference on trails, birding by sight or sound, and why accessibility benefits far more people than we may realize. At the heart of it all is a simple idea: there are many ways to experience nature, and they all count.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”. Fin

In this episode of Life in Motion, Jeremy talks with Sarah Brobst of Ijams Nature Center about the growth of a 20-acre family property into more than 330 acres of trails, water access, climbing, education, and outdoor experiences in Knoxville.Sarah also shares the unconventional path that brought her back to Ijams, from working with big cats in Arkansas and wildlife in Texas to botany work in Alaska and outdoor education in California. After years of exploring different corners of the outdoor world, she returned to the place where one of her earliest internships began.They talk about how Ijams has evolved, why early experiences in nature can stay with people for life, and how creating more ways to explore can help people build a deeper connection with the outdoors.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 Instagra

In this episode of Life in Motion, Jeremy talks with Michelle Ellena of Mindful Action for Regeneration (MAR), about reconnecting people with nature in a way that feels joyful, welcoming, and accessible.Michelle shares how moving to Florida and experiencing a completely different environment helped inspire MAR, along with her belief that people are more likely to protect the places they genuinely care about. They dive into MAR’s work planting trees, restoring waterways, hosting beach cleanups, and creating opportunities for people to experience the restorative side of nature.Michelle also shares stories of volunteers going surprisingly far out of their way to help, why conservation shouldn’t always be framed around doom and gloom, and one lesson she’s learned from building MAR: sometimes you just have to embrace the pivot.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 of Life in Motion, Jeremy talks with strength, energy, and longevity coach Chris Ryan about staying strong, healthy, and active as life gets busier. Chris shares how his background as a college athlete, entrepreneur, fitness model, and trainer shaped the way he approaches health today. They talk about why 20–30 minute workouts can be enough, how consistency beats extreme fitness plans, and why training should support the life you actually want to live. Chris also shares how parents can model healthy habits for their kids, why progress doesn’t have to be perfect, and how getting comfortable being uncomfortable can help you grow far beyond the gym.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! @illuminecollectFind more e

In this episode of Life in Motion, Jeremy talks with Taylor Nichols, host of Bike Talk Radio, fresh off a 3,461-mile bike ride from California to his childhood home in Michigan. The reason behind the ride made the journey even more meaningful: connecting his daughters, who are beginning their adult lives, with his 101-year-old father—with a handwritten letter carried along the way. Taylor shares stories from 53 days on the road, the strangers who went far out of their way to help him, and what traveling by bike taught him about people, perspective, and slowing down enough to actually see the world around you. It’s a conversation about family, kindness, adventure, and why sometimes the best plan is simply to start.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 y

In this episode of Life in Motion, Jeremy talks with Tana Grenda, owner of Bristol Bay Fitness, host of Grenda’s Getaways, and author of the Wiley-Boo-Hah outdoor children’s books. Tana shares how getting her pilot’s license at 17 eventually led her to Bush Alaska, where she and her husband built a life around family, adventure, and living off the land. They talk about becoming foster parents to a sibling group of five, launching a fitness business from home, creating outdoor retreats that help women build confidence, and writing books inspired by her family’s way of life. It’s an honest conversation about choosing a harder but more meaningful path, tuning out outside opinions, and chasing the life that feels right 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 k

In this episode of Life in Motion, Jeremy talks with Dean Knuth of Arizona River Runners about what it’s actually like to experience the Grand Canyon from the river. Dean shares how he went from never having rafted before to spending more than a decade helping others take on one of the most memorable trips of their lives. They talk about the different ways to explore the canyon, why the trip is more approachable than many people think, and what happens when you trade your normal routine for a week on the water. Dean also shares a few unforgettable guest stories, including a 90-year-old finally checking off a lifelong dream and a reluctant camper who left the canyon with a poem in hand. It’s a fun look at why this trip sticks with people long after they return home.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 Instagra

In this episode of Life in Motion, Jeremy sits down with Marisa Wong, known as the “queen of experiences,” to talk about how travel, sports, and live events can bring people together in unforgettable ways. Marisa shares how an early passion for adventure turned into a global business designing retreats, summits, and experiences across 65 countries. They talk about the power of human connection, why memorable experiences matter even more in a digital world, and how stepping outside your routine can spark growth in both life and business. It’s an inspiring conversation about dreaming bigger, creating meaningful moments, and building a life around what lights you up.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! @illuminecollectFind more

In this episode of Life in Motion, Jeremy catches up with old friend Casey Smith — also the second-ever guest on the podcast — for a conversation that feels equal parts reflective, honest, and inspiring. Casey shares how life has shifted over the years from BMX to running, coaching, parenting, travel, and trying to find balance through it all. They talk about supporting your kids when they find their passion, building routines that keep you grounded, staying creative even when interests evolve, and what it means to keep showing up for the things and people you care about. It’s a real conversation about growing older, holding onto what matters, and learning how to keep life in motion without losing yourself along the way.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

In this episode of Life in Motion, we chat with Christina Redman of the G5 Trail Collective about the bigger story unfolding in Old Fort, North Carolina. What started as trail development became something much deeper — a way to strengthen community, support local businesses, and help a mountain town move toward renewal. Christina shares her own path into outdoor work, the vision behind Camp Grier and the G5 Trail Collective, and how volunteers, residents, and outdoor visitors have all played a role in shaping what Old Fort is becoming. They also talk about recovery after Hurricane Helene and why trails can be more than recreation — they can be a reason for people to gather, invest, and keep coming back.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

In this episode of Life in Motion, we chat with Kurt Belding, the force behind Western Obsession TV, about how a childhood spent outdoors in rural Nebraska grew into a life built around adventure, storytelling, and wild places. Kurt shares how moving to Colorado reignited his passion for elk season and backcountry pursuits, why the mountains challenged him in a completely new way, and what led him to walk away from business as usual to start chasing bigger experiences around the world. They also talk about filming in the field, building a brand around authentic outdoor storytelling, and what it takes to turn passion into a real path forward. It’s a conversation about risk, grit, and creating a life that actually feels like your own.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

In this episode we chat with Paul Gadola about the event that turns Damascus, Virginia into one of the most beloved gathering places in trail culture: Trail Days. Paul shares how his own Appalachian Trail journey shaped his life, eventually led him to Damascus, and gave him a front-row seat to the community that keeps hikers coming back year after year. They talk about the reunion-like feel of Trail Days, the trail magic that defines thru-hiker culture, and why this festival has become so much more than a weekend event. If you’ve ever wondered what makes the Appalachian Trail community so special, this conversation gives you a look inside the stories, people, and spirit behind it.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! @illumin

In this episode of Life in Motion, we talk with dermatologist and longevity physician Dr. Dusan Sajic about sun exposure, skin damage, and how outdoor lovers can protect their health without hiding from the outdoors. Dusan shares his personal experience with skin cancer, why that diagnosis changed the way he thinks about sun safety, and what current research says about prevention, early detection, and even reversing some of the damage. They also dig into common sunscreen myths, the long-term effects of UV exposure, and why the goal is not avoiding the sun completely, but finding the “Goldilocks zone” of responsible exposure.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! @illuminecollectFind more episodes at www.illuminecollect.com/blo

In this episode of Life in Motion, we sit down with Brandon Harding, founder of Veterans in the Wild, to talk about how wilderness expeditions are helping veterans reconnect, heal, and find community. Brandon shares how his own experience after multiple tours to Iraq led him to create guided outdoor trips built around challenge, time off the grid, and structured fireside conversations. They also talk about why nature matters, how vulnerability can grow in the right environment, and what it looks like to create real psychological safety around a campfire. It’s a powerful conversation about healing, connection, and the life-changing impact of getting outside.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! @illuminecollectFind more episod

What if every student—no matter where they live—could connect with the outdoors?In this episode we sit down with Valerie Quirk, founder of Post Pigeon, a nonprofit reimagining how students experience public lands. Through personalized video exchanges with park rangers, Post Pigeon connects K–12 classrooms to national parks, wildlife refuges, and state lands—bringing the outdoors directly into the classroom.Valerie shares her journey from working in education at TED to driving the Pan-American Highway, and how those experiences shaped her mission to make outdoor access more equitable. By removing barriers—geographic, financial, and cultural—Post Pigeon is helping students discover places they may have never imagined exploring.This episode is about curiosity, connection, and how small moments of exposure can spark a lifelong relationship with the outdoors.Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreatio

What does it take to build a mountain bike trail that stretches from Canada to Cabo?In this episode of Life in Motion, we chat with Gabriel Tiller of Orogenesis Collective about the vision, grit, and trail stewardship behind a route that spans more than 5,000 miles. Gabriel shares how his path led from graphic design to trail nonprofits, why joyful outdoor experiences create stronger stewards, and what it really takes to connect trails across states, landscapes, and local communities.They also dive into the realities of maintaining long-distance trail systems — wildfire damage, reroutes, local partnerships, and the constant challenge of turning a big idea into something rideable. This is a story about mountain biking, yes — but also about conservation, collaboration, and building something bigger than yourself.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 t

What if something as simple as water could change how you perform, recover, and experience the outdoors?In this episode of Life in Motion, we sit down with Dr. Paul Barattiero, founder of Echo Water, to explore the science behind hydrogen-enriched water and its impact on athletic performance, recovery, and overall health. Paul shares how a personal health crisis led him down a path of research that eventually helped athletes—from weekend hikers to professional teams—reduce fatigue and accelerate recovery.Now in Utah, Paul has embraced the outdoors in a new way—hiking mountains, exploring new terrain, and using his own technology to support endurance and recovery along the way.This conversation offers a fresh perspective on performance, resilience, and how optimizing what fuels your body can unlock more time, energy, and freedom outside.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 - t

What happens when you stop waiting for “someday” and book the ticket anyway?In this episode we sit down with Amanda Black, founder of The Solo Female Traveler Network, a global community helping women explore the world with confidence, connection, and support. After years of backpacking solo across countries like Honduras, India, and Mongolia, Amanda turned her own leap-of-faith travels into a movement—creating small-group adventures that blend independence with built-in community.From getting robbed in Mexico to launching her first Bali trip through a simple Facebook group, Amanda shares how uncertainty became opportunity—and how travel can reshape the way we see ourselves and the world. This is a story about courage, resilience, and discovering that sometimes the best way forward is simply to go.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