Episode 9: Co-founder of the Boulder Adventure Lodge - Asa Firestone

An avid rock climber and entrepreneur based in Boulder, Colorado, Asa often describes himself as a washed up explorer turned hotelier. He co-founded of the Boulder Adventure Lodge (A-Lodge) and also co-founded several successful non-profit organizations focused on introducing the outdoors to at-risk youth; Climb for Colorado, Adventure Forward, and the Centro de Escalada Urbana. Asa was a National Geographic Young Explorer for his first ascent big wall expedition in the Venezuelan Amazon in 2008.

In this conversation we talk about Asa’s journey to becoming a hotelier and his journey in the outdoors brought him to where he is today. This is an awesome conversation, and I hope you enjoy.

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Episode 8: Executive Director of the Outdoor Industry Association - Amy Roberts

Amy Roberts is OIA’s executive director. Amy was previously the director of sustainability and a member of the executive leadership team at Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) where she guided the Canadian outdoor retailer’s commitment to business and product sustainability and innovation. Amy also serves on the boards of The Conservation Alliance, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.

In this conversation we talk about Amy’s journey to becoming such an integral part in the Outdoor Industry and we can continue to move forward protecting our lands and building sustainable products. This is an awesome conversation, and I hope you enjoy.

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Episode 7: Alpine Ski Racer to the Freeskiing World Tour - Ian McIntosh

Ian McIntosh has built up a reputation over the last few years as a bit of a charger.
His ability on skis doesn’t really come as much of a surprise when you look at his background. Growing up in the Kootenays in British Columbia, Ian was Immersed in the race scene from an early age, and it is easy to see where he got both his love for speed and his technical ability.
He entered the World Heli Challenge and met a fellow Canadian, Pierre Yves LeBlanc who persuaded him to try a season in Whistler. Ian did exactly that and tried his hand at Big Mountain competitions, culminating in a second place at the Verbier Xtreme 2004. Since he has had the chance to film with industry leaders TGR in 2005, and Ian scored the opening segment in ”Anomaly” at first go. Ever since he has been a regular in TGR’s groundbreaking movies. In the Summer, Ian McIntosh can be found mountain biking near Pemberton, B.C.

 

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Episode 6: From Cheerleader to Senior Writer & Broadcaster at ESPN - Alyssa Roenigk

As a senior writer at ESPN The Magazine, espnW and ESPN.com, Alyssa published her first book in 2007. She joined ESPN’s broadcast team in 2012 and recently published an ESPN The Magazine cover story on Olympic snowboard sensation Chloe Kim. In this conversation I discuss with Alyssa her journey to the journalist she has become today traveling to six continents, seven olympics, and countless Superbowls. This is an awesome conversation, and I hope you enjoy it as much as i did.

 

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Episode 5: Luis Benitez

Over the course of a decade, Luis Benitez has quietly emerged amongst a growing field of inspirational adventurers as one of the more experienced, respected and busiest professional guides and leadership development consultants in the world. Throughout his career, Luis has summited the top of the famed “Seven Summits” a cumulative 32 times, including being a six-time summiteer of Mt. Everest. Benitez also has attempted the famed K2 in 2010. Currently he serves at the first Director for the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry for the entire state of Colorado.

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Episode 3: Sally Jewell

Strength, leadership, and how we really can make a difference on behalf of our public lands. You want the real scoop on what's going on with our Public Lands and what we can truly do about it from an insider? Sally Jewell, the former US Secretary of the Interior will lay it out for you while teaching you so much about what it looks like to be a true leader in today's world. This interview couldn't be more relevant and inspirational. Listen!  

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Episode 2: Ingrid Backstrom

Ingrid Backstrom is one of the most well known female big mountain skiers of all time, but what brought her to this point in her career? From motherhood to how she met her husband to crushing her first segment for Match Stick Production; and a whole bunch of never-before told stories. If you love big mountain skiing or just curious how someone can balance being a mom with the demands of being an athlete, this is worth a listen.