Life In Motion

Join us for a special episode as John Holdmeier from Actual Outdoors joins host Jeremy Lux to celebrate the milestone of reaching 200 episodes of the Life in Motion Podcast. Together, they reflect on the diverse array of guests, including outdoor nonprofits, inspiring individuals, and like-minded businesses, that have been featured on the podcast. Each episode leaves listeners with a fresh perspective on the outdoors, fostering curiosity and a newfound appreciation for the adventure.Discover how these connections have paved the way for nonprofit partnerships and special collaborations, resulting in increased awareness and donations to support worthy causes. Plus, get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Life in Motion Podcast and how we work with our nonprofit partners to raise funds for their missions.Whether you're seeking inspiration for your next outdoor adventure or craving a glimpse into the inner workings of our podcast, this one's for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdo

In this episode, we chat with Allie Redshaw, a culinary artist, adventurer, and advocate for inclusivity. Allie grew up in Southern Virginia, but it was a trip to Paris that sparked her love for culinary. She found herself studying at the Culinary Institute of America before moving to Charlottesville Virginia with her husband. However, life took an unexpected turn on March 1, 2017, when a tragic accident resulted in the amputation of Allie's hand. Despite the devastating loss, her adventurous spirit remained undaunted through the overwhelming support of her community. In fact, it may have grown brighter when she picked up paraclimbing, immersing herself into the lifestyle. Allie didn't stop there though. She's the ultimate ambassador for varying nonprofits that are all about empowering others to experience the outdoors, no matter their ability.  If you've ever wondered how you can find the strength to ascend, even through the deepest adversities, or why it's never too late to find your com

In this episode we chat with Christine Reed, a seasoned backpacker, rock climber, trail runner, and author of Alone in Wonderland and Blood Sweat Tears. From stumbling upon backpacking while surfing the web to becoming a trailblazer in the outdoor community, Christine's story is nothing short of inspiring.Christine's adventure began with a bold attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, something that sparked her passion for the great outdoors. As one trail led to another, Christine connected deeper with the wilderness, seeking solace, challenge, and self-discovery amidst nature's beauty.In her experience hiking the Wonderland Trail in Mt Rainier National Park, Christine found the inspiration to pen her remarkable book, "Alone In Wonderland." Through vivid storytelling, she shares her triumphs, trials, and the transformative power of the outdoors.Now, with her latest book, "Blood Sweat Tears," Christine amplifies the voices of 25 women writers, offering a diverse collection of

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Pavon, one of the many behind Juliana Bicycles. Based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Alex started off ski racing, but shifted to mountain biking as a way to rehab her knee after a fall on the skis. That's when she became hooked and before she knew it, became an ambassador for Juliana Bicycles, who encourages more women to experience the best of mountain biking.  Through a series of inclusive rideouts and community events, she and her team create welcoming spaces for women of all skill levels to come together, share experiences, and build lasting friendships.Throughout the episode, Alex shares stories of women who discovered a newfound love for biking through Juliana Bicycles' events. From hesitant beginners to seasoned riders, each participant finds a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the biking community.If you've ever wondered how to foster a culture of inclusivity on the trails, while inspiring women to embrace biking, then this one's for you! Life in

In this episode, we chat with Julieana Rusnak, the one behind the ski film "The Gnardashians." Hailing from Golden, Colorado, Julieana shares her journey from childhood adventures in the mountains to her passion for skiing and its culture.Growing up in Colorado, it was easy for Julieana to fall in love with the outdoors at a young age. Not to mention, her family introduced her to the slopes at just three years old. After returning home from the East Coast post-college, she jumped back into the lifestyle of skiing, eventually becoming an instructor.There was something about the pure joy and excitement that skiing brought to people of all ages and skill levels. Inspired by this, Julieana challenged the notion that only elite athletes belong in ski films. The concept for "The Gnardashians" was born—a film celebrating the stoke, courage, and camaraderie found in everyday skiers.Julieana shares the evolution of the film's concept, from its origins as a girls' ski film to its representat

In this episode we chat with Jennifer Melton of the Alta Environmental Center. Jennifer shares her journey from a childhood passion for sustainability to her role in leading environmental initiatives at Alta Ski Area in Utah.Growing up, Jennifer was known for her dedication to water conservation and recycling, laying the foundation for her lifelong commitment to sustainability. Her journey took her from working for a sustainability magazine during college to finding solace and inspiration while working at Snowbird Ski Resort.After joining the Alta Environmental Center five years ago, Jennifer had the opportunity to learn from visionary leaders who were spearheading sustainability efforts at Alta. Now, Jennifer's role as Program Director allows her to implement innovative sustainability practices, working closely with various departments to ensure Alta's operations align with its mission of environmental stewardship. If you've ever wondered how you can take a step towards sustainability, or simply

In this episode we chat with Mike Cherim, the one behind Redline Guiding. From his earliest hiking memories scaling Mt. Washington at just four years old, to conquering various trails and lists in New Hampshire, Mike's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. With a plethora of hiking accomplishments under his belt, including multiple completions of New Hampshire's 4000-footers and the New England 67, Mike founded Redline Guiding to share his expertise and passion for the outdoors with others. Through a diverse range of outdoor adventures and educational experiences, Redline Guiding aims to empower hikers of all skill levels, particularly those new to the trails, by fostering confidence and safe independence. Whether you're seeking to enhance your hiking game or craving insightful trail tips, this one's 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 “ke

In this episode we catch up with Bronson Allison, the globetrotting videographer behind travel videos that inspire others to Live More. Born in Ohio, Bronson found himself stuck in a mundane office job, but had a passion for videography and editing. Determined to break free from the 9 to 5 grind, he decided to chase his dreams.Starting by creating videos for realtors, Bronson saved up enough money to spread his wings internationally, with Bali being one of the first places to start. From there, he traveled the world, exploring places like Romania, Macedonia, and Germany, as well as uncovering hidden gems scattered across the United States.Yet, Bronson's path to living his dream hasn't been without its trials. Along the way, he's encountered unexpected challenges and found himself in less than ideal situations. However, the allure of adventure and the promise of unforgettable experiences far outweigh the risks.If you've ever wanted to break free from the routine and take on your own journey of

In this episode we chat with Erin Tarr, a dedicated advocate for land conservation and access to nature. Raised in Iowa, Erin's journey led her to the mountains of Colorado and eventually to California, where she found her calling.  From her early days as a researcher on the rivers with the California Department of Fish and Game to her role at Bear Yuba Land Trust, there's no doubt Erin has a passion for preserving our natural spaces.  Discover how she is leading efforts to protect the pristine landscapes of the Bear and Yuba River watersheds while fostering a resilient community through nature access and education. If you've ever wondered why it's so important to protect our natural places, then this one's 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

In this episode we sit down with Marra Holt, Communications Coordinator at the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks. Born and raised in Springfield, MO, Marra's childhood was steeped in a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a commitment to its preservation.Discover how Marra's upbringing, shaped by her father's environmental work, fueled her passion for protecting nature from a young age. From cleaning local waterways to replanting native species, her early years gave her a sense of stewardship.Marra shares her journey from intern to full-time advocate at the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, a dream job where she's dedicated to sustaining and enhancing the water resources of Springfield and Greene County.If you've ever wondered how a deep-seated passion for environmental conservation can lead to a fulfilling career, this episode is a must-listen!Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of out

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Jean Sideris, Executive Director of The Bicycle Coalition of Maine. From the peaks of Colorado to the serene trails of Maine, Jean's passion for environmental advocacy and biking has led her on an incredible path.Discover how Jean's love for mountain biking in Colorado evolved into a mission-driven career in bike advocacy on the East Coast. Hear about her pivotal role in The Bicycle Coalition of Maine and how she's transforming communities through accessible biking initiatives, education and more.Uncover the power of biking beyond leisure as we delve into the impact of cleaner travel options, improved health, and economic benefits for Maine's communities. If you're curious about the transformative potential of biking and its community impact, this episode is a must-listen!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 -

In this episode, I'm joined by Hanna, Michelle, and David from Ozark Off Road Cyclist. Their paths to the organization were unique, but their shared commitment to community has kept them united. What started as a gathering of mountain biking enthusiasts in 1997 evolved into a nonprofit dedicated to trail development. If you've ever explored the trails in the Arkansas Ozarks and River Valley, chances are this group played a role. If you've ever wondered how sustainable trail projects foster a thriving outdoor community and promote health and wellness for various user groups, including hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners, then this one's 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 know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we chat with Matthew Zing of Two Bikes Knoxville. A Knoxville native, Matthew's connection with bikes began in childhood, influenced by his father's road racing adventures. However, for him, bikes meant more than just a sport; they were a means of transportation. Eventually he crossed paths with Mitchell at Dream Bikes, a shop rooted in giving back. Their shared passion for bikes and community led them to create Two Bikes after learning that Dream Bikes was closing its doors. Beyond being a mere bike shop, Two Bikes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering opportunity, sustainability, and community through bicycles.Now Two Bikes' three transformative programs—The Bike School, Pedal It Forward, and Community Rides are making an even larger impact. If you've ever wondered why you should take that first step, or how a bike shop can impact a community, then this one's for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that h

In this episode, we chat with Ryan Yambra of Rose City Track Club. Born and raised in Portland Oregon he was an unlikely runner. It wasn't until after college, when he completed his first half marathon, that he truly experienced running in a community driven by passion. Then, after training solo for years, he found Rose City Track Club. Valuing the spirit of competition, camaraderie, hard work and a love for running, Ryan fit right in. Not only do they provide a team-based training platform for runners aspiring to be locally or nationally competitive, but they also share their love for running with the community through special events. If you've ever wondered how running is more than just movement, or how a passionate community can be built around it, then this one's 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 actualo

In this episode, we chat with Andrea Kelly from Make Plus Equal. For years, Andrea faced challenges in finding outdoor gear that catered to her body for various adventures. Whether it was inadequate sizing, a lack of technical features, or uninspiring color choices, the struggle was real. The turning point came when a study revealed that 69% of women in North America were plus-sized. By then, Andrea, already entrenched in the outdoor apparel industry, seized the opportunity to be the change she sought. In 2015, she committed herself to advocating for size inclusion in outdoor apparel, leveraging her industry experience to make a difference. Andrea educates and guides brands to embrace a more diverse customer base, fostering inclusivity from within. Her efforts have reshaped industry perspectives on inclusivity, leading brands to create specialized products and revamp their marketing to cater to everyone, regardless of size. If you've ever wondered about taking small steps to effect significant change or l

In this episode, we chat with Allie Valdetara of Ladies in Wadies. Growing up in the 'outdoors-adjacent' landscape of North Jersey, Allie's childhood was filled with imaginative adventures, from exploring her backyard to lakeside fishing. But for her, the joy of the outdoors was in sharing it with others. After college she struggled to carve out time to get outside - at least until remote working gained popularity. Allie bought a fly rod and hit the road with her friend. A couple months later while sitting at a brewery in Bozeman they convinced themselves to start the account Ladies in Wadies. What began as a lighthearted space to share silly moments evolved into an inclusive community celebrating impromptu fishing trips, 9 am beers, and mustache selfies. They showcase the goofy side of fishing while normalizing the learning curve, whether you're a novice or a pro. If you're just getting started on your fishing journey or seeking a community that revels in the joy of the outdoors without t

In this episode, we chat with Ryan Wichlens, one of the many behind Trails Magazine. Growing up around New York's Adirondack Mountains, he started as Backpacker Magazine's go-to Northeast expert during college before becoming a full-time freelance journalist in Colorado. When the end of Backpacker magazine's print era came in 2022, Ryan stepped in to fill the void with Trails Magazine. Aiming to create a print magazine tailored for backpackers but with improvements, it distinguishes itself with quality, thoughtful design, captivating large-format photography, and an emphasis on aesthetics. Unlike the ad-heavy model of many magazines, Trails relies on subscribers to sustain itself, fostering a community dedicated to the backpacking experience. If you've ever wanted to know why you should never be afraid to shoot your shot, or what it takes to build something entirely on passion, then this one's for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands th

In this episode, we chat with Ashley Smith, a dedicated member of Lakes Region Search & Rescue. While Ashley's love for hiking started as a kid, the pandemic sparked a determination to conquer the New Hampshire 48 4,000-footers, with the majority of them being finished solo. Afterwards she had a desire to assist fellow hikers in challenging situations, obtaining certifications in wilderness first aid and first responder. Motivated by her own experiences in precarious trail situations, she joined the Lakes Region Search & Rescue team, a group of over 70 volunteers collaborating with Fish and Game to respond to incidents in the region. If you're curious about the intricacies of search and rescue missions or seeking valuable safety insights for your next trail adventure, this episode's 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

In this episode, we chat with Sierra Schlag and Katie Cooney, key figures in the creation of 'Advice for Girls,' an all-women ski film. Both Sierra and Katie share a love for skiing, having embraced the sport since their early years, drawn to its creativity and freedom. When Addy Jacobsend shared the idea of a film featuring an all-female cast and production crew, it was an immediate yes. With a crew of 8 and 23 remarkable female athletes, they spent a year capturing clips and unraveling the stories behind each athlete. The vision behind 'Advice for Girls' is powerful — to provide wisdom from three generations of women in skiing. The film's narrative aims to resonate with women and girls of all ages, reinforcing the messages that they deserve success, have the right to claim their space, and contribute significantly to the ski industry. If you've ever wondered how a feature-length film can serve as a catalyst, inspiring the next generation of female shredders and breaking barriers in t

In this episode, we chat with Mark Malkowicz, a wilderness first responder, passionate traveler, and guide at Big Muddy Adventures. Growing up around Saint Louis, Mark shares his journey from childhood family float trips on the Current River to embarking on 100-mile paddle board adventures. It didn't stop there though. Mark was soon conquering fourteeners in Colorado and scaling glaciers in the Cascades and Andes. Now as a guide at Big Muddy Adventures he shares his love for rivers with others, from short day trips to epic 100-mile adventures. If you've ever wondered how a simple float down the river can spiral you into an outdoor junkie, or why you should just commit, then this one's 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 know what you th