From Headwaters to Heartland: Missouri River History, Communities, and Outdoor Wonders.

On today's episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we chat with Larry N. Campbell, retired math professor and author of Rollin' Down the River: Discovering People and Places along the Mighty Missouri.

After decades in the classroom, Larry embarked on a journey that would take him along the entire length of the Missouri River, tracing its path from its headwaters in Montana to its confluence with the Mississippi.

DISCUSSION

1. Spark Behind the Missouri River Journey and the Book

• Retirement and the search for new adventures.
• Inspiration from a friend’s recommendation about an author who journeyed the Mississippi.

2. Planning the Missouri River Adventure

• Reaching out to Chambers of Commerce and Rotary Clubs.
• Getting local support from communities along the river.

3. Personal Connection to the Missouri River

• Growing up near Kansas City and proximity to the river.
• How the desire to explore the river emerged organically.

4. Trip Preparation

• Assembling stops along the river.
• Balancing pre-planning with a sense of exploration.

5. Starting Point and Geography of the Missouri River

• The official versus the “real” source of the Missouri at Three Forks, Montana.
• Lewis and Clark’s expedition and naming the river tributaries—Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin.

6. Experiences Along the Journey

• The physical beauty and character of Montana’s landscapes and skies.
• Local wildlife, unique people, and ferry operators (“human treasures”).

7. The Evolution and Scale of the Missouri River

• From a mountain stream to a muddy river.
• Fascination with river confluences.

8. Memorable Experiences and Reflections

• Navigating moments of doubt and homesickness.
• The diversity and similarity of river towns

9. Encounters with Communities and Individuals

• Stories about local generosity.
• Time zones and town splits along the river (e.g., Pierre, SD).

10. River Activities and Wildlife

• Canoe trip on the Jefferson River.
• Observing anglers and wildlife (including a beaver sighting).

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Larry, visit his website at https://larryncampbell.com/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LarryCampbellAuthor

NEXT STEPS

If you enjoy outdoor adventure podcasts, find us online at https://outdooradventureseries.com.

KEYWORDS

Larry N. Campbell, Rollin' Down the River, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview, PodMatch

#OutdoorAdventureSeries #Podcast #PodcastInterview #Podmatch

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Outdoor Exploration and Photography With Mike Hillman, Natural Habitat Adventures.

On today's episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series, we’re thrilled to introduce Mike Hillman, the Photo Expeditions Director for Natural Habitat Adventures—known to many as Nat Hab. Mike’s story is a true outdoor enthusiast’s dream: from running wild in the woods of Michigan as a kid to becoming a zoologist and eventually leading extraordinary wildlife expeditions across the globe.

Mike shares his fascinating journey, exploring how a childhood passion for animals and nature turned into a globetrotting career guiding guests through some of the planet’s most iconic wilderness destinations. Mike shares stories from the field—think bear camp in Alaska, polar bears in Canada, and jaguars in Brazil—and offers insights into how Nat Hab crafts exceptional, conservation-focused adventures for photographers and nature lovers alike.

So grab your hiking boots—or your camera—and get ready for an inspiring journey into the wild with Mike Hillman on this episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series!

DISCUSSION

00:00 Mike's Photo Expeditions Director's Journey

10:02 Aspiring Bird Guide Challenges

14:32 Effective Learning for Guided Tours

18:18 Emerging Wildlife: Brazil's Pantanal

22:18 "Unexpected Arctic Adventure"

27:28 Photography Group Travel Experience

36:03 Night Sky Photography Adventure

39:01 Smartphones Revolutionize Night Photography

47:01 Photography Expeditions for Unique Access

50:05 Nature Trip Photo Sharing System

56:28 Bear-Human Trust Transcript

01:03:06 "Explore Photographic Adventures"

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Mike and his work at Nathab, visit their website at https://nathab.com and on these social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaturalHabitatAdventures
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturalhabitatadventures
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nathab

NEXT STEPS

If you enjoy podcasts devoted to outdoor adventure, find us online at https://outdooradventureseries.com. We welcome likes, comments, and shares.

KEYWORDS

Mike Hillman, Natural Habitat Adventures, Howard Fox, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast Interview

#Mike Hillman #NaturalHabitatAdventures #OutdoorAdventureSeries #Podcast #PodcastInterview

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Inside Tacoma & Pierce County: Adventure, Growth, and Community.

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we chat with Andrea Reay, President and CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, and Dean Burke, President and CEO of Visit Tacoma-Pierce County. Together, they share the inside story of how their organizations collaborate to fuel economic development, promote vibrant small businesses, draw world-class conventions and sporting events, and showcase the region’s spectacular outdoor offerings.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a business owner, or just curious about this vibrant Pacific Northwest community, you won’t want to miss the stories, vision, and contagious local pride that Andrea and Dean bring to the table. Get ready for an engaging conversation about community, collaboration, and the call of the outdoors!

DISCUSSION

00:00 "Team Collaboration Drives Success"

06:09 Understanding the Chamber's Role

07:42 Driving Community Prosperity

12:07 Engaging Visitors & Locals in Nature

16:15 Targeting Conference Niches Strategically

17:04 Convention Center Bookings Evolving

22:51 Reimagining Community in Post-COVID Era

25:20 Exploring U.S. Outdoor Adventure Opportunities

30:18 Support Local: Chamber Directory & Events

33:42 "Live Like the Mountain's Out"

34:25 "DMO Template & Itineraries"

39:00 Supporting Puyallup Tribe's Economic Growth

44:10 Improving Access Through Education

45:32 Infrastructure Challenges in Historic Cities

CONNECT WITH TACOMA-PIERCE COUNTY

To Learn more about the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, visit their website at https://www.tacomachamber.org/ or on these social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tacomapiercecountychamber/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacoma_chamber/

To learn more about Visit Tacoma-Pierce County, visit their website at https://www.visitpiercecounty.com, or on these social sites:

Facebook: facebook.com/visittacomapiercecounty
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visittacomapiercecounty

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Tacoma Chamber, Pierce County, Visit Pierce County, Tacoma, Tourism, Mount Rainier National Park, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast

#TacomaChamber #PierceCounty #VisitPierceCounty #Tacoma #Tourism #MountRainierNationalPark #OutdoorAdventureSeries #Podcast

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Visit Nome, Alaska: 4-Season Beauty, Culture, and Heritage.

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series. In today's episode, we're taking you to the far reaches of Western Alaska for a conversation with Shauntel Bruner-Alvanna, Executive Director of the Nome Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Shauntel shares her journey from Chicago to the rugged, off-grid heart of Nome—a community shaped by breathtaking landscapes, rich indigenous cultures, and a unique, subsistence-based lifestyle.

DISCUSSION

00:00 "Unique Challenges of Living in Nome"

03:51 Cultural Diversity in Nome, Alaska

08:36 Small Town Self-Sufficiency

11:00 Nome's Remote Appeal Attracts Tourists

13:37 Visitor Feedback and Safety Guidelines

18:27 Unique Subsistence Living in Nome

21:43 Iditarod's Impact on Nome

23:28 Unexpected Visitors' Impactful Stories

27:33 "Plan Your Iditarod Adventure"

32:33 "Nome Post: Community Marketplace Hub"

33:32 Community Events & Updates Online

37:30 Life-Shaping Tourism Journey

42:30 "Sharing Alaska's Hidden Paradise"

44:27 "Nome, Alaska Visit Promotion"

Nome Resources & Attractions

Kawerak Inc. - a nonprofit tribal consortium that provides programs to the Inupiaq, St. Lawrence Island Yupik, and Yup’ik people - https://kawerak.org.

City of Nome, AK Memorial Museum - https://www.nomealaska.org/memorial-museum.

Sitnasuak Native Corporation - https://www.snc.org.

Norton Sound Health Corporation - https://www.nortonsoundhealth.org/bhs/.

Nome Post Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/498124973568628

CONNECT WITH NOME, ALASKA

To learn more about Nome, Alaska, check out their website at https://www.visitnomealaska.com/ or on these social sites:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/visitnomealaska
Instagram: http://instagram.com/visitnome

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Visit Nome, There's No Place Like Nome, @travelalaska, @alaskatravel, Iditarod, Tourism, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast

#VisitNome #TravelAlaska #AlaskaTravel, #Iditarod #Tourism #OutdoorAdventureSeries #Podcast

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Visit Leadville - Twin Lakes: History, Adventure, and Community in Colorado’s High Country

Welcome to another episode of the Outdoor Adventure Series podcast! Today, we’re taking you to the rugged heart of the Rockies as we sit down with Adam Ducharme, the Tourism Director for Visit Leadville- Twin Lakes in Lake County, Colorado. Adam shares the rich tapestry of history, adventure, and community that defines this authentic mountain destination.

In this episode, Adam tells us what it’s like to live and breathe the high-altitude magic of Leadville—from the towering peaks of Mount Massive and Mount Elbert to the storied legacy of Camp Hale and the legendary 10th Mountain Division. You’ll hear colorful stories about historic mining booms and busts, vibrant community events like Leadville Boom Days and the famous Leadville 100 races, and hidden gems like the locally beloved Melanzana outdoor gear shop.

DISCUSSION

00:00 "Colorado's Highest Peaks & Camp Hale"

05:35 Rocky Scenic Byway Highlights

12:05 Leadville's Mild Summer Appeal

15:19 "Leadville 100: Thrilling Race Challenge"

17:26 Ski Cooper

19:38 Melanzana outdoor gear shop

25:40 Nordic Skiing and Destination Stewardship

28:42 Alpine Hiking: Safety and Mindset

32:25 Diverse Outdoor Activities Available

34:39 Trail Access and Conditions Guide

39:26 Leadville's Dark Sky attraction

41:09 Colorado Silver Boom History

45:58 Treeline's New Spot: "Before and After"

53:00 Birth of the Leadville 100

ATTRACTIONS

Leadville Ski Joring - https://www.leadvilleskijoring.com/
Trails - https://www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/trails/
The 10th Mountain Division Memorial - https://www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/listing/10th-mountain-division-memorial/

CONNECT WITH LEADVILLE-TWIN LAKES

To learn more about Leadville-Twin Lakes in CO, check out their website at https://leadvilletwinlakes.com or on these social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitLeadville
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitleadville

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Leadville-Twin Lakes, Tourism, Visit Leadville, Leadville 100, Endurance Racing, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast

#LeadvilleTwinLakes #Tourism #visitleadville #Leadville100 #EnduranceRacing #OutdoorAdventureSeries #Podcast

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Pendleton County CVB: Dark Skies, Rugged Trails, and Hidden Gems.

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, we’re heading deep into the ridges and valleys of Pendleton County, West Virginia, with Annie Humes, Executive Director of the Pendleton County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Pendleton County is an area that stands apart for its untouched natural beauty, rugged mountains, and a quiet charm that’s becoming rare in our world of constant connectivity. Annie shares what makes Pendleton County a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts and slow travelers alike.

DISCUSSION

00:00 Unique West Virginia Experience

03:30 Pendleton County's Iconic Landscapes

06:57 "Accessible Wilderness Near East Coast"

11:06 Small Community, Vast Spaces

14:13 Adventurous Caving in Rugged Landscapes

16:36 Optimal Outdoor Accommodations

22:42 Local Attractions and Activities

25:37 Maple Syrup Curiosity and Coffee

27:33 Local Dining: Orange Cat Cafe & Ancient Oak

29:52 Bridge, Beverage, and Website Tour

ATTRACTIONS

Nelson Rocks - https://www.nrocks.com/
Seneca Caverns - http://www.senecacaverns.com/
Monongahela National Forest - https://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf
Pendleton County Historical Society - http://www.pchswv.com/
Seneca Rocks Discovery Center - https://wvtourism.com/company/seneca-rocks-discovery-center/

CONNECT WITH THE PENDLETON COUNTY CVB

To Learn more about what Pendleton County, WV has to offer, visit their website at https://www.pendletoncountywv.com/ and follow their social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PenCoWV/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/penco_wv/

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Annie Humes, Pendleton County WV, Pendleton Rocks, Seneca Caverns, Monongahela National Forest, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast

#PendletonRocks #SenecaCaverns #MonongahelaNationalFores #OutdoorAdventureSeries #Podcast

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Angel Island Tiburon Ferry Experience: History, Wildlife, and Sunset Cruises.

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series. In today’s episode, we set sail in the San Francisco Bay with Captain Maggie McDonogh, fourth-generation captain and owner of the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry Company.

Captain Maggie shares her unique story of growing up on the water, running a beloved family business that connects generations of locals and visitors to the natural wonders of Angel Island. We’ll hear about the deep history of the ferry service, the challenges and rewards of being a woman in the maritime industry, and the magic of everyday moments, like whale sightings and sunset cruises under the Golden Gate Bridge.

Maggie also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the close-knit crew, the ferry routes, and the partnership with the local community and California State Parks.

DISCUSSION

00:00 "Exploring with the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry"

03:34 Great Grandfather's Tiburon Enterprise

08:59 Angel Island Tiburon Ferry Details

10:25 Historical and Natural Island Overview

13:36 Touring Richardson Bay by Boat

16:41 Business & Community Partnership

19:26 "Blue Dot Energy Initiative"

25:01 Wine Country and Tiburon Discovery

26:36 Timberland Wine Festival Expansion

31:54 Desert Camping Discovery

35:16 Golden Gate Sunset Reflections

37:51 Embrace the Moment, Help Others

42:21 Ferry Service with Captain McDonough

43:07 "Captain Maggie's Stories & Resources"

CONNECT WITH THE ANGEL ISLAND TIBURON AND THE TIBURON CHAMBER

Learn about the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry Service by visiting their website at https://angelislandferry.com/ and following them on their social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITFerry/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelislandferry/

To learn more about the community of Tiburon, CA, visit the Tiburon Peninsula Chamber website at http://www.tiburonchamber.org/.

NEXT STEPS

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KEYWORDS

Captain Maggie McDonogh, Angel Island Tiburon Ferry Service, Angel Island State Park, Tiburon Chamber, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast

#CaptainMaggieMcDonogh #AngelIsland #TiburonFerryService #AngelIslandStatePark #TiburonChamber #OutdoorAdventures #Podcast

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Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce: Supporting Business, Community, and Outdoor Activities in Washington.

Welcome back to the Outdoor Adventure Series! In today’s episode, host Howard Fox sits down with Dawn Bell, President, and Jessica Kipp, Vice President, of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce in Ridgefield, Washington. Nestled in the beautiful Pacific Northwest just north of Vancouver, Ridgefield is a rapidly growing community that’s becoming a hub for business and outdoor recreation.

Dawn and Jessica share their passion for supporting local small businesses and fostering community connections. They also highlight what makes Ridgefield so unique: easy access to the outdoors, a vibrant wine scene, delicious farm-to-table dining, and a network of walking trails, parks, and water activities.

DISCUSSION

00:00 Introductions

05:06 Unique Local Businesses to Visit

08:32 "Monthly Meetings at Bevridge"

10:06 Exploring Nature and Local Markets

15:50 "Small Business Celebrations"

17:03 Showcasing Local Wineries Event

22:32 Chamber's Role with City Government

23:15 "Small Business Resources Lacking"

28:37 Volunteering and Community Growth

31:43 Community Collaboration Realization

33:32 Supporting Local High School Scholarships

38:25 "Ridgefield Commerce & Outdoor Adventures"

CONNECT WITH THE RIDGEFIELD CHAMBER

Learn more about Ridgefield, WA by visiting the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce Website at https://ridgefieldchamberofcommerce.com/ and follow them on their social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgefieldWAChamberofCommerce/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chamberridgefieldwa/

NEXT STEPS

Visit us at https://outdooradventureseries.com to like, comment, and share our episodes.

KEYWORDS

Ridgefield Chamber, RidgefieldWA, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Outdoor Adventure Series, Podcast

#RidgefieldChamber #RidgefieldWA #RidgefieldNationalWildlifeRefuge #OutdoorAdventures #Podcast

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