Life In Motion

In this episode we interview John Holdmeier from Actual Outdoors who helps make outdoor recreation more accessible by creative brand building. John grew up in Missouri and did anything he could to get on the water. As a teenager his love for the outdoors was further fueled by a job at Alpine Shop. In his college years he was a raft guide and kayaking instructor in North Carolina. It wasn't long after that he decided to turn his passion for the outdoors into a career. From product designer to brand manager and launching new gear at Outdoor Retailer, John knew the ins and outs of successful brands. With all this experience under his belt, he decided to turn his passion elsewhere by starting Actual Outdoors. Now he helps outdoor brands with all aspects of their marketing. If you've ever wondered why it's important to get your messaging right while making the outdoors more accessible for everyone then this one's for you!  Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollec

In this episode we interview Kirk Williams who's explored the world in his van and wheelchair. Growing up in Ashland VA, Kirk fell in love with mountain biking with the help of someone unexpected - his friend's dad. When it came time to apply for college Kirk didn't search for the best school in the states. He searched for the school with the best outdoor community in the states, which landed him in Colorado. Enthralled with his new home he couldn't get enough of the outdoors, but one day that all changed. While riding a trail he gave way to an approaching rider, which turned into a freak accident that left him paralyzed. At some point during his rehab Kirk made the decision that his accident wasn't going to define him - or his adventures. He took on a new perspective, got the proper equipment, bought a van and decided to take on the world as he originally intended. If you've ever wondered why mind over matter always prevails then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think

In this episode we interview Giselle and Stephen who are the ones behind The Lovers Passport. Both Giselle and Stephen had a passion for the outdoors, so it only made sense that their first date was an adventure. Eventually their day trips turned into weekend car camping trips. One day they picked up a camera to hold onto their memories even longer, but soon realized they could inspire others by posting their stories online. Thus began The Lovers Passport. Now they help people by sharing tips and tricks, while showing you don't need a big budget, fancy equipment or even extended time off to experience the great outdoors. If you've ever wondered why you need to stop making excuses and find that next 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 Molly Healey who is a singer songwriter and creator of The Earth Day Festival in Springfield Missouri. Growing up in a musically talented family it didn't take long for Molly to pick up an instrument. Then one night after watching her friend's band perform she got the courage to ask 'you need an extra member?'. The next morning she didn't know what she'd gotten herself into, but went for it and the rest is history. As her career grew she realized that something needed to be done about all the waste made during musical festivals. Her solution? Partner with three outdoor nonprofits on a zero waste Earth Day Festival. If you've ever wondered what can come if you combine your career with your passion for the environment then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Caroline Chomanics of IDEAS For Us. After sitting by a pond and deciding to take a shortcut through the woods on the way home everything changed. Caroline stumbled upon a historic house that had beautiful plants, trees and flowers. Once she found out their current groundskeeper was leaving, she immediately asked to take over. Even without any experience. One thing led to another and now Caroline is the COO and Fleet Farming Manager at IDEAS For Us. They help develop ideas, fund action and also scale solutions to the world's most pressing environmental challenges. If you've ever wondered why taking the long way home isn't always a bad thing or what the 5 pillars of sustainability are then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Jesse Stuart of Forest ReLeaf of Missouri. Jesse always had a love for sustainability, but it wasn't until his business began looking for nonprofits focused on the environment that he found Forest ReLeaf. Now as a board member he's helping them make an impact first hand. Through local nurseries, community programs and disaster relief they've planted over 230,000 trees since 1993. If you've ever wondered how tree canopy can help low income areas or why it's so important to replenish trees through reforestation then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview John Chiles. Throughout his young adulthood John viewed every work opportunity, not as a paycheck, but as a way to learn a new skill and expand his knowledge. From farming in Australia to framing windows like a true craftsman he appreciated his ability to be self-sufficient. It wasn't until a former professor suggested that John get his MBA in Agriculture that he realized the impact that he could make on our world. Now he's using that passion to build Noble Hill Farms to reimagine local food and the local farmers that produce it. If you've ever wondered how using wasted energy to power hydroponic greenhouses can transform communities then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Ruud Van-Holland aka IceMan Ruud. Everyday he wakes up and jumps in the freezing cold water off the shores of Texel, an island off the Netherlands. Over the years he's realized some amazing benefits from an activity that others would consider crazy. From a heightened immune system and even helping with depression the list goes on and on.  If you've ever wondered how being too cold for your own good can help you then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Luis Gallardo, who is the founder of The World Happiness Foundation. Growing up Luis had a love for sociology, but it wasn't until he became a coach and eventually a diplomat that he began to see the power of it firsthand. It was during this time that Luis noticed the impact that genetics, environment and mindset had on individuals that were transitioning into new circumstances. His personal experiences and the science behind it inspired him to found The World Happiness Foundation as a way to positively impact people around the globe. Through retreats, expeditions and festivals The World Happiness Foundation is creating a ripple effect of happiness. If you've ever wondered how something as simple as happiness can change the world then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Marisa Frazier, who is the Conservation Program Coordinator at the Missouri Sierra Club, a certified Kambo Practitioner and a triathlon coach. Marisa grew up in the Ozarks as a runner and swimmer, but it wasn't until her college years that she became passionate about other outdoor activities. Her love for hiking, rock climbing and just being in nature led her to an outdoor festival in Colorado. This experience opened her eyes to a whole other aspect of the outdoors - conservation. Shortly after she found herself on an adventure in Patagonia, where she met people that fueled her new found passion. Now as the Conservation Program Coordinator at the Missouri Sierra Club she helps protect earth's natural resources. In addition to that she is a triathlon coach at Drury University and a practitioner of Kambo - a holistic healing method that uses the secretion of Amazonian frogs. If you've ever wondered why you should always say yes to the next adventur

In this episode we interview Sam King, who is an avid rock climber and loves building the community around it. It wasn't until his college days at Virginia Commonwealth University that Sam really experienced rock climbing. After his freshman roommate invited him to VCU's recreation center to climb he instantly fell in love. Throughout college he was immersed in the rock climbing community. Unfortunately after graduating, 'adult' life caused Sam to lose touch with the sport until he decided to go back to the thing that made him so happy. Now as the Head Instructor at Peak Experiences, Sam is building the rock climbing community and sharing his love for the sport with others. He's also making strides to ensure that rock climbing is accessible for everyone, no matter their physical condition. If you've ever wondered why it's important to never lose touch of what makes you happy, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Gabriel Goldsack of Share A Bike - Share A Smile. As a kid Gabriel worked hard to get his first BMX bike and instantly fell in love with the adventures and community that came with it. Not only did he meet people from all over the world, but it also kept him out of trouble. However bike parts weren't cheap and his new passion became expensive. Over the years he found ways to keep rolling and helped his friends do the same by finding used BMX parts to upgrade their bikes. It wasn't long after he began collecting those used parts to give to others in developing countries. What started as a grassroots initiative turned into Share A Bike - Share A Smile. Now Gabriel's organization is a resource to donate parts to places like Africa, India and Argentina. If you've ever wondered the impact a grassroots BMX organization can have globally, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Kane Ford of Get Outside Melbourne. Growing up in Australia, Kane couldn't help but have a love for the outdoors. After going to university and climbing up the corporate ladder in the finance world, stress and anxiety began to build. He leaned on the outdoors during the weekends as a way to hit the reset button, but it wasn't enough. After deciding to take some much needed time he realized what he needed to do - not only for his own mental health, but for others as well. That's when he decided to start Get Outside Melbourne as a way to introduce others to the healing powers and freedom of the outdoors. Whether you're just starting off, or an avid outdoorsman, each adventure offers a unique perspective of the benefits of the outdoors. If you've ever wondered how important getting outside and taking a breath of fresh air is to your mental health, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episod

In this episode we interview Savannah Holmes and Kaylee Wilcox of The Comfort Zone. Savannah and Kaylee grew up around the outdoors, but lost touch of it during their college years. Now they've circled back to it, not only as a means of freedom, but as a way to help others that are less fortunate. How? By completing adventure challenges to raise awareness for things like leadership education in Uganda and retreats for sexual assault survivors. If you've ever wondered how something like running 500km barefoot, or trekking 1000km around Vancouver Island can make a difference, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Dannny Hairston who is the founder of SHRED Foundation. As a kid Danny grew up playing team sports and through his college years became passionate about helping kids through non profit work. It wasn't until years later after graduating college that he fell in love with snowboarding - and there was no turning back. He soon found himself in the non profit world again working in organizations that were geared towards making an impact through action sports. His experience there led him to start his own non profit, SHRED Foundation, which provides life and career paths through snowboarding and skateboarding. With this additional focus they're able to show kids what is possible beyond the sport itself. From marketing, to videography, retail and more, kids are learning how to turn their passion into a career. If you've ever wondered how it's possible to stay involved in these sports well into your adult life, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode

In this episode we interview Tiffany Risch aka Snookie who loves nothing more than making a difference while being outside with a fishing rod. Growing up Snookie had a special bond with her Grandfather, both sharing a love for fishing.  After his passing, her passion for fishing helped keep his memory alive, but it soon became more than that. She realized that it could be used as a positive way to relieve stress while providing a break from the daily grind. Now she shares her passion with everyone from youth to CEO's with corporate and nonprofit programs. If you've ever wondered how kicking your feet up on a tacklebox for a day can do the body and mind good, then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Jonathan Harrison, who started the rowing team - Pacific Boys. In December 2021 they'll row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic. Why? To help clothe 3,000 children. Oh, and for the adventure too. It wasn't until his college days that Jonathan fell in love with rowing and at that time he didn't know he and his team would attempt such a feat. That was until he learned about the Atlantic Challenge which begins in the Canary Islands and ends in Antigua. The fact that he didn't have a team, didn't have a boat, and didn't even really know what to expect didn't stop him from going for it. If you've ever wondered what it takes to prepare and what kind of obstacles they could face during such a journey then this ones for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Mike Donelon, who is the founder of Action Sports Kids Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on empowering youth through the love of skateboarding. As a former City Councilman in Long Beach Mike heard it all, but one day he got the call - 'Mike there's these pesky skateboarders riding in front of my house and I don't know what to do!'. Given the man's reaction he was expecting vandalism or maybe even a fight. Mike paid them a visit and none of that was true. The kids were simply riding their skateboards in the neighborhood with their friends. This began the process to open the first public skatepark in Long Beach, it was uncharted territory, but he got it done. Since that day he's helped open 8 other skateparks and has seen violent crimes and drug related incidents drop significantly along the way. In 2011 he founded Action Sports Kids Foundation to provide auxiliary services to at-risk youth and empower them through community involvement. Skateboarding allows ASK to meet the kids

In this episode we interview Lindsey Richter, who is the founder of Ladies AllRide, an organization all about bringing ladies together and empowering them with the help of mountain bikes. It wasn't too long ago that Lindsey found herself on the first season of the hit show 'Survivor'. She loved the challenges and adventure that came with it, but it wasn't all roses. Unfortunately she was cast in a bad light, not because she was bad, but because of the way the producers portrayed her. The last thing Lindsey was going to do was let the negativity get the best of her, which is when she turned to mountain biking. As her love for the sport grew she was introduced to many aspects of it - from competing to securing sponsorships. Along the way she noticed there weren't many ladies on the trail. She had to change that. Now at Ladies AllRide she's providing women with the resources to get on the trail and test the waters. For her it's more than just getting them on a bike, it's about sharing her story wh

In this episode we interview Sydney Williams, who is the founder of Hiking My Feelings, an organization all about sharing the healing power of nature with others. Sydney grew up in Kansas, but decided to move to the west coast after college. After getting a gig as the online voice for Oscar Myer Weiner, she soon found herself as a big wig marketer for fortune 500 companies. After all her hard work she finally made it - but that's not what she would tell you. The long hours and stress that came along with her career was wearing her down, on top of unexpectedly being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It wasn't until one gloomy day looking over the San Diego skyline from atop a mountain that she realized the thing that grounded her was getting outdoors and simply hiking. Thus the concept for Hiking My Feelings was born. She decided to ditch the corporate world and chase her inherent passion to help others through the healing powers of nature. Now she inspires hundreds of individuals that have faced