The Occupation Wild Podcast

Not many people would leave a cushy job at Telsa to follow their dreams and live a truly wilder life, BUT that's exactly what Ryan Lynch of Timber Surf Co did!  From road tripping down to South America to starting a more sustainable performance wooden surfboard company, he is truly living his version of life beyond 9 to 5!  In this episode, Ryan tells us all about how he made the leap from corporate life to business owner, how Timber Surf is creating a more sustainable surfboard, why sometimes the hardest part is remembering to pay your taxes, and so much more!   Follow Ryan on IG @timbersurfco Check out Ryan's website https://www.timbersurfco.com/

Krista Coole is a Manager and Community Lead with Arc'teryx working with store and regional ambassadors for the brand. When not working she is passionate about adventure sports and constantly pushing her limits as an athlete.  In this episode Courtney and Dalton sit down with Krista to chat all things climbing, what big outdoor brands look for when bringing on ambassadors, working in the outdoor industry, confronting fears, and more! Follow Krista www.instagram.com/kristacoole/

Courtney and Dalton are kicking off Season 3 with a listener Q&A and go over questions on seasonal work, travel, working in the outdoor industry, and more!  

We all know action and adventure sports can be dangerous, but we don't often talk about how we collectively make some of our favorite activities safer for everyone, the surf industry is no different. After witnessing a close friend lose his life in a tragic surfing accident Yehuda Ben-Hamo created The CORE Project to equip surfers and ocean enthusiasts with ocean safety knowledge and emergency response training.  Listen to Episode 80 of The Occupation Wild Podcast on Apple or Spotify to hear how Yehuda is advancing ocean safety through research, public outreach, and education!  Connect with The CORE Project  https://www.keepitcore.org/ IG @thecore_projectt Connect with Yehuda  IG @yehudabenhamo 

What to do when you fall in love with someone who lives permanently on the road? Do you find a way to balance your life with theirs? Or do you jump headfirst into nomadic life?  On this Valentine's Day  Dalton Johnson  (van lifer and photographer) and Kristin Riegel  (health coach) both sit down to tell their love story and how they make their adventurous relationship work! Follow Kristin: IG: @euphorically_wanderful Health Coaching IG: @cultivationwithkristin https://euphoricultivation.com/   Follow Dalton IG @daltonjohnsonmedia www.daltonjohnsonmedia.com/ newsletter sign up: www.daltonjohnsonmedia.com/eye-candy   Check out who's hiring on OccupationWild.com

After a quick summer break, The Occupation Wild Podcast is back with Desert Song founders Caro Kellough and Charlie Becker! After both working in wilderness therapy and witnessing the healing power of nature in both their personal and professional lives, Caro and Charlie created the Desert Song!  A company that sees the adventure inwards as just as important and offers small group therapeutic expeditions and workshops while increasing accessibility and visibility in the outdoors. With affordable trips ranging from Introduction to Backpacking to Body Positive Backpacking, they are committed to providing outdoor therapy for all!   Desert Song: https://thedesertsong.com/ Follow the Desert Song on Instagram @the_desertsong Check out who's hiring at www.occupationwild.com

Alex Sanson is a Southern California-based climber and surfer who truly lives #lifebeyond9to5!  From climbing throughout the Western United States and surfing Hawaii, Nicaragua, and beyond his passion for the outdoors had led him on some wild adventures! An ode to the early The Occupation Wild Podcast days this episode is a chill conversation about the outdoor places we love and why we keep coming back! Follow Alex: https://www.instagram.com/sir_cazador/ Thank you to our show sponsor: The Outdoor Recreation Economy Program at CU Boulder - The only completely online program like it in the country and they are now accepting applicants for Fall 2021!

Jo-Anne Henderson is the creator behind Surf Coo.  The Scottish surfer spent the past 5 years traveling around the world chasing warm waves, making art, and working odd jobs to support her travels!  Now back in her homeland of Scotland and deeply inspired by the surf culture and cold water Surf Coo was born!  As a second-generation fleece maker, her apparel and brand reflects her inspiration from the Scottish coastline! In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast Courtney sits down with Jo-Anne to talk travel stories, surfing, starting a small business, and more! Thank you to our Show Sponsor! The Outdoor Recreation Economy Program at CU Boulder - Only completely online program like it in the country and they are now accepting applicants for Fall 2021! Follow Surf Coo Instagram: @surfcoo https://www.surfcoo.com/ Check out who’s hiring on OccupationWild.com

Lhakpa Sherpa is a Nepalese Sherpa mountain climber who holds the Women’s World Record for 9 summits of Mount Everest. She is also the first Nepalese woman to have successfully summited Everest!   A self-proclaimed “wild woman” who broke gender barriers in her own country of Nepal, she currently lives in Connecticut with her daughters and with no climbing sponsors works odd jobs like cleaning dishes to support her mountaineering dreams of climbing Everest for the 10th time and climbing the world’s second tallest mountain K2!  We are linking Lhakpa’s GoFundMe in the show notes below to hopefully help her reach her goal!  Thank you to our Show Sponsor! The Outdoor Recreation Economy Program at CU Boulder - The only completely online program like it in the country and they are now accepting applicants for Fall 2021! Follow Lhakpa Sherpa GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/everest-and-k2-2021?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1 Instagram: @lhakpa_sherpa9 https://cloudscapeclimbing.com/ Buy a sticker to support Lhakpa!  https://www.occupationwild.com/store

Emmeline Wang is a LGBTQIA + Asian American Climber who’s passion for the sport has taken her on some incredible adventures!  Emmeline sits down on The Occupation Wild Podcast to talk about discovering climbing post-college, leaving behind a high paying job in San Francisco, and moving to Utah with her partner to spend more time in the outdoor places they love, diversity in the climbing community, and the work that still has to be done, working with top brands in the industry, and her journey of cultivating her most authentic and adventurous life!  Thank you to our Show Sponsor: The Outdoor Recreation Economy Program at CU Boulder - The only completely online program like it in the country and they are now accepting applicants for Fall 2021! Follow Emmeline Wang IG: @emmelinewang https://www.instagram.com/emmelinewang/ https://emmelinewang.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/emmelinew422 Gear Mentioned in the Episode: https://www.unparallelsports.com/ https://floydsofleadville.com/ https://www.wildcountry.com/

Ashley Manning is a whitewater guide, plus-sized explorer, and body-positive/ fat positive outdoor influencer who is normalizing all body-types in the outdoors!  In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast Ashley and Courtney sit down to talk about Ashley’s career as a whitewater guide, why representation matters, gear, overcoming discrimination in the outdoor industry, and her upcoming Body Positive Backpacking Trip! Body Positive Backpacking Trip: https://thedesertsong.com/expeditions Follow Ashley: IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashleysadventure/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleysadventure_? Gear Discussed in the episode: Granite Gear https://www.granitegear.com/ Klymit https://klymit.com/ Merrell: https://www.merrell.com/ Thermarest: https://www.thermarest.com/ MamaP Get 10% off with the code: wild10 https://mamap.life/ Find your dream job on OccupationWild.com

Ever wonder why conversations about money seem so taboo in the outdoor industry especially?  Or why no one seems to talk about if it’s possible to have financial freedom while working an outdoor or seasonal job?  Well, Outdoor Industry Financial Coach, Rebecca Brooks is changing that narrative with her company R&D Financial Coaching!  A seasoned outdoor professional herself, Rebecca joins us on the podcast to chat all things money and destigmatizes a topic so many of us are scared to jump into!  Follow Rebecca https://www.instagram.com/radcoaches/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-l-brooks/ https://www.radcoaches.com/ Check out who’s hiring on OccupationWild.com MamaP Get 10% off with the code: wild10 https://mamap.life/

Adventure photographer, Dalton Johnson, returns to The Occupation Wild Podcast for a second time after his original episode (Episode 41 - Rewriting the American Dream) has easily become one of our most written and listened-to podcasts!  Almost a year later we dive back into Dalton’s life and successful career, hear tales of living on the road, his personal philosophies on creating purpose and meaning, why losing his identity allowed him to discover himself, and how he went from a college student who would schedule planned time to be spontaneous to turning adventure into his full-time job!     Dalton https://www.daltonjohnsonmedia.com/ https://www.instagram.com/daltonjohnsonmedia/ https://www.daltonjohnsonmedia.com/eye-candy Occupation Wild Check out who’s hiring: https://www.occupationwild.com/ MamaP https://mamap.life/ Get 10% off with the code: wild10

Reposting one of our most popular episodes ever with adventure photographer Dalton Johnson! Dalton Johnson went to college to become a doctor and ended up as a vanlife dwelling adventure photographer!  Spending 200+ nights a year sleeping under the stars, he might just be the poster child for living life beyond 9 to 5!  Working with some of the biggest brands in the outdoor industry, his camera has taken him from remote peaks in the Eastern Sierras to 15-foot swells photographing surfers in the Pacific. It’s more than just photography and adventure for Dalton, his ultimate goal is to rewrite the American Dream by “inspiring others to design their lifestyles through rigorous introspection to consciously consume experiences instead of things.” In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast Courtney and Nick sit down with Dalton to talk about how Conrad Anker’s advice changed his life, finding community while always on the go, turning a passion into a paycheck, Dalton’s favorite places to road trip, and how we can always design a life we want!  Link in bio for ways to listen! Dalton: www.daltonjohnsonmedia.com https://www.instagram.com/daltonjohnsonmedia/ Check out who's hiring: https://www.occupationwild.com/all-jobs Get $50 off your first Outdoorsy rental with the code: occupationwild https://www.outdoorsy.com/rv-search?discount_code=occupationwild&hotid=102af1e316ada22b760f55725f9bb9&offer_id=3&cam=751&subcam=1251&aff_sub=podcast&utm_source=Occupation+Wild&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=hasoffers

Kate “Switch” Hill (she/her) is a queer thru-hiker having completed the Colorado Trail (CT) in 2020, The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2019, and  Nüümü Poyo aka the John Muir Trail (JMT) in 2017!  Her love for running outside lead her to discovering backpacking and after hiking the JMT one summer during college she was hooked!  She spent her final years in school planning and saving so she could set off on the PCT in 2019! In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast Courtney and Kate sat down to talk about all things thru-hiking the PCT!  From navigating the trail as a queer womxn, hiker trash culture, how one gets their trail name, and an in-depth look into completing a 2,653-mile journey by foot! 

A 2021 Outdoor / Seasonal Jobs Q&A where Courtney answers the most common questions we’ve had written in! Can I bring my dog/ are dogs allowed in employee housing? What’s the deal with employee housing? Is it free or do I need to pay? Can couples apply to jobs together? What’s the day in the life like? Why aren’t I getting hired? and many more!  Thank you to our show sponsor Mama P!  Listeners get 10% off with the code: wild10 https://mamap.life/ Check out who’s hiring at: https://www.occupationwild.com/

Zandi Ndhlovu didn’t grow up with a relationship to the ocean, but a trip to Bali when she was 28 changed all of that!  Now known as The Black Mermaid and the first Black African freediving instructor based out of Johannesburg South Africa!  Zandi is a water woman and creative who is changing the narrative about black women and water in a sport that has traditionally not seen much diversity. Her passion and enthusiasm for both inner and outer exploration is transforming lives all around the world! In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast Courtney and Zandi sit down to talk about the magical world just below the surface, free diving, the difference between diversity and inclusion, and why representation matters both in and out of the water! Listen on Apple or Spotify! Follow Zandi https://www.instagram.com/zan_ruffy/ https://www.instagram.com/freedivingza/ Get new jobs sent right to your inbox!  https://www.occupationwild.com/sign-up Get 10% your order with MamaP with the code: wild10  

Mark Tjaden was 21 and passionate about mountain biking and climbing when he took a job as an Outdoor Adventure Specialist at Camp IHC.  23 years later he hasn’t looked back and is now the Assistant Director of Outdoor Leadership and the Facilities Director turning his love for the outdoors into a life-long career!  Currently, hiring Adventure Guides, Ropes Course Facilitators, Mountain Biking Instructors, and Boating Instructors could Camp IHC be your new home for Summer 2021? In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast Courtney and Mark sit down to chat about how whether it’s for a summer or a lifetime working at camp will change you for the better, Mark’s journey from outdoor enthusiast to outdoor professional, working at camp, what his team looks for when hiring, and all things Camp IHC! "Located in the magnificent endless mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, an IHC summer is a premier sleepaway co-ed summer camp that provides a balanced o ering of instruction and participation in outdoor adventure for campers aged 6-16 years old." Work at Camp IHC https://www.occupationwild.com/camp-ihc Check out Camp IHC on Instagram https://instagram.com/thebestsummerjob?igshid=18i9glk8ee7q9 https://instagram.com/camp_ihc?igshid=1ul3tf4sobxhl  Check out Camp IHC!  https://www.campihc.com/  

To kick off the New Year and celebrate a new season of The Occupation Wild Podcast we’re recapping the most popular episodes of 2020!  Love what you’re hearing?  Listen or re-listen to the full episodes to get stoked and inspired! ✈️ Elton Anderson: Episode 37 - The Adventure of Getting There

Jack of all trades adventure man, Chris Whittaker, returns to the Occupation Wild podcast to give an exclusive insight on how he gets paid to travel the world!  If Chris’s name sounds familiar it’s because he was one of The Occupation Wild Podcast’s first guests and you can hear his full-origin story on episode 7!  Coming to us from Tanzania fresh-off an expedition climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro he details his life of adventure and his new course he just launched that teaches you the tips and tricks he’s cultivated after 8 years of getting paid to travel and live a life of adventure!  If 2020 has left you dreaming of travel then this episode is for you!  How to Travel the World and Get Paid Course: https://global-shenanigans.com/digital-courses/ Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/global_shenanigans/ Get 10% off at Mama P with the code: wild10 https://mamap.life/ Occupation Wild: Check out who’s hiring: https://www.occupationwild.com/ Get new jobs sent right to your inbox!: https://www.occupationwild.com/sign-up

Alex Shaner was a 26-year-old Ocean Lifeguard for the city of Carlsbad when he broke his neck in a bodysurfing accident.  Paralyzed from the neck down, Alex was told he would never walk again, the avid surfer and waterman knew that would not be an option.  With what many would say was an impossible goal he returned to swim in the ocean a year later!   His long road to recovery did not stop there, now walking and living independently he’s set his sights on becoming a speaker to not only raise awareness about spinal cord injuries but to also use his voice and experience to inspire others!  One of the most powerful stories we’ve had the privilege to share on The Occupation Wild Podcast and a  true story of determination and how for some the love of the ocean is so strong they’ll fight as hard as they can to find their way back.   Alex Shaner: https://www.instagram.com/brokeneckbruddah/ Get 10% off at Mama P with the code: wild10 https://mamap.life/ Occupation Wild: Check out who’s hiring: https://www.occupationwild.com/ Get new jobs sent right to your inbox!: https://www.occupationwild.com/sign-up

There are 143 Conservation Corps Programs in The Corps Network which employ around 25,000 young adults across America, but most people have no idea these opportunities exist! With projects ranging from trail constructs and invasive species removal in the backcountry to helping out local communities after natural disasters.   We were so lucky that Hannah Traverse, Communications Manager, and Bobby Tillett, Member Services Manager, were able to stop by on the show and give us a better understanding of all things Conservation Corps! From the history and mission of The Corps Network to how they’re safely operating during COVID-19 and their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.  If you’ve ever been interested in working one of the Conservation Corps jobs on Occupation Wild or curious about the career path this well-rounded episode is for you!  Get 10% off at Mama P with the code: wild10 https://mamap.life/ Learn more about The Corps Network: https://corpsnetwork.org/ Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecorpsnetwork/ Check out Conservation Corps jobs on Occupation Wild: https://www.occupationwild.com/conservation-corps-jobs Get new jobs sent right to your inbox!: https://www.occupationwild.com/sign-up

To celebrate all the snow we've been getting in the mountains we're throwing it back to a past episode with professional big mountain freeskier, Lexi duPont!   Lexi duPont sheds light on the world of a female big mountain skiing all while fighting to protect the environment she loves and lives for!  A mover and shaker in the skiing and conservation community Lexi just debuted her first directed film, “Shaped By Descent,” chronically her past 10 years of big mountain skiing in Alaska!  When’s she’s not on the road, Lexi lives in her totally sustainable and off the grid home in Revelstoke, British Columbia! In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast Courtney and Nick sit down with Lexi to discuss big mountain skiing, the future of women in action/ adventure sports, using film as a medium of storytelling, eco-living, and how we can all do our part to protect the earth!

Charlotte Condy was living in LA, deep in the grind working two restaurant industry jobs, but spent her days dreaming of turning her passion for film photography into a career.  When COVID-19 first hit she found herself like so many others out of work and with ample free-time for thought and reflection.  Forever enamored with the idea of a Great American Road Trip she set off to see and document some of the US’s most iconic sights.  From the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park to lobster rolls in Maine, her time on the road gave her the inspiration to leave behind the 9 to 5 and start her photography business!    In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast, Courtney sits down with Charlotte to discuss what really keeps us stuck, adventure as a rite of passage, learning to ask for help, how being on the road can offer clarity, and how former podcast guests Kyle Cassidy (Episode 14) and William Griffin (Episode 35) have helped her on her journey!    Charlotte: http://www.charlottecondy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/charlottecondy_ Occupation Wild: https://www.occupationwild.com/ Get $50 off your first Outdoorsy rental with the code: occupationwild

Sydney Krug was a college student who thought working one summer at Camp Matoaka in Maine would be a fun experience.  Three years later and now a Head Counselor, she credits that experience as one of the best decisions she ever made and now couldn’t imagine doing anything else once summer rolls around!  Not only does Sydney give us an amazing deep dive into the world of summer camp including what it’s like to be a counselor, the day to day of camp life, getting to explore Maine in your off time, and the lifelong friendships you create, Camp Matoaka is an employer on Occupation Wild and they just started their hiring for 2021!  They’re hiring Outdoor Adventure Instructors, Ropes Course Instructors, and Waterfront Instructors!  If this episode has left you inspired be sure to go to www.occupationwild.com/camp-matoaka and Apply Now!  Apply to work at Camp Matoaka: https://www.occupationwild.com/camp-matoaka Camp Matoaka on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campmatoakaest1951/ Sydney Krug https://www.instagram.com/sydneykrugx0/ Search Jobs on Occupation Wild: https://www.occupationwild.com/ Get $50 your first Outdoorsy rental with the code: occupationwild

Shanely and Eric of Pangea Exploration found their dream job operating expedition and research charters throughout the world’s oceans!  They run adventure sailing voyages on the Sea Dragon a  72ft (22m), 90,000lb displacement steel-hulled sailing vessel that has circumnavigated the world twice. With over 220,000 nautical miles between the two of them, they are truly living life beyond 9 to 5 as they embark on various adventures from visiting remote islands in the South Pacific to introducing first-time sailors to the wonders of the ocean!    In this week’s episode Courtney sits down with Shanely and Eric about how they got this dream job, why sailing is the best vehicle to experience travel, the importance of ocean conservation, how plastic is destroying our oceans, what it’s like to spend an extended amount of time at seas, and so much more!   Pangea Exploration: https://www.panexplore.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panexplore/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/panexplore Documentary- Chasing Bubbles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibP5IQxId34&list=PLk0nB03qHnayKPaNaFu523SJZHHsXJNMB Check out who’s hiring on Occupation Wild: OccupationWild.com Get $50 off your first rental with Outdoorsy.com with the code: occupationwild

When we think of #vanlife the first thought that comes to mind probably isn’t the rolling green hill and rugged coastline of Ireland, but Conor Hayes is changing that!  His wildly popular TikTok account @wanderlywagon which depicts his life surfing, exploring, and living the nomadic life in Ireland has amassed quite a passionate following! So passionate in fact he’s created a Patreon and community to help others around the world start their van life journeys!   In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast, Courtney sits down with Conor to talk about all things van life from, buying, converting, and living in your first van, traveling Ireland, why Ireland is a world-class surf destination, and life as a nomad! Conor Hayes IG: https://www.instagram.com/visualjungle/ Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/wanderlywagon TikTok : @wanderlywagon   Check out who’s hiring: www.occupationwild.com   Get $50 off your first Outdoorsy rental with the code: occupationwild

If you’ve been on Occupation Wild before the name Northwest Youth Corps probably sounds familiar!  Serving locations in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho they have become one of the most popular companies on the site.  We were lucky to have Nate Zantizinger, NWYC’s Community Engagement Manager come on as a guest to give us a better understanding of what it’s like to work at the Northwest Youth Corps! Nate always loved the outdoors and took a detour from the traditional route in college which lead him to the Northwest Youth Corps and his passion for conservation work!  Nate walks us through his start in conservation corps work, what to expect in the field, what his team looks for when hiring field crew, and why work for NWYC or any conservation corps is a great place to start your outdoor career!  From getting to work outside every day, sleeping under the stars each night, and lifelong friendships, it's easy to see why so many people are applying to conservation corps jobs!  Nate and Northwest Youth Corps Check out the open positions: https://www.occupationwild.com/northwest-youth-corps https://www.nwyouthcorps.org/m/staff Nate’s email: NateZ@nwyouthcorps.org Occupation Wild Sign up for the weekly new jobs newsletter: https://www.occupationwild.com/sign-up Mentioned in the episode: Free Patagonia Documentary on Public Lands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGjnIG7puzY Get $50 off your first Outdoorsy rental with the code: occupationwild  

Elizabeth Sneed wasn’t born the Curvy Surfer Girl, she grew up far away from the ocean in rural Texas.  After surviving a near-death drowning experience at 14 she spent a large amount of her life terrified of the water, but now she lives in Hawaii, surfs every day, and is on a mission to expand the image of the surfer girl! In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast Courtney sits down with Elizabeth to talk about why body positivity and representation matters in the surf industry, the courage it takes to defy the status quo, Elizabeth’s journey to Hawaii and her journey with surfing, and why no matter who you are everyone belongs in the ocean!   Elizabeth: https://www.instagram.com/curvysurfergirl/ Get $50 off your first Outdoorsy rental with the code: occupationwild Check out who's hiring at OccupationWild.com

In this short Q&A episode, Courtney reads and answers some of Occupation Wild’s most common questions from the past month!  What’s up with employee housing? Can you actually get paid to travel? Are ski resorts opening this year? When will international jobs come back? Can I work at a ski resort if I don’t know how to ski or snowboard? What’s better full-time or seasonal? Any many more! Check out who's hiring: https://www.occupationwild.com/all-jobs Check $50 off your first rental with Outdoorsy with the code: occupationwild  

Ever dreamed of getting paid to spend all day outdoors in one of the world’s most beautiful places?  Then this episode is for you!  We’re back this week with a special How-To episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast focusing on how to become an adventure guide in Alaska with Jason Rush the Director of Operations for Liquid Alaska Tours!  Liquid Alaska Tours is a tour company out of Juneau Alaska that offers glacier, canoe, and adventure tours!  As one of Occupation Wild’s most popular companies on the site, Courtney sits down with Jason to break down what Liquid Alaska looks for when hiring guides, what you can expect day to day, what it’s like living in Alaska, how to find housing, and so much more! Check out Liquid Alaska Tours: https://liquidalaskatours.com/ Check out Occupation Wild: https://www.occupationwild.com/ Get $50 off your first rental with Outdoorsy with the code: occupationwild

Joshua Walker is a travel blogger and the host of the Josh you Trippin: A Black Guy’s Travel Podcast!  Growing up in the South he loved the outdoors and as a self-proclaimed “wide-eyed wandered” he always wanted to travel and see the world! When he first set out on his travel journey the lack of diversity in the outdoor and travel sphere inspired him to start blogging and documenting his travels to encourage other Black and BIPOC folks to feel comfortable and take up space!  In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast, Courtney and Joshua talk crazy travel experiences, Joshua’s budget travel hacks, being Black in the outdoor and travel industry, the history of racism in the outdoors and how that continues today, confronting privilege, and what can be done to make these spaces safer and more welcoming for everyone!   Joshua: Blog Podcast Instagram  Check out who's hiring on Occupation Wild Get $50 off your first Outdoorsy rental with the code: occupationwild    

The son of Filipino immigrants growing up in Seattle, Jay Sueno, was always drawn to the outdoors, but it was discovering surfing at 33 that he credits with really changing his life.  From surfing local breaks to traveling across the world for waves he was disheartened by the trash and plastic pollution he saw when paddling out.   Determined to make a difference he and his co-founder created a compostable bamboo toothbrush that gives back! Asking ”how can we help people do good in the world and feel good?" Mama P goes beyond your normal sustainable brand, they’re rooted in intersectional activism with a team that’s 60% female and 80% POC and supporting causes from saving the ocean LQTBQ rights, saving the bees, mental health, and women’s rights, Mama P is truly an activist brand!  In this episode, Courtney and Jay sit down to chat about conscious entrepreneurship, surfing, and how far the sport has taken Jay, plastic pollution, empowering change by giving back, the circular economy, and how we can all follow our dreams if we find a little courage!  In this episode: Get $50 off your first Outdoorsy Rental  Find your Dream Job at Occupation Wild Mama P – https://mamap.life Blog article on intersectional activism - https://mamap.life/blogs/news/an-invitation-to-a-more-mindful-environmentalism How to recycle the bristles on your brushes with Terracycle - https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/ Book “Grit” - https://angeladuckworth.com/grit-book/ Book “Growth Mindset” - https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=growth+mindset+dweck&qid=1598831261&sr=8-2 Book on learning surf “Kook” - https://www.amazon.com/Kook-Surfing-Taught-Catching-Perfect/dp/0743294203/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=kook+surf+book&qid=1598831326&sr=8-1

Beckie Irvin is the founder and director of Grit Fest,  a 3-day event in Fayetteville, Arkansas, for womxn (cis & trans) and non-binary mountain bikers where regardless of skill level everyone is welcomed and they truly live their motto #AllBikesWelcome.   In this episode of the Occupation Wild Podcast Courtney sits down with Beckie to talk about confronting white privilege and heteronormativity in the outdoors, how Beckie lived out of her jeep to get Grit Fest started, the courage it takes to follow your wildest dreams, and all the lessons she learned along the way!   Grit Fest 2021: The Grit Fest team is working hard to create a digital experience that fulfills the mission of Grit Fest to provide meaningful and educational experiences for cyclists. Follow us on Instagram ( @gritmtbfestival ) and/or sign up for our email list on our website ( www.gritfestival.com) for updates. We've also got new merchandise coming out this year (IT"S SO COOL), and all proceeds go directly towards the 2021 Fest. If you are unable to support us financially, we greatly appreciate folks following and interacting with us on social media! Check out who’s hiring at OccupationWild.com and follow Occupation Wild on Instagram @occupation_wild Get $50 off your first Outdoorsy Rental with the code: occupation wild

Life is always changing and we often find ourselves at a crossroads.  In this week’s episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast ultra-runner Meredith Kaufman talks pushing herself further on the trail and reflects on finding the courage to leave her law career and discover her why.  From embracing the identity as an athlete to using running as a tool to realize that even your wildest dreams are possible, whether you love to run or you're struggling with a big transition in life this episode explores it all!     Beyond her love for the outdoors and ultra-running, Meredith is a very special person for the Occupation Wild brand, she was the friend who called founder and host, Courtney Condy, and convinced her to ditch Coachella and take a trip to Everest Base Camp in 2015.  A trip Courtney credits to changing the trajectory of her life and served as the inspiration to create a job board and community for those who crave adventure and wish to live a life beyond 9 to 5.    Meredith: https://meredithannekaufmanrunning.wordpress.com/   Get $50 off your first rental with Outdoorsy  Find your dream job at OccupationWild.com 

Wondering what it’s like to work at Under Canvas, the nation’s premier glamping company, a company so popular that when we announced their jobs on OccupationWild.com it crashed the site for almost 2 minutes?  Well today, we have the General Manager of Under Canvas Moab, Colton Call, on The Occupation Wild Podcast!  If working outside every day at one of their locations in Moab, Yellowstone, Glacier, Zion, Rushmore, the Smokies or the Grand Canyon sounds like your dream job, then this is the episode for you!  In this episode Courtney sits down with Colton to talk about what you can expect in a typical day working at an Under Canvas camp, what he looks for when hiring applicants, the perks and benefits of working with Under Canvas (here’s a hint National Parks and free housing), and why after 4 seasons he still loves his job!   Apply to work at Under Canvas: https://www.occupationwild.com/under-canvas Get $50 off your first Outdoorsy rental 

Andriana (Andy) Fragola might have one of the coolest jobs on the planet!  She’s a Marine Biologist, Shark Safety Diver with One Ocean Diving, and Founder of Mano Wahine!  Living in Hawaii, she spends her days getting up close and personal sharks!  Unlike a classic “shark dive” there are no cages when Andy and One Ocean take their clients out to see all kinds of marine life, including an occasional Tiger Shark!  In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast Courtney sits down with Andy to take a deep dive into the mysterious and often misunderstood world of sharks, from how Andy got into conservation, why it’s so important to protect sharks and our oceans, the day in the life of a shark safety diver, and separating shark fact from fiction!     Andy: https://www.instagram.com/andriana_marine/ https://www.instagram.com/mano.wahine/  

David Mosse has had an extensive career in the outdoor industry guiding climbing, backpacking, and river trips, but everything really clicked when he found Wilderness and Adventure Therapy.  Witnessing the deep transformations the young adults he worked with had in the backcountry he knew he found his “why.”  Now the Recreation Director at Discovery Ranch for Girls, David lives a life so many dream of, blending his love of the outdoors with a rewarding career that truly changes the lives of others.   In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast we sit down with David to talk about the ins and out of Wilderness and Adventure Therapy, the healing power of nature, learning to meet people where they’re at, and why making an impact is far more important than ever being a millionaire.   

Derek MacDonald is a public speaker, founder of The Expedition Journal, and all-around outdoor enthusiast based out of Jackson, WY.  Derek credits Outdoor Education with saving his life after going on a NOLS program and has gone on to wear many different hats in the Outdoor Industry.   From Trip Leader, Outdoor Marketing Specialist, Snowboard Instructor, and Speaker!  With his public speaking, Derek focuses on the importance of personal leadership and embracing authenticity in yourself and your pursuits.   In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast Courtney and Nick sit down with Derek to talk about mental health in the outdoors, Derek’s own journey with overcoming depression and anxiety, embracing an untraditional life path, share funny stories from working as an outdoor instructor, and hear what it’s like living in a mountain town!   Derek: https://theexpeditionjournal.com https://www.instagram.com/_derekmacdonald https://www.instagram.com/theexpeditionjournal Get $50 off your first booking with Outdoorsy.com with the code: occupationwild

You guys have asked and ASKED, so this week we’re switching gears and releasing a special How To Van Life episode with Occupation Wild’s CoFounder and Cohost, Nick Watts!  Nick has been living out of and building vans for the past 5 years, you might have heard Nick’s South Pacific and Van adventures in episodes 9 and 11, but in this episode, we dive deep into how to actually get started!  From tips on how to buy your first van, red flags to look out for, how to build, the pros and cons of van life, what to do and not do, as well as Nick’s lifestyle hacks for life on the road!  Take a listen and be sure to take some notes because you’ll be searching craigslist after this for your dream van and be ready to take off on an ultimate adventure!   Check out who's hiring on OccupationWild.com  Want to test out Van Life?  Get $50 off your first booking with Outdoorsy with the code: occupationwild

Olivia Deihs is an outdoor industry career coach and founder of Women in Outdoor Work, who in her words is “obsessed with helping burnt out 9-5er’s leave their jobs and create outdoor careers they love.” Olivia started working in the outdoors in conservation with boots on the ground and chainsaw in hand.  As she moved up in her career and started assisting with hiring teams she became fascinated with the process and felt called to help others find rewarding work in the outdoors.  From 1 on 1 coaching to webinars and ebooks, Olivia has been helping countless women find and land their dream career in the outdoor industry!  In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast Courtney and Nick sit down with Olivia to dive deep into landing the outdoor job of your dreams.   From getting clear on your career goals, resume and interview tips, common mistakes to avoid when going through the hiring process, and much more!  If you’ve ever wondered how you were going to actually land that job and finally live #lifebeyond9to5, this episode is for you!  Olivia https://womeninoutdoorwork.com/ Grab her remote work ebooks: https://www.outdoorandtravelwork.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/womeninoutdoorwork/ Get $50 off your first booking on Outdoorsy with the code: occupationwild

Black Lives Matter!  Occupation Wild is not running a full-length episode this week in order to amplify black voices.  Some podcasts we have been listening to that are having important conversations on social justice and racial equity are: .1619 by The New York Times .About Race .Code Switch by NPR .The Diversity Gap .Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast .Pod For The Cause .Pod Save the People We have donated to Black Girls Surf: https://www.gofundme.com/f/blackgirlssurf Other Organizations to Donate to: Grassroots Law Project: https://www.grassrootslaw.org/ Minnesota Freedom Fund: https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/ Unicorn Riot: https://unicornriot.ninja/

Dalton Johnson went to college to become a doctor and ended up as a van life dwelling adventure photographer!  Spending 200+ nights a year sleeping under the stars, he might just be the poster child for living life beyond 9 to 5!  Working with some of the biggest brands in the outdoor industry, his camera has taken him from remote peaks in the Eastern Sierras to 15-foot swells photographing surfers in the Pacific. It’s more than just photography and adventure for Dalton, his ultimate goal is to rewrite the American Dream by “inspiring others to design their lifestyles through rigorous introspection to consciously consume experiences instead of things.” In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast Courtney and Nick sit down with Dalton to talk about how Conrad Anker’s advice changed his life, finding community while always on the go, turning a passion into a paycheck, Dalton’s favorite places to road trip, and how we can always design a life we want! Dalton: www.daltonjohnsonmedia.com https://www.instagram.com/daltonjohnsonmedia/ Get $50 off your first Outdoorsy rental with the code: occupationwild

Stacie Vanags is a surfer, host of The Salted Spirit Podcast, mental health advocate, and ocean protector.   Prior to reluctantly moving LA with her husband in 2012, this midwest native did not have much connection to saltwater.  Looking to experience something different she tried surfing and despite almost dying her first time paddling out, once she caught her first wave she was hooked! Falling deeply in love with surfing and the ocean has inspired everything she has done since.  Serving as the Chapter Chair of Surfrider for 2 years, creating The Salted Spirit Podcast where she facilities conversations with “adventurous waterwomen crushing the female status quo, and living life on their own terms,” to hosting weekly Wellness for Waterwomen events.    In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast Courtney and Nick sit down with Stacie to talk about protecting the places we love, being a late in life surfer, creating community for women in outdoor sports, and the healing power of the ocean!  Find your dream outdoor job at OccupationWild.com  Get $50 off your first rental on Outdoorsy with the code: occupationwild https://www.outdoorsy.com/rv-search?discount_code=occupationwild&hotid=102857a00fae72c28326ce19a6643c&offer_id=3&cam=751&subcam=1251&aff_sub=podcast&utm_source=Occupation+Wild&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=hasoffers  

After five years of living on the road full-time in an RV, the Holcombe family takes van-life to a new level!  Passionate whitewater kayakers and professional photographers their lifestyle and work has taken them to some of the most spectacular places in North America and has allowed them to work with some of the biggest names in the outdoor industry.  Unlike other vanlifers, they have dreams to roam beyond North America, after shipping their 4x4 Winnebago Revel to Europe last year they now have their sights set on an around-the-world, overland adventure!   Peter and Kathy Holcombe sit down with Occupation Wild to talk about balancing life on the road with their teenage daughter and a dog, whitewater kayaking, exploring places via our waterways, and turning your passion into a career!  https://www.instagram.com/peterholcombe/ https://www.famagogo.com/

Chris Burkard is an award-winning photographer, director, speaker, and author.  Well-know for his unique and captivating photography and documentaries of hard to reach places and cold water surfing, his work leaves people inspired to better understand the world around them.    Chris sits down with Occupation Wild to talk about his 10+ years as a creative, traveling as his education after dropping out of college, finding purpose beyond a paycheck, how adventure is STILL out there, and discovering that his voice can be just as powerful as his photography.

Elton Anderson was living a seemingly successful life working in sales when at 27 he picked up a camera and got a passport for the first time.  He quit his job, left to travel the world, became a well-recognized photographer and creator as the founder of Creators of Color and the host of Lens of Culture.  81 countries later Elton reflects on what a life of travel has taught him. In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast Courtney and Nick sit down with Elton to talk about making the leap to live a life you want, the shift from traveling as an influencer to traveling with a purpose, the benefits of daily meditation, Elton’s favorite places in the world, and the power of letting go.

Clara Brown was 12 years old when she was told she might never walk again after sustaining a spinal cord injury at gymnastics practice. Determined not to let that hold her back and after several years of physical rehabilitation, she discovered cycling during her freshman year of college when she got her first modified road bike. Her love for biking led her to working for an active travel company after graduating college and then an invitation to a talent ID camp in Colorado Springs. Now a Pro-Cyclist for the US Paralympics Team she has numerous wins under her belt for her short time as a pro, she’s a 2-time world champion

There are many different types of journeys, the journey to self might be the hardest. William Griffin is a life coach specialized in working with conscious entrepreneurs. Residing full-time in Bali, Indonesia his holistic and real approach to problem-solving and coaching has generated amazing results for his clients. For those stuck at home grappling with the next steps wether in a career change, leaving a toxic relationship, finally turning that dream into a reality, or just cultivating more confidence, this episode is for you! In this week’s episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast, we go deep! Courtney and Nick sit down with William and talk about discovering your true self, the journey of overcoming fear, the power of authenticity, and the Occupation Wild Team get’s transparent on facing their biggest insecurities when it comes to starting a business and podcast. William: https://www.instagram.com/william__griffin https://www.williamgriffin.co.uk

Claire and Filipe, founders of Madre Roca, met guiding in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia. Transfixed by Patagonia’s beauty, but overwhelmed at the mass tourism certain parts of the park received they decided to find a solution and thus founded Madre Roca, a tour and expedition company that has its roots in sustainable and environmentally friendly travel. Claire and Filipe could not fathom flying halfway across the world to wait in a line to take a selfie, their trips are highly personal and remote giving guests a chance to experience the raw and rarely seen side of the park. In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast, Courtney and Nick sit down with Claire and Filipe to talk about the incredible and diverse flora and fauna of the vast Patagonia region, what it’s like starting your own guiding company, the best practices of sustainable travel, and the joy of tailoring custom trips to each guests interests all while protecting this unique place for generations to come! Claire & Felipe www.madreroca.com https://www.instagram.com/madrerocapatagonia/

Erik Cooper signed up for the 2012 Mongol Derby, considered the longest and toughest horse race in the world spanning 600 miles through Mongolia, not knowing that it would change the trajectory of his entire life! It opened his eyes to a new form of travel that was exciting, raw, and at times a little scary. Now an event director for The Adventurists and operating his own adventure company leading trips throughout Mongolia, his multi-day horse or motorcycle expeditions to see the famous Eagle Hunters or Nomadic Reindeer Herders are not for the faint of heart! In this episode of The Occupation Wild Podcast Courtney and Nick sit down with Erik to talk about the price of true freedom, what you do when shit really hits the fan, tales from the Mongol Derby, Erik’s love for the people and culture of Mongolia and taking big risks! #lifebeyond9to5 Erik Cooper: https://www.instagram.com/erikcooperadventurist/ The Mongol Derby: https://www.theadventurists.com/guides/mongol-derby/