Podcasts about Kootenays

Most outdoor founders think raising money means venture capital. Andrew Luter of Rio Chato Investments spends much of his time talking founders out of taking money and, instead, helps them to see what options they have that may be a better fit. He breaks down why most outdoor businesses are the wrong shape for VC, and why using equity to solve a cash-flow problem is like taking out a splinter with a chainsaw. We cover the funding tools founders overlook, the big wholesale orders that can quietly kill small brands, why coachability beats product and pitch, and the "danger zone" where a brand is too big to be small and too small to be big.Topics covered in the episode:When raising equity is the wrong moveThe REI/big-box order as a working-capital trapUnderused funding: PO financing, revenue-based financing, CDFIs, friends and familyWhy coachability beats product and pitchThe "danger zone": too big to be small, too small to be bigCommunity-first brands as the next wave in outdoorLinksAndrew's SubstackRio Chato InvestmentsHeather Kelly's SubstackConnect with Andrew on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedInRegister for the KORE SummitThe KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast  #koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

Dave Lane dropped out of high school at 15 to pursue his obsession with climbing and spent the next decade sewing his own climbing gear in his basement. That obsession became Rock Solid, then Arc'teryx, one of the most globally recognized brands on the planet. But as Dave tells it, none of it was planned. It was a mix of luck, timing, the right people showing up at the right moment, and a dedication to making the best products possible. In this conversation, Dave traces the full arc: the borrowed sewing machines, the kitchen table chalk bags, the partnership with Jeremy Guard, the accidental rebrand, seven years without a holiday, and ultimately walking away from the company he founded.Episode HighlightsThe "pebble in the pond" strategy: nail one product, build distribution, then expand one product at a timeHow a failed climbing gym accidentally formed the partnership between Dave and his co-founderThe crisis that led to Arc'teryx getting its name, and how the logo came to beThe story of how one order doubled their revenueThe importance of design and brand when building a companyWhy naivete is an asset when building a companyLinksApple in China (book)Register for the KORE SummitThe KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast  #koreoutdoors #craftgearfromhere

What This Decision Is Really About If you’ve decided to homeschool in British Columbia, you’ve already made the hard decision. But there’s a second decision waiting right behind it — and it stops a lot of families cold. Registered homeschooling vs online learning in BC — which is right for your family? After two decades of homeschooling in BC and six years of coaching families through this exact moment, here’s what I know: this decision isn’t actually about finding the right school or the right system. It’s about who you are as a family. It’s about the values you’re being called toward in this season of your life, the child standing right in front of you, and how much ownership you’re ready to take over the education you’ve already decided to give them. The government language matters — and I’ll give it to you plainly. The practical differences between the two paths matter — and I’ll walk you through them clearly. But neither one will tell you what you actually need to know. Only you can determine that. And the good news is, you already know more than you think you do. This post will help you hear it. If you’re still deciding whether to homeschool at all, start here first: Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide What the BC Government Says About Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning in BC In British Columbia, the government draws a firm line between these two options — and it matters that you understand it. If you enroll in online learning, you are not considered a homeschooler by the BC government. You are an online learner. Your child’s education is authorized by the Ministry of Education, delivered through an online school, and overseen by an assigned teacher or learning consultant. You follow BC curriculum as defined by the online school, work toward learning outcomes, and may have report cards, check-ins, and grade-level expectations depending on which school you choose. If you register as a homeschooler under Section 12/13 of the BC School Act, you are fully responsible for your child’s education. No required curriculum. No mandatory testing. And no Dogwood diploma is received upon high school completion. You register by September 30th — or any time you pull your child from school — with a public or independent school of your choice. And that’s essentially it. The government steps back entirely. One path keeps the government close. The other lets you close the door. (Having said that, there may be reasons you choose to travel one path versus another. I address those reasons in the upcoming BC Homeschool Clarity Session.) Get your free 1st Year Confident Homeschool Roadmap What Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning in BC Actually Looks Like Day to Day Here’s where the registered homeschooling vs online learning in BC decision gets practical. Online learning gives you structure, a built-in support person, and in some cases funding. If you’re someone who wants a framework to lean on — especially in year one — that might be genuinely useful. The variation between online schools is significant, though. Some are flexible and relationship-based. Others feel much closer to a traditional school environment. Research the specific school, not just the category. Registered homeschooling gives you a lot of freedom. You choose the curriculum or resources, the pace, the philosophy, and the schedule. Nobody is checking in. Nobody is assigning grades. You are the architect. That’s exhilarating for some families and terrifying for others, and both responses are completely reasonable. What I’ve noticed across two decades is this: most families start more structured than they’ll eventually be. The families who begin with online learning often find, a few years in, that the structure sometimes becomes constraining rather than supportive. (But not always). And the families who begin with registered homeschooling often spend year one to four recreating school at home before they relax into something that actually fits. Both are normal. Both are part of the process. Neither choice need be permanent. My Registered Homeschooling Story in BC — The White Couch Moment When I started homeschooling, I had a vision. Three little girls in white dresses, slamming screen doors, running in from the garden, reading Anne of Green Gables on a white Ikea couch while we sipped afternoon tea. You know — utopia. The white couch lasted about a season. (A white couch in any family home is always an unwise choice.) But let me back up, because the vision didn’t start with a couch. It started with a book. We were living in Alberta at the time. My two oldest girls were in private school. I had no particular complaints — I genuinely loved my daughter’s kindergarten teacher — but something was quietly unsettled in me. I picked up a book called The Homeschool Option: How Do I Know If It’s Right for Me? and something shifted. Within the week, we decided to homeschool our family. She was naming things I didn’t know I was already thinking. What I was really looking for was freedom from other people’s goals and expectations for my family. A customized education for each of my kids — one that would let them walk in their own path, aligned with who they actually were. Not a standardized path. Not someone else’s vision of what their lives should look like. Ours. At almost exactly the same time, my husband was wrestling with his own version of that same question — about his life, his work, his sense of ownership and intention. Both of us, in the same week, arriving at the same place from different directions. That convergence felt like something worth listening to. So before we even moved to the interior of BC, I had already decided. I registered our oldest two — the ones who were school age at the time — as homeschoolers. We landed in BC already committed to the registered path, already clear that we weren’t interested in someone else’s curriculum or someone else’s timeline or someone else’s definition of what an educated child looked like. That clarity served us. But it didn’t protect us from the learning curve. My family shifted from structured homeschooling to unschooling to eclectic homeschooling over our first few years. I registered as a homeschooler and never looked back — but what that looked like changed constantly. Two of my daughters eventually entered public high school for grade 10, with no testing required and no difficulty adjusting. Another graduated without a Dogwood and went straight into college. The decision I made at the beginning — registered homeschooling, full stop — stayed constant. But everything inside that decision evolved as my kids grew and as I grew. That’s what I want you to hear: the path you choose today is not your forever answer. It’s your next right step. And if you choose it purposefully — because it fits who your family actually is, not because you stumbled into it or someone scared you into it — you’ll have something solid to stand on when it gets hard. And it will get hard. That’s not a warning. That’s just the truth of any meaningful thing. “The path you choose today is not your forever answer. It’s your next right step.” The Path You Choose Today Is Not Your Forever Answer If anything in that story resonates — the quiet unsettledness, the search for something that fits your family rather than someone else’s template, the desire to lead your own life on your own terms — you’re already thinking the right thoughts. You just might need a conversation to help you hear them clearly. That’s exactly what the BC Homeschool Clarity Session is for. A small group, a Friday afternoon, and a mom-to-mom conversation with someone who gets it. Choosing Between Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning in BC — Who Are You as a Family? This is the framework I use with every family I coach through this decision — and it matters more than any comparison chart. Are you moving toward something, or away from something? Both are valid starting points. But knowing which one you are helps you stay grounded when it gets hard. Families who are running toward freedom, connection, and a different pace of life tend to settle into homeschooling more naturally. Families who are primarily running away from a bad school situation sometimes find that the relief wears off and the uncertainty rushes in. Neither is fatal — but it’s worth knowing. How comfortable are you being the primary architect of your child’s education? Not forever — just right now. If the answer is “not very,” online learning gives you a scaffold to lean on while you build confidence. If the answer is “I’d love that,” registered homeschooling gives you the room to do it. Does your child need a transcript, credits, or a Dogwood? If your child is heading into high school with university or trades in mind, this plays into this discussion too. Online learning makes that path more straightforward. Registered homeschoolers can absolutely pursue post-secondary — my own kids did — but it requires more intentional planning. A note here: if your child is nowhere near high school, take this particular concern off your plate entirely. You have plenty of time to get to know your kid, plenty of time to help them find their direction, and plenty of time to figure out the transcript question when it’s actually relevant. Don’t let a high school concern drive a decision you’re making for a seven-year-old or even your eleven-year-old. What is the emotional atmosphere in your home? This is the question most families have never been asked. Not “is your home perfect” — none of ours are — but are you willing to look at it honestly and tend to it? Homeschooling magnifies whatever is already present in your family dynamics. The families who thrive are the ones who are willing to pay attention to this. Do you genuinely enjoy spending time with your kids? Even imperfectly. Even on hard days. This isn’t a trick question — it’s the most honest predictor of whether this lifestyle will be sustainable for you. These aren’t abstract questions. They’re the ones that actually shift something when you sit with them honestly. Here’s what one BC homeschool mom said after working through exactly this kind of conversation: The One Thing I Know for Certain About Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning in BC The families who thrive in homeschooling — regardless of which side of the registered homeschooling vs online learning in BC decision they land on — are the ones doing it purposefully. Not reactively. Not because someone scared them into it or shamed them out of conventional school. But because they looked at the child in front of them, asked honest questions, and made a decision that fit their actual family. That’s what this decision is really about. Ready to Stop Researching and Start Deciding? Here’s what I know after two decades of homeschooling and six years of coaching: every parent has one singular goal — to raise up their particular child for their particular purpose in life. You care the most about your child. You see your child most clearly. And you are the most invested person in the room, and you always will be. You also carry a set of values that are uniquely yours — a sense of what you’re being called toward right now, in this season of your family’s life. Whether registered homeschooling or a specific online school aligns with those values is something only you can determine. Every online school has its own culture, its own intentions, its own feel. Every family does too—the fit matters. Why This Conversation Is Different from Any Facebook Thread I have no skin in the game when it comes to your choice. I’m not here to talk you into a particular path. My only intention is to help you find your own clarity — because you already know your family better than anyone. Sometimes you need the right conversation to hear what you already know. That’s what the session is for. Every two to three weeks, I open a Friday afternoon for a small group of BC families at exactly this crossroads. Six to eight families. One hour. Real conversation with someone who has been doing this in BC for two decades. There are plenty of homeschool parents who could have this chat with you. What’s different is this: for the last six years, I’ve been working as a certified life coach, specifically with homeschool families — coaching and walking alongside women through every family dynamic imaginable inside the four walls of a home. I’ve been supporting women to untangle the overwhelm and find their footing, to stop second-guessing themselves and start leading their families with intention, to navigate the hard relational dynamics that homeschooling surfaces — the conflict, the burnout, the loneliness, the self-doubt — and come out the other side clearer and more confident than when they started. A graduated homeschool parent can tell you what worked for their family. I can help you figure out what will work for yours. You don’t have to spend hours down a rabbit hole of Facebook threads and government websites to get clarity. Not ready for that yet? Start here — grab your free Confident Homeschool Roadmap and keep it close for your first year. The BC Homeschool Clarity Session — $35 CAD → Register for the BC Homeschool Clarity Session — $35 CAD → (function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){ var c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return "number"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);} f.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i); var _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()/1000000)); _.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https://static.mailerlite.com/js/universal.js', 'ml'); var ml_account = ml('accounts', '1815912', 'p9n9c0c7s5', 'load'); Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning in BC Can I switch from online learning to registered homeschooling in BC? Yes. Neither decision is permanent. Families switch between the two paths regularly as their needs change. You can register as a homeschooler at any point in the school year. Do registered homeschoolers in BC get funding? Not typically. Registered homeschoolers under Section 12/13 of the BC School Act do not receive government funding. Online learners may have access to funding depending on the school — verify directly with the school you’re considering as amounts and eligibility change. Does a registered homeschooler in BC need to follow the BC curriculum? No. Registered homeschoolers are not required to follow the BC curriculum, complete mandatory testing, or work toward a Dogwood diploma. You are required to provide an educational program that enables your child to become literate and develop their individual potential contributing to their greater world. Can a registered homeschooler in BC enter public school? Yes — at any time, with no testing or pre-admission requirements. What is the deadline to register as a homeschooler in BC? September 30th if you know ahead of time. However, you can pull your child from school and register at any point throughout the year. Is there a homeschool life coach in BC who works specifically with homeschool families? Yes. Teresa Wiedrick is a certified life coach and homeschool mentor based in the Kootenays, BC. She homeschooled in BC for nearly two decades and has been coaching homeschool families for six years. She works with BC families navigating the registered homeschooling vs online learning decision and supports homeschool moms through their first year and beyond. You can learn more about her here. How do I start homeschooling in BC? Starting homeschooling in BC begins with one decision: registered homeschooling or online learning. Once you’re clear on that, the practical steps follow quickly. For a full walkthrough of how to get started — including the legalities, what to expect in your first year, and how to build confidence before you begin — read Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide. What do I need to know before I start homeschooling in BC? Before you start homeschooling in BC, it helps to understand the two paths available to you — registered homeschooling and online learning — and what each one actually requires of you. It also helps to know that most families start more structured than they’ll eventually be, that the decision isn’t permanent, and that you are more ready than you think. For a deeper look at what to expect, visit Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide Ready for a more personalized conversation? The Aligned Homeschool Reset Session is a free 30-minute call where we look at what’s actually going on in your homeschool — not just the surface stuff, but the real things underneath that keep you second-guessing yourself. → Book Your Free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session I help homeschool moms release pressure, edit expectations, and make small, intentional shifts that lead to a more confident and connected homeschool life. Book a Free Aligned Homeschool Reset Latest episodes Crush 1st-Year Homeschool Frustrations and Plan a Smooth Year 2 May 30, 2026 Encouragement for Homeschool Moms in the 1st Year May 30, 2026 Transitioning into Homeschool High School: What We're Really Talking About May 26, 2026 Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning BC: What Really Matters May 19, 2026 Homeschool Year End Review: Celebrating your Success & Growth May 12, 2026 When You Buy New Homeschool Curriculum: 5 Clever Suggestions May 6, 2026 The Truth About Homeschooling the “Right Way” — But What Works May 5, 2026 9 Steps to Thrive: Confident Homeschool Mom in Year 1 April 28, 2026 What If Your Unrealistic Expectations Are Actually Your Greatest Asset? April 21, 2026 Overcome Imposter Syndrome: How to Build Confidence as a Homeschool Mom April 14, 2026 How to Get Started Homeschooling in 2026 April 11, 2026 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) April 9, 2026 How to Make Confident Homeschool Decisions (Without Seeking Permission) April 7, 2026 How to Homeschool When Everyone Has ADHD (And You’re Exhausted) March 31, 2026 Exhausted Homeschool Mom? 8 Things That Will Give You Hope March 24, 2026 Stop Second-Guessing as a Homeschool Mom (& Use Your Magic) March 17, 2026 “You’re Not Falling Apart. You’re in the Winter Homeschool Slump.” March 10, 2026 The Lies Homeschool Moms Believe That Makes Everything Harder March 2, 2026 You’re Not Failing. You’re Caught In An Inner Critic Loop. Here’s How to Get Out February 24, 2026 How to Stop People-Pleasing as a Homeschool Mom (One Mom’s Story) February 17, 2026 How to Stop the Inner Critic as a Homeschool Mom: The Charmed Life I Was Chasing (& the Pattern I Didn’t Know I Was Living) February 10, 2026 The Most Important Way to Take Care of Yourself as an Overwhelmed Homeschool Mom February 2, 2026 How to Do Kindergarten in Your Homeschool: A Fun & Effective Guide January 29, 2026 The Real Reason You’re Overwhelmed (It’s Not the Curriculum) January 26, 2026 Unexpected Feelings When Your Homeschooler Gets Accepted to University January 22, 2026 How to Stop Being a Hostage to Homeschool Pressure (& What to Do Instead) January 19, 2026 The Truth About Finding Your Homeschool Rhythm January 13, 2026 The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I've Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Teaching World War to a Homeschooled Eight Year Old November 10, 2025 Reimagine Your Homeschool: Feel Free, Inspire Curiosity and Do What Works November 5, 2025 the role of imagination in a home education November 4, 2025 Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: A Practical Guide for Homeschool Moms October 28, 2025 How to Set Realistic High School Expectations? Learn Human Development October 20, 2025 How to Build Homeschool Routines that Support YOU October 14, 2025 Why Deschooling? To Feel Confident, Certain & Good Enough October 7, 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Building Boundaries and Healthy Relationships for Homeschool Moms September 23, 2025 Ultimate Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz That Reveals Your Hidden Stress Triggers in 5 Minutes September 15, 2025 Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide September 9, 2025 How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You September 2, 2025 Interest-Led Homeschool for Confident Moms: An Enneagram 8 Mom's Story of Growth August 28, 2025 How Do I Unschool My Child? 5 Simple Steps to Set Them Free August 19, 2025 Top Tips for New Homeschool Moms in Season 3 August 11, 2025 5 Challenges Working Homeschool Moms Face—And How to Overcome Them August 5, 2025 Reclaim You: Rediscover Life Beyond the Homeschool Mom Role July 22, 2025 Subscribe to the Homeschool Mama Self-Care podcast YouTube Apple Audible Spotify Originally published March 3, 2022 · Updated May 18, 2026 Call to Adventure by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3470-call-to-adventureLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (function(m,a,i,l,e,r){ m['MailerLiteObject']=e;function f(){ var c={ a:arguments,q:[]};var r=this.push(c);return "number"!=typeof r?r:f.bind(c.q);} f.q=f.q||[];m[e]=m[e]||f.bind(f.q);m[e].q=m[e].q||f.q;r=a.createElement(i); var _=a.getElementsByTagName(i)[0];r.async=1;r.src=l+'?v'+(~~(new Date().getTime()/1000000)); _.parentNode.insertBefore(r,_);})(window, document, 'script', 'https://static.mailerlite.com/js/universal.js', 'ml'); var ml_account = ml('accounts', '1815912', 'p9n9c0c7s5', 'load');

Jensen Cipriano Brehm is the co-founder of Ombraz Sunglasses — the armless, cord-based eyewear brand that started with a broken pair on a camel safari in India and turned into one of the more distinctive product stories in the outdoor industry. In this conversation, Jensen walks through the founding journey, how Ombraz found their first customers in the ultralight backpacking and bikepacking worlds, their approach to building in-house content and media, raising a small round of funding while retaining equity, and how he and co-founder Nikolai run the whole operation remotely.TopicsOrigin story: broken sunglasses on a camel safari in India, four years of wearing a MacGyver'd pair, then building the companyFinding initial traction in ultralight backpacking and then exploding into bikepackingKeeping all content creation in-house — why agencies produce soulless, interchangeable outdoor contentRaising a Series A in 2020 — retaining equity while gaining runway for inventory and hiringDelegating early: 3PL, customer service, and letting go of egoOmbraz's 9 core brand pillars as a decision-making filterCo-founder dynamics with Nikolai — complementary skill sets, business coaching, and the Positive Intelligence frameworkRunning the business fully remote via Slack and monday.comDefining success as low stress, staying creative, and having funLinksOmbraz websiteSarah Swallow on InstagramRonnie Romance on InstagramGOSO CookwarePositive Intelligence by Shirzad ChamineFor more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Bikepacking is active transportation at its most adventurous, and it's far more accessible than it looks from the outside. The real magic, as today's guest explains, is how quickly it becomes doable once you understand the basics.We sit down with Moe Nadeau, Nelson, BC route builder and newest member of the BC Cycling Coalition board. Her work has helped make the West Kootenays one of bikepacking.com's featured route network hubs in North America, helping put BC's active transportation scene on the global map. Moe shares the story behind the West Kootenay Bikepacking Route Network —  five routes designed to be accessible to everyday cyclists, not just hardcore adventurers — and what it actually takes to build a route from scratch. Along the way, she shares stories from riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from Banff to Mexico, plus what long-distance bike travel teaches you about planning, patience, and self-reliance.Moe also explains why she founded Building Momentum Bikepacking to support women and non-binary riders with skills workshops covering route planning, on-trail mechanics, bike fitting, pelvic health, and period care, lowering the barriers so more people can access cycling as both recreation and travel.We also talk honestly about e-bikes in the backcountry (charging and weight trade-offs), and how welcoming all kinds of riders helps diversify the whole cycling community.Whether you're an experienced bikepacker or just getting started with active transportation in BC, this episode will have you eyeing the West Kootenays for your next adventure.Support the show***********************************************The Bike Sense podcast with Peter Ladner is produced by the BC Cycling Coalition – your voice for safer and more accessible cycling and active transportation in British Columbia. Membership in the BCCC is now FREE! The future of this podcast depends on people like you becoming members at  BCCycling.ca. Please join us.Got feedback or ideas for future episodes? Please drop us an email at admin@bccycling.ca.Bike Sense podcast technical direction and production by Carmen Mills.

Matt and Mattie Sims are the co-founders of Courier Socks, a performance sock brand built for the Renaissance athlete — the person who isn't limited to just one sport. In this episode, we get into how a snapped achilles and a $10 sock sparked a product thesis, how five co-founders from world-class brands assembled into something that felt inevitable, and what it really looks like to build a bootstrapped brand without quitting your day job, without outside funding, and with a toddler in the mix.Topics covered:Building with five co-founders — why more wasn't messier, it was essentialThe Renaissance athlete — Courier's positioning and who they're actually building forThe sock category opportunity — why performance socks have been left behind relative to footwearBootstrapped growth and marketing — what's worked, what hasn't, and the myth of the breakthrough momentLessons from Lululemon — what they carried out and what they left behindLinks:Get 15% off your Courier Socks order by using this link. Or use code KORE15 at checkoutCourier's websiteCourier on InstagramBDBC Public RelationsThe Running Event / Switchback tradeshowTiny Experiments - book by Anne-Laure Le CunffFor more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Back on the Bus is back for a new season, and in this catch-up episode Svein and Randy settle back in like no time has passed. They talk about the realities of carving out time for life, training, and podcasting, with Randy sharing what the first eight months of fatherhood have been like and how quickly everything changes when you have a kid in the house.From there, the conversation rolls into the familiar territory that always pulls them back together: bikes, fitness, adventure, and racing. Randy talks about rediscovering some motivation through consistency and a new road bike with a power meter, while Svein reflects on why chasing fitness later in life is less about numbers and more about holding on to that feeling of being capable, strong, and ready for anything.Svein also shares stories from a huge ski mountaineering trip deep in the Monashees, where long glacier days, helicopter access, basecamp life, and big mountain terrain made for one of the standout adventures of the winter. Then the two dive into the spring Classics, unpacking Milan-San Remo, Flanders, Roubaix, Pogacar's remarkable run, the value of great teammates, and why racing looks very different when you've actually lived it from inside the bunch.They also look ahead to what's coming next, including Svein's new Jumbo Wild 600 bikepacking event in the Kootenays, the storytelling focus behind his FKT Challenges project, and a new podcast idea, The Long Game Project, built around staying fit, curious, and fully engaged as the years roll on.It's part race talk, part life update, part adventure story, and exactly the kind of conversation that makes Back on the Bus what it is.

Chris Schabow didn't plan to run a manufacturing company — he was a nonprofit fundraiser with a sewing machine from Goodwill and a side hustle making backpacking gear. A chance conversation revealed that Enlightened Equipment, the brand he'd been reverse-engineering for years, was operating out of a hole-in-the-wall shop in his own town. What followed was a cold letter, a ghosted coffee meeting, and a leap of faith that cost him his salary, his benefits, and almost his financial stability. Nine years later, he's CEO. This is the story of how you build your way to the top — one baffle at a time.Highlights from the episodeHow a nonprofit fundraiser with a $18 Goodwill sewing machine stumbled into a career at the brand he'd been reverse-engineering from the internetFrom leaf blowers in the attic to commercial stuffing machines: how Enlightened Equipment rebuilt its production floor around technology instead of headcountWhy going overseas was the only math that worked — and how the brand navigated the ultralight community's backlashThe "stuff on demand" shell model that saved the company during COVID and became the foundation of how they operate todayWhat it actually looks like to lead a team you once punched a clock alongside — and why starting at the bottom made Chris a better CEO than any outside hire could have beenLinks Enlightened EquipmentPrairie Dog ShovelsE Clean (down restoration service)Garage Grown GearRipstop by the RollThru-HikerBackpacking LightFor more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia. 

Jonathan Audet and his two co-founders set out to build better skis. What they built instead may change entire industries. In this episode, Jonathan shares the story behind Ferreol Skis — a Quebec-based brand combining sustainability, in-house engineering, and a fierce love of skiing into one of Canada's fastest-growing ski companies. We also dig into Ferreol Technologies and the aluminum alloy they developed that the industry is calling the strongest in the world. From backyard experiments to Canadian military contracts to the French market, this is a masterclass in founder obsession and engineering-driven brand building.A few of the topics covered in this episode:From backyard experiments to the largest Canadian ski brandBuilding a sustainability-first ski company without sacrificing performanceThe world's strongest aluminum — developed for skis, destined for spaceGrowing internationally: How to use government resources to enter new marketsHiring intrapreneurs and the founder's guide to staying coachableLinksFerreol SkisWatch Jonathan & his co-founders' appearance on Dragon's DenFor more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Imagine a conservation portfolio the size of 180 Stanley Parks, and then imagine being the person tasked with growing it. The Nature Trust of British Columbia is at a critical crossroads, moving from government-heavy funding to a future driven by private philanthropic vision. To lead this evolution, they are searching for a Director of Development, Marketing, and Communications, a role designed for a leader who wants to deliver results that can be seen, felt, and protected for generations.Join CEO Dr. Jasper Lament as he discusses the urgency of the biodiversity crisis and the “conservation toolbox” that makes the Trust unique. From the Salish Sea to the Kootenays, discover how this organization is using data-driven science to pick the “best of the best” lands and why they need a sophisticated communicator to bridge the gap between ecological need and donor passion.Ready to leave a legacy that truly lasts forever? Tune in for an inside look at this rare leadership opening, hosted by Christoph Clodius of The Discovery Group, and find out if you have the vision to help protect the nature of BC before it's too late.

Dario Phillips, co-founder of Slowtide, built the surf industry's most recognizable beach towel brands by betting on a single product category and surrounding it with authentic art, meaningful collaborations, and a clear brand identity. In this conversation, Dario traces the full founder arc — from marketing director at Quiksilver to rolling the dice on 800 towels in a Venice Beach garage. He talks about the realities of licensing deals, co-founding remotely across two islands, and why a decade of building has taught him to trust his team's instincts over outside hires. He also shares how Slowtide is expanding beyond towels into outerwear and new product categories, while staying grounded in the values that started it all.A few of the topics from the conversation:Leaving Corporate Board Sports to Co-Found SlowtideThe Case for Category-Specific BrandsLicensing as a Growth StrategyCo-Founding Across Time Zones and IslandsFounder Confidence Over Outside HiresSustainable Growth and Giving BackLinks:SlowtideSlowtide's Custom ProductsSlowtide x New Balance Connect with Christian on LinkedInThe KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Ted's story begins in Trail — steel town grit, river valley air, small-town backbone.Raised in the Kootenays, Ted carried that work ethic west to Vancouver, graduating from UBC, and deciding school wasn't for him, he worked as a doorman and later as an arborist. Hard jobs. Outside jobs. Jobs that keep a man moving.He found the love of his life in his late 30s. That's important. Some men rush it. Ted didn't. When he found her, he went all in.And then came the dogs.Not casual pet ownership. Obsession. Bird dogs. Trialing dogs. Training days that turned into full seasons. Upland fields, early frost, heart pounding at the flush. Life was busy. Full. Loud in the best way.Somewhere in there, fly fishing grabbed him. And when it did, it didn't let go.Ted started spending every spare minute around the lakes near Kamloops — stillwater country. Long casts. Chironomids. Watching the wind ripple across glassy mornings.The best advice he ever received?“If you can't cast further, move your boat.”Simple. Tactical. But also philosophical.When the distance won't close — adjust your position.The Move That Changed EverythingAfter retirement, Ted and his wife moved to Alberta to be closer to their daughter. A hopeful move. A family move.Shortly after arriving, his wife was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.Life stopped.For four years, Ted drove her to chemo. Sat in hospital rooms. Lived in waiting areas. The river disappeared. The dogs went quiet. The boat stayed parked.Everything paused.After she passed, the house felt different. The days stretched longer.And then something shifted.Ted found a group of men. Found community again. And he found the river.Standing in current on the Bow River, something came back online. Not instantly. Not dramatically. But steadily.The Bow gave him rhythm again. Walking local streams gave him breath again.Fly fishing didn't erase grief. It gave it somewhere to go.What Ted Believes NowAt 74, Ted doesn't sugarcoat it.Life is not guaranteed.His advice is direct:“Don't wait. If you can retire — retire. Go live your life.”Not reckless. Not impulsive.Intentional.Move the boat.If something isn't working — change position. Change perspective. Change seasons. But don't sit still waiting for perfect conditions.Because perfect conditions don't exist.This episode isn't about tragedy.It's about a man who loved deeply. Worked hard. Lost greatly. And walked back into the river anyway.And that's the kind of story that matters. 

Episode 164 with Katie Ford Artist Sculpture from Salt Spring Island.This week I sit down with Katie Ford to talk about her path in metal work. With a strong path into metal art this lady is producing some highly recognized pieces. She has worked with some amazing artists in her area as well as going to the artist program at the Kootenays college in Nelson BC. We get to hear about her current work with Jeri at Thistle Rock Forge and their joint venture with Finnback Forge where they are making forged cutlery.

David Kenworthy (MMGY Origin) and Michael Ruckert (Centium AI) break down what outdoor industry founders and marketers need to know about AI visibility. Learn how AI models train on internet content, why there's often a gap between how brands see themselves and how AI describes them, and what AEO (AI Engine Optimization) means for your business. From understanding tokenization to exploring vibe coding opportunities for startups, this conversation delivers actionable insights on positioning your brand in the AI era. Episode HighlightsHow AI Models Train: Understanding tokenization, word associations, and how AI predicts brand recommendations by indexing internet content to form probability-based responsesThe Brand Perception Gap: Why there's often a disconnect between how outdoor brands market themselves and how AI actually describes them to consumersCentium AI Platform & AEO Strategy: What AI Engine Optimization means, how to measure brand visibility across multiple LLMs, and where AI sources content about your productsLinksCentium.aiMMGY OriginSuperhuman.ai NewlsetterConnect with David on LinkedInConnect with Michael on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedInFor more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, host Megan Cole revisits Iona Whishaw's first conversation on Writing the Coast. Iona is the author of A Lethal Lesson. A Lethal Lesson was a finalist for the 2022 Bill Duthie Booksellers' Choice Award. In their conversation Iona talks about the real life person who inspired her character Lane Winslow. She also talks about how the Kootenays became the setting for her murder mystery series. ABOUT IONA WHISHAW: Iona Whishaw is a former educator and social worker whose mother and grandfather were both spies during their respective wars. She is the award-winning author of the Globe and Mail bestselling Lane Winslow Mystery series. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband. ABOUT MEGAN COLE: Megan Cole is the BC and Yukon Book Prizes Executive Director. She is also a writer based on the territory of the Tla'amin Nation. Megan writes creative nonfiction and has had essays published in Chatelaine, This Magazine, The Puritan, Untethered, and more. She has her MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of King's College and is working her first book. Find out more about Megan at megancolewriter.com ABOUT THE PODCAST: Writing the Coast is recorded and produced on the traditional territory of the Tla'amin Nation. As a settler on these lands, Megan Cole finds opportunities to learn and listen to the stories from those whose land was stolen. Writing the Coast is a recorded series of conversations, readings, and insights into the work of the writers, illustrators, and creators whose books are nominated for the annual BC and Yukon Book Prizes. We'll also check in on people in the writing community who are supporting books, writers and readers every day. The podcast is produced and hosted by Megan Cole.

Tina Thompson grew Seniq's Instagram following from 10K to 42K in just one year - including 14K new followers in 30 days. In this conversation, she breaks down the exact playbook that transformed Instagram from a content channel into a revenue generator. Tina shares how she reduced her time commitment from 20 hours to just 5 hours per week while accelerating growth, the specific content strategies that unlocked hockey stick growth during the launch of their ski apparel, and how she uses trial reels and AB testing to optimize performance. This is the tactical Instagram masterclass every outdoor brand founder needs.Show HighlightsThis episode is a deeper-dive into the tactics that Tina laid out in her Substack post about Seniq's Instagram strategy. Here are the main topics Tina lays out in her post that we dive into in this episode:Be yourselfMost strategy is uselessConsistency is everythingDon't reinvent the wheelFun is keyUnlock & RepeatPinning worksGiveaways are a mustShow the productLo-fi > Hi-resThe best launches have a formulaA/B testing reels drives quick resultsLinks Tina's SubstackSeniq on InstagramTina on InstagramMallory Ottariano / Youer on InstagramBehind The Diary YouTube channelTiny Experiments bookThe KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcastThe KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

The BC Conservative leadership race is really heating up. Kootenays businessman Warren Hamm has announced he is throwing his hat into the ring. Pierre Poilievre went on the Straight Up podcast to dicuss the ongoing situation in Venezuela. Some people are disputing Premier David Eby's rhetoric about potentially building an oil refinery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thor Tingey, CEO of Alpacka Raft, discusses what it takes to establish a new category in the outdoor industry and to build an independent, family-owned company. Twenty-five years after pioneering modern packrafting, Thor shares hard-won wisdom about balancing innovation with customer feedback, navigating explosive COVID-era growth, and why maintaining in-house production is critical to his long-term strategy. Thor explains how thoughtful, sustained growth and deep customer relationships define market leadership in the outdoor industry.Episode HighlightsDomestic manufacturing philosophy: Why in-house USA production preserves critical manufacturing knowledge that offshore production erodes.Establishing a new sport: The unique challenges and responsibilities of pioneering packrafting as a recreational activity and building a market category from scratch over 25 years.Customer-driven success metrics: Defining business achievement through authentic superfan stories rather than revenue numbers—when customers evangelize your brand unprompted, you've wonInnovation vs. feedback balance: Weighing when to push design boundaries versus listening to what experienced customers actually need in the fieldMarket leadership responsibility: Grappling with the ethical dimensions of being the category creator—from social media restraint to thoughtful product positioningLinks:KORE OutdoorsAlpacka RaftsSheri - a documentary about Thor's mom who was Alpacka's original founder & CEOAbundance - book Thor mentionsFor more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

Sam Digiambattista was shopping for a ski jacket when he discovered that Gore-Tex—the gold standard in outdoor fabrics for 50 years—is made with PFAS, harmful forever chemicals. Rather than accepting the status quo, the then-teenager decided to do something about it. In the two years since, Sam has developed his own PFAS-free waterproof breathable fabric and launched Indersity, a technical outerwear brand committed to environmental responsibility without sacrificing performance. At just 19 years old, Sam demonstrates remarkable conviction and values-driven leadership that makes you believe sustainable innovation is possible in the outdoor industry.Topics Covered:Why this teenager rejected the fabric standardFrom zero knowledge to proprietary fabric in two yearsSpeed wins: Building a technical brand without waiting for permissionTaking on investors to capitalize on an opportunityGetting athletes on board earlyStaying hands-on while growingLinks:IndersityKORE podcast episode with Alex LauverKORE podcast episode with Casey ShawFor more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

WhoDeb Hatley, Owner of Hatley Pointe, North CarolinaRecorded onJuly 30, 2025About Hatley PointeClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: Deb and David Hatley since 2023 - purchased from Orville English, who had owned and operated the resort since 1992Located in: Mars Hill, North CarolinaYear founded: 1969 (as Wolf Laurel or Wolf Ridge; both names used over the decades)Pass affiliations: Indy Pass, Indy+ Pass – 2 days, no blackoutsClosest neighboring ski areas: Cataloochee (1:25), Sugar Mountain (1:26)Base elevation: 4,000 feetSummit elevation: 4,700 feetVertical drop: 700 feetSkiable acres: 54Average annual snowfall: 65 inchesTrail count: 21 (4 beginner, 11 intermediate, 6 advanced)Lift count: 4 active (1 fixed-grip quad, 1 ropetow, 2 carpets); 2 inactive, both on the upper mountain (1 fixed-grip quad, 1 double)Why I interviewed herOur world has not one map, but many. Nature drew its own with waterways and mountain ranges and ecosystems and tectonic plates. We drew our maps on top of these, to track our roads and borders and political districts and pipelines and railroad tracks.Our maps are functional, simplistic. They insist on fictions. Like the 1,260-mile-long imaginary straight line that supposedly splices the United States from Canada between Washington State and Minnesota. This frontier is real so long as we say so, but if humanity disappeared tomorrow, so would that line.Nature's maps are more resilient. This is where water flows because this is where water flows. If we all go away, the water keeps flowing. This flow, in turn, impacts the shape and function of the entire world.One of nature's most interesting maps is its mountain map. For most of human existence, mountains mattered much more to us than they do now. Meaning: we had to respect these giant rocks because they stood convincingly in our way. It took European settlers centuries to navigate en masse over the Appalachians, which is not even a severe mountain range, by global mountain-range standards. But paved roads and tunnels and gas stations every five miles have muted these mountains' drama. You can now drive from the Atlantic Ocean to the Midwest in half a day.So spoiled by infrastructure, we easily forget how dramatically mountains command huge parts of our world. In America, we know this about our country: the North is cold and the South is warm. And we define these regions using battle maps from a 19th Century war that neatly bisected the nation. Another imaginary line. We travel south for beaches and north to ski and it is like this everywhere, a gentle progression, a continent-length slide that warms as you descend from Alaska to Panama.But mountains disrupt this logic. Because where the land goes up, the air grows cooler. And there are mountains all over. And so we have skiing not just in expected places such as Vermont and Maine and Michigan and Washington, but in completely irrational ones like Arizona and New Mexico and Southern California. And North Carolina.North Carolina. That's the one that surprised me. When I started skiing, I mean. Riding hokey-poke chairlifts up 1990s Midwest hills that wouldn't qualify as rideable surf breaks, I peered out at the world to figure out where else people skied and what that skiing was like. And I was astonished by how many places had organized skiing with cut trails and chairlifts and lift tickets, and by how many of them were way down the Michigan-to-Florida slide-line in places where I thought that winter never came: West Virginia and Virginia and Maryland. And North Carolina.Yes there are ski areas in more improbable states. But Cloudmont, situated in, of all places, Alabama, spins its ropetow for a few days every other year or so. North Carolina, home to six ski areas spinning a combined 35 chairlifts, allows for no such ambiguity: this is a ski state. And these half-dozen ski centers are not marginal operations: Sugar Mountain and Cataloochee opened for the season last week, and they sometimes open in October. Sugar spins a six-pack and two detach quads on a 1,200-foot vertical drop.This geographic quirk is a product of our wonderful Appalachian Mountain chain, which reaches its highest points not in New England but in North Carolina, where Mount Mitchell peaks at 6,684 feet, 396 feet higher than the summit of New Hampshire's Mount Washington. This is not an anomaly: North Carolina is home to six summits taller than Mount Washington, and 12 of the 20-highest in the Appalachians, a range that stretches from Alabama to Newfoundland. And it's not just the summits that are taller in North Carolina. The highest ski area base elevation in New England is Saddleback, which measures 2,147 feet at the bottom of the South Branch quad (the mountain more typically uses the 2,460-foot measurement at the bottom of the Rangeley quad). Either way, it's more than 1,000 feet below the lowest base-area elevation in North Carolina:Unfortunately, mountains and elevation don't automatically equal snow. And the Southern Appalachians are not exactly the Kootenays. It snows some, sometimes, but not so much, so often, that skiing can get by on nature's contributions alone - at least not in any commercially reliable form. It's no coincidence that North Carolina didn't develop any organized ski centers until the 1960s, when snowmaking machines became efficient and common enough for mass deployment. But it's plenty cold up at 4,000 feet, and there's no shortage of water. Snowguns proved to be skiing's last essential ingredient.Well, there was one final ingredient to the recipe of southern skiing: roads. Back to man's maps. Specifically, America's interstate system, which steamrolled the countryside throughout the 1960s and passes just a few miles to Hatley Pointe's west. Without these superhighways, western North Carolina would still be a high-peaked wilderness unknown and inaccessible to most of us.It's kind of amazing when you consider all the maps together: a severe mountain region drawn into the borders of a stable and prosperous nation that builds physical infrastructure easing the movement of people with disposable income to otherwise inaccessible places that have been modified for novel uses by tapping a large and innovative industrial plant that has reduced the miraculous – flight, electricity, the internet - to the commonplace. And it's within the context of all these maps that a couple who knows nothing about skiing can purchase an established but declining ski resort and remake it as an upscale modern family ski center in the space of 18 months.What we talked aboutHurricane Helene fallout; “it took every second until we opened up to make it there,” even with a year idle; the “really tough” decision not to open for the 2023-24 ski season; “we did not realize what we were getting ourselves into”; buying a ski area when you've never worked at a ski area and have only skied a few times; who almost bought Wolf Ridge and why Orville picked the Hatleys instead; the importance of service; fixing up a broken-down ski resort that “felt very old”; updating without losing the approachable family essence; why it was “absolutely necessary” to change the ski area's name; “when you pulled in, the first thing that you were introduced to … were broken-down machines and school buses”; Bible verses and bare trails and busted-up everything; “we could have spent two years just doing cleanup of junk and old things everywhere”; Hatley Pointe then and now; why Hatley removed the double chair; a detachable six-pack at Hatley?; chairlifts as marketing and branding tools; why the Breakaway terrain closed and when it could return and in what form; what a rebuilt summit lodge could look like; Hatley Pointe's new trails; potential expansion; a day-ski area, a resort, or both?; lift-served mountain bike park incoming; night-skiing expansion; “I was shocked” at the level of après that Hatley drew, and expanding that for the years ahead; North Carolina skiing is all about the altitude; re-opening The Bowl trail; going to online-only sales; and lessons learned from 2024-25 that will build a better Hatley for 2025-26.What I got wrongWhen we recorded this conversation, the ski area hadn't yet finalized the name of the new green trail coming off of Eagle – it is Pat's Way (see trailmap above).I asked if Hatley intended to install night-skiing, not realizing that they had run night-ski operations all last winter.Why now was a good time for this interviewPardon my optimism, but I'm feeling good about American lift-served skiing right now. Each of the past five winters has been among the top 10 best seasons for skier visits, U.S. ski areas have already built nearly as many lifts in the 2020s (246) as they did through all of the 2010s (288), and multimountain passes have streamlined the flow of the most frequent and passionate skiers between mountains, providing far more flexibility at far less cost than would have been imaginable even a decade ago.All great. But here's the best stat: after declining throughout the 1980s and ‘90s, the number of active U.S. ski areas stabilized around the turn of the century, and has actually increased for five consecutive winters:Those are National Ski Areas Association numbers, which differ slightly from mine. I count 492 active ski hills for 2023-24 and 500 for last winter, and I project 510 potentially active ski areas for the 2025-26 campaign. But no matter: the number of active ski operations appears to be increasing.But the raw numbers matter less than the manner in which this uptick is happening. In short: a new generation of owners is resuscitating lost or dying ski areas. Many have little to no ski industry experience. Driven by nostalgia, a sense of community duty, plain business opportunity, or some combination of those things, they are orchestrating massive ski area modernization projects, funded via their own wealth – typically earned via other enterprises – or by rallying a donor base.Examples abound. When I launched The Storm in 2019, Saddleback, Maine; Norway Mountain, Michigan; Woodward Park City; Thrill Hills, North Dakota; Deer Mountain, South Dakota; Paul Bunyan, Wisconsin; Quarry Road, Maine; Steeplechase, Minnesota; and Snowland, Utah were all lost ski areas. All are now open again, and only one – Woodward – was the project of an established ski area operator (Powdr). Cuchara, Colorado and Nutt Hill, Wisconsin are on the verge of re-opening following decades-long lift closures. Bousquet, Massachusetts; Holiday Mountain, New York; Kissing Bridge, New York; and Black Mountain, New Hampshire were disintegrating in slow-motion before energetic new owners showed up with wrecking balls and Home Depot frequent-shopper accounts. New owners also re-energized the temporarily dormant Sandia Peak, New Mexico and Tenney, New Hampshire.One of my favorite revitalization stories has been in North Carolina, where tired, fire-ravaged, investment-starved, homey-but-rickety Wolf Ridge was falling down and falling apart. The ski area's season ended in February four times between 2018 and 2023. Snowmaking lagged. After an inferno ate the summit lodge in 2014, no one bothered rebuilding it. Marooned between the rapidly modernizing North Carolina ski trio of Sugar Mountain, Cataloochee, and Beech, Wolf Ridge appeared to be rapidly fading into irrelevance.Then the Hatleys came along. Covid-curious first-time skiers who knew little about skiing or ski culture, they saw opportunity where the rest of us saw a reason to keep driving. Fixing up a ski area turned out to be harder than they'd anticipated, and they whiffed on opening for the 2023-24 winter. Such misses sometimes signal that the new owners are pulling their ripcords as they launch out of the back of the plane, but the Hatleys kept working. They gut-renovated the lodge, modernized the snowmaking plant, tore down an SLI double chair that had witnessed the signing of the Declaration of Independence. And last winter, they re-opened the best version of the ski area now known as Hatley Pointe that locals had seen in decades.A great winter – one of the best in recent North Carolina history – helped. But what I admire about the Hatleys – and this new generation of owners in general – is their optimism in a cultural moment that has deemed optimism corny and naïve. Everything is supposed to be terrible all the time, don't you know that? They didn't know, and that orientation toward the good, tempered by humility and patience, reversed the long decline of a ski area that had in many ways ceased to resonate with the world it existed in.The Hatleys have lots left to do: restore the Breakaway terrain, build a new summit lodge, knot a super-lift to the frontside. And their Appalachian salvage job, while impressive, is not a very repeatable blueprint – you need considerable wealth to take a season off while deploying massive amounts of capital to rebuild the ski area. The Hatley model is one among many for a generation charged with modernizing increasingly antiquated ski areas before they fall over dead. Sometimes, as in the examples itemized above, they succeed. But sometimes they don't. Comebacks at Cockaigne and Hickory, both in New York, fizzled. Sleeping Giant, Wyoming and Ski Blandford, Massachusetts both shuttered after valiant rescue attempts. All four of these remain salvageable, but last week, Four Seasons, New York closed permanently after 63 years.That will happen. We won't be able to save every distressed ski area, and the potential supply of new or revivable ski centers, barring massive cultural and regulatory shifts, will remain limited. But the protectionist tendencies limiting new ski area development are, in a trick of human psychology, the same ones that will drive the revitalization of others – the only thing Americans resist more than building something new is taking away something old. Which in our country means anything that was already here when we showed up. A closed or closing ski area riles the collective angst, throws a snowy bat signal toward the night sky, a beacon and a dare, a cry and a plea: who wants to be a hero?Podcast NotesOn Hurricane HeleneHelene smashed inland North Carolina last fall, just as Hatley was attempting to re-open after its idle year. Here's what made the storm so bad:On Hatley's socialsFollow:On what I look for at a ski resortOn the Ski Big Bear podcastIn the spirit of the article above, one of the top 10 Storm Skiing Podcast guest quotes ever came from Ski Big Bear, Pennsylvania General Manager Lori Phillips: “You treat everyone like they paid a million dollars to be there doing what they're doing”On ski area name changesI wrote a piece on Hatley's name change back in 2023:Ski area name changes are more common than I'd thought. I've been slowly documenting past name changes as I encounter them, so this is just a partial list, but here are 93 active U.S. ski areas that once went under a different name. If you know of others, please email me.On Hatley at the point of purchase and nowGigantic collections of garbage have always fascinated me. That's essentially what Wolf Ridge was at the point of sale:It's a different place now:On the distribution of six-packs across the nationSix-pack chairlifts are rare and expensive enough that they're still special, but common enough that we're no longer amazed by them. Mostly - it depends on where we find such a machine. Just 112 of America's 3,202 ski lifts (3.5 percent) are six-packs, and most of these (75) are in the West (60 – more than half the nation's total, are in Colorado, Utah, or California). The Midwest is home to a half-dozen six-packs, all at Boyne or Midwest Family Ski Resorts operations, and the East has 31 sixers, 17 of which are in New England, and 12 of which are in Vermont. If Hatley installed a sixer, it would be just the second such chairlift in North Carolina, and the fifth in the Southeast, joining the two at Wintergreen, Virginia and the one at Timberline, West Virginia.On the Breakaway fireWolf Ridge's upper-mountain lodge burned down in March 2014. Yowza:On proposed expansions Wolf Ridge's circa 2007 trailmap teases a potential expansion below the now-closed Breakaway terrain:Taking our time machine back to the late ‘80s, Wolf Ridge had envisioned an even more ambitious expansion:The Storm explores the world of lift-served skiing year-round. Join us. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

Pete Day of Mosko Moto reveals what it takes to build a premium adventure motorcycle gear brand from the ground up. He explains why product quality is the foundation of everything, how they design for hardcore users who demand maximum utility, and the balance between innovation and accessibility. Pete shares insights on maintaining premium status while staying within reach of working riders, building community through 50+ annual events and multi-day riding experiences, and growing his Instagram to 90K+ followers. The conversation ends with Pete's definition of success and why the interesting path beats the efficient one every time.A few topics from the episode:The product-first philosophy: "Nobody wants to be in your community if your product sucks"Designing for hardcore users: maximizing utility for riders who push gear to its limitsThe danger of detaching into an "ivory tower" of premium pricing and exotic materialsWhy Mosko attends 50+ events annually and hosts multi-day riding and camping experienGrowing a personal Instagram following to 90K+ while staying authentic to the sportLinksMosko MotoPete's Instagram @moskopeteKuiu Purple Cow by Seth GodinDusty Lizard campoutFor more about the KORE Outdoors Podcast, visit https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/The KORE Outdoors Podcast is supported by the Province of British Columbia.

#841 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/841      Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho  In this episode, we sit down with Joe Clark of Trout Yeah Guide Service to talk about his trout bum life. Joe has guided everywhere from Steelhead Alley to Pennsylvania spring creeks, and he's also coached Team USA Youth to three straight World Championship titles. We dig into what it means to read new water with confidence, how to use drift angles instead of heavier flies, and why sensitivity and feel often matter more than the gear you're holding. Joe also shares stories from Idaho, Montana, and the Kootenays, along with his own experiences living the trout bum lifestyle one creek and one van trip at a time. If you're interested in becoming a more thoughtful angler and slowing down enough to see what the river is telling you, this episode has a lot to offer. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/841     

Mike Blarowski, co-founder of Pinkbike and Shopify expert, joins the KORE Outdoors Podcast to unpack what he calls the Shopify Advantage—how outdoor brands can simplify e-commerce and build businesses that support their lifestyle. From early lessons at Pinkbike to helping founders optimize their online stores, Mike shares practical insights on using Shopify effectively, creating high-converting email flows, and adapting to the future of AI-driven search. This episode is a field guide for makers and entrepreneurs who want to grow online without losing their connection to the outdoors.What “the Shopify Advantage” means for outdoor brandsCommon e-commerce mistakes and how to fix themUsing email automation to convert visitors into loyal customersHow AI is changing SEO and online marketingThe best apps for your Shopify storeLearn more about KORELinks to what was mentioned on this episode:Iceberg Commerce (Mike's E-commerce Agency)Pixel Union ThemesGoogle PageSpeed InsightsGT MetrixSparkLayerKlaviyoCopy That copywriting courseCopy PosseShopify Apps:Locksmith Judge.me GorgiasMyWorksBetterReportsKNO CommerceMatrixifyConnect with Mike on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedIn

Cristina Ashbaugh, co-founder of Yardsale, shares how they reinvented the ski pole by adding magnets and modular design—starting with taped-together prototypes in her San Francisco apartment. With no industry experience, she and co-founder Kelly McGee launched their business unconventionally: through NYC subway ads, cold-calling ski shops as a "student researcher," and a rehearsed Shark Tank pitch that secured an investment from Kendra Scott. Cristina discusses tactical strategies, including DIY PR that landed Fast Company coverage, managing wholesale complexity with customizable products, why they're running their own fulfillment instead of using a 3PL, and expanding beyond ski poles into bags and technical apparel for the "90% of skiers."Learn more about KORE OutdoorsLinksYardsale websiteYardsale's Substack (Behind the scenes of building the brand)See their NYC subway ads & truck adsWatch their Shark Tank episodeSouth Park documentary about their creative process: 6 Days to AirConnect with Cristina on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedIn

Darren Rayner has been shaping how brands tell stories online for more than two decades. As the founder of Magnafire, a Vancouver-based creative agency working with Red Bull, Arc'teryx, and Lululemon, Darren shares how his early days running a snowboard apparel brand gave him a unique lens on content long before “content” was a thing. In this episode, we trace his journey from spray-painting t-shirts and hacking video streams in 2001 to leading a team producing some of the most effective short-form content in the outdoor industry today. Darren breaks down why short videos outperform long ones, how brands can use the “content pyramid” to stretch their budgets, and why founder-led storytelling matters more than ever. It's a practical, inspiring conversation for any entrepreneur who wants to use video strategically without overcomplicating it.Learn more about KORE OutdoorsHighlights from the conversation:Darren's apparel brand and the ahead-of-its-time content strategy that helped them growThe shift from long-form to short-form video and how brands adaptedMagnifier's “content pyramid” framework for efficient content creationFounder-led storytelling and building trust through transparencyBrand vs performance marketing budgets (70/30 approach) and evolving funnelsConnect with Darren on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedInLinks to things mentioned in the conversation:MagnafireZendaya x On Running - Zone DreamersSatisfy Running - I Think I Saw You On My Run TodayLiquid Death's YouTube ChannelGucci short film starring Demi Moore & Edward Norton

A new clinical trial suggests benefit from cannabis for chronic pain,  retailers in BC are not happy with the BCGEU strike – a sentiment expressed by Sarah Ballantyne, we look at putting cannabinoids in context and some insights on the cannabis market.  On Cultivar Corner, brought to you by Up In Smoke, we're back to the Kootenays and Sweetgrass Organic Cannabis – I try their Zest.  Retailers not happy with strikeClinical trial for chronic painCannabinoids in contextWhat the US could learn from CanadaCultivar Corner Sweetgrass Zest Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Shauna Fidler, founder of Design Farm and producer of the Basin Food Summit, as she takes us deep into British Columbia's Kootenay region—a place where local food culture thrives and producers connect directly with buyers who care.Shauna shares her journey from running a cookie shop in Calgary to pioneering gluten-free baking before it was mainstream, and eventually finding her home in the Kootenays where she now supports food producers through branding, packaging design, and the annual Basin Food Summit.Event Details: Basin Food Summit, November 6-8, 2025, Nelson, BC | www.basinfood.caWarning: This episode may cause extreme hunger and an irresistible urge to book a trip to the Kootenays.You can find Shauna here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-fidler-25226b241/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

In this episode, Christian sits down with Bill Amos, founder of Northwest Alpine, to talk candidly about his decision to close the company after 15 years. Bill shares what went into making the call, the relief that followed, and he reflects on what he's learned through the experience. From the challenges of sustaining a U.S.-made apparel brand to the pressures of demand, cash flow, and retail consolidation, Bill offers unfiltered insights on the hard truths of entrepreneurship. He also reflects on the future of domestic manufacturing, why demand matters more than margin, and what independent retailers and small brands need to survive in a changing market. This conversation is an honest look at the other side of building a brand—the moment when stepping away is the wisest choice.Episode HighlightsThe decision-making process behind closing Northwest Alpine and how Bill felt after the announcement.Why demand, not margin, is the biggest driver of viability for small brands.Lessons from running a U.S.-based manufacturing business—and why Bill still believes in its future.The current state of outdoor specialty retail, the REI problem, and what independents need to thrive.Why direct-to-consumer is increasingly expensive, wholesale is tough, and what founders can do to find a "third way".The importance of in-person connection, founder-led storytelling, and community-driven growth.Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build U.S.-made outdoor brands—and why Bill says to “wait five years.”What's next for Bill as he takes on a new role leading apparel development at Spiritus Systems.Learn more about KORE - Kootenay Outdoor Recreation EnterpriseConnect with Bill on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedIn

Our destination is the massive Upper Columbia River in southeastern British Columbia, with football-field-sized back eddies, hydraulics that'll flip drift boats, and rainbow trout that'll bend your rod like a bonefish.   Joining me is veteran guide, Kelly Laatsch, general manager of St. Mary's Angler, Cranbrook, BC, who's spent three decades mastering these waters. Today, Kelly opens his playbook, sharing secrets on fly fishing extreme hydraulics, why a single-fly rigs is a good strategy, and pointers on guiding men vs women.  We'll also touch on BC's legendary Elk, St. Mary, and Skookumchuck rivers, plus Argentina's trout paradise. Stick around for a wild story of 400-pound sturgeon—and an unforgettable first date. With host Steve Haigh Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber  Destination Angler on YouTube Contact Kelly:      https://www.stmaryangler.com/    Instagram @stmaryanglerflyshop  Facebook @StMaryAnglerBC Destination Angler Podcast:   Website YouTube Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Please check out our Sponsors: TroutRoutes  Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore your water with TroutRoutes today.   Get 1 Month Free   Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes    Adamsbuilt Fishing  THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.  Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt Got Fishing  Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing  High N Dry Fishing Where science and performance meet.  Check out the full lineup of Floatants, Line Dressings, and Sighter Waxes at www.highndryfishingproducts.com  Facebook @highndryfishingproducts |  Instagram @highndryfishing Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email shaigh@DestinationAnglerPodcast.com Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded July 10, 2025

Global hunger monitor says a third of people in Gaza are going days without food. New York City police investigating why a gunman killed 4 people and himself in a Manhattan office tower that houses NFL headquarters. Long-standing Africville activist says he will fight latest eviction notice. Russia bombs Ukrainian prison, killing at least 16 people. Hacker groups show support for Ukraine by targeting Russia's national Aeroflot airline. 38 people killed by landslides and floods, as Beijing receives nearly a year's worth of rain in less than a week. BC couple survives grizzly attack while e-biking in the Kootenays.

Lloyd Vogel, CEO of Garage Grown Gear and keynote speaker at the upcoming KORE Summit, returns to the podcast for a timely conversation about leading a growing business, why ultralight backpacking has become backpacking and the future of independent outdoor retail.Episode Highlights:The personal evolution from doing everything to leading everything — how Lloyd shifted from solopreneur to CEO.Garage Grown Gear's framework for saying “no” to good ideas to make room for great ones.Why ultralight backpacking isn't a niche anymore—it's becoming the new norm in outdoor retail.The importance of staying deeply connected to your brand's purpose and resisting horizontal sprawl.How independent retailers can win by creating spaces of discovery, not sameness.REGISTER for the KORE Summit. October 2-3, 2025 in Kimberley, BCLinks:Connect with Lloyd on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedInGarage Grown GearKOREAdotec Gear (bear bags)Derek Sivers - "Hell Yeah or No"Norda RunHuckberryNathan Barry - Skyscrapers vs. Strip MallsNemo HornetBlack Diamond Deploy Down Hoody 0.5Justin Outdoors YouTube channel

The boundaries of judicial authority in Canada have been redrawn by a groundbreaking Supreme Court ruling that empowers judges to conduct murder trials without juries—even when prosecutors object. This remarkable case emerged from the early pandemic when COVID-19 made traditional jury trials nearly impossible. A defendant, unwilling to face further delay, requested a judge-alone trial, but prosecutors refused consent. The Supreme Court ultimately sided with the trial judge who proceeded anyway, establishing that protecting a defendant's right to timely justice can override prosecutorial preferences.This ruling fundamentally reshapes our understanding of what falls within a prosecutor's untouchable "core discretion" versus what judges can override to protect Charter rights. Legal scholars are now watching closely to see how this precedent might extend to other prosecutorial decisions previously considered untouchable.Property rights received equal attention through a fascinating case where a regional district built what the court bluntly called an "ugly dam" on part of a 157-acre ranch property in the Kootenays. Though only a small portion of land was taken, it transformed a pristine natural lake into an artificial-looking reservoir with an unsightly rocky dam. The court awarded the owner $340,080 in compensation, reinforcing the principle that the government must pay not just for land taken but for how the taking diminishes a property's overall market value.Most controversial is the Nanaimo murder case, challenging Canada's mandatory 25-year parole ineligibility period for first-degree murder. A man who brutally killed someone with a baseball bat argued that, without the now-eliminated "faint hope clause" (which once allowed parole reviews after 15 years), this sentence constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. Though the judge found the elimination of this clause unconstitutional, the offender still received the full 25-year parole ineligibility due to the brutality of his crime.These cases collectively demonstrate how our legal system constantly balances competing interests—public safety against individual rights, government needs against property ownership, and societal punishment against constitutional protections against cruelty.Follow this link for a transcript of the show and links to the cases discussed.

Season 8 has been one of my faves so far - and this chat with Equine Osteopath Allie Plaschka is no exception. As you'll hear at the beginning of this episode with Allie of Triple V Therapy, we found out in real time that we both went the BC College of Equine Therapy! What are the chances?  In this geeky conversation, filled with coincidences and connections, we chat about equine osteopathy, how her learning at BCET impacted her work now, the bigger ripples of "hidden" injuries like pull-backs, gelding scars, deep adhesions and how to support their healing, and of course, I had to ask some questions about her top horse-keeping strategies to support her work (hint, movement is definitely top of the list!). I also brought up a somewhat controversial and essential topic, namely what age she feels a horse should be ridden - listen in to hear her answer and why.  Hope you enjoy this conversation with Allie for her very first podcast ever (I don't think it will be her last!).  Allie is an equine and canine osteopath based out of Enderby, BC, Canada. She has been working with horses in the therapeutic realm for 13 years, with osteopathy being her main focus for the last seven. She is passionate about helping horses and dogs achieve optimum vitality through a whole body treatment approach in addition to education about species-appropriate care. She travels throughout the Okanagan, Kootenays, and beyond and also occasionally accepts rehab cases at her home farm. She is a true horse nerd in every aspect and loves to talk track systems, behavior science, biomechanics and more. She is steward to two mares, Rayne and Ciri, spending time learning classical dressage as well as dabbling in other disciplines. Learn more about Allie and her work at https://www.triplevtherapy.com/

In this episode, Christian talks with Tony McWilliam, founder of Faction Skis, about the realities of starting and scaling a product-focused brand. Drawing from his design background, Tony shares how design thinking helps with branding, problem-solving, and decision-making. He dives into the risks of expanding too quickly, the importance of staying focused, and why early-stage founders should do every job themselves. They explore the value of deep relationships with factories, retailers, and mentors and candid advice on margin, funding options, and building a sustainable business. A must-listen for outdoor industry entrepreneurs navigating the messy middle of brand growth.Episode Highlights:Why design thinking is a powerful framework for brand building and problem-solving.The three pillars every business needs: Product, Demand, and Distribution.What founders should not outsource in the first few years.Why deep relationships with factories are more valuable than chasing the cheapest quote.Candid advice on margin: it matters, but not at the expense of long-term success.The importance of mentorship, community, and asking for help in the early stages.Links:KORE Outdoors Tony's Website: The Woods AgencyCandide SkisForward Outdoor ApparelFaction SkisDb JourneyBlack Crows SkisLooking Sideways Podcast with Db Journey founder Truls BrataasConnect with Tony on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedIn

In this episode, Heather Kelly, founder of Heather's Choice, shares the raw, real story behind building her food company from scratch. She talks about how outdoor adventures shaped her confidence, what she learned from raising early-stage capital, and the emotional toll of nearly going bankrupt. Heather also reflects on her Shark Tank appearance, the big move from Alaska to Oregon, and why she's choosing to scale her business her way. This is a conversation about ambition, resilience, and staying grounded in your values even when the pressure to grow fast gets loud. If you're building something, this one's for you.Topics We CoverThe tension between growth, authenticity, and maintaining control in founder-led businessesHow adventure and time offline influence entrepreneurial resilience and creativityThe reality of startup funding: lessons from angel investment and Shark TankThe evolving mission and market of Heather's Choice—from outdoor meals to everyday solutionsThe bold move from Alaska to Oregon to scale manufacturing and build a sustainable futureLearn more about KORE - Kootenay Outdoor Recreation EnterpriseLinks:Heather's ChoiceProper Hotel - AustinProfit First - bookConnect with Heather on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedInChristian's website

This episode is a conversation with Dawson Westeknsow, a seasoned product leader in the outdoor industry who has held key roles at Thule, REI, and Oboz Footwear. Now working as a professional EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Implementer, Dawson shares the principles of EOS and how it can dramatically improve leadership, structure, and clarity for businesses—especially those in the outdoor industry.Key Topics:Dawson's Journey into Outdoor Product Management From sales at a power tool company to leading product at REI and Oboz, Dawson's entrepreneurial spirit found a home in product roles that mimicked running mini-businesses within larger organizationsDiscovering EOS Dawson was first exposed to EOS while working with a founder-led outdoor brand facing leadership dysfunction. The system helped untangle issues by introducing clarity, structure, and accountability.What Is EOS? EOS is a simple, proven framework to help business owners get what they want from their business by focusing on:Vision – Clear goals and a roadmap to get there.People – Right people in the right seats.Data – Running the business on facts, not feelings.Issues – Identifying and solving problems at their root.Process – Systematizing key operations.Traction – Ensuring day-to-day execution aligns with long-term goals.Why EOS Works for Small Outdoor BrandsEOS helps create the kind of business where founders can finally take a vacation—because everyone knows what they're supposed to be doing and is actually doing it. It's especially powerful for companies with fractional or remote teams.Real Results From smoother product launches to founders finally stepping out of the daily grind, Dawson shares stories of transformation that make a compelling case for EOS—even (or especially) for companies under 50 employees.Links & Show Notes:KORE OutdoorsThe EOS Vision/Traction OrganizerBooks mentioned:TractionWhat The Heck is EOS? Connect with Dawson:Dawson's websiteDawson on LinkedInConnect with Christian:Christian's websiteChristian on LinkedIn

Tina Thompson, co-founder of Seniq, joins us to talk about the deeply intentional process behind launching a new kind of outdoor apparel brand. From obsessing over product development to creating grassroots buzz without paid influencers, Tina shares the highs, lows, and learnings from Seniq's first year in business.Topics We Cover:The origin story of Seniq and what makes it differentPrioritizing product over marketing—and why that's workingBuilding relationships instead of transactions with early customers and ambassadorsThe emotional toll and self-discovery of being a founderThe role of strategic partners and angel investorsWhat's next for Seniq's product expansion and retail growthLearn more about KORE - Kootenay Outdoor Recreation EnterpriseLinks:SeniqSeniq Ski Collection launch videoTina's blog post - Advice Worth Ignoring: Building a Startup on Gut InstinctsAnna Wintour's MasterclassFounders Podcast about Todd Graves of Raising Canes

This episode features a deep dive into the evolving world of outdoor content creation, brand partnerships, and community building with Aaron Lutze, former Red Bull field marketing manager turned full-time content creator and YouTuber behind "Super Rider." The conversation is rich with insights on how challenger brands can effectively partner with creators, the value of long-term brand relationships, and the future of media in the outdoor industry.Aaron shares his journey from being an OG trials rider and VHS tape producer to his corporate career at Red Bull, and his eventual return to content creation. He explains his belief in building value and community over time rather than chasing viral hits. Central to his philosophy is the idea that content is king, but distribution is queen. He discusses the challenges and rewards of building a YouTube channel from scratch, his dream of reviving the Japanese trials show "Super Rider," and why authenticity and long-term partnerships are key for brands working with creators.The conversation also explores field marketing, the art of creating "double secret handshakes" to unlock hyper-local opportunities, and how brands can connect meaningfully with communities rather than simply imposing their agendas.Show Notes:Learn more about KORE & the KORE SummitAaron's YouTube channel: Super RiderAaron's podcast: Second Nature The Second Nature Slack channelThe Infinite Game - book by Simon SinekInfluencers vs Content Creators - interview with Patrick CrawfordSix at 6 newsletter by Billy Oppenheimer 

In this episode, Cassie Abel, founder and CEO of Wild Rye, joins the podcast to share the real story behind building a women-first outdoor apparel brand rooted in the mountain town of Ketchum, Idaho.Cassie opens up about the early chaos of launching Wild Rye, including a flawed first product run, a last-minute brand name change, and the realities of navigating co-founder dynamics. She also talks through the years-long process of expanding into snow outerwear and what it means to lead with intuition in a data-driven industry.This conversation covers decision-making under pressure, the challenges of raising capital and the unique energy that comes from building a brand with heart. It's a candid and insightful episode for anyone curious about what it takes to grow a purpose-driven business in the outdoor industry. Show Notes:Learn more about KOREWild Rye websiteSecond Nature Podcast with CassieTitle Nine PitchfestWomen-Led WednesdayTory Burch Foundation FellowshipCassie on LinkedInChristian on LinkedIn

The one and only Kelli Jones joins host Christian Rawles to talk about how she's grown Noso Patches from creating a patch to repair her beloved puffy jacket to a thriving business on a mission to keep outdoor apparel out of the landfill. Kelli has been instrumental in creating the Title 9 Pitch Fest and has worked hard to support and advocate for other female founders in the outdoor industry.This conversation covers how Kelli puts the 'show' in trade show, how she decided to go all-in on Noso, growing a business in a mountain town like Jackson & the work Noso is doing to keep outdoor apparel going for longer.Show Notes:Learn more about KORE OutdoorsNoso Patches websiteNoso Patches on InstagramGoggleSocTraction book & the EOS SystemRocky the RocketConnect with Kelli on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedIn

Andy Bethune has spent his career developing brand and marketing strategies for the biggest names in the outdoor industry and founder-led startups just getting started. In this episode, Andy breaks down the components of branding and provides actionable steps to creating a clear brand strategy.This conversation covers topics such as consumer psychology, branding fundamentals, marketing strategies for startup brands, and what the outdoor industry can learn from the hunting industry.Andy is the Principal Strategist and Founder of Black Ram Consulting. Show Notes:KORE OutdoorsOrigin Agency Stone GlacierGritty FilmsFirst Light / Meat EaterConnect with Andy on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedIn

In this episode of the KORE Outdoors podcast, host Christian Rawles talks with Rob Owens, the founder and president of Onward Up Sales and Marketing, an outdoor sales agency in Western Canada. Rob shares his journey from a sponsored climber and mountain guide to building a successful sales agency representing top outdoor brands. The discussion covers the crucial role of sales reps, strategies for early-stage brands, and the intersection of alpinism and entrepreneurship. Rob provides valuable insights on commitment, self-awareness, and risk management, all critical elements for thriving in the mountains and in business. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone involved in the outdoor industry.Show Notes:Learn more about KORE OutdoorsOnwardUp Sales & MarketingOutter Limits SaskatoonJack TackleMark Twain quote Storm CareLearn more about wuwei

In this episode of the KORE Outdoors Podcast, host Christian Rawles talks with Dan Durston, founder of Durston Gear. Based in Golden, British Columbia, Durston Gear is renowned for its innovative ultralight backpacking gear. The discussion covers valuable insights on product innovation, inventory management, and authentic marketing within the outdoor industry. Dan also emphasizes the importance of nurturing a passionate community and staying true to core values while leading a product-driven company.Show Notes :KORE OutdoorsDurston GearSlow ProductivityMontana Knife CompanyZenBivyAlpacka RaftsThermarestFounders Podcast

Jen Loofbourrow is the founder of Alpine Fit, an Anchorage-based brand focused on making functional outdoor apparel. As the name suggests, Alpine Fit has created multiple fits for its apparel so that customers can find the perfect size for them.In this conversation, we discuss the challenges that come with creating multiple fit styles and how this is an advantage that smaller brands have over larger ones. Jen talks about her experiences working for Lululemon and how the different seasons of her career prepared her for launching Alpine Fit.Links:Alpine Fit WebsiteAlpine Fit on InstagramLearn more about KORE OutdoorsConnect with Christian on LinkedIn

Wylie Robinson is the co-founder and Chairman of Rumpl. Up until November of 2024, Wylie was the CEO of Rumpl. In 2024, Wylie stepped down as CEO and brought in Josh Simpson to be the General Manager of Rumpl.This conversation covers the early days of Rumpl, building a brand, riding the wave of changes in social media, balancing the wholesale and e-commerce channels as well as how to build a team.Show Notes:Jeremy Koreski Old Growth photo Shawn Palmer - mountain bikerRumpl's original Kickstarter page with iconic imageRumpl websiteRock Fight podcast episode with Wylie Robinson & Josh SimpsonLearn more about KORE by visiting their websiteConnect with Wylie on LinkedInConnect with Christian on LinkedIn

On this episode we sit down with Shane Palmer from Saddle Ax Outfitters out of Creston BC. Shane has been hunting the mountains of BC his whole life and has a vast amount of experience in the elk woods via horseback. Their outfit is known for horseback adventure hunts taking there clients deep into the heart of the Kootenays. We pull allot of great stories out of Shane, from raising a hunting family, life with horses, trials and tribulations of guiding and of course some hunting tales. Pleas drop us a like and a follow if your liking the show

Bill Amos is the Founder & CEO of NW Alpine based in Salem, Oregon. NW Alpine has been producing technical outdoor apparel in the US since 2010. For many of those years, NW Alpine produced everything in-house and was the contract manufacturer for several other brands.Here are a few of the topics covered in this episode:How alpinism prepared him for entrepreneurship Starting a USA-made brand in response to the 2008 financial crisisLessons learned from starting, growing and eventually closing a factoryWhy manufacturing in the US is critical for the future of the economyLearn more about NW Alpine and see their gear: NW AlpineLearn more about KORE: KORE OutdoorsConnect with Bill on LinkedIn:  Bill AmosConnect with Christian on LinkedIn: Christian RawlesWant to get in touch? Send an email: christian@koreoutdoors.org

Join us for the first Hash Church of 2025. where we are joined by a host of amazing hash makers. Belle from Heritage Hash, NIkka T from Colorado and Essential extracts fame. Dr Mark Scialdone as well as Dr David Allen join us. Chimera and Skunkman Sam. Wade Laughter . Caitlin From High Fidelity Extracts in the Kootenays. David Allen from Bowen Island. Steven Philpott . and many more. Support the show

In this episode, I welcome neurodiversity consultant Jenine Lillian to discuss their journey to an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, overcoming societal expectations, and building an inclusive world. Janine shares their unique perspective, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance, connection, and actionable steps to live authentically.- **[00:00] - Intro and Welcome**  Amanda introduces Jenine Lillian, highlighting their work as a neurodiversity consultant and their warm personality.  - **[02:00] - Jenine's Journey to Diagnosis**  Jenine shares their story of receiving a formal autism diagnosis at 52 and the barriers they faced along the way.  - **[10:30] - Navigating Neurodivergence**  Jenine discusses the challenges of masking, societal expectations, and the importance of authentic connections.  - **[18:45] - Self-Care and Rest**  The power of walking without a phone, limiting sensory input, and finding joy in quiet moments.  - **[26:15] - Breaking Down Stereotypes**  Jenine shares why labels like “too sensitive” or “overly emotional” can be harmful and the need to treat people as individuals.  - **[34:50] - Building Community**  Amanda and Jenine reflect on the value of saying “good morning” and creating layers of connection in life.  - **[42:00] - Addressing Inner Criticism**  How self-worth, dismantling past trauma, and embracing optimism can lead to empowerment.  - **[50:30] - What Jenine Offers**  Jenine talks about their business, including workshops for employers, executive dysfunction support, and their role as a resource for adults navigating neurodivergence.  - **[57:15] - The Importance of Play and Experimentation**  Jenine encourages listeners to try new things and “try on” new ideas to discover what brings them joy.  - **[01:03:00] - Final Thoughts and Homework**  Jenine leaves listeners with practical homework: take 20 minutes today to do something restorative for yourself.   --- **Resources and Links**   **Connect with Jenine Lillian**:   Visit their website at jeninelillian.com **Amanda's Coaching Services**:   Book a free discovery call at amandahess.ca --- **Key Quotes**   - *"There's nothing wrong with you. It's about finding the support you need to thrive."* – Janine Lillian  - *"When you give without expecting something in return, you find the most authentic connections."* – Amanda   --- If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who might benefit from Janine's insights. Let's build a world that's more inclusive for everyone!  Jenine Lillian BioJenine Lillian (Jenine, they/them) is a Neurodiversity Consultant, educator, artist, writer,and librarian. For more than 20 years, Jenine has taught and presented across thepublic library sector in both the United States and Canada. Jenine has received nationalrecognition for their advocacy and library work with teens. After receiving a verylate-in-life diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Jenine started theirneurodiversity consultancy to raise awareness, reduce stigma and increase inclusion forneurodiversity and other invisible disabilities. Jenine lives in the Kootenays, BritishColumbia, where they can be found making art, talking with folks on sidewalks,birdwatching, building community through service and networking, and practicingself-care. You can reach Jenine at info@jeninelillian.com and explore their website atwww.jeninelillian.com.Contact Jenine Lillianinfo@jeninelillian.com emailwww.jeninelillian.com website 

Svein Tuft, a former professional cyclist, shares his journey from being a mountain climber to becoming a successful bike racer. He talks about his experiences living in Andorra and the Kootenays, and the differences between the two locations. Tuft also discusses the challenges of riding in remote areas and the importance of having a satellite receiver for emergencies. He reflects on his racing career, including his time with Symmetrics and Garmin, and the lessons he learned along the way. Svein Tuft shares his cycling journey, from joining GreenEdge to retiring and being convinced to ride another year. He emphasizes the importance of team culture and unity in achieving success. Tuft reflects on the evolution of the sport and the peak of human physiology in cycling. He discusses his training approach, focusing on building a strong base and experimenting with different methods. Tuft also highlights the need for personalized coaching and the dangers of following a one-size-fits-all approach. He concludes by discussing the importance of strength training for long-term health. Svein Tuft discusses the importance of functional strength and maintaining a healthy body after retirement from professional cycling. He emphasizes the balance between weightlifting and endurance training, as well as the need to preserve VO2 max as we age. Tuft shares his personal experience of transitioning from a professional cycling career to finding his niche in life, highlighting the challenges and the constant search for purpose. He also reflects on the significance of living in the present moment and appreciating the unique experiences that life offers.Thanks, Svein! You can find him on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/svein.tuft/Chapters: 00:00 Welcome00:49 Introduction and Living in the Kootenays02:36 Exploring Remote Areas and the Importance of a Satellite Receiver09:29 From Mountain Climbing to Bike Racing12:39 Lessons Learned from a Successful Racing Career23:46 Retirement and the Decision to Ride Another Year29:30 The Love for Adventure and Exploration in Cycling31:20 The Evolution of Cycling and Human Physiology39:19 Training Approaches and Personalized Coaching in Cycling49:00 The Importance of Strength Training for Long-Term Health49:03 Functional Strength and Health55:03 Balancing Weightlifting and Endurance Training59:06 Transitioning from a Professional Cycling Career01:08:21 Living in the Present Moment