Life In Motion

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

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

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

In this episode we interview Eva Holland, who is the author of 'Nerve: Adventures in the Science of Fear'. As a kid Eva dreamt of becoming a writer and could typically be found hanging out in a mall. After graduating college she decided to move to the Yukon to pursue her dream, which is where her hobbies changed. Instead of browsing the latest fashion trends, she spent her time hiking, backpacking and even snowmobiling. Unfortunately as her outdoor experience grew, so did her internal fear - specifically when it came to steep climbs. She decided that enough was enough. With the help of some surprising forms of therapy, Eva was able to take back control. If you've ever wondered how the crippling effects of fear can be overcome, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Tanou Reginald who understands what it means to live a life of peace and mindfulness. Growing up in Austria Tanou loved the outdoors, but sensed that something was missing, finding it a challenge to get past some of the negativity that surrounded him. He soon learned about the Buddist culture that practiced mindfulness and self awareness. After leaving for monasteries around Asia he realized this was exactly what he was missing. Now Tanou is able to live everyday with a sense of awareness that many of us are unable to do. He even took this new knowledge to winter sports, where he taught athletes these same practices, helping them with their performance. If you've ever wondered how mindfulness can go so much deeper than the mind, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Shelly Farnan of The Be Well Community. Shelly grew up in a small town and relied on the outdoors as escapism. During her college years she spent her time on a peony farm and eventually participated in a work study program at a behavioral health center. That's when she developed a passion for helping others mental health through meaningful therapy. Now as the VP of Be Well Initiatives at Burrell Behavioral Health, she's developing new, creative ways to integrate the importance of emotional wellbeing within her community. If you've ever wondered why mental health is so important and why it shouldn't be so scary to talk about, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Deborah Hartwig and Abigail Loyd of Music Therapy of the Ozarks. Abigail is a performer and knows her way around different instruments. Deborah has a knack for communication and inspiring others. While they both have different backgrounds, they share the same love of helping others - making them the perfect fit for Music Therapy of the Ozarks. They now help hundreds of individuals reach their nonmusical goals with the help of music. If you've ever wondered the science behind what makes music so powerful and healing, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Hazel Cimino and Mason Brown of Richmond Community Rowing. They each found their love for rowing in the freedom that it gave them to experience the outdoors. While the competitive nature, teamwork and communication of the sport has kept them passionate over the years. Now at Richmond Community Rowing they help share that same excitement with others that may have thought they never had the chance to do so. If you've ever wondered what it takes (or doesn't take) to experience the beauty behind rowing then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Caitlin Olszewski, the founder of Camp Full Send. Growing up outside of Philadelphia Caitlin didn't find her true love for the outdoors until she went to college at Penn State University. While there she couldn't get enough of the surrounding adventures, so much so that she used it as a way to clear her mind from the college grind. During that time she also became passionate about advocating and protecting the great outdoors. Fast forward a couple of years later, she moved to Richmond Virginia on a whim and has never looked back. She's now on a mission to create a safe space for public places while equipping individuals with the resources needed to protect them from wild animals and even other people. If you've ever wanted to explore the outdoors, but the fear of something going terribly wrong on the trail has held you back, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Mathew Sturtevant, the author of The Topography of Fear - a book about how traveling 6000 miles across the USA saved his life. Twice. While living in Austin Texas, Mathew had a love for the outdoors and the music scene. So much so that he became a mountain bike tour guide and wrote the book, The Sound of Austin. As he got older Mathew began to experience fear, anxiety and agoraphobia like he never had before. Rather than hiding from it he faced things head on. After therapy that others might consider a bit unordinary he was able to face his fears and traveled 6000 miles on dirt roads across America on a motorcycle. If you've ever experienced anxiety or fear and are looking for inspiration to take back control then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Forrest Lodge of Sportable in Richmond Virginia. Growing up in Chesterfield VA there was no shortage of things to do - from team sports to exploring the outdoors. His love for these activities eventually led him to volunteer at Sportable, but at first he wasn't so sure it was the right fit. Now as the program manager there's no doubt that he's 100% behind their mission of creating opportunities while transforming lives of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments. If you've ever wondered how team and adventure sports can impact the lives of all people then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center's Wilderness Programs Director Jaime Overmyer. After traveling to various winter destinations during college as a competitive skier, her heart landed in Breckenridge. It wasn't long after that she found her dream internship at BOEC - in fact she actually skied right to the interview. 18 years later she's now the Wilderness Programs Director where she helps provide life changing outdoor experiences to people with all abilities. If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to help others while working for your dream nonprofit, then this one's for you!

In this episode we interview First Descents director of programs, Mackenzie McGrath. Mackenzie has traveled and rock climbed places like Asia, Africa, North America and The Middle East as an aid, US diplomat and nonprofit consultant. She knows first hand the positive effect the outdoors can have on someone.These experiences make her the perfect fit to support First Descents mission of providing life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. If you've ever wondered how the great outdoors can be healing in more ways than one, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview backpacker, rock climber, trail runner and author - Christine Reed. After stumbling upon backpacking while surfing the web she knew she wanted to be a part of a bigger community. Her first step was to attempt to thru hike the Appalachian Trail. From there one adventure led to another and Christine couldn't get enough of the outdoors. Years later she set off to hike the Wonderland Trail in Mt Rainier National Park. Her experience was so impactful that she wrote a book, Alone In Wonderland, to share her story on the trail, as well as the life challenges she's faced and overcome. Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Shawn Hayden, an avid road cyclist and community health advocate. After searching for 20 years Shawn found his passion in road cycling, as well as community health and wellness. This led him to co-founding MO Switch, a nonprofit in Southwest Missouri which focuses on expanding the culture of health and equity throughout the region. If you've ever wondered why it's never too late to find your passion then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we've got the second edition of the MIDxMIDWST artist takeover. For those who don't know, MIDxMDWST is a Mural Arts and Culture Festival in Springfield MO. Listen as Christine Riutzel from Branson, Meg Wagler from Springfield, Ian Robertson from Los Angeles, Ally Grimm from Denver, and Alexandria Olivia Hall from Nashville chat about what inspired them over the years and how they're using art to impact others. Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we're doing a MIDxMIDWST artist takeover. For those who don't know, MIDxMIDWST is a Mural Arts and Culture Festival in Springfield MO. To kick this series off we'll have Evan Wright from Springfield, Natalie Shugailo from Chicago, Steven Teller from Fort Lauderdale and Eric Karbeling from Honolulu. Listen as we chat about what inspired them over the years and how they're using art to impact others. Stay tuned for part 2 of this 2 part series. Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Heather Zoccali, the manager of the caregiver programs at No Barriers USA. After becoming a caregiver to her son in 2017 she noticed there wasn't a proper support system for caregivers to help them through the emotional and physical challenges. This led her to starting the Arch Foundation, which did just that. Years later, she now helps others through the caregiver programs at No Barriers USA, all with the help of the great outdoors. If you've ever wondered why it's so important for caregivers to work on their own selfcare, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Justine Nobbe of Adventure Mamas Initiative. After having her first child, Justine wasn't ready to put her outdoor adventures behind her. That's when she decided to build a community around motherhood, allowing women to connect, while sharing their experiences. Now Adventure Mamas Initiative is a nation-wide community that offers not only outdoor expeditions and workshops, but emotional support as well. If you've ever wondered how to keep the adventure going, even after motherhood, then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect

In this episode we interview Derick Lugo, a Brooklyn born New Yorker. After living in Europe for some time, he was ready to head back to the states in search for his next adventure. With no hiking, or camping experience, the most logical option was to thru-hike over 2,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail. Along the way Derick met people he'll never forget and learned more than he'd ever thought he could about himself. Enough so that he wrote the book, "The Unlikely Thru-Hiker: An Appalachian Trail Journey" to share his story. If you've ever wondered what to do, and what not to do while thru-hiking then this one's for you! Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect