170. A Journalist's Guide to Telling Conservation Stories with Sage Marshall
In the outdoor and environmental space, conservation is at the heart of so many discussions, but how those stories are told can make a difference. Whether it’s connecting policy to personal experiences or framing climate change through the lens of recreation, good storytelling has the power to inspire action.Joining me today is journalist and poet Sage Marshall. Sage has built a career covering outdoor recreation and conservation, with a focus on hunting and fishing media. In this episode, we’ll explore what makes a conservation story compelling, how to find and develop relatable figures, and the role that place and personal experience play in shaping narratives. Plus, we’ll discuss how storytelling in outdoor media is evolving and what the future might hold for conservation journalism.Sage Marshall is a poet, essayist, and outdoors journalist from southwest Colorado. He has lived across the U.S. and currently resides in Western Montana, where he explores the rivers and mountains around Missoula with his partner Bela and their adopted bird dog Gunney. He’s a student of many outdoor pursuits, from skiing and backpacking to fly fishing and duck hunting. Marshall is a contributing writer and former editor of Field & Stream. His creative work has been featured in publications such as The Missouri Review, Sport Literate, swamp pink, and elsewhere. Echolocation (Middle Creek Publishing), which weaves the landscapes and ecologies of the American West against themes of violence, adolescence, and beauty, is his debut poetry collection. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE:https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalistORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/bookLISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976--------------------Sage MarshallWebsite: https://www.sagemarshall.com/Book: https://www.sagemarshall.com/echolocationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagemarshall/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagemwrites/
24 Feb 22min
169. The Outdoor Industry Made Too Much Stuff. Now What? with Megan Davin
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for outdoor gear skyrocketed, leading brands to ramp up production. But as the dust settled, it became clear that the industry had overestimated long-term consumer demand. Now, we’re left with an oversaturated market, constant sales cycles, and a looming question: What do we do with all this extra gear?To help unpack this issue, I’m joined by Megan Davin, the founder of Adventurous Threads. We’ll explore what led to this oversupply, how it’s affecting retailers and consumers, and what steps companies and individuals can take to shift the industry toward a more sustainable future.Megan Davin is a passionate outdoor enthusiast with over 18 years in the outdoor industry. Based in Vermont, Megan has dedicated her career to blending the worlds of customer service, sales, and marketing to help brands tell meaningful stories that drive connection and sales. Megan is the Founder and Owner of Adventurous Threads, a Vermont-based mobile and online outdoor consignment business that provides affordable, high-quality gear to outdoor lovers. By keeping quality equipment in circulation, Adventurous Threads aims to make outdoor adventures accessible while reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. Together, Megan and Adventurous Threads are dedicated to inspiring responsible, sustainable outdoor practices and connecting people to the outdoors in a way that fosters appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of nature.INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE:https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalistORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/bookLISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976--------------------Adventurous ThreadsWebsite: https://adventurousthreads.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventurous_threads
17 Feb 28min
The REI Public Land Controversy Explained
In this bonus episode, I break down the controversy surrounding REI’s support for Doug Burgum as the new Secretary of the Interior under the Trump administration. The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s endorsement of Burgum has sparked backlash, with calls for a boycott of REI. But what’s really happening?We explore Burgum’s background as a pro-fossil fuel businessman, his legal battles against the Department of the Interior, and his priorities for public lands. We also analyze REI’s role in the conversation, the industry’s response, and what this means for conservation efforts moving forward.Finally, we discuss REI’s official statement on the issue and share actionable ways to support public lands. Episode Resources:Read the ORR letter: https://recreationroundtable.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ORR-Burgum-Nomination-Letter-of-Support-Final.pdfREI's Recent Statement: https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/we-will-never-stop-defending-our-public-landsVoice Your Opposition to Burgum's Actions through the REI Cooperative Action Network: https://www.rei.com/action/network/campaign/protect-public-landsBurgum's First Day Orders: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-doug-burgum-signs-first-round-secretarys-orders-unleash-american-energyRelated Episodes Episode 163. Fighting for Outdoor Policy and Protection in 2025 with Adam Cramer Episode 164. Is an Outdoor Recreation Economy How We Stop Off-Shore Drilling? with Chad NelsenSourcesProPublica: https://www.propublica.org/article/doug-burgum-north-dakota-interior-department-trumpAlaska Wild: https://alaskawild.org/blog/doug-burgum-the-billionaire-governor-turned-trumps-doi-secretary/Inside Climate News: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/05022025/new-interior-secretary-weakens-public-land-protections-fossil-fuels/
13 Feb 17min
168. The Dirty Truth About Your Skincare Routine with Mercedes Pepper
When it comes to skincare, we all want products that are safe, effective, and good for the planet. But the reality is that many skincare brands, even those marketed as "natural" or "eco-friendly," hide some dirty secrets. From greenwashing tactics to hidden microplastics and PFAS, the industry is full of misleading claims that can make it hard for consumers to know what they’re really putting on their skin.In episode 168, I sit down withMercedes Pepper from Nation Botanics to uncover the truth behind skincare marketing and explore how different ingredients shape effective skincare formulations. We’ll talk about how to spot greenwashing, why microplastics and PFAS are a growing concern, and what choosing sustainable, plant-based ingredients really means.Mercedes helps people who get outdoors - particularly surfers, skiers, and snowboarders - get healthy skin without the fuss. She is an international development and social impact director turned skincare founder and formulator of Nation Botanics. The brand’s flagship product, Surf+Slope, provides easy, high-performance skincare designed to combat the elements while supporting North American small businesses, farmers, and our environment.I haven’t had much of a skincare routine until the last two years. During that time, first of all, I struggled to find anything I could use because I am allergic to aloe, but I also wanted to avoid products that not only harmed the planet but likely contained toxins. When I learned about Nation Botanics, I was excited to try their products because of the brand's mission and clean ingredients. That said, I’ve been using their Surf+Slope moisturizer for the last few weeks, and I've appreciated it, especially after a day of cross-country skiing with my dogs when my face is dry and my cheeks might be a little wind-burned. If you listen to this episode and want to check out Nation Bonanic’s Surf+Slope, go to nationbotanics.com and use the code minimalist to get 15% off.INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/WEBSITE:https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalistORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/bookLISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976--------------------Nation BotanicsWebsite:https://nationbotanics.com/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/nation-botanics/about/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nationbotanics/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/nationbotanics
10 Feb 41min
167. How Can a Brand Actually Prove Their Sustainability Claims? with Ombraz
Sustainability is a buzzword in the outdoor and apparel industries, but how do we know if a brand’s claims are actually legitimate? With greenwashing becoming more common, it's harder than ever to separate real impact from clever marketing. In this episode, I sit down with the co-founders of Ombraz Sunglasses to explore what it takes for a company to back up their sustainability claims with real data. We’ll learn Ombraz’s origin story, their approach to designing with sustainability in mind, and the process of securing third-party verification. From partnering with organizations like Greenticket to tackling supply chain transparency, this conversation sheds light on how brands can maintain accountability and communicate their efforts honestly. Jensen Brehm - Ombraz Cofounder - Hails from Bellevue, WA. Big creator and problem solver. Graduated in 2014 with a BA in Environmental Business that focused on ecological design, entrepreneurship, and vegetated roof systems. Designing products, brand direction, writing, ideating, and executing creative media are a few things Jensen does nicely. Nikolai Paloni - Ombraz Cofounder - Hails from Moscow, Russia. Impressively efficient and quick to tackle the most critical task. Graduated in 2014 with a BA in German and International Business. Nikolai is currently focused on building out Ombraz’s wholesale program & in-person experience. Implementing scalable processes, thinking critically with data, seeing tasks through to completion, solving problems, and creating are Nikolai's sweet sweet forte. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalist ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976 -------------------- Ombraz Website: https://ombraz.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ombraz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ombrazsunglasses/
3 Feb 29min
166. Policy for Equity: Climate Justice and Outdoor Access with Outdoor FUTURE
In episode 166 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we’re discussing outdoor equity and climate justice. We’ll learn how we can push for policies that help everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, have access to the benefits of outdoor spaces. Our guests also shed light on the barriers communities face in accessing the outdoors, the policy gaps we need to bridge, and the ways local governments, schools, and nonprofits can collaborate to create lasting change. This is also the first time I’ve had the pleasure of hosting three guest speakers! Today, you’ll hear from Taishya Adams, Ángel Peña, and Gabaccia Moreno. Taishya (she/her) is a servant leader focused on collective liberation and stewardship through community building, personal transformation, and systems change. After 30+ years at the intersections of education, health, workforce, science, and environment, Taishya founded the Mukuyu Collective, LLC to transform systems through policy, programs, and play. Taishya is also an elected official serving as a council member for Boulder City Council. Taishya also serves on the board of Black in Marine Science. Previously, Taishya served as a commissioner to Colorado Parks and Wildlife; the NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Business Advisory Council; and on the Colorado Natural Areas Council. Ángel Peña was born and raised in the Río Bravo valley, he is a first generation Mexican, American and father of three. Àngel has had the opportunity to support and lead strong effective teams that ultimately secured protections totaling millions of acres across the American Southwest. A founding member of the Next 100 Coalition, and Now the Executive Director of the Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project he is in the business of people empowerment. Working to empower the people that have true, authentic and deep-rooted ties to the land. Gabaccia Moreno is a first-generation multimedia storyteller, consultant, and passionate outdoor advocate. Growing up, visiting the Maya forest gave her an appreciation for the land and its wildlife at an early age. Today, she serves as the executive director of The Outdoorist Oath, an organization that creates educational tools and equips people ally planet, inclusion, and adventure. She is also an ambassador for Leave No Trace and Sawyer Products. Gabaccia has also served as National Monuments Fellow for Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, participating in campaigns seeking to make the outdoors more equitable while protecting our shared ecosystems. Other media credits include guest hosting/producing at She Explores and Dirtbag Diaries podcasts, and contributions to Backpacker.com. In her free time, you’ll find her outside, probably fishing, hunting, hiking, or backpacking. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalist ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976 -------------------- Episode Resources Outdoor FUTURE: https://outdoorfuture.org/ Mukuyu Collective: https://mukuyu-collective.com/ Nuestra Tierra: https://www.nuestra-tierra.org/
27 Jan 49min
Know Your Rights: What to Do If ICE Approaches You
Today’s bonus episode is one worth sharing with everyone in your community: What to Do If ICE Agents Approach You. Whether you’re directly impacted, a concerned family member, or an ally, understanding these rights and sharing them with others is a step toward protecting vulnerable members of our communities. In this episode, we will cover your rights when interacting with ICE or law enforcement, practical steps you can take if approached, where to find those small but powerful red “know your rights” cards, and what bystanders can do to help. Este episodio también estará disponible en español. https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights All information in this episode was provided by the ACLU.
24 Jan 5min
Conoce Tus Derechos: Qué Hacer Si ICE Se Acerca a Ti
El episodio de hoy es uno que vale la pena compartir con todos en tu comunidad: Qué hacer si agentes de ICE se acercan a ti. Ya sea que te impacte directamente, seas un familiar preocupado o un amigo, comprender estos derechos y compartirlos con otros es un paso hacia la protección de los miembros afectados de nuestras comunidades. En este episodio, cubriremos tus derechos al interactuar con ICE o con las fuerzas del orden, pasos prácticos que puedes tomar si se acercan a ti, dónde encontrar esas pequeñas pero poderosas tarjetas rojas de "conoce tus derechos", y lo que los testigos pueden hacer para ayudar. Este episodio también estara en ingles. Tarjetas Rojas: https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas Más información: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights ----------------------------- All information in this episode was provided by the ACLU. Thank you to Karla Cazarez for recording this episode in Spanish.
24 Jan 6min
