175. Why Made in the USA Matters with Mallory Ottariano
Since the time of this interview, Youer, and other small businesses like them, have gone under major changes due to rising costsSome of these changes for Youer include:1. They stopped making things in Missoula due to increased costs and2. 40%+ tariff on fabric has climbed to 60%When we talk about sustainability in the outdoor industry, conversations often revolve around materials, emissions, or packaging—but what about where and how our gear is made?In episode 175 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we’re learning about the importance of domestic manufacturing and why Made in the USA still matters—especially when it comes to building a more ethical, transparent, and sustainable apparel industry.I’m joined by the founder of Youer, a colorful and creative outdoor apparel brand that proudly manufactures 100% of its products in the U.S.—right out of their own factory in Missoula, Montana.We’ll explore how Youer got started, what it really takes to keep production local, and why slow fashion and small-batch design are so powerful in pushing back against fast fashion culture—even in the outdoor world. Founded by Mallory Ottariano, Youer is the result of a decade-long journey that started with sewing colorful, one-of-a-kind clothes in her parents’ basement and selling them on Etsy. What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into a full-time business fueled by road trips, pop-up events, and a deep love of bold design and independent style. After years of challenges working with external factories, Mallory made a bold move to open her own manufacturing space—The Youniverse—in Missoula, Montana, thanks to support from her community. Today, Youer is a thriving brand known for its vibrant prints, ethical values, and commitment to making 100% of its products in the USA, all while reimagining what sustainable and people-centered fashion can look like.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--------------------YouerWebsite: https://www.shopyouer.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopyouer/
31 Mar 30min
174. Carbon Neutral to Change Climate with Austin Whitman
If you remember, in one of our earliest episodes, episode 23, I spoke with Austin Whitman, to unpack the meaning behind carbon-neutral certifications and what they really mean for consumers, companies, and the planet.Since then, a lot has changed, including the name of the Climate Neutral certification. Climate Neutral has officially rebranded as Change Climate, and in today’s episode, I’m excited to welcome Austin back to talk about what that shift represents and what’s next for their mission.Austin Whitman is co-founder and CEO of The Change Climate Project, a nonprofit with a mission to eliminate carbon emissions by accelerating corporate investments in climate solutions. The organization manages The Climate Label certification, a mark of climate leadership for consumer brands. Austin has spent more than two decades advocating and building solutions for the climate transition across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.In episode 174 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, you’ll get an inside look into how the nonprofit is evolving, what their vision looks like for the next five years, and how the outdoor industry has responded to growing calls for sustainability and climate action. Whether you’re a conscious consumer, a sustainability-minded brand, or just curious about what’s happening behind the scenes in outdoor gear manufacturing, this episode is full of insights on how we can better align our choices with climate action.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--------------------Change Climate ProjectWebsite: https://www.changeclimate.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechangeclimateproject/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/changeclimate/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChangeClimateProject/
24 Mar 31min
173. Public Lands Under Attack: What’s Happening and What You Can Do
In this episode, we discuss the ongoing threats to our public lands and the attacks on US environmental protections under the current administration. From the push for fossil fuel extraction to rollbacks of key policies like the Antiquities Act and NEPA, the Trump administration's agenda is having devastating impacts on public lands and the environment. We hear from: Jocelyn Torres, Chief Conservation Officer for the Conservation Lands FoundationLouis Geltman, Vice President for Policy and Government Relations at Outdoor AllianceTania Lown-Hecht, the Vice President of Communications and Strategy at Outdoor AllianceDo you have questions or potential guests for future episodes covering public lands policy? Submit any information to our Google Form: https://forms.gle/VQW5ZoVcr6nDEd9t8or reach out via email on our website (theoutdoorminimalist.com)Key Topics:The ongoing dismantling of protections for public lands, including national monuments and the Antiquities Act.The shift towards corporate-friendly policies under the Trump administration and the rise of fossil fuel extraction on public lands.The environmental consequences of rapid resource extraction and the increasing threat to ecosystems, wildlife, and local communities.The impact of staffing cuts within federal land management agencies, weakening both recreational management and wildfire response.How public advocacy is making a difference: Over 100,000 letters sent to Congress and restored positions within land management agencies.What you can do to make your voice heard and protect public lands through organizations like Outdoor Alliance and the Conservation Lands Foundation.Resources:Outdoor Alliance: Take ActionConservation Lands FoundationSign up for updates and more at The Outdoor Minimalist NewsletterEpisode Sources:PBS: https://youtu.be/-sDtdCzMIKA?si=VSw4NdskP7Lw1Wl1PBS: https://youtu.be/vYtDOq-EhYU?si=_-JMWFnbLkZsrSLUhttps://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/2/25/press-release-threats-to-rural-recreation-economies-from-poorly-managed-oil-and-gas-developmentnbsp https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/3/6/public-lands-staffing-crisis-worsens-as-more-layoffs-threatened https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/03/republican-plan-privatize-sell-federal-public-lands-west/ https://www.wilderness.org/articles/press-release/map-illustrate-public-lands-reach-trump-energy-dominance https://www.nrdc.org/media/executive-orders-direct-massive-expansion-logging-public-lands https://www.npr.org/2025/03/13/nx-s1-5325959/federal-employees-court-firing https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2025/3/13/press-release-outdoor-alliance-rallies-120-businesses-brands-organizations-to-correct-public-land-staffing-reductions https://www.conservationlands.org/new_legislation_seeks_to_gut_public_process_on_federal_public_land_management_in_colorado_montana_oregon_and_wyoming
17 Mar 34min
172. 37.5 Technology’s Science of Sustainable Textiles with Blair Kanis
Sustainability in the outdoor industry has come a long way, but the challenges of waste, microplastic pollution, and textile biodegradability remain an issue many brands struggle to address. That’s where 37.5 Technology comes in. Known for creating high-performance fabrics that enhance comfort and moisture management, 37.5 has also been pushing the boundaries of sustainable textile innovation. One of their latest advancements, the Enhanced Biodegradation Additive (+EB) technology, is designed to accelerate the breakdown of synthetic fibers—helping to combat plastic waste and reduce environmental impact.In episode 172 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, I sat down with Blair Kanis from 37.5 Technology to discuss their journey in sustainability, the development of their biodegradation technology, and the challenges of integrating this innovation into the broader textile industry. Blair Kanis is the president and general counsel at Cocona Labs, the creator of 37.5® Technology, and a global leader in sustainable thermoregulation material science. She joined Cocona Labs in 2020 as General Counsel and Director of Sustainability after a decade as an attorney at Kutak Rock LLP, specializing in intellectual property and Corporate Social Responsibility compliance. Active in the sustainability field since 2012, Blair has also taught business and human rights at the University of Denver Law School. 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--------------------Cocona LabsWebsite: https://www.thirtysevenfive.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirtysevenfiveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cocona-inc./YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYnXO2QJNaQ-FwYGuNHZ8Uw
10 Mar 25min
171. Peak Design's Employee-Owned Approach to Sustainability with Peter Dering
If you’re into outdoor adventure, photography, or just well-designed gear, chances are you’ve heard of Peak Design. In episode 171 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, Meg is joined by Peter Dering, CEO and founder of Peak Design, to talk about something that sets them apart: employee ownership. They discuss what that actually means in practice, how it influences everything from product development to sustainability initiatives, and why Peak Design believes this model is the future of ethical business.Peter Dering is the founder and CEO of Peak Design, a San Francisco-based company he started in 2010 making photography, outdoor, and lifestyle carry gear. Since launching Peak Design, Dering has overseen 13 Kickstarter campaigns, raising $40M and proving the validity of crowdfunding as a method to maintain financial and operational independence from outside investors. Growing acutely aware of his company’s increasing carbon footprint, Dering co-founded Climate Neutral (now the Change Climate Project): an independent non-profit organization that enlists private businesses to achieve net-zero carbon emissions through a simplified, four-step process. 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--------------------Peak DesignWebsite: https://www.peakdesign.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peakdesignFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/peakdesignltdYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/peakdesignvideoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@peakdesignReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/peakdesign/
3 Mar 33min
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
