Do It In Nature Podcast
A weekly podcast by outdoor lovers. Founders of OME Gear, Stace & Jules, interview leaders who have chosen to make their career in the outdoors. Our goal is to inspire you to step away from the things that need to be charged or plugged in and go do it in nature.
Episode 31: ALLEGIANCE FLAG SUPPLY: The Entrepreneurs Bringing Craftsmanship Back To Old Glory
The American flag brings with it a deep sense of patriotism and pride.
But too often the red, white, and blue flags we fly are cheaply made in another country, tattered, torn, mildewed and only last a short time. Katie & Wes Lyon wanted something different. They wanted a flag that would stand the test of time. One they could fly proudly on the front of their Charleston home. So they partnered with childhood friend, Max Berry, and set out to build a company that would manufacture exactly what they were looking for. With their company, Allegiance Flag Supply, they are committed to sourcing everything from the US and providing jobs for American workers making American flags. They take their flags seriously so that you can fly yours proudly.
But too often the red, white, and blue flags we fly are cheaply made in another country, tattered, torn, mildewed and only last a short time. Katie & Wes Lyon wanted something different. They wanted a flag that would stand the test of time. One they could fly proudly on the front of their Charleston home. So they partnered with childhood friend, Max Berry, and set out to build a company that would manufacture exactly what they were looking for. With their company, Allegiance Flag Supply, they are committed to sourcing everything from the US and providing jobs for American workers making American flags. They take their flags seriously so that you can fly yours proudly.
Episode 30: COKIE COX: The Mountaineer With An Abundance Mindset
It's a relatively small group of people who can say they've reached the top of even one of the seven highest mountain summits on each continent of the world.
Cokie Cox is on a mission to summit all seven of these peaks. She is a mother of two girls, newly married, owner of two asset management companies and a consulting practice, author of two books, and the founder of two non-profits - Everyday Everest and She Climbs. As an avid mountaineer, she has already conquered Mount Elbrus in Russia, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa (multiple times), Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, and Mount Denali in Alaska. Next on her list is the great Mount Everest. To her, one of the best places on this earth is being above the sun and watching it rise.
Cokie Cox is on a mission to summit all seven of these peaks. She is a mother of two girls, newly married, owner of two asset management companies and a consulting practice, author of two books, and the founder of two non-profits - Everyday Everest and She Climbs. As an avid mountaineer, she has already conquered Mount Elbrus in Russia, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa (multiple times), Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, and Mount Denali in Alaska. Next on her list is the great Mount Everest. To her, one of the best places on this earth is being above the sun and watching it rise.
Episode 29:
SANDY & STEVE SCHOETTLE: The Artists Who Forge With Love
SANDY & STEVE SCHOETTLE: The Artists Who Forge With Love
Few outdoor memories are better than the ones by a roaring fire pit with those you love.
Sandy and Steve Schoettle, founders of Sea Island Forge, know this well. With a love for family and friends, artistry, the outdoors, and creating meaningful traditions, they began their company with their signature product, the Sea Island Forge Fire Kettle. They made their successful debut with it at the Sea Island Farmers Market in 2014, and they and their growing team of talented metalsmiths haven’t looked back as they debut new heirloom quality designs regularly. There is a difference between products you buy and throw away because they have no value or significance to you, and high quality, hand-crafted products that get passed down through the generations with the memories attached. The difference is the love that is forged in the latter.
Sandy and Steve Schoettle, founders of Sea Island Forge, know this well. With a love for family and friends, artistry, the outdoors, and creating meaningful traditions, they began their company with their signature product, the Sea Island Forge Fire Kettle. They made their successful debut with it at the Sea Island Farmers Market in 2014, and they and their growing team of talented metalsmiths haven’t looked back as they debut new heirloom quality designs regularly. There is a difference between products you buy and throw away because they have no value or significance to you, and high quality, hand-crafted products that get passed down through the generations with the memories attached. The difference is the love that is forged in the latter.
Episode 28: NATHAN PETTIJOHN: The Travels Of A Man And His Dog
Sometimes the very best healing in life comes from time with man's best friend.
After Nathan Pettijohn went through a tough breakup, he needed to get away from it all and clear his head. So he rented an RV and set off on a road trip with his beloved pup, Hafa. Recently, he wrote a book about their travels called Travels With Hafa. Nathan is no stranger to writing as he was coauthor on Zen and the Art of Admin Tasks and he's a regular contributing writer for Forbes on topics relating to what business leaders need to know about innovations in media and technology. In addition to being an author, he also founded a digital strategy agency called Cordouroy and is a talent manager in Los Angeles.
After Nathan Pettijohn went through a tough breakup, he needed to get away from it all and clear his head. So he rented an RV and set off on a road trip with his beloved pup, Hafa. Recently, he wrote a book about their travels called Travels With Hafa. Nathan is no stranger to writing as he was coauthor on Zen and the Art of Admin Tasks and he's a regular contributing writer for Forbes on topics relating to what business leaders need to know about innovations in media and technology. In addition to being an author, he also founded a digital strategy agency called Cordouroy and is a talent manager in Los Angeles.
Episode 27:
JOEL FORD: The Quintessential Extreme Adventurist
JOEL FORD: The Quintessential Extreme Adventurist
There's likely not an extreme adventure that Joel Ford wouldn't at least try once.
Joel is the kind of guy who is most alive when he's outside. But not just outside hanging out, more like outside and pushing himself to the extreme. He has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail (AT), which is 2,190 miles, and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which is 2,653 miles. He regularly participates in expedition racing, which is a multidisciplinary co-ed 2-5 person team sport involving navigation via compass over an unmarked wilderness course with races extending anywhere from two hours up to two weeks in length. His upcoming challenges included applying for the ECO Challenge and trying to break the speed record on canoeing the entire Mississippi River. Joel is definitely a guy you want with you when you get lost in the woods.
Joel is the kind of guy who is most alive when he's outside. But not just outside hanging out, more like outside and pushing himself to the extreme. He has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail (AT), which is 2,190 miles, and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which is 2,653 miles. He regularly participates in expedition racing, which is a multidisciplinary co-ed 2-5 person team sport involving navigation via compass over an unmarked wilderness course with races extending anywhere from two hours up to two weeks in length. His upcoming challenges included applying for the ECO Challenge and trying to break the speed record on canoeing the entire Mississippi River. Joel is definitely a guy you want with you when you get lost in the woods.
Episode 26: SHAWNTÉ SALABERT: The Adventurous Writer
Some people like to hike. Others are legit h-i-k-e-r-s. And there's a big difference.
Shawnté Salabert is the latter. She has hiked the Colorado Trail, Kilimanjaro, the High Sierra, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and many other hikes that a mile or so in would make most people turn back. But what makes Shawnté unique is that it's not uncommon for her to turn an incredible hiking adventure into a story. In her words, deserts and mountains – those big locations where one can feel very small – are her favorite places to spend time, and write about. She spent nearly two years hiking and writing about the Pacific Crest Trail... snapping photographs, recording impressions, and hoofing many miles for her book Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California, which was released via Mountaineers Books in November 2017. For Shawnté, every day is an adventure. And we certainly can't argue with that.
Shawnté Salabert is the latter. She has hiked the Colorado Trail, Kilimanjaro, the High Sierra, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and many other hikes that a mile or so in would make most people turn back. But what makes Shawnté unique is that it's not uncommon for her to turn an incredible hiking adventure into a story. In her words, deserts and mountains – those big locations where one can feel very small – are her favorite places to spend time, and write about. She spent nearly two years hiking and writing about the Pacific Crest Trail... snapping photographs, recording impressions, and hoofing many miles for her book Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California, which was released via Mountaineers Books in November 2017. For Shawnté, every day is an adventure. And we certainly can't argue with that.
Episode 25:
CHRIS SINGLETON: The Inspirational Speaker Who Experienced Profound Loss And Forgave With Unexplainable Love
CHRIS SINGLETON: The Inspirational Speaker Who Experienced Profound Loss And Forgave With Unexplainable Love
Not many can truly forgive when someone you love deeply has been brutally taken from you. But Chris Singleton is in a class all his own. As a college athlete and a former pro baseball player, Chris' life was headed in a promising direction. Until, at 18 years old, he lost one of the people most important to him. Chris' mom, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, was one of the nine who were killed at the hands of a white supremacist who invaded Mother Emanuel Church on June 17, 2015. That moment changed everything for Chris. His mantra, "Love is stronger than hate." is now heard all across the country as he speaks to Fortune 500 companies, schools, churches, and other groups. There is nothing more beautiful in this life than someone who has every right to be angry, release that, and love recklessly.
Episode 24: KERRI & CARLY LAWSON:
The Kayak Adventure Survivors
The Kayak Adventure Survivors
Water can be peaceful and an oasis for rest, but it can also be an incredibly powerful force of nature. Kerri and Carly Lawson have always been adventurers at heart. But even the strongest of adventurers sometimes can't hold their own against Mother Nature. In this episode, these two fantastic humans recount their thrilling and terrifying experience of when their kayaking trip on the Yellowstone River went terribly bad, ending up with a Black Hawk helicopter rescue.
Episode 23:
KATIE BLOMQUIST: The Spreader Of Joy
KATIE BLOMQUIST: The Spreader Of Joy
Katie Blomquist believes strongly that the most basic childhood right is a right to joy. And we couldn't agree more. Katie is a former teacher who worked in the low income, high poverty school district. When one of her little 1st grade students, Jawan, asked her for a bike for Christmas, it broke her heart. So much so that she decided to start a Go Fund Me and her non-profit called Going Places, to enable every child in her school to have a bike. Her Go Fund Me went viral and her story was featured all across the country on places like Good Morning America, Steve Harvey, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, Huffington Post, ABC World News Tonight, and so many more. We absolutely love how Katie is changing lives... one custom bike at a time.
Episode 22:
VERNICE ARMOUR: The Gutsy, Courageous "FlyGirl"
VERNICE ARMOUR: The Gutsy, Courageous "FlyGirl"
To say Vernice Armour has accomplished a lot in her lifetime is an incredible understatement. She has two honorary doctorates, has been featured extensively in the media to include Oprah Winfrey, CNN, MSNBC and the View and is a member of the COMCAST/NBCUniversal Joint Diversity Council. She has received awards as a pioneering pilot, to include her commanding role in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). She was the first African American woman on the Nashville Police Department’s motorcycle squad, Camp Pendleton’s 2001 Female Athlete of the Year, two-time titleholder in Camp Pendleton’s annual Strongest Warrior Competition, and a running back for the San Diego Sunfire women’s professional football team. Vernice has also authored Zero to Breakthrough™ (Penguin 2011) where she chronicles the process she utilized to transition from beat cop to America’s First African American Female Combat Pilot. She is an internationally recognized inspirational leadership keynote speaker for premier leadership conferences and Fortune 500 companies.
Episode 21:
MICHAEL FIEM: The Captain Of The Water Sports
MICHAEL FIEM: The Captain Of The Water Sports
There are few people who don't love a good day on the water. Michael Fiem, his twin brother, Mark, and their good friend, Michael Malley, started their company in 1996 to help people do just that. Tidal Wave Water Sports is one of only 103 similar companies in the US where they offer parasailing, jet ski safari adventures, wakeboarding, tubing, banana boats, and boat rentals. They enable people to safely discover all the unique wonders of Charleston from the water and experience the local wild life from an entirely new perspective.
Episode 20:
JEN RIPPLE: The Fly Fishing Expert
JEN RIPPLE: The Fly Fishing Expert
If you want to learn from the best in fly fishing, look no further than Jen Ripple.
She has devoted her life to educating others on the beauty and history of the sport. Jen is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Dun Magazine. She's also on the Board of Directors for the International Federation of Fly Fishers, and was a former board member for AFFTA (American Fly Fishing Trade Association). When not on the water, Jen loves to spend her time empowering women in fly fishing by teaching fly tying and fly casting clinics, speaking nationwide on issues regarding women in fly fishing, and devoting her time to conservation efforts through nonprofits. Jen has become a sounding board for women in a currently male-dominated sport by providing them a place to connect and gain knowledge and experience in fly fishing.
She has devoted her life to educating others on the beauty and history of the sport. Jen is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Dun Magazine. She's also on the Board of Directors for the International Federation of Fly Fishers, and was a former board member for AFFTA (American Fly Fishing Trade Association). When not on the water, Jen loves to spend her time empowering women in fly fishing by teaching fly tying and fly casting clinics, speaking nationwide on issues regarding women in fly fishing, and devoting her time to conservation efforts through nonprofits. Jen has become a sounding board for women in a currently male-dominated sport by providing them a place to connect and gain knowledge and experience in fly fishing.
Episode 19:
DR. RUSTY DAY: The Fun Scientist Of The Sea
DR. RUSTY DAY: The Fun Scientist Of The Sea
Dr. Rusty Day has spent a good portion of his life studying living things in the ocean. He wrote a Master's thesis on the levels of mercury in sea turtles, he's published research on coral, and he's taken countless students to the Caribbean for school credit to teach them about the underwater sea life. Cap'n Rusty is an adjunct professor at College of Charleston and has founded MANTA (Marine Science and Nautical Training Academy). The "cool" part about Dr. Rusty is that he is wildly smart and still does an incredible job of making learning fun. He lives on a beautiful 1971 80' Burger Yacht in the Charleston Harbor where his view is always the ocean and sunsets.
Episode 18:
CINDY CHACE & DIANE SEARS: The Powerhouse Founders of Go For The Greens
CINDY CHACE & DIANE SEARS: The Powerhouse Founders of Go For The Greens
Women, Business, Relationship Building, and Golf... it's a powerful combination. And few have experienced that more than Cindy Chace and Diane Sears through their non-profit organization, Go For The Greens. In 2008, their vision of connecting entrepreneurial women over the interactive sport of golf came to fruition and its impact has continued to increase exponentially ever since. The conference is produced by an all volunteer team and is held every year in Orlando at Disney World. Go For the Greens is based on four important pillars: generating revenue, growing companies to create more jobs, exchanging environment-friendly business practices, and developing business strategy through golf. These women are making a difference and using the outdoors to do it!
Episode 17:
TORI & TONY SAYLOR:
The Sister/Brother Dynamic Duo For Dogs
TORI & TONY SAYLOR:
The Sister/Brother Dynamic Duo For Dogs
Dogs are a special part of our world. They offer unconditional love without strings attached. Tori and Tony have made it their mission to care for as many as they can through their full spectrum dog service company called, Fetch, in Park City, UT. This sister / brother combo have hearts of gold and, together with their parents, utilize their 50 acre farm for a doggy day care, a doggy hospice, and a doggy foster for pups with special needs through their non-profit organization called Fetch Cares.
Episode 16:
JENNIFER KAUFFMAN: The 2013 Boston Marathon Survivor
JENNIFER KAUFFMAN: The 2013 Boston Marathon Survivor
Sometimes things happen in our lives that we don't expect, making it hard to understand or explain them. Such was the case for Jennifer Kauffman, a spectator only 15 feet away from the horrific bombings that took place at the 2013 Boston Marathon. In that very moment, everything about Jennifer's life and career changed forever. This episode gives you insight into her courageous path of healing and her new outlook on life as she evolved into an inspirational speaker, a best selling author, and a breakthrough results coach.
Episode 15:
MEECHE WHITE: The Inspirational Founder of the National Ability Center
MEECHE WHITE: The Inspirational Founder of the National Ability Center
Meeche White had an innate desire 30+ years ago to help individuals increase their self-esteem. Little did she know that desire would turn in the internationally acclaimed National Ability Center in Park City, UT. NAC is simply put, an extremely magical and special place. By NAC's own definition, they are the seekers and explorers, the fun-makers and adventurers. They believe life doesn’t stop unfolding just because someone has a (dis)ability. They're adaptive, and they work with people of all abilities, harnessing the power of specialized equipment, techniques, teaching methods and over 1,900 volunteers. This is the inspiring legacy Meeche has invested her life in that has and continues to impact countless people.
Episode 14:
HOBY DARLING: The Dynamic Servant Leader
HOBY DARLING: The Dynamic Servant Leader
If there's anyone with rich and deep experience in the outdoor world and human performance, it's Hoby Darling. He has been on the executive teams of major companies including Logitech, Jaybird, Skullcandy, Converse, Nike, and Volcom. He has sat on and led boards for many companies, and has founded and led outdoor and human performance collaboratives. He was named to Sporting Goods Business' 40 Under 40 in Sports in 2010. He's competed in Ironman races and the CrossFit games, and he's an avid trail runner. During one of his transitions in his career, Hoby travelled for 8 months with his family making lifelong memories in Africa and Asia. Hoby has an impressive resume, to be certain, but what we love and respect most about him is his kind nature and his desire and commitment to invest in and see others succeed.
Episode 13:
JILLIAN VOGTLI - The 2x Olympian In Freestyle Skiing Of Moguls And Dual Moguls
JILLIAN VOGTLI - The 2x Olympian In Freestyle Skiing Of Moguls And Dual Moguls
The number of people in this world who can claim they are a two-time Olympian are few and far between. Jillian Vogtli is among that rare group of extreme athletes and the stories she tells are fascinating. But she also is wildly connected to her heart, and therefore one who is committed to helping others find and live in their true selves through her coaching business, Jillian Vogtli. Born from a cumulation of her skills as an Olympic Athlete, her love of fitness, coaching, Shamanic training and teaching while working with clients worldwide in helping them to step into their highest and best selves. We think you'll agree that her holistic view on fitness, health and overall wellbeing (healing).
Episode 12:
LILA STEWART - The Inventor Of The Elevated Flip Flops
LILA STEWART - The Inventor Of The Elevated Flip Flops
Flip flops are an important staple in any wardrobe, especially if you love the outdoors. But if you're anything like us, just any ol flip flop won't do. After living in Jakarta, Indonesia for three years, Lila Stewart and her husband, Jeremy, returned back to Texas and they designed with intention a flip flop that was different. They wanted fun colors, they wanted to be design-forward with clean aesthetics, and they wanting to eliminate any discomfort and breaking in period. Essentially, they hyper-focused on three things: simplicity, color, and comfort. And they accomplished all these in spades with their company, Hari Mari. As a nod to their time in Indonesia, Hari means "of the sun" and Mari means "of the sea". These lifestyle flops will raise your expectation of what a good flip flop should consist of. But, even more awesome is that proceeds of all sales go to support pediatric cancer patients through their non-profit, Flops Fighting Cancer.
Episode 11: Kitty Gwathmey - The 80 Year Old Athlete
If it's true that life is what you make of it, then Kitty Gwathmey has made a life that's certainly been worth every bit of living. She is 80 years young and has an active lifestyle that rivals most 50 year olds. From being a ski instructor in Vail, to being a dance teacher, to running the women's tennis league, to going on long bike rides with her husband, Kitty has a made a point to stay active and involved. And by doing so, she continues to live young. What an inspiration this beautiful human is for all of us!
Episode 10: DAVID SHURNA - The Heart Behind Transformative Outdoor Experiences
Sometimes having your hiking boot stolen by a hungry hyena can change the trajectory of your life forever. Such was the case for David Shurna, founder of No Barriers USA. On a several month backpacking trip with friends hitch hiking down the continent of Africa, Dave crafted his personal vision. Now many years later, he's living that vision every day in his thriving non-profit organization where he and his team create outdoor, transformative experiences that change people to the core and give them a forever community of like-minded and caring friends.
Episode 9: TOM DEMPSEY - The Mastermind Behind Making Innovative Outdoor Camping Gear
What started out as an idea to create the most innovative pop-up camper has evolved into a line of some of the best designed camping and gear trailers ever made. Tom Dempsey is the founder of SylvanSport and he takes great pride in both his team and the award-winning products they innovate and roll out into this world. Tom and his team embody the adventurous, kind, and fun-loving spirit that characterizes many outdoor lovers and they approach their work with a driven, but perfectly balanced playful attitude. A great company with great products and great people.
Episode 8: ZAC JORDAN - The Family Guy Who Invented An Ingenious Bowl
Rigwa is changing the game on your Mom's Tupperware. If you've ever gotten frustrated at cold and stiff queso, then you are probably going to want to check out the Rigwa bowl. The idea literally came one night when Zac and his wife, Jericha, got tired of having to reheat the queso with a bunch of friends. They knew there had to be a better solution. After researching and not finding one, they invented their own.
Episode 7: CHRIS MEADE - The Inventor of a New Sport
Chris, along with his brother and childhood friend, invented a whole new sport and they've called it CROSSNET. CROSSNET is a merge between the recess favorite four-square game and volleyball. And, it's popularity is spreading like wildfire. It's gone from being just a fun idea between three friends just under three years ago, to a multi-million dollar business, to now... a million dollar+ business per month. If you haven't heard of this game, you need to check it out. It'll bring back all the nostalgia and motivate you to get outside!
Episode 6: ELLIE CROSBY BERRY & JOANIE CROSBY COOKSEY - The Seafood Twins
Crosby twin sisters, Ellie and Joanie, grew up in the marshes of the Lowcountry.
They often found themselves tagging along with their Dad learning everything they could about fishing, shrimping, boating, and the marsh. In 1988, their beloved Dad retired from his seafood business, sold them the business and sadly, passed one week later. Joanie and Ellie have continued on the legacy of Crosby's Fish & Shrimp Co. by serving their team and their customers in every way that would make their Dad proud. If you've ever wondered what goes into running a successful fish and shrimp business in the Lowcountry, this is the episode for you!
Episode 5: LIZ DOBBINS - The Teacher Of The Science Of Movement
Liz Dobbins has dedicated herself to helping people understand how movement - of the body, of the mind, and of the spirit - affects all of life. Competing and playing sports all her life, she is a National Champion and a top 5 World triathlete champion as an age group competitor. She has served at USA Triathlon Association as Age Group Commission Chair and Women’s Commission Chair and is an author of multiple publications. She founded her company, Propelogy, where her goal is to live in and empower a world where people are attuned to their body and mind to utilize movement as the activator that propels them forward to achieve their dreams.
Episode 4: LAUREN GRIEWSKI - The 4.75x Triathlete
Triathleting through the loss...
Truth be told, it is a relatively small group who can claim they've competed in one triathlon, let alone FOUR...and 3/4... triathlons. This week's guest, Lauren Griewski, falls into that small but mighty group. Her triathlete journey was born out of a significant loss; and running, coupled with the community she met, was what led her to and through the process of grief and healing. Lauren is a beautiful force of nature who will, no doubt, inspire you to find what you love and begin pursuing it today.
Episode 3: ROBERT "FLY" NAVARRO: The Respected Fisherman
Want to meet a "real" fisherman?? Look (and listen) no further... Robert "Fly" Navarro is your guy. Fly is as respected as they come in the outdoor and offshore fishing world. His following is both loyal and engaged. He's started businesses, launched a magazine, ran some of the largest fishing tournaments, coached both kids and high profile people on how to catch "the big one", and traveled the world running some of top offshore fishing boats.
We're firm believers that there's nothing like being out on the water to clear your mind. Fly will be the first to tell you he's grateful that he gets to do this for a living and everyone else will tell you, he's damn good at it.
We're firm believers that there's nothing like being out on the water to clear your mind. Fly will be the first to tell you he's grateful that he gets to do this for a living and everyone else will tell you, he's damn good at it.
Episode 2: TREY MCMILLAN: The Oyster Farmer
If you eat oysters (or even if you don't!) and have never been to an oyster farm to see how those little slippery suckers are grown, this is an episode to hit play on! Trey McMillan started Lowcountry Oyster Co. back in August of 2017 and has grown it into quite the operation. Easy to say, we are impressed.
Episode 1: Meet the Hosts
We’re your hosts, Julie “Jules” Weldon & Stacey “Stace” Pierce! Longtime lovers of the great outdoors and Co-Founders/CEO’s of OME Gear, a women-led outdoor gear company based in Charleston, SC, we have always had a passion for getting outside and exploring the beauty and wonder our planet has to offer.
In this introductory episode of our Do It In Nature podcast, we wanted to give a little background on us, the reason we started this podcast, & why we call it Do It In Nature!
In this introductory episode of our Do It In Nature podcast, we wanted to give a little background on us, the reason we started this podcast, & why we call it Do It In Nature!