Advancing the Outdoor Professional

08:00

Rose, Bud, Thorn with Lee Davis: October 2026

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2026/10/02

This month's Rose, Bud, Thorn with AORE Executive Director Lee Davis is short and sweet as AORE gears up for the annual Outdoor Professional Conference down in Orlando, Florida.

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30:08

AORE Board of Directors with Em Dahlgren and Eboni...

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2026/09/16

In this episode, Candace, Em Dahlgren and Eboni Goddard give us a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to be a part of this best board of directors the side of the Mississippi. If you find yourself inspired, head on over to AORE webpage and you can dig a little deeper or even apply to be on the board!

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10:40

Rose, Bud, Thorn with Lee Davis: August 2026

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2026/08/07

Welcome to the premiere episode of Rose, Bud, Thorn, a new monthly mini-series featuring AORE Executive Director Lee Davis! Join us the first Friday of every month to get a quick, transparent look into the state of AORE as Lee breaks down one major win, one real challenge, and one exciting opportunity ahead.

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24:56

The Secret to Confident Presenting: Sasha Griffith on...

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2026/07/27

In this episode of Advancing the Outdoor Professional, Candace Brendler talks with Sasha Griffith of James Madison University about the power of networking, the intention behind sequencing activities, and how to present with confidence even when impostor syndrome shows up. Sasha shares how relationships at AORE helped shape her career, how she approaches conference sessions like team-building experiences, and why assessment can be simple, practical, and useful for outdoor programs. They also explore

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11:19

More Than Networking: Zoe Huff on the AORE OPC and...

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2026/05/16

This week, host Candace Brendler sits down with Towson University's Zoe Huff to pull back the curtain on her experiences at AORE's Outdoor Professional Conference (OPC). Come for the high-level professional insights, stay for the heartwarming proof that networking doesn't have to be stiff—and that the bonds built in the outdoor community are built to last. Side effects of listening may include a sudden urge to call your favorite outdoor adventurer.

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32:06

So You Want to Manage Burnout and Traumatic Stress...

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2025/12/15

Description In this episode of Advancing the Outdoor Professional, our host Candace Brendler speaks with Josie McKee, Director of Operations and Communications at Responder Alliance. The two discuss managing burnout and the effects of traumatic stress injuries. From climbing instructor and wilderness educator to search & rescue team member and resilience trainer, Josie shares her career journey and how her lived experience with stress injury shaped her work in resilience and stress management

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33:21

So You Want to Work in a State Office of Outdoor...

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2025/12/08

In this episode, our host Candace Brendler chats with Karina Armijo, Director of the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division, to explore what it's like to build and support outdoor recreation at the state level. Karina shares her unique career path—from graphic design and tourism marketing to leading outdoor recreation initiatives statewide—and how her deep connection to New Mexico's landscapes inspires her work. Their conversation digs into New Mexico's community-first approach to outdoor

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37:21

So You Want to Be Part of the Outdoor Recreation...

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2025/12/01

In this episode, Candace Brendler speaks with Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, about the evolving landscape of the outdoor recreation workforce. Chris shares his winding career path—from field educator to national policy leader—and highlights why outdoor recreation is a growing and increasingly vital sector of the U.S. economy. The conversation explores some of the workforce challenges facing the industry, including skills development, equitable access,

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30:03

So You Want to Be on a Board of Directors?

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2025/07/09

Join host Candice Brendler as she sits down with Morgan Costello, the chair of the Board of Directors for AORE. In this episode, they delve into the roles and responsibilities of board members, the difference between a working and strategic board, and Morgan's personal journey to leadership. Discover the importance of community, empowerment, and the impact of grassroots organizations in the outdoor industry. About Morgan With a foundation in experiential outdoor education and a passion for access

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38:30

So You Want to Bring Trauma-Informed Approaches to...

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2025/04/18

In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Elizabeth Allen, the Director of Impact and Learning at Justice Outside. They discuss the mission of Justice Outside, Elizabeth's career journey in trauma-informed practices, and the importance of creating inclusive outdoor experiences. Elizabeth shares insights into her daily work, the significance of trauma-informed care, and how to foster inclusivity within organizations. The conversation highlights the various pathways to a career in this field

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41:08

So You Want to Be a Race Director?

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2025/04/07

In this conversation, Candace Brendler interviews John Lacroix, the race director of the Human Potential Running Series, discussing the multifaceted role of a race director, the importance of risk management, community building through volunteerism, and the unique challenges of organizing trail running events. John shares insights into his career journey, the logistics involved in race planning, and the essential qualities and experiences needed to be a successful race director. In this

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43:14

So You Want to Create Awesome Youth Leadership...

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2025/03/31

In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Elliot Drake-Maurer, the High School Leader Coordinator for the Oregon State University Extension Outdoor School. They discuss the structure and impact of outdoor education programs, the role of high school leaders, and the importance of inclusivity in outdoor experiences. Elliot shares his career journey, the barriers faced by students, and the significance of listening to community needs. The conversation also touches on the upcoming AORE

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47:51

So You Want to Operate a Mobile Wilderness Program?

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2025/03/27

In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Micah Leinbach, the executive director of the BOAT Bus, about the innovative mobile wilderness program designed to make outdoor education more accessible. They discuss the importance of inclusion in outdoor recreation, the unique model of the BOAT Bus, and the challenges and strategies related to funding, insurance, and partnerships. Micah shares insights from his career journey, the daily operations of the BOAT Bus, and the significance of

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34:22

So You Want to Use Data Science to Create Accessible...

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2025/03/24

In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Courtney Schultz, PhD, about the intersection of data science and accessibility in outdoor environments. They discuss the importance of using data to create inclusive spaces, the role of research in understanding community needs, and the necessity of innovative approaches to surveying and data collection. Courtney shares her career journey, emphasizing the blend of practical experience in outdoor recreation with academic research. The discussion

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37:10

So You Want to Create Adaptive Recreation Opportunities?

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2025/03/18

Check out Candace Brendler's conversation with Joe Stone, co-owner of Dovetail Trails Consulting, about the importance of creating adaptive and accessible recreation opportunities for people with disabilities. They discuss the role of Dovetail in advocating for disability rights, the challenges faced in making trails accessible, and the significance of providing detailed trail information. Joe shares his personal journey into this field, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and the involvement of

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24:22

So You Want to Run an Urban Outdoor Experiential...

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2025/03/12

Join Candace Brendler as she chats with Heather West, Executive Director of Loop NOLA. Heather shares insights into the operations of her nonprofit, which focuses on outdoor adventure education for youth in New Orleans. She discusses her career journey, the challenges of running an urban outdoor nonprofit, and the importance of inclusivity in outdoor education. Heather emphasizes the need for understanding the local community and creating programs that cater to diverse populations, while also

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41:59

So You Want to Be a Trail Professional?

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2025/02/07

In this episode, Candace Brendler speaks with Erin Kay and Mike Passo about the Trail Skills Project and the evolving landscape of trail building careers. They discuss their personal journeys into the trail industry, the importance of workforce development, and the role of volunteers in maintaining and building trails. The conversation also touches on the need for sustainable trail development, the various avenues into trail work, and the significance of language in defining trail professionals and

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54:52

So You Want to Manage a Climbing Wall?

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2025/01/23

Check out our first live recording of a podcast while at the 2024 Outdoor Professional Conference in New Orleans. This conversation focuses on the management of a university climbing wall at James Madison University (JMU), highlighting the roles of student staff, the daily operations, and the importance of community and inclusivity in climbing. The discussion includes insights into the training and requirements for staff, the costs associated with training, and the various programs offered to engage

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37:19

So You Want to Be an Outdoor Leader?

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2025/01/06

In this conversation, Candace Brendler interviews Jeannette Stawski, the Executive Director of AORE, discussing her journey to leadership in outdoor education, the importance of credentials, the daily responsibilities of an executive director, and the significance of professional development and community building in the outdoor leadership space. Jeannette shares insights on her experiences, the challenges of nonprofit management, and the value of writing as a form of professional growth. Jeannette

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40:22

Changemakers and Trailblazers: The Importance of...

Advancing the Outdoor Professional ·

2024/12/02

In this conversation the two Advancing the Outdoor Professional podcast hosts connection about outdoor leadership. Jeannette Stawski interviews Candace Brendler, exploring her journey in outdoor leadership and student development. Candace shares her experiences as a program coordinator at Princeton University, her passion for working with students, and her unique career path that includes roles as a rafting guide and middle school teacher. The discussion delves into Candace's leadership philosophy,

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