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So You Want to Be an Inclusive Risk Manager?

Advancing the Outdoor Professional

Release Date: 05/21/2024

So You Want to Manage Burnout and Traumatic Stress Injury show art So You Want to Manage Burnout and Traumatic Stress Injury

Advancing the Outdoor Professional

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 training. Tune in to learn about psychological first aid and how the stress continuum can help...

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Advancing the Outdoor Professional

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 recreation, including the groundbreaking Outdoor Equity Fund and efforts to support local...

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Advancing the Outdoor Professional

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, and housing in gateway communities. Tune in to gain insight into emerging solutions and...

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Advancing the Outdoor Professional

Join host Candace 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 and equity, I support student leaders at Bucknell University and serve nationally as the...

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Advancing the Outdoor Professional

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 and concludes with resources for further learning. Elizabth will be joining AORE for the 2025...

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Advancing the Outdoor Professional

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 conversation, John Lacroix discusses the unique mindset required for trail running and race directing,...

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Advancing the Outdoor Professional

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 Inclusive Summit and the importance of professional development in outdoor education.   Elliot will...

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Advancing the Outdoor Professional

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 collaboration in the outdoor education space. Micah discusses the importance of collaboration...

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Advancing the Outdoor Professional

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 also touches on leadership in creating inclusive organizations and the urgent need to redefine...

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Advancing the Outdoor Professional

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 people with disabilities in the process. The conversation concludes with an invitation to the...

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More Episodes

Let’s talk about the interdependence of emotional and physical safety in program design and the importance of creating a collaborative and inclusive environment. In this podcast episode, host Candace Brendler is joined by Steve Smith and Christine Norton to discuss trauma-informed risk management.

It is important to prioritize program participants' physical and emotional safety, as well as the need to recognize pre-existing vulnerabilities and strengths related to past experiences of trauma. This episode emphasizes the shift from using terms like 'soft skills' and 'hard skills' to 'interpersonal skills' and 'technical skills' to promote inclusivity.

 

Meet Steve Smith

Risk Management Consultant, Experiential Consulting, LLC

Steve is the founder and lead consultant at Experiential Consulting, LLC - a risk management consultancy that focuses on serving outdoor and experiential education programs since 2008, including colleges, schools, conservation corps, wilderness therapy, and camp programs. A former classroom English teacher and Outward Bound instructor, Steve brings his background teaching indoors and outdoors into his consulting work. He served as risk management director for The Student Conservation Association for five years, overseeing risk for youth and adult programs across all 50 States. He is an avid wildlife photographer, sea kayaker, and enjoys exploring the wild lands from his home on Whidbey Island in WA State.

 

Meet Christine Norton

Professor, Texas State University School of Social Work

Dr. Christine Lynn Norton is a Professor of Social Work at Texas State University. She is a Fulbright Scholar, as well as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist, and Certified Experiential Therapist. Christine is an outdoor therapy researcher and practitioner and has dedicated her career to researching outdoor, experiential education and mental health interventions.

 

Resources