Changemakers and Trailblazers: The Confluence of States - Outdoor Recreation Offices Update
Advancing the Outdoor Professional
Release Date: 06/06/2024
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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So You Want to Work in a State Office of Outdoor Recreation
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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So You Want to Be Part of the Outdoor Recreation Workforce
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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So You Want to Be on a Board of Directors?
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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So You Want to Bring Trauma-Informed Approaches to Your Work?
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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So You Want to Be a Race Director?
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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So You Want to Create Awesome Youth Leadership Development Programs?
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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So You Want to Operate a Mobile Wilderness Program?
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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So You Want to Use Data Science to Create Accessible Environments?
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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So You Want to Create Adaptive Recreation Opportunities?
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...
info_outlineJoin us as podcast host and AORE Executive Director Jeannette Stawski interviews Maribel Castañeda about the Confluence of States, a bipartisan network of state leaders advancing the outdoor recreation industry. Maribel discusses her role as the manager for the Confluence and her love for the outdoors.
Jeannette and Maribel talk about the creation of the Confluence and the accords that outline the five pillars of their work: conservation and stewardship, education and workforce training, economic development, public health and wellness, and opportunity and experience. They discuss the challenges and obstacles in the outdoor recreation industry, including sustainability and shared stewardship. Maribel shares resources and encourages listeners to get connected with the Confluence of States.
Meet Maribel:
Maribel Castañeda is the Manager for the Confluence of States, a bipartisan network of state leaders advancing our outdoor economy through a collective voice. She is a passionate coalition builder with over a decade of experience in local and state government working in areas such as education, community development, board organization, and constituent engagement. She previously served as the Director of Appointments and Director of Latino Outreach for Governor Northam. Maribel is an avid outdoors enthusiast from Harrisonburg, Virginia and grew up exploring the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She loves camping, hiking, and running.
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