Desert Voices: Recent Episodes

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Ultramarathon running is just like life; full of highs and lows and, before you know it, you blink and it’s over. Today’s guest is a 69-time ultramarathon winner, and today’s episode is as much about his experiences of pushing himself to his limits as it is about how to make the most out of the short time we have here on earth! Karl Metlzer, also known as Speedgoat, has spent his 54 years of life living exactly the way he wanted to; surrounded by nature and good people, with very little material possessions. His “don’t complicate things” philosophy and his approach to dealing with the challenges that are an inevitable part of racing and of life will leave you feeling inspired to get up and out into nature as often as you possibly can! Tune in today to learn more.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The role that running has played in Karl’s life since he was a child.
• Karl’s thoughts on nature versus nurture when it comes to being a professional athlete.
• The casual conversation that led to Karl running his first ultramarathon, the Wasatch 100 (which he won a few years later).
• The big highs and lows that you should expect when running an ultramarathon.
• Karl’s philosophy the most out of the short time that we have here on earth.
• Necessary nutrition and how Karl approaches food and drink intake during an ultramarathon.
• Why Karl believes that simplicity is key.
• Where he gets his motivation from.
• Some of his favorite ultramarathons.
• Karl’s first trip to the desert and what he loves about running in that type of terrain.
• How runner sponsorships have evolved since Karl entered the professional running scene.
• Advice for any aspiring professional runners out there.
• Some of the most challenging moments of Karl’s career and how he dealt with them.
• Why Karl recommends that everyone watch the documentary, Minimalism.
• Karl shares some of his most vivid desert memories.
• Inspiring parting words from Karl

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Karl Meltzer

Karl Meltzer on Twitter

Karl Meltzer on Instagram

Ultramarathon Man

Minimalism

EREM

EREM on Instagram

EREM Email Address

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Combating the effects of climate change should be the common goal for everyone around the world. The effects of climate change threaten various aspects of our societies, such as food security, and energy production. In addition, the willpower needed to transform into a green economy and lifestyle must be accompanied by pragmatic, scientifically grounded ideas to effectively mitigate the consequences of climate change. In today’s episode, we talk to Professor John Cushman, who is the director of the Biochemistry Graduate Program in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Nevada Reno, and who is regarded as the foremost expert on cacti and climate change. Prof. Cushman’s research is currently focused on several issues regarding climatic change effects on arid regions. Some of his most exciting research involves using cacti species as an alternative crop, which can provide both food and energy. In today’s episode, we learn why Prof. Cushman sees such value in cacti species as a crop, the benefits of using water-efficient crops in a drying world, the challenges facing the use of cacti on a large scale, what CAM photosynthesis is, and much more. Tune in today to hear from a truly inspirational researcher on how cacti can change the world, with Prof. John Cushman!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The initial reasons why Prof. Cushman focused on cacti as a part of his research.
• Why Prof. Cushman is researching specific species of cacti.
• How cacti can be used to mitigate climate change.
• The issues Prof. Cushman is most concerned about regarding the effect of climate change.
• Whether Prof. Cushman has any optimism regarding combating climate change.
• The myth surrounding the cactus pear and agave as climate change mitigation measures.
• Common misconceptions around the growth rate of cacti.
• Why people should take an interest in prickly pears.
• Future steps explained for incorporating cacti as mainstream crops.
• Prof. Cushman explains what CAM photosynthesis is.
• What makes prickly pear so effective in capturing carbon from the atmosphere.
• The current state of prickly pear farming as an alternative food and energy crop.
• A brief mention of the other uses of prickly pear.
• Examples of the biggest challenges facing prickly pear as an alternative crop.
• Prof. Cushman shares some recommendations for movies and books for listeners.
• Goals and scope of EREM regarding the planting of a million cacti.
• We find out what Prof. Cushman’s favorite memory is of desert and outdoor life.
• One lifestyle change that listeners can do to help combat climate change.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Professor John Cushman on LinkedIn

Professor John Cushman on Google Scholar

Professor John Cushman on Loop

EREM

EREM on Instagram

EREM Desert Boot Hiking Company

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Today's guest is a leader of the desert conservation community, both in his personal and professional life. Matt Nelson first fell in love with the desert when he was just a teenager, and he has dedicated his life to maintaining and protecting it, now as executive director of the Arizona Trail Association. Join us as we dive into what makes the Arizona trail so special, how Matt got involved with it, and why it's such an important part of the community. We hear the challenges the trail faces from climate change, and how you can best help Matt prevent these. We also gain some profound insight into the relationship between man and wilderness, and how music has impacted Matt's life. On a lighter note, we hear why Harrison Ford is Matt's interview guest of choice, and why he has such an affinity with the agave! You don’t want to miss this inspiring and fascinating discussion with one of the wisest desert voices.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcome to friend, hero, adventurer, musician, and executive director of the Arizona Trail Association, Matt Nelson.
• The Arizona trail: length, location, and terrain.
• How Matt got to where he is now, and why the work they do to maintain the trail is so important.
• The statistics around the number of people who experience the trail each year, and the special experience it affords them.
• How climate change is affecting the trail, and why deserts, in particular, are vulnerable.
• How you can help the Arizona Trail Association!
• Why Matt feels the notion of wilderness is false, and what makes the Arizona trail so special to him.
• Why Matt loves the desert and the plant he identifies with.
• The gnarliest situation Matt’s been in, and what his favorite hike is!
• Some unexpected information about Harrison Ford, and why Matt is a huge fan.
• How music influences Matt’s life, and where you can listen to his radio show.
• The experiences people share on the Arizona trail, and when to best ask them about it!
• Noah’s four questions: the documentary Matt recommends watching, his suggestion for EREM, his favorite memory of the desert, and why he wants you to connect with nature.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Matthew Nelson

Matt Nelson on Global Rhythm Radio

Desert Dreams Celebrating Five Seasons in the Sonoran Desert

The Arizona Trail Association

EREM

EREM on Instagram

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Ultramarathons are considered to be some of the most grueling and toughest racing events that one can take part in. The physical and mental preparation needed is immense and runners will be challenged daily. Competitors must carry everything they need to survive the harsh conditions with very little support from race organizers. One of the most recognized and prestigious ultramarathon series is RacingThePlanet which is a part of the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series and takes place in a new location every year. The founder and leader of RacingThePlanet is today’s guest, Mary Gadams. Mary fell in love with ultramarathons after her first race in the Himalayan Mountains in 1992. Mary left her booming career in finance only a few years later to pursue her love and passion for ultramarathons. In our conversation, we find out how Mary first began ultramarathon running, why she left her lucrative financial career to pursue ultramarathons, common mistakes new competitors make, what it takes to win a race, and much more. Tune in today to hear from the toughest and coolest woman in the desert, Mary Gadams!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Reason why Mary left her booming professional career to start RacingThePlanet.
• Challenges Mary faced when she organized the first marathon for RacingThePlanet.
• How her brother started Mary’s journey into the world of ultramarathons.
• Why Mary picked the destinations she did when first starting the organization.
• The common trait between people who choose to participate in the series.
• Experience levels of people who take part in RacingThePlanet ultramarathon series.
• We learn about some of the logistics involved when organizing RacingThePlanet marathons.
• Permissions needed from the different countries where the ultramarathons are held.
• Outline of the steps taken when designing and setting up a course.
• Roles and responsibilities of Mary and staff during the course of a race week.
• Mary’s favorite destination from one of the races she has organized.
• How the COVID-19 pandemic affected the series.
• A highlight of some future destinations where RacingThePlanet will take place.
• Common mistakes people make when running a desert race for the first time.
• Personality traits of people who complete or win the ultramarathons that Mary has organized.
• Discover Mary’s hero and inspiration in her life.
• Other business ventures and projects that Mary is currently involved with.
• We wrap up the show with the final four questions we ask every guest.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

EREM

EREM on Instagram

EREM - Desert Boot Hiking Company | Made for the Desert

RacingThePlanet | 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series

RacingThePlanet on Youtube

RacingThePlanet on Facebook

RacingThePlanet on Instagram

RacingThePlanet on LinkedIn

RacingThePlanet on Twitter

Freezed Dried Meals - Emergency Rations

Mary Gadams on Twitter

Mary Gadams on Instagram

Mary Gadams on Facebook

Mary Gadams on LinkedIn

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What we eat matters. It matters not just for the health of our bodies, but for the health of our planet too. Today, 95% of the mammalian mass (excluding humans) on earth is livestock, ⅓ of the produce that is grown goes to waste, and a mere six crops are responsible for 57% of agricultural production. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Seth Goldman, our first guest on the Desert Voices Podcast, is on the noble mission of making organic, water conscious, plant-based alternatives more accessible to all. Seth is the co-founder of PLNT Burger and Eat the Change, and is chair of the board at Beyond Meat. Join us today to hear how consciousness around diet is beginning to change, and the role that Seth and his partners are playing in accelerating it. Every choice you make has an impact, and one very effective way that you can be the change you wish to see in the world is by changing what you eat!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing our very first guest, serial entrepreneur and outdoor enthusiast, Seth Goldman.
• The value that Seth sees in spending time outside every day.
• Seth shares the story of how he became involved with Beyond Meat, and what his role in the company is today.
• PLNT Burger and Eat the Change; some details about the two companies that Seth recently co-founded.
• A staggering statistic that highlights why animal-based agriculture is problematic.
• Values that underpin the work being done by Eat the Change.
• The six crops that are responsible for 57% of all agricultural production.
• Impact that Seth made through one of his previous ventures, Honest Kids.
• What success means to Seth.
• How the dairy case has changed over the last 20 years, and how Seth expects the meat and dairy alternatives space to evolve in the future.
• The importance of learning to delegate when you are an entrepreneur.
• What Seth gets out of the hour that he spends outside every day.
• Valuable advice for any listeners with a brilliant idea who are struggling to bring it to life.
• The key to building a mission-driven company culture.
• A four-question rapid fire round with Seth!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Eat the Change

PLNT Burger

Beyond Meat

Honest Tea

Mission in a Bottle

The Call of the Wild

EREM

EREM on Instagram

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Kate Williams is the CEO of 1% for the Planet, an organization with more than 5,000 members who have each committed to giving one percent of their annual profit to an environmental nonprofit which aligns most closely with their values. Even if you don’t run a business or aren’t in a position to make this kind of commitment, everyone has a way to make their own contribution to making the world a better place, and Kate wants all of us to ask ourselves the question: what is your one percent? In today’s episode, Kate shares what her journey in the realms of business, politics (she was the first female member of the board of Waitsfields, Vermont), and the nonprofit sector have consisted of to date and how she hopes to continue to make a meaningful impact on the world in the future. Whatever your one percent is, it matters!

Key Points From This Episode:

• When Kate was first introduced to 1% for the Planet, the organization she is now CEO of.
• Factors that she believes have been instrumental in the success of 1% for the Planet.
• Challenges that 1% for the Planet is currently facing (which are also major opportunities).
• The critical role of nonprofits in making the world a better place.
• How 1% for the Planet helps businesses find nonprofits they align with to donate to.
• The literal and figurative meaning of the one percent in 1% for the Planet.
• Kate explains how 1% for the Planet navigates through current fraught political times.
• How the 1% for the Planet model works, and why it is structured the way it is.
• What the ultimate goal of 1% for the Planet is.
• Kate’s experience of serving on the board of the town of Waitsfield, Vermont.
• How her experience working in politics, business, and the nonprofit sector has shaped her into the leader that she is.
• Why Kate’s mom is her hero.
• The shifting narrative change in the outdoor industry that Kate is excited about.
• How her experience with the National Outdoor Leadership School has impacted her life.
• A “final-four” round with Kate.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

1% for the Planet

Anna and the Swallow Man

EREM

EREM on Instagram

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The outdoors industry, above all others, has a responsibility to prioritize sustainability. Our guest today is the president and CEO of Smartwool, Jen McLaren, who has made it her mission to continue to evolve towards total sustainability, even if it means fraternizing with her competitors. Jen understands that the mitigation of climate change is of ultimate importance and that the best way to make a change is to band together as an industry. Prior to her current role, Jen was the CFO at Smartwool and Timberland, respectively. In our conversation, we learn about the transition from finance to leadership, as well as Jen’s views on building and nurturing a culture of inclusivity within an organization. Join us today for some great insights into the mutually beneficial mentor-mentee relationship, some advice for women in leadership, and so much more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Jen Mclaren’s journey from finance to leadership, as CEO of the outdoor brand, Smartwool.
• The transition from CFO to CEO: how Jen’s financial expertise prepared her for the role.
• The best advice Jen received from her executive coach.
• The progress of the outdoor industry in terms of gender equality.
• Jen’s advice for women aspiring to take on leadership positions.
• How to build and nurture a culture of inclusivity.
• What Camber Outdoors is, Jen’s role in the organization, and how listeners can get involved.
• The mutually beneficial mentor-mentee relationship.
• How Smartwool has evolved and what Jen attributes to its success.
• Smartwool’s sustainability goals.
• The biggest barrier to sustainability and how Smartwool is working with its competitors to help mitigate climate change.
• Jen’s favorite bike route and what she loves about cycling.
• Jen’s book recommendation.
• Jen’s suggestions for ways in which EREM can improve.
• Jen shares a special memory from one of her Canyonlands trips.
• Encouraging listeners to get educated about the products they’re buying.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jen McLaren on LinkedIn

Smartwool

Smartwool on Instagram

Second Cut Project

ZQRX

Camber Outdoors

Timberland

Braiding Sweetgrass

Allan Savory TED Talk: How To Fight Desertification and Reverse Climate Change

EREM

EREM on Instagram

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Ultrarunning is not for the faint of heart. Not only is it a tremendous feat of physical endurance, but you also run the risk of encountering some frightening wild animals along the way, like grizzly bears and aggressive moose. Our guest today, Kelly Halpin, is an illustrator, professional athlete, and author of several children’s books and has run into plenty of wildlife in her ultrarunning career. She holds an impressive number of FKTs (Fastest Known Times) for some incredible track runs, including the 97-mile-long Wind River Highway in Wyoming, which she finished in a completely unsupported effort in under two days and twelve hours. In our conversation, we discuss Kelly’s love of nature, how she got into ultrarunning and the joy she gets from writing children’s books. We also unpack the planning and preparation that goes into her track runs, her enthusiasm for the brands that sponsor her, and what drives her to continue her pursuit of FTKs in some of the most challenging and beautiful routes in the world. For all this, and much more, make sure you tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest Kelly Halpin, illustrator, author, and professional athlete.
• An overview of Fastest Known Times (FKTs), how you record them, and why Kelly likes them.
• Some of the FKTs records that Kelly holds, and which one she is most proud of.
• The challenges of doing an off-trail run and how Kelly did the 97-mile-long Wind River Highway in Wyoming.
• How Kelly has become accustomed to sleep deprivation on her runs.
• The most challenging route Kelly has ever done.
• How Kelly and her friend created and established their most challenging route.
• The sense of responsibility that accompanies creating a new route.
• The leave-no-trace ethics that Kelly follows on her runs.
• What motivates Kelly to keep breaking records.
• The difference for Kelly between doing a supported run, versus a fully unsupported run.
• Kelly’s process for preparing for a long trail and breaking an FKT.
• The maps and tools Kelly takes with her on any given long-distance run.
• The injury that made Kelly pivot from climbing, and snowboarding, to running, and what the transition was like.
• Learn about Kelly’s love for foraging mushrooms.
• Why Kelly loves the Moab desert in Utah and how it differs from Jackson Hole.
• Some of the most memorable wildlife encounters Kelly has had on her expeditions.
• Kelly’s thoughts on Instagram, influencers, brand sponsorship, and how that intersects with the level you’re competing at.
• The pros and cons of being a sponsored athlete.
• Kelly’s work as an artist and illustrator and how she published seven children’s books.
• A “final-four” round with Kelly.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kelly Halpin

Kelly Halpin on Instagram

Suunto

Black Diamond

Gnarly Nutrition

La Sportiva

The School of Names

EREM

EREM on Instagram

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From a young age, Shoren Brown’s life has been shaped by his experiences in nature, from fishing in the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana where he grew up, to backpacking through Montana where he lives now. Today, as the Executive Director for Conservation Alliance, he is working to protect these spaces which are so fundamental to our existence on earth. Conservation Alliance is an organization that partners with locally focused grassroots organizations to enhance biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, and conserve land and water resources. In today’s episode, Shoren shares what makes him hopeful about the future, advice for anyone interested in getting involved in the conservation space, and explains why, in order to adequately address environmental issues, we need to be taking our concerns directly to congress.

Key Points From This Episode:

• An overview of Shoren’s background in the conservation space, and the work that he is now doing with Conservation Alliance.
• Pride that Shoren feels towards the team that he is currently leading at Conservation Alliance.
• What inspires Shoren most about the brands that he and his team work with.
• Characteristics of grantees that Conservation Alliance likes to work with.
• The focus of Conservation Alliance’s Confluence Program.
• Why Conservation Alliance is part of the movement against moving the Outdoor Retailer event back to Utah.
• Shoren shares the approach that he believes to be most effective when dealing with environmental issues.
• What a lot of Shoren’s day-to-day work consists of.
• How Conservation Alliances chooses which projects to focus on.
• Why it is so valuable for brands to engage with elected officials about the issues they care about.
• Two people in the conservation space who Shoren admires.
• Shoren shares some examples of the wild experiences which have shaped his life.
• Advice from Shoren for anyone interested in entering the conservation space.
• A “final four” round with Shoren where he shares his favorite book, his most vivid desert memory, and a profound call to action.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Conservation Alliance

Shoren Brown on LinkedIn

Emerald Expositions

Outdoor Retailers

Bears-Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition

Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey

EREM

EREM on Instagram

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Businesses have many roles and objectives in our economies and societies. They carry a large sense of impact and can be used as a force for good in this world. Our guest today, Travis Campbell, recently made some big waves in the outdoor industry when it was reported that he was purchasing the brand Eagle Creek from the VF Corp. Before taking the reins and spinning out Eagle Creek, Travis was the General Manager of The North Face’s US business and was president of Smartwool. Before that, Travis spent almost 16 years at Far Bank Enterprises, eventually becoming CEO of the business, which includes fishing brands, Sage, Redington, and RIO Products. If you spend time in the outdoors, Travis has led many of the brands that you trust, wear and love. Tuning in today, listeners will hear about the brand Eagle Creek, the story and process behind Travis acquiring the company, and the importance of travel and traveling mindfully. He also shares his thoughts and opinions on other brands and their impact on the outdoor industry, whether the outdoor industry is guilty of greenwashing, why businesses should be used as a force for good, and so much more. Join us today in this fully-packed episode of Desert Voices!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Travis introduces the brand Eagle Creek.
• He walks us through the story behind his acquiring Eagle Creek.
• Travis talks us through the purchasing process.
• His first order of business once Eagle Creek was officially his baby.
• What it was about Eagle Creek that excited Travis: the brand and the product.
• The biggest difference between his current leadership position and his time at VF.
• Travis’ opinion on the 10-year view for Eagle Creek’s success: ultimately do good with the business.
• Thoughts on how the world can travel in a more responsible and mindful way.
• Something at Eagle Creek people don’t know that he wants you to know.
• One brand that he thinks does a great job living their values in the outdoor industry: Patagonia and Toad&Co.
• Travis shares his ideas on whether the outdoor industry is guilty of greenwashing.
• A brand Travis loved working for and why.
• He shares about living in Steamboat and the challenges of what’s to change in the coming years.
• Something that scares Travis, and something that excites him.
• We end the podcast with our four final questions.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Eagle Creek on Instagram

Eagle Creek

EREM

EREM on Instagram

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Do you have what it takes to be a rock climber? Rock climbing is an extreme sport that requires immense physical and mental strength. It pushes people to their limits, forcing people to overcome massive physical and mental hurdles. However, rock climbing is more than just scaling large cliffs and is made up of several different variants. Each variant of rock climbing comes with its own challenges and rewards. Today, we talk to Pete Takeda, a professional rock climber and author with decades of experience in the sport, who has practiced every type of rock climbing genre, competed professionally, and has written several books on the subject. IWe discuss the different types of rock climbing, common misconceptions about the sport, the physical and mental strength needed, and how the sport has changed in recent years. We also find out about some of the universal life lessons that Pete has learned while rock climbing and hear his advice for people who want to become professional rock climbers. Tune in to learn about a fascinating sport from an expert on the subject, Pete Takeda!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An outline of rock climbing and the different variants of the sport.
• Some common misconceptions people have about climbing as a sport.
• What Pete’s favorite type of climbing is.
• How much time Pete spends practicing rock climbing.
• Universal lessons that he has learned during his rock climbing career.
• Ways which rock climbing has changed in recent years.
• What Pete loves and enjoys most about climbing.
• Pete’s experience transitioning from player to coach.
• The age that most people decide to stop rock climbing.
• We learn what climbing grade 5.13 is.
• An aspect that Pete finds most challenging about climbing.
• Advice for people wanting to learn how to rock climb professionally.
• Impact of the popularity the sport has received in recent years.
• A discussion about the negatives and positives of climbing becoming popular.
• Pete shares what it was like being a minority in the rock climbing community.
• Motivation for Pete writing books on the subject.
• A cause that Pete is most passionate about.
• Activities that Pete enjoys outside of rock climbing.
• Some rapid-fire questions for Pete!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

EREM

EREM on Instagram

Pete Takeda on Instagram

The American Alpine Club

Damned If You Don’t

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The lack of transparency in the manufacturing industry is alarming, and today, we are joined by someone who is actively working to advance chemical transparency throughout the global supply chain. Pete Girard is the Co-Founder and CEO of Toxnot and, in this episode, he shares the ultimate goal of his software company to materially change the way the world’s supply chains are managed, for both sustainability and health. We discuss the importance of understanding what products are made of and what consumers can do to make a difference. Pete fills us in on a whole world of hidden toxins and the danger of bioaccumulation and predicts the future of transparency mandates. Tune in to hear more about the noble pursuit of Toxnot, greenwashing in the outdoor industry (and beyond), our tendency to over-index on packaging rather than products, and so much more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing the Co-Founder and CEO of Toxnot, Pete Girard.
• What prompted the creation of Toxnot and the problem it strives to solve.
• The hidden toxins contained in various materials.
• Why it’s important to understand what products are made of.
• How to gauge a company’s commitment to understanding what’s in their product.
• Customer demand versus company intentionality.
• The solution presented by Toxnot.
• Pete’s prediction of transparency mandates going forward.
• Toxnot’s ultimate goal of success.
• How to encourage the supply chain to participate in sustainability.
• What the Toxnot exchange is and the purpose it serves.
• How the pandemic has impacted the world of sustainable supply chains.
• Who Toxnot generally works with, within a company.
• To what extent the outdoor industry greenwashes.
• Pete’s wish for the evolution of the outdoor industry.
• The danger of fluorinated substances.
• The tendency for customers to over-index on packaging rather than the product itself.
• Biocircularity versus recycling.
• Pete’s hopes and concerns for the next ten years.
• Pete’s hero, book recommendation, suggestion for EREM, and favorite memory of the desert.
• Pete’s call to action!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Pete Girard on LinkedIn

Toxnot

Compass and Gyroscope

EREM

EREM on Instagram

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There have been gigantic industry shifts across different sectors of the fashion, and outdoor spaces, over the last 20 years. Somewhat surprisingly, there are some interesting overlaps between what might be seen as disparate markets, and here to comment on her experiences working in these areas of consumer brand building is the amazing Jill Layfield. Most recently, Jill was the CEO of Tamara Mellon, a position she stepped down from at the end of 2021, and before that she was the CEO of Backcountry for over ten years! Today we have the honor of speaking to Jill about her journey, and what has inspired her biggest career decisions. Jill talks about risks and safety, her connection to the outdoors, the impacts of the pandemic, and so much more. We hear from her about the biggest influences she has encountered and why she feels compelled to carry the torch for more women to lead in the outdoor industry. In a conversation jam-packed with insight and illumination, Jill's warm and personable energy shines through, making this is a truly unmissable episode!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A look at the common thread of consumer brand building throughout Jill's career.
• Jill's recent departure from Tamara Mellon, and some thoughts on what's next!
• A little bit about the Tamara Mellon brand and Jill's role at the company.
• Thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of the direct-to-consumer model.
• Comparing the fashion and outdoor industries and how Jill fit her skill set into each.
• Luxury brands and the pandemic; Jill unpacks the surprising resilience of the space.
• A look back at the period around Jill's big decision to start working at Backcountry.
• Jill talks about John Malone, Liberty Media, and their interest in the outdoor industry.
• Making the transition to CEO; the resources and people that aided Jill along the way.
• The mission at Camber and Jill's involvement in their work.
• Jill talks about how Sally Jewell influenced and inspired her along her journey.
• Why Jill sees her parents as heroes and their ethos of balance and hard work.
• Some of Jill's favorite outdoor destinations around LA!
• Advice around safety and risk that Jill has found very useful.
• Four final questions for Jill: her favorite business book, advice for EREM, desert memory, and a call to action!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jill Layfield on LinkedIn

Tamara Mellon

Jimmy Choo

Backcountry

Tamara Mellon Easy Rider

Shutterfly

Liberty Media

John Malone

Bergfreunde

Orvis

Camber

Sally Jewell

REI

John Bresee

Ben Horowitz

The Alpinist

Noah Schwartz

EREM

EREM on Instagram

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Our guest on today's show is Roxanne Vogel. In basically every way, Roxanne is superhuman. Roxanne is currently a Ph.D. Researcher, studying sports and performance nutrition, while also working for GU, one of the premier sports nutrition manufacturing companies in the world. She is also one of the most elite mountaineers on Earth, she has, for example, summited Everest from sea level to the summit and back, in 14 days from car to car. This is 14 days quicker than the previous record. In addition to her Everest record, she has trekked to the last degree of the South Pole and the other six highest continental peaks to complete the seven summits. She's headed for the last degree of the North Pole next. This means that when Roxanne treks to the North Pole, as she is currently attempting to do, she will become one of just a very select group of women to complete the Explorers Grand Slam, the seven peaks, and the last degrees at both poles. Stay tuned as we hear from this amazing and inspiring woman about her expeditions, her training, her future goals, and what she’s focusing her research on. It’s an episode you don’t want to miss out on!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why Roxanne does the climbing and trekking, and how she got into it.
• What inspired her record-breaking Mount Everest Summit; necessity and curiosity.
• Roxanne explains the hypoxia chamber she created and lived in for 3 months.
• She explains the transition from going from high altitude levels to sea level immediately.
• More about how she prepared for Everest; sleep, exercise, and nutritional commitments.
• Her process for being regimented and disciplined.
• What inspired her to take on the South Pole.
• She shares her plan for the North Pole trek.
• More on her training for her polar expedition.
• Her plans after completing the Explorer’s Grand Slam.
• What it means to Roxanne to belong to such an elite group of mountaineers and athletes; arguable the most accomplished women climbers of all times.
• Advice to someone wanting to accomplish epic goals: paying forward some wisdom.
• What keeps Roxanne going in challenging or stressful moments during expeditions.
• She shares what it’s like to reach her goal: the final summit or the exact coordinates.
• How Roxanne fit every aspect of training into her day and what sacrifices she had to make.
• What Roxanne is researching for her Ph.D. and why.
• Roxanne’s free tip on how to nutrition well when adventuring in the desert.
• What’s next after her Ph.D. program.
• Her favorite place in the outdoors: South America and the Himalayas.
• In the next decade: something that scares her and something that excites her.
• We finish the episode with our four final questions.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Roxanne Vogel on Instagram

GU Energy

Uphill Athlete

EREM

EREM on Instagram

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In the desert, you have to own your decisions, be able to set your own path, and most importantly, when you lose your way, you have to keep putting one foot in front of the other until you find it again. All of this is true in business as well, as you will learn today from former CEO of Timberland and current EREM board member, Jeff Swartz (who also happens to be my father). Jeff’s career journey is full of colorful stories, inspirational people, major challenges, and profound lessons, and everything in his life has been underpinned by his passion for social justice. For anyone who, like me, is at the beginning of their own business journey, or wants to use their power as a consumer to influence brands to do better, this episode is for you!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Jeff shares some of the biggest challenges of running a family business.
• One of the darkest moments of Jeff’s career, and how he got through it.
• Two of the most valuable lessons that Jeff learned from his father and grandfather.
• The most memorable letter that Jeff ever received.
• Jeff’s biggest business enemy when he was running Timberland, and his feelings towards them that kept him motivated.
• Our disconnection from where our footwear and apparel comes from, and why this is so problematic.
• Some of Jeff’s main accomplishments during his time as CEO of Timberland.
• Creating your own path, and avoiding following anyone else's.
• The factors which drove Jeff’s decision to get involved with EREM.
• What Jeff believes is required to make EREM a success.
• Power that you, as a consumer, have when it comes to influencing companies to run more ethical, sustainable businesses.
• Hear Jeff’s answers to the “final-four” questions.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Timberland

EREM

EREM on Instagram

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A podcast by Erem’s CEO and founder Noah Swartz to interview movers and shakers in the world of outdoor adventure, disruptive business, desert ecosystems, and more.