More Than Outdoors – Episode #12: Certifications 101 for Outdoor Professionals
In this episode, Austin French and Sam Andrews walk through the role certifications play in outdoor and recreation careers. From safety and medical training to leadership and specialized credentials, they discuss how certifications build credibility, confidence, and career pathways.
Whether you’re exploring the industry or looking to take the next step in your career, this episode provides a practical, no-nonsense look at certifications and how to approach them strategically.
✨ What you’ll hear:
An overview of key certifications in the outdoor industry
How certifications impact safety and professionalism
Tips for choosing certifications based on your goals
Personal insights from Austin and Sam
Voices from the Summit – rapid-fire reflections
📲 Follow the Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
👉 Follow the show and never miss an episode!
More Than Outdoors – Episode #11: Gabe Perkins & Todd Papianou: Trail Building is Community Building
Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews talk with Gabe Perkins, Executive Director of Inland Woods + Trails, and Todd Papianou, Physical Education Teacher at Mountain Valley High School, to explore how trail building and movement culture strengthen communities from the ground up.
From developing regional trail systems to engaging students in physical activity, Gabe and Todd share how access, collaboration, and community-led recreation can transform both people and places. Their insights highlight how trail networks are more than paths — they are a foundation for community health, identity, and opportunity.
✨ What you’ll hear:
How Inland Woods + Trails is shaping regional recreation
Why movement is essential for student wellbeing
How educators and recreation leaders work together
Trails as community, economic, and social assets
Voices from the Summit – rapid-fire Maine Q&A
📲 Connect with Inland Woods + Trails:
Website: https://inlandwoodsandtrails.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InlandWoodsandTrails
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inlandwoodsandtrails/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inland-woods-trails/
📲 Follow the Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews speak with Joe Kellner, CEO of LifeFlight of Maine, to explore how critical-care aviation teams respond in some of the most challenging conditions in the Northeast. Joe breaks down what it means to deliver lifesaving care across a rural state, how LifeFlight collaborates with first responders and communities, and why preparedness matters for anyone venturing into Maine’s remote areas.
✨ What you’ll hear:
LifeFlight’s statewide mission and lifesaving capabilities
Joe’s leadership story and his connection to the work
How aviation teams navigate rural terrain and time-critical emergencies
Voices from the Summit – Joe’s rapid-fire Maine Q&A
📲 Connect with LifeFlight of Maine:
Website: https://www.lifeflightmaine.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeFlightofMaine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeflightofmaine/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifeflight-of-maine/
📲 Follow the Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
👉 Follow the show and never miss an episode!
More Than Outdoors – Episode #9: Quincy Clifford: Perspective from Maine’s Next Generation
Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Quincy Clifford, a student at the Maine Business School and Summer 2025 Intern with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, to explore what Maine’s recreation future looks like through the eyes of a student. Quincy shares her experiences growing up in Maine, her academic path, and her passion for connecting people, place, and purpose through recreation.
✨ What you’ll hear:
A student’s perspective on Maine’s recreation industry
How internships and education shape future leaders
What inspires Maine’s next generation of recreation professionals
Voices from the Summit – Quincy’s rapid-fire Maine Q&A
📲 Connect with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation:
Website: https://www.trailblazerroadmap.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaineOutdoorRec/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maineoutdoorrec/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-office-of-outdoor-recreation/
📲 Follow the Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
👉 Follow the show and never miss an episode!
More Than Outdoors – Episode #8: Leading Maine’s Outdoor Future – with Jeff McCabe
Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Jeff McCabe, Director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, to talk about Maine’s outdoor future — from policy to paddling. Jeff shares how outdoor recreation drives jobs, strengthens local economies, and builds community pride, while the new Maine Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap outlines how the state plans to lead the nation in sustainable outdoor growth.
✨ What you’ll hear:
How outdoor recreation powers Maine’s economy
The story behind the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation
Jeff’s path from guide to policy leader
Fun rapid-fire insights in Voices from the Summit
📲 Connect with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation:
Roadmap Website: https://www.trailblazerroadmap.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaineOutdoorRec/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maineoutdoorrec/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-office-of-outdoor-recreation/
📲 Follow the Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
👉 Follow the show and never miss an episode!
More Than Outdoors – Episode #7: Revitalizing Community Through the Outdoors – with Kristina Cannon
Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Kristina Cannon, President & CEO of Main Street Skowhegan, to explore how outdoor recreation and community revitalization intersect in rural Maine. From trail systems and riverfront projects to outdoor gear libraries and public programs, Kristina shares how Main Street Skowhegan and Skowhegan Outdoors are building a stronger, more connected outdoor community.
✨ What you’ll hear:
How outdoor access boosts local economies and community pride
The story behind Main Street Skowhegan and Skowhegan Outdoors
Kristina’s perspective on outdoor-driven revitalization
Fun rapid-fire insights in Voices from the Summit
📲 Connect with the Organizations:
Main Street Skowhegan → Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Skowhegan Outdoors → Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
📲 Follow the Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
👉 Follow the show and never miss an episode!
More Than Outdoors – Episode #6: Building Outdoor Passions at Camp Manitou w/ Dave Schiff
Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Dave Schiff, owner and director of Camp Manitou for Boys in Oakland, Maine. With nearly 80 years of history, Camp Manitou has welcomed kids from all over the country, teaching them outdoor skills, teamwork, and resilience while building lifelong friendships. Dave shares what makes camp life so special, and how summer camps play a vital role in Maine’s outdoor economy. In Voices from the Summit, he takes on fun rapid-fire questions about his favorite ways to experience Maine’s great outdoors.
✨ What you’ll hear:
The story and legacy of Camp Manitou for Boys
How camps connect kids to Maine’s outdoors
Why summer camps matter for the outdoor economy
Dave’s rapid-fire take on Maine outdoor life
📲 Connect with us online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
👉 Follow the show and never miss an episode!
More Than Outdoors – Episode #5: Sharing the Outdoors – Maine GearShare with Josh Bossin
Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews sit down with Josh Bossin, Executive Director of Maine GearShare, to talk about how shared gear makes Maine’s outdoors more inclusive and accessible. From repairing well-loved equipment to building community through lending, Josh shares the vision behind GearShare and its impact on outdoor recreation in Maine. In Voices from the Summit, he takes on fun rapid-fire questions about his favorite ways to get outside.
✨ What you’ll hear:
How Maine GearShare is making the outdoors more accessible
The role of shared gear in building outdoor community
Behind-the-scenes of a nonprofit gear lending library
Josh’s rapid-fire take on Maine’s outdoor life
Check out Maine GearShare below:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mainegearshare
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mainegearshare
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maine-gearshare
Website: https://www.mainegearshare.org
📲 Connect with us online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1758537870
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
👉 Follow and rate the show, leave a review and never miss an episode!
More Than Outdoors – Episode #4: Summer on the Water – Canoe Podcasting at Clearwater Pond. Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews bring you this episode straight from Clearwater Pond in Industry, Maine — while paddling a canoe. Together, they share a summer update, stories from recent outdoor adventures, and their reflections on what makes Maine’s recreation culture so unique. In Voices from the Summit, they answer rapid-fire questions about their favorite ways to enjoy Maine’s great outdoors.
✨ What you’ll hear:
📲 Connect with us online:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1833797914
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
👉 Follow the show and never miss an episode! Subscribe, rate and review!
More Than Outdoors – Episode #3: Building Maine’s Outdoor Economy with Jenny Kordick
Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews are joined by Jenny Kordick, Executive Director of Maine Outdoor Brands, for a conversation about the future of Maine’s outdoor recreation economy. Jenny discusses her career journey, the importance of supporting outdoor companies in Maine, and the exciting innovations happening in the industry.
✨ What you’ll hear:
Jenny's journey to becoming Exeecutive Director of MOB
Insights on Maine’s strengths in outdoor recreation
Challenges and opportunities for local outdoor companies
Jenny’s favorite spots, gear, and lessons in Voices from the Summit
Check out Maine Outdoor Brands! FB: @Maine Outdoor BrandsIG: @maineoutdoorbrandsLI: @Maine Outdoor BrandsWebsite: https://maineoutdoorbrands.com/
📲 Connect with us online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1833797914
💬 Love the outdoors? Subscribe, rate, and review to support the show!
More Than Outdoors – Episode #2: What Powers Maine’s Outdoors
Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews take the podcast on the road to Lake George Regional Park in Skowhegan, Maine. Together, they dive into the stories, people, and culture that make Maine’s outdoors so special — from fishing and lakeside recreation to the community impact of outdoor spaces. In Voices from the Summit, we wrap up with fun, rapid-fire answers about life in Maine’s great outdoors.
✨ What you’ll hear:
What makes Lake George Regional Park a hub for outdoor activity
Reflections on Maine’s recreation culture the impact the outdoor recreation economy has on the state
Insights into how local outdoor spaces strengthen communities
A fun Voices from the Summit segment full of Maine-inspired rapid-fire Q&A
📲 Connect with us online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1833797914
💬 Love the outdoors? Subscribe, rate, and review to support the show!
More Than Outdoors – Episode #1: Two Beavers Walk Into a Podcast…
Hosts Austin French and Sam Andrews kick off the More Than Outdoors Podcast from the summit of Titcomb Mountain in Farmington, Maine. They introduce themselves, share their journeys into outdoor recreation, and reflect on what excites them about the future of Maine’s outdoor economy.
✨ What you’ll hear:
📲 Connect with us online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanoutdoorspodcast?igsh=cXdnNjJoOXYxc2E4&utm_source=qr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHJAnmz8LNkLbS9QfdW9O2w/posts?pvf=CAE%253D
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/more-than-outdoors-podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUqjVmwmG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y3sPkLWqruQ2eGfD2eTFY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-outdoors-podcast/id1833797914
💬 Love the outdoors? Subscribe, rate, and review to support the show!