Open Container: Outdoor culture as a free flowing conversation

Welcome to Open Container, where we unpack the most urgent issues facing the outdoor community - culture, conservation, and the power of nature to heal. Today, Doug Schnitzspahn sits down with director and photographer Ben Clark to explore a rare story of restoration and resilience on America’s wild lands. Drawing on his background as an adventurer and filmmaker, Ben shares behind-the-scenes insights from his new documentary, Preserved, which chronicles the ambitious revitalization of Vermejo Park Ranch - a 560,000-acre landscape in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado.Doug and Ben discuss environmental destruction and rebirth, reflecting on how even scarred places, whether clear-cut forests in Idaho or polluted beaches of the Jersey Shore, can find new life with hope, hard work, and innovative conservation. Timestamped summary00:00 America's Expanding Environmental Scars03:28 "Nature's Resilience and Regrowth"09:21 Collaborative Conservation Efforts11:37 Science Communication Challenges13:58 Landscape Filmmaker Focuses on Characters16:57 Backpacking and Filming in the Rockies23:01 Indigenous Stewardship and Land Models26:34 Conservation Success in North America29:37 "Dividing Vast Wilderness: A Journey"32:09 Reduce Excessive Spending Habits35:31 "Open Container: Follow & Engage"Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Let's Get Some!Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Welcome to Open Container, where today we're discussing one of the defining features of the American experience: our public lands. Host Doug Schnitzspahn kicks things off with a personal reflection on how these wild places are woven into our national identity and the critical roles they play, not just as recreation spaces, but as battlegrounds for conservation, resource extraction, and cultural connection.Joining Doug is Chris Keyes, former editor in chief of Outside magazine and founder of RE:PUBLIC, a new non-profit newsroom dedicated to covering the politics, people, and future of America's public lands. Together, they explore what makes the American public lands system unique in the world, how it’s managed, and why it stirs such passionate, bipartisan support. From the legacy of Indigenous stewardship to the modern pressures of population and politics, the episode asks: Who really owns America's wild places, and how do we ensure their future?00:00 Hope in Public Lands04:35 "Finding Healing on the Road"07:34 Freedom of Camping on Public Lands12:58 Bipartisan Support for Public Land Conservation13:53 Legacy of American Public Lands19:30 Journalism's Advertising Dependency Crisis20:44 Journalism: Navigating Bipartisan Challenges25:42 Nonprofit Media: Partnership Over Competition27:45 Media's Role in Legislative Awareness31:30 "Advertising Threatens Editorial Independence"33:47 Long-Form Journalism's Enduring Appeal37:13 Nature's Restorative Powers: Access EssentialClick here to learn more about RE:PUBLIC.Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Let's Get Some!Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

In this episode of Open Container, host Doug Schnitzspahn is joined by Jordan Campbell who is a journalist, photographer, mountaineer, and award-winning documentary filmmaker, to discuss his latest project, Ukraine Under Fire.Campbell, known for his career in the outdoor industry and international expeditions, has turned his focus toward humanitarian storytelling in conflict zones. He shares his experience embedding with medics, civilians, and soldiers on the frontlines of Ukraine, capturing the resilience of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances.Topics include:How a career in climbing and the outdoor industry prepared Campbell for work in war zones.The misinformation and propaganda surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.The resilience and humanity of everyday Ukrainians, from news presenters to frontline medics.The moral weight of documenting war and maintaining hope amid devastation.How outdoor values—risk, resilience, and connection—translate into humanitarian action.The legacy of Peter Fouché, a frontline medic featured in the film who was killed in 2024.Jordan’s story is one of risk, responsibility, and resilience. It’s about what it means to live with compassion and document truth, even in the harshest conditions.Learn more about the film and upcoming screenings at ukraineunderfire.org.Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Let's Get Some!Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is once again under threat. Politicians and oil companies see short-term gain; conservationists, Indigenous peoples, and outdoor advocates see the loss of one of America’s last truly wild places.In this episode of Open Container, Doug speaks with Kristen Miller, Executive Director of the Alaska Wilderness League and co-chair of the Arctic Refuge Defense Campaign. They explore what’s at stake in Alaska’s wilderness and why it matters for all Americans, even those who will never set foot there.Doug & Kristen discuss:Why Alaska represents the last frontier of American wilderness.The scale and significance of the Arctic Refuge, the Western Arctic, the Arctic Ocean, and the Tongass.Indigenous leadership and the cultural ties of the Gwich’in people to the caribou migration.How development and climate change threaten fragile Arctic ecosystems.The political battles over drilling, roadless rules, and public lands policy.Why wilderness isn’t a partisan issue, and how ordinary people can use their voices to protect these lands.Alaska’s wild places are more than resources to exploit; they are cultural, ecological, and spiritual lifelines that belong to us all.Learn more and get involved at alaskawild.orgThanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Let's Get Some!Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

The American South is often overlooked in outdoor conversations but it holds some of the richest stories in climbing, culture, and community.Today Doug Schnitzspahn opens the container with photographer, filmmaker, and writer Andrew Kornylak, whose new book Spare These Stones: A Journey Through Southern Climbing Culture (Mountaineers Books) captures the hidden corners and unsung heroes of the Southern climbing world.Doug and Andrew explore:Why the South is one of the most underrated outdoor regions in America.The transition from secret stashes and handshake access to organized land trusts and sustainable stewardship.How climbing culture in the South reflects modesty, humility, and a deep respect for community.Stories of iconic characters, legendary crags, and grassroots conservation victories.Why the lessons learned in the South matter for climbers, paddlers, hikers, and outdoor lovers everywhere.Spare These Stones isn’t just a climbing book, it’s a love letter to Southern landscapes, music, people, and culture.Order Spare These Stones at andrewkornylak.com or wherever books are sold.Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Let's Get Some!Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Today we open the container with Gear Abby herself, outdoor journalist and author, Shawnté Salabert.Doug begins the episode looking at the interconnectedness of humanity and nature noting that the outdoors is not a separate entity but an integral part of our existence. Doug is then joined by writer, podcaster, and educator Shawnté Salabert to talk about what it really means to “be outdoors”? From feral kid neighborhood adventures to life changing miles on the PCT, Shawnté brings heart, humor, and a sharp perspective on:Hiking as meditation (and why two nights outside changes everything)The culture of sharing on long trailsRethinking outdoor history through Indigenous names and stewardshipFinding wildness in LA, New York, and beyondLaunching her new podcast Gear Abby right here on the Rock Fight Podcast network!Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Let's Get Some!Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Today we open the container with Arkansas' first Director of Office of Outdoor Recreation, Katherine Andrews.Doug begins the show highlighting the transformative potential of outdoor recreation in revitalizing small-town economies. Because, as we learned from Ray Kinsella's voice "if you build it, they will come." Doug is then joined by Katherine Andrews. As Arkansas' Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, Katherine understands how strategically developed recreational facilities and infrastructure can stimulate economic growth and attract new residents. Doug & Katherine look at Arkansas as a leader in recreation. A place where successful initiatives have leveraged outdoor activities to foster community engagement and economic sustainability. Together they explore the role of local governments and community involvement in recreation and emphasize that economic development does not need vast resources or power. Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Let's Get Some!Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Today we open the container with environmental journalist, Sophie Benson.Doug begins the show discussing the need for sustainability; both due to consumer behavior and in order to achieve environmental conservation. He explores the idea that individuals gravitate towards choices that are easy, obvious, and convenient, which directly impacts their decision making processes and spending habits. Doug is then joined by Sophie Benson,  a journalist whose work focuses on sustainable fashion, the environment, workers’ rights, and consumerism. Their discussion takes a look at the complexities of human behavior in outdoor settings, where hikers frequently opt for shortcuts, underscoring the challenge of encouraging environmentally responsible practices. Doug and Sophie go on to examine the relationship between sustainability, economic viability, and the welfare of our communities while positing that meaningful change necessitates a holistic approach that integrates ethical considerations with practical solutions. Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Let's Get Some!Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Today we open the container with Robert Hanna.Doug begins today's episode with an exploration of the profound cultural shift from outright denial to a pervasive apathy regarding environmental issues. But he also offers a more hopeful narrative, showcasing significant victories in conservation, such as the surge in dam removals across the United States. Doug is then joined by Robert Hanna, a descendant of the renowned environmentalist John Muir. Robert talks about the ongoing struggle for conservation, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration across all communities. Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Let's Get Some!Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Today Doug opens the container with Greg Williams.Doug begins the show by embracing dirtbag status. If you work in the outdoor industry, you are indeed a dirtbag. Because you have merged your passion for the outdoors with a career choice that should allow you more time outside. Doug is then joined by Greg Williams, president of Backbone Media, who shares his extensive background working at the intersection of business and outdoor culture. From starting a climbing gym in Philadelphia, to helping to lead one of the leading outdoor PR and media companies, Greg understands the evolution of brands that come from a dirtbag ethos. Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Today Doug opens the container with Ian Yolles.Doug begins the show by invoking the spirit of Henry David Thoreau whose philosophical tenets epitomized the need for individuals to reclaim their connection to nature. Doug also reflects on our experiences held in the wilderness and how they underscore the significant growth of resilience, and introspection. He is then joined by Ian Yolles who has worn many hats in the outdoor industry and community. Ian is one of the authors of the recently released book, Carry the Flame: The Remarkable Story of the Canadian Outward Bound Wilderness School. Through over fifty personal stories from alumni, staff, and founders, the book captures the spirit of the school’s enduring legacy. Together Doug and Ian discuss wilderness not only as a physical space but as a vital component of our humanity.Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Today Doug opens the container with retailers Nick & Chikki Shajwani.Doug begins this episode by recounting the life of his family who immigrated to the United States from Germany and discovered the outdoors while building a remarkable life in their new home country. Doug is then joined by brothers Nick and Chikki Shajwani, immigrant entrepreneurs who have founded and developed Molly's Place, a prominent establishment for hunting and outdoor gear on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. During their conversation they talk about their experiences turning a hardware store to a specialized outdoor retailer, emphasizing their commitment to community engagement and embracing local outdoor culture. The Shajwani brothers reflect on the significance of their heritage, underscoring how it informs their business philosophy and fosters resilience in the face of challenges. They also share insights into their customer base, which is made up of hardworking individuals who embody a profound and often culturally infused appreciation for the outdoors. Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Today Doug opens the container with author and beaver enthusiast Ben Goldfarb.Doug begins the episode discussing our obsession with roads. While there is a lot to love about the highways that take us to amazing places, the world is undoubtedly suffering because we've paved in so much of them. The topic of roads is timely given the Trump administration's rescinding of the roadless rule threatens to open 58 million acres of national forest to road building, posing significant risks to habitats and species. Doug is then joined by author Ben Goldfarb, who has written about road ecology and why beavers matter. Doug & Ben address the underpinnings of conservation, advocating for a shift towards recognizing the right of nature to exist independently. Together they underscore the necessity of preserving roadless areas as essential components of a sustainable future.Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Today Doug opens the container with Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable.Doug begins the show by recounting the personal impact the recent legislative attempt to sell off portions of our public lands had on him and the relief he felt when that attempt failed. He also highlights how the collective response from the outdoor world—spanning hunters, hikers, and conservation advocates—showed what the outdoor community is capable of when we act together. Doug is then joined by Jessica Turner, the president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. During their conversation they dissect the ramifications of the failed proposal and emphasize the necessity of preserving public lands as vital resources. Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Today Doug opens the container with Teresa Baker. Doug begins the show by weighing in on the timely and urgent need to protect our public lands, which are currently facing a historical and unprecedented threat. He talks about the implications of a legislative push that could result in the sale of millions of acres of these cherished spaces, highlighting a provision introduced by Senator Mike Lee that jeopardizes the beautiful and wild places that belongs to all Americans. Doug is then joined by Teresa Baker, a passionate advocate for inclusivity within the outdoor community who reinforces the notion that these spaces should be accessible to everyone.Throughout their discussion, Teresa and Doug emphasize the value of these lands and engage in a conversation about the intersection of joy, resistance, and the responsibility to safeguard these environments that define who we are.Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Today Doug opens the container with outdoor industry insider, Eoin Comerford.Doug begins the show by reflecting on the evolution of the outdoor recreation industry and humanity's changing relationship with nature. What began as mere survival has changed to become the pursuit of recreation, contemplation, and connection within the natural world. Doug is then joined by the former CEO of Moosejaw Mountaineering Eoin Comerford. Today Eoin advises emerging brand and offers his insight into the outdoor industry on The Rock Fight podcast. The conversation highlights the economic significance of outdoor recreation, which now represents a substantial portion of the U.S. GDP, underscoring its critical role in cultural and environmental discourse. Together Eoin and Doug explore the intersection of politics and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the necessity for inclusivity and sustainability within the modern outdoor industry. Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Today Doug opens the container with outdoor industry media veteran, Drew Simmons.Doug opens the show lamenting the fact that despite the challenges our natural world faces, environmentalist has become a dirty word these days. He goes on to describe the 30 by 30 initiative, which seeks to conserve 30% of the Earth’s ecosystems by the year 2030, and implore Open Container listeners to help protect our planet however they can.Doug is then joined by Drew Simmons who is known for his work in the PR and media world of the outdoor industry. Their conversation navigates the relationship between outdoor recreation and conservation, advocating for a unified approach that recognizes the inherent value of the outdoors beyond human enjoyment. Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Today Doug opens the container with author and river guide Bridget Crocker.Doug opens the show describing the magic of river time. The feeling when one goes on a river trip and the confines of our modern lives go out the window. Where the simplicity and routine of the tasks required on the river take over and how this is especially true for those with ADHD.Doug is then joined by Bridget Crocker, a renowned river guide and author of The River’s Daughter; which is available to the public on the same day this episode comes out. Bridget shares her insights on how navigating rivers can serve as a metaphor for personal growth and healing from trauma. She recounts the lessons she learned from a life on the river and the learnings it provided her as she navigated her own family trauma and subsequent healing.Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Today Doug opens the container with author Betsy Gaines Quammen.Doug begins the episode reflecting on his first experience moving to the western US where the natural beauty of the outdoors was overwhelming and he encountered an overarching sentiment of distrust and anger towards himself as a newcomer as well as the government authority who was employing him. That same mentality has persisted and is playing a role in the current effort to sell off our public lands.Doug is then joined by Betsy Gaines Quammen who has written multiple books on the culture of the west, and discusses the multifaceted relationship between local narratives, environmental stewardship, and the politics that threaten our shared landscapes. Note: This episode was recorded before the failed republican lead effort to sell off 500,000 acres of public lands in Nevada and Utah.Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.

Today Doug opens the container with Greta Morgan.The open of today's episode focuses on the final days of Doug's father and how in his grief it was nature that spoke to and comforted him.Doug is then joined by musician Greta Morgan who's new book, The Lost Voice, details her journey of losing her singing voice due to a combination of spasmodic dysphonia and long Covid and the journey of discovery that then unfolded for her in the wilderness. Thanks for listening! Open Container is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to Open Container and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.