Drifters & Dreamers

In this episode, Matt Fitzgerald — product designer and developer at NAFS, a pocket knife startup in Layton, Utah — shares his journey as a creative, an outdoor adventurer, and a young professional finding his footing. From getting his artwork into the Springville Art Museum at 21, to designing pocket knives full-time, Matt talks about how creativity and the outdoors have shaped who he is. He opens up about a lonely season after high school that pushed him to find solace in hiking and mountain biking, the rush of paying for your downhills, and why suffering through hard things — whether it's a rain-soaked night at Kings Peak or a 26-mile day hike — makes life richer. Matt also reflects on staying stoked, avoiding burnout as a creative professional, and what it means to genuinely love your work.00:00 – Introduction and Meet Matt Fitzgerald 01:07 – Designer, Knife Maker, and Amateur Artist 02:55 – Getting Into the Springville Art Museum 07:08 – Balancing Art as a Passion vs. a Career 11:04 – Staying Stoked: Avoiding Creative Burnout 13:49 – The Stoke Factor and Why We Do Hard Things 16:00 – Kings Peak: A Night Gone Wrong 22:19 – Why We Go Back for More 25:45 – Mount Timpanogos and a Medical Emergency 37:39 – Mountain Biking as a Gateway to the Outdoors 44:47 – Paying for Your Downhills (Philosophically Speaking) 48:53 – Why People Are Unhappy and What the Outdoors Fixes 50:09 – Living the Dream at 23 52:35 – Advice to a Younger SelfMatt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfitz_designs/Knaf's Website;https://www.knafs.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqYMt0dEQhWuM0uIvCMfLXEVfk_6G6Nfwn8PynBoYpZJlsX9oEb

In this conversation, Joey St. John, the singer and guitarist of Cardinal Bloom, shares insights into his journey in the music industry, the challenges and rewards of going full-time, and the importance of community in the Utah music scene. He discusses the intersection of sports and music, the art of songwriting, and the power of music as a form of expression. Joey emphasizes the significance of maintaining relationships, the collaborative spirit of the music community, and the personal nature of creating art. He also reflects on overcoming doubt and the drive to pursue one's passion despite external skepticism.Chapters00:00Introduction to Cardinal Bloom and Joey St. John03:05 Transitioning to Full-Time Music05:59 The Intersection of Sports and Music12:02 The Utah Music Scene and Community17:58 Mentorship and Growth in Music24:10 The Art of Songwriting and Personal Expression30:01 Stage Presence and Performance Dynamics36:12 The Power of Music and Art41:47 Overcoming Doubt and Pursuing PassionShow notes:Cardinal Bloom links: Instagram SpotifyOther bands mentioned: The Moss, Backseat Lovers, The Kilans, Beeson, Bonneville, Over Under

SummaryIn this episode, Bryan Jeppesen interviews photographer MacaylaLott, who shares her journey from a small-town upbringing in Utah to becoming a full-time elopement photographer. Macayla discusses her evolution in photography, the importance of storytelling, and the emotional connections she forms with her clients. She emphasizes the significance of nature in her work and how it has influenced her personal growth. Macayla also shares insights on building community among photographers and the transformative experiences she has had through her craft.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:57 Journey into Photography06:00 Evolution of Photography Style09:03 The Role of Photography in Life11:59 Turning Passion into Profession14:48 Building Community and Content Days18:03 Experiences and Relationships in Photography20:57 Personal Reflections on Love and Marriage24:13 Overcoming Challenges in Photography26:56 Connection to Nature and Spirituality30:01 Wildlife and Nature Experiences33:01 Storytelling Through Photography35:58 Final Thoughts and AdviceLinks:Macayla's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macaylalottphoto?igsh=MTVoOTdodXFwMjlyMacayla's Website:https://macaylalottphotography.com/#header

SummaryToday I talk to Hannah Johnston, a passionate ski instructor and outdoor enthusiast from Heber City, Utah. Hannah shares her journey from growing up in a small farm town to becoming a ski instructor and river rafting guide in Alaska. She discusses her educational background in geography and environmental studies at BYU, where she engaged in research on the Great Salt Lake's environmental issues. Hannah emphasizes the importance of outdoor experiences in fostering a connection to nature and the environment, advocating for conservation through education and personal experiences in the wild.Throughout the conversation, Hannah recounts her thrilling adventures in river rafting, including a memorable trip down the Grand Canyon where she faced the challenges of navigating class 8 rapids. She reflects on the beauty and harshness of nature, sharing insights on how these experiences shape our understanding of the environment. The episode concludes with practical advice for listeners on how to engage with nature responsibly, whether through birding, rafting, or simply enjoying local parks, while encouraging everyone to advocate for the protection of public lands.Takeaways"I kind of fell in love with the outdoor industry and tourism.""If people don't have passions or memorable experiences in the environment, then they're not going to care about what goes on in the environment.""It's a privilege to be intimate with nature in that way.""You just gotta start small and go from there.""Leave no trace and recreate responsibly."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hannah Johnston01:45 Hannah's Background and Education03:46 The Importance of Outdoor Experiences08:04 Changing Perspectives Through Nature10:51 The Beauty of the Kenai River12:23 Reflections on Nature's Timelessness14:03 Birding Passion and Insights19:40 Experiences with Eagles and Bears24:59 Adventures in the Grand Canyon37:14 Contrasting Landscapes: Alaska vs. Grand Canyon41:59 Engaging with Nature and ConservationRiver Rafting Jobs: https://alaskariveradventures.com/The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko: https://www.grandcanyon.org/products/sc-emerald-mile-the-story-1-24128For those getting into birding- download the “Merlin Bird ID” app to get started on identifying birds! The app is created by Cornell University’s ornithology lab. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannah_and_her_adventures?igsh=cDVqdGJ1cXM4N2p5

The conversation covers the missionary experience during COVID, entrepreneurship and starting a business, and the influence of cowboy culture on personal and professional endeavors. The conversation delves into intentional parenting, balancing leadership and friendship, and embracing creativity and expression. It explores the empowerment of children, the father-son bond, defining masculinity, and the impact of social media on individuality. It also discusses the pursuit of excellence, leaving behind a worthwhile legacy, and the neutral beauty of creativity and expression.TakeawaysMissionary experience during COVIDEntrepreneurship and starting a businessInfluence of cowboy culture Parenting with intentionBalancing leadership and friendshipEmbracing creativity and expressionChapters00:00 Missionary Experience During COVID18:36 Influence of Cowboy Culture40:39 The Neutral Beauty of Creativity and ExpressionCowboys Skate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowboysskate?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Cowboys Skate website:https://www.cowboysskate.com/

The conversation covers Kelsey's introduction and background, her journey into wildland firefighting, the operations of Camp Crew and base camps, fire conditions and logistics, roles and responsibilities in base camp, sacrifices and commitment, camp crew structure and training, and promotion and advancement in wildland firefighting. The discussion provides insights into the valuable work experience gained from wildland firefighting programs and the process of getting involved in this field. The conversation covers Kelsey's experiences as a firefighter, the daily routine on a fire, the impact of firefighting on her perspective, her connection with nature, transition to interior design, river rafting experience, and final thoughts on balancing work and nature.TakeawaysWildland firefighting programs provide valuable work experience for young adults.The process of getting involved in wildland firefighting involves training, physical tests, and a hiring process. Nature's Impact: Exposure to nature strengthens appreciation and love for it.Balancing Work and Nature: Finding a balance between a digital-based career and spending time outside is essential for fulfillment.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background06:14 Roles and Responsibilities in Base Camp17:22 Promotion and Advancement in Wildland Firefighting23:13 A Day on a Fire31:16 Connection with Nature36:25 Transition to Interior Design44:16 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysKelsey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey.dawn?igsh=MW1lY3FlNTZqdnkxNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrRiver rafting jobs:https://alaskariveradventures.com/Forest Service jobs:https://www.usajobs.gov/

The conversation covers Josiah's journey as a freelance videographer, his passion for photography, and his recent trip to Iraq and Turkey. It also explores his experience with the local culture and people in these regions. Josiah shares his travel experiences in Turkey and Iraq, emphasizing the authentic local interactions and cultural immersion. He also discusses his transition period and the rejuvenating impact of his trip on his life.TakeawaysFreelance VideographyPassion for PhotographyCultural Experience in Iraq and Turkey Authentic local experiencesRejuvenating impact of travelChapters00:00 The Journey of a Freelance Videographer11:01 Passion for Photography26:42 Cultural Experience in Iraq and Turkey37:13 Exploring Istanbul and Local Interactions47:09 Rejuvenating Impact of TravelJosiah's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jsjphotovideo/p/DAwHGItpyUZ/Josiah's Websitehttps://www.jsjphotovideo.com