Interactions + Attractions

Secrets of the Slopes: Leadership, Gold Cards, and Skiing Fundamentals

Join us as we talk with Kimberly Jochl! From ski racing to leading Sugar Mountain Ski Resort, Kim’s journey has been shaped by discipline, resilience, and a deep respect for community. As a member of the United States Alpine Ski Team from ages sixteen to twenty-three, she experienced both success and failure at the highest level, navigated the trauma of injuries, and gained a rare, firsthand view of the world through international competition. After stepping away from racing, Kim began her career at Sugar Mountain Resort and worked her way from weed eater to Vice President, learning the business from the ground up. That climb reinforced her belief that loyalty, hard work, and respect still matter, especially in an industry built on relationships and shared responsibility. Stay connected with Kim and all things skiing in NC by visiting goskinc.com

Beyond the Trailhead: How Access Can Build Advocacy

Join us as we talk with Maddie Bartosh, Trail Programs Manager at Rutherford Outdoor Coalition. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Maddie studied psychology and biology at Coastal Carolina University before heading to Western North Carolina to work with ROC. She served two 11-month terms as an AmeriCorps Trails and Education Coordinator, where she led trail workdays across 18.5 miles of trail in Rutherford County, guided outings on local trails and the Broad River, and helped coordinate youth education programs. That experience sparked a deep love for outdoor recreation, especially sustainable trail building, land stewardship, and youth education. Now as Trail Programs Manager, Maddie oversees trail programming, strengthens partnerships with groups like Conserving Carolina and the Carolina Climbers’ Coalition, and continues to engage volunteers and community members in meaningful outdoor work. She is currently developing a Regenerative Tourism Program for the Lake Lure area and a streambank restoration plan for the Broad River following Hurricane Helene, both aimed at connecting more people to the land and waters that make Rutherford County special.

Growing Greenville: How a City Connects People and Place

Join us as we talk with Andrew Schmidt! Andrew D. Schmidt, CDME, CHME, MPA is a thirty-year veteran of the hospitality industry with a mix of hotel, destination marketing, and academic background. Andrew has worked with the Greenville-Pitt County Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit Greenville, NC) in various capacities for thirty years and currently serves as the President & CEO for the CVB and Greenville-Pitt County Sports Commission. Andrew was an Adjunct Faculty Member of the ECU School of Hospitality Leadership from 2001-2016 and currently serves on the North Carolina Travel & Tourism Board, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina Board, and as Chair of the NC Sports Association. Andrew holds a graduate degree from East Carolina University in the field of Public Administration and received his undergraduate degree from ECU as well. Andrew lives in Greenville, North Carolina with his wife Kim and they have five adult children. Be sure to stay up to date on what's going on in Greenville at https://www.visitgreenvillenc.com/ and stay tuned for their upcoming Pirate Fest happening in April of next year: https://www.piratefestnc.com/. Thanks for tuning in!

Mic Check: Tips for New Podcasters

Join us as we flip the script and chat with our own podcast coordinator, Taylor Bass. Taylor co-created and produces the show, and also leads several other programs at UPLIFT. In this episode, we talk through the behind the scenes of podcasting, share tips and practical advice for anyone thinking about starting their own, and look at how podcasts can be a powerful way to tell your story. We’ve also linked a few helpful videos below if you’re looking for some guidance. Thanks for tuning in! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEWJpxq6HVI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXSkDeLdKr4&t=104s

Color My Outdoors: Building an Inclusive Outdoors

Join us as we talk to Simone Adams! Simone is the Founder and Executive Director of Color My Outdoors, a regional nonprofit changing the outdoor narrative to celebrate People of Color. Under her leadership, Color My Outdoors has become a driving force in shaping a more inclusive outdoor industry—cultivating Leaders of Color, building confidence through family-based outdoor education, and amplifying stories that shift perceptions across the South. With two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, Simone bridges culture, community, and career access to ensure that People of Color are represented not only in outdoor recreation but also in the environmental and economic sectors that sustain it. Her work is laying the groundwork for future generations to see themselves reflected, respected, and leading in every corner of the outdoors. Be sure to stay connected with Simone and Color My Outdoors Instagram: @colormyoutdoors Website: www.colormyoutdoors.org