"Built to Belong" w/ Andrew Weibrecht of Mirror Lake Inn, Spa + Resort

"Built to Belong" w/ Andrew Weibrecht of Mirror Lake Inn, Spa + Resort

In this episode of Atlast Wild, host Brian Thibodeau sits down with Andrew Weibrecht — Olympic medalist, lifelong skier, and Vice President of Mirror Lake Inn [https://mirrorlakeinn.com/] — to explore what it really means to run a business that gives back more than it takes. From solar power and local sourcing to the quiet philosophy of “leaving a light touch on the land,” Andrew shares how his family has turned sustainability into both a value and a way of life in the heart of the Adirondacks — six million acres of preserved wilderness and community. Because sustainability isn’t a fad or a marketing hook — it’s a responsibility, a daily practice of paying attention to place and the people who depend on it. We talk about legacy, landscape, and the kind of hospitality that starts with care for the guest and the earth. Learn more about: * Mirror Lake Inn [https://mirrorlakeinn.com/] — a family-run retreat in Lake Placid, NY * Atlast Wild [https://www.atlastwild.com/] — an eco-tourism think tank and creative branding studio helping places earn lasting relationships through story and design * Forever Wild: The Adirondack Park [https://wildadirondacks.org/forever-wild-the-adirondack-park.html] — preserving the natural and cultural heritage of one of America’s most remarkable landscapes All music in this episode was created by Dean Fields.

"Carmel: Building a City That Serves" w/ Jordan Kohl of Strong Towns

Atlast Wild is where branding, storytelling, and stewardship meet. In this episode, Brian Thibodeau talks with Jordan Kohl, Strong Towns organizer in Carmel, Indiana, about what it means to shape living cities — places designed for people first. From walkability and bike culture to third spaces and local business, this is an eco-story of how towns grow stronger when they serve both residents and visitors. Atlast Wild helps hosts, guides, and communities tell eco-stories that matter — stories that honor land, culture, and the people who call it home. Music Credits Intro + Outro Music by Dean Fields [https://deanfields.com/] Additional Music by Oliver Thibodeau Links https://www.carmel.in.gov/ [https://www.carmel.in.gov/] Learn more about Strong Towns Carmel: StrongTownsCarmel.org [https://strongtownscarmel.org] Discover how Atlast Wild can help tell your brand's eco-story: AtlastWild.com [https://atlastwild.com]

"Oddity on Ice" with Gary Buchsen of the Coudersport Ice Mine

In this episode of the Atlast Wild podcast, Brian Thibodeau sits down with Gary Buchsen, second-generation steward of the Coudersport Ice Mine (https://coudersporticemineonline.com [https://coudersporticemineonline.com]) in Pennsylvania. What looks like a simple hole in the ground is actually a geologic oddity—ice that forms in the heat of summer and melts in winter. Gary shares the history, legends, and science behind this living mystery, along with his family’s journey to restore it and welcome visitors from around the world. It’s a story of wonder, community, and the remarkable work of Mother Nature. Links & Resources     •    Visit the Coudersport Ice Mine (https://coudersporticemineonline.com [https://coudersporticemineonline.com])     •    Stay nearby at the Millstream Inn (https://millstreaminn.com [https://millstreaminn.com])     •    Learn more about the podcast and our work at Atlast Wild (https://atlastwild.com [https://atlastwild.com])

"Cultivating Life" w/ Brent Kumfer of The Rejoicing Vine

In this first episode of Atlast Wild, we sit down with Brent Kumfer, owner of The Rejoicing Vine [https://www.rejoicingvine.com/], a regenerative vineyard just outside Indianapolis known for its distinctive sparkling wines crafted through their own unique method. Brent shares how his journey from engineering to winemaking was shaped by faith, family, and a calling to care for the land. We explore what it means to farm regeneratively, why diversity in agriculture matters, and how even small choices—like leaving the leaves—can make a big impact on ecosystems. Brent also talks about the connection between community and ecology, how wine can spark authentic relationships, and why every steward—whether a farmer, host, or entrepreneur—has the power to cultivate life. Resources and Mentions in this Episode: * Experience their unique sparkling wines and regenerative farming practices at The Rejoicing Vine [https://www.rejoicingvine.com/]. * Learn about ChipDrop [https://getchipdrop.com/], a service connecting arborists with homeowners and farms to recycle wood chips and nourish the soil. * Explore how Atlast Wild [https://www.atlastwild.com/]—an ecotourism think tank and branding studio—helps eco-conscious tourism brands communicate their mission with clarity. From brand design to messaging, we craft the tools you need to tell your eco-story powerfully and connect deeply with your audience. Whether you’re tending vines, welcoming guests, or building a nature-based business, this episode will inspire you to see the land—and your work—with new eyes. A special thank you to Dean Fields [https://deanfields.com/] for providing the incredible music.

Intro to Atlast Wild

A short welcome to Atlast Wild: where we talk eco-tourism, stories, and protecting what makes places matter.