Drifters & Dreamers

Drifters & Dreamers 07 — The Stoke Factor with Matt

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 Self Matt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattfitz_designs/ [https://www.instagram.com/mattfitz_designs/] Knaf's Website; https://www.knafs.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqYMt0dEQhWuM0uIvCMfLXEVfk_6G6Nfwn8PynBoYpZJlsX9oEb [https://www.knafs.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqYMt0dEQhWuM0uIvCMfLXEVfk_6G6Nfwn8PynBoYpZJlsX9oEb]

Drifters & Dreamers 06 — Joey from Cardinal Bloom

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. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Cardinal Bloom and Joey St. John 03:05 Transitioning to Full-Time Music 05:59 The Intersection of Sports and Music 12:02 The Utah Music Scene and Community 17:58 Mentorship and Growth in Music 24:10 The Art of Songwriting and Personal Expression 30:01 Stage Presence and Performance Dynamics 36:12 The Power of Music and Art 41:47 Overcoming Doubt and Pursuing Passion Show notes: Cardinal Bloom links: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/cardinalbloomofficial/] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1kL35cnfsVSfKJ6xLk0K9f?si=CUjoEBT4Sc-Jg4KUxpCOzg] Other bands mentioned: The Moss, Backseat Lovers, The Kilans, Beeson, Bonneville, Over Under

Drifters & Dreamers 05 — Elopements and Breaking Expectations with Macayla

Summary In 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:57 Journey into Photography 06:00 Evolution of Photography Style 09:03 The Role of Photography in Life 11:59 Turning Passion into Profession 14:48 Building Community and Content Days 18:03 Experiences and Relationships in Photography 20:57 Personal Reflections on Love and Marriage 24:13 Overcoming Challenges in Photography 26:56 Connection to Nature and Spirituality 30:01 Wildlife and Nature Experiences 33:01 Storytelling Through Photography 35:58 Final Thoughts and Advice Links: Macayla's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macaylalottphoto?igsh=MTVoOTdodXFwMjly [https://www.instagram.com/macaylalottphoto?igsh=MTVoOTdodXFwMjly] Macayla's Website: https://macaylalottphotography.com/#header [https://macaylalottphotography.com/#header]

Drifters & Dreamers 04 — Eagles, Bears, and Boats with Hannah

Summary Today 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." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hannah Johnston 01:45 Hannah's Background and Education 03:46 The Importance of Outdoor Experiences 08:04 Changing Perspectives Through Nature 10:51 The Beauty of the Kenai River 12:23 Reflections on Nature's Timelessness 14:03 Birding Passion and Insights 19:40 Experiences with Eagles and Bears 24:59 Adventures in the Grand Canyon 37:14 Contrasting Landscapes: Alaska vs. Grand Canyon 41:59 Engaging with Nature and Conservation River Rafting Jobs: https://alaskariveradventures.com/ [https://alaskariveradventures.com/] The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko: https://www.grandcanyon.org/products/sc-emerald-mile-the-story-1-24128 [https://www.grandcanyon.org/products/sc-emerald-mile-the-story-1-24128] For those getting into birding- download the “Merlin Bird ID [https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/]” 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 [https://www.instagram.com/hannah_and_her_adventures?igsh=cDVqdGJ1cXM4N2p5]

Drifters & Dreamers 03 — Cowboys and Skate Ramps with Emerson

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. Takeaways * Missionary experience during COVID * Entrepreneurship and starting a business * Influence of cowboy culture Parenting with intention * Balancing leadership and friendship * Embracing creativity and expression Chapters * 00:00 Missionary Experience During COVID * 18:36 Influence of Cowboy Culture * 40:39 The Neutral Beauty of Creativity and Expression Cowboys Skate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowboysskate?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== [https://www.instagram.com/cowboysskate?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Cowboys Skate website: https://www.cowboysskate.com/ [https://www.cowboysskate.com/]