Afleveringen

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin run through some of the more notable headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community over the past week.

    The episode kicks off with a discussion about French brand Millet announcing their intention to enter the US outdoor marketplace and the challenges faced by the European brands have tried before them (05:33).

    Then Justin takes a look (18:00) at the recent piece he wrote for National Parks Traveler about attempts to stop the erosion affecting Effigy Mounds National Monument. The pair also explore the bizarre tale of a Wisconsin kayaker who faked his own death to escape his family, revealing the lengths some may go to for a fresh start (28:00).

    They wrap things up with their Parting Shots (36:40). For Justin it's praising Operation Bear Claw where people dressed up as a bear to commit insurance fraud while Colin finds optimism in a recent announcement by Dick's Sporting Goods.

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Producer Dave offer their thoughts on their time at last weeks edition of The Running Event/Switchback.

    Then Eoin Comerford makes his debut as a weekly regular on THE ROCK FIGHT!

    Eoin will be appearing each Monday on the show to offer his unique insights into what is happening in the outdoor industry. This week Eoin looks at a positive report to come out of REI, Arc'teryx's dominance in China, and offers his reaction to the BEA's Economic Impact Report that arrived last week showing the outdoor recreation economy has grown to $1.2 trillion.

    Finally Colin & Producer Dave offer their Parting Shots where Colin praises the upcoming Women Led Wednesday while Producer Dave talks about the folks at Native Women Running.

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) professional adventure athlete Sunny Stroeer joins Colin to talk about how there continues to be a gender gap in the way the outdoor media covers women's outdoor accomplishments.

    The outdoor gender gap is a pressing issue that continues to impact women in adventure sports, as discussed by Stroeer, a professional adventurer and the first woman to complete the Iditarod Trail Invitational on skis, shares her insights on the challenges women face in gaining recognition for their accomplishments in the outdoor world. She highlights the disparity in media coverage between male and female athletes, particularly in light of her own experiences following her notable achievements.

    Throughout the conversation, Sunny emphasizes the importance of amplifying women’s stories to inspire future generations and address the systemic issues that perpetuate the gender gap. Additionally, she discusses her efforts through the Alliance for Gender Equity in Outdoor Adventure, which aims to provide scholarships and resources to help women and marginalized genders access transformative outdoor experiences.

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show taking a closer look at this weeks big story: YETI telling retailers they will be sunsetting Mystery Ranch after 2025.

    YETI's decision to phase out Mystery Ranch's consumer-facing business while retaining its military operations has raised eyebrows in the outdoor industry. Colin looks at the implications of this move and questions why YETI wouldn't continue to leverage Mystery Ranch as a specialty brand alongside its broader offerings.

    Producer Dave contributes insights on the industry's dynamics, reflecting on how acquisitions often reshape brand identities and market strategies.

    Then Colin and Producer Dave talk about the odd move of French ski brand blackcrowes setting up a shop-in-shop at two Rapha clubhouses.

    Lastly the duo offer their Parting Shots. Producer Dave brings back his book club with another recommendation while Colin defends the real consumer who buys outdoor apparel.

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Aaron Provine, the president and owner of Geartrade, returns to discuss the evolving landscape of secondhand gear and recommerce in the outdoor industry.

    Aaron highlights the growing momentum toward secondhand products and picks a fight with Colin's criticism of brand recommerce platforms as he believes that these brand initiatives are giving consumers more reasons than ever to put secondhand first.

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Multiple sources have reached out to THE ROCK FIGHT from the GOA Connect show happening in Kansas City this week with the news that after acquiring the brand just this past January, Yeti will be sunsetting the consumer arm of Mystery Ranch after 2025 while retaining their military business.

    Colin & Justin talk about the implications of this move and then address the other big news story of the week, REI's hire of Abigail Jacobs as their new Chief Marketing Officer.

    They also talk about new images of Ernest Shackleton's sunken Endurance as well as tech that is enabling big ships to stop the annual slaughter of thousands of whales.

    They of course wrap up the show with their Parting Shots. Colin addresses Sunny Stroeer's AZ Trail FKT attempt and the misogyny that has followed (click here to support Sunny's effort to close the gender gap in the outdoors) while Justin shows support for some newbies who tried to haul a lot of stuff up Mt. Whitney.

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head), Colin opens the show discussing Polartec's recent announcement of their Shed Less fleece, a fabric that, according to the brand, reduces microfiber shedding by up to 85%.

    Drawing on his experience, Colin offers insights into the challenges ingredient brands face when developing innovative products, especially given the outdoor apparel industry's tendency to prioritize cost over performance. This approach often causes product messaging, like the press release for Shed Less, to come across as greenwashing rather than true innovation.

    Finally, Colin concludes with The Parting Shot and a tribute to JanSport co-founder Murray McCory, who recently passed away.

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) outdoor industry insider Eoin Comerford returns to give Colin and Producer Dave his perspective on some of the topics that we've been covering lately.

    Eoin discusses the loss of identity and authenticity brands deal with after being acquired by larger corporations. Using Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, and Columbia's new creative push examples their conversation explores the importance of maintaining a connection to a brand's roots and the risks associated with prioritizing short-term financial gains over long-term brand health. They also look at why a brand like Vasque failed when they maintained the same ownership over their lifetime.

    Additionally, Eoin highlights the growing opportunity in the secondhand market, emphasizing its potential to make outdoor gear more accessible to younger consumers while fostering sustainability.

    Lastly Eoin offers his initial thoughts of what to expect the outdoor industry should expect from a second Trump presidency and why we need to prioritize sustainability, conservation, and inclusivity.

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin run through topics and headlines to come out of the outdoor adventure community over the past week or so including a French ski resort that has closed due to climate change, grades for Congress when it comes to National Parks, and Hipcamp's acquisition of BookOutdoors.

    Here's the full list of topics with time codes:

    4:49 - Congress gets graded on their record when it comes to National Parks11:51 - Specialized releases new suspension technology for Gravel Bikes20:19 - Hipcamp acquires Bookoutdoors25:50 - French ski resort Alpe du Grande Serre shuts down due to impacts from climate change34:08 - The Parting Shot

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show reflecting on the latest earnings report from Crocs that details how their $2.5 billion investment, HeyDude, has not been faring too well.

    Then he and producer Dave explore how HeyDude's limited demographic and marketing could end up making the whole thing a risky investment for Crocs.

    They then comment on a listener email that identified prAna as another possible outdoor industry zombie brand and ponder why Columbia is doing things differently with them when compared to what Mountain Hardwear is up to.

    Finally they talk about Vans entry into the technical hiking market with their new shoe that is based on the classic Old Skool.

    Lastly they wrap things up with their Parting Shots!

    Chapters:

    01:49 - Will HeyDude end up being worth the $2.5 Billion it was bought for?21:37 - Prana: The Zombie Brand of the Outdoor Industry30:24 - Vans Enters the Hiking Shoe Market38:15 - The Parting Shot

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Producer Dave are joined by the founders of SENIQ; a new brand focused on making outdoor apparel for women.

    It's not a secret that for much of the Outdoor Industry's history the primary directive when it came to apparel or footwear for women was to take something made for men and 'shrink it and pink it'. Even though there have been a number of advancements in recent years for female adventurers, there is still a long way to go.

    That is why Madison Hilson and Tina Thompson started SENIQ. A women's outdoor apparel brand with a modern twist.

    On today's episode they discuss how their time working at Victoria's Secret and Backcountry, led to creating a brand that prioritizes fit, function, and style for the modern outdoorswoman.

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel Goodshttps://outdoorbusinessalliance.org/ GoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin continue their annual Halloween tradition by taking in an outdoorsy horror flick. Last year it was The Blair Witch Project this year? The original Friday the 13th!

    They start the show by talking about a couple of headlines to come out of the outdoor community in the past week including an Australian hiker was caught upside down for 7 hours and a new AI that has a soft spot for wild places.

    Then they delve into their annual Halloween tradition of reviewing an outdoor-themed horror movie, this year focusing on the original 1980 classic, "Friday the 13th." As they dissect the film, they explore its themes, the outdoor setting, and share personal reflections on how it surprisingly evokes a desire to connect with nature and the outdoors.

    Finally they determine their favorite use of outdoor gear, and finally answer the question: does this movie make you want to go outside?

    Lastly, they wrap up the show with their Parting Shots where Justin has election fatigue and Colin wants new holiday decorations.

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel Goodshttps://outdoorbusinessalliance.org/ GoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show reacting to last weeks earnings report from Newell, owner of Marmot, that shows how the once great outdoor brand is sliding further into mediocrity.

    Then Colin and Producer Dave discuss the historical significance of Marmot and its innovative past, contrasting it with mistakes that were made by their various owners (here's that Super Bowl ad they talk about).

    The pair also discuss the recent earnings report that show Hoka's growth continuing to the point where they are now a $2b brand and the news that Dick's Sporting Goods is closing most of their Public Lands stores in order to convert them into House Of Sport locations (just like Colin predicted).

    The wrap things up with their Parting Shots where Dave talks about the new creative team at Columbia and Colin throws a fit about a new Crocs collaborator.

    Chapters:

    01:42 - How Marmot became a zombie.26:35 - Hoka continues to crush it. Can they be stopped? Where's Ahnu?30:53 - Dick's to close Public Lands36:24 - The Parting Shot!

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) environmental fashion journalist Sophie Benson returns to talk about the latest sustainability topics to come out of the outdoor industry.

    Sophie joins Colin & Producer Dave to share her insights on the recent upcycling and recommerce initiatives from various outdoor brands. The episode also delves into the implications of new legislation in California, SB707, which holds producers accountable for their textile waste. They also discuss Sophie's coverage of the Trashie program, which aims to tackle fashion waste while raising questions about consumer behavior and responsibility.

    Lastly they wrap things up with another edition of This Week In Greenwashing!

    Chapters:

    02:27 - Exploring Upcycling and Recommerce14:00 - California's New Textile Legislation23:52 - Understanding the 'Trashy' Take Back Program34:07 - This Week in Greenwashing

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head), Paddy O'Connell returns for his record setting 6th appearance! He joins Colin & Justin to talk about the production of season 2 of his show "PaddyO Sucks At..." and sticks around to chat about some adventure headlines to come out of the outdoor community.

    Three hosts means three Parting Shots. And for his, PaddyO saves the best for last.

    Want to skip around? Here are the topics that the trio cover:

    04:50 - Season Two of "PaddyO Sucks At..."21:00 - Ultrarunner Michelino Sunseri faces charges for his FKT attempt on the Grand Teton. Should he serve time?27:13 - The discovery of Andrew "Sandy" Irvine's foot and boot on Mount Everest. Will there be a movie?31:58 - Can you hack being in the backcountry with all of the mosquitos and black flies?36:13 - The return of PICKLEBALL CORNER!40:59 - The Parting Shot! Colin: Justice for Statler & Waldorf; Justin: No Seriously, Don't Text Me During Sports, Paddy: Fuck Ski Town Localism

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin kicks off the show talking about the decision by Red Wing to sunset the Vasque brand.

    Colin and Producer Dave delve into the historical significance of Vasque, a company that since 1964 has played a crucial role in shaping outdoor footwear in the US. They examine the trajectory of the brand, from its early innovations, such as the iconic Sundowner boot, to its struggles with brand identity and market competition.

    The duo then talk about Nike's decision to utilize their ACG line to revitalize their international business before wrapping things up with their parting shots.

    Here's the Nike ACG history article as referenced by Producer Dave.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Support Relief Efforts After Hurricane Helene02:02 - The Fall of Vasque Footwear20:06 - Nike's Strategic Shift in the Outdoor Market30:00 - Parting Shots: Lessons from Vasque's Closure

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) it's all about outdoor specialty retail!

    Specialty retailers play a crucial role in the outdoor industry, serving as community connection points and acting as tastemakers essential for brand legitimacy and consumer engagement. Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Gabe Meyer, president of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, joins Colin to talk about the about the evolving landscape of specialty retail in the wake of direct-to-consumer trends and larger retail competition.

    As the industry navigates these transitions, Gabe emphasizes the importance of specialty shops, driven by their unique value and the experiences they offer to customers. The pair wrap things up with a discussion on trade shows and national gatherings.

    Chapters:

    02:52 - Why Specialty Retailers Matter07:10 - Challenges Facing Specialty Retail12:24 - Do brands understand the value of specialty?22:38 - The Role of Trade Shows

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Kent Ebersole, the president of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), joins Colin to discuss the recent shift from its long-standing trade show relationship with Outdoor Retailer to a new partnership with Switchback.

    Kent talks about the rationale for moving on from OR and why they decided Switchback was the right move at this time. He and Colin also discuss the current state and purpose of the OIA and where the organization is headed.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Support for Hurricane Relief01:02 - Welcome to the Rock Fight!01:11 - Interview with OIA President Kent Ebersole02:02 - The Shift from Outdoor Retailer to Switchback23:00 - Where the OIA is today and where should it be in the future?

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    Fuel GoodsGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Colin & Justin kick off the show with the Outdoor Sports Draft where they take turns assembling a roster of their favorite outdoor activities that you get you to vote on! Check out Rock Fight's Instagram & LinkedIn feeds to vote or if you're listening on Spotify you can vote in the Spotify app.

    Then they run through some of the latest headlines to come out of the outdoor adventure community including seasonal job cuts at the National Forest Service, a climbing mishap on Mt. Whitney and proposed thru hike through Texas.

    The end the show with their Parting Shots! Colin has it in for 30-somethings while Justin would prefer his sports not be spoiled!

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Intro to the Rock Fight02:18 - Outdoor Sports Draft!11:54 - Budget Cuts for the National Forest Service18:16 - Mt. Whitney Climbers Rescued24:47 - Proposed Texas Long-Distance Trail29:00 - The Parting Shot!

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    GoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

  • Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show with his thoughts on the new running focused collaboration between Altra Running, Smartwool and REI. He and Producer Dave critique the decision to launch a collection that feels uninspired and overly safe, and also highlights how outdoor brands often fail to generate excitement around their products.

    Then the discussion moves to the recent layoffs at Patagonia, where the hosts reflect on the harsh realities of corporate life and the expectations placed on brands like Patagonia to maintain a higher standard.

    They close the show with their Parting Shots, where Producer Dave takes aim at another brand collaboration that missed the mark while Colin celebrates the 30 year anniversary of Expedition News.

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Hurricane Helene Update01:42 - Altra/Smartwool Run The Winter 17:47 - Patagonia Layoffs26:08 - Parting Shots!30:12 - Celebrating 30 Years of Expedition News32:00 - The Rock Fight Fight Song with Chris DeMakes

    Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

    GoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

    Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

    Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

    Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

    Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

    Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.