During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for outdoor gear skyrocketed, leading brands to ramp up production. But as the dust settled, it became clear that the industry had overestimated long-term consumer demand.

Now, we’re left with an oversaturated market, constant sales cycles, and a looming question:

What do we do with all this extra gear?

To help unpack this issue, I’m joined by Megan Davin, the founder of Adventurous Threads.

We’ll explore what led to this oversupply, how it’s affecting retailers and consumers, and what steps companies and individuals can take to shift the industry toward a more sustainable future.

Megan Davin is a passionate outdoor enthusiast with over 18 years in the outdoor industry. Based in Vermont, Megan has dedicated her career to blending the worlds of customer service, sales, and marketing to help brands tell meaningful stories that drive connection and sales.

Megan is the Founder and Owner of Adventurous Threads, a Vermont-based mobile and online outdoor consignment business that provides affordable, high-quality gear to outdoor lovers. By keeping quality equipment in circulation, Adventurous Threads aims to make outdoor adventures accessible while reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices.

Together, Megan and Adventurous Threads are dedicated to inspiring responsible, sustainable outdoor practices and connecting people to the outdoors in a way that fosters appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of nature.

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Adventurous Threads

Website: https://adventurousthreads.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventurous_threads

In this bonus episode, I break down the controversy surrounding REI’s support for Doug Burgum as the new Secretary of the Interior under the Trump administration.

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s endorsement of Burgum has sparked backlash, with calls for a boycott of REI.

But what’s really happening?

We explore Burgum’s background as a pro-fossil fuel businessman, his legal battles against the Department of the Interior, and his priorities for public lands.

We also analyze REI’s role in the conversation, the industry’s response, and what this means for conservation efforts moving forward.

Finally, we discuss REI’s official statement on the issue and share actionable ways to support public lands.

Episode Resources:

Read the ORR letter: https://recreationroundtable.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ORR-Burgum-Nomination-Letter-of-Support-Final.pdf

REI's Recent Statement: https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/we-will-never-stop-defending-our-public-lands

Voice Your Opposition to Burgum's Actions through the REI Cooperative Action Network: https://www.rei.com/action/network/campaign/protect-public-lands

Burgum's First Day Orders: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-doug-burgum-signs-first-round-secretarys-orders-unleash-american-energy

Related Episodes

• Episode 163. Fighting for Outdoor Policy and Protection in 2025 with Adam Cramer
• Episode 164. Is an Outdoor Recreation Economy How We Stop Off-Shore Drilling? with Chad Nelsen

Sources

ProPublica: https://www.propublica.org/article/doug-burgum-north-dakota-interior-department-trump

Alaska Wild: https://alaskawild.org/blog/doug-burgum-the-billionaire-governor-turned-trumps-doi-secretary/

Inside Climate News: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/05022025/new-interior-secretary-weakens-public-land-protections-fossil-fuels/

When it comes to skincare, we all want products that are safe, effective, and good for the planet.

But the reality is that many skincare brands, even those marketed as "natural" or "eco-friendly," hide some dirty secrets. From greenwashing tactics to hidden microplastics and PFAS, the industry is full of misleading claims that can make it hard for consumers to know what they’re really putting on their skin.

In episode 168, I sit down withMercedes Pepper from Nation Botanics to uncover the truth behind skincare marketing and explore how different ingredients shape effective skincare formulations. We’ll talk about how to spot greenwashing, why microplastics and PFAS are a growing concern, and what choosing sustainable, plant-based ingredients really means.

Mercedes helps people who get outdoors - particularly surfers, skiers, and snowboarders - get healthy skin without the fuss. She is an international development and social impact director turned skincare founder and formulator of Nation Botanics. The brand’s flagship product, Surf+Slope, provides easy, high-performance skincare designed to combat the elements while supporting North American small businesses, farmers, and our environment.

I haven’t had much of a skincare routine until the last two years. During that time, first of all, I struggled to find anything I could use because I am allergic to aloe, but I also wanted to avoid products that not only harmed the planet but likely contained toxins. When I learned about Nation Botanics, I was excited to try their products because of the brand's mission and clean ingredients.

That said, I’ve been using their Surf+Slope moisturizer for the last few weeks, and I've appreciated it, especially after a day of cross-country skiing with my dogs when my face is dry and my cheeks might be a little wind-burned.

If you listen to this episode and want to check out Nation Bonanic’s Surf+Slope, go to nationbotanics.com and use the code minimalist to get 15% off.

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Nation Botanics

Website:https://nationbotanics.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/nation-botanics/about/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nationbotanics/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/nationbotanics