Best Outdoor Product Design & Development Podcasts (2025)

1
Outdoor Recreation Archive goes to Tokyo! | History of Gear 7:45

10h ago7:45

7:45

On this episode of the History of Gear, Chase Anderson gives a recap of the ORA's recent trip to Tokyo, their collaboration with Beams, and the future of the archive globally. Listen to these conversations on the Highlander Podcast. https://opdd.usu.edu/podcast The Highlander Podcast is sponsored by the Outdoor Product Design & Development program …

1
#685: Using AI in UX research, design, and testing with Jason Bowman, The Office of Experience 25:54

1d ago25:54

25:54

Agility requires finding ways to stay one step ahead of the competition, as well as in anticipating customers’ needs. So how does a brand maintain this speed and agility in the area of UX design, where it has often taken a considerable amount of time, effort, and testing to get to a better result? Today we’re going to talk about using AI strategica…

1
#684: The founder of Reebok and CEO of Syntilay talk about AI-generated product design 30:23

3d ago30:23

30:23

When consumers can get AI-generated designs completely customized to their needs, what does this mean for the future of brands and the customer experience? I have two guests on my show today: one is the founder of one of the world’s most iconic shoe brands, and the other is the co-creator of the first AI-designed commercial shoe. Today we’re going …

1
#683: Navigating the effect of AI on marketing jobs and the job market with Sue Keith, Landrum Talent Solutions 23:28

6d ago23:28

23:28

My guest today has been keeping us up to date with the current state of hiring for marketers on a quarterly basis, which has taken us on quite a roller coaster ride. Today we’re going to look at how marketing and communication execs are responding to the latest developments in the world while still needing to get their work done. To take a look at …

1
The Transformation of Esker Cycles w/ Tim Krueger 1:43:41

7d ago1:43:41

1:43:41

Esker Cycles came on the scene in 2018 with a couple of sleek carbon fiber mountain bikes featuring an unknown Dave Weagle suspension platform called Orion. Weagle’s design was originally conceived for motorcycles and was dependent on a single front sprocket layout, which, back when Orion was developed, didn’t include mountain bikes since multiple …

1
#682: Consequential AI and customer loyalty with Raj De Datta, CEO of Bloomreach 25:26

8d ago25:26

25:26

If brand loyalty is so critical, why does it feel like most companies are treating it like an afterthought by propping it up with outdated programs and hoping customers won’t notice? Agility requires a complete rethinking of how we approach customer loyalty — not as an afterthought at the end of the funnel, but as a core driver of long-term brand v…

1
#681: Building a cohesive brand while personalizing every message with Emily Ward, Turnitin 25:54

10d ago25:54

25:54

With AI as an accelerant, marketing is evolving at a breakneck pace, and brands are being challenged to maintain authenticity while scaling globally. How do you build a cohesive, authentic brand identity across diverse markets, cultures, and digital platforms—all while leveraging AI-driven personalization? Joining me today is Emily Ward, VP of Glob…

1
#680: Agile is about more than velocity, with Gabrielle Wieczorek 27:12

13d ago27:12

27:12

This show is brought to you by the Online Scrum Masters Summit, taking place virtually on June 17-19, with more information at: http://www.onlinescrummasterssummit.com What if the most powerful tool for driving agile transformation isn’t a framework or a ceremony—but a dashboard? Today’s guest believes data may be the most underused lever for agili…

1
Breaking News: Revel Bikes is Back — and So is Revel Founder, Adam Miller 1:24:11

15d ago1:24:11

1:24:11

There is big news in the bike world today: Revel Bikes is back. And Revel’s founder, Adam Miller, is now once again the owner of Revel. It was almost exactly five years ago that I was sitting down with Adam in Blister HQ talking about Revel’s meteoric rise. A lot has transpired since then, including the company announcing that it was shutting down …

1
#679: Growing a brand by focusing on the details that matter with Dominic Minogue, Dirty Water 23:23

15d ago23:23

23:23

There are a lot of great ideas for products and brands out there, but sometimes the difference between success and failure lies in getting the details right and understanding the customers and users of your product. Today we’re going to talk about growing a brand by focusing on the details that matter. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to wel…

1
#678: AI gains emotional intelligence with Joshua Goldberg, Zenapse 23:56

17d ago23:56

23:56

Have you ever wondered why, despite having access to advanced AI tools, your marketing strategies still don’t hit the mark? Could it be that you’re focusing on the wrong data and missing the emotional connections that truly drive consumer behavior? Today we’re exploring the intersection of AI, emotional intelligence, and marketing with Joshua Goldb…

1
#677: Why thought leadership is more important than ever with Benjamin Shapiro, host of the MarTech Podcast 36:19

20d ago36:19

36:19

If content rules, why does it feel like there are 100,000 royal families? In a world drowning in blog posts, videos, and AI-generated everything, content has never been more abundant—or more commoditized. So how do brands cut through the noise? Today’s guest has a few thoughts on that—and more. Ben Shapiro, host of the MarTech Podcast, has had fron…

1
Reviewer Reports: Tons of Suspension, Long Travel Enduro Bikes, Trickstuff Brakes, & More 1:06:52

21d ago1:06:52

1:06:52

Fox has launched a ton of new suspension over the last month or so, and we’ve been testing just about all of it. So David and Zack sat down to chat about how that’s going so far, and how the new forks and shocks stack up against their predecessors; chat about our respective experiments with long-shocking and dual-crown-equipping our personal Enduro…

1
#676: The consumer is no longer navigating the map—they are the map, with Ken Hughes, the King of CX 36:22

22d ago36:22

36:22

The consumer is no longer navigating the map—they are the map. Welcome to the era of the Blue Dot Consumer: always centered, always scrolling, and always expecting the world to orbit around them. What does that mean for your brand? Everything. From the rise of instant gratification to the evolution of seven—yes, seven—active generations, the custom…

1
Dropper posts: (Almost) everything you need to know 1:14:47

23d ago1:14:47

1:14:47

Jack Pittens is the co-founder 9point8, an Ontario-based bicycle component brand known for its dropper posts and other innovative products. How did 9point8 get its start? What is your background? For dropper posts, is there an advantage to using a sealed cartridge vs. one that's tunable, or another design? How do you make a dropper post lightweight…

1
#675: Being true to customers and your values with Phyllis Rothschild, CMO at Pete & Gerrys 30:10

24d ago30:10

30:10

Consumers today aren’t just buying products, or even experiences—they’re buying into values. As more people align their shopping habits with brands that reflect their personal beliefs, how can companies authentically connect with their audience without coming across as performative? Joining us today is Phyllis Rothschild, Chief Marketing Officer at…

1
#674: The continued evolution of e-commerce with Eitan Koter, Vimmi 36:57

27d ago36:57

36:57

With the rapid rise of shoppable video, AI-driven recommendations, and immersive technologies like AR and VR, are traditional e-commerce strategies becoming obsolete? Today, we’re joined by Eitan Koter, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Vimmi, a shoppable video SaaS company revolutionizing e-commerce. Eitan is also the host of the "Mastering eCommerce Marke…

1
The Resurrection of Kona w/ Jacob Heilbron 1:03:20

28d ago1:03:20

1:03:20

In April of 2024, Kona Bikes set up their tent at Sea Otter, then promptly tore it back down when Kent Outdoors, who owned Kona at the time, pulled the rug right out from under them and declared that Kona was no longer in business. A year later, we sit down with Kona founder Jacob Heilbron about why he and other Kona founder Dan Gerhard sold Kona t…

1
#673: Predictive and proactive customer experiences, with Vinod Muthukrishnan, Cisco 28:51

29d ago28:51

28:51

Customer expectations have skyrocketed—people now demand instant, personalized, and seamless interactions across every touchpoint. But are companies truly meeting these expectations, or are they still stuck in reactive customer service models? What if AI could completely transform the customer experience into something proactive, predictive, and ev…

1
#672: What can we learn from teaching others about AI? Featuring Greg Shove, CEO of Section 37:46

1M ago37:46

37:46

AI is no longer just a tool—it’s reshaping business strategy, workforce morale, and even personal productivity. But are executives truly prepared to treat AI as a strategic thought partner, or are they still viewing it as just another tech trend? Joining us today is Greg Shove, CEO of Section, an AI education company on a mission to train the next …

1
#671: Going national while staying true to your local roots with Jay Rushin, H&H Bagels 22:27

1M ago22:27

22:27

How do you take something that's iconically local and make it feel authentic—everywhere? That’s the challenge facing every regional brand trying to scale. When your name is practically synonymous with a place—like H&H is with New York City—growth isn’t just about expansion. It’s about staying true to what made you iconic in the first place. Today, …

1
Reviewing the News w/ Mike Ferrentino, April 2025 1:32:10

1M ago1:32:10

1:32:10

There’s no doubt that Spring is a busy time in the bike world, with lots of news, early-season racing, new products being launched, and the consistently shaky state of the bike industry, giving Mike and Simon no shortage of things to talk about. It seems like every month there’s a sad story of hard times for a bike brand, and April’s bummer news is…

1
#670: Embracing Chaos to Get Better Results with Mark DeCarlo 41:39

1M ago41:39

41:39

We talk a lot about agility, and today, we’re going to talk about how lessons of agility can come from unexpected places - like the set of Seinfeld - where - for those superfans like me - our guest played Alec Berg - which should be said in more of a Jon Houseman manner, and while guest starring there (plus other shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm, Tr…

1
At age 55, Lee McCormack is still getting faster, and helping other riders do the same 1:09:32

1M ago1:09:32

1:09:32

Lee McCormack is a mountain bike skills instructor and coach, and he's the author of nearly a dozen books, including the NICA Skills Training Manual. He's written extensively on bike fitting and fitness training, and just last year he launched his own bike brand, Mistress Cycles. How have mountain biking techniques changed over the years? What's th…

1
#669: It's already time to start planning for the holiday shopping season with Carey Cockrum, Cella by Randstad Digital 28:52

1M ago28:52

28:52

Retailers are facing a rapidly evolving landscape where consumer expectations, AI advancements, and social media platforms like TikTok are redefining engagement. It feels like the holiday shopping season just ended, but when do retailers start planning for the next one, and some retailers already behind the curve for this season? Joining us today i…

1
#668: The Five Levels of AI with Courtney Baker, Knownwell 33:26

1M ago33:26

33:26

As AI continues to evolve, how can marketing leaders ensure they’re staying ahead of the curve instead of simply keeping up with it? And how do you navigate the complexities of using AI while maintaining a personal, human touch in your campaigns? Joining us today is Courtney Baker, Chief Marketing Officer at Knownwell and co-host of the AI Knowhow …

1
Outlier MTB on Product Design, Founding a Company, & Their Wild Looking Flat Pedals 1:00:44

1M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

There’s a fine line to walk in developing a new product, especially as a new brand without an existing track record. Make something plain and in line with existing options, and you risk getting lost in the noise; go too weird and unconventional, and it can be hard to find willing early adopters. Outlier MTB took a chance with their wild-looking Voi…

1
#667: The Evolving Role of Visual Data in Construction with Marca Armstrong, Sensera 25:22

1M ago25:22

25:22

When you think of cameras in construction, do you see them as just security tools—or could they be the key to unlocking full jobsite intelligence? Joining us today is Marca Armstrong, Chief Marketing Officer at Sensera Systems, a leader in jobsite intelligence solutions. Over the past decade, Sensera Systems has transformed how construction teams u…

1
#666: Balancing AI-driven efficiency and responsibility with Pasquale DeMaio, Amazon Web Services 27:29

2M ago27:29

27:29

For many brands, AI is revolutionizing customer experience, but with increased adoption comes widespread concerns about job displacement, ethical risks, and trust. Is AI truly enhancing human capabilities, or is it simply replacing them? And how can companies balance efficiency with responsibility in AI-driven CX? Joining me today is Pasquale DeMai…

1
#665: Developing strategies that cut through the omnichannel noise, with Arianna Vogel, Foursquare 28:59

2M ago28:59

28:59

With the increasingly complex omnichannel customer journey, it seems like attribution is getting harder than ever—do you know which of your marketing tactics are really driving sales, or are you flying blind when it comes to measurement? Joining us today is Arianna Vogel, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Foursquare, a leader in location inte…

1
Cascade Components’ Stumpjumper High-Pivot Conversion 51:13

2M ago51:13

51:13

High-pivot bikes are generally thought of as super planted, smashy, gravity-oriented bikes, but that isn’t inherently true, as some shorter-travel high-pivot Trail bikes have demonstrated in recent years. But isolating the main reason for going high-pivot — a more rearward axle path than can realistically be achieved with a more conventional suspen…

1
#664: Tying CX outcomes to commercial goals with Markus Engel and Linzi Hindle at DHL 24:10

2M ago24:10

24:10

Recorded live at Medallia Experience in Las Vegas. Having a great customer experience is critical for many reasons, but some companies have had a hard time tying their success with CX to tangible ROI. Today we will talk about taking customer experience further and tying CX outcomes to commercial goals. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to wel…

1
Mountain bike trail building and development are going platinum 52:04

2M ago52:04

52:04

In this episode of the Singletracks podcast we're going to be discussing some of the latest news and trends from the world of mountain bike trail development. We discuss: A recent meta-analysis of mountain bike tourism by IMBA and the Trust for Public Land The use of private land for trail development Threats to existing trail systems What's happen…

1
#663: AI in retail marketing with Uldis Baumerts, Bryj 27:23

2M ago27:23

27:23

As AI reshapes the retail advertising landscape, are you leveraging it as a competitive advantage, or are you at risk of being left behind in a data-driven world? Today, we’re joined by Uldis Baumerts, Chief Operating Officer of Bryj Technologies, a leader in driving AI-powered innovations for the retail industry. Uldis has extensive experience in …

1
#662: Making your returns strategy a competitive advantage with Katherine Lehman, ReturnBear 18:24

2M ago18:24

18:24

We are here at ShopTalk 2025 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and seeing and hearing all about the latest in retail, e-commerce, and more. How much are your product returns costing your business—and how much opportunity are you leaving on the table by treating returns as a cost center instead of a competitive advantage? Today, I’m excited to welcom…

1
Lal Bikes on the Supre Drive & Katana Trail Bike 1:00:19

2M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Lal Bikes’ Supre Drive offers some compelling upsides over a conventional derailleur drivetrain, but it also needs a frame built around the system. Lal began by partnering with Nicolai on the Nucleon 16, but now they are ready to launch their first bike under the Lal Bikes brand. So we sat down with Cedric Eveleigh, the founder of Lal and inventor …

1
#661: Creating a world-class student experience with Mike Milliron, IMG Academy 24:46

2M ago24:46

24:46

We are recording live at Qualtrics X4 in Salt Lake City and seeing and hearing all about how to create and enable amazing customer experiences. If the student experience is the heart of a world-class academy, what happens when you realize there is room for improvement—and what do you do about it? Today’s guest is Mike Milliron, Chief Operating Offi…

1
Doug Hintze | OPDD Alum + Founder @ Landed Footwear | Highlander Podcast 41:37

2M ago41:37

41:37

Doug Hintze, OPDD alum, footwear designer, and founder of Landed Footwear, speaks to students about his time in the program as well as professional and entrepreneurial journey. Listen to these conversations on the Highlander Podcast. https://opdd.usu.edu/podcast The Highlander Podcast is sponsored by the Outdoor Product Design & Development program…

1
#660: Enabling and accelerating customer experience improvements using AI with Isabelle Zdatny, Qualtrics 26:56

2M ago26:56

26:56

We are recording live at Qualtrics X4 in Salt Lake City and seeing and hearing all about how to create and enable amazing customer experiences. Today we’re going to talk about enabling and accelerating customer experience success by augmenting your teams and processes with AI. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Isabelle Zdatny, Head…

1
#659: The current state of the job market with Sue Keith, Landrum Talent Solutions 26:45

2M ago26:45

26:45

This episode is brought to you by Landrum Talent Solutions, a national recruiting firm specializing in marketing and HR positions. We’ve talked about volatile job markets before on this show, but has it been anything like what is currently going on? What should marketers looking for employment be expecting, and what should employers looking to hire…

1
Reviewing the News w/ Dylan Wood, March 2025 1:03:33

2M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

Spring is here, and things are busy in the bike world, giving Dylan and Simon lots to talk about in our March edition of Reviewing the News. They kick things off with a fun conversation about which pro athletes shred on both bikes and skis, which leads them into a recap of the very well-attended Red Bull Tennesee National DH race and who’s going in…

1
Jess Arnold | Product Designer + Developer @ SPG | Highlander Podcast 44:04

2M ago44:04

44:04

Jess Arnold, a designer and developer at SPG talks to OPDD students about her role as a developer, the career path, and how the role interacts and differs from others on the product team. Listen to these conversations on the Highlander Podcast. https://opdd.usu.edu/podcast The Highlander Podcast is sponsored by the Outdoor Product Design & Developm…

1
#658: Winning retail by reducing customer frustration with Jean-Christophe Pitié, ContentSquare 22:42

2M ago22:42

22:42

We are here at ShopTalk 2025 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and seeing and hearing all about the latest in retail, e-commerce, and more. If customer acquisition costs are rising and conversion rates are falling, how will your brand survive the next wave of digital disruption—and who’s already getting it right? Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by …

1
#657: Augmenting front-line employees with AI for better experiences, with Fabrice Martin, Medallia 22:42

2M ago22:42

22:42

We are here recording live at Medallia Experience at the Wynn in Las Vegas, and have been seeing and hearing some amazing things about how AI can enhance the customer experience as well as enable teams at organizations to create more meaningful connections with customers. Today we’re going to talk about how AI can help to create better experiences …

1
Joanna Black | Archives Spotlight - Sierra Club | Outdoor History Summit 2025 29:57

2M ago29:57

29:57

Joanna Black, Senior Archivist at the Sierra Club, shares about their work and the archive at the 2025 Outdoor History Summit. Joanna Black Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-m-b-a4880730/ Sierra Club Archives: https://www.sierraclub.org/library Listen to these conversations on the Highlander Podcast. https://opdd.usu.edu/podcast The High…

1
#656: Integrating CX and EX to create better customer outcomes with Sasha Fard, Capital One 27:04

2M ago27:04

27:04

We are here at Medallia Experience at the Wynn in Las Vegas and seeing some examples of amazing customer experience and employee experience and the latest updates from Medallia. Companies often separate Customer Experience (CX) and Employee Experience (EX) into different silos, but what if the real key to competitiveness and long-term success is in…

1
Atherton Bikes on Their Development Process, Gearboxes, & the A.200.G 53:55

2M ago53:55

53:55

Mountain bike gearboxes have had a small but vocal set of proponents for over a decade but have yet to see widespread adoption. That might be changing, at least in World Cup DH, and Atherton Racing is one of several teams debuting, or at least testing, a gearbox bike for this season. So we sat down with Rob Gow, the Head of Design at Atherton Bikes…

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