In this special edition episode, I invited Michelle Schopp to share her first Parks Advocacy Day experience. Less than a year ago, Michelle was in the early stages of her Trail Quest journey to visit all of Virginia’s state parks. When she learned about Parks Advocacy Day through this podcast, she immediately reached out and asked to participate. Her experience in Richmond was so empowering that she became actively engaged in the Virginia Association for Parks and now co-chairs the Advocacy Committee.

I love Michelle’s story because it’s a lot like my own and probably yours too. Through her personal connection with parks, Michelle realized the important role they play in connecting us with nature while preserving our public lands and historical assets. Michelle’s park story was the catalyst to her becoming a champion for our state parks.

Michelle and I discuss her first time meeting with legislators, what you can expect during Parks Advocacy Day, and why anyone can participate regardless of experience.

Become a champion for our state parks. Join us this January 22nd in Richmond for Parks Advocacy Day. I hope to see you in Richmond.

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Register for Parks Advocacy Day

Virginia Association for Parks

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

What if you could acquire the outdoor gear you need for your epic adventures without breaking the bank or contributing to the fast fashion and throwaway culture? Or what if you could declutter your closets and earn some cash for the gear you aren’t using? April Peterson, owner of River Rock Outfitter in Fredericksburg, shares why secondhand and consignment shopping isn't just trendy—it's a powerful way to reduce waste, support your local businesses, and adventure sustainably while also making the outdoors more accessible and affordable. April uncovers the etiquette of buying and selling pre-loved gear and provides tips for gifting used items, so your one-of-a-kind presents will be extra special. Discover unique treasures while keeping gear in the wild. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

The Nature Conservancy
Visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with April Peterson:
River Rock Outfitter I (540) 372-8708 I april.peterson@riverrockoutfitter.com

Trail Hut, Richmond
Good Wolf Gear, Reston
HighTor Gear Exchange, Charlottesville
Roanoke Mountain Adventures, Roanoke

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

I’m often asked how I got started podcasting, how I pivoted from education to entrepreneurship, and what it takes to run a podcast as a small business.

I was delighted to sit down for a conversation with my friend, Shannon Russell, career coach and host of Second Act Success Career Podcast.

I’m excited to share my guest appearance on her show where we discuss the unexpected journey I took from being an elementary school teacher, to a nonprofit executive, to a podcaster and advocate for our public lands.

For those of you who have been interested in a behind the scenes peek of Virginia Outdoor Adventures, this is it.

I hope you enjoy my guest appearance on Second Act Success Career Podcast with Shannon Russell.

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Second Act Success

Second Act Success Career Podcast

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

This is part 2 of a two-part episode. Check your podcast listening app for part 1.

What if you could explore a destination that's off the beaten path yet brimming with natural beauty and cultural treasures?

Discover the hidden gem of historic Onancock on Virginia’s Eastern Shore as we set sail with ecotour guides Mary and Bill Burnham, owners of Burnham Guides paddling shop.

Our guests share their insider knowledge of this waterfront town with historical architecture, a thriving arts scene, and the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures like kayaking, biking, fishing, and sailing.

Paddle your way through history and nature on Onancock Creek, where Mary and Bill guide us on a memorable kayaking experience, discussing the area's rich wildlife and historical past.

The town's off-season charm is anything but dull, with wildlife watching and lively community events like oyster roasts and art strolls.

Join us as we unravel the magic of Onancock, where history, art, and nature come together to form one of Virginia’s Adventure Towns. Let’s Go!

This is part 2 of a two-part episode. Check your podcast listening app for part 1 of this feature on Onancock.

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

The Nature Conservancy

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Mary and Bill:
Burnham Guides I 757-710-5137 I mary@burnhamguides.com

Experience Onancock
Eastern Shore, VA

Holly Cove Charter Sunset Tour with Captain Chris Guvernator I 757-650-5097
Onancock Sailing Adventures with Captain Tom Bunino I 757-710-3658

1890 Spinning Wheel B&B
The Charlotte Hotel & Restaurant
The Inn at Onancock
Maurice Inn

Onancock Eateries
Onancock Shops
Onancock Art Galleries
Onancock Events and Attractions
Onancock Outdoor Attractions

Virginia Water Trails – Eastern Shore

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

What if you could explore a destination that's off the beaten path yet brimming with natural beauty and cultural treasures?

Discover the hidden gem of historic Onancock on Virginia’s Eastern Shore as we set sail with ecotour guides Mary and Bill Burnham, owners of Burnham Guides paddling shop.

Our guests share their insider knowledge of this waterfront town with historical architecture, a thriving arts scene, and the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures like kayaking, biking, fishing, and sailing.

Paddle your way through history and nature on Onancock Creek, where Mary and Bill guide us on a memorable kayaking experience, discussing the area's rich wildlife and historical past.

The town's off-season charm is anything but dull, with wildlife watching and lively community events like oyster roasts and art strolls.

Join us as we unravel the magic of Onancock, where history, art, and nature come together to form one of Virginia’s Adventure Towns. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

The Nature Conservancy

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Mary and Bill:
Burnham Guides I 757-710-5137 I mary@burnhamguides.com

Experience Onancock
Eastern Shore, VA

Holly Cove Charter Sunset Tour with Captain Chris Guvernator I 757-650-5097
Onancock Sailing Adventures with Captain Tom Bunino I 757-710-3658

1890 Spinning Wheel B&B
The Charlotte Hotel & Restaurant
The Inn at Onancock
Maurice Inn

Onancock Eateries
Onancock Shops
Onancock Art Galleries
Onancock Events and Attractions
Onancock Outdoor Attractions

Virginia Water Trails – Eastern Shore

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

In part 2 of this two-part episode, I’ll share highlights from my latest newsletter, featuring discounts on backpacking and first aid gear. We’ll wrap up with a complete list of everything included in my cabin stay bag, to help you prepare for your own park visit.

In case you missed Part 1, Join me for a spine-tingling episode filled with spooky stories from a haunted hike—perfect for those who love a good thrill! We’ll catch up on my recent adventures, including a rescheduled trip to Onancock, one of Virginia’s Adventure Towns. Plus, we’ll dive into your fan mail, so keep those messages coming by clicking on “Send Jessica a Text Message!” in your show notes. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Website I Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up


Support the Show!

Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Advertisers:
Visit Harrisonburg

Mentioned in this Episode:

Virginia State Parks Cabin Reservations

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

Join me for a spine-tingling episode filled with spooky stories from a haunted hike— perfect for those who love a good thrill! Plus, we’ll dive into your fan mail, so keep those messages coming by clicking on “Send Jessica a Text Message!” in your show notes.

Tune in next week for part 2 when we’ll catch up on my recent adventures, including a rescheduled trip to Onancock, one of Virginia’s Adventure Towns. I’ll share highlights from my latest newsletter, featuring discounts on backpacking and first aid gear. We’ll wrap up with a complete list of everything included in my cabin stay bag, to help you prepare for your own park visit. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Website I Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Advertisers:
Visit Harrisonburg

Mentioned in this Episode:

Virginia State Parks Cabin Reservations

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

We’re slithering into the fascinating world of Virginia’s snakes, equipping you with practical tips to enjoy the great outdoors while respecting these often-misunderstood creatures.

In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Caroline Seitz of the Virginia Herpetological Society, helps us dispel common myths and misconceptions while broadening our understanding and appreciation of our native species.

Caroline tackles listener questions about safety measures and snake behavior, offering practical advice for snake encounters, so you can hit the trails with confidence. Let’s Go!

Don’t miss part 1 of this two-part episode. Last week, Caroline covered how many species of snakes are native to Virginia and which are venomous, our most common species throughout the state, the difference between venomous and poisonous, and whether hikers should be concerned about encountering a snake on the trail.

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Website I Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Advertisers:
Visit Harrisonburg

Mentioned in this Episode:

Virginia Herpetological Society

Book: Guide to Snakes and Lizards of Virginia

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com