Madison

Books, Commentary, Film preview, Madison / 03.02.2016

In the winter of 1993 I purchased three books. One changed my life forever. More than 20 years later just as I returned home from my latest series of talks and lectures based on a book of my own I sat in a coffee shop across the table from the author of the third title who may have most directly influenced my desire to become a writer. At the very least Eddy Harris was for me a role model who helped me to define my place in the...

Commentary, Kids in Nature, Madison / 26.01.2016

After a deep breath to steady my nerves I pushed upon the door. Beginning my second year of public speaking I was in the habit now of arriving a few minutes early to gage the room and get a feel for the audience. Knowing what likely lay in store, this particular crowd made me a bit nervous. But fully committed now to my mission I set aside the anxiety I felt and smiled broadly in the face of my worst nightmare, a class of 30 sixth-graders. At Sherman Middle...

Adventure Activism, An American Ascent, Charitable Giving, Diversity, Film preview, Madison / 28.09.2015

After almost a year of festival screenings around the country I’m very excited to announce that our film on Expedition Denali called An American Ascent is finally coming to Madison. Hosted by Edgewood College in the Anderson Auditorium on October 17, 2015 at 7PM I’ll share this documentary film that details the first team of African-American climbers to attempt a summit of the highest peak in North America. And like the expedition itself this event aims to encourage a new generation of young people to become involved in...

Adventure Activism, Art, Madison, Photography / 24.07.2015

With my laptop plugged into a borrowed digital projector I quickly scrolled through a series of photographs taken over the last 36 months of my career. Preparing a workshop for the Lussier Community Education Center in Madison, Wisconsin I made sure to pick out images that were both engaging and inspiring to meet the interests of a very critical and discerning audience. A bit heavy on animals and action shots I had sprinkled in as well more than a few ionic vistas of the National Parks from Yosemite...

Breaking News, Diversity, Madison, Outdoor Recreation, The Adventure Gap / 01.05.2015

When my friend Fred Harrington contacted me by text last year I figured he just wanted to get together for a beer. A neighbor around the corner from our house on the Near Westside, he and I, along with our wives frequently meet for drinks and dining at one of many local restaurants in Madison. “Do you have any time Wed to discuss the book nomination for Edgewood College?” the message read. “Preferably over beer, Maybe just before during or after dinner? It is due Fri.” Beer was certainly included...

Charitable Giving, Diversity, Madison, Sustainable Living / 07.01.2015

Working through his non-profit called Mentoring Positives social entrepreneur Will Green has a new venture that aims to boost the economic development of young people in his community. With the support of Metcalf’s Market at the Hilldale Shopping Center in Madison a small group of young men on Madison’s Eastside have introduced a line of canned salsa called Off the Block. Created using sustainably grown tomatoes, peppers and onions this commercial product will help to raise much-needed funds for ongoing neighborhood outreach initiatives while teaching valuable lessons in...