On February 3, the outdoor hospitality industry will see the premiere of a new podcast, Talk S’More, hosted by Erica Edmonds, general manager of Sun Outdoors Salt Lake City in North Salt Lake, Utah.
With a blend of professional insights and personal stories, the podcast promises to offer an engaging platform for young professionals and industry leaders to connect, learn, and share experiences.
The idea for Talk S’More originated during a class at the National School for Outdoor Hospitality in 2024, where a group of young professionals discussed the need for a podcast to foster industry connections.
“It was such a lightbulb moment,” Edmonds recalled. Although initially hesitant to take the lead, she eventually decided to move forward, drafting episode outlines and securing guests with help from her industry contacts and her boyfriend, Nicholas Vonderlippe, who assisted with the technical aspects of production.
Naming the podcast proved to be a pivotal moment. Initially, Edmonds considered the title Managing the Great Outdoors but wanted something more vibrant and reflective of the industry’s spirit.
Inspiration struck when she heard the phrase “we should talk some more about this” during a meeting. Combining that with the iconic outdoor treat, the s’more, the name Talk S’More was born.
“It honestly sent electricity through my body when it came to life with the logo and our little mascot, S’Mo,” Edmonds explained.
The podcast aims to humanize the outdoor hospitality experience by sharing authentic stories from industry professionals. Edmonds envisions it as a way to spark mentorships, career opportunities, and friendships.
“If a listener recognizes a guest, they have an automatic conversation starter,” she said, emphasizing the potential for meaningful connections through shared experiences.
The first episode will feature Ron Williams, director of operations west for Blue Water Development. Edmonds credits Williams as a mentor who introduced her to the outdoor hospitality industry.
Future episodes will include a diverse lineup of guests from various roles and regions. Sharrie Yarber, manager at Rocky Fork Ranch in Kimbolton, Ohio, and Lo Fiducioso, recreation coordinator for Travel Resorts of America.
The guest lineup will also feature Andrew Confer, general manager of Presque Isle Passage RV Park and Cabin Rentals in Pennsylvania; Jodie Holava and Kaycee Butt, the management team at Columbus North Jellystone in Mt. Gilead, Ohio; Ollie Gauthier, YP Social Chair and manager at Hickory Hills Campground in Wisconsin; and Courtney Mauldin, business operations manager at Lakewood Camping Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Other guests will include Katie McLeod, owner of Quilly’s Big Fish RV Park in Texas; Kinnley McNabb, operations manager at Four Corners RV Resort and Marina in Tennessee; Lisa Courtney, director of franchise sales and support at Camp Jellystone; Emily Button & Hannah Butturi, the management team at Evergreen Campsites and Resort in Wild Rose, Wisconsin; and Ashley Cary, YP Chair and third-generation assistant manager at Hidden Acres Family Campground.
Listeners can stay updated on Talk S’More through its social media pages on Facebook and Instagram, where episode teasers, guest highlights, and additional content will be posted.
The podcast will release new episodes every two weeks, with links to episodes available on Spotify for easy access. The podcast is sponsored by Newbook, a property management software provider specializing in solutions for the outdoor hospitality industry.
With Talk S’More, Edmonds hopes to cultivate a space for storytelling, connection, and inspiration within the outdoor hospitality community.
“My hope is that this podcast will create pathways for mentorships, friendships, and potential career opportunities,” she said.