Season 2 of the Rediscover State College Podcast is here! And it highlights one of the top reasons people move to State College.
(Hint: It’s not Penn State football.)
This season, over the course of 6 episodes, we’re diving deep into our incredible outdoor scene and talking to the locals who hike, bike, fish, kayak, cave, and run all over Rothrock Forest and beyond.
If you’re thinking of making the move to town, these interviews will give you a great overview of all that’s accessible just outside your front door in State College – in quick, 20-minute episodes!
Here’s a peek into each episode…
Hiking for Hidden Gems: Exploring Pennsylvania with Purple Lizard Maps
In Episode 1, Michael Hermann, founder and lead cartographer of Purple Lizard Maps, talks about why the Central PA landscape is actually more fun and rewarding for mountain bikers than landscapes found out west.
He also discusses the endless outdoor opportunities that are available to us, regardless of experience level.
Hooked on Fly Fishing: Why State College is THE Fly Fishing Destination
In Episode 2, local fly fishing guide Jamie SanFilippo says, “In terms of water and fishing opportunity, Pennsylvania comes second only to Alaska,” and she explains why the State College area is renowned as one of the best fly fishing destinations in the world.
Iron Mayor: Biking, Triathlons, and Training for Ironman in State College
Episode 3 is an interview with our Iron Mayor, triathlete Ezra Nanes! In the episode, he talks about training for an Ironman race in State College and gives the inside scoop on what types of bikes you should consider owning if you live in the area.
Ride the Rapids, Explore the Depths: Kayaking and Caving in State College
Episode 4 explores caving and whitewater kayaking with avid adventurer Abbe Hamilton – who can also be found mountain biking, gravel biking, hiking, and climbing! You’ll learn what drew her back to State College – not one, not two, but three times! – as she gives us an inside look at our vibrant whitewater kayaking scene and local caving community.
From Trails to Taps: Outdoor Advocacy with Boal City Brewing
In Episode 5, Boal City Brewing owner and mountain biker Gordy Kauffman gets us excited for State College’s in-the-works skate park and shares how he designed his brewery to be a hub for the outdoor community. He says mountain biking in this area is “all about having fun, having a big smile on your face, being a kid again.”
Conserving Nature, Climbing Rocks: A Guide to Outdoor Adventure
And Episode 6 closes out Season 2 with Clearwater Conservancy’s Adventure Coordinator Bridget Whyte, who calls State College “a little pocket of a town that’s surrounded by forests on all sides.” She explains why our climbing community is unique and gives three actionable steps for starting your next outdoor adventure in State College.
