About this episode
On this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I sit down with the multi-talented and wildly entertaining Chad Lubinski. Chad is one of the most well-rounded people I’ve ever met—he’s a thru-hiker, ultra runner, backcountry skier, climber, jujitsu practitioner, and full-time content creator. If you’ve been listening for a while, you may recognize him as the guy who once interviewed me—and now he’s back for his third appearance. Follow Chad on the internet: https://www.instagram.com/chadahooche_/ https://www.youtube.com/ChadLubinski Also support us by joining our patreon: www.patreon.com/freeoutside And shopping at our sponsors: garagegrowngear.com and Janji.com -We kick off the conversation with the unexpected burden of being named Chad in the age of TikTok stereotypes, but quickly dive into topics like: -Why thru-hikers should give trail running and ultra running a shot -The underrated magic of fastpacking and why it’s the life hack for outdoor lovers with limited time -Chad’s story of going from a probation officer to full-time content creator -What it really takes to build a career around your outdoor passions -Working with brands, avoiding the red flags, and learning how to say no -The art of storytelling in adventure documentaries—and why gear isn’t everything -Why filming your adventures doesn’t ruin the experience (and may actually make it better) -The best kind of suffering (and how Chad would design the ultimate sufferfest race) Whether you're curious about building a career in the outdoors, documenting your adventures, or just wondering what it takes to live an unconventional life, this one’s packed with inspiration, hard truths, and plenty of laughs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chad Lubinsky 03:00 The Impact of Names and Identity 05:51 Exploring Thru-Hiking and Ultra Running 09:12 Fast Packing: A New Approach to Hiking 12:01 The Transition from Hiking to Content Creation 14:59 Overcoming Adversity on the John Muir Trail 17:56 Taking the Leap: From Job Security to Content Creation 20:52 Building a Brand and Monetizing Content 23:57 Navigating Brand Partnerships and Content Creation 29:54 Navigating Brand Partnerships 39:04 The Art of Storytelling in Adventure Filmmaking 50:56 Capturing Authentic Experiences 56:57 Creating Unique Adventure Challenges Keywords: Chad Lubinsky, thru-hiking, ultra running, fast packing, content creation, outdoor adventure, John Muir Trail, brand partnerships, hiking tips, outdoor lifestyle, brand partnerships, storytelling, adventure filmmaking, influencer marketing, content creation, authenticity, YouTube, adventure challenges, outdoor experiences, video production