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Norie brings decades of experience from her roles at National Geographic Traveler and as a contributor to National Geographic. She shares fascinating insights into adventure storytelling, the evolving landscape of tourism, and the powerful shift toward regenerative travel.
Subject: What a Red Puffy Jacket, a Black Lab, and the Tetons Taught Me About Adventure
I discovered the magic of nature—only after realizing my feet were literally black with dirt.
- Norie Quitos
What Happened:
If you told 12-year-old me that one day I'd be preaching the gospel of nature and conservation on a podcast, she would've laughed in your face while clutching her Lisa Frank diary.
Back then, I was a hardcore indoors kid. My travel dreams were less "hike the Andes" and more "sip coffee outside a museum in Paris." Nature? Great in theory. From a safe, clean, bathroom-accessible distance.
But life had other plans. Specifically, two kids and a deep desire for them to experience something I hadn't: the outdoors.
Our first trip? My sister's backyard. Borrowed tent. Questionable gear. But hey—we survived. That spiraled into state park weekends, and eventually, a full-on wagon adventure at the foot of the Tetons. Cue canvas tents, no showers, and yes—leeches.
I was not okay. My soles were blacker than a burnt marshmallow, and I seriously questioned my life choices… until someone said, "It's dirt, but it's not dirty." Mind. Blown.
That moment changed everything.
Principle:
Adventure doesn't require a plane ticket or a trust fund. It's not always epic views and adrenaline rushes. Sometimes, it's dirt, discomfort, and doing something that stretches you just enough to see the world—and yourself—a little differently.
That shift in perspective? That's where the real story begins. It's not just about going places. It's about who you become because you did.
Transition:
But here's the thing… Most of us still think "adventure" only counts if it looks like a Patagonia ad. We think our stories aren't worth telling unless they involve wild landscapes or bucket list bragging rights.
The problem? That belief keeps so many of us from starting. From exploring our own backyards. From seeing travel as a tool for transformation—not just content creation.
That's Why:
That's why this episode with Nori Quintos hit home. Because it's not just about where you go—it's about how you go. Nori's journey from suburban indoor kid to global storyteller proves that the adventure industry isn't just changing—it's opening up.
She shares how regenerative travel is replacing tourism-as-usual, and why wome