150 years is a long time to keep showing up for the outdoors, and the Appalachian Mountain Club has done it by mixing joy with responsibility. We sit down with Scarlet Batchelor, Chief Growth Officer of the AMC, to talk about what a 150th anniversary really means for New Hampshire hiking, White Mountains culture, and the future of trail stewardship. The story starts with AMC’s deep roots in the White Mountains, where a group of Boston mountain lovers first set out to explore in 1876, then expands across the organization’s Virginia-to-Maine footprint and back again to the places that feel like home: huts, notches, and the trails that shape our lives.

Scarlet shares how AMC chose to celebrate with a six-month, Olympic torch inspired relay instead of a gala, bringing partners, volunteers, and everyday hikers into the same moving “birthday party.” From Mount Washington to Crawford Notch and beyond, we talk about how community is built one shared mile at a time, and why the goal is always a “just right” outdoor experience that makes people want to return. We also get concrete about accessibility: the Cardigan All Persons Trail at Mount Cardigan, the Outdoor Journey Fund, and AMC gear libraries that help remove the cost and equipment barriers that keep too many people on the sidelines.

Then we zoom out to the work that keeps the White Mountains and other wild places resilient. You’ll hear about alpine zone research, conservation policy, land protection like the Maine Woods Initiative, and what it takes to rebuild heavily used trails for a changing climate, including lessons from the Franconia Ridge Loop Trail Restoration Project. If you care about conservation, outdoor inclusion, and the future of the Appalachian Trail corridor and the White Mountain National Forest, this conversation connects the dots in a way that feels real and local.

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Dan Egan sits down with Sam Evans-Brown, Executive Director of Clean Energy New Hampshire, for a grounded talk about how New Hampshire can cut energy costs while building a cleaner, more resilient energy system that actually survives storms and peak demand.

We start with the unglamorous winner: energy efficiency. Sam breaks down the difference between conservation and efficiency, why programs like NH Saves can jumpstart upgrades, and how weatherization, insulation, and air sealing can be cheaper than building more grid infrastructure. From there we zoom out to rooftop solar, the massive drop in solar panel prices, what payback can look like, and why you should shop for quotes instead of trusting door to door sales pitches.

Then we go forward. Battery storage and the smart grid change everything, especially as electric vehicles become rolling batteries that can power your house when the lights go out. We tackle wind power on land and offshore, including New Hampshire’s wind history, the economics of offshore wind under high interest rates, and what marine science says about environmental impacts, fishing, and the reef effect.

If you care about New Hampshire clean energy, lower electric bills, EVs, solar, wind, offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine, or home electrification, this is the episode for you. Subscribe and share this with a neighbor who hates their energy bill.

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Mad River Coffee celebrates 20 years of roasting coffee, legendary egg sandwiches, meals to go, and live music right off Exit 28 in Campton NH.

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On this episode of The 603 Podcast, host Dan Egan heads to Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford to experience Bronco Off-Roadeo, Ford's off-road training and adventure program built in the heart of New Hampshire's Belknap Mountains. Joining Dan is site producer Steve Golden, who explains why the Granite State has become one of the premier destinations in the country for learning how to drive off-road. Bronco Off-Roadeo is more than a test drive—it's a hands-on owner experience that combines professional instruction, technical trail driving, and outdoor adventure on a private off-road course designed to build confidence and capability behind the wheel.

Dan and Steve discuss what surprises most first-time participants, from the importance of spotting and communication to recovery techniques, trail etiquette, and the mindset required to tackle challenging terrain safely and responsibly. They also break down the technology that helps modern Broncos navigate granite ledges, steep climbs, mud, and tight forest trails, including GOAT (Go Over Any Terrain) modes, locking differentials, Trail Turn Assist, and hill descent control. But as Steve explains, the real focus isn't on pushing limits—it's on developing skills, understanding vehicle capability, and becoming a more capable driver both on and off the pavement.

The conversation also explores the broader impact of outdoor recreation and adventure tourism in New Hampshire. From Tread Lightly principles and land stewardship to the economic benefits of attracting visitors from across the country, Steve shares how Bronco Off-Roadeo fits into the state's larger outdoor culture. Whether you're an off-road enthusiast, a Bronco owner, or simply someone who loves exploring New Hampshire's mountains and trails, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of the state's most unique outdoor experiences.

Subscribe to The 603 Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves New Hampshire, outdoor adventure, and discovering what makes the Granite State such a special place to explore.

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