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Lauren Swanson has been around motorcycles since she was a baby before eventually buying her own bike in her twenties. Today, she serves as Marketing Manager, Americas and Global PR Manager for Cardo Systems, where she helps lead regional marketing, product launches, PR efforts and industry partnerships across the motorcycle space.

In this episode, Lauren talks with host Heather Wilson Schiltz about how her riding journey evolved from street bikes to adventure riding, dual sport and single-track. She talks about learning off-road skills on a Harley-Davidson Pan America, finding confidence on smaller dirtbikes, getting involved with Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders and helping make the sport more welcoming for newer riders.

Lauren also reflects on her time at Harley-Davidson, where she worked in experiential marketing and helped introduce new riders, women riders and community groups to motorcycling. She and Heather discuss the importance of rider retention, creating authentic motorcycle marketing, riding communities and why communication systems can be especially valuable.

🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How Lauren’s motorcycle story started with her dad’s Heritage Softail
• What she learned riding the Harley-Davidson Pan America off-road
• Why bike setup and suspension matter, especially for smaller riders
• How Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders is working to welcome newer and younger riders
• The role community plays in keeping people engaged in motorcycling
• Lauren’s path from nonprofit marketing to Harley-Davidson and Cardo Systems
• How Cardo is expanding into integrated helmet communication systems
• Why communication can be so useful in all segments of riding
• How women’s riding communities and industry networking continue to grow

📲 Connect with Lauren Swanson on Instagram or LinkedIn

📲 Follow Cardo Systems on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube

🌐 Learn more at CardoSystems.com

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a motorsports event organizer who wants more participants or attendees, your marketing and operations may be in need of a revamp. I help evaluate where you're at, develop a customized strategy, implement the tasks and assess the results. So if you're serious about getting more support, let's work together. Visit HighGearSuccess.com to get started.

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a racer looking to show sponsors how you can bring value to their company, visit HighGearSuccess.com to view services offered by High Gear Success for racers.

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Momentum: A Motorsports Podcast, powered by High Gear Success

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Mark Scherrens, Moto Adventurer Unscripted Podcast Co-Host, joins host Heather Wilson Schiltz to talk about the early days on ADV Rider forums, paper maps and building friendships through the DOGS (Dual Sporters of Georgia).

Mark talks about the evolution of adventure motorcycling, the value of talking to locals and how social media has changed the way riders discover places. He also shares stories from working at a motorcycle dealership where he organized rides and events, co-hosting Moto Adventurer Unscripted and bringing his creative side into the industry through illustration and event shirt design.

🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Why he believes learning in the dirt can make riders better on the street
• The early days of ADV Rider forums
• A memorable gas station encounter involving the KTM brand, Long Way Around and an unexpected fan
• Mark’s take on how adventure riding has changed over the last 20-plus years
• What dealerships can gain from hosting rides, bike nights and community events
• How Mark became co-host of Moto Adventurer Unscripted with Drew Faulkner
• Why he feels long-form podcasting can create better conversations
• Mark’s freelance illustration work
• What Mark is riding now, including his Norden 901 Expedition and upcoming BMW 1200 GSA

📲 Connect with Mark Scherrens on Instagram

🌐 Listen to Moto Adventurer Unscripted podcast at MotoAdventurer.com

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a motorsports event organizer who wants more participants or attendees, your marketing and operations may be in need of a revamp. I help evaluate where you're at, develop a customized strategy, implement the tasks and assess the results. So if you're serious about getting more support, let's work together. Visit HighGearSuccess.com to get started.

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a racer looking to show sponsors how you can bring value to their company, visit HighGearSuccess.com to view services offered by High Gear Success for racers.

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Momentum: A Motorsports Podcast, powered by High Gear Success

👉 Want to connect or recommend a guest? Visit: MomentumMotorsportsPodcast.com

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube for more motorsports stories and strategies

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Erik Stephens, Director of eCommerce at BWI (parent company of brands like Twisted Throttle, DENALI Electronics and more), shares the evolution of rider-focused lighting products.

In this episode, host Heather Wilson Schiltz talks with Erik about how real-world rider experiences and customer feedback influence product development, from forward lighting to side visibility and CANbus-controlled accessories. He also breaks down homologation, why some aftermarket lights can be dangerous when improperly designed or installed, and what riders should understand before upgrading their motorcycle lighting.

The conversation also explores the business side of scaling enthusiast brands, including international growth, localized marketing, distribution, fulfillment and the importance of listening directly to customers at events like the BMW MOA National Rally and Touratech Rally.

🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How Twisted Throttle started from a motorcycle accessory group buy
• How DENALI Electronics grew out of a need for better vehicle-specific lighting solutions
• Why rider safety is a major motivator behind DENALI product development
• The difference between seeing better and being seen by other drivers
• Why side and rear visibility are becoming bigger priorities for motorcyclists
• What homologation means and why street-legal lighting standards matter
• How CANbus technology changed motorcycle accessory installation
• Why real-world demonstrations help riders understand lighting performance
• What DENALI learns from customers at motorcycle rallies and events
• The challenges of scaling motorcycle and off-road brands internationally
• How rider needs differ between the U.S., Europe and Australia
• Practical starting points for riders who want to improve motorcycle visibility

📲 Connect with Erik Stephens via email

🌐 Learn more at DENALIelectronics.com

🌐 Learn more at VisionXOffRoad.com

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a motorsports event organizer who wants more participants or attendees, your marketing and operations may be in need of a revamp. I help evaluate where you're at, develop a customized strategy, implement the tasks and assess the results. So if you're serious about getting more support, let's work together. Visit HighGearSuccess.com to get started.

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a racer looking to show sponsors how you can bring value to their company, visit HighGearSuccess.com to view services offered by High Gear Success for racers.

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Momentum: A Motorsports Podcast, powered by High Gear Success

👉 Want to connect or recommend a guest? Visit: MomentumMotorsportsPodcast.com

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Chase Bailey, an independent sales rep in the powersports industry, shares how racing dirtbikes as a kid led him into dealership work, where he learned the value of relationships, product knowledge and connecting with customers. In this episode, host Heather Wilson Schiltz chats with Chase about the role of independent sales reps, how the Powersports Rep Association helps open doors in the industry, and what it takes to represent multiple brands while supporting dealerships in a meaningful way.

From dealer-direct sales and merchandising advice to social media, customer experience and the realities of working on commission, this conversation gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at an often unspoken part of the powersports business.

🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Lessons learned from working in dealership parts departments
• What an independent sales rep does and how the role differs from working for one brand
• How the Powersports Rep Association helps individuals break into the professional side of the industry
• Why relationships and communication matter so much in sales
• Tips dealerships can use to better sell parts, accessories and apparel
• Why product knowledge, merchandising and social media can make a big difference
• Chase’s advice for anyone wanting to build a career in powersports

📲 Connect with Chase Bailey on Instagram

🌐 Learn more about the PRA at PowersportsRepAssociation.org

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a motorsports event organizer who wants more participants or attendees, your marketing and operations may be in need of a revamp. I help evaluate where you're at, develop a customized strategy, implement the tasks and assess the results. So if you're serious about getting more support, let's work together. Visit HighGearSuccess.com to get started.

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a racer looking to show sponsors how you can bring value to their company, visit HighGearSuccess.com to view services offered by High Gear Success for racers.

Support the show

-------------------------------------

Momentum: A Motorsports Podcast, powered by High Gear Success

👉 Want to connect or recommend a guest? Visit: MomentumMotorsportsPodcast.com

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube for more motorsports stories and strategies

📸 Follow @MomentumMotorsportsPodcast on Instagram + Facebook

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David Zelma, SW-MOTECH USA Country Manager, has built a career around motorcycles, marketing and the aftermarket industry. In this episode, host Heather Wilson Schiltz talks with him about his path from the custom Harley side of the industry to the adventure touring market.

David shares how an early piece of advice helped him choose a career tied to something he loved. The conversation also explores dealer education, motorcycle setup, the growth of smaller-displacement bikes, emerging e-bike riders and why hands-on product knowledge still matters in sales, marketing and leadership.

🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How David turned his love of motorcycles into a long career in powersports
• Lessons learned from the Harley, custom and performance aftermarket segments
• Why adventure touring became an exciting next chapter
• How bike fitment can make a major difference
• What sets SW-MOTECH apart in luggage, crash protection and rider accessories
• How dealer education supports both dealerships and riders
• David’s perspective on small-displacement motorcycles, Chinese brands and future riders
• Why technical product knowledge strengthens marketing and storytelling
• The role technology plays in modern motorcycles
• David’s favorite SW-MOTECH product and how he uses it every day

📲 Follow SW-MOTECH on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

🌐 Learn more at SW-MOTECH.us

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a motorsports event organizer who wants more participants or attendees, your marketing and operations may be in need of a revamp. I help evaluate where you're at, develop a customized strategy, implement the tasks and assess the results. So if you're serious about getting more support, let's work together. Visit HighGearSuccess.com to get started.

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a racer looking to show sponsors how you can bring value to their company, visit HighGearSuccess.com to view services offered by High Gear Success for racers.

Support the show

-------------------------------------

Momentum: A Motorsports Podcast, powered by High Gear Success

👉 Want to connect or recommend a guest? Visit: MomentumMotorsportsPodcast.com

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube for more motorsports stories and strategies

📸 Follow @MomentumMotorsportsPodcast on Instagram + Facebook

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Adventure riding is about more than dirt roads, gravel routes and challenging terrain. It’s about the people you meet along the way. In this episode, host Heather Wilson Schiltz talks with Kane Wagner, owner of Appalachian ADV and host of the Appalachian ADV Community Podcast.

Kane shares the story behind the Fool’s Ride, how it has grown from a small gathering into Appalachian ADV’s flagship event and why he wants his rides to feel more like a reunion than just another motorcycle event. He also talks about building routes, managing permits, creating safety plans, leading clinics and helping riders gain confidence on adventure and dual sport bikes.

From community-building and coaching to calculated risk and the phrase “Have fun, take chances”, this conversation gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create meaningful riding experiences.

🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How the Fool’s Ride grew from a small early-season event into a 150+ rider gathering
• Why unpredictable spring weather is part of the challenge and appeal
• What riders can expect from Appalachian ADV events, clinics and guided rides
• The behind-the-scenes work involved in scouting routes, permits, insurance and safety planning
• How Kane approaches coaching riders from different backgrounds and skill levels
• Why community is at the center of Appalachian ADV
• The story behind the phrase: “Have fun. Take chances.”
• Where riders can connect with Appalachian ADV and follow upcoming events

📲 Connect with Kane Wagner on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

🌐 Learn more at AppalachianADV.com

🌐 Listen to the Appalachian ADV Community Podcast

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a motorsports event organizer who wants more participants or attendees, your marketing and operations may be in need of a revamp. I help evaluate where you're at, develop a customized strategy, implement the tasks and assess the results. So if you're serious about getting more support, let's work together. Visit HighGearSuccess.com to get started.

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a racer looking to show sponsors how you can bring value to their company, visit HighGearSuccess.com to view services offered by High Gear Success for racers.

Support the show

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Momentum: A Motorsports Podcast, powered by High Gear Success

👉 Want to connect or recommend a guest? Visit: MomentumMotorsportsPodcast.com

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube for more motorsports stories and strategies

📸 Follow @MomentumMotorsportsPodcast on Instagram + Facebook

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From watching Supercross on TV to standing on top of the podium at Loretta Lynn’s MX, Carter Gray is already building a serious motocross résumé at just 13 years old. In this episode, host Heather Wilson Schiltz talks with Carter about how he got started in racing, what it felt like to finally win at Loretta’s after years of chasing that goal, and the work that happens behind the scenes to compete at a high level.

They also talk about racing for Team USA in France, learning how to stay calm under pressure and the role his coach and training program have played in his success. Plus, he provides insight into what recovery looks like after a back injury. Carter also shares what he enjoys outside of racing and which pros he looks up to.

🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How Carter got his start in riding and racing
• What it meant to win Loretta Lynn’s (AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship) with his family waiting at the finish line
• His experience racing for Team USA in France and how different that track felt
• Why breathing and staying calm are such a big part of how he races smart
• What fans do not always see about the training and work behind the big moments
• How Driven MX and his support system have helped shape him as a racer
• What recovery looks like after breaking his back and having surgery
• The goals keeping him motivated as he works to get back on the bike
• Why Jett Lawrence and Eli Tomac are two riders he studies closely
• What Carter likes to do when he is not racing, from golf to basketball

📲 Connect with Carter Gray on Instagram and YouTube

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a racer looking to show sponsors how you can bring value to their company, visit HighGearSuccess.com to view services offered by High Gear Success for racers.

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Momentum: A Motorsports Podcast, powered by High Gear Success

👉 Want to connect or recommend a guest? Visit: MomentumMotorsportsPodcast.com

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube for more motorsports stories and strategies

📸 Follow @MomentumMotorsportsPodcast on Instagram + Facebook

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Grant Harlan has built a professional racing career through persistence, adaptability and a deep understanding of what it takes to keep showing up. In this episode, host Heather Wilson Schiltz talks with Grant about his path from amateur racing to Supercross and Pro Motocross, what life looks like as a privateer racer and how he manages the mental and physical demands of competition.

They also talk about bike setup, suspension, recovery from injury, and the behind-the-scenes reality of making a racing program work with limited resources. Grant also shares how his perspective on success has evolved and why seeing Supercross in person gives fans a completely different appreciation for the sport.

🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How Grant went from riding in Hawaii to chasing a professional racing career
• What it’s really like living the privateer lifestyle in Supercross
• Why suspension setup matters so much, especially in Supercross
• How Grant manages confidence swings, bad weekends and long recoveries
• What success looks like for him now compared to earlier in his career
• Why he considers himself an outdoor motocross guy at heart
• What fans may not realize about the work it takes to keep a team going
• A look at what Grant enjoys outside of racing, including time around horses

📲 Connect with Grant Harlan on Instagram

📲 Follow KMR on Instagram

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a motorsports event organizer who wants more participants or attendees, your marketing and operations may be in need of a revamp. I help evaluate where you're at, develop a customized strategy, implement the tasks and assess the results. So if you're serious about getting more support, let's work together. Visit HighGearSuccess.com to get started.

SPONSORED CONTENT: If you're a racer looking to show sponsors how you can bring value to their company, visit HighGearSuccess.com to view services offered by High Gear Success for racers.

Support the show

-------------------------------------

Momentum: A Motorsports Podcast, powered by High Gear Success

👉 Want to connect or recommend a guest? Visit: MomentumMotorsportsPodcast.com

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube for more motorsports stories and strategies

📸 Follow @MomentumMotorsportsPodcast on Instagram + Facebook