Dropping Next

Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors

The Dropping Next Podcast is your connection to the people & stories of the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors and a look behind the curtains on topics about teaching, riding and all the things that make this association global leaders in snowboard instruction.

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17 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 1 hr 6 min
English

Episodes 17

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S1 · E17
Tuesday · 1 hr 56 min
High Level Coaching with CASI Fundamentals | Guests: John Shelly & Jake Boling | S1E17
In this episode, Gen and Rob host John Shelly and Jake Boling who share their journeys into snowboard coaching, the impact of CASI certification and how instructor skills enhance high-end coaching. They discuss terrain adaptation, mental preparation, and the importance of experience in coaching and competing. The episodes concludes on a technical note, diving into the fundamentals of carving, use of terrain terrain as a tool, equipment choices, and coaching philosophies that enhance athlete performance and learning. CONNECT WITH US Subscribe, share, leave a review Suggest topics, guests or give us feedback: podcast@casi-acms.com More info at https://casi-acms.com/podcast/ HOSTS & GUEST Rob Whelan @robwhelanrides Geneviève Pilotto @genpilotto John Shelly @johnoshelly Jake Boling @jake_boling
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S1 · E16
August 11 · 1 hr 38 min
CASI's Evaluators of the Year | E16S1
In this episode, we pass the mic over to our Program Managers to give a little shine to the winners of the Evaluator of the Year award in each region of Canada. They dig in to a little bit of snowboard chat, naturally, but focus more on what makes these people who they are beyond snowboarding. Enjoy this compilation of 15-20 minute interviews with our top Evaluators from the 2025-2026 season! CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:54 - Luc Bélanger with Nik Pilsworth of the Atlantic Region 19:50 - James Hyland with Arija Bunkis of the Ontario Region 35:35 - Adam Gardner & Lisa Corcoran with Pieter Sneep of the Alberta Region 55:22 - Luc Bélanger with Guillaume Larivée of the Québec Region 1:19:24 - Adam Gardner & Lisa Corcoran with Matt Latham of the BC Region CONNECT WITH US Subscribe, share, leave a review Suggest topics, guests or give us feedback: podcast@casi-acms.com More info at https://casi-acms.com/podcast/ HOSTS & GUESTS (Instagram) Nik Pilsworth @nikpilsworth Arija Bunkis @aryagoingoutside Pieter Sneep @pieter_sneep Guillaume Larivée @guyboards Matt Latham @mattlatham17 Luc Bélanger @luc_belanger James Hyland @jameselementalbody Adam Gardner @badman_adam_dadam Lisa Corcoran @lisa.corcoran.5
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S1 · E15
July 28 · 1 hr 18 min
The synergy of Snowboarding and Mountain Biking | Guests: GSMBC's Paul Howard & Ross Dunlop | E15S1
In this episode, Jeff and Rob host a discussion with mountain biking coaches Paul Howard and Ross Dunlop from GSMBC. They explore the evolution of mountain bike coaching, the synergy between mountain biking and snowboarding, and innovative tools like Sportsense that are transforming coaching and instruction. They share insights on cross-training between snowboarding and mountain biking, the benefits of seasonal sport switching, and how coaching skills transfer across disciplines. Paul and Ross also discuss the importance of continuous learning and staying active year-round for instructors. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:56 The Evolution of Mountain Bike Coaching 05:53 Personal Journeys in Coaching 09:58 The Relationship Between GSMBC and CASI 13:58 The Synergy of Coaching and Instruction 17:36 Understanding the Differences: Coaching vs. Instruction 21:56 The Landscape of Mountain Bike Schools 25:35 Challenges and Opportunities in Mountain Bike Coaching 32:40 Promoting the Sport and Value of Lessons 36:05 The Role of Accessibility in Sports 39:33 Introduction to Sportsense App 51:13 Features and Benefits of Sportsense App 52:33 Palate Cleanser! 56:51 Embracing Variety in Sports 59:38 Teaching Approaches and Student Engagement 01:01:08 The Benefits of Seasonal Sports 01:05:02 Physical Differences Between Sports 01:10:26 Connecting Snowboarding and Mountain Biking 01:16:25 Year-Round Professional Opportunities CONNECT WITH US Subscribe, share, leave a review Suggest topics, guests or give us feedback: podcast@casi-acms.com More info at https://casi-acms.com/podcast/ Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches https://www.gsmbc.pro/ Sportsense app https://sportsense.coach/ IPA Collective https://ipacollective.com HOSTS & GUESTS (Instagram) Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches @gsmountainbikecoaches Paul Howard @phoward21 Ross Dunlop @rosstdunlop Rob Whelan @robwhelanrides Jeff Chandler @jeffch
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S1 · E14
July 14 · 1 hr 2 min
CASI: Then, Now and Future | Guest: Robert Joncas | S1E14
In this episode, we chat with Robert "Le Bob" Joncas about his extensive career in snowboarding, his involvement with CASI and Canada Snowboard and his insights on the future of the sport and the association. We dug into the shaping of the previous strategic plan and how we've used it as a road map for the past three years as well as how it has shaped our direction moving forward with the 2027-2030 Strategic plan. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:56 - Bob's Journey into Snowboarding 05:37 - Snowboarding in the Late 80s and Early 90s 09:45 - Teaching in French and the Evolution of Instruction 11:48 - Bob's Transition to High Performance and Competitive Snowboarding 15:45 - Reflections on the Hall of Fame Induction 19:47 - Balancing Roles: Instructor, Evaluator, and Board Member 25:45 - Strategic Planning and Member Engagement 29:41 - Evolution of Courses and Programs 32:28 - Adapting to Change: The Impact of COVID-19 36:02 - Challenges in Expansion and Consistency 38:39 - Improving Member Experience and Governance 41:26 - Industry Development and Recognition 45:18 - Advice for Future Board Members 48:17 - Lighthearted Moments and Personal Stories 57:28 - Future Outlook: Sustainability and Member Involvement CONNECT WITH US Subscribe, share, leave a review Suggest topics, guests or give us feedback: podcast@casi-acms.com More info at https://casi-acms.com/podcast/ HOSTS & GUEST (Instagram) Bob Joncas @bobjoncas Rob Whelan @robwhelanrides Jeff Chandler @jeffch
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S1 · E13
June 30 · 55 min
Building Community and Leadership | Guests: Aiyana Anderson-MacIsaac & Sandy Ward | S1E13
In this episode, Rob Whelan hosts a conversation with Aiyana Anderson-MacIsaac and Sandy Ward from Indigenous Women Outdoors. They discuss the organization's mission to increase Indigenous women's participation in outdoor sports, community building, leadership, and the importance of reciprocity and visibility in outdoor activities. Aiyana and Sandy also share their personal journeys within the snow-sports industry and speak passionately about what keeps them coming back for more. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction and Personal Connections 04:44 - Indigenous Women Outdoors: Mission and Background 09:55 - Personal Journeys in the Snow Industry 15:45 - The Importance of Community and Culture 19:17 - Collaboration with CASI and the First Tracks Fund 23:32 - Building Community and Access to Sports 28:34 - Generosity and Reciprocity in the Community 30:58 - Palate Cleansers! 36:19 - The Power of Online Presence 39:30 - Building a Strong Team 42:27 - Collaboration and Partnerships 44:41 - Empowering Indigenous Voices 47:14 - Reciprocity in Partnerships 49:40 - Short and Long-Term Impacts 51:31 - Diverse Programming Beyond Winter 53:46 - Supporting Accessibility in Sports 55:53 - Channels for Further Education 58:06 - Future Directions for IWO RESOURCES https://indigenouswomenoutdoors.ca/ https://casi-acms.com/first-tracks-fund/ CONNECT WITH US Subscribe, share, leave a review Suggest topics, guests or give us feedback: podcast@casi-acms.com More info at https://casi-acms.com/podcast/ HOSTS & GUEST (Instagram) IWO @indigenouswomenoutdoors Aiyana Anderson-MacIsaac @aiy.ok Sandy Ward @kelkelokik Rob Whelan @robwhelanrides
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S1 · E12
June 23 · 1 hr 55 min
Snowboarding, it's Just a Ride with guest: Lars Horstmann | S1E12
In this episode, Lars Horstmann shares his journey from his European snowboard roots to becoming a deeply rooted in the community in Canada and creating the well known, Justaride Snowboard Channel. We explore snowboarding techniques, gear choices, instructor training systems across the globe, and the importance of beginner lessons in shaping lifelong snowboarders. Join us as Lars Horstmann shares his deep insights into snowboarding techniques, gear tuning, and the evolving landscape of the sport. Discover practical tips, industry trends, and personal stories that will elevate your riding and understanding of snowboarding. Strap in and enjoy, this is a really fun and entertaining episode! CHAPTERS 02:52 - Lars' Snowboarding Journey 05:50 - Becoming a Snowboard Instructor 08:52 - The Evolution of Snowboarding Techniques 11:58 - Instructor Training and Certification Differences 14:55 - Gear Considerations for Snowboard Instructors 17:49 - The Importance of Avalanche Education 20:59 - Cultural Differences in Snowboarding 24:06 - Final Thoughts and Future Directions 31:31 - The Importance of Simplicity in Teaching 37:40 - The Value of Teaching Beginners 50:30 - Inspiring the Next Generation of Snowboarders 54:24 - The Role of Experienced Instructors 01:02:00 - Carving: A Resurgence in Snowboarding 01:03:53 - Understanding Rotation and Stance Angles 01:08:54 - The Importance of Tuning Equipment 01:19:48 - Embracing Challenging Conditions 01:26:11 - The Journey of Building the Justaride 01:29:06 - The Unspoken Truths of Snowboarding 01:30:31 - From Retail to Content Creation 01:32:51 - The Journey of Justaride 01:37:39 - Engagement and Community in Snowboarding 01:43:00 - The Evolution of Snowboarding 01:50:11 - Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavours RESOURCES https://www.strandasnowboards.com/ https://www.sidecut.com/ https://carvingtheandes.com/ CONNECT WITH US Subscribe, share, leave a review Suggest topics, guests or give us feedback: podcast@casi-acms.com More info at https://casi-acms.com/podcast/ HOSTS & GUEST (Instagram) Lars Horstmann @lars.justaride Rob Whelan @robwhelanrides Geneviève Pilotto @genpilotto Jeff Chandler @jeffch
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S1 · E11
June 10 · 1 hr 1 min
Train with Intention, Play with Purpose with guest John Smits | S1E11
In this episode hosted by Geneviève Pilotto and Rob Whelan, guest and CASI Alumni John Smits shares insights on training for snowboarding, off-season preparation, injury prevention, and effective home workouts. John is a CASI Level 4 Evaluator and former Regional Coordinator of Alberta/BC, now residing in the UK where he’s raising his young family and working as a Personal Trainer. Discover practical tips on periodization, cross-training, and building a resilient athletic foundation so that you can come into next season ready to attack your riding goals. CHAPTERS 02:14 - Training Philosophy and Goals 23:02 - Seasonal Training Considerations 35:42 - Practical Training Tips and Scenarios 01:03:56 - Resources RESOURCCES Kelly Starrett “The Ready State” @thereadystate Aaron Horschig “Squat University” @squat_university Steve Magness “Mental and Physical Performance” @stevemagness Jeremy Frisch “Youth Athletic Development” @jeremy_frisch17 Mobility Duo “Snowboard specific strength training” @mobilityduo ONLINE MEMBER SESSIONS Training Tips for Preseason and Beyond - https://youtu.be/iQGAo9l0Rk0?si=MzFfgvH28qLRPMHA Off Season Cross Training - https://youtu.be/qnT9IQZWkrY?si=HGl-rl180Ip1qUny CONNECT WITH US Subscribe, share, leave a review Suggest topics, guests or give us feedback: podcast@casi-acms.com More info at https://casi-acms.com/podcast/ HOSTS & GUEST Rob Whelan @robwhelanrides Geneviève Pilotto @genpilotto John Smits @john5mits
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S1 · E10
May 28 · 1 hr 37 min
The AWE of Nature and Mind: Mental Health and Snowboarding with Sandra Taddeo | S1E10
In this episode hosted by Geneviève Pilotto and Rob Whelan, guest Sandy Taddeo, a psychologist and passionate snowboarder shares insights on mental health, stress management, injury recovery and the importance of long-term mental well-being in sports and maintaining work-life balance in the context of snowboarding and athletic pursuits. Discover practical tips for recognizing burnout, maintaining mental health, and integrating these concepts into your snowboarding journey. CONNECT WITH SANDY LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-taddeo-33226a97/ CHAPTERS 01:07 - Sandy's Connection to Snowboarding 08:01 - Sandy's Career Path 15:14 - Defining Mental Health and Common Misconceptions 20:04 - The Link Between Mental Health and Performance 22:59 - Long-Term Mental Health and Sustainability 28:05 - Recognizing Burnout 33:36 - The Importance of Recovery and Managing Stress 36:28 - Deep Dive into Burnout Recognition and Prevention 06:39 - Using envy as a motivational tool 11:39 - Managing injury psychologically and physically 19:35 - The importance of routine and community in mental health 29:06 - Celebrating milestones and avoiding comparison 37:27 - Work-life balance and finding your why 47:14 - Practical tips for travel and seasonal transitions 57:21 - Dealing with end-of-season blues 01:07:06 - Building resilience through adaptation CONNECT WITH US Subscribe, share, leave a review Suggest topics, guests or give us feedback: podcast@casi-acms.com More info at https://casi-acms.com/podcast/ HOSTS (Instagram) Rob Whelan @robwhelanrides Geneviève Pilotto @genpilotto
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S1 · E9
May 12 · 1 hr 19 min
Training mindset, pushing boundaries and overcoming injury with guest Sam Xu | S1E9
Join us as we explore Sam Xu’s journey from childhood in China to becoming a Level 4 CASI instructor and a competitor on the Freeride World Tour. Discover insights on training, competition, injury recovery, and the importance of mentorship in the snowboarding community. CONNECT WITH SAM Rednote @Sam单板 Instagram @bigsamxu CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro 02:54 - Sam's Early Life and Introduction to Sports 05:52 - Transition to Canada and Overcoming Language Barriers 08:44 - Career Beginnings in Snow Sports 11:51 - Coaching Experience and Its Impact 14:43 - Injury and Recovery Insights 17:37 - Advice for Fellow Athletes on Injury Recovery 20:39 - Sam's Certification Pathway in CASI 23:36 - Reflections on the Exam Process and Support 26:45 - Achieving Level Four 27:09 - Understanding Evaluation and Success 28:45 - The Role of an Evaluator 30:07 - Home Mountains and Teaching Locations 32:16 - Exploring Other Interests Beyond Snowboarding 38:31 - Palette Cleanser 44:55 - Key Turning Points in Career 51:57 - Mentorship and Influential Figures 55:29 - The Importance of Community in Snowboarding 59:09 - Fundamentals of Free Riding and Technique 01:00:43 - Mentorship and Learning from Legends 01:03:42 - Mental Preparation Strategies for Success 01:08:54 - Career Aspirations and Future Goals 01:15:02 - Role in the Snowboarding Community CONNECT WITH US Subscribe, share, leave a review Suggest topics, guests or give us feedback: podcast@casi-acms.com More info at https://casi-acms.com/podcast/ HOSTS (Instagram) Rob Whelan @robwhelanrides Jeff Chandler @jeffch
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S1 · E8
May 6 · 59 min
Teaching Internationally with guest Cody Ratcliffe | S1E8
Join us as Cody Ratcliffe shares his international snowboarding journey, working in China and beyond, and offers insights into teaching across cultures, adapting communication, and balancing global and domestic seasons. Geneviève Pilotto also shares from her vast experience in teaching overseas as well as hitting on many of the logistical elements of training staff and managing the oversight of the program as a whole. Chapters - 00:00 - Introduction and Context Setting 00:15 - Cody's Snowboarding Journey 05:59 - International Course Providers and CASI's Role 10:52 - Experiences in China and International Teaching 13:55 - Travel Plans and Logistics 13:55 - Technical Difficulties and Solutions 16:33 - Balancing Domestic and International Work 18:33 - Resorts and Travel Experiences 20:56 - Snowboarding Adventures and Unique Experiences 21:38 - Palate Cleanser 26:43 - A Day in the Life of Teaching in the Dome 29:44 - Navigating Environmental Challenges 32:53 - The Art of Communication with Translators 35:40 - Cultural Exchange in Snowboarding 39:15 - Advice for Evaluators Considering International Teaching 41:28 - Qualities of a Successful International Evaluator 46:36 - Personal Experiences and Connections in Snowboarding 50:41 - Balancing Travel and Personal Life 58:22 - Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Reflections
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S1 · E7
May 6 · 1 hr 12 min
Teaching in a Second Language (French episode) | S1E7
Pour notre tout premier épisode en français, l’animatrice Geneviève Pilotto reçoit Luc Bélanger et Manuela Olibera-Dorn ! Ils abordent les défis et les opportunités liés à l’enseignement et à la formation dans une deuxième langue, en mettant l’accent sur la communication, le langage corporel et les stratégies pratiques pour un enseignement efficace dans des contextes multilingues.--Host, Geneviève Pilotto is joined by Luc Bélanger and Manuela Olibera-Dorn in our very first French episode! They explore the challenges and opportunities of teaching and training in a second language, focusing on communication, body language, and practical strategies for effective teaching in multilingual contexts.While this episode is in French, we encourage English speaking members to tune in as the content is quite relevant and often directed at non-Francophones, encouraging people to get out of their comfort zones to try new things.
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S1 · E6
May 6 · 1 hr 8 min
High Performance, Parenting and how to Thrive at Small Hills with Michelle Clifford | S1E6
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Michelle Clifford, a high-level snowboarding and skiing professional, outdoor sports enthusiast, and dedicated mother. Discover her journey through certifications, balancing parenthood with athletic pursuits, and her insights on training, mentorship, and community involvement. CHAPTERS - 00:15 - Intro 2:32 - 4x4 Certification: How I got there 5:57 - How does one feed the other (Skiing/Snowboarding) 9:57 - How do you maintain such a high riding and skiing standard? 14:25 - Words of advice to Dual Certified members (aka Duallies!) 18:03 - History of Mount Pakenham 24:37 - How to approach progression at a small hill 29:55 - Skabbard 30:45 - How to balance high performance in sport and being a good parent 34:13 - Challenges with having babies and maintaining training 38:36 - How having babies impacted career trajectory 44:11 - Palette Cleanser! 47:36 - Experiences on the Technical Team 52:05 - Inspiring Women in Snow Sports 58:40 - Finding Your Path 01:00:35 - Summer Adventures: Rafting and Guiding 01:06:58 - Crossover Skills: Snow and Water Sports
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S1 · E5
May 6 · 46 min
The Joy of Snowboarding: A conversation with Andy MacLean | S1E5
In this episode, hosts Rob Whelan and Jeff Chandler interview Andy MacLean, an OG CASI member, Hall of Famer and Operations Manager at Martock in Nova Scotia. They discuss Andy's extensive experience in the snowboarding industry, the vibrant community at small resorts, and the evolution of snowboarding techniques and equipment. The conversation highlights the importance of fostering a welcoming environment for snowboarders and the role of grassroots initiatives in promoting the sport. Andy shares insights on the current state of snowboarding, a career built at Martock, and the future of snowboarding. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introductions 01:43 - A typical day at Martock 03:11 - Andy's Journey in Snowboarding 07:03 - Community and Operations at Small Resorts 10:30 - The Importance of Riglet Parks 13:34 - Influence of Early Snowboarding Experiences 18:30 - Evolution of Snowboarding Instruction 22:41 - Interski and Global Snowboarding Standards 26:11 - The Evolution of Snowboarding Equipment 28:11 - Personal Experiences with Snowboards 29:42 - Teaching and Influences in Snowboarding 31:48 - The Importance of SWAG in Snowboarding Culture 33:56 - Snowboarding in the Maritimes: A Unique Perspective 36:17 - The State of Snowboarding Today 39:35 - Community and Inclusivity in Snowboarding 43:53 - The Future of Snowboarding and Its Appeal
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S1 · E4
May 6 · 31 min
Road to Interski: What is it and why do we go? | S1E4
Jamie Forbes, member of the National Technical Team joins hosts Gen, Jeff & Rob to discuss the upcoming Interski Congress, an international gathering of snow sports instructors. They explore the significance of Interski, the community aspect and the value it brings to CASI members. The conversation also includes fun segments and insights into the planning and preparation for the event which will take place in April of 2027. Chapters: 00:15 - Welcome 01:47 - Understanding Interski: An Overview 04:13 - The Significance of Interski 06:53 - Sharing Best Practices at Interski 11:26 - Learning from Global Perspectives 12:08 - Global Alignment in Snowboarding Techniques 13:53 - Cultural Exchange at Interski 16:01 - The Balance of Fun and Technical Demos 19:08 - Value of Interski for CASI Members 22:21 - Community Over Competition 6:58 - Non-Performance Aspects of Presentations 27:40 - Planning for Interski 2027
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S1 · E3
May 6 · 24 min
The Art of Learning: Enjoying the Process | S1E3
In this episode, Rob Whelan interviews James Hyland, a passionate snowboard instructor and CASI's Program Manager for Ontario/Manitoba/Saskatchewan. They discuss the importance of enjoying the learning process, the value of learning from failure, and effective goal-setting strategies for personal and professional growth. James shares his experiences and insights on how to navigate challenges in the pursuit of certification and the significance of having a clear 'why' behind one's goals. The conversation emphasizes the journey of learning and the importance of community support in achieving success. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 02:28 Enjoying the Process of Learning 05:30 The Value of Learning from Failure 07:55 Goal Setting and Personal Objectives 13:10 Strategies for Effective Goal Setting 16:19 Handling Goal Setting Challenges 20:11 Tips for Certification Success
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S1 · E2
May 6 · 39 min
The new minimum age for the Level 1 and making a career out of snowboarding | S1E2
In this episode, hosts Rob Whelan, Jeff Chandler, and Luc Bélanger discuss the recent changes in the minimum age for Level 1 snowboarding certification, now set at 14. They explore the implications of this change, including the benefits of allowing younger individuals to enter the teaching profession earlier. The conversation evolves into the challenges and rewards of building a career in snowboarding, emphasizing the importance of soft skills, community support, and the long-term commitment required to succeed in this field. The hosts share personal anecdotes and practical advice for aspiring instructors, highlighting the significance of mentorship and the value of experience in teaching snowboarding.
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S1 · E1
May 6 · 20 min
Intros & What to Expect from Dropping Next | S1EP1
In this conversation, Jeff Chandler, Gen Pilotto & Rob Whelan discuss the evolution of communication within the organization, emphasizing the importance of connecting with members through a new podcast initiative. They highlight the quality of course content and the need for transparency in decision-making processes, aiming to create a more direct line of communication with snowboard instructors worldwide. Takeaways - The quality of our communications is strong. This podcast is the next evolution of our outreach. Excited about connecting with members through this project. This podcast offers a chance for less polished communication. We have many personalities to tap into for resources. The goal is to help snowboard instructors globally. Feedback from members is crucial for improvement.
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