Stay Wild Magazine
We speak with the co-founder about the new publication that’s dedicated to all things adventure
by Eva Glettner
Stay Wild founders—husband and wife team Amy and Justin Morrison—are self-professed adventurers who live by their new magazine’s mission statement. The duo (the former a business planner and the latter a creative director with over a decade of experience) recently hit their Kickstarter goal and now announce the inaugural edition of the already-international Stay Wild Magazine—a free, eco-friendly printed publication that’s all about uninhibited exploration of the outdoors.
Excited to further his passion for finding and sharing stories and images pertaining to travel, action sports and outdoor experiences, co-founder Justin (a Canadian-born resident of Portland) took some time to speak with CH about the magazine that encourages readers to live for thrills and visit all corners of the world.
How did you become such an adventurer?
Growing up, I liked the idea of the National Geographic Society more than the
magazine. Those badass explorers clubs like the the Cousteau family and
Thor Hyerdahl’s expeditions totally inspired me to assemble teams and go
out adventuring. What those groups made from their adventures—magazines,
TV shows, books—those things are just the byproducts of
living life to the fullest.
So why start a magazine? And why print?
I can’t roll up an online magazine and start a fire with it. Print is real
and the best way to experience a magazine. I’m also not a caveman, so the
magazine will be online as a daily blog, a video series and a digital
edition for people who like pretending to flip through magazines on their
touch-screens.
Tell us a little about how you select content.
So far folks (aka a worldwide network of photographers, artist cartographers, athletic foodies and adventurous trouble-makers) have been pitching perfect stories, so “choosing” hasn’t had to happen yet. We don’t want to have a specialty magazine that just
focuses on one topic, like bikes, snow sports or spear-fishing trout. The
point here is to have a hub or campfire where all things adventurous can
come together.
You mention the Cousteau family, what about Steve Zissou? Has he had any influence on you?
I cry every time I watch “Life Aquatic.” It’s a beautiful film. But if you
read about the Cousteau family, you’ll see how much more awesome their
story is. Those yellow beanies we wear are in tribute to the Cousteaus
and the inspiration they brought the world. Bonus: the yellow beanies are available as a Kickstarter reward.
The first edition of Stay Wild Magazine will be released this spring at selected venues, in a print-run of 10,000. Keep and eye on the website for updates.
Artwork by Justin Morrison, family portrait by Robbie Augspurger, all others courtesy of Stay Wild
