Bryan Maasch shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Bryan, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I’m learning a lot from Bob Proctor. His teachings on mindset, growth, and the power of belief resonate with me, both personally and professionally. Proctor’s reminder that “everything begins in the mind” helps me approach challenges with a different perspective. I see obstacles as opportunity to grow.
That mindset aligns perfectly with what we do at Active Adventure here in Raleigh. Our nonprofit is all about helping people connect with nature, challenge themselves, and discover their own potential through outdoor experiences. Nature has always been one of my greatest teachers. It humbles me, grounds me, and shows me what I’m capable of when I step outside my comfort zone.
Between Bob Proctor’s lessons on personal growth, what I’ve learned in recovery, and the wisdom that comes from time outdoors, I’ve learned that transformation starts from within but it’s strengthened by movement, community, and connection to the natural world.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Bryan Maasch, and I’m the co-founder of Active Adventure, a nonprofit organization based in Raleigh, North Carolina. I’m blessed to build Active Adventure alongside my fiancée and co-founder, Millie Jones. We share the same passion for helping others and a deep belief in the healing power of nature. Our mission is to empower individuals in recovery to discover new pathways to wellness through outdoor adventure, community support, and personal growth.
Through guided hikes, wellness retreats, and other outdoor activities, we help people reconnect with themselves, others, and the natural world. Nature has a powerful way of healing. It challenges us, grounds us, and reminds us of our strength.
What makes Active Adventure unique is the way we blend recovery and outdoor exploration. Our programs create safe, supportive spaces where participants can build confidence, resilience, and purpose while experiencing the freedom and peace that come from being outdoors.
Right now, we’re teaming up with local organizations and tapping into city and foundation grants to launch new programs, bringing outdoor adventures and recovery support to more people who need it.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a free spirit, wild at heart and deeply curious about life. I’ve always craved adventure, drawn to the unknown and the kind of experiences that make me feel alive. Whether it was getting lost in the woods on my bike or skateboarding around unknown parts of town those moments made me feel connected to something bigger than myself.
Even as a kid, I was never content staying still. I wanted to explore, to push boundaries, and to find out what was waiting beyond the next bend in the trail. That pull toward adventure has always been about more than just movement. It’s about growth, discovery, and the peace that comes from being in tune with the world around me.
Somewhere along the way, life’s expectations tried to quiet that part of me. The free spirit who believed that life was meant to be experienced fully and authentically. But deep down, that spark never faded. It’s still what drives me today. The desire to live with purpose, to stay curious, and to stay connected to the natural world that’s always felt like home.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
During my most difficult times, I was forced to confront who I really am. Suffering stripped away comfort and ego, leaving me with only truth. From that place, I learned what resilience really means. It taught me to keep moving forward even when everything seems impossible, to trust the process, and to find strength in surrender.
Success can make us feel accomplished, but suffering makes us real. It deepened my empathy, my patience, and my gratitude for the simple things like peace, health, connection, and purpose. It taught me that growth often comes disguised as pain, and that sometimes the hardest moments are the ones that prepare us most for who we’re meant to become.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to the belief that real growth and healing are always possible. It’s not about quick fixes or overnight success. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and allowing the process to shape you. I’ve seen what happens when people are given the right environment to heal and push their limits, and that’s what keeps me going.
With Active Adventure, we’re focused on building something that lasts. An organization that creates real impact for people in recovery who are looking to reconnect with themselves through nature and community. Right now, we’re working to expand our partnerships and secure city and foundation grants so we can reach more people and keep growing sustainably.
This isn’t just a project to me, it’s a lifelong commitment to helping others grow, just like I did. The timeline doesn’t matter; what matters is the work, the people, and the difference we’re making along the way.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m out in nature. Away from the noise, the distractions, and the constant pace of everyday life. There’s something about being surrounded by trees, hearing the flow of water, or feeling the breeze move through the air that immediately grounds me. In those moments, everything slows down. My thoughts quiet, my breathing steadies, and I’m reminded of how small my worries really are compared to the vastness of the world around me.
Whether I’m hiking a trail, sitting beside a river, or watching the sun set, that’s where I feel most connected. Not just to nature, but to myself. There’s an honesty in those moments that I don’t find anywhere else. Nature doesn’t ask anything from me. It just invites me to be present.
It’s where I go to recharge, to reflect, and to find clarity. Being outdoors reminds me that everything has its rhythm and that peace isn’t something to chase, it’s something to allow. When I’m surrounded by the natural world, I feel balanced, grateful, and completely at home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.active-adventure.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activeadventure_est.2023?igsh=a3lsMXFvMDJidGVi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AfWQiUYC3/
