In this episode of Following Waters, host Brett Mayer sits down with Marc Hunt, a true keystone figure in the southeastern paddling community, to explore a life shaped by rivers, relationships, and a deep commitment to community well-being—on and off the water.

Marc’s story is not one of chasing a predetermined path, but of staying open—listening closely when passion appeared, and having the courage to follow it. From his early years on the water to co-founding Sunburst Adventures, Marc reflects on how business, advocacy, family, and river stewardship became deeply intertwined over the course of his life.

Rather than separating work from passion, Marc allowed them to inform one another. The result is a career—and a community legacy—built on care, responsibility, and long-term thinking. In this conversation, we trace how those values took shape, how they were tested, and why they continue to matter today.

In this episode, we explore:

1. Marc’s early experiences on the water and how they shaped his sense of purpose
2. The founding of Sunburst Adventures and the complexities of building a values-driven river business
3. How advocacy, family life, and professional responsibility intersect in meaningful ways
4. What it means to truly “follow your heart” without losing sight of community impact
5. The importance of staying committed to people and places over the long haul
6. Why strong paddling communities don’t happen by accident—they’re built through care and participation

Marc’s story is a reminder that meaningful lives are often formed not through certainty, but through attention—by noticing what lights us up, listening carefully, and choosing to stay engaged even when the path is unclear.

This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own relationship with water, work, and community—and to consider what it looks like to follow the spark when it appears.

Mentioned in this episode:

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