Rick from Don't Die Rusty talks with Nicole Anderson about Utah landscapes, national parks, and why paying attention to small details in nature matters as much as chasing the big views. In this episode, they also discuss Great Salt Lake, winter Yellowstone travel, the value of public lands, and why protecting places starts with learning to love them first. Rick and Nicole bring a practical, personal perspective to travel, family adventures, and staying curious at every age.You can find Nicole Anderson on Instagram @thenicoletycer
You Can find Rick Hanson on Instagram  @dontdierusty

I was thrilled to appear on Good Things Utah on Channel 4 to celebrate my book, The A’s & B’s of Our Inland Sea. This ABC book for early readers, siblings, and parents takes families on a fun, colorful journey across the Great Salt Lake while introducing readers to fascinating facts, history, and the unique natural wonders of Utah’s Inland Sea. Through playful rhymes, vivid illustrations, and special activities and tidbits on every page, the book encourages children and families to get outside, explore, and discover why the Great Salt Lake is one of Utah’s most remarkable—and often underappreciated—treasures.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to share my journey, my love of the outdoors, and my work as an author and educator with VoyageUtah. From my first feature in 2022, highlighting The A’s & B’s of Our Inland Sea, to my newest interview, my work has continued to grow and evolve.

Today, I combine my passion for nature, science, travel, and storytelling to create books, educational resources, and experiences that inspire families and lifelong learners to explore the world around them.

I’m a Utah native who grew up camping, hunting, fishing, and hiking with my dad along the Wasatch Front and in the mountains of Sanpete County. My love of the outdoors has followed me throughout my life, from chasing frogs and hiking to airboating and sailing.​

Nicole, appreciate you joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you to move beyond an idea and actually launch?

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"The idea came slowly, in fragments and pieces over the last several years. It came in red rock dust clinging to my boots after a long desert hike, in the hollow echo of my footsteps inside a canyon, and in the quiet ache of wanderlust that never quite leaves you once you’ve stood beneath an arch shaped over millions of years." 

The A’s & B’s of Our Inland Sea was featured on KRCL 90.9 FM’s RadioACTive in Salt Lake City, where I had the opportunity to share the story behind the book and my passion for helping families discover the Great Salt Lake. We talked about the inspiration for this ABC adventure and the fun facts, history, and activities that encourage kids and families to get outside and explore Utah’s remarkable Inland Sea.
Listen to the interview →