Hayes Hitchens - MOONDANCE ADVENTURES: Unplugging Teens with Life-Changing Adventure Travel

How I Built My Small Business · 2025-02-18

In today’s episode, Hayes Hitchens talks with us about his journey starting and building Moondance Adventures.

Moondance is a teen adventure travel program that sends over 2000 teenagers each summer on trips across five continents and over twenty countries with a commitment to foster personal growth, leadership skills, problem solving, decision making and a love for the outdoors.

For some backstory, Hayes was the dean of students and director of summer programs at my school and I remember him talking about starting Moondance Adventures when I was in the 7th grade.

So, this is a super meaningful reconnection and WOW - to see what he has accomplished is just so inspiring and heart-warming.

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How I Built My Small Business

2025 Communicator Award of Excellence in the Educational Series category

2024 People's Choice Podcast Awards Finalist Nominee x 2

Named "One of the Best Business Podcasts" by Ramsey

Welcome to 'How I Built My Small Business,' where we explore real-life entrepreneurship and building a meaningful, balanced life.

I started this podcast to honor my dad and help others navigate the messy, meaningful path of entrepreneurship. My guests (diverse in industry, experience, and background) open up about the real stories behind building a business: the wins, the mistakes, and the values that shape their choices.

It’s turned into more than I imagined… sometimes it’s a masterclass, other times it’s an honest, heart-opening connection between two people. But it’s always about curiosity, growth, and learning through storytelling… with a sprinkle of life wisdom.

Every guest has started a business at some point in their journey, and I make a conscious effort to maintain a 50/50 split of women and men.

Whether you're a founder, dreamer, curious individual or lifelong learner, I hope each episode makes you think or leaves you with at least one spark that inspires your own path.

Thank you for listening. Let’s learn together.

My Website: https://www.annemcginty.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemcginty/
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