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Conversations with Jacob Anderson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Anderson

Hi Jacob, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always had a deep connection with nature—whether it was fishing, camping, hiking, or just exploring the wild. The outdoors has been my sanctuary, and I wanted to share that passion with others. Ratherbe Outdoors started as a simple way to document my adventures and show people how accessible outdoor experiences can be.

In the beginning, it was just me, a camera, and a lot of trial and error. I learned everything from filming and editing to engaging with my audience by diving headfirst into the process. My early videos focused on fishing, survival kits, and metal detecting—things I was genuinely passionate about. Over time, I refined my content, taking feedback from my growing community.

The turning point came when I realized my content was inspiring others to try new things outdoors. Comments from viewers saying they were motivated to get outside or try a survival hack I shared really fueled my drive. That’s when I knew I was on the right path.

Today, Ratherbe Outdoors is not just a YouTube channel; it’s a community of outdoor enthusiasts. I’ve expanded to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Discord, collaborated with brands, and even started planning a line of outdoor-themed merch. My goal now is to keep inspiring others to embrace the wild, explore more, and enjoy the journey along the way.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—more like a rugged trail with plenty of obstacles. One of the biggest struggles early on was balancing my passion for the outdoors with learning the technical side of content creation. Filming, editing, and understanding algorithms were all new to me, and there was a lot of trial and error involved.

Another challenge was standing out in a crowded space. The outdoor niche is full of incredible creators, so finding my unique voice and building a loyal community took time. There were moments when progress felt slow, and staying motivated wasn’t always easy. But I leaned on my love for the outdoors and the feedback from my audience to keep going.

Lastly, managing everything as a one-person operation—content planning, filming, editing, and engaging with viewers—was overwhelming. But I embraced a mindset of “Do What You Can With What You Got,” and over time, I learned to streamline my process and focus on continuous improvement. Those struggles made the journey more rewarding and helped me grow both as a creator and an outdoor enthusiast.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the creator behind Ratherbe Outdoors, a YouTube channel dedicated to outdoor adventures, survival skills, and exploring nature. My content ranges from fishing and metal detecting to survival kit reviews, DIY outdoor hacks, and kayaking. I focus on making the outdoors accessible and fun for everyone, whether they’re seasoned adventurers or just starting their journey.

What I’m most proud of is building a community that values exploration and learning. Seeing viewers share their own adventures, inspired by my content, is incredibly rewarding. I’ve also collaborated with brands like Super Clean for product testing and giveaways, which has helped expand my reach and connect with more outdoor enthusiasts.

What sets me apart is my genuine approach—I don’t just showcase the polished, picture-perfect side of the outdoors. I share real experiences, challenges, and lessons learned. My motto, *”Do What You Can With What You Got,”* reflects my belief that you don’t need fancy gear or perfect conditions to enjoy the wilderness. It’s about embracing the journey, making the best of what you have, and inspiring others to do the same.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The most important quality driving my success is **resilience**. The outdoor world—and content creation—both come with unexpected challenges, whether it’s unpredictable weather on a shoot, a video that doesn’t perform as expected, or learning new skills like editing and audience engagement.

Resilience has kept me going through those tough moments. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, I’ve learned to see them as opportunities to adapt and grow. This mindset helped me stay consistent, even when progress felt slow, and allowed me to build a community that trusts and connects with my authenticity.

That willingness to push through challenges, learn from mistakes, and keep improving has been key to both my personal growth and the success of Ratherbe Outdoors.

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