The Human Adventure

When David Schafran felt his life spiraling into depression and emptiness, he discovered an unexpected lifeline – salsa dancing. That first night on the dance floor sparked something profound: "It makes me feel so happy because it's so joyous and flavorful and juicy." This moment of clarity eventually led David from his high-stress tech startup in Boston to the vibrant streets of Me...

Bonus 8 - Dr. Douglas Brouwer's journey from Western Michigan to the world and back again offers profound insights into how travel shapes our spiritual lives and understanding of home. After spending 40 years serving as a Presbyterian pastor around the globe, Doug's adventures took him from maximum security prisons in Philadelphia to a church in Zurich, Switzerland, where he learned Germ...

#156 - Chris Nance's life reads like an adventure novel where dropping out of school at 13 somehow leads to piloting massive ships down the Mississippi River and co-founding a successful coffee company. Growing up just south of New Orleans in a family of riverboat pilots and commercial fishermen, Chris's education took an unexpected turn after Hurricane Katrina when his mother discontinu...

Most of us dream of adventures in far-off places, but between demanding jobs, packed schedules, and the sheer overwhelm of planning, those dreams often remain just that—dreams. Enter Ross Alcorn, the mastermind behind Itinerary Boss, who's made it his mission to turn travel aspirations into reality for busy professionals. Ross's journey didn't begin with a goal to start a travel com...

#154 - Imagine plunging down a 35-foot waterfall strapped inside a kayak, or trying to compose a stunning piano piece that captures the serenity of nature. These are just fragments of Jon Cheney's extraordinary journey as a creator, adventurer, entrepreneur, and man of faith. From his early years in a musical household where his parents prioritized owning a grand piano before even having prop...

#153 - Meet Ryan Mellon, a man who completely transformed his life by breaking free from the grind of 80-hour workweeks to embrace a life of global adventure. For over a decade, Ryan worked grueling 14-hour days, splitting time between fixing deep fryers and sorting packages at UPS, until a transformative two-week trip to Costa Rica ignited a vision for something different. This captivating conver...

The untold story of how a young Peruvian boy's fascination with National Geographic magazines transformed into a life dedicated to global exploration unfolds in my conversation with Jorge Salas Guevara. As founder of New Paths Expeditions, Jorge has crafted extraordinary journeys to 58 destinations across our planet's most remote corners while personally visiting over 102 unique location...

Bonus 7 - Unlock your motivation in our latest episode featuring Devan Gonzalez, a dynamic entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast whose journey inspires countless individuals. From a young age, Devan was pushed to explore different sports, leading him to become a martial arts instructor at just 13. This early exposure laid the groundwork for his lifelong passion for fitness and entrepreneurship. In t...

#151 - What could inspire someone to leave a stable engineering career and venture into the unknown on a bicycle? Meet Jacob Lemanski, whose incredible journey of 999 days biking across the globe defies expectations and challenges societal norms. In this episode, Jacob shares his odyssey from rural Pennsylvania to the world stage, driven by a passion ignited during a cross-country bike tour at the...

Ever wondered how an introverted boy from Oklahoma City ended up as a star of the all-new Mickey Mouse Club? Join me as I sit down with Chase Hampton—a cherished figure from the '90s entertainment scene—to explore his remarkable journey to the stage. Through candid personal stories, Chase shares the serendipitous moments that shaped his path, from an unexpected meeting with Disney casting dir...

What happens when a former Royal Air Force member swaps his parachute for a mountain bike and embarks on a breathtaking quest across Iceland? Meet Steven James Ferris, a man who has redefined his life with adventure, weaving tales from his military past into a riveting 72-hour bikepacking expedition to support a cause close to his heart. Steven transports us from the lush landscapes of his childho...

Glen Van Peski shares his philosophy of ultralight backpacking, revealing how taking less can lead to a more fulfilling life. Through personal stories of adventure, gratitude, and survival, he encourages listeners to embrace minimalism and focus on meaningful experiences.  • Overview of Glen Van Peski's philosophy on ultralight backpacking  • Discussion of his iconic 4,200-mile bike journey a...

#147 - What drives someone to embark on an extraordinary journey with zero experience? Meet Charlie Reynolds, the audacious soul who swapped the comforts of a four-wheeled drive for the thrill of a motorcycle, blazing a trail from Canada to the ends of Argentina. Charlie’s story inspires with its tales of confronting the infamous Darien Gap and his improvisational canoe adventure across the Caribb...

Bonus Episode 6 - Welcome back to an exciting new episode where I have the pleasure of reconnecting with Colleen Avis, the visionary behind the "Sacred Spaces" series. Discover how a simple introduction through mutual acquaintances blossomed into a profound collaboration for "Sacred Spaces: Subtle Shifts for Mind, Body, and Home Transformation, Volume 3." Join us as we explore...

Kelton Shelley shares his extraordinary journey from childhood leukemia to becoming a dedicated endurance athlete, highlighting the power of resilience and the importance of investing in oneself. His story inspires listeners to face challenges head-on and embrace their unique paths to success. • Definition of 'deposit' in the context of personal growth  • Kelton's childhood in Utah...

This episode showcases Fiorella Iriberi's journey through the world of overlanding, emphasizing the lessons learned through failure and resilience. Fiorella shares insights on building a life on the road, the freedom it brings, and the importance of community, adventure, and self-discovery. • Fiorella discusses her background and her early love for travel • The couple transitioned from tradit...

#144 - Autumn Carolynn shares her captivating travel adventures and lessons learned from her book "Traveling in Wonder." The episode explores her journey to visit 30 countries before 30, insightful experiences as a flight attendant, and the emotional connections that make travel truly unforgettable. • Autumn’s journey from the suburbs of Chicago to becoming a flight attendant • Experienc...

#143 - Gary Arndt shares his transformative 13-year journey across more than 200 countries, providing insights into the essence of travel, the challenges of long-term exploration, and the impact of social media on the travel experience. The discussion emphasizes the importance of adventure, personal growth, and the dynamic nature of travel in an ever-evolving world. • Gary’s early life and limited...

Bert Terhart's incredible solo circumnavigation of the globe during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic reveals the power of adventure against all odds. His journey showcases resilience, the beauty of solitude, and the deep connections that emerge from embracing the unknown.  • Introduction to Bert Terhart and his remarkable journey  • Bert's eclectic background and passion for sailing ...

#141 - Bjorn Lestrud's journey from corporate life to holistic healing has been nothing short of transformative. He shares his experiences with the Light Portal Ceremony, microdosing mushrooms, and the profound effects of sound healing, all while emphasizing the value of personal exploration and growth. • Bjorn discusses his struggles with anxiety and his background in corporate sales • Trans...

Bonus 5 - Greg Bennick, a fascinating guest of this episode, has led a life as eclectic as it is inspiring. From his upbringing in a small Connecticut town with career renegade parents to his gritty move to Seattle where he immersed himself in the punk music scene, Greg’s journey underscores the beauty of living life on one's own terms. We explore his transition from aspiring rockstar to embr...

#140 - Have you ever found adventure to be the key to overcoming life's toughest challenges? Meet Thomas McPherson, a man whose life is a testament to living boldly and embracing each moment. From his early days growing up in Missouri to his courageous service in the Navy as a fleet Marine force corpsman, Thomas shares his intriguing story with us. Discover how he transitioned from military l...

#139 - Rhonda Parker Taylor's journey from small-town beginnings in Noblesville, Indiana, to becoming the author of the best-selling novel "Crossroads" is nothing short of inspiring. Rhonda reflects on her unique educational experiences and the challenges she faced growing up, which shaped her perspective and fueled her passion for storytelling. Her story is a testament to the power...

#138 - Imagine a world where the timeless allure of the circus meets the nuanced journey of personal growth and recovery. This episode, we bring you the extraordinary life of Dave Letterfly, a man whose experiences range from training horses under the big top to penning books that inspire and heal. Raised in the Midwest, Dave's journey is a testament to creativity's transformative power....

Bonus 4 - What happens when life throws unexpected challenges your way, and you're forced to confront deep-seated family dynamics and personal growth? In this bonus episode of Journey with Jake, I sit down with returning guest Ashleigh Renard to explore her extraordinary journey over the past two years, marked by a transformative divorce and a courageous estrangement from her family. Ashley c...