The Human Adventure

#091 - Embarking on an adventure can be as simple as stepping outside your comfort zone and, for Desiree van Welsum, this meant transforming a health scare into a life of exploration. Desiree and her husband decided to go  for the freedom of the open road, and in this episode, she recounts the profound lessons and lifestyle shifts that come with full-time RV living. From their first excursion in a...

090 - When dreams thunder into reality, it's a story you don't want to miss. Join me as I sit down with the electrifying Sarah Roberts, a professional barrel racer whose journey from a small Idaho town to the roaring arenas of rodeo is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Sarah didn't inherit a legacy of horse lovers; she carved her own path with determination and the support of a close...

Feel the rush of water beneath you and the tug of G-forces as I, Jake Bushman, share the microphone with Thomas Degasperi — or T-Gas to those in the know. He's not your average sportsman; he's a professional water skier with a story that stretches from Italian mountains to Floridian lakes. In this episode, Thomas reveals how a childhood surrounded by the love of water skiing and his pare...

When Sydney Benson leaped onto the gymnastics scene at eight years old, little did she know the heights she'd reach as a Brigham Young University gymnast. My guest, Sydney, shares her extraordinary journey with captivating stories that chronicle her evolution from a determined youngster into a collegiate athlete. From the thrill of competition to the camaraderie between teammates, we explore...

#087 - A Christmas Day flight might not seem like an adventure starter, but that's exactly where I, Jake Bushman, met Zach Frisch, a trail runner with a love for Utah's untamed paths. Our conversation, as unexpected as the meeting itself, turned into a profound exploration of endurance, nature, and the communities we cherish. On this episode of Journey with Jake, Zach takes us along on h...

#086 - Get ready to venture into the wild side! I'm thrilled to bring you an electrifying conversation with Amy Siewe, a fearless Python Hunter with a fascinating story to tell. A former homecoming queen and real estate agent, Amy switched gears in a major way when she swapped property showings for python hunting in the Everglades. You'll be hooked as Amy takes us through her unique jour...

#085 - Imagine packing up your life and jetting off to a remote island halfway across the world. That's the story of our spirited guest, Lexie Brown, who traded in her urban life for an adventure-packed existence on the Marshall Islands. This episode takes us on a wild journey to the sandy shores of the Pacific, unearthing the emotional upheaval and logistical challenges of such a drastic mov...

#084 - Prepare to be transported to stunning landscapes, exotic cuisines, and rich cultures as we sit down for an enlightening chat with Jamie Edwards, the creator of the much-loved travel website I Am Lost and Found. www.iamlostandfound.com Her tales take us on captivating journeys, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the icy wilderness of Antarctica, and to the serene beauty of Uganda. Journey...

083 - Strap yourself in for a thrilling ride on the wave! We have the electrifying Sam Studee, a professional wake surfer, a Minnesota native, and an all-round action sports enthusiast joining us on the show today. He’s going to take us through the rollercoaster ride of his journey, from being just a boy with a love for action sports to becoming a professional wake surfer. We’ll be hearing about h...

#081 - Join us for a heartening episode as we sit down with ultra-runner Ryan Head, whose story is the epitome of resilience. Over the years, Ryan has turned his life around, shedding 85 pounds as well as the mental and physical barriers that held him back. We journey with him on his path to personal transformation, as he moves from running a mile on a treadmill to completing  full and half marath...

#081 - Get ready for a thrilling rollercoaster ride through exhilarating highs and challenging lows as I, Jake Bushman, recount my journey of running my second half marathon at the breathtaking Snow Canyon in St. George, Utah. Will I conquer the grueling 13.1 miles or succumb to the taxing trials of the course? Joined by my good friend, Paul Petersen, we explore this journey and much more, offerin...

#080 - If you've ever wondered how one man can balance the exhilarating thrill of riding waves, with the calm tranquility of nursing, you're about to meet him. Meet our guest, Spencer Tong, a passionate surfer, nurturing nurse, and dedicated family man. This episode sees Spencer's captivating tales of surfing from Hawaii to Indonesia, and the life lessons he's harnessed from th...

#079 - You're in for an absolute treat, as today's episode of Journey with Jake is sure to ignite your wanderlust. We're joined by Dianni Hall, the awe-inspiring host of the podcast While She's Away. Dianni's been living a life of adventure for the past five years, immersing herself in various cultures, and today she offers us a glimpse into her thrilling nomadic lifestyle...

#078 - Today's episode is a portrait of perseverance, dedication, and triumph amidst adversity. We're thrilled to bring you a heart-to-heart with Elsa Hassett, a cheerleading titan with six NCA championships and three NCA partner stunt championships under her belt. Elsa's journey takes us from her humble beginnings in gymnastics, all the way to the high-stakes world of competitive c...

#077 - Meet Tucker Balmert: an 11-year-old wakeboarding prodigy whose passion and determination have already led him to major triumphs in the sport. As our youngest guest yet, Tucker offers a unique perspective on the journey to success, sharing his experience from childhood practice sessions at Lake Barton under the committed guidance of his coach, Glenn Fletcher, to his crowning glory of winning...

076 - Prepare to plunge into the depths of an awe-inspiring sojourn as we voyage with Allison Burkhard into her year of revelation and transformation. As she paints an evocative portrait of her path from an environmental law attorney to an ardent ocean travel and underwater photography enthusiast, you can feel the lapping waves and cool sea breeze. Her stories will transport you from the comfort o...

#075 - Join me as we embark on an invigorating journey with an incredible woman, adventurer, and traveler, Sara Iannacone. With a life story filled with globe-trotting experiences, culinary adventures, and a candid portrayal of her battle with anxiety, Sara is an inspiration to all of us who desire to explore the world and embrace life. Raised in quaint Mystic, Connecticut, Sara's love for tr...

074 - Join the fascinating journey of Mario Ruiz, the Black Scuba Bear, on this episode of Journey with Jake. As your host I assure you this is not just a story about scuba diving. It's a journey of discovery, of connecting with the world beneath the surface, and of finding one's purpose in life. We'll start with Mario's early life in Miami, explore his love for water and marin...

#073 - What if a rod and a reel could be a healing source for you? What if casting a line into a river could soothe your troubled mind? This is the fascinating story of our guest, Danny Keith, a fly fisherman from Wisconsin, who found solace and healing from his struggles with depression and mental illness through the serene art of fly fishing. Danny takes us on his journey, from a difficult upbri...

#072 - Hold on tight! This episode offers a thrilling ride as we plunge into the daring world of bull riding with our audacious guest, Gavan Hauck. An 18-year-old professional bull rider from Bandera, Texas, Gavan shares his unfiltered journey in this adrenaline-filled sport. Expect a heart-pounding narrative filled with life-changing experiences, family support, and the physical and mental grit n...

#071 - Let's take an exciting trip as we ride shotgun with Sasha Lezhnev, an unbridled adventurer with a heart for humanity. Sasha's tales from the road are as diverse as they are inspiring - from wild weddings in Italian castles to challenging mountain hikes in Ecuador  and even a cherry spitting contest. Yet, his journey is more than just an adrenaline rush; it's also about his im...

#070 - Get ready to soar to new heights with our fascinating guest, Dan Bentley, a seasoned helicopter pilot and an aspiring master falconer. Tag along for a whirlwind journey that traverses through the peaks and valleys of Dan's life, from piloting multi-million dollar helicopters to pursuing his passion for falconry. Listen closely as he navigates the challenges of needing glasses, and the...

Get ready for an adrenaline-filled adventure as we journey with our returning guest, Josh Baker, who is here to narrate his thrilling experience on the Wonderland Trail. This 93-mile loop around Mount Rainier is a test of stamina and courage, offering an array of terrains from rainforests to alpine and sub-alpine areas. With Josh’s vivid depiction, you will embody his anticipation, challenges, and...

#068 - Ready for a deep dive into the tranquil world of fly fishing and the healing power of nature? That’s exactly where we're headed with our guest, Matt Harmon. Matt is not just an avid fly fisherman and outdoor enthusiast, but he also plays a symphony of resilience as he shares his journey through bipolar type two and ADHD. Our conversation unravels his life story, filled with personal vi...

Ever dreamed of visiting all 63 U.S. National Parks but don't know where to start or how to fit it in your schedule? Get ready to be inspired as I, your host Jake, welcome Liz Bailey from the Instagram account @wanderingontheweekends on today’s episode. Liz and her husband managed to pull off an incredible feat, visiting every U.S. National Park and all 50 states in just three years, while st...