The Freedom Chapter

In this episode, we share our adventures as we wrap up our time in Europe and explore some of the most iconic destinations in Egypt, the UAE, and Bali. Here’s what we cover: 🌍 Egypt: Bustling Cairo, a private tour of the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, and a food-filled night tour. Plus, our thoughts on safety in the city. 🌆 Dubai: Marveling at the Burj Khalifa, exploring the Miracle Garden, and in...

In this episode, we dive into our experience with house sitting and pet sitting during our mini retirement. We discuss what house sitting is, how it works, and why it’s an incredible way to travel cost-effectively. We cover: ✨ What is house sitting and how it works. ✨ The best platforms for finding house sits, like TrustedHousesitters and KiwiHouseSitters. ✨ Tips for standing out in your applic...

We’re now three months into our mini-retirement, and this update is packed with stories from four amazing countries! 🇨🇿🇨🇭🇱🇺🇳🇱 Czech Republic: Catching up with friends in Prague, trying new gyms, and soaking in the stunning autumn vibes. Switzerland: Outdoor adventures in Flims, from scaling the Pinut to biking to alpine lakes—EPIC is the only way to describe it! Luxembourg: A new country for us, s...

What if you could turn your life into one long adventure? 🌍 For 15 years, Matthew Woodworth, aka Mohawk Matt (@mohawkmattitude), has been doing just that—living a life of mini retirements, exploring 170 countries, and working as a tour guide based in Prague. In this episode, Matt shares the secrets behind his extraordinary journey, from what inspired him to live this way to his top five cities, t...

This episode covers a whirlwind journey through Italy, Slovenia, and Slovakia, packed with highs, surprises, and a few mishaps! 🌍 We kicked off in the beach town of Tropea, where we rented a boat with some unexpected safety quirks, explored Modena’s top car museums, and wrapped up Italy with our first ParkRun in Milan. Then, it was off to Ljubljana’s vibrant markets and a day at Lake Bled before...

Thinking of a Mini-Retirement? Here’s How We Budgeted to Make It Happen! Taking a mini-retirement sounds dreamy, but making it financially viable takes smart planning. In this episode, we dive into the financial side—how to budget, save, and plan for an extended break from work. We cover everything from daily budgets to practical tips for making your mini-retirement sustainable, whether you’re loo...

We came close to skipping Mont Saint-Michel, one of the ultimate bucket list spots, but made a last-minute decision to go! From early morning trains to unexpected downtime in Pontorson, hear how we made it happen. Then, follow us to Sicily as we explore Palermo, find our groove in Cefalù, and take in the beauty of Taormina with Mount Etna in view. We’ll share lessons, favourite foods, and our trav...

In this special episode, we’re answering your questions about our mini retirement and travels! From the funniest things we’ve been asked, to our favourite countries so far, and how we’ve navigated cultural differences and non-English-speaking places. We’re diving into the quirks, surprises, and highlights of life on the road. Wondering if we’ve missed work or if house-sitting is in the cards? Hit...

In Episode 9 of The Freedom Chapter , we dive into our experience revisiting four incredible countries—Italy and France, with Ashleigh’s parents joining us for a fresh perspective. Returning to Rome, Venice, Florence, and Paris brought new insights as we shared these places with family, proving that giving destinations a second chance can lead to richer, more meaningful experiences. We kicked off...

In Episode 8 of The Freedom Chapter , we recount our unforgettable week sailing through Croatia’s breathtaking coastline. From running into Monika in Zagreb to meeting Ashleigh’s parents in Split, the adventure kicked off with incredible food—including the must-try Misto Street Food burger—before setting sail on the Adriatic. We share the ups and downs of our journey, like almost getting left behi...

Two weeks into our journey, and it’s been quite the adventure! In Episode 7 of The Freedom Chapter , we recap our whirlwind experiences in Cyprus and Istanbul, with some unexpected challenges and unforgettable highlights. Our 3-night stay in Cyprus started with a few hiccups—like getting lost on the bus and Julius battling gastro, which led to a doctor’s visit. Meanwhile, Ashleigh made the most of...

In Episode 6 of  The Freedom Chapter , we continue our Greek adventure as we set sail on an unforgettable journey through the Cyclades. We kick off by meeting our sailing crew at a café near the port, where we got to know everyone’s backgrounds—our story was definitely unique! Boarding the ferry to Ios was an intense experience, with crowds and sweltering heat, but it was all worth it once we reac...

A week into our journey, and we’re already immersed in the wonders of Greece! In Episode 5 of  The Freedom Chapter , we take you through our first days in Athens and Santorini, filled with unexpected adventures and incredible experiences. We arrived in Athens after a six-hour flight and spent 24 hours exploring the city. Navigating the Greek train system to reach our Airbnb in Plaka was a challeng...

The day has finally arrived! In Episode 4 of The Freedom Chapter , we dive into the whirlwind of emotions and events leading up to our departure. We share how we’re feeling as we embark on this adventure, reflecting on our final week—saying goodbye to work, packing up our lives, moving out, and bidding farewell to friends. We also discuss the excitement of launching our podcast and the incredible...

Ready to dive into the nuts and bolts of planning a mini retirement? In Episode 3 of The Freedom Chapter , we lay out the structure of our upcoming adventure and share our detailed preparation process. Follow our Mini Retirement on Instagram: ⁠@juliusbloem⁠ ⁠@ashlxgh Discover how we've structured our mini retirement, from daily routines including one hour of exercise, dedicated reading time, a...

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a regular trip into a life-changing mini retirement? In Episode 2 of The Freedom Chapter , we share how a sudden decision to travel transformed our lives. Initially focused on careers and mortgages, we decided to see the world, starting with a family event in Bali. Follow our Mini Retirement on Instagram: ⁠⁠@juliusbloem⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@ashlxgh Learn how we rented out our h...

Ready to break free from the daily grind and live life on your terms? In our debut episode of The Freedom Chapter , we dive into the concept of mini retirements. Follow our Mini Retirement on Instagram: @juliusbloem @ashlxgh Discover what triggered our decision to step away from the 40-hour work week and embrace a life of adventure and fulfilment at just 31. We’ll explore the lack of time, the fee...