The Human Adventure

#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...

#137 - Becky Lukovic's wanderlust journey takes center stage as she shares how a brisk April morning in the Bay of Naples transformed her life and career. From her roots in Arkansas to adventures across Uganda and Patagonia, Becky's narrative is a vibrant tapestry of cultural curiosity and natural wonder. We explore how she broke free from traditional roles, embracing the challenges of e...

#136 - What happens when pageantry meets wanderlust? Join us for a captivating conversation with Kerry Damiano, known as Ms. World Traveler, as she shares her remarkable transformation from Miss Idaho 1983 to a globe-trotting fashion and travel aficionado. Kerry reveals how her pageant background uniquely influences her approach to travel blogging, combining elegance and adventure into her project...

#135 - What if you could transform your life with just a few small resets? Join us as we sit down with the adventurous and inspiring Ingo Schulmeyer, who recounts his incredible journey from a successful career in the semiconductor industry to a life of exploration and fulfillment in Veracruz, Mexico. Ingo, an endurance athlete and life coach, shares how his passion for adventure developed during...

#134 - After years of managing a bustling family life with eight children, Kitty Robinson discovered the Appalachian Trail's transformative power. Her story unfolds as she balances motherhood, yoga teaching, and studying marriage and family therapy while embracing the trail's challenges. Join us as Kitty recounts her adventures and shares how nature, faith, and family support have become...

#133 - From passionate adventurer to social media influencer, Luke Bosworth shares a journey that defies convention and embraces the unknown. Our conversation starts with Luke's roots in Orlando, Florida, where his adventurous spirit was nurtured by an inspiring father. That eagerness for exploration led him to an unexpected opportunity with the Sailing Zatara YouTube family, which, in turn,...

#132 - Award-winning hairstylist and beauty influencer Danielle Keasling invites you on her exhilarating journey of beauty, travel, and wellness. Growing up in Minneapolis with a family connected to Northwest Airlines, Danielle developed a wanderlust early on, which eventually shaped her adventurous career path. She shares how the universe guided her from aspiring marine biologist to a celebrated...

#131 - Join me as I embark on an exhilarating conversation with Jude Kriwald, an adventurous spirit whose bicycle has taken him from the bustling streets of London to the mysterious jungles of Liberia. Jude's tales are more than just stories of travel; they are lessons in resilience, cultural exchange, and the kindness of strangers. He shares how his youthful escapes from boarding school led...

Bonus - Achieving the extraordinary often starts with a simple conversation, and today, we celebrate Veterans Day with a truly inspiring one. My friend and running coach, Ryan Head, joins us to share his incredible achievement of completing two daunting 100-mile races—the Wasatch 100 and the Bear 100—just three weeks apart. Ryan's story is a testament to the power of determination, faith, and...

#130 - What if you could navigate the world of collegiate athletics without being tied to a university? Join us as we chat with Sara Diener, an incredible "unattached athlete," who competes at the NCAA level independently. Discover her inspiring journey from Draper, Utah, through her recent graduation from Utah Valley University with a marketing degree, and her adventurous plan to explor...

#129 - What inspires a combat arms officer to trade the grit of the battlefield for the serenity of the skies? Join us as we uncover the fascinating journey of Kaity McKee, affectionately known as Pilot Kaity, whose passion for aviation was ignited by her father's legacy as a retired Air Force pilot. From her upbringing in Georgia to her current status as a beacon of inspiration on social med...

#128 - What if you traded your traditional lifestyle for a life on the road? Join us as Michele DeVries, a seasoned overland traveler, unveils her journey from settling into an unconventional lifestyle to thriving in it. Originally sparked by discomfort, Michele's transition into full-time nomadism has blossomed into a life filled with personal growth and inspiring perspectives. At 43, Michel...

#127 - What happens when you leave your 9-5 job behind and embark on an eight-month journey across 17 countries? Join us as we chat with Peter Cordova, affectionately known as Petey, who did just that. Growing up in the heavily polluted mining town of La Oroya, Peru, Petey transitioned to a career in IT sales in Denver, Colorado, and found his true passion in videography and travel. In this episod...

Bonus - Get ready to unlock the joy of reading and the wonders of American history with Valerie and Eric Woebkenberg, our inspiring mother-son duo. Valerie, a passionate former first-grade teacher from Cincinnati, teams up with her roller-coaster-loving son, Eric, to create the magical "Miles Across America" children's book series. This episode promises to take you on an exciting jo...

#123 - Beth Atencio didn't always love the outdoors, but a dark period in her life and a therapist's advice led her to find healing in nature. Her story of transformation from simple walks to epic hikes around Lake Tahoe is a testament to the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone. Discover how she took a leap during the COVID-19 pandemic by purchasing and converting a van, ope...

#125 - What if the path to fulfillment lies in choosing the most adventurous route? In this episode of Journey with Jake, we unravel the incredible life of Dan Mathews, better known as the Nomadic Outdoorsman. Inspired by a friend's advice to always seek adventure, Dan and his family left their conventional jobs behind to embrace a life of travel and exploration in an RV. From launching a suc...

#124 - What if overcoming immense personal and natural adversities could propel you to achieve your wildest athletic dreams? Discover the incredible story of triathlete Josh Vernon as he recounts his inspiring journey from the chaos of hurricanes Irma and Maria to finding sobriety, reclaiming his life, and reigniting his passion for sports. Growing up in Menden, Massachusetts, Josh’s story is a po...

#123 - Experience the exhilarating life of Chris Cameron, a first responder pilot and wildlife guide with an insatiable thirst for adventure. Hear how Chris's unique upbringing in South Florida, balancing summers on cattle ranches and life on the Atlantic coast, shaped his path from playing college football at Mississippi State University to becoming an expert in both flying and guiding wildl...