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They’re raising $2.5 million for charity by bikepacking across five continents, and somehow the toughest climbs aren’t always the ones on the route. PL and Kristen are a long-married couple who trade a comfortable, successful routine for dirt roads, uncertainty, and the kind of fatigue that makes every conversation feel louder. What starts as an ambitious endurance cycling project quickly becomes a real-time test of communication, trust, and how well you actually know the person you love when there’s no escape hatch.

We dig into how Cycle Five To Survive comes together: the “five-by-five” framework, the leap from a manageable goal to a massive global fundraising target, and why they anchor the whole mission in sports, business, and education. PL brings a metrics-driven business lens, Kristen brings an educator’s perspective, and the contrast creates both strength and friction. They share the core values that help them stay resilient when plans implode, plus the practical relationship lessons that show up when one partner wants to fix everything fast and the other needs time to feel, talk, and reset.

The conversation gets personal as they unpack a rough South America stretch, the unexpectedly hard time at home afterward, and how they learn to plan together without turning questions into accusations. We also talk purpose and identity: stepping away from titles, learning to enjoy accomplishments instead of instantly chasing the next checkbox, and accepting that meaning might be a moving target. Finally, they break down their unusually transparent charity fundraising approach, including a 100% give model backed by impact reports, so donors can see where every dollar goes.

If you care about bikepacking, adventure travel, marriage under pressure, and ethical philanthropy, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the story. What would you sacrifice to chase a bigger purpose? 

Read more about PL and Kristen here:
https://cycle5tosurvive.com/

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Adventure Beyond by Alexander Nakarada
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We set out on a 60-kilometer walking loop through Tuscia expecting history, big views, and sore legs. What we didn’t expect was to lose the one thing that was carrying the whole story: our field recorder, with days of trail audio trapped inside it. For a few hours, the Camino dell’Intrepido Larth felt like it might collapse into a quiet disaster, the kind every traveler knows too well.

The route itself is a dream for anyone who loves hiking in Italy with meaning baked into every step. We start in Orvieto, a hill town that still whispers Etruscan power under its cathedral crowds, then push on toward Bolsena along tufa cuttings, woods, and open stretches where the wind can turn a simple walk into a wrestling match. We talk waymarking, detours, elevation, pacing, and the unglamorous parts of long-distance walking that make the good moments possible. Along the way we drop into the story of Bolsena’s famous 1263 Eucharistic miracle and how pilgrimage routes like the Via Francigena still shape who you meet on the road.

Then comes the “trail magic” that changes everything. Strangers find our missing recorder, leave an unexpected message, and set off a chain of small kindnesses that returns it to us in Bagnoregio. We proceed to Civita di Bagnoregio, the “dying city” perched above the eroding Valley of the Calanchi, and then we close the loop back in Orvieto and the sharp contrast between quiet pilgrimage and tourist noise when you re-enter town life.

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Adventure Beyond by Alexander Nakarada
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The ancient cobblestones of Rome reveal a path less traveled – a sacred circuit connecting seven of Christianity's most significant churches. In this special episode, we strap on our hiking boots to tackle the Walk of the Seven Churches, a 25-kilometer pilgrimage that saints and ordinary faithful have followed for centuries.

What makes this urban adventure unique is that we're not exploring distant lands but rediscovering our home city through the eyes of pilgrims. During this Jubilee Year, the four papal basilicas – St. Peter's, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, and St. Mary Major – have opened their Holy Doors, creating a rare opportunity to experience these sacred thresholds as generations of pilgrims have before us.

Our journey takes us from the Spanish Steps to the Vatican, then south along the Tiber to St. Paul's imposing basilica. We walk the ancient Appian Way, passing the spot where tradition says St. Peter met Jesus while fleeing persecution. With each church, we encounter remarkable treasures – from the tomb of St. Sebastian to fragments of the True Cross brought from Jerusalem by St. Helena, from the Pope's official cathedral to the basilica where Pope Francis has chosen to be buried.

Through neighborhoods both familiar and unexplored, we discover how this pilgrimage transforms ordinary city streets into a spiritual pathway. The contrast between sacred spaces and urban chaos – security lines, traffic noise, closed doors during afternoon hours – becomes part of the experience itself, challenging us to find meaning amid modern distractions.

By journey's end, with 35,000 steps behind us, we've gained more than sore feet and forgiven sins. We've experienced our home city as countless pilgrims have for centuries, finding new appreciation for Rome's sacred geography and the tradition of pilgrimage itself. Sometimes the greatest adventures begin right at your doorstep – you just need the right eyes to see them.

Join us for this special field recording that captures the sounds, challenges, and discoveries of walking Rome's most sacred circuit. Then consider what pilgrimages might be waiting in your own hometown. What sacred paths lie hidden beneath the familiar streets you travel every day?

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Adventure Beyond by Alexander Nakarada
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Ever dreamt of embarking on an adventure, stepping off the beaten path, and exploring trails that lead you through history, culture, and unspoiled nature- all in the span of a few hours? Well, we, your hosts Anna and Edo, did just that. We took on Il Cammino dei Tre Villaggi - the Smallest Camino in Italy, a well-organized 20km loop brimming with breath-taking landscapes and hidden historical gems. Starting and ending in the quaint village of Villa San Giovanni in Tuscia, we navigated through ancient passageways, soaked in the view from medieval hilltop towns, and discovered ruins that whispered tales of a time long gone.

Now, imagine us trudging through wet, muddy terrain, taking unexpected detours, and even experiencing a heart-stopping encounter with a wild boar. We promise you'll feel the adrenaline rush as we talk about our hike along the stunning Biedano River, our exploration of ancient Etruscan tombs, and our walk amidst verdant vegetation that seemed to come alive with every step. This wasn't just a walk; it was an immersive, emotional journey that gave us a taste of a slow, enriching life, just a few kilometers from the hustle and bustle of Rome. Buckle up, it's going to be one exhilarating ride through the smallest Camino in Italy.

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Adventure Beyond by Alexander Nakarada
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We embarked on an incredible adventure as we set off to hike the Cammino dei Tre Villaggi, also known as the shortest Camino in Italy. This 20-kilometer journey took us through untouched forests, over small rivers, and past ancient ruins dating back over 2500 years. Follow along as we share our experiences navigating this well-organized trail, exploring captivating historical sites like the Palazzine tombs, and soaking in the medieval charm of Barbarano Romano.

Throughout our trek, we encountered a variety of challenges, from fording rivers to avoiding sticker bushes, all while marveling at the lush greenery and dramatic rock walls that surrounded us. We even had a heart-stopping encounter with a wild boar, which thankfully opted to run away from us. Join us as we recount our journey, discussing the 20 kilometers hiked and the 450 meters of elevation conquered, leaving you feeling inspired and eager to embark on your own adventures.

Listen in as we reminisce about our unforgettable hike through the Cammino più piccolo d'Italia, appreciating the beauty we encountered along the way. From the ancient Etruscan pathways and hilltop towns to the olive grove and medieval ruins, we'll share our newfound appreciation for Italy's stunning landscapes and rich history. So grab your hiking boots, and let's hit the trail together on this exhilarating adventure.

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Music used in intro:
Adventure Beyond by Alexander Nakarada
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/8690-adventure-beyond
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Ever wondered how you can embark on an unforgettable adventure without draining your wallet? We're Anna and Edo, and today we're sharing our expert tips on how to make that dream a reality! We'll guide you through the essentials you need, the gear you can repurpose, and our own experiences from our bicycle adventures on the Via Francigena.

Join us as we discuss the importance of doing thorough research, focusing on the necessities, and using the equipment you already have at your disposal. We'll share stories of fellow travelers we met on our journey, the lessons learned from our own experiences, and why it's crucial to walk your own path. Embrace simplicity and let us help you prepare for a budget-friendly adventure that you will cherish forever! So put on your headphones, grab your backpack, and let's get started on planning your next great venture!

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Adventure Beyond by Alexander Nakarada
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Welcome to our first mini-episode! A shorter format in which we talk about a specific aspect of human-powered travel and what makes it so special.

One of the main reasons why we really enjoy traveling by foot or by bike is the profound experience that you live when you travel more slowly, simplify your daily activities and really notice the specific details in the world around you and how this makes your body and soul feel.

We like to say that the “trail provides” and that this can be an incredible experience. Listen to find out what this means and why we might say that this is the main reason why we travel this way.


The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Death Of The Little Match Seller by Justin Allan Arnold
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10889-death-of-the-little-match-seller
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Music used in intro:
Adventure Beyond by Alexander Nakarada
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 In this special, companion episode, we'll take you on an immersive journey along the Way of the Gods, or Via degli Dei, in Italy. But rather than editing our audio to perfection, we're giving you a raw and unfiltered experience. We want you to feel as if you're right there with us, hearing every step we take, every breath we draw, and every sound we encounter on this epic trek.

 This raw audio experience, just like our Lake Como episode, is not just a travelogue, but a sensory journey that will transport you to the heart of Italy's most beautiful landscapes and historic sites. So put on your headphones, close your eyes, and come along with us on the Way of the Gods. 

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Music used in intro:
Adventure Beyond by Alexander Nakarada
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/8690-adventure-beyond
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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The Via degli Dei, or "Way of the Gods," is a 130-kilometer hiking trail that spans from Bologna to Florence in Italy. This ancient route takes hikers through the stunning landscapes of the Apennine Mountains, passing through quaint villages and historic sites along the way.

The trail starts in Bologna and winds through the hills of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Along the way, hikers pass through charming towns such as Madonna dei Fornelli, San Piero a Sieve, and Fiesole, each with their own unique history and culture.

One of the highlights of the Via degli Dei is the climb up Mount Adone, the highest point on the trail at 1,276 meters above sea level. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Join us on this fantastic voyage and listen on to find out what we loved, what we didn't love as much, and what went wrong!

A few more shout-outs are in order!
Check out Anna's second podcast, Stories, Saints and Mysteries in which she talks more about Saint Mary of the Snows and quirky history in general.
And special thanks to our new friend Jake of Journey With Jake, a travel podcast in which we're featured as guests!

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Music used in intro:
Adventure Beyond by Alexander Nakarada
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License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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This is our first ever field recorded episode! Join us as we walk along the Lake Como Greenway, a 12km (or 7.5 mi) long trail that borders the shores of the fabled northern Italian lake.

This episode will be slightly different from the ones you've heard so far: we brought our trusty field recorder with us, and we recorded our thoughts and the sounds around us in real time. Everything you'll hear in this episode is what we've heard on this short, weekend adventure.

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Music used in intro:
Adventure Beyond by Alexander Nakarada
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/8690-adventure-beyond
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license