#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 upbringing and homeschooling to traveling around the country, finally returning to his home state.

Join us as we venture into the untouched beauty of the Driftless Area in Wisconsin, a breathtaking region of limestone bluffs, chalk streams, and wild trout species. Danny paints a vivid picture of this hidden gem within the fly fishing community. Hear how fly fishing became his form of meditation, his refuge from emotional turmoil, and the catalyst for his creative endeavors. Listen to his heartfelt tales of battling mental health issues, navigating emotional breakdowns, and the impact of a challenging childhood on his emotional resilience.

In the final act of this episode, we'll hear how Danny transformed his passion for fly fishing into an inspiring mission. After an emotional breakdown at work, he discovered the calming power of the great outdoors. His first profound connection with nature while fly fishing in the Driftless Area sparked an intense passion that he now wishes to share with others. Hear Danny’s story of finding joy and peace in their own journeys, underlining the significance of the journey itself, not just the destination. Tune in to this emotion-charged episode and discover the healing power of finding solace in nature, even in the face of life's toughest battles.

Be sure and follow Danny on Instagram @northernchase1 and give me a follow as well @journeywithjakepodcast to see a glimpse into my personal life and get to know my guests a little better through pictures and snippets.