Inspire Campfire

This week, we're honored to welcome Oliver Treviso from Swansea, Wales, an adventurer whose extraordinary journey embodies the transformative power of getting lost to find yourself. Facing uncertainty and conflict between who he believed himself to be and who he wanted to become, Oliver made a bold decision that would change his life forever.

Oliver takes us on his incredible 20-month trek along the entire length of the Andes Mountains—from Argentina to Venezuela's Caribbean Sea. Covering seven countries and 14,000 kilometers on foot, he describes stepping off the plane in Argentina and feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of what lay ahead.

In this episode, we explore Oliver's transformation from a young man struggling with his identity to someone who found purpose through adventure. He shares harrowing stories from the trail and the unexpected kindness of strangers. Join us for a conversation about finding strength through solitude, the power of taking that first step, and discovering who you are when everything familiar is stripped away.

This week, we welcome Paul Martino, Maria Martino, and Maria Wurtzbacher, who join host Scott Wurtzbacher to relive their fairytale on the Tour du Mont Blanc. A milestone-year idea became a self-guided loop of 100 miles around Mont Blanc across France, Italy, and Switzerland, 31,000 feet of climbing and 71 hours on trail, the kind of effort that turns friends into family.

They share the shift from vacation to quest, the music of cowbells, quiet chapels that steadied shaky moments, balcony paths and a ladder section, even a helicopter’s rotor wash on an exposed cliff. There is laughter at border crossings and Sound of Music singalongs, a running joke about ham and cheese, and street dancing in Courmayeur, plus generous, family-run hospitality along the way.

We explore what it takes to go from point A to point B each day, training and simple routines, smart support without a guide, and the four trip markers: come home safe, achieve the goal, laugh, and cry. Intentions are tested and met: getting strong at 50, doing hard things at 60, unplugging for two and a half weeks, and learning to let go of the watch. Say yes to big adventures, choose courage over comfort, and travel together with heart.

This week, we're honored to welcome Kijuan Amey, a resilient Air Force veteran, motivational speaker, and author of “Don’t Focus on Why Me.” Raised in Durham, North Carolina, Kijuan’s adventurous spirit and drive led him to serve as an in-flight fueling specialist in the United States Air Force, and to pursue entrepreneurial and academic goals. But everything changed in an instant when a motorcycle accident left him blind and facing a long, difficult recovery.

Kijuan takes us on a powerful journey through his transformation from independent achiever to someone forced to confront unimaginable loss—and ultimately, to a passionate advocate for overcoming adversity. He shares the pivotal moment in his hospital bed when, after questioning “Why me?”, he found a new sense of purpose and faith, choosing not to let his accident define him. Instead, Kijuan embraced his love of music, especially drumming, as a source of healing and self-expression, and discovered new ways to participate fully in life.

In this episode, we explore the depths of resilience, the importance of community and faith, and how Kijuan’s story inspires others to move beyond a victim mindset. Through vulnerability and humor, he reveals how he rebuilt his life, found meaning in empowering others who feel lost, and continues to break barriers as a speaker, coach, and adaptive athlete. Join us for an uplifting conversation about finding strength in the face of darkness, redefining what’s possible, and living with intention—no matter the challenges life brings.

This week, we're honored to welcome Sharyn Means, a New Zealand native and CEO of Dove's Rest Cabins, a stunning resort perched on the rim of the Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon in the United States. Growing up in one of the most southern Pacific islands in the world, Sharyn developed a deep connection to the land and the Polynesian concepts of Kiara and Manaakitanga—principles that would eventually transform how she approaches hospitality and land stewardship.

Sharyn takes us on a journey through her transformation from corporate project manager to passionate advocate for meaningful hospitality rooted in something deeper than service. She describes that pivotal moment standing at the canyon's rim for the first time, feeling an immediate spiritual connection to the raw landscape and its rich history that would shape her future. That initial experience sparked what would become a mission to help guests disconnect from the outside world to reconnect with themselves, nature, and the profound peace that only deep rest can provide.

In this episode, we explore the profound meaning of Kiara beyond simple welcome, the sacred concept of Manaakitanga in caring for land and people, and how Sharyn's blend of New Zealand spirit and Texas hospitality has created a bridge between luxury and authentic connection to place. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about finding purpose through passion, honoring the land while serving others, and what it truly means to provide a space for deep rest and renewal.

This week, we're honored to welcome Mal Roe, founder and original elopement photographer of Vows with Views. Growing up in rural Ohio, Mal’s early fascination with adventure and the outdoors eventually evolved into a calling—to help couples celebrate their love in the wildest, most breathtaking places imaginable.

Mal takes us on a journey through her transformation from a small-town dreamer to a passionate creator of “Honey Lo” adventures—immersive, adventure-based elopement and honeymoon experiences. She describes that pivotal moment stepping into the Grand Canyon for the first time, feeling her world expand, and realizing she didn’t have to live a conventional life. That spark led to a life of saying “yes” to adventure, from hiking the John Muir Trail for 40 days and nights, to traveling the world, and ultimately building a business that blends her love for photography, the outdoors, and helping couples forge unbreakable bonds.

In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning of shared adventure, the transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone, and how Mal’s unique approach to elopements creates lasting memories and connections. Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding purpose through passion, embracing risk, and what it truly means to start a marriage with an epic adventure.

This week, we're honored to welcome Jessica DeAngelo, Chief Hiking Officer and founder of Hike to Become, with a background in global sales and strategy. Having worked with Fortune 500 companies like Amazon, Nike, and Uber, Jessica made a dramatic pivot from the corporate boardroom to the hiking trail, where she discovered something profound—that nature holds the key to unlocking our greatest business potential.

Jessica takes us on a journey through her transformation from high-achieving corporate executive to passionate advocate for nature-based business innovation. She describes that pivotal moment on a mountaintop in December 2023, when a simple question from her three-year-old daughter—'Mom, get off your phone'—sparked a revelation that would reshape her understanding of presence, purpose, and professional fulfillment. That moment of clarity led to her signature methodology and the creation of the Hike 31 Challenge.

In this episode, we explore Jessica's accidental discovery of the transformative power of unplugged time in nature, her unique 'HIKE' methodology that combines movement, nature, technology-free time, and daily practice, and how she now guides business leaders and executives to their boldest, most innovative ideas on the trail. Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding clarity through discomfort, the science behind nature's impact on our cognitive function, and what it truly means to hike to become who you're meant to be.

This week, in the final part of our Everest Base Camp series, we're honored to welcome Karen Darke, Paralympic gold medalist, and adventurer whose extraordinary journey to Everest Base Camp redefines what it means to answer the call to adventure. From her early days as a passionate explorer to overcoming a life-changing accident that left her paralyzed, Karen’s story is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the power of saying “yes” to life’s boldest invitations.

Karen takes us on a journey through her transformation from dreaming about adventure to living it—sharing the pivotal moment when a casual conversation sparked the audacious idea to trek to Everest Base Camp. What began as a vision quickly became a test of trust, surrender, and teamwork, as Karen navigated the unpredictable terrain of the Himalayas alongside a dedicated team, overcoming logistical hurdles, mechanical failures, and the ever-present doubts that accompany any great quest.

In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning of adventure beyond the summit photos: the surrender to the unknown, the profound connections forged with guides, porters, and fellow travelers, and the inner gold uncovered through both struggle and celebration. Karen’s story is a powerful reminder of the magic that unfolds when we trust the journey, lean on community, and allow ourselves to be transformed by the mountains—inside and out.

Join us for a moving conversation about finding purpose through challenge, the art of surrender, and what it truly means to answer the call to adventure.

This week, in part 2 of our Everest Base Camp series, we're honored to welcome three extraordinary adventurers from our recent Everest Base Camp trek: Keith Davis, a real estate investor from Eugene, Oregon; Clare Brown, an upland ecologist from Scotland; and Sam Van Keulen, a real estate investor based in Burgundy, France. United by their spirit of adventure, these three individuals joined host Scott Wurtzbacher on an unforgettable journey through the Himalayas.

Our guests take us through their transformative experiences trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp, where they joined Paralympic gold medalist Karen Darke in her remarkable journey. They describe those pivotal moments facing the challenges of high altitude, mechanical issues with Karen's specialized bike, and the breathtaking majesty of the world's highest mountain range. What began as a physical challenge quickly evolved into something deeper—a profound experience of human connection, present-moment awareness, and spiritual growth.

In this episode, we explore the meaning of perseverance beyond its physical demands, the unique spirit of the Nepalese people, and how this journey became a catalyst for personal transformation for each guest. Keith shares the emotional journey of honoring his sister's memory, Clare discovers her ability to be truly present, and Sam reflects on finding life's true value beyond material possessions. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about finding purpose through challenge, embracing adventure one step at a time, and what it truly means to travel with an open heart.

This week, we're honored to welcome Olga Bak, friend and advisor to Travel Nepal Himalaya's Treks, the local guide company that helped our group navigate the challenging journey to Mount Everest base camp. Developing an early connection with Nepal during her first trek in 2013, Olga's spontaneous "yes" to adventure evolved into something deeper—a calling to build bridges between travelers and this extraordinary Himalayan nation.

Olga takes us on a journey through her transformation from first-time trekker to passionate advocate for Nepal. She describes that pivotal moment when she climbed a 4,000-meter peak at 3 AM to witness the sunrise, feeling surrounded by stars so close "it really did feel like we could just reach and grab them like apples from trees." That initial experience sparked what would become a lifelong mission to help others understand Nepal not just as a destination for mountain views, but as a place of profound spiritual and personal transformation.

In this episode, we explore the meaning behind "Nepal: Never Ending Peace And Love," the unique character of the Himalayan landscape, and how Olga's relationship with guide Badri has created opportunities to support local communities. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about finding purpose through saying yes to adventure, embracing discomfort as a path to growth, and what it truly means to experience the transformative power of the mountains.

This week, we're honored to welcome Rue McKenrick, professional backpacker, conservationist, and the visionary behind the American Perimeter Trail—a 14,000-mile route that circumnavigates the continental United States. Growing up with a passion for both backpacking and conservation, Rue’s journey began with a simple idea: to be part of something bigger than himself and to create a lasting impact on the land he loves.

Rue takes us on an epic journey from the spark of inspiration—born on a ski lift in Oregon—to the reality of walking the perimeter of the country, scouting a route that would become one of the most ambitious hiking projects in America. He shares the challenges of forging a new trail, the years of hesitation and self-doubt, and the pivotal moment when he finally committed to the adventure, despite limited resources and the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

In this episode, we explore the deeper purpose behind the American Perimeter Trail: not just as a test of endurance, but as a mission to establish a protected corridor for land and natural resources, connect communities, and make outdoor recreation accessible across the nation. Rue discusses the profound connection between recreation and conservation, the importance of creating new opportunities for people to experience nature—especially in regions lacking public trails—and the economic and intrinsic value that protected wild spaces bring to communities.

Join us for a moving conversation about overcoming fear, embracing solitude, and the transformative power of following a calling that refuses to be ignored. Rue’s story is one of resilience, vision, and the belief that ordinary people can create extraordinary change—one step, and one mile, at a time. Discover what it truly means to dream big, protect what matters, and find your purpose on the trail.