Inspire Campfire

This week on the podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Jeff Johns, a lifelong adventurer, filmmaker, photographer, and writer who has spent nearly half his life traveling the globe and living abroad. Jeff's journey is an inspiring tale of embracing discomfort and finding joy through world travel. From assisting in recovery efforts in Thailand after the 2004 tsunami to creating hit television shows for Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and the BBC, his experiences are nothing short of extraordinary.

Currently based in the Netherlands with his wife and daughters, Jeff is also the co-creator of What Doesn’t Suck, an adventure travel platform, and the author of Jet Lag Junkie, a memoir that captures the lessons, love, and meaning he’s discovered through his global explorations. Tune in as we dive into his incredible story, his passion for exploring the unknown, and the power of stepping outside your comfort zone.

This week on the Inspire Campfire podcast, we’re excited to welcome Mary "Newfound" Leavines, a storyteller, writer, photographer, and the owner of a popular hostel for thru-hikers along the Appalachian Trail. Mary’s journey to the AT began with an inciting incident that set her on a path of self-discovery—one that led her to thru-hike the trail in 2022. During her time on the trail, she not only reconnected with her inner self but also rewrote her own story. Now, back home in Franklin, North Carolina, Mary has purchased a hostel to stay closely connected to the trail and provide a supportive space for fellow hikers.

Join us as we dive into Mary’s transformative adventure and explore how the call to adventure often begins with a single, life-changing moment. Her journey is a testament to how embracing the unknown can help us discover what truly matters.

This week on the Inspire Campfire podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Richard De Gouveia, a man who has dedicated his life to sharing his profound connection with animals, the environment, and the Earth. As the founder of Arc Earth, Richard leads transformative safari experiences that delve deep into Africa’s ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation efforts.

Following a life-changing event, Richard left behind financial security and a traditional career to pursue his passion for the African bush. Today, his team at Arc Earth offers photographic and private safaris, as well as purpose-driven conservation trips that inspire a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Splitting his time between Portugal, where he lives with his wife and two sons, and the African wilderness, Richard spends over 200 days a year guiding unforgettable journeys. His story of courage, connection, and purpose will leave you inspired to explore your own calling. Join us as we hear how Richard is truly living his purpose and helping others connect with the magic of nature.

This week on the Inspire Campfire podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Chris Watson, the voice behind Adventure Diaries, a podcast that brings authentic tales of adventure, exploration, and the natural world to life. Chris joins us to explore the transformative power of storytelling and how sharing our journeys can ignite new adventures, inspire others to take action, and create a lasting legacy of exploration. Based in Glasgow, Scotland, where he lives with his wife and daughter, Chris is a passionate adventurer, certified paddle sports instructor, and Royal Yachting Association license holder who loves immersing himself in the great outdoors.

From epic quests to everyday encounters, Chris is a true outdoor enthusiast and travel aficionado, bringing tales of the natural world to life in every story he tells. Join us as we uncover the stories that inspire and the spirit that fuels the fire of exploration!

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Kyle and Heather Ellison from Maui, Hawaii, a couple who built their relationship on a shared love for adventure. As their family grew, they realized that having kids didn’t mean giving up their passion for travel—instead, it became the foundation for an exciting family lifestyle. Together, they’re raising an adventure first family and have made travel a priority, cherishing the lasting memories and valuable lessons they share with their kids along the way. Today, they take us inside their journey, sharing how they make it work and why they wouldn’t trade it for the world.

This week on the podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Kristoff Druva, a passionate wildlife photographer from Denver, Colorado, who uses his lens to capture the beauty and fragility of nature. As the founder of Kristoff Druva Photography, Kristoff's work tells compelling stories that raise awareness about wildlife conservation and habitat protection.

His photography journeys have taken him across the U.S., where he's witnessed a rich diversity of wildlife and ecosystems. Kristoff partners with conservation nonprofits to shine a light on the delicate balance between nature and human impact, aiming to inspire us all to protect our natural world.

This week on Inspire Campfire, we’re joined by Ty, an adventurer from Long Island, New York, who has made full-time travel his way of life. With extreme intentionality, Ty embraces every moment, living in the now while having a clear vision for each stage of his life. After graduating from business school, Ty found himself at a crossroads—get traditional work experience or take a leap and travel the world. He chose the latter, knowing that life is short, and you only get to live your twenties once.

Tune in to hear Ty’s stories of spontaneous travel, seizing opportunities, and his philosophy that there’s always something amazing happening somewhere in the world. You’ll be inspired to embrace your own adventure and make the most of every moment!

This week, we’re joined by Lauren from @YorAdventures, a wife and mom of four boys from Eugene, Oregon, who discovered firsthand how transformative nature can be for mental health. When the pandemic hit in 2020, she quickly realized that being cooped up indoors was taking a toll on her family, so they made a bold decision: they bought a travel trailer and hit the road in search of adventure and healing. Over the course of five months, they visited 48 of the continental U.S. states.

Now, years later, Lauren reflects on the incredible places they explored, the memories they made, and the lessons learned along the way. Tune in as she shares her inspiring story of embracing the great outdoors and how it changed her family’s life.

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Anita Phillips, a remarkable individual who embodies the "work hard, play hard" philosophy. For 20 years, Anita thrived as a corporate lawyer in the bustling cities of London, Paris, and Hong Kong. But when she wasn’t navigating high-powered boardrooms, she was exploring the world with just a backpack and a tent. Now an executive coach, Anita calls the foothills of Mont Blanc in the French Alps home, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, two cats, and a brood of chickens.

Anita recently tackled the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, the pinnacle of trail races, covering 176 kilometers of grueling terrain across the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps, with a breathtaking 10,000 meters of elevation gain. At 48, new to trail running and with only a handful of races to her name, Anita defied the odds by securing a top ten finish in her age group. She’s living proof that with determination, anything is possible.

This week, we bring you the extraordinary tale of Sophie Matterson, a woman who left behind the familiar to embark on a life-changing journey across Australia with five wild camels. Hailing from Flinders Ranges in South Australia, Sophie traded her career in TV and film for an adventure that would reshape her life. What started as a brief break from her job in 2016 turned into an incredible 13-month odyssey. After turning 30, she set out to walk from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, traversing the vast, arid heart of Australia.

Sophie shares the highs, lows, and life-altering lessons of her epic trek, as captured in her award-winning memoir, The Crossing: A Memoir of Love, Adventure, and Finding Your Own Path. Join us as we dive into her remarkable story of courage, self-discovery, and the pursuit of purpose.