By Josh Self
5
1111 ratings
The podcast currently has 34 episodes available.
In this episode, I sit down with Steve Bradshaw, a lifelong adventurer and outdoor enthusiast from Western North Carolina. Steve’s story is one of pushing boundaries, from growing up in West Virginia to becoming a collegiate championship swimmer, and ultimately to hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. Steve shares how he stepped out of his comfort zone to take on the grueling 2,200-mile trail, and we explore the mental and physical resilience it takes to complete such an endeavor. Whether you’re into hiking, or simply looking for inspiration on how to challenge yourself in new ways, Steve’s journey offers a wealth of insight.
We dive into Steve’s upbringing and how his early experiences in the outdoors shaped his life. We also chat about his experiences with starting and selling a successful business, how he balanced family life with adventure, and the unexpected lessons he learned on the trail. This episode is packed with stories of adventure, perseverance, and growth, so buckle up!
Timeline Summary:[2:22] - Steve’s introduction and how his love for the outdoors began in West Virginia [8:45] - How collegiate swimming shaped Steve’s mindset and approach to challenges [14:50] - The story behind Steve’s trail name and why he decided to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail [23:30] - Navigating the hardest sections of the Appalachian Trail and how the weather played a role [31:10] - The importance of “hiking your own hike” and the unique culture of trail communities [40:55] - Lessons learned from the grind of hiking and how they translate to everyday life [47:15] - What’s next for Steve: From elk hunting in Colorado to new adventures on the horizon
Links & Resources:If you enjoyed this conversation with Steve, be sure to rate, follow, and share the podcast with your friends. Every review helps us reach more listeners who are ready to embark on their own great adventures. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!
In this episode of the On Adventure podcast, I sit down with Skip Schweiss, a seasoned executive in the financial services industry and a passionate adventurer. Known for his years of leadership at TD Ameritrade, Skip has seamlessly woven his professional life with a personal quest to push physical and mental boundaries in the great outdoors. We dive into Skip's career journey, from his work in advisor advocacy to how he's now dedicating more time to his love of the wilderness.
But Skip isn’t just about hiking the occasional trail—he organizes an annual group hike called "Excellent Adventures," attracting dozens of people to tackle challenging hikes across some of the most beautiful landscapes in the U.S. From the majestic peaks of Colorado’s 14ers to this year’s adventure in Telluride, Skip shares his motivation for doing hard things, the camaraderie that comes from shared suffering, and why he believes that testing our limits makes us better.
Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or someone looking for inspiration to push past your comfort zone, Skip's stories will encourage you to set bigger goals, embrace the challenge, and find joy in the journey.
Episode Highlights:[2:42] - Skip’s journey in the financial industry, his role at TD Ameritrade, and how his love for adventure began.
[7:00] - How the Rockies ignited Skip’s passion for hiking, leading him to complete all 54 of Colorado’s 14ers.
[12:15] - The origin of Skip’s “Excellent Adventures” group hikes, which have now grown to include 70 people, and the importance of camaraderie in adventure.
[29:00] - Handling adversity on the trail: The lessons Skip has learned about staying calm when things go wrong, and how to apply that mindset to life.
[40:30] - A recap of the most recent “Excellent Adventure” in Telluride, where Skip led a group on a brutal 26-mile hike with 8,000 feet of elevation gain.
[52:00] - What’s next for Skip and the group? A sneak peek into next year’s adventure to Zion National Park and some of the epic hikes planned.
Links & Resources:If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast! Don’t forget to follow us so you don’t miss out on upcoming episodes filled with more inspiring adventures.
In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, I sit down with Clay Sanders, a man whose life is marked by profound adventures, resilience, and purpose. Clay shares stories of his adventurous spirit, from crossing the country on an Elliptigo to running the Leadville 100 ultra marathon, all while balancing a successful career as a dentist. But beyond the adventures, Clay opens up about the tragic loss of his son, Joel, to opioid addiction, and how that event spurred him into action, continuing his son's legacy by raising awareness about addiction stigma.
We dive into Clay's perspective on how adventure can be both structured and unpredictable, and how his journey to honor his son led him to discover even deeper connections with others, both in the U.S. and across the globe. You won’t want to miss Clay's powerful reflection on the process of navigating life's challenges and the wisdom he has gained along the way.
Timeline Summary:[2:22] - Clay shares his move from Western North Carolina to Colorado and how he adjusted to life at higher altitudes. [6:17] - Adventures in ultra-running and what led Clay to tackle the notorious Leadville 100. [14:30] - The impact of high altitude on ultra-endurance races and how Clay trained for the Leadville 100 while living at sea level. [28:19] - Tragedy strikes: Clay discusses the loss of his son Joel and how that transformed his life and purpose. [32:00] - The journey across the U.S. on an elliptical bike to raise awareness about addiction stigma. [43:10] - Clay’s global adventure: how traveling to 20 countries opened his eyes to the shared humanity across cultures. [56:23] - The metaphor of the Great Barrier Reef: how diversity and unity coexist harmoniously in nature and in life. [1:05:34] - Reflections on the power of the journey versus the destination.
Links & Resources:If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share it with others who might be inspired by Clay's story. Your support helps spread these powerful messages. See you next time as we continue to explore life’s greatest adventures!
In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeff Ames, aka Rambler, a true "everyday explorer" who took on the challenge of a lifetime by through-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Jeff's journey is a story of preparation, endurance, and self-discovery as he trekked 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine over several months. We dive into what inspired him to embark on such an ambitious adventure after retiring in his mid-50s, the highs and lows of his journey, and the unforgettable characters he met along the way. Whether you're an aspiring long-distance hiker or just love hearing tales of personal transformation, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.
Join us as we explore the planning and execution of Jeff’s hike, the camaraderie found on the trail, and the lessons learned from spending months in the wilderness. You'll also hear some wild stories about the colorful personalities that Jeff encountered on the trail, and why he believes that hiking is much more than just a physical challenge.
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If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us bring more inspiring stories to adventurers like you!
Welcome back to the On Adventure Podcast! In this episode, I chat with Jonny Beardmore, now famously known as the Galapagos Postman. Jonny's unique quest involves delivering handwritten letters left in an ancient Galapagos Islands postbox to various locations worldwide. But this adventure is more than just about delivering mail; it's about exploring a deeper question about whether we are disconnected as a species and how we can rebuild those crucial human connections.
Throughout his journey, Jonny has met a diverse array of people, each with their own fascinating stories. From reuniting a couple in Belize through a heartfelt love letter to delivering a touching note from a daughter to her mother in Mexico City, Jonny's mission has brought surprises, unexpected joy and reconnections (to him and the receipients). He shares stories of spontaneous hospitality, like the family in Mexico City who welcomed him with tequila and dried crickets, and the emotional reunions that have occurred as a result of his deliveries. Join me as Jonny shares his serendipitous encounters, the challenges he faces, and the incredible impact his journey is having on people's lives and the charities he is fundraising for.
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Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Your support helps us bring more inspiring stories to light. For more content, visit Ridgeline Wealth Advisors and sign up for our newsletter, The Money Trail Guide. Until next time, pursue your own great adventure!
Welcome back to The On Adventure Podcast! I'm your host, Josh Self, and today, my conversation is with Matt Walker. Matt is a unique blend of psychologist and adventurer, who has spent nearly 30 years leading expeditions on multiple continents. In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology behind adventure, the importance of doing hard things, and why integrating adventure into our lives is vital. Matt shares his insights on how discomfort can be a powerful tool for growth and how adventure helps us build resilience and find clarity. We also touch on his upcoming webinar that I will be hosting, so stay tuned for that!
Timeline SummaryThank you for joining us on this episode of The On Adventure Podcast. If you enjoyed our conversation with Matt Walker, please rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us bring more inspiring content to you. Don’t forget to check out the links and resources mentioned, and as always, pursue your own great adventure!
Welcome back to the On Adventure Podcast! I'm your host, Josh Self, and today I had the pleasure of speaking with Scott MacKillop, a seasoned financial professional and avid outdoorsman. Despite our shared background in finance, our conversation veered away from the boardroom and delved into the thrilling world of outdoor adventures. Scott shared how his passion for the outdoors was self-developed rather than instilled by his parents, and how fear serves as a clarifying force for him, whether on the mountain or in the boardroom.
Throughout our discussion, Scott talked about his extensive career, innovative achievements, and the invaluable lessons he has learned from pushing his limits in nature. From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to the peaks of Colorado, Scott's adventures have given him a profound sense of being fully alive, experiencing all emotions and embracing the challenges that come with pushing oneself to the edge. We also explored the significance of self-discovery and the joy of living, which Scott finds in every adventure he undertakes. This episode is packed with inspiration and insights into the intertwining of adventure and personal growth.
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Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the On Adventure Podcast. If you enjoyed this conversation, please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Your support helps us bring more inspiring stories to you. Until next time, keep pushing your limits and pursuing your own great adventures!
Get ready for an exhilarating ride in this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, where I chat with Terry Foxworth. Terry's journey is a testament to persistence, an unquenchable thirst for adventure, and a masterful balance between a professional career and an adventurous lifestyle. From the picturesque landscapes of South Carolina to the roaring rapids of whitewater kayaking, grueling ultramarathons, and the pristine slopes of skiing, Terry’s tales will ignite your adventurous spirit. We also dive into his epic cross-country bicycle journey with his daughter, filled with highs, lows, and unforgettable memories. Tune in and let Terry’s stories inspire your next adventure!
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In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Joe Gray, an exceptional athlete who turned challenges into triumphs. Joe shares his journey from growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, and attending the Tennessee School for the Blind to becoming a world-class athlete. With the support of dedicated mentors and his unwavering determination, Joe excelled in wrestling and track and field, eventually competing at the Paralympics. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, mentorship, and the pursuit of dreams.
Timeline Summary:If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the On Adventure Podcast. Share it with friends and family who might find Joe's story as inspiring as we did. Join us next time for more incredible journeys and motivational tales!
Welcome back to the On Adventure podcast! In today's episode, we have an inspiring and candid conversation with Pete Ripmaster. Pete, now a seasoned ultra-endurance athlete, shares his journey from the highs and lows of his athletic pursuits to his personal battles and triumphs. In fact, it all started with a Couch-to-Marathon run, and he kept going from there! We delve into his history, including the incredible feat of winning the 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail Invitational on foot (in February!), his adventures in Alaska, and the lessons learned from pushing beyond the limits. Pete's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams.
Pete's philosophy of "stories rather than regrets" is evident in his approach to ultra-running. Whether he's tackling organized races or his unique "homemade 100's," Pete's willingness to suffer and push through mental and physical barriers is key to his success. His adventures showcase the power of perseverance and the rewards of stepping outside your comfort zone.
Join us as we explore:
This episode is packed with raw and heartfelt reflections that will leave you inspired to tackle your own adventures. Don't miss out on this incredible journey with Pete Ripmaster!
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] Introduction to Pete Ripmaster and the essence of today's episode
[02:28] Pete's background and his self-identity as a runner, husband, and father
[10:00] Reflections on Pete's childhood and the significant impact of his family
[18:00] The pivotal moment and the transition from a wild lifestyle to purposeful living
[24:05] Pete's first impromptu marathon and the beginning of his running journey
[32:00] The decision to run 50 marathons in 50 states and raise funds for breast cancer research
[38:00] Delving into ultra-running: from 50K to 1,000 miles
[46:00] The challenges and triumphs of the Iditarod Trail Invitational
[53:00] Pete's "homemade 100's" and his drive to create unique endurance challenges
[57:00] The mental game in ultra-endurance sports and pushing through limits
[01:03:00] What's next for Pete after ultra-running
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Thank you for tuning into this episode with Pete Ripmaster! If you enjoyed our conversation, please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Your support helps us bring more inspiring stories to light. Keep pursuing your great adventures, and we'll catch you in the next episode!
The podcast currently has 34 episodes available.
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