By Josh Self
5
1111 ratings
The podcast currently has 37 episodes available.
In the latest episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Scott Hanson, a true veteran of endurance challenges and an influential figure in the financial industry. Scott's story is one of resilience, determination, and finding purpose through pushing physical and mental boundaries. Our conversation explores Scott’s journey from casual running to completing the grueling Western States 100—a 100-mile ultramarathon with 19,000 feet of elevation gain—and how that experience, among others, shaped his approach to life and business. We also dive into his memorable adventure up Mount Fuji, where cultural and personal growth merged in an unforgettable climb.
Join us as Scott shares the highs and lows of his adventures, from overcoming pain and doubt during ultramarathons to the life lessons he's applied from these challenges to his professional and personal life.
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] Introduction – Meeting Scott Hanson
[02:08] Scott’s Journey Begins – From reluctant high school runner to becoming captivated by endurance sports.
[06:22] Training and Competing – Navigating family, work, and training routines with morning runs and long days on the trail.
[20:00] The Western States 100 Experience – The mental and physical battles of one of the world's toughest races.
[23:48] Lessons Learned – How pushing through “the pain cave” taught Scott resilience and mental fortitude that extend beyond sport.
[27:27] Reflecting on Challenges – Applying adventure-driven tenacity to everyday life and professional challenges.
[39:00] Mount Fuji – A cultural and physical journey with friends and family, complete with lessons in humility and awe.
[48:35] The Future of Adventure – Scott’s plans and reflections on maintaining an adventurous spirit as life evolves.
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Closing Remarks: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate, follow, and share the On Adventure Podcast. Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring stories like Scott Hanson’s to your ears!
Join me for a cool conversation with Owen Hayden, a high-energy adventurer, corporate achiever, and former athlete who’s mastered the art of resilience. Owen shares his journey from a high-level sports career to navigating the challenges of the corporate world, all while staying connected to his passion for adventure. We discuss what it takes to push through adversity, the lessons he learned from sports, and his pursuit of grit as a defining trait both on and off the field. Plus, you’ll hear about Owen’s commitment to exploring the world—from Glacier National Park with his young family to Ironman races and rodeos. If you’ve ever been curious about finding purpose and adventure in everyday life, this episode is for you.
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Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating, following, and sharing "On Adventure." Your support helps us bring you more amazing guests and stories.
In this special episode, I'm excited to bring you an insightful webinar with adventure coach and psychologist Matt Walker. Known for his unique blend of mountain climbing experience and psychological expertise, Matt shares how the concept of adventure can shape not only extreme expeditions but also our everyday lives. In this session, he takes us through his recent solo climb of Manaslu, one of the highest peaks in the world, and how it taught him the importance of living adventurously. Learn about the five essential elements of adventure and how you can apply them to your own life, whether you're scaling mountains or navigating day-to-day challenges. This is an inspiring episode that will push you to think deeply about your own adventures—big or small!
Tune in to hear Matt's captivating stories and insights on high endeavor, uncertainty, total commitment, tolerance for adversity, and the power of companionship.
Episode Highlights: [2:00] – Introducing Matt Walker: From psychologist to extreme adventure guide [4:10] – What is adventure? Challenging conventional definitions [11:00] – Matt’s solo climb on Manaslu: confronting extreme conditions and overcoming obstacles [15:30] – The Five Elements of Adventure: High endeavor, uncertain outcome, total commitment, tolerance for adversity, and great companionship [21:00] – How Matt integrates his family into his adventurous life [27:45] – Climbing in extreme altitudes: life in the death zone [33:00] – The importance of staying present and focused during difficult journeys [40:00] – Why adventure isn’t just for mountaintops: Applying the elements of adventure to daily life [45:00] – Listener Q&A: Overcoming psychological barriers to adventure
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Closing Remarks: If you enjoyed this conversation with Matt Walker and learned something new about how to bring more adventure into your life, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share this podcast with friends! And if you’re ready to embark on your own adventure, start by subscribing to our newsletter for more tips and resources. Until next time, keep pursuing your great adventure!
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!
The podcast currently has 37 episodes available.
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