Our Offbeat Life

Our Offbeat Life

By OurOffbeatLife.comSociety & CulturePlaces & Travel
Download on the App Store

Our Offbeat Life episodes

  • Family Travel Secrets: Digital Nomad Tips with George Avelino

    About the Guest:

    George Avelino
    George Avelino, along with his wife Heidi, is the creator of the Kensho Quest YouTube channel. A seasoned digital nomad and IT professional, George started his full-time travel journey in 2008. He made the transformative switch to Worldschooling his children and navigating digital nomad visas, becoming an influential voice in the travel community. George's extensive experience in both the IT sector and global living makes him a trusted guide for families aspiring to a life of full-time travel and unconventional learning.

    Episode Summary:
    Join David Cole as he delves into the inspiring story of George Avelino from the Kensho Quest YouTube channel. In this episode, George shares his family's journey of transforming the globe into their classroom and playground. From seamless transitions across countries to navigating digital nomad visas and Worldschooling, George imparts valuable insights and tips drawn from over a decade of full-time travel.

    Discover how George's background in IT and his disciplined approach to remote work have facilitated a life constantly on the move. The episode captures his experiences with various digital nomad visas, particularly in Malaysia and Thailand, and the practicalities of Worldschooling his children. Dive into the challenges and rewards of long-term travel, the importance of community fostered through travel, and how travel insurance with companies like SafetyWing can be beneficial. Don't miss George's tips on maintaining harmony in close quarters, and his advice for those just beginning their full-time travel journey.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Worldschooling Advantages: Worldschooling offers flexibility in pace, curriculum, and experiential learning that traditional setups can't match.

    • Digital Nomad Visas: Understanding and navigating digital nomad visas is crucial for long-term international travel. George's experience highlights Malaysia's stringent yet beneficial DE Rantau program.

    • Cultural Adaptation: The most significant culture shock for nomadic children often comes from returning to their home country. This underscores the vast differences in living environments.

    • Travel Insurance: Companies like SafetyWing provide essential services, including political evacuation and coverage for global nomads.

    • Sustainable Travel: Slow travel and having a home base can significantly ease the challenges of long-term travel, making the experience more enjoyable and sustainable.

      • Notable Quotes:

      1. “Worldschooling is for families who want to completely transform their lives with the way they educate their children.”

      2. “Once you have kids, everyone says you’re done traveling. We wanted to prove them wrong.”

      3. “As far as our kids, the biggest culture shock is returning to the United States.”

      4. “You can do it. Don't listen to what anybody says who's trying to tell you otherwise.”

      5. “The DE Rantau program was close to a six-month process because they were figuring things out as they went along.”

        6. Resources:

        • Kensho Quest YouTube Channel

        • SafetyWing Travel Insurance: SafetyWing.com

        • Digital Nomad Visa Information: Malaysia DE Rantau Program

        • Popular Destinations Mentioned: Thailand, Malaysia, Japan

          • Embark on a transformative journey with George and his family, exploring the practicality and beauty of a life on the road. Listen to the full episode for in-depth insights and tips, and stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Our Offbeat Life Podcast.

          1 hr 9 min
        • How Unschooling Transforms Lives

          About the Hosts:

          Brodi Cole & David Cole

          Brodi and David Cole are full-time traveling digital nomad parents who are passionate about alternative education, particularly unschooling. With years of experience unschooling their child while exploring the world, they have become advocates for individualized, curiosity-driven learning. They share their unique lifestyle and insights through their podcast "Our Offbeat Life," where they discuss various aspects of traveling and unschooling, providing a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to their audience.

          Episode Summary:

          In this episode of "Our Offbeat Life," hosts Brodi and David Cole dive deep into the transformative world of unschooling. Traditional education methods often leave children disinterested and disengaged, but unschooling offers an innovative alternative. Through individualized, curiosity-driven learning, unschooling aims to keep the natural curiosity and love of learning alive in children. Brodi and David share their personal experiences, successes, and the challenges they've faced in their five-year journey of unschooling their son while traveling the world as digital nomads.

          Unschooling flips conventional schooling on its head by allowing children to direct their own learning through their interests and passions. The hosts explain how resources, real-world experiences, and parental facilitation can provide a fertile ground for education beyond the traditional classroom. They pepper the discussion with real-life success stories, from tech whizzes to acclaimed musicians, demonstrating that unschooling can lead to remarkable achievements in various fields. They emphasize that while unschooling requires commitment and flexibility, its benefits—creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning—are immensely rewarding.

          Key Takeaways:

          • Personalized Learning: Unschooling allows children to pursue their unique interests and passions, fostering a more engaged and enthusiastic approach to learning.
          • Real-World Experiences: Exposure to museums, cultural sites, and hands-on activities enhances a child's learning in meaningful and memorable ways.
          • Parental Role: In unschooling, parents act as facilitators rather than traditional teachers, providing resources and support while allowing children to take the lead in their education.
          • Success Stories: Examples like Logan Laplante, Joshua Nel, and Billie Eilish illustrate that unschooling can lead to extraordinary achievements in diverse fields.
          • Flexibility: Unschooling complements the dynamic lifestyle of traveling families, offering an adaptable and enriching educational model.

            • Notable Quotes:

            1. “Instead of formal teaching and rigid structures, unschooling embraces individualized learning through curiosity-driven experiences.” - Brodi Cole
            2. “The one-size-fits-all approach of conventional education doesn't work for every child.” - David Cole
            3. “We're not talking anarchy in the household. We're still involved, we suggest ideas, and provide resources for learning.” - David Cole
            4. “Unschooling isn't just an educational approach; it's a lifestyle that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.” - David Cole
            5. “Every child is unique with their own interests, learning style, and pace. Unschooling offers flexibility to create personalized learning experiences.” - Brodi Cole

              6. Resources:

              • Growing Without Schooling Magazine: Founded by John Holt in 1977.
              • Greeking Out Kids Podcast: A podcast that ignites interest in Greek mythology.
              • Logan Laplante TED Talk: On hackschooling and happiness.
              • Oaxaca's Worldschool Pop-up Hub: Cultural and educational experiences for worldschooling families.
              • Movie: Coco: Used as a learning resource before visiting Oaxaca, Mexico.
              • Natural History Museum in Buenos Aires: Educational museum experiences.
              • Hands on Science Museum in Kuala Lumpur: Interactive science exhibitions.
                • 22 min
              • Transformative Family Travel with Intentional Adventures on 7 Continents

                Explaining how to travel to all 7 continents on a sabbatical! To get a free quote from or partner on this episode SafteyWing, visit the link, https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=OurOffbeatLife
                About the Guest:
                Susie Chau is a travel expert who specializes in helping families make the most out of their travel experiences. With a background in management consulting, Susie took a year-long sabbatical with her husband to travel to all seven continents, which inspired her to share her knowledge with others. She is passionate about intentional travel and deepening family connections through meaningful experiences.
                Episode Summary:
                In this engaging episode, travel expert Susie Chau shares her journey of taking a year-long sabbatical with her husband to travel to all seven continents. She emphasizes the importance of intentional travel, strengthening family bonds, and finding true value in travel experiences. Susie discusses how families can incorporate education and learning into their travel plans, address common fears about extended travel, and strike a balance between work and travel life.
                Key insights from the episode include:
                Susie's transformative experience of traveling to all seven continents on a year-long sabbatical.
                The philosophy of intentional travel and its impact on family connections and personal growth.
                Practical tips on budgeting for long-term travel and making travel more meaningful.
                Balancing work and travel life by outsourcing tasks and leveraging virtual assistants.
                Overcoming common fears about extended travel through proper planning and mindful selection of destinations.
                Key Takeaways:
                Travel can be a powerful tool for personal growth, strengthening family bonds, and creating meaningful experiences.
                Intentional travel involves being present, mindful, and fostering connections while on the road.
                Budget-friendly adventures can be crafted by being open to unique experiences and planning with intention.
                Balancing work and travel can be achieved by outsourcing tasks and leveraging virtual assistants for support.
                Safety, destination selection, and travel insurance are crucial factors to consider when planning extended travel with family.
                Notable Quotes:
                "Travel is the best educator, providing real-world skills that are not often taught in the classroom." - Susie Chau
                "The real gold in travel is who you're with, what you're feeling, and how it can change who you are." - Susie Chau
                Resources:
                SafetyWing: International travel medical insurance providing peace of mind for nomads. https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=OurOffbeatLife
                Online Jobs PH: Platform to hire virtual assistants based in the Philippines. https://www.onlinejobs.ph/
                Duolingo: Language learning app for families to engage in language lessons together. https://www.duolingo.com/
                Carpe Diem Traveler - Website https://www.carpediemtraveler.com/
                Carpe Diem Traveler - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/carpediemtraveler/
                Susie Chau - LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/susiechau/
                This insightful episode with Susie Chau offers valuable perspectives on intentional travel, budgeting for long-term adventures, and finding the balance between work and travel life. Listen to the full episode for more inspiring stories and expert tips!

                1 hr 26 min
              • Roadschooling: Turning Travel Into Education

                Learn the truth about #roadschooling #travelschooling #worldschooling
                𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐔𝐬:
                David and Brodi Cole are experienced roadschoolers who have embarked on extensive educational adventures with their son. They have spent years traveling and homeschooling their child, turning their journeys into immersive learning experiences. Through their podcast, Our Offbeat Life, they share their insights, tips, and personal stories about roadschooling and family travel.
                𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
                Embark on an educational adventure with David and Brodi Cole as they explore the transformative world of roadschooling. Discover how families can blend homeschooling with travel to create hands-on learning experiences. Explore the flexibility, spontaneity, and immersive nature of roadschooling, where every destination becomes a classroom. Learn about the challenges and solutions of roadschooling, as well as strategies for success. Uncover the benefits of roadschooling, including fostering curiosity, appreciation for diversity, and deepening family bonds through shared experiences.
                𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬:
                ‣Roadschooing blends homeschooling with travel, turning everyday destinations into educational opportunities.
                ‣Families can adapt learning approaches to their children's interests and pace, fostering a love for learning.
                ‣Roadschoooling offers immersive experiences, balancing textbook learning with real-life exploration.
                ‣Challenges like access to resources, socialization, and maintaining routines can be overcome through careful planning and adaptation.
                ‣Strategies for successful roadschooling involve routines, technology, community connections, and thematic unit studies based on travel destinations.
                𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
                "The world is your classroom. Every day is a field trip, and the journey itself is the greatest teacher of all."
                "roadschooling isn't just for kids. It's a family activity. We learned a lot too, which was really cool."
                "Education isn't limited to four walls. It's a blend of adventure and academics, proving that learning can happen anywhere."
                𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬:
                [O𝐮r O𝐟f𝐛e𝐚t L𝐢f𝐞 𝐏o𝐝c𝐚s𝐭] https://ouroffbeatlife.com/podcast
                [S𝐞e𝐤 𝐀p𝐩] https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/seek_app
                [B𝐮d𝐠e𝐭 𝐓r𝐚v𝐞l T𝐢p𝐬 𝐕i𝐝e𝐨] https://youtu.be/vkVje0Lkqbc
                [𝐃e𝐬c𝐡o𝐨l𝐢n𝐠 (𝑆02𝐸11)] https://youtu.be/4llTW8gryWY
                [E-L𝐞a𝐫n𝐢n𝐠 (𝑆02𝐸05)] https://youtu.be/-AFewEA4iGc
                [P𝐚n A𝐦e𝐫i𝐜a𝐧 𝐇i𝐠h𝐰a𝐲 𝐑o𝐚d T𝐫i𝐩 (𝑆01𝐸09)] https://youtube.com/live/65EorHem6wY
                [𝐌e𝐚t A𝐫o𝐮n𝐝 𝐓h𝐞 𝐖o𝐫l𝐝 (𝑆01𝐸11)] https://youtu.be/R3lcU-FBGUE
                Don't miss out on the exciting insights and experiences shared by David and Brodi Cole on #roadschooling. Tune in to the full episode to discover more about this unique educational approach and stay engaged with Our Offbeat Life for inspiring content.

                20 min
              • Traveling the World with an Autistic Child: Indira Wislocki's Inspiring Journey

                About the Guest:

                Indira Wislocki, a single mother, full-time traveler, and human rights advocate originally from Argentina, embarked on a life of travel with her autistic son after losing her job during an economic crisis in her home country. With a background in anthropology and a passion for exploring the world, Indira found freedom for her son to be himself while immersing in different cultures.

                Indira Wislocki shares her inspiring journey of transitioning into a full-time travel lifestyle with her son, who has autism. From facing initial challenges of fast-paced travel to discovering the benefits of slow travel and cultural immersion, Indira discusses the pivotal moments and triumphs in world-schooling her neurodiverse child. Navigating therapy, support services, and working as a virtual assistant while balancing life on the road, Indira's story is a testament to adapting to life's uncertainties and creating a fulfilling life without conventional boundaries.

                Key Takeaways:

                • Indira's journey from economic crisis to embarking on a life of travel with her autistic son.

                • Challenges and triumphs of world-schooling a neurodiverse child while balancing work and travel.

                • Strategies for cultural immersion, balancing work, and advocating for human rights on the road.

                • Adapting to slow travel, finding community, and prioritizing her son's well-being and experiences.

                • Valuable insights on transitioning to a nomadic lifestyle, finding financial stability, and interweaving cultural experiences into daily living.

                  • "Being in other places and finding something that worked for my son was crucial for his development." - Indira Wislocki

                  • "Children are able to run freely in some communities, making it easier for my son to explore and experiment." - Indira Wislocki

                  • "Traveling around is way cheaper than living full-time in one place, and the experiences outweigh the difficulties." - Indira Wislocki

                  • "Building a life of travel with limited resources is possible, as long as you prioritize what's important to you." - Indira Wislocki

                  • "For my kid, experiencing cultural settings and making local friends has been more enriching than traditional education." - Indira Wislocki

                    • Indira Wislocki's website

                    • Indira’s Instagram page

                      • Don't miss out on Indira Wislocki's inspiring journey and insightful tips for world-schooling and balancing life on the road. Listen to the full episode for more enriching content and stay tuned for upcoming episodes!

                      56 min
                    • The Power of Deschooling: The First Step to Successful Homeschooling

                      In this episode of Our Offbeat Life, host David delves into the concept of deschooling as the first crucial step in transitioning to homeschooling and world schooling. He explains deschooling as a detox period that helps students and parents shift their mindsets from traditional education to a more flexible, interest-led approach. The episode covers the stages of deschooling, from recovery to self-directed learning, and provides practical tips for parents to support their children through this transition. David shares personal anecdotes and highlights the benefits of deschooling, including rekindling a child's intrinsic motivation and curiosity. Tune in to learn more about this transformative process and hear how families can navigate the challenges and embrace the joys of alternative education.

                      22 min
                    • SafetyWing Answers Your Burning Travel Insurance Questions

                      In this episode, we're thrilled to have Julia, a digital nomad and part of SafetyWing's partnership team, join us to discuss SafetyWing's innovative approach to travel insurance. Discover how SafetyWing is not just another insurance company but a vision to create the first global social safety net for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers. We delve into the unique benefits of their flagship Nomad Insurance, the comprehensive Nomad Health product, and their ambitious goal of building a 'country on the internet' with a robust benefits package for global citizens. Julia shares her personal journey as a nomad, real-life case studies, and how SafetyWing is setting standards in the insurance world. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of travel insurance and global mobility.

                      SafetyWing Referral Link: https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=OurOffbeatLife&utm_source=OurOffbeatLife&utm_medium=Ambassador

                      59 min
                    • Multi Age Education is Revolutionizing Homeschooling and Worldschooling

                      Think your kids can only learn in a traditional classroom? Think again. Join David on Our Offbeat Life as he explores how multi age education can revolutionize homeschooling and worldschooling. Discover how children of different ages learn together in flexible, interest-based environments. Learn about the advantages, including enhanced social skills and personalized pacing, and get practical advice and resources to implement multi age learning in your own alternative education journey. Don't miss this informative episode packed with tips for homeschooling and worldschooling families.

                      13 min
                    • Battling Travel Fatigue: Insights from a Digital Nomad Family with Addy Weiland

                      Combating Traveler's Fatigue: Tips and Insights
                      In this insightful interview, Therapist, Travel & Mindset Coach, Addy Weiland shares her experiences as a digital nomad traveling with her family. She discusses their transition from RV travel across the U.S. to planning international adventures. Addy delves into the concept of travel fatigue, describing it as the overwhelm and burnout from constant movement, and offers practical strategies to manage it. Emphasizing routine, balance, and mental wellness, Addy provides advice for families considering a nomadic lifestyle. The conversation highlights the importance of taking risks, the potential for returning to conventional living, and supporting families on the road.

                      1 hr 10 min
                    • Different Travel Lifestyles and Their Educational Needs

                      In this episode of the `Our Offbeat Life` podcast, host David Cole delves into the diverse travel lifestyles families adopt for full-time travel and world schooling. David discusses various approaches including slow travel, fast travel, part-time travel, overlanding, sustainable travel, multisite swaps, and house sitting. He emphasizes the educational benefits and challenges of each lifestyle, sharing personal anecdotes and tips for balancing exploration with education. David also highlights the significance of cultural immersion, the flexibility needed for successful world schooling, and the value of sustainable and socially responsible travel.

                      30 min

                    About Our Offbeat Life

                    From the publisher's feed

                    A podcast celebrating the amazing world of full-time family travel. Ditching conventional living and classrooms for globe-trotting adventures and world cultures, we dive into this unique lifestyle…