The Human Adventure

# 167 - What drives someone to abandon their shoes and run barefoot through mountains, forests, and even snow? In this captivating conversation, Ken Posner reveals the unexpected journey that turned him from a corporate professional with chronic running injuries into a barefoot endurance athlete who's completed thousands of miles without shoes.

Ken's transformation began pragmatically – seeking relief from injury and following the principles in Christopher McDougall's "Born to Run." But what started as injury prevention blossomed into a life philosophy. Far from merely a physical adjustment, going barefoot created what Ken calls "the original human mindfulness." When your feet are unprotected, large portions of your brain that normally process worry must instead focus on safely navigating terrain, creating a natural state of presence that's increasingly rare in our hyper-connected world.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Ken shares his remarkable accomplishment of completing "the grid" – climbing all 35 Catskill peaks every month for a year, totaling 420 ascents. This monumental challenge emerged during a period when his corporate career had plateaued, giving him purpose when he most needed it. Through blizzards, ice, and challenging terrain, Ken discovered that moving slowly through nature was mentally harder than the all-out effort he was accustomed to – a profound lesson for our hurried lives.

Drawing inspiration from American transcendentalists like Thoreau and Emerson, Ken articulates how these physical challenges become spiritual pilgrimages that strip away modern preoccupations and reveal our authentic connection to nature. His current goal of climbing 1,000 mountains barefoot (he's at 521) serves as a structured way to "take himself offline" from conventional life and work on his character.

Whether you're a committed athlete or someone simply curious about reconnecting with natural movement, Ken's insights will change how you think about the ground beneath your feet. Perhaps the wisdom we seek is already there – if only we're brave enough to feel it.

To learn more about Ken and his book, Chasing the Grid, check out his website www.barefootken.com and give him a follow on Instagram @long_brown_path.

Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake 

Discover the journeys that do more than take you somewhere new—they change the way you see yourself and the world. Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel explores unforgettable adventures, hidden places, and the transformative power of stepping beyond the familiar.

Check out Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

#166 - What happens when your adventurous spirit collides with a life-changing diagnosis? Meet Brooke King, a fearless 29-year-old who refuses to let thyroid cancer dim her extraordinary approach to life.

Brooke's story begins in Chicago, where she lived a successful but predictable life as a young homeowner. When COVID hit, something shifted - that innate desire for adventure could no longer be contained. She sold her house and embraced alternative living - from boats to school buses - launching herself into experiences most would never dare attempt. Hitchhiking on the "Desert Snake" (the world's deadliest train) through the Sahara Desert? Check. Tracking down a floating grocery store yacht in Turkey? Absolutely. Dog attack training? Why not?

Then came the unexpected plot twist - a thyroid cancer diagnosis that might have derailed someone with less resilience. But for Brooke, this became another adventure to navigate with the same determination that helped her travel solo through remote parts of Africa. "I didn't want to just heal from cancer and get through it," she explains. "I wanted to rise above it."

Now, Brooke is channeling her energy into training for a 72-hour rowing expedition across the Mediterranean from Barcelona to Ibiza. What was already on her bucket list has transformed into "Row to Remission" - a powerful statement of hope and a fundraiser for cancer research. She'll row alongside three other women, including a former Olympian, taking two-hour shifts around the clock with minimal sleep.

Brooke's philosophy about adventure is refreshingly accessible: "Adventure is intentionally trying something new." It doesn't require traveling to exotic locations or extreme sports - it simply means choosing growth and new experiences for their own sake. Through her story, she reminds us that our greatest adventures often arrive disguised as our greatest challenges.

Follow Brooke's journey on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok @brookesjoyrides or visit brookesjoyrides.com to support her cancer fundraising efforts. As she says with infectious enthusiasm: "There's no time to waste."

Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake 

Discover the journeys that do more than take you somewhere new—they change the way you see yourself and the world. Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel explores unforgettable adventures, hidden places, and the transformative power of stepping beyond the familiar.

Check out Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

#165 - The Missouri River winds through America's heartland like a massive, muddy snake—but what's it like to follow it from source to mouth? Larry Campbell, a retired math professor, did exactly that in a life-changing seven-week adventure that transformed his understanding of this iconic waterway.

Larry's journey began at Three Forks, Montana, where he made the startling discovery that the Missouri begins by flowing north, not south as many assume. From there, he traced the river's 2,300-mile path through seven states, 27 cities, and centuries of American history. Along the way, he walked in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, often standing in the exact spots where these legendary explorers had stood more than two centuries earlier.

What makes Larry's story so captivating isn't just the magnificent landscapes or historical sites—it's the "human treasures" he encountered. There's the story of Shep, a loyal dog who greeted trains daily for five years hoping his deceased owner would return. There's the Swiss woman who found freedom in South Dakota's vast open spaces after leaving the confines of alpine Europe. And there's the unexpected discovery that Larry's own great-great-grandfather was one of the founders of Atchison, Kansas, a revelation that gave his journey a deeply personal dimension.

The Missouri River isn't just water flowing through America—it's a cultural dividing line separating farmers from ranchers, splitting cities across state lines, and even creating time zone boundaries in places like Pierre and Fort Pierre. Larry's vivid descriptions bring these fascinating quirks to life, showing how the river has shaped not just the landscape but the very identity of the communities along its banks.

Ready to experience this fascinating journey yourself? Pick up Larry's beautifully illustrated book "Rollin' Down the River: Discovering People and Places Along the Mighty Missouri," featuring 200 photographs and stories that will make you feel like you're traveling alongside him. Contact Larry directly for a signed copy at a special discount for podcast listeners—and discover why this adventure became so much more than just a trip down a river. You can reach Larry by email [email protected] or check out his website www.larryncampbell.com.

Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake 

Discover the journeys that do more than take you somewhere new—they change the way you see yourself and the world. Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel explores unforgettable adventures, hidden places, and the transformative power of stepping beyond the familiar.

Check out Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

#164 - What healing power can be found in visiting sites of tragedy and suffering? For Dr. Chad Scott, dark tourism became an unexpected lifeline during his darkest days.

When severe health issues led to a liver transplant, Dr. Scott discovered profound meaning and purpose by exploring places marked by historical tragedy. From standing in gas chambers at Auschwitz to witnessing the aftermath of atomic destruction in Hiroshima, these powerful experiences helped him process his own struggles with divorce, career setbacks, and chronic illness.

"When you're going through hell, keep going," became his mantra, borrowed from Churchill's famous words. Throughout our conversation, Chad reveals how confronting mortality at history's darkest sites paradoxically taught him to live with greater intention and purpose. The practice of "memento mori"—remembering one's mortality—isn't about dwelling in darkness, but using awareness of life's brevity to live more meaningfully.

As a therapist with decades of experience, Chad brings unique professional insights to how dark tourism functions as a form of existential therapy. He explains that standing in places where countless people suffered and died doesn't leave you unchanged—it transforms you into someone with deeper compassion and greater resilience. These experiences, from Paris catacombs to plantation slavery museums, challenge visitors to connect with humanity's shared suffering while finding strength in storytelling and remembrance.

Chad's journey culminated in his book "Beyond the Darkness: Transformative Journeys Through Dark Tourism," where he details how these profound experiences helped him overcome crippling anxiety and find purpose during his health crisis. His story reminds us that sometimes the path through personal darkness requires confronting humanity's darkest moments—not to wallow in despair, but to find the meaning that illuminates our way forward.

Listen to discover how pushing beyond your comfort zone—whether through adventure or confronting difficult histories—might just transform your own life. What places have changed you? Where might you go to find yourself?

To learn more about Dr. Chad Scott and Dark Tourism visit his website www.drchadscott.com. You can also purchase a copy of his book from his website.

 Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake 

Discover the journeys that do more than take you somewhere new—they change the way you see yourself and the world. Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel explores unforgettable adventures, hidden places, and the transformative power of stepping beyond the familiar.

Check out Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

Episode 163 - What would it take for you to completely reimagine your family's life? For Brandon and Amber Morse, it happened around a campfire in the mountains of Idaho when they asked themselves a simple yet profound question: what if we could break free from the daily grind and truly connect as a family?

That conversation led them to sell nearly everything they owned, pull their four children from traditional school, and embark on an adventure that began in an RV and evolved into living full-time aboard a catamaran sailing through the Caribbean. With zero sailing experience and plenty of well-meaning skeptics, the Morris family pushed past their fears to create an extraordinary life on the water.

Their journey hasn't been without challenges. From freezing temperatures with no heat during their first month aboard to navigating medical emergencies in remote locations, the learning curve has been steep. As Brandon describes it, "The lows are low, but the highs are incredibly high." Those highs include dolphins swimming alongside their children, spearfishing for dinner, and watching the sunset from anchorages few travelers ever experience.

What's most remarkable about their story is how their children have transformed. Their oldest daughter, initially devastated to leave her competitive dance career, became an accomplished free diver reaching depths of over 70 feet. Their naturally shy daughter now confidently speaks with people from around the world. As Amber notes, "Kids are way more resilient than we give them credit for – all they really need is loving parents and a good household environment."

Now approaching their fourth year of boat life and having visited 21 countries throughout the Caribbean, the Morse family is considering how to help other families make similar transitions. They've discovered that courage begets courage – each step outside their comfort zone has prepared them for the next adventure.

Whether you dream of sailing away or simply creating more meaningful family connections, this conversation will inspire you to question conventional wisdom about what makes a good life. Follow their continuing journey on Instagram at @_everydaysaturday or check out their website www.everydaysaturday.com.

Discover the journeys that do more than take you somewhere new—they change the way you see yourself and the world. Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel explores unforgettable adventures, hidden places, and the transformative power of stepping beyond the familiar.

Check out Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

What happens when you hit all the milestones society tells you to chase, yet still feel empty inside? For Jeremy George, that existential crisis led to a year-long battle with suicidal thoughts despite having a beautiful New York apartment, career success, and financial stability.

Everything changed when three consecutive wake-up calls shattered Jeremy's perception of what makes a meaningful life. His mother's near-death experience during a routine surgery, the global pandemic's stark reminder of life's fragility, and unexpectedly losing his job created the perfect storm that forced Jeremy to confront a powerful question: If so much in life is beyond our control, why not intentionally pursue what truly matters?

His answer was bold – attempt 52 bucket list items in 52 weeks. But Jeremy's adventure wasn't about adrenaline stunts or Instagram-worthy moments (though he did bike 650 miles down the California coast and go cliff jumping in Hawaii). The true transformation came through his one fundamental rule: recruit at least one person to help with each goal. This simple principle revealed something profound – our most meaningful experiences come through connection, not achievement.

Jeremy completed 32 of his 52 goals – what he calls a "D-minus" by academic standards. Yet this "failure" became one of his most valuable lessons. Whether getting rejected from reality TV shows or losing miserably while trying to multiply money in Las Vegas, he discovered life's richness comes from attempting what matters, not necessarily succeeding.

This revelation inspired Jeremy to create Bucket Match, a platform connecting people based on shared bucket list goals, making dreams more achievable through community. After all, sharing your goals with others makes you nearly 78% more likely to achieve them than keeping them to yourself.

Ready to rediscover what truly matters to you? Listen now, then visit bucketmatch.ai to find your own bucket list community. You can also follow Jeremy on Instagram @bucketmatch.ai.

 Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake 

Discover the journeys that do more than take you somewhere new—they change the way you see yourself and the world. Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel explores unforgettable adventures, hidden places, and the transformative power of stepping beyond the familiar.

Check out Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

Bonus 9 - What happens when a podcast host puts his own son in the guest seat? Pure magic. In this heartwarming Memorial Day bonus episode, Jake  welcomes his eldest son Josh for a conversation that bridges generations, creative pursuits, and shared family memories.

Josh, who made Jake a father 25 years ago after being born prematurely at just three pounds, has grown into a creative force who now manages his own growing YouTube channel, Tri Nintendo. Their conversation weaves through cherished family traditions—from Wednesday night Survivor viewings paired with Taco Bell (a multi-generational Bushman obsession) to their numerous Disney adventures that actually inspired the concept behind Journey with Jake.

The father-son dynamic shines through as they recall specific memories, like driving up Mount Evans in Colorado and Josh's first encounters with video games at age five ("I'm just so interested in games!"). We witness the beautiful evolution of Josh's gaming passion, which began with borrowed Nintendo consoles from friends and relatives, into his current creative outlet combining gaming insights with his professional design skills.

What makes this episode special is the mutual admiration flowing both ways. Jake expresses pride in Josh's talent and consistency in building his channel to nearly 10,000 subscribers in just five months, while Josh acknowledges learning the value of diligence and hard work from his father. Their rapport reveals how family connections provide the foundation for our individual journeys into new territory.

The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions covering Josh's favorite Nintendo games, Disney rides, and even his standard Taco Bell order (bean burrito, no onions, extra red sauce and a crunchy taco). When asked what adventure means to him, Josh offers a beautifully simple definition: "something new."

Ready for a feel-good listening experience that celebrates family bonds and creative passion? This father-son conversation delivers exactly that. And don't forget to check out Josh's YouTube channel at @TriNintendo – even if you're not a gaming fan, his creativity and production quality are worth experiencing!

Discover the journeys that do more than take you somewhere new—they change the way you see yourself and the world. Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel explores unforgettable adventures, hidden places, and the transformative power of stepping beyond the familiar.

Check out Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

What does it really mean to travel authentically in a world dominated by filtered Instagram perfection? Buster Upton, a 26-year-old Australian adventurer, has the honest answer—and it's not what you might expect.

From his spontaneous childhood road trips with his adventure-loving mother to finding himself enrolled in a Finnish school at 16 (instead of dropping out), Buster's approach to travel has always been refreshingly genuine. At just 18, he quit his first construction job, used his dual Irish citizenship, and set off to backpack across Europe—a pattern that would define his approach to exploring the world.

The magic of Buster's storytelling lies in his willingness to share both the highlights and the gritty reality of long-term travel. Standing amid the haunting remnants of Chernobyl, participating in Laos' water-drenched Buddhist New Year celebrations, or finding himself stranded in a Filipino town with no water or electricity—these experiences reveal the true essence of exploration. As Buster puts it, "90% of backpacking isn't glamorous," but those challenges make the journey worthwhile.

Unlike the travel influencers who portray laptop-driven nomadic lifestyles, Buster's method is beautifully straightforward: work hard in construction back home, save aggressively, then purchase a one-way ticket to somewhere new. His preference for Couchsurfing with locals rather than staying in hotels offers authentic cultural immersion that can't be captured in a carefully staged photo.

For Buster, adventure means embracing the unknown with a hint of fear, stepping completely out of your comfort zone, and becoming "a drop in the ocean" of someone else's normal life. His stories will inspire you to look beyond the perfect Instagram shot and discover what travel really means—connecting with the world as it actually exists.

Ready to rethink what adventure truly means? Subscribe now to hear more transformative journeys and follow me on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast for clips from this and future episodes.

To follow along with Buster give him a follow on Instagram @visit.with.buster.

Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake

Discover the journeys that do more than take you somewhere new—they change the way you see yourself and the world. Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel explores unforgettable adventures, hidden places, and the transformative power of stepping beyond the familiar.

Check out Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

"Our heartbeats are the greatest currency we have." This profound insight comes from Tzara Attwater, who turned personal heartbreak into an epic adventure across Australia's vast wilderness. After walking in on her partner of ten years with another woman, Tzara spent years rebuilding herself before making a bold decision during COVID – converting a Toyota Hiace van with just a jigsaw and YouTube tutorials, then circumnavigating the entire Australian continent solo.

The journey tested her in ways she never imagined. There was the time she swam blissfully in Northern Territory waters for days before learning they were crocodile-infested. Or the harrowing seven-hour rescue operation after she broke her leg falling into a gorge, with death adder snakes slithering beneath her stretcher before being airlifted to Perth.

As a relationship development coach specializing in anxious attachment styles, Tzara's adventure wasn't just geographical – it was emotional. She discovered that true confidence comes from knowing you're complete on your own, making relationships choices based on desire rather than need. Throughout her 30,000-kilometer odyssey, she continued working with clients online, helping them find their voices while she reclaimed her own.

What makes Tzara's story extraordinary isn't just her courage but her philosophy on life, shaped by losing her mother at eight years old. This awareness of mortality fuels her approach to both adventure and relationships – being present, setting boundaries, and spending your limited "heartbeats" wisely.

Ready for adventure in your relationships or life journey? Tzara's story proves that sometimes the most meaningful growth happens when we drive straight into the unknown.

Be sure and follow along with Tzara and get access to her ebooks by visiting www.myconfidencecoach.com.au.

Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake

Discover the journeys that do more than take you somewhere new—they change the way you see yourself and the world. Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel explores unforgettable adventures, hidden places, and the transformative power of stepping beyond the familiar.

Check out Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

What does freedom look like when you navigate the world on wheels? For Jenna Udenberg, it arrived in the form of a Firefly - an electric attachment that transformed her manual wheelchair into an adventure vehicle capable of tackling trails she'd only viewed longingly from afar.

Diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at age seven and using a wheelchair by eight, Jenna refused to let her mobility challenges define her life's boundaries. From becoming a left-handed trumpet player (despite being told it wasn't possible) to creating adaptive music programs that helped non-verbal students find their voice, her journey exemplifies resilience and creative problem-solving.

The pandemic marked a turning point when Jenna left her 19-year teaching career and discovered a new calling as a disability advocate. Through her nonprofit "Above and Beyond With U," she champions the philosophy that true accessibility transcends mere ADA compliance checklists. As she powerfully states, "Nothing for us without us" - accessibility planning must include disabled voices from the very beginning.

Our conversation explores how Jenna discovered newfound independence on Minnesota's state park trails, the transformative power of community support, and why her autobiography is titled "Within My Spokes." You'll gain fresh perspective on what adventure truly means and how accessibility benefits everyone.

Whether you're disabled, know someone who is, or simply care about creating a more inclusive world, Jenna's insights will change how you think about accessibility in outdoor spaces. Listen now to hear more inspiring stories of people finding their own unique paths to adventure despite life's challenges.

Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake

Discover the journeys that do more than take you somewhere new—they change the way you see yourself and the world. Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel explores unforgettable adventures, hidden places, and the transformative power of stepping beyond the familiar.

Check out Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure.