The Human Adventure

076 - Prepare to plunge into the depths of an awe-inspiring sojourn as we voyage with Allison Burkhard into her year of revelation and transformation. As she paints an evocative portrait of her path from an environmental law attorney to an ardent ocean travel and underwater photography enthusiast, you can feel the lapping waves and cool sea breeze. Her stories will transport you from the comfort of your room to the dancing northern lights of the Arctic Circle and the vibrant reefs of the Caribbean.

Feel the chill of the Arctic Circle as Allison narrates her first solo expedition to Norway. From the adrenaline rush of swimming with orcas and humpback whales to the challenges of illness in a foreign land, her tales are a testament to her resilience and spirit. And just when you think you've heard it all, she takes you on a surreal journey underneath the Caribbean waters, sharing her humbling encounters with majestic sperm whales and the beautiful lessons she learned from these gentle giants.

As we continue our auditory cruise, Allison invites us into an enchanting world inhabited by the playful Atlantic spotted dolphins near Bimini in the Bahamas. From forming relationships with these creatures to witnessing their extraordinary feeding behaviors, every anecdote is a testament to the breathtaking diversity of marine life. As the journey concludes, Allison will spark your curiosity for the future, as she sets her sights on leading her own expeditions and spreading her message of protection and love for these remarkable species. So, fasten your seatbelts and dive into this oceanic odyssey of adventure, resilience, and profound love for nature.

Be sure and check out Allison on Instagram @allisonunderwater_ and give her a follow.  Thank you for listening to Journey with Jake.  You can find me on Instagram as well @journeywithjakepodcast.  

#075 - Join me as we embark on an invigorating journey with an incredible woman, adventurer, and traveler, Sara Iannacone. With a life story filled with globe-trotting experiences, culinary adventures, and a candid portrayal of her battle with anxiety, Sara is an inspiration to all of us who desire to explore the world and embrace life. Raised in quaint Mystic, Connecticut, Sara's love for travel was kindled early on in life, taking her on a whirlwind journey around the world and back.

During our conversation, Sara opens up about her experiences with local communities across different parts of the globe, providing a unique perspective on the impact of tourism. From spending a day with a family living without electricity to visiting a village with a conservation program, Sara's journey is not just about seeing new places, but truly experiencing them. As the conversation unfolds, she also shares her daring decision to leave her corporate job to pursue her dreams, and how she navigates the anxiety that sometimes accompanies her adventures.

Our chat with Sara is not just about her thrilling escapades, but also a deep dive into her personal life, her husband's unwavering support, her favorite travel experiences, and her love for culinary adventures. From their charming engagement story to their culinary exploration in Mexico, her stories are sure to ignite your senses. Above all, Sara's story is a testament to the power of gratitude, vulnerability, and the relentless pursuit of adventure. Tune in to our stirring chat and get inspired to chase your passions, no matter the odds.

Be sure and check out more from Sara on Instagram @onewanderfullife_ and her website www.sara-iannacone.com.

074 - Join the fascinating journey of Mario Ruiz, the Black Scuba Bear, on this episode of Journey with Jake. As your host I assure you this is not just a story about scuba diving. It's a journey of discovery, of connecting with the world beneath the surface, and of finding one's purpose in life. We'll start with Mario's early life in Miami, explore his love for water and marine life in California, and get glimpses of his awe-inspiring experiences with hammerhead sharks and black iguanas in the Galapagos Islands.

Prepare to be captivated as Mario takes us through the meticulous physical and mental preparation that goes into a dive day. Feel the thrill and the tension on the boat, the breathtaking beauty underwater, and the challenges that come with the sport. Mario's narrative will give you an idea about the importance of alertness, responsiveness, and understanding of air types in scuba diving. And that's not all; you'll also hear about his 'bear blessings,' a unique ritual that signifies the power of curiosity.

But wait, there's more! In the climax of our discussion, we'll go heart-to-heart about Mario's noble goal to help children with disabilities learn to scuba dive. Hear his valuable tips for beginners, his favorite underwater stories, and why having an experienced guide is crucial for safe diving. Stick around as Mario reveals his aspirations and how his passion for scuba diving can serve as an inspiration for others. This episode is a treasure trove of adventure and motivation, a story that will leave you fascinated and fired up. Tune in to Journey with Jake and brace yourself for an awe-inspiring ride beneath the waves with The Black Scuba Bear!

Be sure and follow Mario on social media @iamblackscubabear and check out all his adventures through that medium.  Please give me a follow as well @journeywithjakepodcast to get to know my guests and myself a little better and be part of the Journey with Jake community.

#073 - What if a rod and a reel could be a healing source for you? What if casting a line into a river could soothe your troubled mind? This is the fascinating story of our guest, Danny Keith, a fly fisherman from Wisconsin, who found solace and healing from his struggles with depression and mental illness through the serene art of fly fishing. Danny takes us on his journey, from a difficult upbringing and homeschooling to traveling around the country, finally returning to his home state.

Join us as we venture into the untouched beauty of the Driftless Area in Wisconsin, a breathtaking region of limestone bluffs, chalk streams, and wild trout species. Danny paints a vivid picture of this hidden gem within the fly fishing community. Hear how fly fishing became his form of meditation, his refuge from emotional turmoil, and the catalyst for his creative endeavors. Listen to his heartfelt tales of battling mental health issues, navigating emotional breakdowns, and the impact of a challenging childhood on his emotional resilience.

In the final act of this episode, we'll hear how Danny transformed his passion for fly fishing into an inspiring mission. After an emotional breakdown at work, he discovered the calming power of the great outdoors. His first profound connection with nature while fly fishing in the Driftless Area sparked an intense passion that he now wishes to share with others. Hear Danny’s story of finding joy and peace in their own journeys, underlining the significance of the journey itself, not just the destination. Tune in to this emotion-charged episode and discover the healing power of finding solace in nature, even in the face of life's toughest battles.

Be sure and follow Danny on Instagram @northernchase1 and give me a follow as well @journeywithjakepodcast to see a glimpse into my personal life and get to know my guests a little better through pictures and snippets.

#072 - Hold on tight! This episode offers a thrilling ride as we plunge into the daring world of bull riding with our audacious guest, Gavan Hauck. An 18-year-old professional bull rider from Bandera, Texas, Gavan shares his unfiltered journey in this adrenaline-filled sport. Expect a heart-pounding narrative filled with life-changing experiences, family support, and the physical and mental grit needed to ride a 1500lb bull!

As we stir up dust with Gavan, we uncover the highs and lows of his bull-riding career. He candidly speaks about the risks, his rides with his practice bull, Biggie, and his extraordinary victory at a major rodeo event. We also delve into the rodeo world's camaraderie, the undervalued role of rodeo clowns, and Gavan's admiration for the two-time PBR world champion, Jess Lockwood.

In our riveting conversation, Gavan sheds light on the financial aspects of bull riding and the importance of consistency in this unpredictable sport. We explore his strategies to overcome slumps and stay mentally and physically fit. Gavan's story is a testament to passion, bravery, and resilience. Tune in to experience the captivating and hardcore world of bull riding through the eyes of a young professional.

To see more from my guests be sure and give me a follow on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast .  I also share some personal posts to get to know me better and who I am.  Thanks for listening to Journey with Jake!

#071 - Let's take an exciting trip as we ride shotgun with Sasha Lezhnev, an unbridled adventurer with a heart for humanity. Sasha's tales from the road are as diverse as they are inspiring - from wild weddings in Italian castles to challenging mountain hikes in Ecuador  and even a cherry spitting contest. Yet, his journey is more than just an adrenaline rush; it's also about his impactful work in Africa, rehabilitating former child soldiers, and his contributions to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Fasten your seatbelts as we journey through Sasha's life as a full-time traveler, including the joys, the challenges, and the unexpected twists. Homeschooling his child on the road, Sasha paints a remarkable picture of the world as their classroom. His adventures span across continents, with an unforgettable proposal at Bolivia's Lake Titicaca, a four-day wedding celebration in a castle, and a peek into the beauty of slow traveling and RV living.

Be prepared for Sasha's tales of spontaneous road trips that inspire a longing for the open road. Discover the beauty of detours, the thrill of uncharted paths, and the freedom of the road less traveled. Sasha's stories encourage us to step out of our comfort zones, explore hidden gems, and relish the joy of discovering the world at our own pace. As we wrap up, Sasha shares about his website, www.offthebeatentravel.com, his Instagram page @sasha_travels, and his much-anticipated upcoming book. So join us, sit back, and let the journey begin!

#070 - Get ready to soar to new heights with our fascinating guest, Dan Bentley, a seasoned helicopter pilot and an aspiring master falconer. Tag along for a whirlwind journey that traverses through the peaks and valleys of Dan's life, from piloting multi-million dollar helicopters to pursuing his passion for falconry. Listen closely as he navigates the challenges of needing glasses, and the art of mastering turbulence and prevailing winds – it's a high-stakes tale of perseverance, determination, and resilience.

Ever wondered what it feels like to fly over the Rocky Mountain National Park? Dan provides an exhilarating firsthand account of such an adventure while sharing riveting stories from his world of falconry. From a childhood captivated by raptors to his ongoing pursuit of becoming a master falconer, his experiences are as compelling as they are inspiring. As we delve deeper into his personal realm, Dan gives us a raw and heartfelt insight into his recent struggles and how he cultivates a shared love for adventure with his three daughters.

In the final segment of the episode, we explore the tradition-rich world of falconry, unravel its regulations, and underscore the importance of using wild meat as bait. Dan enlightens us about his goal of achieving the esteemed title of a master falconer, and shares captivating stories of tending to a Peregrine Falcon. So, whether you're an adrenaline junkie, falconry enthusiast, or an aficionado of captivating stories, this conversation with Dan Bentley is bound to inspire and entertain. Don't forget to tune in, drop us a rating, and share your own travel stories to be featured on our show, because remember, it's the journey that truly matters.

You can follow along with Dan's adventures on Instagram @daniel.bentley.3956 and while you are there be sure and give me a follow @journeywithjakepodcast.  

Get ready for an adrenaline-filled adventure as we journey with our returning guest, Josh Baker, who is here to narrate his thrilling experience on the Wonderland Trail. This 93-mile loop around Mount Rainier is a test of stamina and courage, offering an array of terrains from rainforests to alpine and sub-alpine areas. With Josh’s vivid depiction, you will embody his anticipation, challenges, and triumphs as he embarks and conquers this strenuous trail. 

Delving into the heart of his journey, Josh recounts his trials in the wilderness, showcasing the raw and real side of hiking. With the support of his friend, Austin, he managed to overcome his initial fears and physically demanding situations, even when faced with the brutal wilderness alone. This episode is not just about a hiking journey, but also a tale of camaraderie, resilience, and a revelation of a hiker's inner grit. 

Join us as we wrap up with Josh's reflections on completing this adventurous trail. From a bear sighting in the high mountain meadow of Indian Henry's to the mostly downhill route on his last day, you will be transported to the heart of his journey. As he shares his three 'whys' for hiking, you may find yourself identifying your own 'whys' and rekindling your love for the great outdoors. So, buckle up for a wild ride with Josh Baker on the Wonderland Trail, where the journey is the destination.

Thank you for listening to Journey with Jake.  Please give me a follow on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast to learn more about my guests and get to know me a little better as well.  Please tell all your friends about Journey with Jake!!

#068 - Ready for a deep dive into the tranquil world of fly fishing and the healing power of nature? That’s exactly where we're headed with our guest, Matt Harmon. Matt is not just an avid fly fisherman and outdoor enthusiast, but he also plays a symphony of resilience as he shares his journey through bipolar type two and ADHD. Our conversation unravels his life story, filled with personal victories, love, fatherhood, and the joy of connecting with nature.

Imagine the serenity of a camping trip, the thrill of a '100 Fish Day', or the satisfaction of tying a perfect fly. These are the experiences that Matt Harmon uses to mend the fabric of his mental health, and he shares these stories with us. We explore the art and science behind fly fishing, capturing not just the technique, but also the emotion attached to it. Matt also unveils how he uses his platforms, Royal Wulff Outdoors and his YouTube channel, to spread his mantra of 'finding peace in the trees' and 'fishing saves lives'. 

As we journey through the ups and downs of Matt’s life, we get a peek into how he views the world through the lens of fly fishing. We share the joy of his fishing adventures, his respect for the environment, and the unique sensation of holding a fish he's caught. Matt's experiences offer a refreshing perspective on managing mental health through nature and outdoor activities. Join us, and let’s draw inspiration from his tales of overcoming life's challenges through these exhilarating adventures.

Please give Matt a follow on Instagram @royal_wulff_outdoors and follow me as well @journeywithjakepodcast.  If you would be so kind I would also love a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.  Thank you so much for your support of Journey with Jake!

Ever dreamed of visiting all 63 U.S. National Parks but don't know where to start or how to fit it in your schedule? Get ready to be inspired as I, your host Jake, welcome Liz Bailey from the Instagram account @wanderingontheweekends on today’s episode. Liz and her husband managed to pull off an incredible feat, visiting every U.S. National Park and all 50 states in just three years, while still maintaining their full-time jobs. Listen in as Liz shares their journey, from the awe-inspiring sunsets of Yosemite to the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon and one of her personal favorites, Zion National Park.

Liz's insights go beyond the stunning landscapes, as she emphasizes acknowledging the native lands of the parks, and highlights the often overlooked roles of the park Rangers. We also navigate through some fascinating wildlife encounters, underscoring the importance of protecting the land and its inhabitants. From encounters with bears to mountain goats, these stories serve as a vivid reminder of the diverse life that calls these parks home.

As we wrap up, we discuss Liz's upcoming goal of visiting 40 countries by 40. Her infectious spirit of exploration is a testament to the endless wonders that await us if we dare to step out of our comfort zones. Whether the allure of National Parks calls to you, or you simply wish to explore the world in your own way, this episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical tips. Tune in, and find your journey.

Thank you for listening to Journey with Jake.  Be sure and follow Liz @wanderingontheweekends on Instagram.