The Human Adventure

#056 - Ever dreamt of soaring through the skies like a bird? Strap in for an adrenaline-pumping conversation with Walker Becraft, a paramotor enthusiast who'll take us on a journey to the thrilling world of powered paragliding and paramotoring. Discover how the perfect combination of wing fabric, motor, and propeller can create an unforgettable experience among the clouds.

Join us as Walker shares his passion for defying gravity, exploring the technical aspects of paramotoring, and offering invaluable advice for those keen on trying out this extreme sport. Gain insights into Walker's nerve-wracking yet awe-inspiring flights, including his mountain range adventure, and learn about the importance of proper training and equipment. But the excitement doesn't end there - we also discuss Walker's paramotoring escapades in Northern Utah, where he performs maneuvers like barrel rolls and wing overs while also working with military personell.

Get ready to be inspired by Walker's contagious enthusiasm for paramotoring, a reminder that sometimes the most fulfilling adventures are the ones that take us to new heights. Listen in as we uncover the secrets of this incredible sport and find out how you, too, can break free from gravity's grasp and conquer the skies.

You can follow Walker on Instagram @walkerb___ and see some great footage of his paramotoring flights on Instagram.

Thank you for listening each and every week.  For more information and insights into my guests follow me on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast.  

#055 - Ever wondered how to bring the magic of travel into your everyday life? Join us as we chat with Kat Medina, author of The Joys of Jetlag, who reveals her secrets for embracing a traveler's mindset at home. We discuss the contrast between how we act while traveling and our behavior in our daily routines, and how we can use a traveler's mindset to live more fully and joyfully, no matter where we are.

In this captivating conversation, Kat shares her experiences of visiting Cuba and finding happiness in the people and culture, even amidst poverty. By disconnecting from her phone and focusing on the present moment, Kat unlocked the beauty of the unknown. Listen in and learn how stepping away from technology can open doors for creativity, imagination, and connection.

Lastly, we delve into the challenge of bridging the gap between the excitement of traveling and the fulfillment of our day-to-day lives. Kat imparts her wisdom on embracing adventure, staying open-hearted, and finding humor in the unexpected. Discover how saying "yes" to the present moment can lead to more meaningful experiences and how to shift your mindset to make the most out of your everyday life. Come along with us on this journey to living fully with a traveler's mindset!

Please give Kat a follow on Instagram @katmedinawriter and check out her book "The Joys of Jet Lag".  You can find the book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.  Just search for "The Joys of Jet Lag" or visit her website www.katmedina.com. 

If you want to see some pictures and clips from the episodes give me a follow on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast and join our community there.

#054 - It amazes me how some people are able to push on and on even after setbacks like shin splits, quad pains, torrential downpours, and wind.  Today's conversation with ultrarunner, Andrew Hedgman, gives us a taste of what it is like to face setbacks and keep on going.

Andrew comes from New Zealand, but his running has taken him all over the world including Africa and Turkey.  He has such a passion for running that he can even enjoy the moment and the beauty while hunched over and throwing up.  It just goes to show how much we can endure and still find the joy in the journey.

I love how well rounded Andrew is as he pursues a degree in communication and still finds the time to enjoy his passion of video games.  Come along for the ride with Andrew Hedgman.

You can find Andrew on Instagram @andyroyz so please be sure and give him a follow to see what he is up to.

Please leave me a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  You can also give me a follow on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast and learn more about my guests through pictures and clips of our conversations.  You will also see some of my personal adventures and who I am.  Thanks for listening to Journey with Jake.  

#053 - My guests this week are Oak and Elton from @ohh_theplaceswego on Instagram.  As the title suggests Oak and Elton are newlyweds and we touch on some of their adventures together.

While the adventures are great I love getting to know my guests and I loved hearing how they met and also how they came to find each other.  Oak and Elton come from two different worlds, but in this great big world have found each other.  

They are currently living in Hawaii and enjoying what the islands have to offer.  Lots of adventure each and every day for them in Hawaii.  Some of their fondest memories come from Australia where they met and grew to know and love each other.  Sit back and enjoy the stories from Oak and Elton!

Thank you for listening to Journey with Jake.  I would love to have you as part of my community.  Give me a follow on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast and see what my guests look like and enjoy some of their pictures and videos.  Instagram is also a great way to get to know me personally and who I am.  Please follow along and say hi.

#052 -  I have spoken to quite a few distance runners and they all have a love for running.  It is something that drives them and helps them overcome their challenges.  In this episode I spoke with ultrarunner, Kate Olson, who not only loves running, but she really finds ways to make it fun.

From taking different trails, to exploring different countries or perhaps running to get tacos, Kate finds a way to make it fun.  Part of what makes it fun for Kate is her positive attitude towards every situation.  On her last 100 mile race she encountered a torrential downpour and the rain didn't stop all night.  Did that phase Kate?  Nope!  She kept on running and took first place.  Kate Olson is the epitome of adventurer and explorer.  Runners and non-runners alike will love hearing from Kate.  She also talks about her time on the TV show Wipeout!  

Please give Kate a follow on Instagram @onthejumbotron and let her know you listened to her on Journey with Jake.  

To see pictures and videos of my guests check out my Instagram page @journewithjakepodcast .  Feel free to message me through Instagram or send me an email to [email protected] .  I would love to hear from you.

#051 - I feel like sometimes I get in a rush to get to my destination.  Talking with Anna and Edo from the Go Far Podcast made me realize I need to slow down and practice what I preach about enjoying the journey.  

I had a great conversation with Edo and Anna about their podcast which is all about their own adventures and human powered travel.  What is human powered travel?  Cycling, walking, hiking and just being outside and taking things slow.  I was fascinated with the pure enjoyment they get from taking days to cycle along the Danube river.  Not everything is easy and fun, but that is part of the memories and learning these adventures create for us. 

Anna spoke about her love for walking including going on pilgrimages.  For both Anna and Edo these walks have provided for them not just in a spiritual sense, but often times in a physical sense as well.  Come walk and cycle with Anna and Edo!

You can find the Go Far Podcast on all major podcast platforms or check out their website www.gofarpods.com .  You can also follow with them on Instagram @gofarpodcast .

Thanks for listening to Journey with Jake.  To see pictures of my guests give me a follow on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast .  I would love to hear from you!  Feel free to DM me on Instagram or send me an email to [email protected].

#050 -  Imagine swimming for 6 miles, riding a bike for 200+ plus miles, and running for 52 miles in 3 days!!  This is exactly what my guest, Mario Minnaert did as he competed in the Ultraman Florida.

This podcast was more than just the adventure of competing in an Ultraman event.  This episode was full of motivation, lessons to be learned, and the realization that we can do hard things.  From the exasperation of swimming an extra mile, to the heart warming feeling of having your older brother there to lift you when you need it most.  Mario's motivating and inspiring stories will be sure to lift your spirits.  Mario is after all, a coach!!

You can find Mario on Instagram @mario.minnaert or check out his website www.endurify.co .  Let him know you heard him on Journey with Jake.

I would love it if you could leave a rating and review for the podcast on Apple Podcasts.  That would mean a lot to me.  You can also follow me on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast for pictures, clips, and personal fun from me!

#049 - Have you ever had a dream to a live a life full of adventure?  In this episode we talk to Guido and Helena from Againstallwinds (check them out on Instagram @againstallwinds) who are in the process of living their dream.  What is their dream? To live on sail boat and sail the world!

Part of the process to live your dream is to take risks and we dive into this with Helena and Guido and how they are taking risks to be happy.  

We also talk about some of the mishaps of learning to sail like losing all your power or dropping your phone into the ocean.  As well as going on a charter with the angry old skipper to learn if this is the life for you.  This is all told from Guido and Helena's perspective and you can sense the joy and memories these stories are creating for them.  Come along as we sail with Guido and Helena.

Thank you for listening to Journey with Jake.  I would love it if you can leave me a review on Apple Podcasts.  I also would love to hear from you about anything regarding the show.  Send me an email to [email protected].  You can also follow me on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast to see clips and photos of my guests as well as getting to know me a little better personally as well.

#048 - What is shuffle dancing?  I was unsure myself, but I was mesmerized by these content creators shuffle dancing on Instagram.  I could see passion in their moves and just a strong energy coming from them.  One of these dancers is Charley McGarry.  

Charley only recently picked up shuffle dancing during the COVID 19 Pandemic, but she has made quite a name for herself and has such a dynamic personality.  We explore this world, but also tap into some of Charley's thoughts on keeping balance as she lives her life and finds the time to enjoy her passion as a shuffle dancer.

For more information about Charley give her a follow on Instagram @charleymcgee or on TikTok charleymcgee_ .  

Thank you for your continued support of Journey with Jake.  For more information, pictures, and clips from the show give me a follow on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast .  Feel free to send any comments to [email protected] or direct message me on Instagram.

#047 - Brittany Peterson is a remarkable athlete and an even better human being.  It was fantastic to talk with Brittany about her time as an ultrarunner and some of her successes and also her challenges.

Brittany is going through the process of being sidelined for a bit while she deals with injury.  For someone who has made a career out of running the prospects of not running can be challenging.  Brittany dives into her challenges and what she is doing to look ahead and the hope to be running again soon.

My conversation with Brittany also looked at the top moments of getting into the Western States 100 by winning a golden ticket and the humor of bonking in Boise.  Come along and run with Brittany.  You can follow along with Brittany @runhappyb on Instagram.  

Thank you for listening to Journey with Jake.  Please leave me a review on Apple Podcasts.  To see pictures and clips from my guests please give me a follow @journeywithjakepodcast on Instagram.