The Human Adventure

Bonus 11 - Sexual assault fundamentally changes lives, but it doesn't have to define them. In this powerful bonus episode, Amanda Villarini talks about the night that altered her path forever, when what began as a casual gathering with friends ended in betrayal and trauma.

Amanda's story exposes the painful reality that sometimes our most devastating wounds come from those we trust. With remarkable courage, she walks us through not only the assault itself, but the complicated aftermath – from the invasive rape kit process to a justice system that ultimately failed her. Despite physical evidence and clear signs of non-consent, Amanda found herself facing the all-too-common "three against one" dismissal of her case. Years later, she would discover her rape kit remained sealed and unexamined, joining countless others in a system that often leaves survivors without closure.

What makes Amanda's testimony so powerful isn't just her willingness to revisit this trauma, but her insight into the complex journey of healing that followed. From developing protective mechanisms like baggy clothing and tattoos to navigating the complicated terrain of trust and intimacy afterward, she offers a window into the long-term ripple effects of sexual violence. Yet through it all, Amanda refuses to surrender her future to this single event. Ten years later, she's building a life of purpose – traveling, working, nurturing relationships, and planning for marriage and children.

For listeners who have experienced similar trauma, Amanda offers both practical wisdom (don't shower after assault, preserve evidence, report immediately) and emotional guidance: "Take your time. Time is different for everyone... Everyone's different and don't fret, just take your time, figure it out." Her message reinforces that healing isn't linear, and there's no universal timeline for recovery.

Connect with Amanda through her Instagram or YouTube if you'd like to share your own story. As she reminds us, while there is evil in the world, there is also tremendous good – and sometimes the most powerful step toward healing is simply breaking the silence.

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. 

#175 - When Rodney Carpentier first laced up his police patrol boots to tackle a Catskill mountain, he had no idea he was beginning a transformative six-year odyssey that would shape not only his physical resilience but his creative future. Sharing his remarkable journey from unprepared novice to accomplished hiker who conquered all 35 peaks of the challenging Catskills 3500, Rodney reveals how the mountains became his sanctuary during life's most difficult moments.

The trail wasn't just physical for Rodney. Between summits, he navigated profound personal loss, career challenges in law enforcement, and relationship hurdles that tested his resolve. "It was kind of the only thing I looked forward to," he admits, describing how these weekend adventures with his wife provided essential connection and accomplishment during turbulent times. These mountains that once left him breathless and struggling to keep pace gradually became a place of mastery and ultimately, creative inspiration.

What makes Rodney's story particularly compelling is how his mountain adventures eventually gave birth to a second chapter as a mystery novelist. Drawing from his intimate knowledge of the Catskills' rugged terrain and his experiences in law enforcement, he crafted "Our Lady of the Overlook," the first in a trilogy of mystery novels set among the same peaks he spent years exploring. The mountains themselves become almost a character in his writing—unpredictable, beautiful, and occasionally dangerous.

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure inspiration, creative motivation, or simply a reminder that our challenges often lead to unexpected gifts, Rodney's journey demonstrates how adventure shapes who we become. As he puts it, "Life should be an adventure... if you're not trying to do something new or different or better, that's what makes life worth doing." Visit rlcarpentierwriter.com to explore Rodney's novels and continue following his Catskills journey.

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. 

#174 - What does redemption look like at 72 years old? For Rand Timmerman, it meant lacing up his hiking boots and tackling the Appalachian Trail's 2,190 miles alongside his grieving brother—a journey that would test his newfound sobriety, physical limits, and spiritual foundation.

Rand's path to that trailhead was anything but straight. Growing up in poverty after his father contracted polio, he discovered alcohol at 13 and was immediately transformed in his own mind from a skinny teenager to "Clint Eastwood." After impulsively enlisting during Vietnam, where both he and his brother served as helicopter gunners, Rand built a successful 40-year legal career while battling what many would call "functional alcoholism." Meanwhile, his brother Ronnie found faith, becoming a Mormon bishop and building a large blended family—until his wife's death left him shattered and seeking healing in nature.

The brothers' epic hike across 600 mountains became much more than a physical challenge. For Rand, who had found sobriety just years earlier after hitting rock bottom at 65, it was the culmination of a spiritual awakening. "I was standing on a mountain in New Jersey," he recalls, "feeling spiritual power all around me, and I realized God made all of that and I never saw it before." Despite artificial knees, infections, and countless falls, Rand completed 1,863 miles before injuries forced him to stop.

Today, Rand walks eight miles daily and dedicates hours to helping others overcome addiction. His message is beautifully simple: "Just don't drink today, no matter what." His book "A Spiritual Passage" captures both the breathtaking landscapes and inner transformation of a man who discovered it's never too late to surrender to something greater and find purpose in helping others along the same path.

To learn more about Rand and get a copy of his book please visit www.randtimmerman.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. 

#173 - The most powerful journeys often begin in life's darkest moments. When Thom Barrett received his stage four cancer diagnosis, he made a decision that would transform his experience – he would embrace each day fully, intentionally, and with an adventurous spirit that defies conventional expectations.

Our conversation with Thom reveals a man who redefined what it means to truly live. A former corporate accountant who retired at 55 to pursue adventure, Thom approaches his terminal diagnosis not as an ending, but as an invitation to deepen his connection with each moment. His definition of adventure resonates deeply: "Adventure doesn't start until you have a problem where you're challenged to figure something out." For Thom, this philosophy applies equally to navigating remote wilderness and living with cancer.

Through breathtaking stories of kayaking in Antarctica, hiking Patagonia, and exploring the polar regions, Thom shares how his relationship with adventure evolved from chasing accomplishments to savoring experiences. "It's not about miles anymore, it's not about summits," he explains, "it's about experiences." This shift mirrors his approach to living with cancer – finding richness in slowing down, noticing more, and appreciating what remains rather than mourning what's lost.

Thom's vulnerability in discussing his journey as an author is equally compelling. His books, including "Living While Dying" and "The Strength of Surrender," emerged from his need to process emotions and leave a legacy. Perhaps most touching is his revelation about learning to accept help: "What I learned is that asking for help is not a weakness, it's a strength," challenging traditional notions of masculinity and revealing how terminal illness opened pathways to deeper human connection.

Whether you're facing health challenges, seeking adventure, or simply wanting to live more fully, Thom's wisdom offers a roadmap for embracing life on deeper terms. As he suggests, "Be a birdwalker, go slow, look around you, enjoy the moment." What better invitation could there be to transform how we experience our precious time? Listen now and discover how to live richly in the face of life's greatest challenges.

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. 

#172 - Ever wonder what it's like to break a school record in your final race? Or how someone finds their calling at just 21 years old? Meet McKella Leeper, whose enthusiasm for life bubbles up like the wake behind a powerful swimmer.

McKella's journey began when her family moved closer to her father's workplace, with the promise that he would coach his daughters in swimming. This decision transformed not just her athletic path but her relationship with her father. "Swimming is the one thing that me and my dad can just go on for hours about," she shares, revealing how their coaching partnership bridged communication gaps and created a unique father-daughter bond.

Her competitive swimming career culminated in an unforgettable moment – breaking her school's 100m breaststroke record by over a second in her final high school race. After narrowly missing finals qualification and "crying in the back of the bus," McKella returned the next day with renewed determination. "I hit the wall and listened... I can hear my mom and all of the parents... I can hear my teammates behind me... and I turned around and looked at the time and saw how big of a drop it was," she recounts, her excitement still palpable years later.

Beyond the pool, McKella created an "ABC Adventure Challenge" during her boyfriend's mission, committing to weekly adventures organized alphabetically. This practice taught her a profound lesson about personal agency: "I realized how much control I had over my situation versus my situation had on me." From ice baths to mountain views with her mom, these adventures became anchors of joy and self-discovery.

Now a newlywed and recent college graduate, McKella is embarking on her career as a high school language arts teacher while continuing to coach swimming. Her approach to coaching mirrors her life philosophy – focusing on technique and fostering love for the sport rather than just results. "I coach to see everyone improve and grow," she explains, embodying the same supportive approach her father modeled.

What makes McKella's story so compelling is how she weaves together swimming, faith, teaching, and relationships into a purposeful life at such a young age. As she says, "You can learn something from anybody" – a reminder that wisdom isn't always tied to years but to openness and experience.

Join us for this refreshing conversation about passion, purpose, and navigating life's currents. Have you found your personal adventure challenge yet?

To see what McKella is up to be sure and follow her on Instagram @mck_swims.

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. 

Have you ever wondered what Africa was like before satellite phones, GPS navigation, and carefully curated safari experiences? Barry Maughan's remarkable journey from Alexandria to South Africa during the tumultuous late 1960s offers a window into a continent few modern travelers will ever experience.

Barry's adventure began with a chance encounter that would set the tone for his entire expedition. After meeting an Egyptian general, what could have been a casual exchange blossomed into extraordinary access to Cairo during the War of Attrition. This serendipitous connection – having his VW camper transported by train while being guarded by armed soldiers – illustrates the unexpected kindness that defined his journey through Africa.

What makes this story truly exceptional is the historical context. Barry traveled through countries experiencing the early days of independence, navigated borders during the rise of dictators like Idi Amin and Muammar Gaddafi, and witnessed a continent in transition. Without electronic tethers – no phones, no GPS, not even reliable maps – Barry and his family relied on ingenuity, observation, and the goodwill of strangers. When their son Kevin was born in Ethiopia, this blue-eyed, towheaded child became what Barry calls their "goodwill ambassador," opening doors to experiences and connections that might otherwise have remained closed.

Throughout our conversation, Barry returns to a fundamental truth discovered on dusty roads and in remote villages: behind cultural differences and diverse circumstances, people share universal desires – safety for their families, enough food on the table, and minimal government interference in their lives. The Africans they met consistently offered help without expectation of payment, whether pushing their vehicle from mud, guiding them across rivers, or simply sharing what little food they had.

Barry's book "Beneath the African Sun" captures these experiences not for commercial success but to preserve a legacy of adventure and human connection for future generations. At 84, his definition of adventure remains powerful: "searching for the heretofore unknown" and "not being afraid of what's around the next bend." His journey reminds us that the most meaningful adventures aren't about conquering places but connecting with them – a lesson as relevant today as it was fifty years ago.

Check out Barry's website www.barrymaughan.com to learn more about Barry and get a copy of his book, "Beneath the African Sun."

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. 

#170 - Ever wondered what it would be like to turn your healthcare career into an adventure? Aaron Bowe transforms this dream into reality as a traveling physical therapist who has crafted a nomadic lifestyle that combines professional growth with unforgettable experiences across America's most breathtaking landscapes.

Aaron reveals the unexpected financial benefits of travel therapy that most healthcare professionals never discover. With 60-70% of his income coming from untaxed housing and meal stipends, he's accelerating student loan payoff while experiencing more of life than his permanently-placed colleagues. This arrangement doesn't just make financial sense—it opens doors to experiences most people only dream about.

The conversation takes us across the country from the foggy coastline of Seaside, Oregon to the tropical shores of Maui, where Aaron learned to spearfish, and remote Alaska, where local fishermen shared their hard-earned knowledge. Each location transformed him in unexpected ways, challenging him to embrace new activities and perspectives. Together with his wife (an occupational therapist) and sister-in-law (a speech therapist), this "Travel Therapy Trio" has mastered the art of negotiating contracts, finding housing, and maximizing both adventure and income.

What's particularly fascinating is Aaron's perspective on how this lifestyle shapes identity. "We have gotten into so many activities that we never would have done if we weren't traveling," he explains, describing how moving every few months eliminates the intimidation of trying new things. This continuous growth and openness to experience has fundamentally changed how he approaches life.

Whether you're a healthcare professional curious about alternative career paths or simply someone who dreams of more adventure, Aaron's journey demonstrates that with careful planning, you can transform your career into something that nourishes both your bank account and your soul. Curious about combining purpose with adventure? This conversation might just be the permission slip you need to take the leap.

To learn more about Aaron check out his website www.traveltherapytrio.com and give him a follow on Instagram @traveltherapytrio.

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 happens when you choose freedom over fear? Michelle Coulson's story reveals the extraordinary path that unfolds when you dare to break free from conventional expectations.

Michelle always knew she wasn't destined for the traditional path. Even as a child growing up in a small town outside Manchester, she dreamed of life "abroad" – though she couldn't yet define where that would be. After a year in Spain with her family at age 12, the seed of adventure took root, setting her on a trajectory that would eventually lead to solo cycling across Europe and founding a business that helps others reclaim their freedom.

Her journey weaves through working at a Florida country club in her twenties (where she formed her initial impressions of Americans), spontaneously visiting Times Square for New Year's Eve with a stranger she met on the subway, and eventually embarking on a transformative solo cycling trip from Montenegro to France. Despite the challenges of mountain terrain, cold temperatures, and loneliness, this journey crystallized her understanding of what truly matters in life.

When the pandemic hit, Michelle's adventurous spirit couldn't be contained by lockdown restrictions. She escaped to Cornwall in search of surf and her "happy place" by the ocean, eventually making her way to Bali in 2021. When her employer demanded she return to the office after 18 months of successful remote work, Michelle made the bold decision to quit rather than compromise her freedom.

This pivotal moment led to the birth of Remote Rebellion, her company dedicated to helping others secure remote work that aligns with their values and desired lifestyle. Drawing from her extensive recruitment experience and personal journey, Michelle now leads a global team scattered across seven countries, proving that work can happen from anywhere when you build with intention.

Whether you're contemplating a career change, dreaming of location independence, or simply seeking inspiration to live more adventurously, Michelle's story demonstrates that the question isn't whether you can break free – it's whether you're willing to take that first step. As she says, adventure means "breaking out of your comfort zone and trying something a little new and maybe a little scary."

Ready to rebel against limitations and design a life on your own terms? Visit remoterebellion.com and follow Michelle's journey on Instagram at @remote_rebellion.

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. 

#168 - "Collect moments, not things." It's a philosophy that sounds simple but runs counter to our consumer-driven culture. Cody Sudmeier, founder of Spur Experiences, joins the show to explore why shared adventures create more meaningful connections and lasting happiness than material possessions.

After leaving a successful consulting career that felt increasingly unfulfilling, Cody found himself at a wedding shopping for last-minute registry gifts. The only item left? A $120 set of salt and pepper shakers for a couple who had traveled the world. This disconnect sparked the creation of Spur Experiences—a company that allows people to gift memorable adventures rather than forgettable things.

Scientific research backs his approach. Studies show experiences create happiness at three distinct points: anticipation before the event, enjoyment during the activity, and lasting memories afterward. While material purchases create a brief dopamine spike that quickly fades, experiences continue generating joy years later through shared stories and connections.

What began as a wedding registry alternative has expanded into a platform offering over 7,000 experiences across 80 countries—from wine tastings and spa days to helicopter tours and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Through personal stories about rappelling down waterfalls, exploring Antarctica, and surviving the challenges of COVID, Cody demonstrates how prioritizing experiences has transformed his own life.

For anyone feeling stuck in routine or unsure about what truly matters, this conversation offers a compelling reminder: fill up your calendar, not your cabinets. Your future self will thank you for the memories.

To learn more about Cody and Spur Experiences check out www.spurexperiences.com and be sure to follow them on Instagram @spurexperiences.

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 10 - What happens when a former Army Ranger and Special Forces veteran finally reveals classified missions conducted during some of history's most volatile conflicts? Chris Brewer's military journey spans 24 remarkable years, from the reactivation of the 1st Ranger Battalion in 1974 to covert operations in Colombia during the Pablo Escobar era.

In this gripping conversation, Chris takes us behind enemy lines into a world few civilians ever glimpse. Operating in civilian clothes with minimal support, his six-person team would check in just once weekly via HF radio to confirm they were still alive. While bombs exploded nightly in Bogota streets and gunfire erupted regularly, Chris and his team navigated this dangerous terrain while establishing a medical corpsman school as their cover mission. The real objective? A classified operation straight out of a Tom Clancy novel.

Behind the tactical stories lies a deeply human journey. Chris opens up about raising his son as a single father while serving in Special Forces, depending on military friends to care for his child during deployments. His candid discussion of surviving rocket attacks and processing trauma offers rare insight into the psychological resilience required in elite military units. "You wake up and the first thing through your mind is I can't breathe," Chris explains, describing the aftermath of explosions that left him sleeping in rooms riddled with shrapnel.

What makes Special Forces different from other military units? As Chris explains, "When there's only six of you, or 12 of you out there, all by yourself, a long way from home, you're probably not going to win very many gunfights." The key to survival isn't superior firepower but building relationships with local populations and understanding their needs—a philosophy that guided his entire career.

Check out Chris's books "In the Shadows Between the Wars" and "Old Scroll Ranger" on Amazon to dive deeper into these declassified stories that shaped global security while remaining hidden from public view for decades. These firsthand accounts provide an unfiltered look at military service that will change how you understand modern warfare.

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.