What Could Go Right?

What happens when retirement finally arrives… and a perfect lawn isn’t enough? In this episode, Paul Fowler, soft-spoken, thoughtful, and nearing 70—reveals how he became an unlikely world adventurer. From a life-threatening evacuation on Mount Everest to walking the Camino for healing and connection, he shares how travel, courage, and conversations with strangers helped him rebuild confidence after trauma. If you’ve ever wondered whether big adventures still belong to you, this story will change what you believe is possible.

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Try Living on a Sailboat for a Week: 

Perfect for rookies who want to test drive the live-aboard dream. Yes, we let you drive the boat. Relax, explore, and get as much/little sailing experience as you want with stunning 360-views. Sail with us.

Erik + Emily Memoirs:

Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention For A Life-Changing Year On A Sailboat 

Knock: The Spiritual Journey of a Door-to-Door Salesman

Connect with Erik + Emily:

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Matt and Julie LeCroix started their sailing adventure with us in Greece—and it sparked a journey that took them to the Bahamas and the U.S. Virgin Islands once Matt became a certified skipper. They share the thrill of exploring new waters, building lasting friendships, and stepping boldly into experiences that change your perspective. If you’ve ever wondered what could go right when you say yes to adventure, their story will inspire your next trip.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rate. Review. Subscribe.  

Try Living on a Sailboat for a Week: 

Perfect for rookies who want to test drive the live-aboard dream. Yes, we let you drive the boat. Relax, explore, and get as much/little sailing experience as you want with stunning 360-views. Sail with us.

Erik + Emily Memoirs:

Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention For A Life-Changing Year On A Sailboat 

Knock: The Spiritual Journey of a Door-to-Door Salesman

Connect with Erik + Emily:

Email Subscribe to Encouragement

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Facebook

What if you’re succeeding more than you think? Discover how celebrating small wins builds confidence and turns simple actions into habits that stick.

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Resources:

Try Living on a Sailboat for a Week: 

Perfect for rookies who want to test drive the live-aboard dream. Yes, we let you drive the boat. Relax, explore, and get as much/little sailing experience as you want with stunning 360-views. Sail with us.

Erik + Emily Memoirs:

Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention For A Life-Changing Year On A Sailboat 

Knock: The Spiritual Journey of a Door-to-Door Salesman

Connect with Erik + Emily:

Email Subscribe to Encouragement

Youtube Like, Comment, Subscribe

Instagram 

Facebook

What if Italy didn’t feel rushed? In this episode, we talk about seeing the Amalfi Coast from the sea — sailing to Procida, Ischia, and Capri, and discovering a slower, more human way to travel. It’s a conversation about choosing a different pace of adventure — one that leaves you feeling connected, nourished, and more alive.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rate. Review. Subscribe.  

Try Living on a Sailboat for a Week: 

Perfect for rookies who want to test drive the live-aboard dream. Yes, we let you drive the boat. Relax, explore, and get as much/little sailing experience as you want with stunning 360-views. Sail with us.

Erik + Emily Memoirs:

Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention For A Life-Changing Year On A Sailboat 

Knock: The Spiritual Journey of a Door-to-Door Salesman

Connect with Erik + Emily:

Email Subscribe to Encouragement

Youtube Like, Comment, Subscribe

Instagram 

Facebook

The very things meant to make your life easier may be quietly making it lonelier. When everything is done for you, connection often disappears. What if shared work—cooking, cleaning, contributing—has become one of the most overlooked luxuries of our time?

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Resources:

Ep.129 If You're Not Having Fun

Ep. 54 Your Guide to Letting Go with Y.E. Young

Ep. 11 Marriage and Life Pivots with Y.E. and Jayne Young pt 2

Ep. 10 Marriage and Life Pivots with Y.E. and Jayne Young pt. 1

Try Living on a Sailboat for a Week: 

Perfect for rookies who want to test drive the live-aboard dream. Yes, we let you drive the boat. Relax, explore, and get as much/little sailing experience as you want with stunning 360-views. Sail with us.

Erik + Emily Memoirs:

Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention For A Life-Changing Year On A Sailboat 

Knock: The Spiritual Journey of a Door-to-Door Salesman

Connect with Erik + Emily:

Email Subscribe to Encouragement

Youtube Like, Comment, Subscribe

Instagram 

Facebook

Imagine sailing Bora Bora’s calm lagoons, snorkeling with rays and small sharks, exploring vanilla farms, biking around the island, and dining where the floor is sand. In this episode, you’ll get a first-hand look at French Polynesia beyond the photos — from flat-water sailing and paddleboarding in protected lagoons to immersing yourself in the island’s local culture. Whether you’re planning a travel adventure or dreaming of a sailing trip in Bora Bora, this episode shows you why being there in person is worth every effort.

On What Could Go Right?, we share personal growth and sailing adventures that transform lives. From sailing a year with five kids to chasing bold dreams, we show you how to go from fear to freedom — one adventure at a time.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rate. Review. Subscribe.  

Resources:

Try Living on a Sailboat for a Week: 

Perfect for rookies who want to test drive the live-aboard dream. Yes, we let you drive the boat. Relax, explore, and get as much/little sailing experience as you want with stunning 360-views. Sail with us.

Erik + Emily Memoirs:

Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention For A Life-Changing Year On A Sailboat 

Knock: The Spiritual Journey of a Door-to-Door Salesman

Connect with Erik + Emily:

Email Subscribe to Encouragement

Youtube Like, Comment, Subscribe

Instagram 

Facebook

Ever feel like you’re carrying more than you need—just in case? In this episode, Explore how real growth often comes from packing lighter, not adding more. Through stories from life at sea, hear how intentional choices, a growth mindset, and a little boldness can help you move from fear to freedom and step more fully into the journey you’re on right now.

Welcome to the What Could Go Right? Podcast. We’re your hosts: Erik Orton and Emily Orton. We talk about personal growth and sailing. In 2014, with little experience and less money, we bootstrapped a year on a sailboat with our five kids and it changed our lives forever. We tell the whole story in our book Seven at Sea. On this podcast, we want to help you go from fear to freedom one adventure at a time.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rate. Review. Subscribe.  

Resources:

Try Living on a Sailboat for a Week: 

Perfect for rookies who want to test drive the live-aboard dream. Yes, we let you drive the boat. Relax, explore, and get as much/little sailing experience as you want with stunning 360-views. Sail with us.

Erik + Emily Memoirs:

Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention For A Life-Changing Year On A Sailboat 

Knock: The Spiritual Journey of a Door-to-Door Salesman

Connect with Erik + Emily:

Email Subscribe to Encouragement

Youtube Like, Comment, Subscribe

Instagram 

Facebook

Feeling like life has piled on responsibilities and left little room for joy or adventure? In this episode, we take you to the stunning Sea of Cortez, Mexico, where guests discovered play, wonder, and connection. From walking with stingrays in Balandra Bay to snorkeling with thousands of fish, spotting a gray humpback whale, and even learning to backflip off the boat—after 50—they proved that magic and growth have no age limit. If you’re ready to reclaim curiosity, laughter, and adventure, let us guide you to your next unforgettable experience.

Welcome to the What Could Go Right? Podcast. We’re your hosts: Erik Orton and Emily Orton. We talk about personal growth and sailing. In 2014, with little experience and less money, we bootstrapped a year on a sailboat with our five kids and it changed our lives forever. We tell the whole story in our book Seven at Sea. On this podcast, we want to help you go from fear to freedom one adventure at a time.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rate. Review. Subscribe.  

UPDATE: Greece 2026 is SOLD OUT

Resources:

Try Living on a Sailboat for a Week: 

Perfect for rookies who want to test drive the live-aboard dream. Yes, we let you drive the boat. Relax, explore, and get as much/little sailing experience as you want with stunning 360-views. Sail with us.

Erik + Emily Memoirs:

Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention For A Life-Changing Year On A Sailboat 

Knock: The Spiritual Journey of a Door-to-Door Salesman

Connect with Erik + Emily:

Email Subscribe to Encouragement

Youtube Like, Comment, Subscribe

Instagram 

Facebook

Curtis had six kids, just lost his job, and wondered if he’d ever get ahead—or live his lifelong dream of flying. Alongside his wife Irene, he navigated big fears, bold risks, and life-changing decisions, from investing in a groundbreaking ed-tech startup to finally buying the small airplane he’d always dreamed of. In this episode, Curtis and Irene share their story of courage, partnership, and adventure, offering insights for anyone ready to take a leap, invest in a dream, and turn fear into freedom—one adventure at a time.

Welcome to the What Could Go Right? Podcast. We’re your hosts: Erik Orton and Emily Orton. We talk about personal growth and sailing. In 2014, with little experience and less money, we bootstrapped a year on a sailboat with our five kids and it changed our lives forever. We tell the whole story in our book Seven at Sea. On this podcast, we want to help you go from fear to freedom one adventure at a time.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rate. Review. Subscribe.  

Resources:

Try Living on a Sailboat for a Week: 

Perfect for rookies who want to test drive the live-aboard dream. Yes, we let you drive the boat. Relax, explore, and get as much/little sailing experience as you want with stunning 360-views. Sail with us.

Erik + Emily Memoirs:

Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention For A Life-Changing Year On A Sailboat 

Knock: The Spiritual Journey of a Door-to-Door Salesman

Connect with Erik + Emily:

Email Subscribe to Encouragement

Youtube Like, Comment, Subscribe

Instagram 

Facebook

Real growth isn’t a glow-up—it’s a beautiful mess. In this episode, we open up about the transitions, challenges, and quiet wins happening inside our family and business this year. If you’ve been feeling behind, this conversation will remind you you’re not alone—progress is progress, even when it’s slow. And asking What has gone right? might just shift everything.

Welcome to the What Could Go Right? Podcast. We’re your hosts: Erik Orton and Emily Orton. We talk about personal growth and sailing. In 2014, with little experience and less money, we bootstrapped a year on a sailboat with our five kids and it changed our lives forever. We tell the whole story in our book Seven at Sea. On this podcast, we want to help you go from fear to freedom one adventure at a time.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rate. Review. Subscribe.  

Resources:

Try Living on a Sailboat for a Week: 

Perfect for rookies who want to test drive the live-aboard dream. Yes, we let you drive the boat. Relax, explore, and get as much/little sailing experience as you want with stunning 360-views. Sail with us.

Erik + Emily Memoirs:

Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention For A Life-Changing Year On A Sailboat 

Knock: The Spiritual Journey of a Door-to-Door Salesman

Connect with Erik + Emily:

Email Subscribe to Encouragement

Youtube Like, Comment, Subscribe

Instagram 

Facebook