In this heartfelt episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with a younger Everyday Explorer, my son Hudson, for a conversation that redefines what adventure truly means. While we often explore tales of physical challenge and bold travel, this episode takes us on an inward journey—a story of persistence, identity, and the courage to live fully despite daily challenges. Hudson lives with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic condition, and he brings us into his world with sincerity, wisdom, and humor.

We talk about what it’s like to grow up with PWS, the unique joys and struggles that come with it, and how it’s shaped Hudson’s perspective on life. He shares how adventure isn’t just found on mountaintops or across oceans—it’s in the relationships we build, the obstacles we face, and the love we share. From exploring WWII history in Europe to dreaming about the Great Wall of China, Hudson reminds us that the truest adventures are often the ones that take place in our own hearts and homes. This episode is not just a story of difference—it’s a story of belonging, resilience, and the extraordinary power of being seen and included.

• [0:00] – Meet Hudson Self and an introduction to Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month

• [1:00] – Hudson’s heartfelt presentation on living with PWS

• [3:00] – Sharing his passions and personal joys beyond the diagnosis

• [5:00] – The importance of inclusion and being treated like everyone else

• [7:00] – Discussing the constant challenge of hunger with PWS

• [9:00] – How PWS brought meaningful relationships and mentors into Hudson’s life

• [10:00] – Visiting historical sites in Europe and the emotional impact of Normandy

• [12:00] – Dreaming of a future adventure to the Great Wall of China

• [13:00] – Favorite memories from a Jurassic-themed trip to Hawaii

• Learn more about Prader-Willi Syndrome

• Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month (May)

This episode is a powerful reminder that adventure comes in many forms. If Hudson's story moved you, inspired you, or made you think a little differently, please consider rating, following, and sharing the podcast from our YouTube (this is brand new!), Instagram and Facebook pages (this is new too!). And don’t forget to leave a review—we’d love to hear from you.

Hey friends — Josh here. In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with Luis Rivera, whose story is one of raw grit, reinvention, and the kind of adventure that doesn’t just test your body, but transforms your mind.

From a childhood on a remote island off Puerto Rico to stepping into the unknown of upstate New York at age 12, Luis shares what it really means to navigate cultural shifts, language barriers, and personal setbacks. What begins as a sports story quickly turns into a full-on life odyssey — from a football injury that threatened his future, to an unexpected path in collegiate track and field, to ultimately becoming a national champion and training alongside Olympic athletes.

Luis’s journey is a powerful reminder that the hardest parts of the road are often the ones that reveal who we are. If you’ve ever faced a season of uncertainty or questioned your direction, this conversation offers both perspective and fuel for your own adventure forward.

[4:02] – From Puerto Rico to Rochester: The culture shock of middle school in America
[7:58] – How sports became Luis’s universal language of belonging
[13:45] – Earning the nickname “Mean Machine” and learning the power of hard work
[20:55] – The injury that ended his football dreams — and started something unexpected
[24:10] – A fateful meeting with a track coach and the start of a new athletic journey
[38:00] – Becoming a national champion and rewriting what success looks like
[47:00] – Life after elite athletics and applying the athlete’s mindset to real life
[56:22] – Luis’s powerful reframing of failure and why the “middle ground” matters most

• Follow Luis Rivera

  • Instagram: @luis4real

  • LinkedIn: Luis Rivera, MBA

• Learn more about Nazareth University Track & Field: nazathletics.com

• Want to hear more episodes like this? Subscribe to On Adventure wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you enjoyed this episode, take a moment to rate, follow, and review the show — it’s one of the best ways to help more people discover these stories. And if Luis’s journey inspired you, share it with a friend who needs a reminder that the adventure isn’t just about the destination — it’s about how we grow through the climb.

In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with singer-songwriter and creative visionary Thad Cockrell for a conversation that took an unexpected but deeply inspiring turn. Thad opens up about his journey from wrestling mats and seminary halls to Nashville stages and international acclaim—all while forging a career based on creativity, authenticity, and saying a bold “yes” to uncertainty. We explore what it means to create from love rather than fear, and how rebellion, doubt, and wonder can be sacred tools on the creative path.

From Thad’s bold decision to sell his album for $100 directly to fans, to the moment Jimmy Fallon discovered his song in a hardware store, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success, security, and what it means to truly create without an agenda. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or just someone seeking a more intentional life, this episode is packed with insight and soul.

[1:45] - Thad on how creativity is a daily act of defeating doubt
[4:00] - Why you can’t conform and create at the same time
[9:55] - The childhood moment that sparked Thad’s unexpected path toward music
[14:20] - Discovering Neil Young and realizing, “This is what I’m supposed to do”
[24:30] - Moving to Nashville and the wild story of unexpected community support
[33:50] - Thad’s transformative shift from insecurity to creating from security
[44:00] - How he released his latest album for $100 and made more than 13 years on Spotify
[49:50] - What it means to create from the present moment with no need for external validation
[56:00] - Thad’s big dream: building a new music economy and going platinum without streaming

• Thad Cockrell’s album “The Kid” — Available exclusively via his site

• Learn more about Thad’s journey and upcoming projects at thadcockrell.com

• Past guest: Thom Asta's episode

If this conversation sparked something in you, I’d love for you to leave a review, share the episode, or hit that follow button. Your support means the world and helps more people find the podcast. Thanks for being part of the adventure!

Some stories grab you right from the first sentence—and this one, with Patrick Serfass, took me on a ride I didn’t want to end.

Patrick isn’t just a triathlete, or a renewable energy leader, or a dad raising two adventurous boys. He’s a guy who once said yes to sailing a 26-foot boat with no refrigeration all the way to South America. A guy who climbed the Grand Teton without any prior climbing experience. But what really makes his story stick with you is what happened when all of that—his athletic identity, his mobility, his very sense of self—got upended in a moment.

In this episode, we talk about what it means to suffer well, how ego can drive growth, and why the most powerful moments in life often come through challenge. We talk about trust, adventure, the loneliness of injury, and the healing that comes when you’re surrounded by people who say, “I’ve got you.” If you’ve ever been forced to let go of something you thought defined you—this one’s for you.

[1:12] – Patrick introduces his family and his lifelong pull toward movement and travel
[5:55] – A spontaneous dinner conversation leads to a year-long sailing adventure
[12:01] – Why shared suffering forges deeper connection than comfort ever could
[17:40] – Losing the ability to run, and finding new purpose beyond the podium
[30:17] – What happens when your body becomes the limiting factor—and you say yes anyway
[35:12] – Climbing Grand Teton without climbing experience: fear, faith, and the magic of the mountains
[47:40] – The unexpected rewards of pushing through what scares us
[56:00] – What it really means to “stay in shape for the next adventure”—and why it’s not just physical

• American Biogas Council: americanbiogascouncil.org

• Voyage of the Mimi (PBS series): IMDb

• Grand Teton National Park: NPS Site

• C&O Canal + GAP Trail info: gaptrail.org

If you’ve ever had to redefine who you are, if you’ve ever stood at the edge of something scary and whispered “yes,” I hope this episode reminds you: you’re not alone.

And hey—if it did speak to you, don’t forget to share the love. Follow, rate, and leave a review to help On Adventure reach more listeners who need these stories just as much as we do.

In this fun episode, Josh sits down with John Norwood, a commercial banker from Raleigh, North Carolina, whose second identity is that of a passionate adventurer. While John’s day job revolves around numbers and negotiations, his soul is stirred by trails, waterfalls, and sunfish sails. Rather than jetting off to exotic lands, John finds endless wonder in his own backyard—the mountains, lakes, and coastlines of North Carolina.

Together, they explore John’s lifelong connection with the outdoors, how he blends adventure with a full-time career, and how he’s cultivated a community of fellow explorers. From Christmas Day hikes to dry-suit sailing in winter winds, John shares stories that blend practical inspiration with a bit of wanderlust magic. 🌲🛶

• [00:00:00] Introduction to John Norwood and his adventurous alter ego

• [00:03:00] Family traditions and the origin of the “dreaded Christmas hike”

• [00:06:00] Sailing in dry suits and winter wind at Falls & Jordan Lake

• [00:11:00] An unforgettable halibut fishing trip in Alaska

• [00:16:00] Why John chooses to adventure local

• [00:18:00] The magic of Grayson Highlands and wild ponies

• [00:24:00] John’s roots in outdoor exploration

• [00:33:00] The 11-year quest to complete 100 Classic NC Hikes

• [00:37:00] Turning solo trips into a thriving hiking community

• [00:41:00] The deep “why” behind adventuring: mental clarity, physical challenge, and spiritual renewal

• [00:51:00] Upcoming trips: Cape Lookout Jeep expedition & AT alternatives post-Hurricane Helene

• Adventure is everywhere – You don’t need a passport to find wonder.

• Make space for solitude – Recharging happens when you unplug and reconnect with nature.

• Community grows through shared challenge – John's trips turned into a tribe.

• Local treasures, lifetime stories – From Grayson Highlands to the Sycamore Trail sleep hack, there's beauty in repetition.

“The trail gives me solitude, structure, and stories—and that's what keeps me coming back.” – John Norwood

I love these conversations, but this one was fun. We hit on the depths of the human condition to drive each of us on to our own adventures. So what happens when a dedicated trial attorney makes adventure a non-negotiable part of his life? In this episode, I sit down with Patrick Moody, a prosecutor for the state of Montana who refuses to let a demanding career keep him from chasing adventure. From trail running right out his back door to tackling high-altitude mountaineering, Patrick has found a way to integrate the wilderness into his daily routine.

We dive into his experiences traveling across five continents in a single year, climbing some of the world's most stunning peaks, and even navigating a life-altering arthritis diagnosis that nearly took away his ability to walk. Patrick shares how he mentally and physically pushes through challenges, what drives him to keep pursuing difficult things, and why he believes that truly living means stepping into the unknown. This conversation is packed with insights on adventure, resilience, and making the most of the time we have.

[1:30] – Patrick’s background as a Montana-based attorney and adventure-seeker
[3:15] – Why Helena, Montana is a paradise for outdoor lovers
[6:45] – The shocking arthritis diagnosis that nearly ended Patrick’s ability to move
[10:20] – How he rebuilt his body and got into trail running post-diagnosis
[15:45] – The lessons of adventure: losing a parent young and growing up without wealth
[22:10] – Learning to listen to his instincts on when to push forward and when to turn back
[31:05] – The scariest moment of his mountaineering career—trapped in a lightning storm
[35:55] – A year of adventure: how Patrick traveled to five continents in 2024
[44:30] – The importance of intentionality in adventure, career, and finances
[50:10] – Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 fun—why suffering is part of the reward

• Books mentioned in the conversation:
  • The Impossible First by Colin O’Brady (about the first solo trek across Antarctica)
  • Camping with Kierkegaard (exploring philosophy and adventure)
• Connect with past guests mentioned in the episode:
  • Tim Matthews (Ep. 18)
  • Robbie Lenfestey (Ep. 21)
  • Kenton Cool (Ep. 22)

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review! Follow the show for more inspiring conversations with people who make adventure a priority in their lives. And if this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a little extra push to chase their own adventure. 🚀 🎙️

What would you do if failure was a real possibility? If suffering was inevitable, but you had the option to walk away? Would you still go for it? My guest today, Kimberly Brookshire, knows this challenge well. She’s a long-distance hiker, a women’s adventure guide, and a passionate fly fisher—always choosing the hard path, the uncertain path, because that’s where she finds the most growth.

In this episode, Kimberly shares her journey from fashion and city life to hiking thousands of miles on some of the toughest trails in the U.S. and beyond. She opens up about why she keeps pushing her limits, how she finds meaning in suffering, and the lessons she’s learned from guiding women through their own adventurous pursuits. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for inspiration to take a bold step in your own life, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and a fresh perspective on what it means to live fully.

[2:15] How a childhood filled with adventure led Kimberly to long-distance hiking
[6:40] The pivotal decision to hike the Mountain-to-Sea Trail—and why no one thought she’d finish
[15:20] Why guiding women’s adventure trips is about more than just the outdoors
[25:00] Handling adversity on the trail: lessons from near disaster
[37:45] The mental toughness strategies that keep Kimberly pushing forward
[45:10] Finding the balance between solo adventures and guiding others
[54:30] The Arizona Trail: what’s next on Kimberly’s adventure list

• Follow Kimberly on Instagram: @kimberlybrookshire
• Learn more about the WHOA Travel for women-powered Adventures: WHOA Travel
• Check out the Mountain-to-Sea Trail: www.mountainstoseatrail.org

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! It helps others find the show and keeps the adventure going.

What do banking and backcountry exploration have in common? More than you’d think! In this episode of the On Adventure, I sit down with Frank Trotter—banking pioneer, entrepreneur, and avid adventurer. From his early days racing cars in Europe to co-founding EverBank and now launching Battle Bank, Frank shares how his career has been driven by innovation and a passion for pushing boundaries. But it's not all business—Frank also dives into his love for outdoor exploration, from summiting 14ers in Colorado to backcountry treks in Argentina.

We talk about the lessons learned from extreme environments, the balance between risk and reward, and how his entrepreneurial spirit aligns with his drive for adventure. Plus, we dive into the incredible Excellent Adventures group and why surrounding yourself with the right people makes all the difference—whether in business or the wilderness.

Episode Highlights:

• [2:00] Frank’s journey from hockey in St. Louis to racing cars in Europe
• [6:30] The evolution of internet banking and why he’s launching Battle Bank
• [10:45] The hidden ways big banks profit off their customers
• [18:20] The Excellent Adventures hiking group and its impact on Frank’s outdoor pursuits
• [24:15] Facing physical challenges—how a medical study changed his ability to keep exploring
• [35:40] The connection between adventure, mindfulness, and perspective
• [48:00] Knowing when to push forward and when to turn back—lessons from the mountains
• [52:30] What’s next? Zion, GoPro Games, and upcoming adventures

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Battle Bank: [Coming Soon]
• Listen to the episode with Skip Schweiss on Excellent Adventures (Episode 32)
• Explore the GoPro Mountain Games: www.mountaingames.com
• Follow Frank Trotter on LinkedIn: Frank Trotter

Enjoyed this episode?

Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a fellow adventurer. And if you haven’t already, sign up for my newsletter, The Money Trail Guide, at www.ridgelinewealthadvisors.com to stay inspired on your financial and adventure journey!