#103 - When Scott Gurian, a journalist with a knack for embedding himself in the marrow of the world's less-trod paths, tells the story of the Mongol Rally, you can't help but lean in closer. I had the pleasure of peeling back the layers of Scott’s 11,000-mile trek in a vehicle that's barely more at home on the vast steppes than a fish on a bicycle. His voice brings the landscapes alive, from the UK to the heart of Mongolia, regaling us with the kind of cultural exchanges that turn travelers into storytellers and storytellers into the sort of friends who make the global seem local.

As Scott and I chatted he found himself reflecting on his own transformation from an adventure-averse high schooler to a globe-trotting journalist. The discussion meandered through the backstories that shape a journey, like reporting on Mexico's Zapatista movement and the brotherly bond forged over 18,000 miles of open road. Scott's stories aren't just pins on a map; they're reminders that the world is wide, and the roads we choose can change us, challenge us, and charge us with tales worth telling.

Our conversation took unexpected turns, as all great journeys do, touching on Scott's personal quests—from seeking a healing stone in Peru to the introspective throes of an ayahuasca ceremony. He shares his ongoing aspirations and the cultural connections that continue to beckon him across continents. And for those of you with itching feet, Scott's insights are a siren call to embrace the spontaneous, the serendipitous, and the frankly astonishing warmth and hospitality that can be found in the unlikeliest of places. So, wherever you are, buckle up and let's hit the road with a true maestro of the map, Scott Gurian.

You can find more about Scott and his podcast Far From Home by visiting www.farfromhomepodcast.org or checking out his Instagram @farfromhomepodcast.

Please give me a follow on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast. I would love to connect with you.

Visit geneticinsights.co and use the code "DISCOVER25" to enjoy a sweet 25% off your first purchase.

Visit LandPirate.com to get your gear that has you, the adventurer, in mind. Use the code "Journey with Jake" to get an additional 15% off at check out.

#102 - Imagine the ground beneath your feet giving way, plunging you into darkness. That's how Dan McQueen's world changed when a brain hemorrhage in 2014 left him grappling for the basic threads of life. Join me as I sit down with Dan in an episode that promises to grip your heart with a story of indomitable courage. Together, we navigate the jagged path of Dan's recovery, where every step, word, and smile became a milestone in his extraordinary journey. His approach to turning rehabilitation into a game shows us the profound power of positivity in the face of pain.

Skiing down Grouse Mountain might seem like an everyday activity for some, but for Dan McQueen, it was a summit of triumph, a pinnacle that marked his return to life's passions after a grueling decade-long hiatus. This episode is not just about the celebration of physical milestones; it's a deeper revelation of how setting audacious goals can ignite the human spirit. Dan's emotional reunion with the nurse who saw him at his most vulnerable, now witnessing his victorious descent, punctuates our conversation with a raw, powerful testament to the resilience within us all.

Ending on a note that resonates beyond the personal, Dan's transition into motivational speaking magnifies the impact of his narrative. It's a message that echoes through hospitals and into the halls of the Canadian Bureau of Speakers—championing the idea that the lens through which we view our world often holds the key to transforming it. As we wrap up our time together, Dan reminds us that his story, as remarkable as it is, serves as a mirror reflecting the untapped potential that lies dormant within each of us, waiting for the spark of inspiration to ignite.

Be sure and check out Dan by visiting his website www.macqueendan.com. You can also check him out on Instagram @macqueendan. While you are at it if you have not done so please give me a follow on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast.

Visit geneticinsights.co and use the code "DISCOVER25" to enjoy a sweet 25% off your first purchase.

Visit LandPirate.com to get your gear that has you, the adventurer, in mind. Use the code "Journey with Jake" to get an additional 15% off at check out.

#101 - Embark with me on a narrative voyage where Carol Springer, the vibrant voice behind the 'Where Next' podcast, captures our imagination with tales of her ever-changing journey through life's seasons. From the snowy frontiers of Minnesota to the sun-kissed peaks of Colorado, we traverse her personal atlas, unpacking the dreams that unfold as the nest starts to empty. Carol's spirit is as infectious as her stories are inspiring, painting a vivid picture of anticipation for her son's potential baseball stardom and her own future exploits.

Turning the pages of our life's book, we find ourselves leafing through the chapters that have crafted our hunger for exploration and the experiences that beckon us beyond our comfort zones. Carol shares her mosaic of adventures, from the thrill of blackwater rafting down under to the reflective charm of local Colorado getaways, mapping out how our zest for life adapts with each act. Carol and I muse over the delicate interplay of raising families while nurturing the wanderlust that whispers sweet promises of exotic locales like Hawaii and Thailand, proving that the spirit of adventure knows no age.

As the conversation weaves through the dynamics of work, travel, and the magnetic pull of family, Carol's insights offer a tantalizing glimpse into the life of a business owner with itchy feet and a heart rooted in home. Whether it's embracing the cultural tapestry of a nearby Buddhist temple or mulling over the practicalities of a future in bustling cities, her experiences are a compass guiding us toward our own travel aspirations. Together, we celebrate the notion that every ending is simply the prelude to another grand journey, inviting listeners to consider where life's next chapter might take them.

You can follow Carol and Where Next Podcast on Instagram @wherenextpodcast.

Be sure and give me a follow on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast.

Visit geneticinsights.co and use the code "DISCOVER25" to enjoy a sweet 25% off your first purchase.

Visit LandPirate.com to get your gear that has you, the adventurer, in mind. Use the code "Journey with Jake" to get an additional 15% off at check out.