Advertise on podcast: The All-Around Adventure Podcast

For this episode of The All-Around Adventure Podcast, I'm joined by my good friend Collin Cottrell. This time, however, we're doing something a little different. Collin steps into the role of interviewer as he turns the tables and asks me the questions. In this conversation, we dive into why I've decided to step away from the podcast, at least for the time being, as we wrap up Season 5. We explore what led to this decision, the importance of recognizing when it's time to shift direction, and how taking a step back can sometimes be the best move forward. Along the way, we talk about the value of surrounding yourself with like-minded people who support your growth, challenge your thinking, and help keep you aligned with your purpose. We also get into some more personal reflections, including my relationship and the broader idea that anything meaningful in life requires continuous effort. Whether it's relationships, personal development, or pursuing a goal, there's no point where you simply arrive and coast. Growth requires ongoing intention, discipline, and work. Finally, we discuss what's next during this production break. I share more about my plans to write a children's book and build a business as a copywriter, along with the mindset I'm bringing into this next chapter. To watch the video of our conversation, head over to the All-Around Adventure YouTube channel! Connect with Collin! www.collincottrell.com Instagram Check out my affiliate links! Condition One Bars: Use discount code ADVENTURE for 10% off your order! Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click HERE! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook X YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!

We often feel pressure to keep pushing forward in the same direction forever. Build more. Achieve more. Stay on the same path. But life rarely unfolds as one long, uninterrupted storyline. Instead, it moves in chapters. Some chapters are about challenge and discipline. Others are about service, exploration, or personal growth. And eventually, every chapter gives way to the next. In this episode, I reflect on the idea that life is made up of different chapters, each with its own purpose and lessons. From my time in the Marine Corps, to serving in the Peace Corps, to studying abroad and pursuing new adventures, I talk about how these chapters have shaped who I am today. This episode is about recognizing when one chapter is coming to a close, appreciating what it taught you, and having the courage to turn the page toward whatever comes next. Check out my affiliate links! Condition One Bars: Use discount code ADVENTURE for 10% off your order! Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click HERE! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook X YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!

For this episode of The All-Around Adventure Podcast, I'm joined by Marine Corps veteran, writer, and unconventional strength athlete, Matt Hayes. Matt is a former Marine Corps machine gunner and combat veteran. Since leaving the military, he has transitioned into a life built around discipline, creativity, and functional strength. Outside of his service, Matt has developed a strong following on Instagram through his outdoor and unconventional training style. Most of his training takes place on his own property. It focuses on strongman-style movements, functional patterns, and real-world physical preparedness. In addition to training, Matt is also a writer. He uses fiction as a creative outlet and as a way to process experience and explore deeper themes. In this episode, we talk about Matt's journey through the Marine Corps. This includes what it was like to go through boot camp and serve as a machine gunner on deployment. We also dive into functional fitness and why training for real life matters. More specifically, we discuss how it builds resilience, confidence, and the ability to better serve others. Finally, we explore Matt's creative side. We talk about his writing, the role creativity plays in personal growth, and how physical training and creative expression work together to build a well-rounded life. To watch the video of our conversation, head over to the All-Around Adventure YouTube channel! Connect with Matt! Instagram Check out my affiliate links! Condition One Bars: Use discount code ADVENTURE for 10% off your order! Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click HERE! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook X YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!

Many people believe that once they reach a certain level of success, life is supposed to get easier. That if they achieve enough, earn enough, or accomplish the right things, the hard parts will finally stop. But that's not how life works. Challenges don't disappear, they change. Stress, obstacles, and difficult seasons are part of the human experience, no matter how far you go. In this episode, I reflect on the idea that life is made up of ongoing battles, not a smooth climb from one peak to the next. Drawing from personal experience, I talk about why adversity never fully goes away and why learning to prepare for it matters more than trying to avoid it. I also share three foundations that help navigate life's battles: a strong body, a solid tribe, and a sharp, resilient mind. This episode is about building the strength, perspective, and readiness to handle life as it actually is, not as we wish it would be. Check out my affiliate links! Condition One Bars: Use discount code ADVENTURE for 10% off your order! Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click HERE! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook X YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!

For this episode of The All-Around Adventure Podcast, I'm joined by world traveler and author, Juan-Fernando Gomez. Juan-Fernando lives and works in London, where he serves full-time as a firefighter. Outside of work, he focuses on travel and writing horror fiction. We traveled to Antarctica together and crossed the famous Drake Passage before setting foot on one of the most remote places on Earth. During the journey, we saw massive icebergs, wide frozen landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife. This included penguins, seals, and humpback whales swimming near our ship. In this episode, we look back on our time in Antarctica and talk about the challenges and rewards of extreme travel. We also explore Juan-Fernando's creative work as a horror writer. He shares insights into his three horror books, Hell's List, Through Hell, and Hell's Collection, along with his writing process. Juan-Fernando also explains how he balances adventure, creativity, and a demanding career in emergency services. To watch the video of our conversation, head over to the All-Around Adventure YouTube channel! Connect with Juan-Fernando! Amazon Author Page Instagram Also, check out Juan-Fernando's books: Hell's List, Through Hell, and Hell's Collection! Check out my affiliate links! Condition One Bars: Use discount code ADVENTURE for 10% off your order! Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click HERE! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook X YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!

We're often told to look for the easiest, fastest, or most comfortable option in life. Take the shortcut. Choose convenience. Avoid discomfort. But more often than not, those choices lead to stagnation, frustration, and regret rather than growth. In this episode, I reflect on the value of choosing the harder path. From enlisting in the Marine Corps, to serving overseas in the Peace Corps, to making small but uncomfortable daily choices that move life forward. I explore how choosing difficulty on purpose builds discipline, confidence, and long-term fulfillment. This episode is about why the harder path often leads to a stronger body, a clearer mind, a more meaningful life, and why comfort is rarely the option that truly pays off in the end. Check out my affiliate links! Condition One Bars: Use discount code ADVENTURE for 10% off your order! Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click HERE! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook X YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!

For this episode of The All-Around Adventure Podcast, I'm joined once again by Brie Burgett. Brie is a Marine Corps officer, world traveler, mountaineer, and the creator of the travel blog, The Brie Adventure. This marks her second appearance on the show, and she's back with some major milestones to share. Brie has spent years pushing herself through some of the most demanding environments on Earth. From military leadership to high-altitude mountaineering, her life is built around discipline, resilience, and curiosity. She's currently working toward climbing the Seven Summits, and has already stood atop five of the world's highest peaks. Most recently, she summited Vinson Massif in Antarctica, her fifth summit and seventh continent, officially checking off one of the rarest accomplishments in adventure travel. In this episode, Brie and I dive into two of her most recent ascents. We talk about what it felt like to stand on those summits, the physical and mental challenges she faced, and how those experiences shaped her growth as both an adventurer and a person. We also reflect on the unique coincidence of both of us being on the ground in Antarctica at the same time, albeit on different parts of the continent. Furthermore, Brie shares practical insights for anyone looking to pursue big adventures of their own, including how to approach the financial realities of doing so. To watch the video of our conversation, head over to the All-Around Adventure YouTube channel! Connect with Brie! www.thebrieadventure.com Instagram Facebook Check out my affiliate links! Condition One Bars: Use discount code ADVENTURE for 10% off your order! Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click HERE! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook X YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!

We often hear that setting goals is the key to changing our lives. Lose the weight. Run the race. Take the trip. Build the business. But what most people overlook is that goals don't work in isolation. Without a shift in identity, goals tend to fade the moment motivation drops or life gets inconvenient. In this episode, I talk about the idea that we don't rise to our goals, we fall to our identity. Whether it's fitness, travel, adventure, or personal growth, lasting change happens when your habits align with who you believe you are. This is a reflection on why becoming the type of person who trains, explores, plans, and takes action matters more than any single outcome. If you want this year to be different, it starts by deciding who you're becoming, and then living in alignment with that identity every day. Check out my affiliate links! Condition One Bars: Use discount code ADVENTURE for 10% off your order! Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click HERE! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook X YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!

For this episode of The All-Around Adventure Podcast, I'm joined by Tim Bersch and Lauren Landon. They are the creators of the travel YouTube channel, A Gap Year at 30. I met Tim and Lauren while sailing to Antarctica. Tim is originally from Germany, Lauren is from the UK. They met while Tim was working in London. At the time, they both had stable careers. Still, they felt called to something more. Lauren was on a strong corporate path and highly ambitious. She chose to step away from it all, and they began exploring the world together. Their travels took them through Asia, Africa, South America, and eventually Antarctica. Along the way, they built a YouTube channel to inspire others to seek meaningful experiences in their own lives. In this episode, we reflect on our unforgettable journey to Antarctica. We talk about walking on the frozen continent and encountering penguins up close. We also discuss the friendships formed through shared adventure. Beyond the trip, we explore the mindset required to follow what truly matters. That choice often means leaving comfort and stability behind. Tim, Lauren, and I also talk about balancing work with fulfillment. And how listening to your inner voice can lead to a more purpose-driven life. To watch the video of our conversation, head over to the All-Around Adventure YouTube channel! Connect with Tim and Lauren! YouTube Instagram Substack Check out my affiliate links! Condition One Bars: Use discount code ADVENTURE for 10% off your order! Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click HERE! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook X YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!

Many people think goal setting has to be complicated to work. They use spreadsheets, color-coded planners, and long lists of resolutions. But in my experience, the goals that last are usually the simplest ones. They work best when they connect to the kind of life you want to live. The real problem isn't that people don't set goals. It's that they set too many. Or they set goals without a clear plan. In this episode, I share a simple approach to goal setting. It focuses on a few key areas of life that create momentum, structure, and freedom when they are in place. This isn't about being perfect or filling every hour of your day. It's about choosing a small number of meaningful goals and sticking to them on purpose. If you want real progress this year without burning out, this episode will help you keep your goals simple, focused, and aligned with the life you're building. Check out my affiliate links! Condition One Bars: Use discount code ADVENTURE for 10% off your order! Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click HERE! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook X YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!

For this episode of The All-Around Adventure Podcast, I'm joined by Patrick Diedrich, the Editorial Content Director for Recoil Offgrid Magazine. Patrick has a deep background rooted in service, resilience, and preparedness. He served in the Army as a Cavalry Scout, where he developed the mindset of strength, adaptability, and perseverance that still guides his life today. Patrick continues to sharpen those skills through ongoing education and real-world experience, including a recent two-week expedition to the Amazon. Where he spent time with indigenous tribes to learn how to survive in one of the harshest environments in the world. Experiences like this have allowed Patrick to continually push himself while reinforcing the principles of resilience and preparedness that he's learned early in life. In this episode, Patrick and I talk about his journey from military service to leadership in the preparedness and survival space. We dive deeper into his time in the Amazon and the lessons modern people can learn from indigenous knowledge and ancestral skills. We also discuss how anyone can build greater resilience and mental toughness in today's world of constant stimulation, 24-hour news cycles, and social media overload. Furthermore, we talk about his work at Recoil Offgrid Magazine, and what you can learn from the publication. To watch the video of our conversation, head over to the All-Around Adventure YouTube channel! Connect with Patrick! www.offgridweb.com Recoil Offgrid Instagram Patrick's Instagram Check out my affiliate links! Condition One Bars: Use discount code ADVENTURE for 10% off your order! Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click HERE! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook X YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!

We all know, intellectually, that time is finite. But most of us live as if we have an endless supply of it. We tell ourselves we'll start someday, travel someday, take the risk someday, or finally go after the thing we really want next year. But "someday" has a way of quietly turning into years, and years into decades, until one day we realize just how much we've delayed. In this episode, I reflect on the real cost of waiting. From the reminder that none of us are promised tomorrow, to personal moments where I waited longer than I wish I had, to the simple but powerful idea of memento mori... remember that you will die. This isn't about fear or regret, but awareness. Because the greatest risk isn't failure, it's reaching the end of your life wishing you had acted when you had the chance. This episode is for anyone who's been putting something off and needs a reminder that the best time to begin isn't someday, it's now. Check out my affiliate links! Condition One Bars: Use discount code ADVENTURE for 10% off your order! Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click HERE! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook X YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!

For this episode of The All-Around Adventure Podcast, I'm joined by traveler, storyteller, and author, Melissa Rodway. Melissa grew up in a small town in Ontario, but her perspective on the world was expanded early in life. As a child, her family spent a year living in a remote bush town in Western Australia, where they traveled throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Bali. Since then, Melissa has lived across Canada and chased adventure in many forms. Her travels have included trekking in the Alps, paragliding in Nepal, riding chicken buses through Central America, and exploring close to her home. She is the creator of FLY Travel Media, a storytelling platform that shares the real highs and lows of travel, and the author of the travel memoir, The People You Meet. In this episode, Melissa and I talk about how her love for travel began and the experiences that shaped her along the way. We discuss both the highlights and the misadventures that come with life on the road. Melissa also shares practical advice for new and aspiring travelers, including tips on safety, lodging, and handling the unexpected. We explore how travel can change your perspective on the world and help you grow as a person. Finally, we dive into her writing journey and how the people we encounter while traveling can leave a lasting impact. To watch the video of our conversation, head over to the All-Around Adventure YouTube channel! Connect with Melissa! www.flyrodway.com Instagram Facebook YouTube Also, go pick up a copy of Melissa's book, The People You Meet! Check out my affiliate links! Condition One Bars: Use discount code ADVENTURE for 10% off your order! Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click HERE! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook X YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!

Stepping foot on Antarctica is one of the rarest experiences a person can have. It was also an experience that left me wondering, "Where do I even go from here?" After all, how do you follow up something that feels like the peak of adventure? But as I've been reflecting on this journey, I've come to realize that Antarctica wasn't the end of anything. It was a turning point, another chapter in the ongoing story I'm writing with my life. In this episode, I share what it felt like to stand on the frozen continent, why "topping" an adventure isn't the real goal, and how this experience has reshaped the way I think about exploration and identity. From embracing the idea of building a legend to recognizing that there's still so much of the world left to see. These reflections are for anyone who's ever reached a milestone and wondered what comes next. This is about continuing the journey, evolving as an adventurer, and intentionally crafting the story you want to look back on decades from now. Check out my affiliate links! Condition One Bars: Use discount code ADVENTURE for 10% off your order! Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click HERE! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook X YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!

For this episode of The All-Around Adventure Podcast, I'm joined by philanthropist, endurance athlete, and first-time author, Jason Nacey. Jason has spent years traveling the world through his work with the USANA Foundation and in athlete and sponsorship programs in sports marketing. He lives by the philosophy, "Nobody else is coming to solve your problems," and he proves it through consistent action. Jason has completed an Ironman, competed in Spartan World Championships, and pushed himself both creatively and professionally. His debut book, Above the Shoulders, breaks down the mental toughness, resilience, and intentional habits he has developed along the way. In this episode, Jason and I dive into the core idea behind his book: the real battle is won in the mind. We talk about the mindset of champions and how elite performers succeed not because of the highlights, but because of the unseen hours of discipline, consistency, and hard work. Jason shares insights from his Mental Mastery Pyramid, science-backed tools for improving thoughts and habits, and the importance of showing up every day, even when progress feels slow. We also discuss his writing journey and how small, consistent actions can turn the "impossible" into the "inevitable." To watch the video of our conversation, head over to the All-Around Adventure YouTube channel! Connect with Jason! www.abovetheshoulders.com Instagram TikTok Also, go pick up a copy of Jason's book, Above The Shoulders! Check out my affiliate links! Condition One Bars: Use discount code ADVENTURE for 10% off your order! Thank you for listening! To hear more great episodes like this one, click HERE! Also, don't forget to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a good rating and review! You can also listen to the podcast on Spotify and iHeartRadio. And don't forget to follow All-Around Adventure on these social media platforms: Instagram Facebook X YouTube And until next time; be safe, happy travels, and always move forward!