Best Jake Bushman Podcasts (2025)

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From Ranger to Special Forces: Chris Brewer's Military Journey 43:23

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1d ago43:23

43:23

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 er…

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Barefoot Beyond Limits with Ken Posner 52:46

2d ago52:46

52:46

# 167 - What drives someone to abandon their shoes and run barefoot through mountains, forests, and even snow? In this captivating conversation, Ken Posner reveals the unexpected journey that turned him from a corporate professional with chronic running injuries into a barefoot endurance athlete who's completed thousands of miles without shoes. Ken…

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From Sahara Trains to Ocean Rows: One Woman's Extraordinary Journey with Brooke King 1:01:13

9d ago1:01:13

1:01:13

#166 - What happens when your adventurous spirit collides with a life-changing diagnosis? Meet Brooke King, a fearless 29-year-old who refuses to let thyroid cancer dim her extraordinary approach to life. Brooke's story begins in Chicago, where she lived a successful but predictable life as a young homeowner. When COVID hit, something shifted - tha…

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Following the Missouri with Larry Campbell 55:39

17d ago55:39

55:39

#165 - The Missouri River winds through America's heartland like a massive, muddy snake—but what's it like to follow it from source to mouth? Larry Campbell, a retired math professor, did exactly that in a life-changing seven-week adventure that transformed his understanding of this iconic waterway. Larry's journey began at Three Forks, Montana, wh…

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The Healing Power of Dark Tourism with Dr. Chad Scott 54:58

24d ago54:58

54:58

#164 - What healing power can be found in visiting sites of tragedy and suffering? For Dr. Chad Scott, dark tourism became an unexpected lifeline during his darkest days. When severe health issues led to a liver transplant, Dr. Scott discovered profound meaning and purpose by exploring places marked by historical tragedy. From standing in gas chamb…

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Freedom on the Waves with Brandon and Amber Morse 59:28

1M ago59:28

59:28

Episode 163 - What would it take for you to completely reimagine your family's life? For Brandon and Amber Morse, it happened around a campfire in the mountains of Idaho when they asked themselves a simple yet profound question: what if we could break free from the daily grind and truly connect as a family? That conversation led them to sell nearly…

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From Despair to Purpose: Jeremy George's 52-Week Bucket List Journey 51:47

1M ago51:47

51:47

What happens when you hit all the milestones society tells you to chase, yet still feel empty inside? For Jeremy George, that existential crisis led to a year-long battle with suicidal thoughts despite having a beautiful New York apartment, career success, and financial stability. Everything changed when three consecutive wake-up calls shattered Je…

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Gaming, Disney, and Taco Bell: A Father and Son Conversation with Josh Bushman 39:33

1M ago39:33

39:33

Bonus 9 - What happens when a podcast host puts his own son in the guest seat? Pure magic. In this heartwarming Memorial Day bonus episode, Jake welcomes his eldest son Josh for a conversation that bridges generations, creative pursuits, and shared family memories. Josh, who made Jake a father 25 years ago after being born prematurely at just three…

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Raw Travel Beyond Instagram with Buster Upton 51:09

2M ago51:09

51:09

What does it really mean to travel authentically in a world dominated by filtered Instagram perfection? Buster Upton, a 26-year-old Australian adventurer, has the honest answer—and it's not what you might expect. From his spontaneous childhood road trips with his adventure-loving mother to finding himself enrolled in a Finnish school at 16 (instead…

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Van Life Across Australia: Breaking Legs and Finding Freedom with Tzara Attwater 54:15

2M ago54:15

54:15

"Our heartbeats are the greatest currency we have." This profound insight comes from Tzara Attwater, who turned personal heartbreak into an epic adventure across Australia's vast wilderness. After walking in on her partner of ten years with another woman, Tzara spent years rebuilding herself before making a bold decision during COVID – converting a…

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Nothing For Us Without Us: Jenna Udenberg's Journey Beyond Limitations 54:01

2M ago54:01

54:01

What does freedom look like when you navigate the world on wheels? For Jenna Udenberg, it arrived in the form of a Firefly - an electric attachment that transformed her manual wheelchair into an adventure vehicle capable of tackling trails she'd only viewed longingly from afar. Diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at age seven and using a w…

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From Hollywood to Self-Discovery: Giovanna Silvestre's Transformation Journey 56:00

2M ago56:00

56:00

#158 - What if your moments of greatest confusion were actually doorways to your most authentic self? Giovanna Silvestre's remarkable journey proves exactly that. From the high-pressure halls of Hollywood to the difficult decision of walking away from her family's beloved Italian restaurant, Giovanna's path shows how embracing uncertainty becomes y…

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The Joy, Flavor and Affection of Salsa Dancing: David Schafran's Transformational Journey 53:40

2M ago53:40

53:40

When David Schafran felt his life spiraling into depression and emptiness, he discovered an unexpected lifeline – salsa dancing. That first night on the dance floor sparked something profound: "It makes me feel so happy because it's so joyous and flavorful and juicy." This moment of clarity eventually led David from his high-stress tech startup in …

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The Art of Coming Home: Travel, Faith, and Finding Where You Belong with Dr. Douglas Brouwer 38:44

3M ago38:44

38:44

Bonus 8 - Dr. Douglas Brouwer's journey from Western Michigan to the world and back again offers profound insights into how travel shapes our spiritual lives and understanding of home. After spending 40 years serving as a Presbyterian pastor around the globe, Doug's adventures took him from maximum security prisons in Philadelphia to a church in Zu…

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Mississippi to Mug: A Riverboat Pilot's Unexpected Path with Chris Nance 1:12:31

3M ago1:12:31

1:12:31

#156 - Chris Nance's life reads like an adventure novel where dropping out of school at 13 somehow leads to piloting massive ships down the Mississippi River and co-founding a successful coffee company. Growing up just south of New Orleans in a family of riverboat pilots and commercial fishermen, Chris's education took an unexpected turn after Hurr…

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From Burnout to Itinerary Boss: Ross Alcorn's Travel Evolution 53:13

3M ago53:13

53:13

Most of us dream of adventures in far-off places, but between demanding jobs, packed schedules, and the sheer overwhelm of planning, those dreams often remain just that—dreams. Enter Ross Alcorn, the mastermind behind Itinerary Boss, who's made it his mission to turn travel aspirations into reality for busy professionals. Ross's journey didn't begi…

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Waterfall Plunge: Jon Cheney's Journey Through Whitewater Kayaking and Life 1:08:58

3M ago1:08:58

1:08:58

#154 - Imagine plunging down a 35-foot waterfall strapped inside a kayak, or trying to compose a stunning piano piece that captures the serenity of nature. These are just fragments of Jon Cheney's extraordinary journey as a creator, adventurer, entrepreneur, and man of faith. From his early years in a musical household where his parents prioritized…

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Breaking Free: From 80-Hour Workweeks to Digital Nomad Life with Ryan Mellon 52:35

3M ago52:35

52:35

#153 - Meet Ryan Mellon, a man who completely transformed his life by breaking free from the grind of 80-hour workweeks to embrace a life of global adventure. For over a decade, Ryan worked grueling 14-hour days, splitting time between fixing deep fryers and sorting packages at UPS, until a transformative two-week trip to Costa Rica ignited a visio…

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Exploring Remote Worlds with Jorge Salas Guevara 55:33

4M ago55:33

55:33

The untold story of how a young Peruvian boy's fascination with National Geographic magazines transformed into a life dedicated to global exploration unfolds in my conversation with Jorge Salas Guevara. As founder of New Paths Expeditions, Jorge has crafted extraordinary journeys to 58 destinations across our planet's most remote corners while pers…

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How Devan Gonzalez Transformed Challenges into Fitness Success 45:20

4M ago45:20

45:20

Bonus 7 - Unlock your motivation in our latest episode featuring Devan Gonzalez, a dynamic entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast whose journey inspires countless individuals. From a young age, Devan was pushed to explore different sports, leading him to become a martial arts instructor at just 13. This early exposure laid the groundwork for his lifel…

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Jacob Lemanski's Inspiring Journey: 999 Days Biking Across the Globe and Embracing Life's Unknowns 41:09

4M ago41:09

41:09

#151 - What could inspire someone to leave a stable engineering career and venture into the unknown on a bicycle? Meet Jacob Lemanski, whose incredible journey of 999 days biking across the globe defies expectations and challenges societal norms. In this episode, Jacob shares his odyssey from rural Pennsylvania to the world stage, driven by a passi…

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Chase Hampton's Inspiring Journey: From The Mickey Mouse Club to Mentorship and Onward 1:01:29

4M ago1:01:29

1:01:29

Ever wondered how an introverted boy from Oklahoma City ended up as a star of the all-new Mickey Mouse Club? Join me as I sit down with Chase Hampton—a cherished figure from the '90s entertainment scene—to explore his remarkable journey to the stage. Through candid personal stories, Chase shares the serendipitous moments that shaped his path, from …

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Steven James Ferris's Inspiring Journey: From Royal Air Force to Icelandic Adventure Challenges 58:38

4M ago58:38

58:38

What happens when a former Royal Air Force member swaps his parachute for a mountain bike and embarks on a breathtaking quest across Iceland? Meet Steven James Ferris, a man who has redefined his life with adventure, weaving tales from his military past into a riveting 72-hour bikepacking expedition to support a cause close to his heart. Steven tra…

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Glen Van Peski's Inspiring Journey: Ultralight Living and Life's Unpredictable Adventures 45:44

4M ago45:44

45:44

Glen Van Peski shares his philosophy of ultralight backpacking, revealing how taking less can lead to a more fulfilling life. Through personal stories of adventure, gratitude, and survival, he encourages listeners to embrace minimalism and focus on meaningful experiences. • Overview of Glen Van Peski's philosophy on ultralight backpacking • Discuss…

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Charlie Reynolds' Bold Adventure: Traversing the Darien Gap 56:16

5M ago56:16

56:16

#147 - What drives someone to embark on an extraordinary journey with zero experience? Meet Charlie Reynolds, the audacious soul who swapped the comforts of a four-wheeled drive for the thrill of a motorcycle, blazing a trail from Canada to the ends of Argentina. Charlie’s story inspires with its tales of confronting the infamous Darien Gap and his…

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Colleen Avis' Inspiring Journey: Crafting Sacred Spaces and Embracing Transformation 33:06

5M ago33:06

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Welcome back to an exciting new episode where I have the pleasure of reconnecting with Colleen Avis, the visionary behind the "Sacred Spaces" series. Discover how a simple introduction through mutual acquaintances blossomed into a profound collaboration for "Sacred Spaces: Subtle Shifts for Mind, Body, and Home Transformation, Volume 3." Join us as…

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Kelton Shelley's Inspiring Journey: From Childhood Leukemia to Spartan Racing Triumphs 50:05

5M ago50:05

50:05

Kelton Shelley shares his extraordinary journey from childhood leukemia to becoming a dedicated endurance athlete, highlighting the power of resilience and the importance of investing in oneself. His story inspires listeners to face challenges head-on and embrace their unique paths to success. • Definition of 'deposit' in the context of personal gr…

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Overlanding Adventures and the Beauty of the Unexpected with Fiorella Yriberry 50:43

5M ago50:43

50:43

This episode showcases Fiorella Iriberi's journey through the world of overlanding, emphasizing the lessons learned through failure and resilience. Fiorella shares insights on building a life on the road, the freedom it brings, and the importance of community, adventure, and self-discovery. • Fiorella discusses her background and her early love for…

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Autumn Carolynn's Inspiring Journey: 30 Countries by 30 and Beyond 55:59

5M ago55:59

55:59

#144 - Autumn Carolynn shares her captivating travel adventures and lessons learned from her book "Traveling in Wonder." The episode explores her journey to visit 30 countries before 30, insightful experiences as a flight attendant, and the emotional connections that make travel truly unforgettable. • Autumn’s journey from the suburbs of Chicago to…

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Gary Arndt's Global Odyssey: From Wisconsin Roots to 200 Countries Explored 44:30

5M ago44:30

44:30

#143 - Gary Arndt shares his transformative 13-year journey across more than 200 countries, providing insights into the essence of travel, the challenges of long-term exploration, and the impact of social media on the travel experience. The discussion emphasizes the importance of adventure, personal growth, and the dynamic nature of travel in an ev…

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Beyond the Horizon: Bert Terhart's Resilient Exploration 1:03:26

5M ago1:03:26

1:03:26

Bert Terhart's incredible solo circumnavigation of the globe during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic reveals the power of adventure against all odds. His journey showcases resilience, the beauty of solitude, and the deep connections that emerge from embracing the unknown. • Introduction to Bert Terhart and his remarkable journey • Bert's eclecti…

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Bjorn Lestrud's Journey: Embracing Sound, Ceremony, and Global Healing Adventures 48:16

5M ago48:16

48:16

#141 - Bjorn Lestrud's journey from corporate life to holistic healing has been nothing short of transformative. He shares his experiences with the Light Portal Ceremony, microdosing mushrooms, and the profound effects of sound healing, all while emphasizing the value of personal exploration and growth. • Bjorn discusses his struggles with anxiety …

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Greg Bennick's Authentic Odyssey: From Punk Roots to Global Kindness and Philanthropy 46:46

6M ago46:46

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Bonus 5 - Greg Bennick, a fascinating guest of this episode, has led a life as eclectic as it is inspiring. From his upbringing in a small Connecticut town with career renegade parents to his gritty move to Seattle where he immersed himself in the punk music scene, Greg’s journey underscores the beauty of living life on one's own terms. We explore …

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Living on the Edge: Thomas McPherson's Dual Passion for Base Jumping and Real Estate 59:02

6M ago59:02

59:02

#140 - Have you ever found adventure to be the key to overcoming life's toughest challenges? Meet Thomas McPherson, a man whose life is a testament to living boldly and embracing each moment. From his early days growing up in Missouri to his courageous service in the Navy as a fleet Marine force corpsman, Thomas shares his intriguing story with us.…

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From Small-Town Beginnings to Bestseller: Rhonda Parker Taylor's Inspiring Journey 48:07

6M ago48:07

48:07

#139 - Rhonda Parker Taylor's journey from small-town beginnings in Noblesville, Indiana, to becoming the author of the best-selling novel "Crossroads" is nothing short of inspiring. Rhonda reflects on her unique educational experiences and the challenges she faced growing up, which shaped her perspective and fueled her passion for storytelling. He…

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Dave Letterfly’s Inspiring Journey: From Circus Rings to Creative Recovery 43:15

6M ago43:15

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#138 - Imagine a world where the timeless allure of the circus meets the nuanced journey of personal growth and recovery. This episode, we bring you the extraordinary life of Dave Letterfly, a man whose experiences range from training horses under the big top to penning books that inspire and heal. Raised in the Midwest, Dave's journey is a testame…

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Ashleigh Renard's Path to Authenticity: Embracing Estrangement and Self-Discovery 1:08:34

6M ago1:08:34

1:08:34

Bonus 4 - What happens when life throws unexpected challenges your way, and you're forced to confront deep-seated family dynamics and personal growth? In this bonus episode of Journey with Jake, I sit down with returning guest Ashleigh Renard to explore her extraordinary journey over the past two years, marked by a transformative divorce and a cour…

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Becky Lukovic's Transformative Journey: Embracing Exploration and Crafting Unique Travel Experiences 50:28

6M ago50:28

50:28

#137 - Becky Lukovic's wanderlust journey takes center stage as she shares how a brisk April morning in the Bay of Naples transformed her life and career. From her roots in Arkansas to adventures across Uganda and Patagonia, Becky's narrative is a vibrant tapestry of cultural curiosity and natural wonder. We explore how she broke free from traditio…

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From Miss Idaho to Ms. World Traveler with Kerry Damiano 43:06

7M ago43:06

43:06

#136 - What happens when pageantry meets wanderlust? Join us for a captivating conversation with Kerry Damiano, known as Ms. World Traveler, as she shares her remarkable transformation from Miss Idaho 1983 to a globe-trotting fashion and travel aficionado. Kerry reveals how her pageant background uniquely influences her approach to travel blogging,…

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From Silicon Success to Mexican Marvels with Ingo Schulmeyer 39:58

7M ago39:58

39:58

#135 - What if you could transform your life with just a few small resets? Join us as we sit down with the adventurous and inspiring Ingo Schulmeyer, who recounts his incredible journey from a successful career in the semiconductor industry to a life of exploration and fulfillment in Veracruz, Mexico. Ingo, an endurance athlete and life coach, shar…

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Kitty Robinson's Inspiring Adventure: Balancing Family, Faith, and the Appalachian Trail Journey 53:38

7M ago53:38

53:38

#134 - After years of managing a bustling family life with eight children, Kitty Robinson discovered the Appalachian Trail's transformative power. Her story unfolds as she balances motherhood, yoga teaching, and studying marriage and family therapy while embracing the trail's challenges. Join us as Kitty recounts her adventures and shares how natur…

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Luke Bosworth's Adventure Chronicles: Sailing and Beyond 38:32

7M ago38:32

38:32

#133 - From passionate adventurer to social media influencer, Luke Bosworth shares a journey that defies convention and embraces the unknown. Our conversation starts with Luke's roots in Orlando, Florida, where his adventurous spirit was nurtured by an inspiring father. That eagerness for exploration led him to an unexpected opportunity with the Sa…

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Adventures in Beauty and Beyond with Danielle Keasling 50:30

8M ago50:30

50:30

#132 - Award-winning hairstylist and beauty influencer Danielle Keasling invites you on her exhilarating journey of beauty, travel, and wellness. Growing up in Minneapolis with a family connected to Northwest Airlines, Danielle developed a wanderlust early on, which eventually shaped her adventurous career path. She shares how the universe guided h…

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Embracing the Unknown on Two Wheels with Jude Kriwald 57:05

8M ago57:05

57:05

#131 - Join me as I embark on an exhilarating conversation with Jude Kriwald, an adventurous spirit whose bicycle has taken him from the bustling streets of London to the mysterious jungles of Liberia. Jude's tales are more than just stories of travel; they are lessons in resilience, cultural exchange, and the kindness of strangers. He shares how h…

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From Wasatch to Bear: Ryan Head's Ultra-Marathon Triumphs 52:47

8M ago52:47

52:47

Bonus - Achieving the extraordinary often starts with a simple conversation, and today, we celebrate Veterans Day with a truly inspiring one. My friend and running coach, Ryan Head, joins us to share his incredible achievement of completing two daunting 100-mile races—the Wasatch 100 and the Bear 100—just three weeks apart. Ryan's story is a testam…

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Sara Diener’s Unattached Journey: Embracing Independence and Adventure in Collegiate Athletics 57:29

8M ago57:29

57:29

#130 - What if you could navigate the world of collegiate athletics without being tied to a university? Join us as we chat with Sara Diener, an incredible "unattached athlete," who competes at the NCAA level independently. Discover her inspiring journey from Draper, Utah, through her recent graduation from Utah Valley University with a marketing de…

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Charting New Courses: Kaity McKee's Aviation Adventures 48:55

8M ago48:55

48:55

#129 - What inspires a combat arms officer to trade the grit of the battlefield for the serenity of the skies? Join us as we uncover the fascinating journey of Kaity McKee, affectionately known as Pilot Kaity, whose passion for aviation was ignited by her father's legacy as a retired Air Force pilot. From her upbringing in Georgia to her current st…

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Rediscovering Freedom on the Open Road with Michele DeVries 46:55

9M ago46:55

46:55

#128 - What if you traded your traditional lifestyle for a life on the road? Join us as Michele DeVries, a seasoned overland traveler, unveils her journey from settling into an unconventional lifestyle to thriving in it. Originally sparked by discomfort, Michele's transition into full-time nomadism has blossomed into a life filled with personal gro…

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Peter Cordova's Eight-Month Odyssey Across 17 Countries 50:32

9M ago50:32

50:32

#127 - What happens when you leave your 9-5 job behind and embark on an eight-month journey across 17 countries? Join us as we chat with Peter Cordova, affectionately known as Petey, who did just that. Growing up in the heavily polluted mining town of La Oroya, Peru, Petey transitioned to a career in IT sales in Denver, Colorado, and found his true…

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Valerie & Eric Woebkenberg's Inspiring Journey: Breathing Life into American History for Young Readers 36:22

9M ago36:22

36:22

Bonus - Get ready to unlock the joy of reading and the wonders of American history with Valerie and Eric Woebkenberg, our inspiring mother-son duo. Valerie, a passionate former first-grade teacher from Cincinnati, teams up with her roller-coaster-loving son, Eric, to create the magical "Miles Across America" children's book series. This episode pro…