The Human Adventure – Details, episodes & analysis

#196 - What does it really take to walk away from a peak career, point your bow into headwinds, and chase a goal so big it scares you? I sat down with Malaysian sailor Fabian Fernandez, who circumnavigated the globe on his own terms—eschewing the easy “milk run” to round the Cape of Good Hope and steer straight into the kind of weather that makes legends and humbles egos.

Fabian’s story isn’t a montage of perfect beaches. It’s a masterclass in planning, patience, and purpose. He breaks down how years of engineering and manufacturing shaped his voyage like a mega-project: route windows, finances, maintenance, and timing all choreographed to create momentum without gambling safety. He shares why he stopped often, how he used seasons to his advantage, and why the planning was harder than the sailing. You’ll hear a frank take on destinations—why French Polynesia felt overrated, why the Cook Islands and South Africa stole his heart, and why he scouted the Beagle Channel only to choose the Panama Canal after weighing joy against endurance in subpolar cold.

At the core is a spiritual journey. Thirty-two days alone across the Pacific stripped away the “white noise” of modern life and surfaced a simple truth: meaning grows when you give back. Fabian talks about faith, the courage to quit a prescribed path, and the cruising community’s radical kindness that ignores borders, race, and creed. He also honors the ocean’s cost, recounting the loss of a careful solo sailor friend—a reminder that respect and preparation are nonnegotiable.

We wrap with what comes next: talks on mental resilience, a short documentary, and a book that reframes adventure as an inner stretch, not a postcard. If you need a push to set your own big, hairy, audacious goal—and the practical playbook to make it real—this conversation will nudge you from someday to start. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone who’s ready to trade comfort for courage.

To learn more about Fabian check out his website www.destinydawnsailing.com and give him a follow on Instagram @destinytwelve.

Be sure and check out my Instagram for clips from the show and some snippets into my personal journey @journeywithjakepodcast.

 Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake 

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

#195 - A bull charges, a crowd roars, and a young teacher in Mexico says yes to the ring. That same man later sleeps on a bare floor in Juarez with his dog, ships bags at night, and turns a sketch into a company people chase through airports. Meet Dave Munson, founder of Saddleback Leather, whose path blends risk, faith, and relentless craft into a life that refuses shortcuts.

We dig into the moment he drew the first “Indiana Jones” bag, why strangers wouldn’t stop asking for it, and how a $100 apartment, bus-station pickups, and stubborn standards turned into a brand with a 100-year warranty. Dave shares blunt truths on pricing and materials, the discipline behind quality control, and the sacrifices most never see—waiting to marry, choosing grit over comfort, and protecting a business from the quiet temptations of cutting corners. His leadership lessons are disarmingly personal: court your spouse, encourage everyone, and help others win. Success, he argues, starts at home.

Faith threads through everything. Dave talks about praying boldly for “the coolest,” from a 1971 Land Cruiser rack to a headquarters built from compressed leather bales. He explains how purpose shapes operations—building a factory in Mexico, launching a homeschool program for employees’ kids, reopening an English institute, and sponsoring students in Rwanda and Uganda. Travel becomes marketing with a soul: crocs tug-of-war on a bag, shark dives on a honeymoon, and a simple stopover hack that turns Africa routes into Morocco detours at no extra cost.

We close by redefining adventure. Dave bans the word in branding and lives it instead: choose the unknown, trust that you’ll figure it out, and let curiosity steer the map. If you care about craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, service, and stories that actually happened, this conversation delivers. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves quality over hype, and leave a review with your favorite takeaway—what bold step are you ready to take next?

To learn more about Dave and maybe get yourself or a loved one a gift check out www.saddlbackleather.com and you can follow him on Instagram as well @saddlebackbags.

Be sure and follow me on Instagram as well to see some clips from the show and to get to know the personal side of yours truly! Check out @journeywithjakepodcast. 

Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake 

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

#186 - What if the deepest calm you’ve ever felt could follow you out of the water and into everyday life? That’s the spark of our conversation with Kerry Ferguson, founder of Yoga Tree, whose path from free diving to yoga reveals how breath, mindfulness, and compassion can reshape how we move through the world.

We trace Kerry's arc from early wellness choices and Outward Bound grit to anatomy labs, massage rooms, and a turning point in the Bahamas where breath control under pressure became a doorway to peace. Back in Tennessee, she helped a community discover yoga as sanctuary, even holding space on a day of national grief. Kerry shares a clear, practical technique—sit tall, breathe through the nose, expand the belly on inhale, and extend exhale to twice the length—to quiet anxiety and teach the nervous system to trust you again. Her approach demystifies meditation, inviting you to watch thoughts like clouds until the sky clears.

Travel is a thread that binds it all together. Kerry leads mindful retreats in Greece and beyond, where mornings begin on the mat and days unfold with local food, culture, and unhurried conversations. These aren’t just vacations; they’re immersive practices in presence, from family-run kitchens to sunset meditations. We also dig into yoga’s evolution in the West—why the pendulum swung toward fitness and why many are now returning to philosophy, chanting, and stillness. Kerry’s stories, including a powerful moment from a silent retreat in Dharamshala, remind us that our quiet can steady someone else’s storm.

If you’re seeking anxiety relief, mind-body tools, or a more intentional way to travel, this conversation will meet you where you are and nudge you toward where you want to be. Listen, breathe with us, and if it resonates, share the episode, subscribe, and leave a review so more people can find their way back to calm.

To learn more about Kerry and Yoga Tree check out her website www.myyogatree.com and give her a follow on Instagram @myyogatree.

Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake 

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

#107 - Embark on a photographic odyssey as I sat down with the remarkable Amber, whose lens has turned elopements into visual sonnets against Earth's most awe-inspiring canvases. Once a travel agent, Amber's trajectory to becoming an elopement photographer is a vibrant narrative of love, adventure, and the chance encounters that can shape our destinies. As she recounts her journey, your heart will travel through the quiet grandeur of Santorini's cliffs and the tranquil shores of Bora Bora, places where vows are whispered and forever is sealed in a frame.

In this intimate conversation, the allure of an elopement for the introspective adventurer becomes clear, and Amber's eye for immortalizing these moments elevates each story to a masterpiece of memory. She imparts wisdom for those drawn to the serenity of such intimate unions, painting a picture of the profound connections and experiences that come alive through her photography. And for anyone captivated by the idea of an elopement or just a fan of captivating love stories set against nature's majesty, Amber's Instagram account, @zephyretluna, stands as a gateway to the world through her perspective—a world where every snapshot beckons you to live your own adventure.

Please check out Amber's work by visiting her website www.zephyr-et-luna.com and her Instagram page @zephyretluna.

To get to know me and my guests better please follow me on Instagram @journeywithajakepodcast.  Please send me a note and say hi.  I would love to hear from you.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

#106 - Embrace the pulse of perseverance and youthful ambition through the experiences of Kambrie Wilkinson, a trail-blazing runner ready to conquer the peaks of Utah and the tracks of collegiate competition. My conversation with Kambrie isn't just about her swift strides on the racecourse; it's a heart-to-heart on how a mother's nudge led her from a dabbling multi-sport athlete to a committed runner whose story is as inspiring as the mountain trails she loves. Together, we unwrap the nuances of what it means to grow with a sport—discovering the joys and shaping influences running offers against the rugged backdrop of Utah's landscape.

Every runner knows the stomach's flutter before the starting signal, but not every runner learns to harness it as Kambrie has. Our dialogue traverses the inner battles and team alliances that stitch the fabric of distance running. Beyond strategies like visualization, we reveal the cultural tapestry and lingo that differentiate the raw, natural allure of cross country from the calculated rhythm of track events. Kambrie's tale is a reminder of the beauty found in the shared grit and the unexpected friendships forged at the finish line.

As Kambrie stands on the cusp of her college journey at Utah Tech University, she shares the proactive steps and heartfelt decisions in the college recruitment dance—a testimony to her drive and determination. She's not just running towards an athletic career; she envisions a future rich with education, coaching, and adventures that span the globe. So whether you're a seasoned runner or a newcomer curiously eyeing those laced-up shoes, Kambrie's chronicle, illuminated on Instagram @runnerkam, invites you to explore the pathways where ambition meets passion. Join us for an episode that's not just about the race, but about the enduring spirit that carries us through life's marathons.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

#105 - Embarking on a journey of health and hope can be as daunting as it is illuminating, and Elwin Robinson's story is a testament to the transformative power of wellness. Born to an international family, Elwin faced early health challenges that set him on an explorative quest for understanding. I have the privilege of delving into Elwin's remarkable transformation and his profound insights into living a hopeful and fulfilling life, despite once being ensnared by minimum wage realities and a negative mindset.

Every struggle carries the seed of opportunity, and this episode is rife with stories of overcoming and finding purpose. Witness how Elwin's significant health shift propelled him into a deep personal introspection, catapulting him from merely surviving to resolutely thriving. His candid recollections of family complexities and his own battle with trauma underscore the resilience of the human spirit.

Concluding our discussion, we unravel the often-overlooked influence of genetics on health and behavior. Elwin shares a surprising personal discovery about lead poisoning, highlighting the critical interplay between environmental factors and our genetic predispositions. The threads of health, partnership, and the pursuit of significance are intricately woven throughout this episode, inviting you to reflect on your own tapestry of life.

To learn more about Elwin and his work with health and genetics you can check out www.geneticinsights.co or chech him out on Youtube.

Check out my Instagram page @journeywithjakepodcast and check out my website www.journeywithjake.net.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

#104 - When the balance beam of life meets the vault of ambition, where do you land? Lundyn VanderToolen, a high school senior on the cusp of collegiate gymnastics, joins me to untangle this convergence. We kick off our chat with Lundyn’s evolution from a five-year-old with a beam in her eyes to a seasoned gymnast with dreams bigger than a perfect 10. The heart of her story is rooted in family support, as she recounts the influence of her sisters and the strength she draws from her Utah upbringing.

Navigating the rigorous twists and flips of an athlete's life, Lundyn walks us through her emotional decision to transition from elite gymnastics to a path that realigns with her joy and well-being. It's a poignant reminder that sometimes stepping off the podium can lead to a more fulfilling journey. We tuck into the complexities of balancing the weight of expectations with personal aspirations, and Lundyn's candid reflection on parental support sheds light on the universal struggle to find one's own footing.

By the time Lundyn maps out her recruitment journey to Utah State University, we're all on the edge of our seats, eager to vault into her future. The chapter on faith, gymnastics, and gratitude serves as a floor routine for the soul, where Lundyn demonstrates the grace of navigating decisions with trust and the importance of cherishing team bonds. Her story is not just one of athletic prowess, but an ode to resilience, growth, and the camaraderie that forges the heart of a gymnast. Join us for an episode that vaults beyond the gymnastics mat and lands squarely in the realm of life lessons and leaps of faith.

You can follow Lundyn on Instagram @lundynv2024.

You can follow me on Instagram @journeywithjakepodcast.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

#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.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

#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.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure. 

#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.

Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure.