Episode 59: What Does it Take to Be Great with Lisa Smith-Batchen


What does greatness look like? Is it talent, time, or something deeper? In this episode, I sit down with endurance legend and master coach Lisa Smith-Batchen to explore what greatness really means – and how it evolves as we do. With over four decades of coaching and ultra-running behind her, Lisa shares a wisdom-packed perspective on pushing limits, aging with intention, and chasing big dreams, no matter where you’re starting.

Lisa is the first American to win the grueling Marathon des Sables and the first woman to have completed the Badwater Quad – covering 584 miles across Death Valley! She’s run across multiple states for charity, completed a 50-mile ultra in every state, and raised over $1 million for orphanages and clean water projects. But what’s just as remarkable is how grounded, present, and purpose-driven she remains through it all.

We dig into the transformative power of endurance sports—not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. Lisa opens up about what keeps her coming back to extreme challenges, the emotional shifts that come with aging as an athlete, and how learning to put yourself first might just be the most radical move of all. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or simply trying to show up fully in life, this one’s for you.

🕓 Timeline Highlights

[3:55] – Lisa’s 20-year coaching journey with Bob Becker and the bond beyond the miles
[6:45] – Getting cut from the team—and how it shaped her coaching philosophy
[9:25] – Breaking records and barriers: Badwater Quad, 50 ultras in 50 states, and running for causes
[12:15] – The path from average to good to great: Lisa’s simple but powerful growth model
[17:49] – Embracing evolution: letting go of who you were to step into who you’re becoming
[29:01] – A moment at mile 132 that changed Bob Becker’s mindset—and maybe yours too
[34:00] – Why making time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential
[41:15] – What keeps Lisa coming back to the edge of endurance: joy, clarity, and spiritual connection
[57:22] – Guiding a blind and deaf athlete through 140 miles—Lisa’s next adventure

🔗 Links & Resources

💬 Final Words

This episode offers far more than endurance talk—it’s a blueprint for living with purpose, courage, and connection. If it struck a chord with you, be sure to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen. And don’t forget – head to our YouTube page to subscribe and watch the full conversation. We’ve got more powerful stories coming your way, so stay tuned and stay on adventure.

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Episode 58: How to run through Death Valley in July at age 80 with Bob Becker


In this captivating episode of On Adventure, I sit down with the legendary Bob Becker – ultramarathoner, race director, and age-defying adventurer – to unpack his incredible journey from late-blooming runner to becoming the oldest finisher of the Badwater 135, one of the world’s toughest ultramarathons.

At 80 years old, Bob proves that it’s never too late to rewrite your story, conquer deserts, and inspire generations. Whether you’re an aspiring endurance athlete, race organizer, or simply someone looking for motivation to stay active, this episode delivers.

🕓 Timestamps & Topics Covered

  • [00:04:00] Introduction – Welcoming Bob Becker and setting the stage.

  • [00:06:00] Late Bloomer in Running – Bob started serious running at 57!

  • [00:07:30] First Ultra: Marathon des Sables – 150-mile Sahara race to celebrate turning 60.

  • [00:09:00] Why Ultras? – The deep camaraderie and the life-changing community.

  • [00:13:00] Training Without Mountains – How Bob trains for elevation in flat Florida.

  • [00:18:30] From Running to Race Directing – Launching the iconic Keys 100 and Daytona 100 races.

  • [00:23:00] Life After Real Estate – How Bob turned adversity during the financial crisis into purpose.

  • [00:27:00] Jungle Racing in the Everglades – Creating and running a now-legendary trail race.

  • [00:34:00] Enduring Support – His wife’s unique but wholehearted support.

  • [00:38:00] Intergenerational Adventure – Racing with his granddaughter.

  • [00:39:30] Movement as Medicine – Encouraging older adults to “just start moving.”

  • [00:40:00] Nutrition & Heat Strategy – Vegan lifestyle and fueling for the long haul.

  • [00:47:00] Inside Badwater 135 – The heat, the altitude, the brutal beauty.

  • [00:54:00] History in the Making – Becoming the oldest finisher in Badwater history.

  • [01:00:00] Mental Grit – Mantras, bear crawls, and mindset hacks.

  • [01:05:00] Lessons from the Trail – What Bob’s learned from every finish line.

🏆 Key Takeaways

  • 🧠 Age is not a limitation – Bob didn’t start running seriously until his late 50s.

  • 🌱 Vegan athlete – Nutrition was key to training, racing, and recovery.

  • 🥵 Badwater veteran – 6x Badwater runner; oldest finisher at age 80.

  • 🛠️ Creative training methods – Pulling tires across bridges to simulate hills.

  • 💪 Mental strength over miles – Bear crawled the last mile of Badwater in 2022.

  • 🧡 Inspiring generations – Encourages others, especially seniors, to stay active.

✨ Notable Quotes

“If someone else can do it, why can’t I?” – Bob Becker

“The finish line is glorious. It’s a bragging right you carry forever.”

“You’re never too old to start moving. Start walking, gardening – just move.”

🔗 Connect with Bob Becker

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t miss out on more inspiring conversations with adventurers, endurance athletes, and game-changers just like Bob Becker.


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Episode 57: Barefoot Running, the Badwater Double FKT, and Chasing the Grid with Ken Posner


In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Ken Posner—ultrarunner, author, former Army Ranger, and corporate financial analyst—to explore the transformative power of pushing physical and mental boundaries. Ken shares stories from his extraordinary journey completing the “grid”: summiting all 35 high peaks of New York’s Catskills in every month of the year. Along the way, he stripped away technology, embraced barefoot running, and found a deeper connection with nature and himself.

This episode isn’t just about extreme endurance. It’s about rediscovering who we are when the noise of the modern world fades away. We unpack how doing hard things in nature can bring clarity, strength, and a more balanced life. Whether you’re curious about barefoot hiking, intrigued by minimalist living, or seeking inspiration to shake up your own routine, Ken’s story will move you.

Timeline Summary:

[2:22] – Ken’s shift from corporate life to ultra endurance running in his late 30s
[4:00] – Why he started running barefoot and what kept him going
[7:45] – The joy, mindfulness, and sensation of barefoot movement
[10:10] – Balancing high-tech corporate work with minimalist, analog outdoor living
[19:00] – The metaphor of “signal vs. noise” and how nature helps us tune in
[28:30] – Pain vs. suffering: building resilience through chosen challenges
[35:00] – The Badwater Double: a 292-mile journey through Death Valley and back
[47:30] – How the mountains called him at age 50 and led to chasing the grid
[54:00] – The spiritual and transformative lessons learned through mountain pilgrimages

Links & Resources:

Closing Remark:

Please check out Ken’s website and support him by purchasing his new book! 

If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a friend who could use a little adventure in their life. Be sure to follow, rate, and leave a review of the podcast and well as our new YouTube channel—it helps us reach more everyday explorers just like you. Thanks for tuning in!

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Episode 56: How Great Athletes Are Made with Dr. Charles Infurna


In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Charles Infurna—a coach, academic, and athlete—who shares a powerful story about unlocking human potential. From the legacy of his immigrant family to his own journey through athletics and coaching, Charles brings a deep, authentic perspective on what it really takes to push past limits and perform at the highest level.

We talk about the importance of belief, the trust that fuels great coach-athlete relationships, and how to balance ambition with healthy detachment. Whether you’re chasing Olympic dreams, striving for personal growth, or trying to show up better for your kids, Charles’ reflections offer real wisdom for anyone walking their own adventure.

Timeline Summary

[1:22] – The immigrant roots that shaped Charles’ drive and work ethic
[5:00] – Early lessons from watching his parents work tirelessly for the American dream
[7:50] – The college years: How track and field became the anchor that kept him moving forward
[10:12] – Stepping into coaching: From reluctant start to life-changing purpose
[16:00] – Navigating identity, ego, and love for the sport in his first years as a coach
[19:45] – Parenting and coaching: What he’s learned about motivation, belief, and letting go
[22:55] – The most important thing a coach can do: Be a “light giver” and guide belief
[27:10] – Stories of grit, growth, and belief from standout athlete Lewis and others
[35:00] – Research insights: What Olympic coaches do differently to create trust and performance
[45:00] – Inside “The Throwing Circle”: Charles’ upcoming book and how it blends story with science

Links & Resources

  • Follow Dr. Charles Infurna
    Instagram & Twitter: @charlesinfurna
    LinkedIn: Charles Infurna

  • Dr. Infurna’s Upcoming Book: The Throwing Circle
    Launching Summer 2025 – Available soon on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Costco.

  • Josh’s Financial Planning Resources
    Website: www.ridgelinewealthadvisors.com
    Newsletter: The Money Trail Guide – Sign up on the site!

Enjoyed This Episode?

If you found this conversation valuable, don’t forget to rate, follow, share, and review the podcast! Your support helps us keep bringing inspiring stories and hard-won insights from everyday explorers, adventurers, and achievers.

👉 Also, be sure to find and follow our brand-new YouTube channel where you can watch full episodes and more from the On Adventure Podcast.

Stay safe. Stay curious. Stay on the adventure.

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Traveling on Purpose: Turning Luxury Vacations into Meaningful Milestones

For many families, vacations are about rest and recreation – time to unwind, see the world, and enjoy hard-earned success. But for those with significant resources, there’s an opportunity to take travel beyond luxury and create something far more lasting: purposeful travel.

Purposeful travel blends the comfort and adventure you expect with intentional goals – strengthening family bonds, serving communities in ways that leave a legacy, or cultivating personal growth through quiet reflection. These trips become milestones, remembered not just for where you went, but for how they shaped your family’s story.

Here are three purposeful approaches that resonate especially well for families who want their travel to matter as much as their investments:

  1. Multi-Generational Adventures that Forge Family Connection

When a family spans multiple generations, gathering everyone under one roof – or even in one country – can be rare. A purposeful family trip creates an intentional space to connect across ages, combining luxury comfort with shared challenges or experiences.

Think of chartering a private expedition yacht in Alaska where grandparents and grandchildren alike participate in guided wildlife research. Or a curated trek through Patagonia, complete with private guides and lodges, where each family member contributes – whether it’s navigating a trail or preparing a shared meal one evening.

The goal isn’t just to “go somewhere” but to actively create shared experiences that knit generations together and build the family narrative. These trips often spark traditions that become part of the family’s legacy.

How to get started:

• Engage a travel advisor who specializes in high-end, family-oriented experiences to ensure logistical ease and privacy.

• Choose a cause or skill that resonates with your family values – conservation, cultural preservation, or even an artistic pursuit.

• Plan structured reflection time, like nightly fireside conversations or a shared family journal to capture insights along the way.

  1. Personal Retreats for Renewed Perspective

Wealth often comes with significant complexity…it’s the often-overlooked paradox of ‘more.’ The pressures of leadership, decision-making, and public life can be relentless. Purpose-driven solo retreats – or even couples retreats – offer rare opportunities to disconnect from constant demands and recalibrate priorities.

Picture a guided silent retreat in the Swiss Alps with world-class amenities, or a secluded desert lodge designed for deep meditation and personal reset. These environments strip away distractions and offer clarity, allowing you to return not just refreshed, but re-centered on what matters most.

How to get started:

• Consider retreat centers that balance privacy with top-tier wellness programming – places that honor both comfort and introspection.

• Recommendations from friends that have gone before are helpful!

• Build a loose itinerary: include guided mindfulness sessions, private hikes, or curated reading lists to deepen the experience.

• Plan for post-retreat integration: a few days of quiet transition before re-engaging fully with work and family life. This is always important so we don’t blow right back into life as usual.

  1. Philanthropic Travel with Measurable Impact

For many affluent families, travel is also a chance to align lifestyle with legacy. Philanthropic adventures – sometimes called “impact travel” – allow you to explore remarkable destinations while supporting initiatives that matter to your family.

Imagine funding and participating in a reef restoration project in the Maldives, or helping construct sustainable water systems in a remote African village – while your family experiences the local culture and learns firsthand about the challenges and solutions. These trips can instill gratitude and broaden perspective for younger generations, while also tangibly advancing causes you care about.

How to get started:

• Partner with established philanthropic travel organizations to ensure projects are ethical, sustainable, and genuinely needed.

• Define your family’s core values (education, conservation, community) and seek projects that align with them.

• Combine service with adventure – balance meaningful work with opportunities to explore and celebrate the destination.

Why This Matters for Families of Means

There is no question that I am bent towards looking at vacation as an escape. I do not think that there is anything inherently wrong with viewing time away from daily life in this light. Sometimes, it is exactly what is needed for recharging.

However, the broader point here is that there is another angle that can be considered. Purposeful travel reframes vacations from “escape” to “investment” – not in dollars, but in relationships, perspective, and legacy. It creates shared experiences that deepen connection, foster gratitude, and remind everyone what your resources are really for: living a meaningful life, not just an affluent one.

These trips also help younger generations see wealth differently – not as entitlement, but as responsibility and opportunity. They become part of the family culture, shaping how future decisions about giving, living, and investing are made.

Next time you plan a trip, ask: What could this mean for our family beyond rest and luxury? The answer might turn your next vacation into one of the defining chapters of your family’s story.

Episode 54: Suffer in Comfort and Other Lessons from Elite Mountain Guide Brian Warren


In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Brian Warren—an elite mountain guide whose life has been defined by risk, reinvention, and a deep connection to the mountains. From thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail just days after high school to guiding in the Tetons, Himalaya, and beyond, Brian’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and embracing the unknown.

We explore how Brian transitioned from living out of a backpack to leading high-stakes expeditions around the globe—and eventually, to navigating a whole new adventure: fatherhood and a career pivot into financial services. This conversation dives deep into themes of identity, confidence vs. competence, imposter syndrome, and the unique lessons that come from suffering in comfort. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to reinvent yourself while carrying forward everything hard-earned from past chapters, this episode is for you.

Timeline of Highlights

  • [2:22] – Launching into adventure: Brian’s decision to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail at 18.

  • [10:45] – Discovering leadership on the trail and earning the nickname “Merlin.”

  • [18:20] – Transitioning from Knowles courses to guiding in Jackson Hole and the Tetons.

  • [27:05] – Learning to ski on “toy skis” and the path to heli-ski guiding.

  • [37:50] – Companionship as the secret ingredient to adventure: why relationships matter in the mountains.

  • [44:00] – “Suffer in comfort”: Brian’s mantra for staying calm in high-stakes situations.

  • [1:04:15] – Stories from the edge: avalanches, crevasse falls, and helicopter crashes.

  • [1:10:30] – Reinventing life beyond the mountains: from guiding to financial planning.

Links & Resources

Closing

If this episode inspired you, please rate, review, and share the podcast. You can also find our new YouTube page!  It’s the best way to help more adventurers like you find these conversations. And don’t forget to follow so you don’t miss the next episode.

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What the Everyday Explorers of the On Adventure Podcast Have Taught Me About Making a Good Life Great

You have a solid job that covers the essentials and taps into your talents. Your relationships with your spouse, children, extended family, and close friends are meaningful and enriching. Your home offers both comfort and safety, and your golf outings or local volunteer work add enjoyable dimensions to your routine.

On paper, you’re living the ideal life. Yet many who tick these boxes still feel there’s a gap—something intangible yet deeply felt.

Recently, a compelling study published in Affective Science explored exactly what constitutes a truly “good life.” Researchers surveyed nearly 4,000 individuals from nine countries, including the U.S., asking participants to envision their ideal lives and rank various descriptors reflecting happiness, meaning, and psychological richness.

Happiness as the Foundation

The study identified foundational happiness with descriptors like:

  • Stable
  • Comfortable
  • Simple
  • Happy
  • Pleasant

This is your baseline. Achieving this level of happiness means your basic emotional and physical needs are met. From here, you have the stability and clarity needed to expand your life in meaningful ways.

Adding Layers of Meaning

The next dimension is meaning, expressed through terms such as:

  • Meaningful
  • Fulfilling
  • Virtuous
  • Sense of purpose
  • Involves devotion

This aligns perfectly with the conversations we have on the On Adventure podcast, highlighting individuals who choose purpose over mere comfort. Whether through meaningful work, volunteerism, or mentoring, creating a life of purpose enriches your emotional experience and builds a legacy.

As I’ve discussed frequently on the podcast, meaning becomes even more critical during life’s transitions, especially retirement. Those who pursue meaningful work or passions tend to continue finding fulfillment long after their career concludes.

Embracing Psychological Richness

Perhaps most intriguing—and closely related to our ongoing discussions on adventure—is the third dimension: psychological richness, characterized by:

  • Eventful
  • Dramatic
  • Interesting
  • Full of surprise
  • Psychologically rich

Adventure inherently creates psychological richness. It involves challenge, uncertainty, overcoming obstacles, and embracing curiosity. It keeps you from stagnation and boredom. Guests on the On Adventure podcast consistently affirm that embracing adventure dramatically enriches their lives, offering insights, perspective shifts, and growth opportunities they never anticipated.

The interplay between happiness, meaning, and psychological richness evolves as you journey through life. Adventure, in various forms, ensures that you continuously grow and remain energized.

So how do we balance these elements effectively, especially as our lives change over time? That’s where Life-Centered Planning comes into play—helping you strategically align your resources with the kind of life that genuinely excites and fulfills you right now. Let’s explore together how your personal adventure can guide the design of your great life right now!

Episode 50: What My Son Taught Me About True Strength and Courage with Hudson Self


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.

⏱️ Timeline Summary

  • [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

🔗 Links & Resources

🎧 Closing Thoughts

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.

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Episode 48: Beautiful rebellion and choosing creativity over conformity with Thad Cockrell


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.

⏱️ Timeline Summary:

[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

🔗 Links & Resources:

🙌 Enjoyed This Episode?

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Q2 Letter to Clients

As we wrap up the first quarter of 2025, I want to briefly reflect on recent market activity and share some thoughtful insights on maintaining perspective during volatile times.

Market and Economic Overview

This quarter reminded us that markets rarely move in a straight line. The S&P 500 saw a decline of a little more than 4%, driven largely by investor unease over inflation concerns and uncertainty about global trade policies. Additionally, international markets showed surprising resilience, with the MSCI All Country World Index ex-U.S. index outperforming the S&P 500 index by nearly 11 percentage points, marking the strongest first-quarter performance for international stocks since 1987, demonstrating the importance of diversification in your portfolios.  And yet, these numbers mean nothing to me, and they shouldn’t to you either.  Index returns, especially over one quarter, say nothing about whether you are on track to achieve your own personal goals or more importantly, about whether you are living your great life right now.  You should be tracking your ROL index, and the stock market has nothing to do with that!  These short-term returns are just noise, distracting you from the conversation that really matters.

Strategic Opportunities Amid Volatility

While volatility can feel uncomfortable, it’s essential to recognize the opportunities it creates for a long-term investor. We continuously monitor your portfolios for opportunities like tax-loss harvesting – turning short-term declines into meaningful tax savings – and strategic rebalancing which keeps your investments on target to your risk model.  Or better yet, if you have cash on the sidelines, putting new cash to work in your investment accounts is a great way to take advantage of lower asset prices, which has an outsized effect on your future portfolio!  Volatility coming from risk is also the price we all must pay in order to expect longer-term returns that outpace inflation. 

Great New Content

In line with our belief in tuning out short-term noise and focusing on long-term goals, Dimensional Fund Advisors recently released an exceptional documentary film called, “Tune Out the Noise,” directed by Academy award-winning filmmaker, Errol Morris. I highly recommend this impactful video, which beautifully captures the essence of remaining grounded and focused amid market distractions, spoken from the perspectives of some of the smartest people in finance over the last 60 years.  Check it out in the link below.

Above all, remember that your financial plan is built specifically for times like these – grounded in your personal goals, risk tolerance, and life’s milestones. Markets will always fluctuate, but our commitment to your financial well-being remains constant.

Thank you for your continued trust. Please feel free to reach out anytime.