Episode 47: Suffering together with Patrick Serfass


Some stories grab you right from the first sentence—and this one, with Patrick Serfass, took me on a ride I didn’t want to end.

Patrick isn’t just a triathlete, or a renewable energy leader, or a dad raising two adventurous boys. He’s a guy who once said yes to sailing a 26-foot boat with no refrigeration all the way to South America. A guy who climbed the Grand Teton without any prior climbing experience. But what really makes his story stick with you is what happened when all of that—his athletic identity, his mobility, his very sense of self—got upended in a moment.

In this episode, we talk about what it means to suffer well, how ego can drive growth, and why the most powerful moments in life often come through challenge. We talk about trust, adventure, the loneliness of injury, and the healing that comes when you’re surrounded by people who say, “I’ve got you.” If you’ve ever been forced to let go of something you thought defined you—this one’s for you.

⏱️ Timestamps

[1:12] – Patrick introduces his family and his lifelong pull toward movement and travel
[5:55] – A spontaneous dinner conversation leads to a year-long sailing adventure
[12:01] – Why shared suffering forges deeper connection than comfort ever could
[17:40] – Losing the ability to run, and finding new purpose beyond the podium
[30:17] – What happens when your body becomes the limiting factor—and you say yes anyway
[35:12] – Climbing Grand Teton without climbing experience: fear, faith, and the magic of the mountains
[47:40] – The unexpected rewards of pushing through what scares us
[56:00] – What it really means to “stay in shape for the next adventure”—and why it’s not just physical

🔗 Links & Resources

If you’ve ever had to redefine who you are, if you’ve ever stood at the edge of something scary and whispered “yes,” I hope this episode reminds you: you’re not alone.

And hey—if it did speak to you, don’t forget to share the love. Follow, rate, and leave a review to help On Adventure reach more listeners who need these stories just as much as we do.

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Episode 28: The Psychology of Adventure with Matt Walker


Welcome back to The On Adventure Podcast! I’m your host, Josh Self, and today, my conversation is with Matt Walker. Matt is a unique blend of psychologist and adventurer, who has spent nearly 30 years leading expeditions on multiple continents. In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology behind adventure, the importance of doing hard things, and why integrating adventure into our lives is vital. Matt shares his insights on how discomfort can be a powerful tool for growth and how adventure helps us build resilience and find clarity. We also touch on his upcoming webinar that I will be hosting, so stay tuned for that!

Timeline Summary

  • [00:00] – Introduction to Matt Walker, his unique background, and the upcoming webinar on integrating adventure into our lives.
  • [02:07] – Matt talks about his journey into adventure and psychology, and the connection between the two.
  • [05:00] – Discussing the real “why” behind adventure and how it ties into personal and professional growth.
  • [10:12] – Reflecting on the potential disruptions of changing sleep habits.
  • [14:24] – Matt explains the five elements of adventure: High Endeavor, Uncertain Outcome, Total Commitment, Tolerance for Adversity, and Great Companionship.
  • [19:00] – The role of great companionship in meaningful adventures and how solo endeavors still require support.
  • [25:00] – Overcoming fear in mountaineering and how it parallels with facing life’s challenges.
  • [32:00] – The importance of intentionality and purpose in manhood and how adventure helps achieve this.
  • [43:00] – Matt’s personal adventures, including building a house and planning solo ascents of 8,000-meter peaks.
  • [47:00] – Closing remarks and how to connect with Matt Walker for more insights and support.

Links & Resources

Closing Remarks

Thank you for joining us on this episode of The On Adventure Podcast. If you enjoyed our conversation with Matt Walker, please rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us bring more inspiring content to you. Don’t forget to check out the links and resources mentioned, and as always, pursue your own great adventure!

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Episode 22: Beyond the Summit: Exploring the Depths with Kenton Cool


*Credit Elia Saikaly – Kenton on the Everest summit

In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Kenton Cool, a legendary high-altitude climber with an incredible record of Everest ascents and a storied career in mountain exploration. Dive into a conversation that explores not only the physical heights of the world’s most formidable peaks but also the profound depths of personal ambition, resilience, and self-discovery.

Episode Highlights:

  • [00:02:22] – Kenton recounts the challenges and thrills of achieving the Everest Triple Crown, offering a vivid glimpse into the life of a high-altitude climber.
  • [00:13:00] – Discover Kenton’s unique approach to leadership and team-building in extreme conditions, drawing from his extensive experience as a guide and speaker.
  • [00:22:13] – Delve into the ethos behind Kenton’s climbing philosophy—how passion, mindset, and the power of setting goals propel him forward.
  • [00:35:45] – A reflective moment as Kenton shares how his personal life, particularly fatherhood, reshapes his perspectives on adventure and the sacrifices it entails.
  • [00:47:28] – Hear about Kenton’s transformative experiences with local cultures and communities, enriching his journeys and broadening his world view.

Links & Resources:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing our show on your favorite podcast platform. Share with friends and fellow enthusiasts who might enjoy diving into the world of all-things adventure! Your support helps us bring more inspiring and enlightening content. Thank you for joining us, and keep seeking your adventures!

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