Episode 64: Adventure, Spirituality, and the Search for Something Bigger with Reed Dunn


In today’s episode—the first in a brand-new series exploring the deeper meaning behind our outdoor experiences—I sit down with my longtime friend, pastor, everyday explorer, and deep thinker, Reed Dunn, for one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had on this podcast. This first installment leans less on adrenaline and more on the why—why we’re drawn to the outdoors, why hardship shapes us, and why so many of us pursue experiences that push us into awe, wonder, and transcendence.

Reed and I dig into the spiritual side of adventure—what it means to connect with something beyond ourselves, whether you call that God or a higher power. We unpack the way wilderness confronts our limits, how beauty can shake us awake, and why disciplines of “no” might be more important today than ever. And of course, we talk about Reed’s years of backpacking, his favorite place in the world, and the moments that have stayed with him long after the trip ended.

⏱️ Timeline Summary

Here are the top moments from the episode:

[00:16:00] – Kicking off the conversation: why I wanted Reed on the show and how his story fits into “the meaning side” of adventure.
[00:26:00] – Reed’s early backpacking years—Colorado, Arkansas, the Buffalo River Trail, and how those experiences shaped him.
[00:35:00] – The memory of his favorite place on earth: a glacial lake, seven waterfalls, and the power of remembering without a camera.
[00:36:00] – A deep dive into spirituality: what it means to connect with transcendence, how nature becomes a pathway, and why anyone—regardless of belief—can access it.
[00:46:00] – Religion vs. spirituality: Reed breaks down the difference between learning about God and meeting God—and why both matter.
[01:13:00] – Exploring hardship, asceticism, and the spiritual importance of limitation. Why “telling yourself no” opens doors to meaning.
[01:22:00] – The connection between ancient spiritual practices, desert monks, and modern adventurers who push themselves to the edge in search of something more.

🔗 Links & Resources

🙌 Closing Remark

If this conversation stirred something in you, inspired you, or made you think differently about why we chase adventure in the first place, I’d love for you to rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. It helps more everyday explorers find these stories—and it keeps great conversations like this one coming.

Thanks for listening, and keep living your adventure on purpose.

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Episode 62: From Ultras to FKT’s to Ocean Crossings: You Won’t Believe What Mike Wardian’s Doing Next!


What happens when you stop waiting for permission and start chasing wild, audacious goals? That’s exactly what we unpack in this powerhouse episode with Mike Wardian—elite endurance athlete, record-setting runner, and all-around inspiration. From running across the United States to setting a fastest known time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail for his age group, Mike shares the mindset behind tackling the unimaginable.

But this conversation goes beyond races and records. Mike opens up about what fuels his drive, how he builds resilience through repetition, and how he balances his career, family, and love for adventure. Whether you’re prepping for your first 10K or dreaming of rowing solo across the Atlantic (yep, that’s on his calendar too), there’s something here for everyone chasing big goals.

🔥 What You’ll Learn

  • How Mike plans his insane endurance calendar using a Post-it Note system

  • The real story behind his Appalachian Trail record attempt — injuries, storms, and mental toughness

  • Why he’s trading trails for water in 2027: rowing across the Atlantic solo

  • How to push through when motivation runs dry — the power of micro-goals

  • Mike’s approach to family, business, and adventure life balance

  • What he’s learned about humanity and resilience from running thousands of miles

🏆 Featured Moments

[1:04] – Mike’s “goal list” strategy for setting and sticking to ambitious challenges
[4:58] – What is the Taco Bell 50K and the Full Ham Triathlon? (Hint: They’re tougher than they sound)
[6:55] – Why Mike’s next adventure is rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean
[9:02] – The difference between saying yes to challenges and actively seeking them out
[15:45] – Why the Appalachian Trail holds a special place in Mike’s heart
[23:10] – Trail injuries, vegan nutrition, and how Mike fueled himself with 10,000 calories a day
[32:45] – How Mike balances a full-time career and family life while pursuing ultra-endurance feats
[39:01] – The truth about running across America—traffic, kindness, loneliness, and everything in between
[45:40] – Why 100 burpees a day became a key part of Mike’s training routine

🧠 Listener Takeaways

  • Your biggest goals are within reach if you break them into daily reps

  • You don’t need to quit your job to live an adventurous life

  • Embrace the beginner’s mindset — it’s where the magic starts

  • There’s no substitute for consistency and curiosity

  • “Run toward the thing you’re afraid of — it’s probably where the growth is.”

📌 Links & Resources

  • Follow Mike Wardian on Instagram: @mikewardian

  • Learn more about Mike’s gear and sponsors: Teva, Bakline

  • Check out upcoming grassroots races like the Taco Bell 50K via Mike’s socials

👏 Connect with Us

Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and more conversations just like this. You can find us on YouTube by searching On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self — and don’t forget to hit the bell so you never miss a new drop.

If this episode inspired you, please follow, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite platform. It helps us grow and reach more everyday adventurers like you. And hey—share it with a friend who’s chasing their own wild goals.

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Episode 61: Why Adventurers Quit – 3 Mental Traps and How to Beat Them with Vol State 500K Finisher MAJ (Ret.) Vincent Antunez


Enduring the Impossible with Vincent Antunez

This episode is a deep dive into the mind and mission of Vincent Antunez, DSc, PA-C – a retired U.S. Army Major, ultra endurance athlete, and founder of Trail Toes. From grueling military deployments to multi-day ultramarathons across the globe, Vincent shares how pain, persistence, and preparation have shaped every step of his journey.

We talk about what it takes to push beyond the limits of your body – and more importantly, your mind. Vincent shares raw, powerful stories of suffering and success on the course, the lessons that endurance sports teach about humility and resilience, and the gear and mindset strategies that keep him (and his feet) moving forward. This one is packed with wisdom from the front lines – of both battlefields and ultramarathons.

🎧 Don’t forget – we’re now on YouTube! Be sure to subscribe to the channel and hit that bell so you never miss an episode. And of course, follow the show wherever you get your podcasts.

⏱️ Episode Timeline:

[1:12] – How Vincent met ultrarunning legend Lisa Smith-Batchen — and helped her complete her historic Badwater Quad
[3:44] – A military career across decades and continents
[6:57] – How a post-midnight beer run in Germany accidentally became his first marathon
[11:42] – Why he keeps showing up, even without formal training
[13:58] – The 3 reasons people drop out of ultras (and how to beat them)
[20:31] – Innovative tips for staying cool and blister-free on brutal courses
[24:49] – Trail Toes and how Vincent created it in Afghanistan
[38:11] – The psychology of endurance: crews, quitting, and the right kind of pressure
[52:05] – Why Vincent keeps coming back to these events — and what they continue to teach him

🔗 Links & Resources:

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review the podcast — and share it with a friend who’s always pushing their limits. Every download helps more everyday explorers find their way forward.

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Episode 60: Inside the Mind of Speed Records, Failure, and Firearms with Tom Kubiniec


How do you embrace fear and failure to build a multi million dollar business, shred heavy metal guitar solos and break land speed records in a custom built car?

In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Tom Kubiniec—entrepreneur, former heavy metal guitarist, and the so-called “gun storage guru.” From his days tearing up the music scene to building a global business in military weapon storage, Tom’s journey is one wild ride. We dive deep into what it means to stake a claim in life before you’ve “earned it,” why failure should be embraced (and quickly), and how creativity fuels not just business, but bold living.

A killer insight from Tom: “You don’t know where you’re going to land until you jump. As you’re falling, you will find a place to land.  If you’re not happy with that one, jump again.” 

We also explore his adrenaline-pumping pursuits: restoring rare cars, racing across the Utah salt flats, and finding peace in silence while bow hunting. This episode is about pushing limits, whether in the boardroom, behind a guitar, or out in the wild. If you’re looking for inspiration to go all-in on your ideas or just want a reminder of how short life is, this one hits home.

Episode Highlights:

[1:12] – Tom’s journey from unknown rock guitarist to global leader in military gun storage

[6:05] – The pivotal moment of “claiming” expertise before it was proven—and why it worked

[13:25] – How public speaking and guitar technique both benefit from slow, intentional practice

[17:00] – Fail fast: Why Tom says failure is not the enemy but the pathway to innovation

[25:55] – The birth of a game-changing locking system after a live simulation revealed a major flaw

[33:02] – Creating personas in business and why it’s not about being fake—it’s about solving problems

[39:45] – Breaking a land speed record with a 750cc custom car: the build, the danger, the payoff

[44:00] – Why silence in the woods and watching a forest wake up is Tom’s ultimate reset

[54:10] – Final reflections on living fully, embracing fear, and making the most of the one life we get

Links & Resources:

Closing Remarks: If this conversation with Tom fired you up to take bold steps in your own adventure, make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. And if you enjoyed this one, rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s ready to make their move.

Also, don’t forget to check out the full video episode and more on our On Adventure YouTube page and hit that Subscribe button.

Thanks for tuning in!

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Q4 Letter to Clients

I could sit and watch a stream or river all day long.  There is constant movement, and yet, the water is always right there in front of me, covering the same ground, falling over the same rocks and touching the same boundary on each side.  The water isn’t in a hurry. It shapes rock by returning to the same line again and again. That felt like a useful reminder for investing but really, for life – we make real progress by showing up with purpose and relentless consistency, not by forcing outcomes.  It’s a lesson that I seemingly must learn over and over again, but also continues to inform my approach to good, sound financial planning.

Market and Economic Overview

The third quarter brought plenty of headlines around interest rates, inflation reads, and geopolitics, yet the market’s tape told a different story. U.S. stocks advanced through the quarter, with the S&P 500 posting gains in July, August, and September and notching several new record closes in September. It didn’t move in a straight line, but it did move – and more than the headlines alone might suggest. For context, late September trading steadied after inflation data came in as expected.  Day-to-day swings will keep coming, but they don’t change the core job of a long-term plan.

Developed markets outside the U.S. also showed strength. Part of their performance stems from a weaker U.S. dollar, which amplifies returns in dollar-terms for overseas equities. This has also supported returns in emerging markets, which have surpassed U.S. equities.  The theme continues to be that different markets lead at different times, and spreading risk across geographies helps steady the journey.

Planning Moves That Matter

Just like the water in my favorite stream, we’re focusing on things that compound quietly and that make meaningful changes over time:

  • Cash segmentation for spending needs – matching an appropriate amount of known withdrawals to high-quality cash vehicles (money markets, Treasuries, short-term bonds or other ladders) so the rest of the portfolio can do its long-term work.
  • Rebalance with intent – trim what has run, add to what’s lagged inside your target ranges, and redeploy new cash strategically into the asset classes most out of balance.
  • Year-end tax work – harvest losses where appropriate, manage capital gains distributions, and pair giving with taxes: direct appreciated shares to donor-advised funds, consider QCDs if you’re taking RMDs, and review state-specific opportunities before December 31.
  • Purpose-built buckets – where it fits, we’ll keep leaning into liability-driven investing that ties assets to time horizons instead of a single, generic “risk number.”

If your cash flow, goals, or time frames have shifted recently, let’s update the map now rather than after January 1.

Money and Meaning

Optimizing your money is obviously important but not if it comes at the expense of optimizing your life (I’m speaking to myself here).  Recent On Adventure conversations offered a thread worth carrying into Q4.

  • Bob Becker spoke about finishing Badwater 135 at age 80 – not with bravado, but with gratitude, routine, and a stubborn gentleness that kept him moving when it got ugly.
  • Lisa Smith-Batchen (will be released on October 3) reminded us that the best crews and mentors hold a mirror to your ‘why’ when your legs want to quit.
  • Wells Jones talked about drawing a line in the sand – not as a dare, but as a promise to live aligned with what matters.

Nature is saying the same thing right now. The light changes. The trail looks different. The real work is to keep showing up with intention. Money is just one of the tools that helps you do that – to buy time, fund experiences with the people you love, support causes that reflect your values, and create margin for the kind of adventures that make you feel most alive.

Thank you for your trust. If something in your world has changed – a new goal, a liquidity event, a move, college bills, eldercare planning – let us know and we’ll adjust the plan together.

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.


👉 Subscribe to the On Adventure Podcast on your favorite platform to stay updated with every new episode.


📺 Want to see the stories come to life? Head over to our YouTube channel for full interviews, behind-the-scenes clips, and bonus content you won’t hear on the audio feed.


🔥 Hit that subscribe button, leave us a review, and join our growing community of adventurers!

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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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Episode 55: From Conservation to Kilimanjaro – A Life of Meaningful Struggle with Tom Hicks


What does it really mean to suffer with purpose? In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with conservationist and ultra-endurance athlete Tom Hicks – a man whose journey is as layered as the landscapes he climbs. From leading anti-poaching efforts across Africa and Asia with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation to tackling brutal challenges like Ironman races and high-altitude expeditions, Tom’s life is defined by intentional hardship, deep introspection, and relentless forward motion.

We dive into the heart of resilience, why discomfort can be transformative, and how a former rugby coach found meaning in the mountains. Tom also shares his connection with previous On Adventure guest Holly Budge and his plans to lead a new team to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Whether you’re an aspiring adventurer, a mindset junkie, or someone wrestling with self-doubt, this episode delivers a powerful reminder: growth is never linear, and purpose is often found in the pain.

Episode Highlights:

[3:00] – Fighting global wildlife crime: Tom’s work with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
[8:00] – The brutal truth about poaching, organized crime, and the risks of field conservation
[12:00] – From being told he’d never succeed to becoming a conservation leader
[18:00] – Mentoring the next generation: the importance of presence and vulnerability
[24:00] – The “circuit breaker” mindset tool to quiet negative inner voices
[29:00] – What drives us to endure suffering in pursuit of meaning
[38:00] – A life-or-death lesson on Lenin Peak – and why good decision-making matters
[45:00] – Remembering Dixie Dansercoer and how it reshaped Tom’s risk tolerance
[54:00] – Emotional regulation in chaos: the power of calm leadership
[59:00] – Balancing ambition, burnout, and building a team for Kilimanjaro

Links & Resources:

Connect with Tom:
Have questions about conservation, endurance training, or joining the upcoming Kilimanjaro team? Reach out to Tom directly on LinkedIn or Instagram – he’s always happy to connect with fellow adventurers and curious minds.

Enjoyed this episode?
If Tom’s story sparked something in you, take a second to rate, follow, and review On Adventure. And be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and inspiration from the trail. Plus – don’t miss new episode drops and bonus video content on our brand-new YouTube channel. Hit subscribe and join us for the next great adventure.

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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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