Episode 67: How to find God in Solitude, Silence and Wilderness with Bishop Mark Beckman


In this final installment of our series on spirituality and adventure, I sit down with Bishop Mark Beckman, the 4th Bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville, to explore what happens when faith is formed not just in quiet rooms, but in wild places. From hiking solo through old-growth forests to walking hundreds of miles on pilgrimage, Bishop Beckman shares how discomfort, silence, and physical effort can open us to something deeper than words.

We talk about the moments that push us to the edge of our capacity—storms in the backcountry, long days of walking, fear at high elevations—and how those experiences can shape trust, humility, and presence. This conversation is a reminder that adventure doesn’t only take us outward into the world, but inward toward meaning, mystery, and a deeper awareness of God.

Episode Timeline

  • [2:22] – Bishop Mark Beckman’s calling to ministry and how the outdoors shaped his faith from an early age

  • [6:45] – Discovering God’s presence through solitude, silence, and hiking alone in the woods

  • [10:48] – Forming a men’s backpacking group and finding unexpected community on the trail

  • [16:05] – Walking the Camino de Santiago and learning trust one step at a time

  • [22:40] – Pushing through fear and physical limits on a 14,000-foot peak in Colorado

  • [30:12] – Retreat, silence, and wilderness as pathways to deeper spiritual awareness

  • [38:05] – Suffering, endurance, and how hardship can deepen us instead of hardening us

Links & Resources

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really appreciate it if you’d rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes and additional content — it’s one of the best ways to support the show and stay connected. Until next time, stay safe and stay on adventure.

Check out this episode!

Episode 66: The Adventure Within – Finding Strength, Meaning, and Hope through Adversity with Hilal Kanaan


In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Hilal Kanaan – neurosurgeon, son of Palestinian immigrants, and someone whose daily work places him in the quiet but profound landscapes of human suffering, endurance, and compassion. While he isn’t chasing adventure in the traditional sense, Hilal spends his days navigating a different kind of wilderness: the emotional and spiritual terrain of walking with people through their hardest moments.

We explore the kind of toughness that’s forged not on trails or mountaintops, but in operating rooms, hospital corridors, and the inner worlds shaped by personal history, faith, and humility. Hilal shares what it was like growing up between cultures, how his parents’ story of resilience shaped him, and what strength has come to mean inside a profession where asking for help can be the bravest move of all. This conversation broadened my understanding of what “adventure” can truly mean – and I think it’ll do the same for you.

⏱️ Episode Timeline Highlights

[00:00] Opening the conversation with Dr. Kanaan and framing a different kind of adventure.
[02:00] Growing up in Kalamazoo as the son of Palestinian immigrants.
[04:00] The mix of chaos, tragedy, resilience, and optimism woven into Palestinian identity.
[07:00] Balancing two cultures and the intentional ways his parents raised their family in America.
[11:00] The parental tension between comfort and necessary challenge.
[15:00] Identifying “the ghosts in the nursery” – what we inherit, keep, and let go of.
[17:00] The book Hilal created for his kids to help them understand God, compassion, and curiosity.
[24:00] Faith as a language for gratitude rather than certainty.
[29:00] What it feels like to accompany patients through their darkest moments – and how their faith shapes him.
[35:00] The humbling lesson of asking for help when a case goes sideways.
[44:00] Hilal’s message to anyone facing hardship: your feelings are valid…and this is not the rest of your life.

🔗 Links & Resources

🙏 Closing Thoughts

If this episode resonated with you, it would mean so much if you’d rate, follow, and review the podcast — it truly helps others discover these conversations.

And don’t forget: we’re building more content on YouTube, including full episodes, clips, and behind-the-scenes insights.
👉 Find and subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay connected.

Until next time — stay safe, and stay On Adventure.

Check out this episode!

Episode 65: Why Suffering Becomes a Spiritual Awakening with Scott Sauls


David Brooks describes life as a journey up two mountains. The first mountain is about achievement—building a career, proving yourself, chasing success. The second mountain begins when the first no longer satisfies, and you’re called into a deeper life of meaning, surrender, and service. This episode lives squarely on that second mountain.

This conversation is the second installment in our series exploring where spirituality and adventure overlap, and it’s an honest look at what happens when ambition gives way to awakening. I sat down with Scott Sauls to talk about burnout, identity, and the courage it takes to walk away from what once defined you. We explore why suffering often becomes the doorway to spiritual depth, how achievement can quietly turn into addiction, and why community—not independence—is the missing ingredient in most meaningful adventures.

If you’ve ever felt successful on paper but empty underneath—or sensed a pull toward something more without knowing how to answer it—this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Timeline Highlights

  • [2:45] – Why this conversation fits into the spirituality-and-adventure series

  • [7:30] – Scott’s leadership journey and the hidden cost of achievement

  • [14:10] – When productivity becomes identity—and why it eventually breaks us

  • [22:40] – Why suffering often precedes clarity, healing, and spiritual growth

  • [31:55] – Redefining adventure beyond the outdoors

  • [41:20] – The role of community in recovery and transformation

  • [52:10] – Curiosity, humility, and letting go of control

Key Themes & Topics

  • Midlife transition

  • Spirituality and adventure

  • Burnout, recovery, and identity

  • Faith, suffering, and meaning

  • Leadership and emotional health

  • Community vs isolation

  • Risk, uncertainty, and growth

Links & Resources

Closing

If this episode resonated with you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who might need this conversation. These stories grow through community—and I’m grateful you’re part of it.

Thanks for listening. I’ll see you on the adventure.

Check out this episode!

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.

Check out this episode!

Episode 63: Walking Into a New Life – How a 100+ Pound Transformation Led to Ultra Endurance Success with Lisa Decker

In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with ultra-endurance athlete Lisa Decker, whose story is a powerful blend of resilience, transformation, and the relentless pursuit of hard things. Lisa didn’t come from a traditional running background—yet she discovered the world of ultra running through community, curiosity, and a willingness to push herself beyond her comfort zone. What followed is a decade-long journey that includes a 120-pound weight-loss transformation, countless ultras, and the life-changing experience of completing the legendary Vol State 500K across Tennessee.

We dive deep into what motivates someone to walk 314 miles in the July heat, how finding the right community can unlock new levels of confidence, and why endurance challenges often lead to profound personal growth. This episode is packed with insight about mental toughness, identity shifts, overcoming self-doubt, and discovering what you’re really capable of when you take that first step—literally.

If you’re searching for inspiration, endurance storytelling, personal transformation, or insights about long-distance running and mindset, this episode delivers.

⏱️ Timeline Highlights

[2:15] – Lisa’s early life in California, her outdoors-focused upbringing, and how nature shaped her love of adventure.
[6:40] – Discovering the trail and ultra running community through Team RWB and why it instantly felt like “home.”
[14:30] – How she balances 10-hour pharmacy shifts with ultra training, and why walking ultras became her key to success.
[17:45] – The unexpected moment on the Vol State ferry that led to forming a five-person pack and transforming the entire race experience.
[23:10] – Kind strangers, roadside hospitality, skunk encounters, and what surprised her most during the 500K journey run.
[28:40] – Doing ultras while overweight, finishing last, and why showing up anyway built the foundation for her transformation.
[36:50] – The mental battle of “head trash,” the power of community support, and why being honest about struggles matters.
[49:00] – Future adventure goals, including walking the Caminos in Europe and exploring the world on foot.
[58:30] – How endurance sports shifted her personal identity, career goals, and even her vision for where she wants to live next.

🔗 Links & Resources

Featured Organizations & Topics

💬 Final Thoughts

If this conversation inspired you or helped you rethink what’s possible for your own life, please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Every bit of support helps new listeners discover these stories—and it keeps the adventure going.

And don’t forget:

👉 Subscribe on YouTube for full video episodes

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.

Check out this episode!

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!

Check out this episode!

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!

Check out this episode!

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.

Check out this episode!

Episode 53: How a Near-Death Experience and 2,200 Miles on Foot Led to True Purpose with Tanner Critz


What drives someone to leave behind comfort and pursue something deeply meaningful? In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with Tanner Critz – a martial artist, Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, and founder of Unity Martial Arts in Little Rock. This conversation isn’t just about hiking 2,200 miles or building a successful dojo. It’s about identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to follow your own path – especially when it’s steep and uncertain.

Tanner opens up about his pivotal adventures: hiking the AT alone with a hidden bleeding ulcer, turning a quiet martial arts passion into a thriving community, and facing a near-death COVID experience that shook his world. We explore what it means to live with intention, take risks that matter, and find a sense of home in both place and people. Arthur Brooks says that to live a happy, meaningful life, we all have to answer two questions…Why am I here, and What am I willing to die for?  If you’ve ever asked yourself either of these questions – this episode is for you.

🕒 Episode Timeline

[3:42] – How a year of reflection led Tanner to hike the Appalachian Trail
[8:15] – Experiencing deep physical pain—and choosing not to quit
[14:29] – The unexpected transition from graphic design to martial arts
[20:51] – Starting Unity Martial Arts and building community through connection
[31:03] – The philosophy of self-defense and teaching through empathy
[39:30] – Surviving COVID: A near-death experience and its lasting impact
[46:10] – Finding peace, purpose, and the value of rest
[52:58] – Advice for anyone standing at the edge of a big life decision

🔗 Links & Resources

If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to follow, rate, and review the podcast. Also check out our new YouTube page and be sure to subcribe there.  And don’t forget to share it with someone who might be standing at the edge of their own next big step. See you next time, adventurers.

Check out this episode!