Episode 33: Lessons in Grit and Growth on the AT with Steve Bradshaw
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
Release Date: 10/04/2024
Episode 39: 2024 Year in Review
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
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Episode 38: From the Wilderness to the Operating Room with Dr. Tommy Gavigan
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I catch up with an old friend and fraternity brother, Dr. Tommy Gavigan. From our days at the University of North Carolina to his current life as a practicing surgeon in Charlotte, Tommy’s journey has been anything but conventional. After college, Tommy spent nearly a decade guiding teenagers into remote wilderness areas with Moondance Adventures—experiences that shaped not only his leadership but also his path into medicine. We explore the connection between pushing past your comfort zone in the backcountry and managing high-stakes...
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Episode 37: Paying off $225,000 of student loan debt to fuel big adventures with Matt Miner
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
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Episode 36: Beyond the Pain Cave - Lessons from Ultra Adventures with Scott Hanson
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
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Episode 35: Building Perserverance Through Hardship, Competition and Adventure with Owen Hayden
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
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Episode 34: The 5 Elements of Adventure with Matt Walker
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In this special episode, I'm excited to bring you an insightful webinar with adventure coach and psychologist Matt Walker. Known for his unique blend of mountain climbing experience and psychological expertise, Matt shares how the concept of adventure can shape not only extreme expeditions but also our everyday lives. In this session, he takes us through his recent solo climb of Manaslu, one of the highest peaks in the world, and how it taught him the importance of living adventurously. Learn about the five essential elements of adventure and how you can apply them to your own life, whether...
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Episode 33: Lessons in Grit and Growth on the AT with Steve Bradshaw
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In this episode, I sit down with Steve Bradshaw, a lifelong adventurer and outdoor enthusiast from Western North Carolina. Steve’s story is one of pushing boundaries, from growing up in West Virginia to becoming a collegiate championship swimmer, and ultimately to hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. Steve shares how he stepped out of his comfort zone to take on the grueling 2,200-mile trail, and we explore the mental and physical resilience it takes to complete such an endeavor. Whether you’re into hiking, or simply looking for inspiration on how to challenge yourself in new ways,...
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Episode 32: Epic Adventures and Life Lessons with Skip Schweiss
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In this episode of the On Adventure podcast, I sit down with Skip Schweiss, a seasoned executive in the financial services industry and a passionate adventurer. Known for his years of leadership at TD Ameritrade, Skip has seamlessly woven his professional life with a personal quest to push physical and mental boundaries in the great outdoors. We dive into Skip's career journey, from his work in advisor advocacy to how he's now dedicating more time to his love of the wilderness. But Skip isn’t just about hiking the occasional trail—he organizes an annual group hike called "Excellent...
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Episode 31: Turning Tragedy Into Purpose - An Adventurous Journey with Clay Sanders
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
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Episode 30: From Boardroom to Backwoods with Jeff Ames
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeff Ames, aka Rambler, a true "everyday explorer" who took on the challenge of a lifetime by through-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Jeff's journey is a story of preparation, endurance, and self-discovery as he trekked 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine over several months. We dive into what inspired him to embark on such an ambitious adventure after retiring in his mid-50s, the highs and lows of his journey, and the unforgettable characters he met along the way. Whether you're an aspiring long-distance...
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In this episode, I sit down with Steve Bradshaw, a lifelong adventurer and outdoor enthusiast from Western North Carolina. Steve’s story is one of pushing boundaries, from growing up in West Virginia to becoming a collegiate championship swimmer, and ultimately to hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. Steve shares how he stepped out of his comfort zone to take on the grueling 2,200-mile trail, and we explore the mental and physical resilience it takes to complete such an endeavor. Whether you’re into hiking, or simply looking for inspiration on how to challenge yourself in new ways, Steve’s journey offers a wealth of insight.
We dive into Steve’s upbringing and how his early experiences in the outdoors shaped his life. We also chat about his experiences with starting and selling a successful business, how he balanced family life with adventure, and the unexpected lessons he learned on the trail. This episode is packed with stories of adventure, perseverance, and growth, so buckle up!
Timeline Summary:
[2:22] - Steve’s introduction and how his love for the outdoors began in West Virginia
[8:45] - How collegiate swimming shaped Steve’s mindset and approach to challenges
[14:50] - The story behind Steve’s trail name and why he decided to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail
[23:30] - Navigating the hardest sections of the Appalachian Trail and how the weather played a role
[31:10] - The importance of “hiking your own hike” and the unique culture of trail communities
[40:55] - Lessons learned from the grind of hiking and how they translate to everyday life
[47:15] - What’s next for Steve: From elk hunting in Colorado to new adventures on the horizon
Links & Resources:
- Henderson County Children and Family Resources: www.childrenandfamily.org
- Learn more about the Appalachian Trail: Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Closing:
If you enjoyed this conversation with Steve, be sure to rate, follow, and share the podcast with your friends. Every review helps us reach more listeners who are ready to embark on their own great adventures. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!