Episode 29: Reconnecting the World, One Letter at a Time with Jonny Beardmore, the Galapagos Postman
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
Release Date: 08/09/2024
Episode 51: Why Endurance Athletes Need a Strong Mind and Stronger Community: The Journey to Ultra with Jess Hanson
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with Jess Hanson—a certified mental performance consultant, ultra runner, and coach—to explore what it takes to build a resilient mindset for both high-performance athletes and everyday adventurers. Jess shares her journey from playing lacrosse in college to coaching athletes across sports like skiing, mountain biking, and ultra running. We dive deep into how the mental game shapes athletic success, and how pushing your physical and emotional limits can unlock deeper purpose, confidence, and grit. If you’ve ever faced the “dark moments” in...
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Episode 50: What My Son Taught Me About True Strength and Courage with Hudson Self
On Adventure Podcast with Josh 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...
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Episode 49: From football dreams to a champion's mindset with Luis Rivera
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
Hey friends — Josh here. In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with Luis Rivera, whose story is one of raw grit, reinvention, and the kind of adventure that doesn’t just test your body, but transforms your mind. From a childhood on a remote island off Puerto Rico to stepping into the unknown of upstate New York at age 12, Luis shares what it really means to navigate cultural shifts, language barriers, and personal setbacks. What begins as a sports story quickly turns into a full-on life odyssey — from a football injury that threatened his future, to an unexpected path in...
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Episode 48: Beautiful rebellion and choosing creativity over conformity with Thad Cockrell
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
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...
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Episode 47: Suffering together with Patrick Serfass
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
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...
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Episode 46: The Great Nearby - Chasing Wild in North Carolina with John Norwood
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
In this fun episode, Josh sits down with John Norwood, a commercial banker from Raleigh, North Carolina, whose second identity is that of a passionate adventurer. While John’s day job revolves around numbers and negotiations, his soul is stirred by trails, waterfalls, and sunfish sails. Rather than jetting off to exotic lands, John finds endless wonder in his own backyard—the mountains, lakes, and coastlines of North Carolina. Together, they explore John’s lifelong connection with the outdoors, how he blends adventure with a full-time career, and how he’s cultivated a community of...
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Episode 45: What's worthy of your finitude with Patrick Moody
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
I love these conversations, but this one was fun. We hit on the depths of the human condition to drive each of us on to our own adventures. So what happens when a dedicated trial attorney makes adventure a non-negotiable part of his life? In this episode, I sit down with Patrick Moody, a prosecutor for the state of Montana who refuses to let a demanding career keep him from chasing adventure. From trail running right out his back door to tackling high-altitude mountaineering, Patrick has found a way to integrate the wilderness into his daily routine. We dive into his experiences...
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Episode 44: From high heels and fashion to hiking boots and fly fishing with Kimberly Brookshire
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
What would you do if failure was a real possibility? If suffering was inevitable, but you had the option to walk away? Would you still go for it? My guest today, Kimberly Brookshire, knows this challenge well. She’s a long-distance hiker, a women’s adventure guide, and a passionate fly fisher—always choosing the hard path, the uncertain path, because that’s where she finds the most growth. In this episode, Kimberly shares her journey from fashion and city life to hiking thousands of miles on some of the toughest trails in the U.S. and beyond. She opens up about why she keeps pushing...
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Episode 43: Beyond the Pavement with Frank Trotter
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
What do banking and backcountry exploration have in common? More than you’d think! In this episode of the On Adventure, I sit down with Frank Trotter—banking pioneer, entrepreneur, and avid adventurer. From his early days racing cars in Europe to co-founding EverBank and now launching Battle Bank, Frank shares how his career has been driven by innovation and a passion for pushing boundaries. But it's not all business—Frank also dives into his love for outdoor exploration, from summiting 14ers in Colorado to backcountry treks in Argentina. We talk about the lessons learned from extreme...
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Episode 42: Endurance, Exploration, and the Art of Adventure with Roy Malone
On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self
What does it take to push your body and mind to the limit for days on end—while relying entirely on a team? The answer is epic! In this episode, I sit down with seasoned adventure racer Roy Malone, who has spent the past 24 years competing in some of the toughest endurance races in the world. From trekking through the jungles of Fiji to navigating the badlands of North Dakota, Roy shares the highs, the lows, and the life lessons that come from competing in these multi-day, non-stop races. We dive deep into the mental and physical grit required to finish these extreme challenges, the...
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Welcome back to the On Adventure Podcast! In this episode, I chat with Jonny Beardmore, now famously known as the Galapagos Postman. Jonny's unique quest involves delivering handwritten letters left in an ancient Galapagos Islands postbox to various locations worldwide. But this adventure is more than just about delivering mail; it's about exploring a deeper question about whether we are disconnected as a species and how we can rebuild those crucial human connections.
Throughout his journey, Jonny has met a diverse array of people, each with their own fascinating stories. From reuniting a couple in Belize through a heartfelt love letter to delivering a touching note from a daughter to her mother in Mexico City, Jonny's mission has brought surprises, unexpected joy and reconnections (to him and the receipients). He shares stories of spontaneous hospitality, like the family in Mexico City who welcomed him with tequila and dried crickets, and the emotional reunions that have occurred as a result of his deliveries. Join me as Jonny shares his serendipitous encounters, the challenges he faces, and the incredible impact his journey is having on people's lives and the charities he is fundraising for.
Episode Highlights:
- [00:00] Introduction: Josh introduces Jonny Beardmore, explaining how he discovered Jonny's story and what intrigued him about it.
- [02:20] The Galapagos Postman: Jonny explains his nickname and details the tradition of the Galapagos Islands postbox that dates back to 1793.
- [05:17] The Challenge: Jonny talks about the inception of the Galapagos Postman Challenge, collecting 50 letters from the Galapagos and his year-long journey to deliver them.
- [07:45] Personal Motivation: Jonny discusses his personal motivations, including the impact of his father's battle with motor neurone disease (ALS).
- [15:05] Planning and Logistics: The process of planning this ambitious global adventure, including the support systems in place and the challenges faced.
- [24:03] Human Connections: Jonny reflects on the commonalities he has found among diverse cultures and the importance of personal connections in an increasingly digital world.
- [38:00] Inspiring Stories: Jonny shares some of the most touching and inspiring stories of delivering letters, including reuniting people and the emotional impacts.
- Belize: Reuniting a couple through a heartfelt love letter.
- Mexico City: Delivering a daughter's letter to her mother, recovering from surgery, resulting in an emotional family reunion.
- Central America: Overcoming challenges to deliver letters, experiencing spontaneous hospitality, and hearing incredible life stories.
- [47:50] Funding and Support: Insight into how Jonny funds his adventures and the work-life balance required to manage such an undertaking.
- [55:00] The Bigger Picture: Jonny's thoughts on whether the world is truly disconnected despite technological advancements and how this challenge has impacted his views.
Links & Resources:
- Follow Jonny Beardmore: Instagram - Big O Adventures
- Tracking Map of Jonny’s Journey: Galapagos Postman Challenge Map
- Buy your own TGP t-shirt here
- Donate to Motor Neurone Disease Research:
- Watch Jonny’s Documentary: The Great Game: 30,000 Miles Across Central Asia
Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Your support helps us bring more inspiring stories to light. For more content, visit Ridgeline Wealth Advisors and sign up for our newsletter, The Money Trail Guide. Until next time, pursue your own great adventure!