Ordinary Sherpa: Family Adventure Coaching and Design
After exploring the world and embracing adventure often in my teens and twenties, I realized the shift to motherhood and a professional career was threatening the amount of adventure that showed up in my life. I responded by reframing the destination to a journey. In designing a life of adventure we nurtured the creation of new experiences, challenged the status quo, and tested our risk tolerance. 10 years and 3 children later, these intentional family adventures were far greater than any destination. These simple and authentic adventure experiences had a noticeable impact on every member in the family. Adventure is an ingredient in our lives that allows everyone to connect deeper and show up as their authentic selves. The quest for the summit requires support from a tribe of helpers, a noble force of goodness and strength known as Sherpas. They push each person toward their summit and celebrate peaks and pits together. This mighty crew of listeners and the community we are forming online are the ordinary everyday people who support families connecting and experiencing authentic adventures together. We are Ordinary Sherpa, a podcast designed to share learning and create community to inspire families to experience joy and connection together through adventure.
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136 | International Gap Year with Teens via the_Axplorers
10/16/2024
136 | International Gap Year with Teens via the_Axplorers
I didn’t know the concept of a gap year was available to me. As a mom in my 40’s with 3 school aged kids I thought I missed out. There weren’t many examples of families taking a mid-life break from professional careers and taking kids out of school to travel. The examples I had found were existing entrepreneurs and homeschool families. We were entrenched in daily life with activities, work and school schedules that required us to be placed-based. A family gap year meant a complete disruption from what we had to where we wanted to go. Throughout our adventure experience, I knew the power of community and finding someone ahead of you to glean insights from or having the ability to ask questions. Finding our guest today was mutually nourishing - we departed on our gap year a few months ahead of her family. They were doing this with high school aged teens. Our guest is a California native, who called Santa Fe, NM home for the last 15 years. Along with her husband and three teens, she left behind the demands of every day to embark on her greatest adventure yet: a year of full time travel around the world. Now 5 months into their family gap year, the Axtell family has found immense success in what they set out to do: reclaiming their time, strengthening their familial bonds, and building a global community while learning from the world around them. Tiphini Axtell is a full time mother, wife, and dreamer, part time employee for the family business, and life long mental health advocate. In her spare time she can be found reading, writing, marveling at sunsets, and creating content for the family’s travel account on Instagram, where she hopes to inspire others to create connections and lifelong memories with their teens through travel and adventure. Show Notes for this episodeSubscribe to the email List: Follow the_Axplorers: on , , or Resources referenced in this episode: Books: (AffiliateLink) (Affiliate Links) Worldschool: Design Your Life Framework:
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135 | Building a Business that Supports Your Lifestyle with Jacque Hopkins
09/12/2024
135 | Building a Business that Supports Your Lifestyle with Jacque Hopkins
Much like our guest today, my motivation for pursuing gap year life was not that I hated my job. I just had a vision for something bigger and a window of opportunity with my kids that seemed like it might be closing. When we started to get really serious about Gap Year Life it was pretty obvious that our life didn’t cost that much. I didn’t need to build a business to replace our salaries, we simply needed enough of a runway to support an extended break. Sometimes when pursuing the alternate path, it can feel like all or nothing. Goals may have been crafted from arbitrary benchmarks or comparing your stage 1 to someone else's stage 20. Stepping back and exploring WHY am I doing this from time to time is a good reset. Which is why when my guest shared an article a few weeks ago titled, I reached out to ask him to be a guest on the podcast. After reading the 4-hour work week and many attempts at side hustles his foray into entrepreneurship sparked while sitting down at the piano one day procrastinating on one of his side hustle projects. He would teach others how to play piano online through a method he learned that was much more joyful than childhood piano lessons. Pianoin21days: Podcast: Resources Referenced in this Episode: Article: Book: Joy Audit:
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134 | Lessons from 466 days of Travel
06/12/2024
134 | Lessons from 466 days of Travel
In this episode, we explore our family's transformative journey of 466 days of travel and the lessons we learned along the way. Discover how our gap year experience reshaped our outlook on life and home. Tune in to hear about cultivating a home filled with adventure, self-directed learning, and the joys of living with less while gaining more. Website for this episode Subscribe to the email list to follow updates on their travel memoir style book: Email Heidi for questions you have about gap year or to inquire about 1:1 coaching:
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133 | International Teaching Lifestyle Decisions with Kids (Christine & David)
02/08/2024
133 | International Teaching Lifestyle Decisions with Kids (Christine & David)
Our guests today are parents we met at a playground in Alaska. Our lives intersect through many similar interests and after a 2+ hour parking lot conversation, some time together geocaching, a beach day with swimmers itch and swapping favorite RV stories I decided it would be great to continue the conversation on the podcast. Christine and David vistit their Alaska roots each summer but align with International Teaching community. With previous placements in Jamaica, China and Guatemala and the unique decisions and lessons that accompanied each stage. Join us as we talk through how they navigate us through their adventurous lifestyle at various stages of life with kids. Show Notes for this episode Downloadable Joy Audit: Subscribe to the email List:
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132 | Finding Home through RVing with Joshua Sheehan of RV Gear and Far
01/31/2024
132 | Finding Home through RVing with Joshua Sheehan of RV Gear and Far
In true RV fashion, this loop has not been unscathed from RV fixes. As we field more and more inquiries about RV life, one area that comes up are in the technical aspects of RV ownership. In our transition to RV life, my husband went from being a high school tech ed teacher (IE shop classes) to becoming a certified RV technician. If you or someone you know is interested in RVing or looking for resources when it comes to owning an RV and the maintenance required, Brent (my husband) is a handy resource to have. His is a helpful starting point to buying and maintaining an RV for your family adventures. Another fantastic resource is our guest today. We met through the RV Entrepreneur podcast and later met in person at the RV Entrepreneur Roundtable. He is a full-time RVer, a proud father and husband, and a total RV junkie. He is the master of practical tips and unique perspectives while RVing, from awesome gear reviews to exciting DIY projects and lots of tips in between on his channel. We’ll talk through his own RV journey, the process for making RV decisions and approaches establishing an RV lifestyle with a family, even if just for weekend adventures. He is a skilled storyteller, a gear guru, and a master in creating community and organizing in-person events evidenced by his recent RV Content Creators Meet up at the Tampa RV Show. Show Notes for this episode For those interested in RV adventures, use this to save time, catch potential issues early, and enjoy peace of mind on your travels. If you are looking to learn more about RV gear, tips and hacks check out Joshua’s channel or follow him at any of the links below. To Follow Josh Sheehan and his RV Gear and adventures Website: Youtube: Email Newsletter: Instagram: TikTok: Facebook: Mastermind Group:
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131 | Grace Periods and Embracing the Power of Pause
01/03/2024
131 | Grace Periods and Embracing the Power of Pause
In the fast-paced world, where every moment seems to be driven by deadlines, notifications, and the relentless pursuit of productivity, there's a quiet revolution taking place—one that involves the deliberate act of hitting pause. II have hit pause several times on the podcast this year. In spite of a underlying sense of guilt, I dug deeper into the transformative power of intentionally taking breaks, as experienced by someone who decided to embrace the "Power of Pause" in a year like no other during our family gap year. I recognize I am publishing this episode while steeped in the emerging fresh slate of a New Year and the declaration of new goals and intentions. It was on purpose, hopefully it will remind you to stop, take a deep breath and notice - even if for a few minutes. Give yourself a grace period to regroup after the holiday season. If you’d like to consider how you might be intention and explore collective pause with your partner or family members, the joy audit downloadable form () can be a helpful tool to consider the spikes of joy you have experienced this year to set you on a path to support designing your life to include intentional pauses. If you need a Sherpa, schedule a coaching discovery session (email me to schedule) and we can talk it out. Complete show notes:
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130 | Better than Average Podcasting with Jonathan Mendonsa from Choose FI
10/30/2023
130 | Better than Average Podcasting with Jonathan Mendonsa from Choose FI
Podcasting is a medium that has allowed me to 10x my network, have meaningful conversations with people I wouldn't otherwise have access to, elevate the stories rarely shared in the industry, and establish my voice and share my story. It wasn't until working with a few podcast coaching clients that I realized that while there is more happening behind the scenes, it doesn't mean everything has to be official there for me to share this episode. Show Notes: If you do have a podcast or are interested in starting one the link to schedule a podcast or podcasting resources to help you take advance your podcast are available at my Prior to discovering the financial independence/ early retirement movement, Jonathan Mendonsa followed the “normal path,” which ultimately led him to graduate pharmacy school at the age of 28 with $168,000 in student loans. He has since clawed his way out of debt and is aggressively pursuing financial independence. He is passionate about the pursuit of financial independence and its power to change lives. He was the co-founder of Choose FI podcast, and the Founder of Talent Stacker, a dad of two young kids, techie, podcast guru, and inspiration behind Ordinary Sherpa taking action and bringing this podcast to life. Resources Mention in this episode (Affiliate Link)
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129 | 10 Simple Ways to Infuse Adventure into your Life
10/18/2023
129 | 10 Simple Ways to Infuse Adventure into your Life
The basis of our gap year is the foundation of simple and inexpensive adventures we do as a family. Within this episode, you'll discover 10 curated simple adventures that can be embarked upon with ease. From hidden trails to local landmarks, from unique flavors to thrilling challenges, each adventure is designed to ignite your family's imagination and create lasting memories. I know this because over the past 10 months (and quite honestly past 5 years) our bustling family of five has tested these simple adventures. Why simple adventures, you may wonder? Well, they are the perfect remedy for our busy modern lives. These bite-sized escapades offer a wonderful opportunity to escape the ordinary, to bond as a family, and to uncover the magic that lies within the seemingly mundane. They allow us to see the world through fresh eyes, appreciating the beauty in every detail and cherishing the moments shared with loved ones. Simple Adventures, I’ve learned, are the key to unlocking the magic of everyday life. Simple Adventure brainstorming led to joy audits, which eventually led to a career break and family gap year traveling North America in an RV. From exploring nearby trails to visiting local museums, trying new activities and uncovering hidden gems in our own region. Simple Adventures infuse joy and wonder in our everyday lives. Call To Action: Simple Adventure Subscription If this episode is helping you think differently or infuse a simple adventure into your lifestyle you might enjoy the Simple Adventure Subscription. You can register at any time using the link: The first 25 can use the code YES to get $2 off per month. Each week you will receive adventure tips, ideas, or support via email to help your family take small steps toward big memories. Show Notes: Subscribe to the Simple Adventure Subscription: The first 25 subscribers get 1 month free with code: YES Read my Book: Follow us on Instagram:
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128 | Experimenting with Indulgence
10/12/2023
128 | Experimenting with Indulgence
Periodically during our family gap year life in the RV, we have moments when we start to feel like we are missing the comforts of home. When people ask what we miss from home the kids often - having a bedroom door (instead of a privacy black out curtain), a dishwasher, hot showers that don’t require us to turn on the hot water heater nor having to listen to the groan of the water pump. Much like the novelty of travel, simple indulgences take us out of our daily routine and can offer a refresh. In this episode I want to lean into how we might experimenting with indulgences without feeling the slip of lifestyle creep or justifying expenses that don’t align with your values. Before we get into this episode, I want to thank one of our sponsors, is a company to help people live their best life outdoors with high quality and beautifully designed yard games. One of our favorite outdoor yard games is Kubb, a simple Scandinavian and family friendly game which I like to describe as a cross between chess and bean bag toss. If you haven’t played, no worries each game includes a QR code to download the instructions for off-grid play. The outdoor games from are built to last a lifetime, not just a single season. My husband awed at their custom crafted from premium wood and accompanied with a compact travel bag, you can see a short clip of us playing if you head to the show notes. It was an indulgent accessory that was perfect for campgrounds or a friends backyard, it’s a timeless addition to your outdoor adventures, bringing joy wherever it travels. You can check out Kubb and other stunning outdoor games by clicking on the . Use code ORDINARYSHERPA10 for 10% off. Add a little indulgence to your outdoor play with Elakai Outdoor. Show Notes for this episodeSubscribe to the email List: Elakai Outdoors: Use code: ORDINARYSHERPA10 for 10% off your purchase
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127 | Adventures in Entrepreneurship with Brad Barrett from Choose FI
10/05/2023
127 | Adventures in Entrepreneurship with Brad Barrett from Choose FI
After years in public accounting as a CPA, Brad reached financial independence at the age of 35 through diligent savings and investing. Brad Is passionate about everything from saving money, to living a more healthy lifestyle, to ‘boring’ things like tracking your finances and cutting down on your tax bill. But his favorite topic is leveraging credit card rewards to save more money, and take trips you never would have dreamed possible for pennies on the dollar.Co-Founders and Co-Hosts Brad Barrett and Jonathan Mendonsa, ChooseFI has become home to the largest Financial Independence community in the world. Every podcast episode, video, and blog article is packed with relatable, real-life content crowdsourced from the FI community. Each week they share the best life hacks, strategies, stories, tools, and resources to help you take control of your money and get 1% better each day on your journey to FI. Worth noting, I have found that I really enjoy podcasting and having conversation without all the ads and interruptions many podcasters use. If you enjoy the ideas, find joy or inspiration from my work, you can to say thanks and support the show. If you want to go deeper with the content and/or get more engaged you can find additional ways to support the show through the links below. Website for this episodeSubscribe to the email List: Resources Referenced in this episode site to purchase ecommerce sites and reach out regarding your questions on how I might help you on your journey To Connect with or Follow Brad Barrett Podcast: Email List: Website:
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126 | Who do you Adventure with? (Carissa from Feed us Adventures)
09/27/2023
126 | Who do you Adventure with? (Carissa from Feed us Adventures)
As you heard in the last episode we are 9m into our family gap year. This recording comes days after meeting up with a previous Ordinary Sherpa guest from and continually grateful for the stories and connections that have helped us in taking steps and moving forward on this journey. We love meeting up with friends and strangers and the best platform to do that is through Boondockers Welcome, a part of the Harvest Host family. We’ve had over 20+ stays through this platform this year and are always intrigued by the connections and unique stories and generous people we meet. If you are interested in RVing I highly encourage considering a membership or becoming a host. If you use my link in the show notes: to do so you’ll not only receive a discount but support Ordinary Sherpa in the process. Our guest and I met in a natural hot spring in Stanley Idaho. We were experimenting with the idea of a gap year traveling in an RV with 3 kids on a 34 day sabbatical to test our current gap year potential. Carissa (and her husband Chuck) were already traveling full-time in their 25' RV with their two kids and dog. They spent the past few years becoming debt free, minimizing their belongings, working hard, playing harder, and homeschooling their kids. In 2020 they sold their house and hit the road to travel around America so they could focus on spending more time together, living a healthy lifestyle. Meeting people ahead of you on the journey offers adventure sparks sometimes igniting new ideas or experiences. From that interaction we began following each other on social media. Our kids bonded over Harry Potter stories and through their daughter's suggestion my daughter has since begun the Percy Jackson series and her interest in Greek Mythology. It was even one of their taco recipes that sparked us trying tajun seasoning which is now a must have for so many of our meals. (If you aren’t familiar, Tajun is a chili lime seasoning that is not spicy). Through their examples of prioritizing self-care, clean eating, and fitness to maximize this time in their lives, they inspire others to live a healthy lifestyle and embark on their own adventures. Carissa from Feed Us Adventures, Welcome to Ordinary Sherpa. We’ll have a conversation and share a bit of your backstory, what intrigued you to the RV lifestyle, what’s important to you. How do you do this life with kids. I’d like to talk about your focus on health and well-being and stead the conversation towards any action you’d like the audience to take. Worth noting, I have found that I really enjoy podcasting and having conversation without all the ads and interruptions many podcasters use. If you enjoy the ideas, find joy or inspiration from my work, you can to say thanks and support the show. If you want to go deeper with the content and/or get more engaged you can find additional ways to support the show through the links below. Website for this episodeSubscribe to the email List: Join Harvest Hosts using our link to access our favorite type of travel, get a discount and support Ordinary Sherpa: (Boondockers Welcome and CampScanner are our favorites)
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125 | Family Gap Year Update (9m in) and kickoff season 6
09/22/2023
125 | Family Gap Year Update (9m in) and kickoff season 6
Join us for a quick update on our family's gap year journey! We'll share what's been working, what's been challenging, and what we've learned so far. We'll also talk about our plans for the next few months. Worth noting, I have found that I really enjoy podcasting and having conversation without all the ads and interruptions many podcasters use. If you enjoy the ideas, find joy or inspiration from my work, you can to say thanks and support the show. If you want to go deeper with the content and/or get more engaged you can find additional ways to support the show through the links below. Website for this episodeJoy Audit Tracking Form Digital Download: Subscribe to the email List:
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124 | (Best of) Opportunities from Adventure with Mason Gravely of the Adventure Sports Podcast
07/26/2023
124 | (Best of) Opportunities from Adventure with Mason Gravely of the Adventure Sports Podcast
As my family drove to Alaska (currently spending time in Fairbanks) I have seen many bike campers and was reminded of my conversation with a guest from episode 047 with Mason Gravely. We have driven over 13,000 miles in the RV since January all across the country and passing bike campers along various highways through Alaska and Canada it brings new meaning to biking across the country. While Mason’s story is interesting I don’t suggest just jumping on a bike in Fairbanks. I am bringing back this conversation today given our location in Fairbanks and as a nod to all those who have experimented with bike camping. This week on my email list I share some untourist experiences in Alaska, some ways we made it through our hike in Denali using simple adventure tactics, and some gear we are appreciating to keep adventuring amidst the swarms of mosquitos this year. If you aren’t subscribed to the email list I encourage you to do so. If you enjoy the ideas, find joy or inspiration from my work, you can also to say thanks and support the show. Coffee and ice cream are staples in our adventure diet and help me keep the content creation process flowing. Website for this episodeSubscribe to the email List: Buy Me a Coffee:
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123 | Mid-Life Retirement with Brent Dusek
07/19/2023
123 | Mid-Life Retirement with Brent Dusek
When this drops we will be in the arctic circle exploring a part of Alaska you can’t drive. If weather cooperates we’ll be visiting 2 more National Parks. This week also marks 6 months of travel on our family gap year. I brought my husband back on the show to talk through how we got here. He referred to this as a mid-life retirement and I loved that analogy. Much of our family gap year is an experiment in doing life differently. He shares more about his travel back story, how the gap year came about, how we are funding it and what he is learning through the process. If you want to know even more, I suggest picking up a copy of my book, Beyond Normal (linked in the show notes). Our guest today rarely sits still, enjoys strong coffee and can fix just about anything. He wasn’t born wanderlust or with the same amount of spontaneity as his wife, but together they have crafted an adventurous life with three kids. Brent Dusek is Mr. Ordinary Sherpa who takes more black diamond trails, my co-pilot, and most often seen in the driver seat of our RV while traversing North America. Show Notes: Subscribe to the Email: Read my Book: Follow us on Instagram:
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122 | (Best of) Humans Outside with Amy Bushatz
07/12/2023
122 | (Best of) Humans Outside with Amy Bushatz
As my family enjoys the summer in Alaska on our family gap year we are slowing down (a new adventure for us). Part of this gap year was designed to meet up and connect more deeply with adventurous families and one family in particular was sparked by having a guest on the podcast. Amy Buschatz was a guest in 2022 and after we recorded she nonchalantly suggested that when we come to Alaska we could stay with her. I warned her that I don’t pass up invitations like that. Apparently she has offered to many of her podcast guests and no one has ever followed up until she met us. A few weeks ago we parked our RV in Amy’s driveway. My oldest son went with her oldest son to high school adventure camp with the youth group and I got to experience Friday Fling and hike the Butte (a 1-mile staircase to heaven) complete with views of Knik Glacier and Bald Eagle soaring above us. Given the connection to our point in time experience in Alaska, I thought I’d bring this episode back for a feature today. Amy’s message is very similar to our effort of building a foundation of simple adventures and discovering the adventures that can happen just beyond your backyard. In 2016 Amy left behind life as she knew it and moved with her husband and two sons to Alaska, looking for a fresh start and more time in the great outdoors. While Amy had a background as a reporter, editor, runner, and Army wife she was not an expert in designing a life in all things outdoorsy. She created the Humans Outside podcast to help people like her get outside and love it. But just talking about getting outside wasn’t enough. Since September 2017 she has spent at least 20 consecutive minutes outside every single day. Website for this episodeWill you leave Written Review on Apple Podcasts: Subscribe to the email List:
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121 | Being an Untourist in Canada
07/06/2023
121 | Being an Untourist in Canada
In June we crossed the border into Canada. Last year when we were testing the potential of a gap year we were hosted Banff & Lake Louise Tourism and while it was lovely, I also learned that we prefer a different kind of travel. Yes, Banff was gorgeous AND we found so many other places and experienced a different kind of beauty that reinforced that we prefer untourism. I continue to reflect and refind what untourism means but I knew the second we arrived at Moraine Lake that I wasn’t there to check the bucket list. This episode will walk you through how we are exploring Canada a bit differently this year and with a keen awareness of our untourist tendencies. If you have never heard of untourism I like to refer to it as traveling deeper for a more immersive experience into the destination community. It also reflects socially conscious travel by combatting over-tourism, supporting local small businesses, and an overall more expercial-based. I do offer a free Beginner’s Guide to untourism if you’d like to dive deeper into this topic. Worth noting, I have found that I really enjoy podcasting and having conversation without all the ads and interruptions many podcasters use. If you enjoy the ideas, find joy or inspiration from my work, you can to say thanks and support the show. If you want to go deeper with the content and/or get more engaged you can find additional ways to support the show through the links below. Website for this episode Blog Post: Free Download:
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120 | Lean Out with Dr. Dawn Baker of Practice Balance
06/14/2023
120 | Lean Out with Dr. Dawn Baker of Practice Balance
Using tools like checklists or tracking forms can help us be aware of important details that might drift by in life - like everyday moments of joy. If you are interested in a tool to help you test what to get rid of in your life and what to invest your time and energy in, the Joy Audit tracking Form is a helpful awareness builder and data visualization tool during the design or testing phase of lifestyle design. The Joy Audit tracking tool can help bring your feelings to light and quantify simple adventures for a more meaningful life. Download the Joy Audit Tracking Form: Website for this episode Worth noting, I have found that I really enjoy podcasting and having conversation without all the ads and interruptions many podcasters use. If you enjoy the ideas, find joy or inspiration from my work, you can to say thanks and support the show. If you want to go deeper with the content and/or get more engaged you can find additional ways to support the show through the links below. Our guest today made her first appearance on Ordinary Sherpa at episode Dr. Dawn Baker is the physician, writer, speaker, and lifestyle design coach behind Practice Balance. She helps physicians and other professionals step off the treadmill of achievement, rediscover their true selves, and cultivate a practice of balance that’s right for them. She is the author of the book Lean Out: A Professional Woman’s Guide to Finding Authentic Work-Life Balance. Dawn is also a certified yoga and meditation instructor who is passionate about off-grid living, homeschooling, fitness, and travel. To Connect with or Follow Dawn Baker Podcast: Book: Website: Instagram:
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119 | Bittersweet Transitions of Both-And Experiences
06/05/2023
119 | Bittersweet Transitions of Both-And Experiences
Bittersweet: the art of both/and experiences. Where we can be happy AND sad, content AND busy, be with our favorite people AND miss our independence, all the comforts of home AND yearning to get back on the road. Worth noting, I have found that I really enjoy podcasting and having conversation without all the ads and interruptions many podcasters use. If you enjoy the ideas, find joy or inspiration from my work, you can to say thanks and support the show. If you want to go deeper with the content and/or get more engaged you can find additional ways to support the show through the links below. Website for this episode Download the Joy Audit Tracking Form: Purchase my book (Beyond Normal): Schedule a Strategy Coaching session with me to work through your bittersweet adventure transitions
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117 | Summit vs. Success
05/29/2023
117 | Summit vs. Success
We are home for a week between phase 2 and phase 3 of our gap year. Last Wednesday was a big and yet very ordinary day. I woke up in my own bed at home that morning after traveling continuously for 4 months. It was also the 1 year birthday of my (Link) book Beyond Normal: a field guide to embrace adventure, explore the wilderness and design an extraordinary life. I am also celebrating crossing the 100,000 downloads milestone on the Ordinary Sherpa podcast. Is this success? In this episode, we explore the concept of summit experiences, delve into their transformative power, and discuss the importance of recognizing and embracing these moments of joy and accomplishment. Joy Audit Tracking Form (Digital Download): Show Notes for Episode 117: Read Heidi's Book: Beyond Normal a field guide to embrace adventuree, explore the wilderness and design an extraordinary life with kids.
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116 | Doing Hard Things with Rich Jun
05/11/2023
116 | Doing Hard Things with Rich Jun
Show Notes for this episode Schedule a Coaching or Adventure Strategy Consultation: Subscribe to the email List: Rich Jun is a high energy artist with a passion for travel and adventure. He is a FT optometrist and PT Short-term Rental host who started his Financial independence journey officially in 2018. He has a background in drawing and painting and loves learning new things. He enjoys fitness (crossfit), yoga, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He enjoys spending his free time with his girlfriend, Megan, and their two rescued pitbulls. Vacations usually include multi day hikes at elevation in the mountains. To Connect with Rich Jun [email protected] Facebook: IG handle @shooonuff Link to Family Friendly AirBnB in LaCrosse: Referral Link to Airbnb: If you are interested in starting one, this gets you $40 coupon and Rich is happy to give you some feedback about your listing!
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115 | Break Away from the Bucket List, Practice Untourism Instead
05/03/2023
115 | Break Away from the Bucket List, Practice Untourism Instead
Our road trip across the United States was intended to have us exploring the vast beauty of this country while discovering some of the most unexpected hidden gems and unique experiences. Join me as I share my experiences, tips, and insights for anyone looking to embark on a similar journey to get off the beaten path and learn how to design untourist travel experiences. Website for this episode Untourism Travel Consult: Buy Me Coffee: Additional Resources referneced in this episode: Buy my Book: Subscribe to receive free Untourism Starter Guide: Article with topic similiar to Untourism:
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114 | Generations of Adventure with Diane Nachel
04/20/2023
114 | Generations of Adventure with Diane Nachel
Show Notes for this episode Join the Slow Fi Meet Up April 20 from 7-8:15 EST Subscribe to the email List: Diane is a retired school teacher who has traveled the globe for decades. However, it wasn't until she took off on a seven-month road trip that she learned- much to her surprise- that she loves hiking and camping in the mountains of the west. To Connect with Diane Nachel Email: Join the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group:
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113 | Lesson in Unlocating, Unlearning, and Unschooling
04/05/2023
113 | Lesson in Unlocating, Unlearning, and Unschooling
Show notes for this episode Buy Me Coffee: Buy Beyond Normal book, a field guide to designing an adventurous life with kids. to learn more about metrics of thriving and the joy audit referenced in this episode.
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112 | Is Travel Overrated? with Gary of Financial Fives
03/23/2023
112 | Is Travel Overrated? with Gary of Financial Fives
If you want to follow along to get the behind the scenes details of our family gap year you can subscribe to our email list; and make sure to select Family Gap Year Adventures as one of your topics. If you would like an episode or blog post of anything specifc or to go deeper on a topic that I mention please reach out via email or on social media. I recognize we are living a Beyond Normal lifestyle (which I detail in my ) and love questions that you might have to help you and your family better connect through adventure in whatever format that looks like. Today our guest is another amazing example of a lifestyle and much of that is through the lens of simplicity and minimalism. However his blog post titled Travel is overrated, here’s what to do instead got my attention. We often talk about the simple adventures we can do in our own backyard while being open to bigger and bold moves toward an adventurous lifestyle. Our guest is a financial planner by day and enjoys biking, farmers' markets, libraries, and coffee shops. Volunteerism is also one of his favorite weekend activities, specifically in the sustainability arena. With a passion for cars and a disdain for liars; Vegan food is his jam. He tries to spend in an intentional manner, to allow himself to one day be financially independent to focus on the civic causes that he is passionate about. Gary, author of Financial Fives welcome to Ordinary Sherpa Show notes for this episode Subscribe to the email List: Choose Family Gap Year Adventures to follow the behind the scenes of our family gap year. Buy Beyond Normal book, a field guide to designing an adventurous life with kids. Resources references in this episode Blogpost: BOOKS: by Gary Grewal, , by Ramit Sethi Vegan Cooking Blogs: , Zero-Waster Moving Box Company: .
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111 | Family Travel Hacking Strategy with Rachel West
03/16/2023
111 | Family Travel Hacking Strategy with Rachel West
Today's episode is a little different from a typical interview. Our guest today is a member of our Family Travel Hackers (Link) membership where we help families travel more for less. The Family Travel Hackers Membership is a way to support families who want to explore travel rewards but are overwhelmed. As one of my guests described travel rewards “the learning curve is steep but once you get that first free trip you’re hooked.” The Family Travel Hackers membership also dives deeper into how to travel authentic travel experiences. While I don’t think you HAVE to travel to experience the benefits of adventure, it is a huge value in many family’s values so I wanted to create a space to support that desire. This episode offers insight into the membership and how we source and curate topics and guests to support what the members' needs are. In this session, we elevated a member of the group to share her planning and travel rewards strategy. What makes this episode extra special for me is that Rachel is a long-time listener to Ordinary Sherpa and one of the biggest supporters of the show. From the beginning I wanted this podcast to feature the best of everyday ordinary families. While I certainly can feature experts, I wanted it to be extremely relevant to everyday working families. Rachel doesn’t have a platform or a personal brand. She is just a traveling family guru with a passion for travel rewards and willing to help others, a prime example of the sherpa philosophy of this community. I invite you to join Rachel, I and the other families interested in traveling more for less. As a bonus, yesterday was my 43rd birthday and I have decided for the remainder of 2023 I am going to offer a $43 discount on the annual membership. If you head to the link in the show notes and at checkout use the code:HAPPY43 If you join before next week Tuesday (3/22/23) you will get to participate in “Tips for Cruising” with my friend Josh Overmyer. We’ve had topics on Rewarding Experiences, and have upcoming sessions to deep dive into Travel Tech, Working while Traveling, and Hacking Hawaii. The one thing that makes this community unique is that I am not an affiliate for any of the credit cards. We encourage sharing and using referral links within the community so you can earn more miles and support others in the community. Show Notes for this episodeJoin Family Travel Hackers Membership to help families travel more for less. Use Coupon Code: HAPPY43 for $43 off your annual membership at checkout. Thanks to her parents, Rachel caught the travel bug when she was 14, and she’s never recovered. Despite assumptions to the contrary, having kids didn’t slow her down. Now she, her husband, and two boys travel as much and as often as possible. Some of their favorite points redemptions for their family include trips to England, Portugal, and Spain, and this year points are helping them travel to Whitefish, Montana; Curaçao; and Hawaii. Rachel West, a fellow member of Family Travel Hackers Membership is here today to share her tips and strategies for family travel hacking with kids. Resources referenced in the episodeGoogle Flights SkyScanner Flightconnections.com Family Travel Hackers Membership: Connect with Rachel West: Member of Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group
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110 | Thinking Differently About What Life Could Be with the Jurek Family
03/13/2023
110 | Thinking Differently About What Life Could Be with the Jurek Family
Show Notes for this episode Join Family Travel Hackers Membership: Subscribe to the email List: Matt and Leah along with their two kids began full-time RV life in 2019. After years of both working full-time as physical therapists, they saw their life zooming past and felt they were missing out on precious years with their kids. They decided it was time to make a drastic life change and exit culture’s highway in pursuit of the narrow road that leads to abundant life. What started as a year-long experiment has continued for almost 4 years and they don’t have plans to settle down any time soon. They feel like they’re finally in the driver’s seat of their life and aren’t in a hurry to give back the keys. To Connect with Matt & Leah Website: Email: Facebook & Instagram: @narrowroadjourneys Purchase Flip Fit:
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109 | Experiencing Childhood Dreams with Chris from Life Outside the Maze.
02/18/2023
109 | Experiencing Childhood Dreams with Chris from Life Outside the Maze.
Joing the Everyday Adventure Challenge In this 60-day everyday adventure challenge I help your family create an adventure list to show up in your own life and connect as a family. You will bring simple adventures to life leading to memorable family experiences. You can expect weekly adventure tips, ideas, and support via email; and we’ll bring the entire everyday adventure family tribe together throughout the challenge to share adventure ideas, wins and struggles. The challenge will run from March 1- May 1. Registration is open now, but will close on Tuesday, February 28th. Show Notes for this episode Subscribe to the Email: Read my Book: Follow us on Instagram: Join the Everyday Adventure Challenge: Chris is a named inventor on over a dozen patents, a musician, a teacher, a husband, and a father. As a technologist and entrepreneur, he has an appetite for innovation, risk and adventure. Chris spent much of his career trying to get ahead until he made a choice to stop working for money and start working for himself for happiness. You might now find Chris treasure diving in Florida, working as a part-time professor, or writing online at LifeOutsideTheMaze.com. To Connect with Chris website: email:
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108 | Winter Camping and Skiing {Gap Year Diaries}
02/08/2023
108 | Winter Camping and Skiing {Gap Year Diaries}
The first week of our family gap year is complete. I will give you a glimpse behind the scenes on week 1 which include several everyday adventures such as winter camping frozen waterfalls, and skiing on Tuesday. This information will not be public going forward. You can subscribe to my email list to receive the weekly updates of our Family Gap Year as we make our way across the country as a family of 5 (and a dog) in an RV. Show Notes for this episode: Subscribe to the email List: *To follow our family gap year choose __ Family Gap Year Adventure to get insider stories from our gap year experiences. Will you leave Written Review on Apple Podcasts: Want to support this adventure: I have found that I really enjoy podcasting and having conversation without all the ads and interruptions many podcasters use. If you enjoy the ideas, find joy or inspiration from my work, you can to say thanks and support the show. If you want to go deeper with the content and/or get more engaged you can find additional ways to support the show through the links below. Read my Book:
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107 | 12 Yo Fly Fishing Business Adventure
02/01/2023
107 | 12 Yo Fly Fishing Business Adventure
WeI’ll round out the series interviewing my kids about their thoughts on the gap year and their version of adventure. This week the guest is my 12 YO son and how his love for fly fishing has developed into so many others skills and a new business. Show Notes for this episode To place an order for flies for Fly Fishing here is the order form (). You can send specific questions to or join CD Fly Fishing Email List at Subscribe to the email List: *To follow our family gap year choose __ Family Gap Year Adventure to get insider stories from our gap year experiences.
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106 | Getting Back on Your Bike After an Accident with my 10 YO daughter
01/24/2023
106 | Getting Back on Your Bike After an Accident with my 10 YO daughter
I heard from a few of you that you enjoyed hearing from my 7 YO last week. I’ll continue this week with my 10 YO daughter. As you may or may not know, my daughter had a severe bike accident in 2022 and spent the first part of the year with two full arm casts. In addition to learning about her version of adventure, she will also walk us through her accident, recovery and the many ways she continues to be brave. Show Notes for this episode Subscribe to the email List: *To follow our family gap year choose __ Family Gap Year Adventure to get insider stories from our gap year experiences. Will you leave Written Review on Apple Podcasts: Join the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group to interact with other listeners.
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