We may or may not be qualified to tell you this but we are going to anyway. Welcome to our brand new podcast CASUALLY QUALIFIED! Brought together by two amazing sisters, who happen to be our wives. We (Jon and Steven) are two goal-oriented adventure enthusiasts trying to create a platform that is meaningful, relatable, and fun. We love to go on adventures, but even more, we love to reflect on how we got here and what we learned along the way. Episode topics include: Lifestyle, Adventure, Health, personal finance.
For anyone who's been listening since the beginning, you know we did an early episode on budgeting. Personal finance is something we both enjoy and take very seriously. Award-Winning Personal Finance Writer, Producer & Speaker. We are so happy to introduce Jully-Alma Taveras also known as the Investing Latina!WHERE TO FIND MORE ABOUT JULLY-ALMA TAVERASIG: @InvestingLatinaIG: @TheInvestingWorkshopFB: Jully-Alma TaverasYoutube: Investing LatinaINVESTINGLATINA.COMTiktok: @InvestingLatinainvestinglatina@gmail.com
You choose your path. There are no boundaries. We are psyched to introduce Jonathan Ronzio. The host of The Stokecast Podcast, and the Chief Marketing Officer for Trainual. This adventurous creative is living the life he wants and we can’t wait for you to hear all about it. PRESS PLAY!WHERE TO FIND MORE ABOUT JONATHAN RONZIOIG: @JonathanRonzioIG: @thestokecastIG: @TrainualFB: @JonathanRonzioYoutube: @JonathanRonzioTrainual.comExploreInspired.comJonathanRonzio.com
DESCRIPTIONThis week we welcome David Glenn Taylor to the Casually Qualified Podcast! As the host of The Voyagers Podcast, David is no stranger to the podcast game. His worldly perspective, and way with words makes for an unparalleled listening experience. We were honored to learn about how David’s hard work and determination shaped the life he lives. In this episode we explore the curiosity we all share for the world, and how fortunate we are to learn and spread positivity through podcasting. “The Voyagers Podcast features stories from incredible talents working to make this world a better place to live” and the host himself could not be a better demonstration of that mission. We were blown away by this episode and we are so excited to share it with our listeners. Please Enjoy!WHERE TO FIND MORE ABOUT DAVID GLENN TAYLOR AND THE VOYAGERS PODCASTIG: @DavidGlennTaylorIG: @TheVoyagersPodcastFB: @ThevoyagerspodcastYoutube: @DavidGlennTaylorVoyagerspodcast.com
Backcountry riding & mountain guide Jere Burrell gives us a closer look at how he has made a life and career pursuing his love for the mountains!Split board, ski, alpine, certified rock guide and avalanche safety instructor. WHERE YOU CAN FIND JERE BURRELLOn The Mountains!IG: @JereBurrellFB: Jere BurrellGuidedExposure.com
DESCRIPTIONPlease buckle up, and keep all hands, arms and legs inside the PEACE BUS! Today we were blown away by the passion and energy of our guest Kwabi Amoah-Forson. Kwabi is a huge inspiration to Casually Qualified with his hard work and dedication to providing humanitarian aid while spreading a message of PEACE AND LOVE! Please enjoy!WHERE TO FIND KWABI AND THE PEACE BUS (Time 1:15)IG: @thepeacebusFB: @kwabi amoah-forsonYoutube: @thepeacebus ThePeaceBus.org WHAT IS THE PEACE BUS AND HOW DID IT BEGIN? (Time: 1:55)Humanitarian Aid OrganizationSpecializing in LOCAL humanitarian AidKids TV ShowStarted in 2018Looking for a way to find “fulfillment”Started in Northwest, began to travel the country and worldBought a “bus” painted it blue and wrote “The Peace Bus” on the sidesSock Drive/Blanket donationsPEACE AND BORDER PATROL IN 2019 (Time: 9:00)Took the Peace Bus from Tacoma, WA to San Diego, CA Provided humanitarian aid along the wayPatrol and interview on Peace with San Diego Border PatrolCreated publicity that led to educational programs and a TV ShowPEACE BUS ON TV (Time: 12:45)Educating kids about concepts of peace serious topics like: homelessnessincarcerationhungerthe environmentPIVOTING EFFORTS DURING COVID-19The Peace Bus Breakfast Fund (Time:15:30)Helping feed children in needSanta is real mission (Time: 17:15)Promoting peace and providing presents for kids in TacomaWHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PROMOTE PEACE FROM THE EXPERT (Time: 19:41)Here it from the kids and KwabiFULL TIME JOB (Time 25:45)Comprehensive Life Resources Case ManagerMental Health Case ManagerAssisting those in need with resources to help with issues like poverty, employment, homelessness. HOW TO BE PEACEFUL RIGHT AFTER LISTENING TO THIS (Time: 29:00)Don’t fight the urge to share or show love!Go online and look for people or organizations that are already doing things you want to be doing“My life is not my own” My mission is to help others and bring people together.Help The Peace Bus cause with a donation. KWABI’s ADVICE (Time: 42:40)Pursue a world where every human being has the means to reach their potential.
Today we are super excited, and so honored to be sitting down with Professional Rock Climber, Sierra Blair-Coyle. Sierra has been a part of the US National Climbing Team for 10 years, and is the 2018 Pan-American Bouldering Champion! She is a 2-time Junior National Champion, took 1st at the Mesa Rim Pro-Am, 10th at the IFSC Bouldering World Cup in 2018, and 12th at the Chongqing World Cup in 2016, she has countless other climbing competition accolades and has even scaled the side of a skyscraper with vacuum suctions like a badass! Please enjoy this inspiring episode with the one and only Sierra Blair-Coyle!WHERE TO FIND SIERRA BLAIR-COYLE (Time: 1:18)IG: @sierrablaircoylFacebook: SierrablaircoyleYoutube: Sierra Blair-CoyleWebsite: Sierrabc.comTHE BASICS (Time: 1:47)Types of climbing and what she doesSpeedFastest to the top with a ropeSportHow high you get on a route with a ropeBouldering (Sierra’s focus style)Judged by combination of scores on 4 different boulders with no rope WHAT IS IT LIKE BEING A PROFESSIONAL ROCK CLIMBER (Time: 4:22)Crazy job!Competitions are Sierra’s bread and butter and life is consumed by trainingBusiness side makes climbing as a career possibleSponsorshipsMediaTHE GROWTH OF ROCK CLIMBING(Time: 5:30)Over her 18 years of climbing a lot has changedMore climbersMore competitorsAdded to summer OlympicsIt’s crazy to finally see climbing get the infusion of being more in the mainstream that I feel like it’s deserved for such a long time, you know, as someone who’s loved the sport.”HOW IT ALL BEGAN (Time: 7:15)8 years old climbing at an outdoor mall in Scottsdale, AZ“Something about climbing has just always felt right to me.”Not always easy. On the wall or in life.“If i could have the same level of confidence I did when I was ten years old, I would be unstoppable.”CURRENT CLIMBING ENVIRONMENT “Training for the Unknown” (Time: 15:48)Training at Olympic Training Center In SLC, UtahClimbing during Covid-19Always readyStructured training FAMILY, SUPPORT AND TRAVEL (Time: 20:30)Parents were always very supportiveFavorite place in the world: IcelandFavorite place to climb: Priest Draw, Flagstaff ArizonaMANAGING LIFE IN THE LIMELIGHT (Time:32:25)Managing a huge social media following like a bossBe yourself, be a good person, be a good ambassador for climbing“CLIMB LIKE YOU KNOW HOW” -Mike Covington (Time: 36:50)You know what you're doing, now just go do itAlso a metaphor for lifeSIERRA’S ADVICE (Time: 41:00)FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE!IG@CasuallyQualifiedFACEBOOK CasuallyQualified@gmail.com
Listen up and take some notes! Today we had the pleasure of chatting with Mark Palmieri, a local entrepreneur putting the Greenwood Lake, NY restaurant scene on the map. In 2015, Mark and co-owner Jennifer Abelton decided to #takethehelm when they opened The Helm on Greenwood Lake. The Helm quickly gained a loyal following, becoming the staple hometown hangout. Soon after, they earned the title of Best Restaurant in Orange County, NY 2017. Mark called on his passions and his knack for relationship building to co-found a property management and concierge business. Listen now to hear how the fun is just getting started! WHERE TO FIND MARK AND THE HELMIG: @marky_palIG: @the_helm649 #takethehelmIG: @upstateoutpostwww.thehelmny.comwww.upstateoutpost.comWHAT IS THE HELM AND HOW DID IT BEGIN (Time: 3:10)Upscale and Classy Manhattan Style Gastro PubCo-Owner/Chef - Jennifer AbeltonCo-Owner/Lead - Bartender Mark PalmieriLocated in Greenwood Lake, NYOrganically built around community, family, and friendsDITCHING FINANCE FOR FREEDOM (Time: 11:30) “I’ve kind of found where I belong”Find the thing that you are good at and passionate about and capitalize on that.NETWORKING TURNED NEW OPPORTUNITIES (Time: 15:20)Using relationships and local knowledge to launch additional/separate business ventureUPSTATE OUTPOSTCo-Owner Lisa MulcahyProperty Management and Concierge BusinessAirbnb operationWork/Life Balance (Time: 19:00)Entrepreneurship takes sacrifice and hard workMark stresses the importance of finding time to balance your personal lifeWHAT’S NEXT (Time: 22:50)Restaurant group/ExpansionTiny Homes and additional unique property rentalsKEEPING IT FUN“FOR ME, CLIMBING A MOUNTAIN IS COOL, BUT CLIMBING A MOUNTAIN WITH YOUR BEST FRIENDS IS EVEN COOLER”-Mark PalmieriWHAT’S ON THE MENU? (Time: 31:40)Really good food done rightEverything from a smoked duck french dip to a really awesome cubanoAwesome locally sourced bourbon or beerMARK’S ADVICE (Time: 38:20)Be true to yourself and build relationships built on that foundation. Lean on the people you know to help you get where you want to be. Always help and do the right thing for the people you know. Find the right people to enhance your abilities. MARK’S ADVICE (Time: 38:20)NOW HIT PLAY AND ENJOY!!!FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! SUBSCRIBEto our podcastINSTAGRAM@CasuallyQualifiedJon – @SokogramSteve – @CaptureCoolness FACEBOOK
Today we sat down with the Creator and Co Founder of Fabalish Foods Jessica Gebel. Jessica was born and raised in Chicago, but has called 6 different cities home since then. She is one of the most positive people I know with a super infectious laugh, a yogi, passionate natural foods chef, new momma and the winner of the Food Network show Cooks vs Cons S2E7. Please enjoy the episode!WHERE TO FIND JESS AND FABALISH FOODSIG: @chefgebelskiIG: @Fabalishfoods Fabalish.com (use the discount code CasuallyQualified for 15% off your online order!)WHAT IS FABALISH FOODS (Time: 1:45)“We do everything around the bean! Around the Chickpea”Baked Falafel made with chickpeasAmazing sauces made from Aquafaba - The by product of boiling chickpeasSpecial Sauce (Smoked Spices), Ranch, Tzatziki, QuesoINTRO TO AYURVEDA (Time: 6:40) “Your kitchen can be your pharmacy”THE JOURNEY TO PURSUING HER PASSIONCooks VS Cons S2E7 (Time: 8:15)Winner!!! Created an opportunity to get a formal culinary educationLife in Hawaii, the start of her food journey (Time: 15:30)Life as a new momma; and props to all the parents out there! (Time: 25:30)HELP ALONG THE WAY (Time: 25:50)Life Coach; Importance of having someone to turn to to get through anything“Only good will come from this”Finding a life coach is like dating. You need to find the right person for you.PASSION FOR CLEAN FOOD AND SUSTAINABILITY (Time: 37:30)More about Fabalish, health and sustainability. Making healthy, clean, foor accessible and enjoyable to everyone
In today's episode we interview Erica Kutz who is the Brand Identity Manager for Crystal Mountain Resort in Washington State. Erica is a splitboarder, snowboarder and just a major adventure enthusiast. She went to school for graphic design and environmental studies and is really in tune with the lifestyle she wants personally and professionally. WHERE TO FIND ERICAIG: @mountainmind mountainminddesign.comWHERE IT ALL BEGAN (Time: 2:19)Growing up in the PNW and how that shaped Erica’s love for the outdoors“Alpental gets pretty real, pretty fast” (Time: 13:50)“Nobody can help you but yourself sometimes” (Time: 16:37)WORK LIFE AT CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN (Time: 25:55) Finding a work culture to fit her lifestyleWHERE MOUNTAINMIND COMES IN (Time: 30:25)Moving meditationHuman, BeingFreelance Work“It’s not the mountain that we conquer, it’s ourselves”FINAL ADVICE FROM ERICA (Time: 51:00)
Welcome Dave Olson the owner and founder of Kayak ChicagoImagine kayaking through one of the largest cities in the country? CHICAGO!Over 20 years in the making, Dave shares with us the what Kayak Chicago is all about and how it all started.You can find Kayak Chicago on IG @KayakChicago and at KayakChicago.comNOW HIT PLAY AND ENJOY!!!FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! SUBSCRIBEto our podcastINSTAGRAM@CasuallyQualifiedJon – @SokogramSteve – @CaptureCoolness FACEBOOK EMAIL:CasuallyQualified@gmail.com
DESCRIPTIONListen in as we chat with the one and only Mike Justa.Mike is a certified bad ass (listen for proof), a naturalist, mariner, educator and an aspiring marine biologist. In this episode Mike shares how his love of the natural world, and water has shaped his life. We were so humbled to learn from and talk to Mike. We're looking forward to his hopeful research of the Dall's Porpoise. Don't know what that is? Listen and find out!You can find Mike on IG @EXPLORATREENOW HIT PLAY AND ENJOY!!!FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! SUBSCRIBEto our podcastINSTAGRAM@CasuallyQualifiedJon – @SokogramSteve – @CaptureCoolness FACEBOOK EMAIL:CasuallyQualified@gmail.com
Join us as we talk with Ross Lilley, the executive director of AccesSportAmerica.AccesSportAmerica promotes higher function and fitness for people living with challenges and disabilities through high-challenge sports and training.Visit GoAccess.org to learn more about AccesSportAmerica
DESCRIPTIONIn today’s episode we sat down with the one and only Charles Biset. Charles is a trained aerospace engineer who decided to re-engineer his career and life path to better suit his lifestyle. Charles stepped back from the organized grind of corporate engineering, and now chooses to employ his knowledge and passion for engineering through educating kids in the San Diego area at iFly where he teaches STEM classes. When he’s not jumping from planes, Charles can be found riding waves all over the world, or designing and creating with his 3D printer. You can find more info about Charles on Instagram and his Etsy Shop @GnarChar.WHO IS CHARLES BISET??? (Time: 3:40)From a young age, Charles has always explored and created adventures Super multifaceted and always up for a good timeLives by the work hard play hard mentalityWHERE THE ENGINEERING ALL BEGAN : (Time: 11:50)Lockheed Martin InternshipHow Charles wound up in San DiegoA road trip of a lifetime in his friend’s mom’s minivanEverything happens as it should (Time: 20:00)Charles explains how he took active steps to to start the life he wanted in San DiegoTHEN THINGS BEGAN TO CHANGE (Time: 36:45)Managing the struggles of corporate engineeringBalancing life with work and a masters programRequesting a long term vacation from work, the ultimate turning pointTips and advice for trying to get extended time off - with a few twists and turnsDON’T WAIT - GO AFTER WHAT YOU WANT! (Time: 45:45)Stop kicking the can down the road, find a reason to do the things you want“Shit, how did I live my life” - Don’t allow yourself to regret your pastAs yourself, “Did I live?”RETURNING TO THE SKY (Time: 50:08)How Charles started skydivingNearly 600 solo jumpsWorking at iFLY, combining his background in engineering and his love for the sky through STEM education3D PRINTING AND FUTURE PROJECTS (Time: 1:03)Where Charles was first exposed to 3D printingHow does 3D printing workWhat kind of stuff is Charles 3D printingMaking and donating masks during the COVID-19 Pandemic
DESCRIPTIONPlease enjoy the first EVER Casually Qualified GUEST INTERVIEW!!! We are so excited to introduce Veronica Carlson to our listeners! Veronica is a World Class Athlete and current Chair of the USA Wrestling Athlete Advocacy Committee. She’s no stranger to the podium as a former decorated Team USA Wrestler, two time Olympic trial competitor, Junior World Silver Medalist, Senior World competitor, US Open Champion, World Cup Silver Medalist, Dave Schultz Memorial Invitational Silver Medalist, and just way too much more to name! Check out some of her stats here. On top of being a fierce competitor, Veronica is an all around great person who created an extraordinary life that she desired! Please enjoy our conversation with Veronica!INTRODUCTIONSWhere it all began for Veronica 3:27The courage to try something new 8:25WAY MORE THAN CASUALLY QUALIFIEDWhen she knew she was MORE than CASUALLY QUALIFIED to be an extraordinary athlete. Her answer will surprise you! 14:47Words from a wise man, if I do say so myself -Jon 17:55TIME FOR SOME HUMBLE BRAGGINGVeronica’s accomplishments in her words 20:35What kind of wrestler and person is Veronica Carlson? 21:50GIVING BACKGiving back to the sport 32:55Chair of USA Wrestling Athlete Advisory Committee LOOKING BACKWhat are you most proud of 42:55LOOKING FORWARDWhat’s next for Veronica 48:45
In a constant journey to improve himself, and build stronger relationships, Jon stumbled upon a survey geared towards creating love between two people. We decided to turn the survey on it’s head and record our answers to the questions with each other, unrehearsed and unscripted. The result was a lot of fun and gives a deeper glimpse into our lives and minds. Listen for more. Enjoy!THE BASICSThis 1997 Study by Psychologist Arthur Aron studied how the 36 questions could boost intimacy between subjects.Deviating from our typical topics, we decided to go through these survey questions with each other to get to know each other and give our listeners a closer glimpse into our lives and minds. Questions are broken into 3 sets, with each set getting more and more intimate. A timer should be set for 15 minutes for each set.SET ONE: (Time: 4:19) Steve starts the clock and we let the love survey begin!SET TWO: (Time:21:00)Second round gets a little more complex, and we went a few minutes past the 15 minute mark.Correction: Jon was way off when he said 300-400 billion to 1. The actual is 400 TRILLION to 1. Take it from Gary Vaynerchuk: It’s impossible to be a human being. You Already Won. Steve’s most treasured memory- His wedding at Crystal MountainJon’s most treasured memory- His first long trip with his fiance to Tulum.SET THREE (38:00):Things are getting deep and a little cheesy sharing what we like and respect about each other. (43:50)Apparently we both hate the way we sound on this podcast, but we do it anyway. Sticking with past themes: If you want to do something, JUST GO FOR IT! (53:00)Went a little long again, thanks for sticking with us!WILL IT WORK!? (59:00):We think the questions can definitely help accelerate closeness or intimacy, but the jury is still out on whether or not they’d specifically lead to love. Email us at casuallyqualified@gmail.com and tell us what you think!
DESCRIPTIONHaving control of your finances has never been more important. In episode 6, we take a closer look at how each of us budget our money. We are creating a positive space to talk and learn about money. WHO ARE YOU TO TALK ABOUT MY MONEY?We understand money can be a sensitive topic.Surround yourself with people who want to see you do better."For Christmas two years ago, Jon and Rose gave Maggie and I a book called 'The Total Money Makeover' by Dave Ramsey." JON'S BUDGET: (Time: 8:40)TWO KEY POINTSSpend less than you earn Automate savingsBUILD YOUR BUDGETTrack all fixed costs (mortgage/rent, car payment, insurance, utilities, other recurring essentials) using pen/paper or app like Mint.Find your total monthly fixed costs, and divide by your number of paychecks each month.If you are in debt, or trying to save money, eliminate all NON-ESSENTIAL items from your budget at this point.Create two checking accounts (with automated direct deposits from every paycheck).Bill account - Automatically deposit the amount from above from your paycheck into this account to cover your fix costs“Allowance” account - This account is yours to spend on fun and non-recurring costs like groceries, gas, etc.If you’re married, create a third checking account which is a joint checking account to cover joint fun and non-recurring costs.Create Multiple savings accountsLong Term Savings account (with spouse) for big ticket items (wedding, new car, new house, etc)Short Term Savings account (without spouse) This money comes from “allowance money” but is set aside for vacations/adventures, or larger “toys” that I couldn’t buy after only one paycheck.Save toward 3-6 month Emergency Savings to cover you in event of job loss, major injury, etc. This amount can be based on your current living expenses. OR you can base this off a leaner living style by cutting out non-essential items.MORE ON INVESTMENT STRATEGY IN FUTURE EPISODESSTEVE'S BUDGET: (Time:15:05)SPREADSHEET - My wife and I combine finances and put everything on an excel spreadsheet. At the beginning of every month, update the spreadsheet and track progress. (Visual Learners)Fixed costsCategories we regularly spend money onList amounts in every account for net worthChecking, 401k, HSA, Roth IRAEMERGENCY FUNDWork towards a 6 month cushion and beyondSAVINGS GOAL12-36 month chartCalculate how much needs to be saved per month in order to reach goalWrite down what your bank account should look like every quarter based on that goal. (Visual Learners) KEY POINTS:EMERGENCY FUND (Time: 16:30)Start small and gradually build up cushionSave a $1000 Emergency Fund before establishing your budget or paying down debtOnce Debt is paid off and/or budget is established, increase 'Emergency Fund' to 3-6 months of expenses so that you are prepared in emergency situations like job loss or injury"Expect the best. Be prepared for the worst." HOW DO WE GET STARTED (Time 20:00)Ask yourself really good questions and then plan accordingly.What is my current situation?What are my bills?How much debt do I have?What do I want to accomplish?RECOMMENDATIONS TO SAVE MORE:Pick up more hours at work or a second or third job to increase earning potentialJon likes to work
DESCRIPTIONIf you haven’t realized by episode 5, or if this is your first time listening, we LOVE the outdoors. One of our favorite things to do outside is hike, camp, and backpack. There is nothing like being outdoors, exposed to the elements, and unplugging from a busy life. Neither of us grew up camping or backpacking, but we took a leap and discovered a new hobby as adults and you can too! Hopefully this episode will help give you the confidence to get outside and start camping or backpacking. Here is a little advice to help get you started:WHAT DO WE LIKE ABOUT BACKPACKING?STEVEN:It’s a way to get away.Best backpacking trip - Big Heart Lake in Washington State. 8.5 mile hike out and back. We had beautiful views and a great group of people.JON:A chance to really really unplug. Did I say REALLY?Opportunity to see parts of the world that most people will never see.Best backpacking trip- Inyos Mountains approximately 30 mile loop along the Old Miner’s Trail. Trudged through everything from desert heat, to a few inches of snow within a matter of days.KEY POINTS:iT’S EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO GET STARTED (Time: 09:45)Start with day hikes. Find nearby trails and just go for walks. “Level up” when you are comfortable and maybe do multi day hikes but return to a hotel, or motel for the night.Eventually move on to car camping where you set up camp near your car and return back to your campsite each day.Finally start backpacking trips where you hike and camp in a new spot each day or every few days. HOW DO I FIND A PLACE TO HIKE? (Time: 17:50)Utilize websites like Alltrails.com, backpacker.com, hikingproject.com for info and reviews on trails.Know and understand what permits are required and what other rules the area requires that you follow. Utilize social media and community groups to find info.YOU DON’T NEED THE MOST HIGH END GEAR TO HAVE FUN. BUT HERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT MAY HELP YOU (Time: 24:30)Good footwear is a must! Gym shoes will work for day hikes, but ankle support provided by boots is needed for trips with a heavy pack.Moisture wicking materials and layers will keep you feeling fresh! Oh and we love convertible pants! Make sure you’re pack size meets the needs of your trip. Anything from no pack to a 65+ liter pack may be appropriate depending on the length of your trip.Water, water, water. Always plan your trip around water. Whether you're packing it in, or planning to make stops to find water.NOW JUST GET STARTED!
Description: Work/Life balance is very important to us and something that we think we have done a pretty good job at managing for ourselves. We believe a lot of our listeners may have some struggles or be looking for ways to improve their work/life balance. So, we came up with 4 main ideas that works for us.What does Work/Life balance mean to you?Steven: I immediately think of what I am doing outside of work. Recreation & leisure.The goal is to work & have fun.“25 of life is finding yourself and 75% of life is creating yourself” - Tribe of Mentors by Tim FerrissJon:Finding that ‘sweet spot’ between work and life. Create a life where certain areas don’t need to suffer in order to make other areas succeed.Work to live vs. live to work. Key Points:Find a job that fits your lifestyle of needs. (Time: 06:25)Steve is a full time Flight Attendant. His goal is travel and adventure. He highly values flexibility in his schedule so that he can make time for friends and family.Jon is a Police Officer and he gained a lot of personal satisfaction from that position. He has grown to evaluate his time away from work a lot more. The goal is to create more flexibility at work so he can make time for his personal hobbies and interests.Find a job that allows you to make a schedule that incorporates your work life but more importantly gives you the opportunity to schedule your personal life in a way that works for you. (Time: 10:00)Give yourself permission to fit in time to relax or fit in a hobby of choice.Don’t put too much on your plate. Find a way to set boundaries at work and at home.Unplug and set boundaries. (Time: 16:40)Limit Technology - set boundaries on your phone and on social media. Leave work at work - Ex. A friend of Jon has created a standard for himself. He does not answer emails outside of work. His coworkers know that he will not respond outside of work and they have learned to respect that. Exercise and Health (Time: 21:35)Make time to take care of yourself.Create good exercise, sleeping, and eating habits.Meditation
We talk about what interests us about adventure and how it relates to the way we approach life. The goal is to encourage others to go do the things that they enjoy. Sometimes you just have to get started.WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?Adventure can mean something different for everyone.Make time for yourself and have funWHY DO YOU THINK A WHOLE SUMMER GOES BY AND YOU DIDN’T DO ANY OF THE THINGS YOU SET OUT TO DO?It's very important to be INTENTIONAL about the things you want to do.Make a conscious decision to just GET STARTED and try something new.WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO GO ON ADVENTURES?IS ADVENTURE INFLUENCED BY MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY? IS IT GENERATIONAL? WHAT DID ADVENTURE LOOK LIKE TO OUR PARENTS? GRANDPARENTS?HOW DO YOU BUILD YOUR LIFE AROUND ADVENTURE?Pursuing careers that give us flexibility to do more of the stuff we enjoy outside of workThe value of work/life balanceExtremely grateful for our ability to do what we want to do and pursue the things we enjoyLEARN ABOUT SOME OF OUR MOST MEMORABLE ADVENTURESSteve runs the 2015 Honolulu Marathon and then goes right to the island of Kauai and hikes 26 miles on the Napali Coast with a complete stranger who he is still friends with today.Jon ran the Tough Mudder in Rockford, IL and then hopped in the car with his friends and road tripped to Moab, UT for an unforgettable canoe trip.BIGGEST RECOMMENDATIONS:Find the people who want to do what you want to do. Join community groups (i.e. Running Club). Use Facebook or Meetup.com to find great groups in your area.Traveling is so much more affordable with proper planning and budgeting. Episode pre-recorded on April 26, 2020.
Date: 4/30/2020CASUALLY QUALIFIEDEpisode 2: 'Let's Jump Right In'This episode is about finding FREEDOM through creating and living the life that you want. We are all about promoting that it feels good to feel good. In this episode we explore how and when we took control of our lives and began to feel "FREE".WHAT DO YOU THINK WAS THE TURNING POINT WHEN YOU REALLY TOOK CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE? STEVE: Consolidating my student loans from a variable to a fixed interest rate"I don't want to be a SPONGE." I want to be independent.Learning how to budget and save money so that I can enjoy life and have funGrowing up, it took a lot of mistakes and falling off the wagon to get moving in the right direction. Once I gained confidence in my ability to save and get rid of my student loans, I just kept my head down and made it happen.JON: I was raised to be self reliant at a young age. I was able to realize the sacrifices my mother was making for our family. I never wanted to be a burden and ask anyone for too much.Life is like a game. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Regardless of the outcome, you appreciate and learn to come to terms with that reality. It's amazing how much pressure you can take off of yourself.Play to "win".The people I surrounded myself with were all basically doing the same thing. Working hard and getting things done.We both grew up playing sports. We are both Wrestlers!WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO OTHERS WHO ARE TRYING TO TURN THE CORNER AND GAIN FREEDOM IN THEIR LIVES?JON: Keep a positive attitude. Don't let negative situations weigh you down. Find forward momentum and keep pushing through.The best way to DO anything is to just GET STARTED.STEVE: Surround yourself with people who always seem to find SOLUTIONS. Step up to the plate and find a way to get the job done.Thank you for visiting us! Subscribe to our podcast where ever you listen to podcasts! Instagram: @CasuallyQualifiedJon @SokogramSteve @CaptureCoolness Facebook: @casuallyqualified Website: casuallyqualified.com Email: CausuallyQualified@gmail.com
Date: 04/10/2020CASUALLY QUALIFIEDEpisode 1: 'Welcome to Casually Qualified'Brief Description: Welcome to our brand new podcast CASUALLY QUALIFIED! Brought together by two amazing sisters (Wife & Fiance). Jon Sokolnik (Chicago) and Steven Ciaccio (Seattle) are two goal oriented adventure enthusiasts trying to create a platform that is meaningful, relatable and fun. We love to go on adventures but even more, we love to reflect on how we got here and what we learned along the way.Thank you for visiting us! Subscribe to our podcast where ever you listen to podcasts! Instagram: @CasuallyQualifiedJon @SokogramSteve @CaptureCoolness Facebook: @casuallyqualified Website: casuallyqualified.com Email: CausuallyQualified@gmail.com