Ordinary Sherpa: Family Adventure Coaching and Design

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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/134 Subscribe to the email list to follow updates on their travel memoir style book:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ Email Heidi for questions you have about gap year or to inquire about 1:1 coaching: Heidi@ordinarysherpa.com

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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/133 Downloadable Joy Audit: https://ordinarysherpa.podia.com/joy-audit-tracking-form Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/

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 Downloadable RV Inspection Form 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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/132 For those interested in RV adventures, use this downloadable inspection form 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: https://rvgearandfar.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rvgearandfar Email Newsletter: https://rvgearandfar.com/newsletter/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rvgearandfar/  TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@rvgearandfar Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/rvgearandfar  Mastermind Group: RV Content Creators  

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 (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: Ordinarysherpa.com/131

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 coaching call  or podcasting resources to help you take advance your podcast are available at my podcasting and business building resource page (link) 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 Choose FI podcast Podcast Coaching Call How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big (Affiliate Link)

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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/simpleadv 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: Ordinarysherpa.com/129 Subscribe to the Simple Adventure Subscription: https://ordinarysherpa.com/simpleadv The first 25 subscribers get 1 month free with code: YES Read my Book: https://ordinarysherpa.com/book/  Follow us on Instagram: @ordinarysherpa

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, Elakai Outdoors 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 Elakai Outdoor  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 link in the show notes.  Use code ORDINARYSHERPA10 for 10% off. Add a little indulgence to your outdoor play with Elakai Outdoor. Show Notes for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/125Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ Elakai Outdoors: https://glnk.io/r549q/ordinarysherpa Use code: ORDINARYSHERPA10 for 10% off your purchase

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 buy me a coffee 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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/127Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ Resources Referenced in this episode 4 Hour Work Week Flippa.com site to purchase ecommerce sites Beyond Normal: a field guide to embrace adventure, explore the wilderness and design an extraordinary life with kids (my book) buy me a coffee  and reach out regarding your questions on how I might help you on your journey To Connect with or Follow Brad Barrett Podcast: Choose FI PodcastEmail List: ChooseFI.com/subscribe Website: Choose FI  

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 episode 109| Living your Childhood Dreams.   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: http://Ordinarysherpa.com/HarvestHosts 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 buy me a coffee 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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/126Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ Join Harvest Hosts using our link to access our favorite type of travel, get a discount and support Ordinary Sherpa: http://Ordinarysherpa.com/HarvestHosts (Boondockers Welcome and CampScanner are our favorites)

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 buy me a coffee 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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/125Joy Audit Tracking Form Digital Download: https://ordinarysherpa.podia.com/joy-audit-tracking-form Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/

 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 buy me a coffee 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 episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/124Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ordsherpa

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: Ordinarysherpa.com/123Subscribe to the Email: https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ Read my Book: https://ordinarysherpa.com/book/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ordinarysherpa/

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 episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/122Will you leave Written Review on Apple Podcasts:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/review/ Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/  

 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 buy me a coffee 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 https://ordinarysherpa.com/121 Blog Post: 5 Tips for Crossing the Canadian BorderFree Download: Beginner's Guide to Untourism

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:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/review/ Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/120 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 buy me a coffee 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 031 | Slowing Down and Being Aware.  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: Lean Out PodcastBook: Lean OutWebsite: Practice BalanceInstagram: @practicebalance

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 buy me a coffee 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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/119Download the Joy Audit Tracking Form: https://ordinarysherpa.podia.com/joy-audit-tracking-form Purchase my book (Beyond Normal):  https://ordinarysherpa.com/book Schedule a Strategy Coaching session with me to work through your bittersweet adventure transitions  https://ordinarysherpa.com/adventure-strategy-coaching

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): https://ordinarysherpa.podia.com/joy-audit-tracking-form Show Notes for Episode 117: https://ordinarysherpa.com/117 Read Heidi's Book: Beyond Normal a field guide to embrace adventuree, explore the wilderness and design an extraordinary life with kids.  https://ordinarysherpa.com/book/

Show Notes for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/116 Schedule a Coaching or Adventure Strategy Consultation: https://calendly.com/heidi-139/adv-strategy_coaching  Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ 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 richardjunod@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richard.jun.37 IG handle @shooonuff Link to Family Friendly AirBnB in LaCrosse: https://airbnb.com/h/houseonthebluff-lax 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! https://www.airbnb.com/r/richardj23882?s=6&t=063n00

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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/115 Untourism Travel Consult: https://calendly.com/heidi-139/untourism-consulting Buy Me Coffee:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/OrdSherpa  Additional Resources referneced in this episode: Buy my Book: Beyond Normal  Subscribe to receive free Untourism Starter Guide: https://ordinarysherpa.com/untourism/ Article with topic similiar to Untourism: https://medium.com/personal-growth/the-places-in-between-a9c89d49bc8a  

Show Notes for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/114 Join the Slow Fi Meet Up April 20 from 7-8:15 EST register here Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ 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: dinamo53@gmail.com  Join the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ordinarysherpa   

Show notes for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/113 Buy Me Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ordsherpa Buy Beyond Normal book, a field guide to designing an adventurous life with kids.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ordinarysherpa to learn more about metrics of thriving and the joy audit referenced in this episode.  

 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; ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe 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 book) 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 Beyond Normal 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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/112 Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ 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.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ordinarysherpa Resources references in this episode Blogpost: Travel is overrated, here's what to do instead BOOKS: Financial Fives by Gary Grewal,  I Will Teach You To Be Rich, by Ramit Sethi Vegan Cooking Blogs: Vegan Richa, Minimalist BakerZero-Waster Moving Box Company: https://budgetsaresexy.com/zero-waste-side-hustle-renting-out-moving-boxes/. https://www.calboxrental.com  

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 episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/047Join Family Travel Hackers Membership to help families travel more for less.  https://ordinarysherpa.com/FTH 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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/FTH Connect with Rachel West: Member of Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ordinarysherpa

Show Notes for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/110 Join Family Travel Hackers Membership:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/join Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ 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: www.narrowroadjourneys.com Email: hello@narrowroadjourneys.com  Facebook & Instagram: @narrowroadjourneys  Purchase Flip Fit: https://narrowroadjourneys.com/product/flip-fit/ 

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 episodehttps://ordinarysherpa.com/109 Subscribe to the Email: https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe Read my Book: https://ordinarysherpa.com/book/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ordinarysherpa/ Join the Everyday Adventure Challenge: https://ordinarysherpa.com/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:lifeoutsidethemaze.com  email: me@lifeoutsidethemaze.com

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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/108 Subscribe to the email List: https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ *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:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/review/ 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 buy me a coffee 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: Beyond Normal: A Field Guide to Embrace Adventure, Explore the Wilderness, and Design an Extraordinary Life with Kids.  

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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/106 To place an order for flies for Fly Fishing here is the order form (Link).  You can send specific questions to heidi@ordinarysherpa.com or join CD Fly Fishing Email List at https://ordinarysherpa.com/flyfishing Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ *To follow our family gap year choose __ Family Gap Year Adventure to get insider stories from our gap year experiences.    

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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/106 Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ *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:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/review/ Join the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group to interact with other listeners.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ordinarysherpa

"How do your kids feel about the gap year?" Let's have them tell you how they feel with a series of interviews with my kids.  While the family behind Ordinary Sherpa is taking a gap year, Ordinary Sherpa is still focused on the human element of living a life adventure and all the ordinrary things we did to get here. Our gap year will also be filled with ordinary everyday adventures accessible to everyone.  I hope this series exemplifies you don't need to take a gap year to experience adventures with your kids.   Show Notes for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/105 Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ *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:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/review/ Join the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group to interact with other listeners.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ordinarysherpa

I am coming off a weekend at Camp FI which is like summer camp with people who are interested in doing things differently with their life and I must say, I have come to think money is the least interesting thing to talk about and perhaps because I am not motivated by money.  Through my own money story and working with and alongside high-net worth individuals I have come to learn that money does not equal happiness.  The sooner we can detach our worth and purpose from money I think the higher the odds for contentment and fulfillment.  That is certainly not easy which is why I was so excited to have this conversation today.   Before I jump into the episode today I wanted to mention that many have asked how they can follow our journey.  I have decided that the best place to stay connected will be through our email list and choose the Family Gap Year Adventure topic (and any other topic you are interested in) https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ I have started a blog and will be sharing some of the stories and deeper learnings of life on the road with 3 kids and a dog and all the real life things that go along with that.  I will still be posting on Instagram and will keep the podcast more broad than our gap year, however there will occasionally be episodes highlighting the gap year diaries :).   Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/104Will you leave Written Review on Apple Podcasts:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/review/ Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ Tricia Huffman, aka Your Joyologist, is a rock and roll roadie at heart and by first career. She specializes in working with those in the public eye to keep them in integrity with who they want to be while also enjoying the life they are living. She is a mental health and mindset expert known for sharing real talk with heart, calling you to uncover and honor who YOU are, and empowering you to claim your joy daily via her first book (F The Shoulds. Do The Wants.), social media, Claim it! Podcast, Own Your Awesome daily inspiration App, and everything that she does.  Key Takeaways Tricia was living her dream as a sound engineer next to musical icons living their dreams of making music.  However, her dad died suddenly which shook her more than any anticipated loss.  “I wanted to shake people up to be present in their life.” Even people who appeared to have it all, living their dream life struggled with feeling like they were enough and finding daily joy.  Tricia was living her dream life - she kept getting pulled back into and loved the identity that came with it - and still had a yearning for “what's next?” Music tour life provided everything for her and offered a built in community of people you love like family in some way. There are also toxic environments.  Ironically the bigger tours, bigger venues with bigger artists that she initially defined success by, were actually the most toxic environments.   Taking a pause allowed her to go deep into herself.  By giving up the word should and changing it to want gave her the power and ability to support others being present to their life.  Being present doesn't mean you ignore the struggles of life.  It means you recognize the realities of life AND still make space for joy.   Even though she lived life on her terms, it was surprising how present the word SHOULD was embedded into her language and because of that, her mentality.  In the exercise of eliminating should, she would catch herself and pause, noticing how often she said the word should and was stuck with the question “what can I say instead?” Just paying attention to this one word had her examingin her thoughts, feelings, and truths.  Then having the ability to not take that as her truth.  Should makes us think outside of ourselves, replacing it with want brought it back to me and owning that thought, feeling or belief.   When people notice and work through their should list if often reveals that people might not know what they want.  We have such extensive should files so asking “why do I want that?” can help go deeper. Giving yourself the ability to focus on why offers clarity on impact, and why you might want to do the thing or give flexibility and voice to how else you cn do it.  In the meditation example - maybe I take 3 deep breaths instead of a focused sitting meditation as an example.  We keep ourselves from doing what we want based on what we think it should look like.   When things feel stuck, how can I make space for joy OR how can I nurture myself?  So often we are pursuing something bigger, and our worth is tied up in that bigger thing.  How can you make space to take care of yourself, to nurture yourself, do things that bring you joy and celebrate I am alive today.   It seems we are trained to know what fulfillment looks like, but what does it feel like?  For me it comes from the small day to day stuff.  Walks outside are a strategy to redirect negative energy and practicing how to notice and be present in nature.   To Connect with or Follow Tricia HuffmanBOOK LANDING PAGE:  Ftheshouldsdothewants.com Website: triciahuffman.com Podcast: Claim it!App: Own Your Awesome Social  IG @_triciahuffman TikTok @_triciahuffman  FB @yourjoyologist  Twitter @yourjoyologist

Website for this Episode:  Resources mentioned in this Episode:  Harvest Hosts is offering a 30% off sale until January 6th if you use my link:https://harvesthosts.com/join-friends/ you must use my link and Code FRIEND30 at checkout.  Harvest Hosts membership offers over 4,000 spots to park your RV or enclosed camper at breweries, wineries, farms, even museums across North America.  They also include Boondockers Welcome which are Hosts who offer a free place to park your RV on private residents while road tripping.  If you are not listening to this in real time when it publishes on January 4th, then you can still use my link for 15% off starting January 7th.  This is an affiliate link as I have been working with Harvest Hosts to offer you better deals, especially since many of you have an interest in a potential first time Family RV trip in your travel plans. Ski Moms Fun Podcast: a podcast I have been enjoying that helps support moms who ski.  Nicole was a guest on my podcast on episode 059 in practicing the Sherpa Philosophy we agreed to cross-promote each others shows since our audiences have similar interests.  https://skimomsfun.com/ I really appreciate what Nicole has been doing and if you like this type of cross-promotion let me know I'll explore more content creation promotion.  1000 Hours Outside 2023 Tracker: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/trackers Whitewater Rafting Instagram Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CfgxdCIg5CS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link  My Book: Beyond Normal a Field Guide to Embrace Adventure, Explore the Wilderness and Design an Extraordinary Life with Kids https://amzn.to/3vDTzb6  

As we shift from the holidays to the new year there is often the most reflective time of year for reflection and intention setting for the upcoming year.  I am not talking about new year's resolutions.  I am talking about understanding your why, who will help you get there and what is it you need to do today to advance toward your ideal life.  As this is publishing I am in the final days of w2 work, and merely weeks from our departure in the RV for our family gap year.  Working towards a gap year has been a few years of intention setting and making progress towards our family gap year.  If you need a tool or framework to guide you through that process then I suggest using the Best Year Yet framework that set me on this path in 2018.  I have a link in the show notes for you to take the online course.   *Register for the Best Year Yet to set your lifestyle intention and create an accountability structure to support building out your life.  https://ordinarysherpa.com/byy Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/102Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ One of the critical factors for our family advancing the idea of taking a family gap year with kids, was about surrounding yourself with the right people.  After writing the book I had several readers ask. “But how did you find your people?” Which is why I invited our guest today.  You will hear some tips on setting intention, but also the importance of showing up in real life then checking in with how that person makes you feel. One of the strategies I ended my W2 work on, was understanding the game changing nature of connection and community building in moving from surviving to thriving.   Diania Merriam is the founder of The EconoMe Conference, a party about money designed specifically for the FIRE movement (financial independence, retire early).  She's also the host of the popular podcast Optimal Finance Daily where she narrates articles from the best personal finance blogs on the planet. After getting out of $30k of debt in 11 months, she used her newfound financial freedom to negotiate a remote working arrangement with her employer, take a 2 month sabbatical to walk 500 miles across northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago, and launch her own business.  Key Takeaways Diania was overly ambitious growing up, often listening to external indicators of success such as “if you make 6 figures before 30 you are doing really well.” At 28 was the first time she looked at her life and started to put other factors in front of the external success indicators.  The self-exploration while dragging herself out of debt helped her understand her relationship with consumerism.  The Camino was completely outside her comfort zone.  She wouldn't consider herself athletic or outdoorsy.  She hadn't ever really camped before.  She spent 3 months training and breaking in her Merrell hiking shoes - which she still owns and hikes in.  Part of her preparation was talking with about 20 other people who had completed the Camino to have them review her packing list. The Magic of the Camino began long before she was on trail.  Through a sequence of events from not having a car, to chatting with teh Trader Joe's cashier she ends up being connected with the cashier's friend who lent Diania her pack for the Camino. The overarching theme of the Camino was the sense that you are guided and protected.  Losing 200 Euro in cash while on trail was a bummer.  Reframing her mindset to “I have plenty of money, I will be fine.  I hope that someone who actually needed the money picked it up.” Diania's story emulates the power of community in adventure.  She had people looking out for her on trail, off trail, before trail, after trail.  Sometimes adventure can feel like we need all the things - and yet there is a deeper KNOWING that everything will be okay.  When you attend an event like the World Domination Summit you feel like your life is full of possibility.  Diania thought “I want to do something that makes people feel this way, but about money!”  I knew that getting my money right helped create space and exploration in my life.  When people are walking towards a common goal, there is a sense of camaraderie - if I don't know this person, I know “this is my kind of person”  It was this desire that led her to get more involved in the FIRE Community. She set out on a quest to meet people in real life - people living unconventional lives create a vibe.  I wanted to absorb their expansive energy.  The result is EconoMe - a party about money with surprises and connections.  If you are focused on material abundance you'll never get to experience the kind of abundance that is more interesting.  Such as time abundance, relationship abundance, creative abundance.  All of these make space in your life.  The less materialistic you are, the more idealistic you can be.  Finding her people was an organic process.  She began paying attention to how she felt after meeting someone new.  Funemployment is her definition of being in a financial position to contribute, and be super picky about the type and amount of work you want to do; and who you want to work with.  Any discomfort she has now is not going to be fixed by money.  She already has enough money.  We are conditioned to think more is better, so reminding herself “I don't need more, I need enough.” Find your Own Camino.  What is the common goal that you share with others?  Make a point to meet your people and absorb the expansive energy that excites you and helps you feel guided and protected.  If that is getting your money right to live a more adventurous life then come see Diania and I at EconoMe.   Call to ActionJoin us in real life at EconoMe, there are only 100 tickets left.  Hopefully I'll see you in Cincinnati March 17-19, 2023.  If you aren't really sure what your what your why is or what you want you lifestyle to be, then register for the Best Year Yet online learning and accountability and get a discount ($75 off) using my link: https://ordinarysherpa.com/byy To Connect with or Follow Diania Merriam Website: https://economeconference.com/ Podcast: Optimal Finance DailyYoutube Channel: @economeconference  

If you are new here, Welcome to Ordinary Sherpa. A brand designed to support families connecting through adventure based on the pillars of simplicity, authenticity, and connection. If you have been here for the last 100 episodes, thank you! The 101 episode is going to take us back to the basic of this brand and practice different ways we can support family connection through simple and authentic adventure experiences.   My intention is to create content to support leading a lifestyle of family adventure fostering lifelong memories. In doing so we hope you will adopt the sherpa philosophy, to help others reach their summit through generous curiosity.  Simple: Adventure is the act of getting outside your comfort zone.  It's an invitation to try something new.  To support this brand pillar we offer the Everyday Adventure Challenge - a 60 day approach to practicing simple adventures with your family.   When we stop viewing adventure as an epic summit, we begin to look differently at your own neighborhood.  We notice things such as Brown Signs which are local attractions that have been designated as points of interest.  On Episode 041 | The adventure Potential of Brown Signs we dove deep into what is available at Brown Signs that can reveal new opportunities for adventure without large admission fees.  While they are not always free, brown signs are like hidden gems.  Simple also suggests we focus on the little things.  When we make family adventures less stressful they often become more meaningfulStacking simple adventures to building blocks of an adventurous family lifestyle or big adventure experience.   How can I make this easier for other families?   Celebrate Adventure Wins in the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group:  Tracey: We saw a performance by the Ho Chunk nation and learned all about their regalia. Then we up to the observation tower of the Wisconsin State Capital for a whole new view of our city! Kimberly: Snuck away for a solo ride — and got lost on the trails in a good way (there's really no way to get truly lost in the network I was in so it just added 2 miles of some gnarly, rocky hills). Kel: We had a busy day with friends at the zoo, then had a campfire and enjoyed some glow light fun on the trampoline. Jenna: Took the toddler on his first ferry ride. A small adventure, but a fun one! Hillary: We did some painting in the pouring rain with food dye! Elizabeth: We let the dinosaurs out � Dinovember is like an elf on the shelf. It makes this month so magical for our kids. The first week the Dino's take away the tv remotes and tablets!!! More outside play, play in general and family storytime/game nights. Becca: When fall turns to true winter, it takes some motivation to get two littles dressed to go outside (especially if we don't have much time), but we've been working hard to make it happen and we all feel better and refreshed afterwards. How many of these required something specific in order to have an adventure experience?  Maybe a bike, glowsticks, some winter gear to be comfortable.  If we focus on the experience there are actually very few THINGS we need to adventure.  I don't know about you, but I am now on a mission to find some dinosaurs.  How cool is dinovember?  The power of this brand is in the collective experiences from the community help make adventure easier and more enticing for families.   Authentic: Do what aligns with you and your interests. By building a foundation of simple adventure experiences, we no longer felt compelled to check the boxes on a bucket list.  Instead we encourage doing what is meaningful and memorable for your family.  The intention is less about external indicators and more internal indicators of what family thriving looks like for you.  We have turned our Love of travel into an intention we call Untourism: A way to travel differently Each child has established a travel intention that fits their personality and interests.  My little monster's travel goal is to taste the best ice cream in all 50 states.  While I am still a sucker for a quick google search for “free things for families in ___.” Knowing what I am looking for in each location is helpful.  Is it a park, or a bike trail?  For us we constantly search for locals recommendations for the best ice cream.  It's a great conversion and in the worst case scenario we come across someone who doesn't like ice cream (I didn't realize that was a thing).  Untourism is a regular practice in empathy: Seeing things from others perspective.   We joined Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome because we knew what it was like to have a conversation while hanging out around a campfire or around the tailgate of a truck.  (By the way if you use my link and Promo Code FRIENDS30, you get $ off before January 2, 2023) Connecting with locals who appreciate travel and RVing was a way to create community while traveling.  Even for our quick weekenders now we try to find a boondocker host just because we know the experience will be unique (and much cheaper).   We receive many different messages in both direct and subtle ways to inform our beliefs.  Being authentic and deciding what makes sense for your family takes intention.  One intentional act for me this year was to completely ignore the Black Friday - Cyber Monday noise.  I am a sucker for a good deal, but our intentions are different this year.  We want less things in our life.  My small win was that I did not make one purchase during the “Biggest Shopping day of the season” which is a shift from my 30 year old self.   Connection:Support family connection: Holidays with extended family - screens and what is stealing our attention.  Vacation was for a long time my way of having uninterrupted family time when my husband and I could break away from the daily distractions and just enjoy life as a family.  LifestyleThe lifestyle we have designed supports traveling often, spending time outdoors, and be intentional with waht we choose to spend our time and money on.  Our approach to Less Stuff, More Experiences experiences:1. Keep it simple - more about what will happen after the gift than during 2. Purpose not price  3. Can we reuse or repurpose if nonconsumable  Less Stuff, More Travel Experiences Road Trip: Harvest Hosts/ Boondockers Welcome Less Stuff, More Outdoor Experiences Less Stuff, More Backyard Adventures But what about the gift opening experience?  There is something magical about the awe and surprise factor when kids open a gift.  I think every parent hopes for the gasp and smile reaction.   It's the magic element that makes giving so much fun.  When we give experiences it can seem like we lose all of that.  But it doesn't have to be that way.   When I was in high school my mom discovered the pickle ornament.  The pickle ornament is literally an ornament that looks like a pickle, a dark green color to match the color of the tree.  The story we were told was that the child who finds the pickle ornament would receive an extra gift.  As a young adult it became THE THING my brothers and I looked forward to.  After the last gift was unwrapped we would charge the tree in search of the pickle ornament.  Sometimes it would take over 30 minutes for someone to reign as the winner.  What was funny, is we rarely cared about or remembered the prize.  We remembered the experience.  Stories are what is often retained in memories, not things.   As I implied, turning the gift giving action into an experience can also be part of the process.  Without overthinking it, here are some of the ways we have given an experience without losing the magic of their reactions.   Turn the gift into an adventure.  Scavenger hunts are one way - clues to have them find their gift.  Most of the time this is my lazy way to present a gift.  With my son's bike there was no way I was going to wrap that gift.  Even if I did wrap it, the magic would all be experienced right away when he saw all of the gifts.  By hiding the bike and prolonging the experience we simply added to the anticipation.   When we gift travel we have wrapped smaller items to craft the story and they have to guess where we are going.  Sometimes a gift includes a piece to a bigger family puzzle, like a literal puzzle that we put together that aligns with our destination.   Reverse Advent Calendar.  Create a paper chain as part of the gift with a count-down to our vacation.  I actually recommend doing this as part of the gifting experience.  We all shared something fun we could do each day leading up to the vacation that would be fun.  We also might buy a small thing that can be used during the experience that they will need.  The year we gifted Hawaii, the kids all got full-face snorkel masks.  They were so excited about the masks we had to go swimming at our local pool to give them a try, and we had one ridiculous family picture to remember that experience gift! I try to think of unconventional items that they need over the novelty to give them a clue.   Not all experiences pan out the way you imagine.   One summer we were visiting my aunt and uncle in Alaska.  They had a treehouse in their yard and the younger two played in it for HOURS.  When we got home they wanted a treehouse and my husband and I connected that idea to our experience in Alaska.  Being that my husband is hand we built a treehouse for their Christmas gift.  We had attached so many memories and emotions to the tree house that when we finally had one here, it just wasn't as fun! It became comfortable and less exciting.  Spending large amounts of money and time to recreate an experience is a caution I would advise you to reconsider.  Not everyone attaches the same emotions to an experience.  While it's fun to remember those experiences, that is different than trying to recreate it.   I hope as you head into this holiday season you use this episode to help you think about using simplicity, authenticity, and connection in your gift giving and consider how might we offer less things, and more experiences to help foster connection through family adventures? Have an idea to share about turning gifts into experiences and mini adventures, come join us in the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook group to share and steal different ideas to make your family holiday into a meaningful family experience.  

We have a bit of a RV theme to this episode and before we get to our guest I thought I'd share a Facebook post from a Book Reader: Diane recently retired and is traveling the country in a travel trailer with her husband.  I am reading an excellent book by a local Wisconsin  author, Heidi Dusek, called Beyond Normal. It's about designing experiences in life that bring you joy. Before we headed on the road, we already knew that we didn't need to see and experience all the normal sights in any given area. Heidi talks about taking a joy audit to determine what truly adds joy to your life...for us, it's often simplicity. We have no need or desire to see all there is to see; we find joy in a simple hike or bike ride in anywhere, USA, or a cup of coffee and game of cribbage. Spending time with people we love. Or reading (Scott more than Diane!), or playing games on a tablet or phone (Diane more than Scott!). We are 3 hours from the Grand Canyon, and most people say "you HAVE to go!". But our joy meter is on high from seeing wild horses in the river, and we don't feel the need to spend extra money to go to the Grand Canyon. Thanks, Heidi, for reaffirming that we don't need to follow the tourist guide. We are definitely untourists! If you would like to learn more about our story and our joy audit, I encourage you to purchase or check out my my book: Beyond Normal: A Field Guide to Embrace Adventure, Explore the Wilderness, and Design an Extraordinary Life with Kids   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 buy me a coffee 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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/100Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ Join the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group to interact with other listeners.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ordinarysherpa Finding your people is definitely one of the harder tasks in becoming an adventurous family.  When people ask I often state - I don't have any magic formula, but when you know - you will know.  When I met Kimberly, I knew.  Kimberly Crossland is an adventurous mom of 2 boys residing in southern Arizona.  She is the founder of Roadpreneur and Cruisin' + Campfires, two companies designed to keep families together and living in freedom through travel and entrepreneurship. The goal of both businesses is to inspire meaningful change through the power of a strategic, thoughtful approach to life and business. She is a fellow part-time RVing family, avid mountain biker, and chief of all the things here to share her insights on being and supporting moms on the go.   Key Takeaways Go along for the ride is the parenting philosophy that served her best, allowing her not to get mired down in the day to day.   Get to know yourself and what works best for you.  Kimberly discovered she was most creative after a f=good night sleep, and transactional tasks were best were her energy was low.  Learn your own energy cycles and design systems and structures that work for you.   Kimberly had all the questions about buying a travel trailer, but she is so glad she did because what was waiting on the other side is something she now helps other families experience.    Getting kids outside changes their behavior.  The cloud of chaos clears and they are able to reset.   You can't change the kid, but you can change the environment.   Kimberly shared her experience with international travel was more structured, while there is great value to that, camping allows for unstructured play.  Time for discovery and family time with a certain amount of independence and autonomy seems to be the magic formula at this point in time.   Spark conversations with kids vs. asking questions.  Using prompts such as three thing to share with me allow you to have deeper conversations and hear more about what is on your child's heart. There is nothing that kills energy more than having to cut a hike or ride short to get back on a zoom call.  Frontloading the work and creating systems and utilizing automations are powerful tools in designing a life you love.   Don't put adventure in a box.  There is no such thing as adventuring “enough.” Decide what you want your family adventures to look like and go after it.    To Connect with or Follow Kimberly Crossland Website: Cruisinandcampfires.com and Roadpreneur.com Email: Hello@roadpreneur.com Facebook: Facebook.com/Roadpreneur or Facebook.com/cruisinandcampfires Instagram: @Roadpreneur and @cruisinandcampfires

For the full show notes head to: https://ordinarysherpa.com/099  To follow our Family Gap Year Adventure on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ordinarysherpa/  To learn more about Metrics of Thriving or "the Life Pie" referenced in this episode you can read my book: Beyond Normal: A field guide to embrace adventure, explore the wilderness and design an extraordinary life with kids. 

Website for this episode: ordinarysherpa.com/098 Register for the FREE Travel Rewards for Families Live Q & A: Ordinarysherpa.com/LIVE At one time, our guest worked in healthcare, but was (not so secretly) addicted to travel. He's been to over 100 countries and seven continents. What sets him apart from many of the travelers I know is his approach; his uncanny way to make you laugh and be completely envious of him experiencing incredible locations with his kids.  While many parents like taking breaks from their kids and heading overseas without them. Their family is not like that. Starting at age four, each of his kids got to pick any destination in the world every year for a one-on-one trip, and his kids weren't shy about picking crazy destinations – trips have included Australia (ages 4 and 6), Hong Kong (5), Belize (4), Easter Island (6), Iguazu Falls (6), Bali (9 and 10), Japan (7 and 8), the Maldives (9), and Antarctica (8) and that was just when they were ages 4-8.  In 2012 he was lucky enough to win Conde Nast Traveler Magazine's Photo of the Year contest out of 21,000+ entrants. The magazine planned an amazing two weeks in Florence for them. The first two days there three different people called him Babbo – Italian for Dad or Daddy. The kids started using it and it stuck – they haven't called him Dad since they returned from that trip. The funny thing is that Babbo only means Dad in certain parts of Italy. In other areas it means Idiot. Today I am excited to have a conversation with the Family Travel influencer who literally has the registered trademark to Take Your Kids Everywhere, Eric Stoen of Travel Babbo, Welcome to Ordinary Sherpa.   Follow or Connect with Eric at: Website: https://travelbabbo.com/ Instagram: @travelbabbo  Key Takeaways Eric will go wherever the kids want to go or return to.  There are many things that make a location returnable, it's whatever speaks to our hearts.  For us we visit Italy specifically Florence and Tuscany or the Greek Isle of Naxos.  So much so that locals know our names in several of the locations.  Let the kids have a stake in planning.  Look for kid-friendly tours.  They are simplified and the content is perfect for parents too.   Parent first, then traveler, then a photographer and travel writer.  He didn't want travel to become not fun for the kids ot getting paid to do things that weren't kid-friendly. I'm not afraid to show my kids faces, but seeing those accounts didn't inspire me.  Most times I shared photos of my kids often walking away because that's naturally where I was and they weren't interested in posing. Even if a place looks cool online doesn't mean it's a great kid-friendly place. Capture what's authentic and find the details that speak to you.  Eric is not willing to disrupt their vacation for work.  his followers deserve better and he wanted to maintain an organic nature of photography - not sponsored, posed photos.  He set a boundary that he didn't accept free travel.  He wasn't going to travel without his family unless he was getting paid. Networking is everything and meeting people in person is a game changer.  Travel writers and adventure brands are fun to be around.  Go to events and meet people face-to-face.  For Eric, while he was new and uncomfortable at ITB Berlin, Geeking out with new destinations was a trip and he often meets people that he'd like to hang out and travel with.  What's your intro? Have 20 seconds that describes why are you unique? Why would someone work with you? What is your attitude on travel? What is your perspective on ___? Your intro is what makes you memorable.  Travel is cumulative.  Explore with your kids as early as you can because good things will come of it.   Resources referenced during this episode:Start Here: https://travelbabbo.com/start-here/ Month by Month Guide to the Best Vacations with Kids: https://travelbabbo.com/best-vacations-for-kids/

Today you are going to a little bit of real talk with Heidi. Maybe because I am on night 3 of a hotel to MYSELF while I'm at a conference or maybe I shouldn't have had that second cup of coffee (by the way if you like Real Talk with Heidi version, feel free to support this buying me a coffee) Either way, I wanted to give families a valuable way to use travel rewards to supplement their travel budget, traveling longer, farther - let's just say it's one of my favorite optimization strategies AND after 2 people it gets much more difficult - you even heard Chris Hutchins from All the Hacks say it on episode 092.  The game is harder to play with more people.       And I'll just say it, the content out there for families is eh.  I don't think you need to pay thousands of dollars to follow someone's system.  Once you learn the rules of the game you just need a reliable source to ask questions and find the answers you need. I also don't think everyone needs to take online courses to understand how points and systems work.  Many of those groups want you to use their links so that they get all the referral bonus points. Just for the record, I'm not opposed to any of those things, people can make money doing things they are good at and I know that many use the referral and affiliate links to fund their work.  I just think there is a better way to support YOU through this - what can I say, we are sherpas helping families adventure.  I think families need a fair shot at the travel rewards game.      Part of the challenge with travel hacking is that the rules change often.   It takes time to understand and let's be frank - we don't have time to scurry down the rabbit hole of travel rewards.  For this episode I am going to highlight some of the travel hacking resources I have and walk through three examples of how we recently used travel rewards.  I also am announcing a FREE Live Family Travel Hackers Q/A Session so stick around and make sure to register to get EVEN more tips.   First to highlight some of my previous content: On episode 018 | Travel Rewards tips with Melissa Lagerquist.  We talk about some of the basic terminology, approaches and ways she has used points to hack cruises.  Full disclosure - Melissa is connected to the Choose FI Travel Rewards course.  If you want to go down the rabbit hole that free course is where I started when it was launched probably close to 5 years ago.  On episode 019 | Our approach to travel rewards I walk through our strategy and I give you a free downloadable planning guide to help you through the process.  That is available at: https://ordinarysherpa.com/rewards/   Episode 032 | How to Fly a family of 5 to Hawaii for under $500 I dive deep into Southwest Companion Pass which we have had for 4 years straight.  We are not renewing next year because we will be traveling in the RV next year and as you will soon hear we have a different strategy.  Episode 070 | Hacks to Optimize Family Experiences without Sacrificing Value offers an updated approach to how I plan our summer vacations in particular.   We also reference travel hacking in episode 084 with Ed Tee adventuring near and far; Episode 040 Interim Expat with Scott Barrett, and Episode 077 | Funding the Fun with Jen of Investor Mama.     The DIY approach to learning travel hacking can seem like an uphill slog.  I may have said on more than one occasion “Can someone just tell me what to do?!” Stick around until the end to get the link to register for our Free Family Travel Hacker LIVE Q/A.  Tonight I wanted to share a few behind the curtain tips to help you travel more for less.     Hawaii flights for 5 for under $300 It's no secret here that we used 2 Southwest Companion Passes.  RIGHT NOW is the best time to start earning the Southwest Companion Pass to give you the maximum amount of time where one person flies free with you (-$5.50 per flight in taxes and fees). If you have ANY questions about earning the Companion Pass make sure to sign up for my Free Q/A!    Many people tell you to design your strategy based on a destination you want to travel to.  That is one approach, but I also like to think about the experience.  From Wisconsin to Hawaii is 8+ hours of flying, and direct flights don't exist.  Instead of designing this trip to be a long-haul with 3 kids, we broke it up into smaller segments which meant we also had so many more options on what that experience could look like and created a schedule that worked best for our family.  Instead of looking for fare sales from our home airport of Milwaukee, I look for routes to our destination and work backwards. Our route was Milwaukee-San Jose (staying a night in San Jose and making a mini-vacation of it), from San Jose to Kona (big island) for 5 nights, from Hilo (Big Island) to Honolulu (Oahu) for 4 nights, from Honolulu to Kahului (maui) for 5 nights, from Maui to Los Angeles for 2 nights, and from Los Angeles back to Milwaukee for 3 nights.  In many ways it felt like we had 5 different vacations.     Now that might seem much longer in terms of days and number of flights overall that you want to spend, but keep in mind we were on 3 islands and planes are really the easiest way to get between them.  Because we had utilized the best fares and designed an experience, the total number of points needed for this entire itinerary was 60,168.  Because we had 2 companion passes we only needed this number of points for 3 of our family members (which was 180,504).  Because both my husband and I had attained Companion Passes we earned over 240,000 points (at the time the requirement was only 120,000). Part of the reason I like Southwest is because they use a standard formula based on price/points as opposed to dynamic points systems that are difficult to figure out how many points you need to earn to redeem your family flights.  Harry Potter World (tickets and hotel) for $0.  This was a recent “can we do it challenge.” that we booked for 2023.  Universal Orlando (which is where Harry Potter World is Housed) often offers a 2-day+2 Day Promo (PS. It's still happening right now for travel before March 2, 2023 if you are interested). We used a travel eraser card like the Capital One Venture X card.  We bought the tickets through Undercover Tourist (which was just under $1,500 for a family of 5 for 4 days) and then were able to wipe that travel expense out with points.  There are general rules of thumb, often a point equals a $.01 so in this case would be 150,000 points.  I can go into much more detail on how we reach those minimum spends and when we apply for credit cards as a part of our regular family budget on the Q/A call.  I did some research into what hotel works best for our family in the area and I'll jump into that in a bit below.  Ultimately we landed on Cabana Bay Beach Resort and used the Chase Ultimate Rewards to pay for our hotel.  It doesn't always make sense for us to use reward points for hotels and car rentals. I can go into much more detail on what we look for and when it makes sense to pay for accommodations/transportation to earn bonus categories vs. when it makes sense to use rewards if you want to have insight into my brain and how we approach this. Best Hotel-hacking options for larger families.   Hotels in general can be tricky for families.  As your kids get older it's not as easy to coordinate sleeping arrangements.  We have found several specific hotels within the various hotel families.  As a family of 5 hotels in general are harder.  As I was finding the right formula for our family I would look at things like: was there free parking or free shuttle to the airport? Could we make a meal in the room?  Was there free breakfast or perks with hotel status that we could optimize?  Usually the selling factor for the kids, is there a pool?  Within the 3 major families of hotel Marriot, IHG, and Hilton there are several branches that offer options for families.  Three of our favorites are: Residence Inn or Springhill Suites by Marriott Embassy Suites by Hilton Hyatt House or Hyatt Place by IHG And if I am paying cash I appreciate Comfort Suites.   As I alluded to at the start of this episode, travel rewards can be overwhelming and the content out there is not always geared towards families of 3 or more.  Register for our LIVE EVENT to answer your Questions on Family Travel Hacking for those interested in becoming a (or improving your) Family Travel Hacker skills.  To register go to https://ordinarysherpa.com/LIVE Even if you are slightly interested I would strongly encourage you to sign up.  It will be recorded AND there is a surprise that will only be available to those who register - before the rest of the community and world knows about it. 

096 | Dual-Citizen Family Explores all State Parks in Wisconsin   Tracy Philippi is a 4-seasons adventure enthusiast raising her 3 young, dual-citizens between Madison, Wisconsin and Canada. During COVID, Tracy and her family completed their goal of camping, hiking & swimming in all 48 Wisconsin State Parks. Tracy is a professional fundraiser, leading the charge to build a library in her community (the only place in Dane County without a library!) as a passionate volunteer. Currently on a gap year from paid employment, Tracy is focusing on slowing down, solo backpacking with her kids, expanding her vegetable & pollinator gardens and reading as much as humanly possible. Tracy has a Master's in Environmental Studies from York University in Toronto and is a Certified Cicerone (Beer Sommelier). Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/096Will you leave Written Review on Apple Podcasts:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/review/ Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ Join the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group to interact with other listeners.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ordinarysherpa   Key Takeaways A cicerone is a fun way to dive deeper into beer culture and great inspiration to visit breweries on your travels A family goal to visit all 49 Wisconsin State Parks was a cost effective way to see the state, such as the Cape Cod equivalent in Door County, and allowing their oldest the space to thrive while exploring outdoors.   Hiking, Swimming, and Camping in State Parks have a very low barrier to entry. (Currently $28 for a resident State Park Sticker).  Park of the fun is discovering what is unique about each state park.   There were 5 state parks referenced in this episode.   Straight Lakes State Park Kohler Andre State Park Big Bay State Park  Wyalusing State Park Devil's Lake State Park Some tips for camping with kids started with lower your expectations.  It's okay to leave early or go out to dinner.   Camp with a big group of friends or if you are a parent of multiples do a 1:1 experience.  Both options will take the pressure off the parent.  It takes 45 minutes of unstructured play for kids to start being creative and using their imaginations.  It takes time for kids to acclimate to surroundings.  Pack light and keep things easy.  Challenge yourself to leave “what if” items behind.  It will make you more resourceful in the moment.   Dress for every occasion.  They like to camp in spring and fall which means less bugs, but much cooler temps.  This makes wool baselayers, rain coats and pants essential on the packing list.   Tailor your location based on your kids interested.  There is a state park with or near just about anything you could want to do.   State parks can be magical year round.   State Park Passes are a great gift. For $28 (resident sticker) you can support your staff, family or friends getting outside and exploring state parks.   To connect with Tracy Phillippi come join the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group.  

As nature prepares for winter, the leaves fall, the damp chill has us grabbing for blankets or cozy clothes, the drive to adventure can sometimes dissipate.  The darkness lingers longer in the morning and comes sooner at night.  While I am not an expert in moon cycles, I have even learned that we are in a low energy cycle currently.  I think it's perfectly okay to listen to rest and embrace the low energy season, we might feel the undertows and external current of productivity suggesting otherwise.  For some of us who see goals and achievement as key drivers it also can feel like we are off the wagon.   I've been in this awkward phase.  I've been less motivated or inspired to create the last few weeks.  I shared the rut I was feeling with a few content creator groups and crowdsourced their suggestions. I  thought I would dedicate this episode to share what I have learned and some things I have tried this week.   Pay attention to the Moon Cycles“I don't know how long you have been feeling this. But I can say that we have just entered the waning moon phase. This phase lasts two weeks after the full moon. We had a full moon on Sunday. This is a lower energy time. This is a time for maintenance, and more rest, this is a time to be extra aware of your energy. A time to do more of what you love, and less work. This is your time to hibernate and declutter a bit so that you are ready for the next moon cycle. So instead of feeling guilty that I'm not as energized or “making progress” or inspired, I embrace the slower pace. Let yourself nap more, remind yourself  this slowing down, and not always “doing” is natural and necessary.”  I am putting a link to Beth Suter who was the person who offered this insight if anyone wants to learn more about this.   Listen to your body - I have been feeling heavy and frumpy and wanted to wake things up a bit.  Confessions from a true podcaster, when I need to amp up the energy to get on the mic or be “on” for whatever reason I usually cranks some empowering music.  Usually it's something like Rachel Platten, Miley Cyrus or Taylor Swift - these wouldn't typically be the music I listen to but there is a touch of authenticity mixed with brash that invigorates my systems.  I have noticed the last few weeks I'll break out into dance or yoga or some combination of the two - what would that be called doga?!?  Feeling strong and moving my body is kind of freeing which leads me to my next one.   Draw, Paint or color out emotions - This suggestion actually made sense to me from my teaching and adult learning style days.  Our brains actually need to be stimulated to cross the right and left brain hemisphere.  Like we need to loosen the reigns of logic.  Or on the flip side we might have all the pieces and need to get out of our creative brain and into logic so doing something like playing with legos, sudoku, or a word puzzle sometimes can give your brain directionality.   Putting myself in unfamiliar circumstances that interrupt my routine.  Listen or look for content to distract, reflect and inspire. Breaking out of your typical places, go for a long drive, head to a different coffee shop…you can't change who you are, but you can change where you are. Just hit record for 5 minutes.  Usually I make it all the way through and it turns out better than expected.  Like the pringles saying - once you pop, you can't stop!  Take an Untourist walk - new place, look to learn, fresh air similar to putting yourself in an unfamiliar circumstance combined with the mantra that motion creates emotion.  Sounds like you might be overwhelmed.  What are you NOT going to dof? Funny story, this was one of the key message of my presentation and RV Entrepreneur Roundtable and like a darn boomerang the organizer brought it right back to me LOL.  Sounds like great advice.  Well you want to know what I decided.  I'm going to simply enjoy Q4. - To feel good about leaving the organization I work for in the best place possible.- To host family Christmas and then pack the RV and launch on our gap year - To make an offer - one that excites me! Again my own advice from RVE that my friend Josh so eloquently tossed back at me.  Pretend it's Chinese New Year - they only focus on one thing: the year of the blog, the year of the book.  what is one thing you are really excited about to focus on and get good at? My dear friend Tony suggested these words “Listen to this episode. It's inspiring, the host is infectious and you really get a sense of her purpose and sense of joy while listening. Feel free to pause no less than 12 times and make a note in your journal, all while sitting on a bench somewhere.” He includes the link to Episode 001 of Ordinary Sherpa.  I took his advice.  I listened to that episode, in the raw nature that only your first episode can unveil.   I was reminded of why I started this podcast and fell back in love with it. Less pressure more fun. Thanks Tony. I wouldn't have gotten here without your suggestion this week.   Ask for Help?  As I alluded to at the start of this episode.  All of these suggestions came from fellow creators in various Content creator Groups. I also asked my mom to make us supper the day my daughter had her pre-op and I was out of town. Coming home to a home cooked meal, rolls and even dessert was such a great symbolism that we are loved.  Earlier this week, I asked my colleague to take the lead on a communication that I have been struggling to get done.  I don't know why I get stuck feeling like I have to do it all.  People genuinely want to help, we just have to be brave enough to ask.   I have really been putting pressure on myself to be on my A game.  As I exit my job, my daughter goes through minor surgery on her elbow, we wrap up doctor visits while still on our existing health plan and coordinate some school things, and then figure out all the things yet to do with the house, it's no wonder things feel heavy.  Not to mention 2 years of covid disruptions.  I ask for your grace as I continue on.  I am still here and eager to support family adventures with everyday simple adventures, with untouristy and authentic travel experiences and a lessons in designing an adventurous lifestyle with kids.  I have some really great things in store, and they will be available when they are meant to be available.   I look forward to seeing you in the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook group this week and seeing how we could do to help you? We'll be in touch!

A fun win of the week is that Ordinary Sherpa crossed 100 written reviews.  This is a huge benchmark for the Podcast.  If your name is NOT one of the 100 Written reviews, there is still time - we will continue to need those as we reach more people and brands with our work.  Apple DOES not make it easy so feel free to check out this tutorial to walk you through the process.   Will you leave Written Review on Apple Podcasts:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/review/ Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/094 Join the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group to interact with other listeners.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ordinarysherpa Bio: Grab notes from: https://thestokefam.com/about-us-2/ Our guest today firmly believes what lights you up AKA your Stoke, shouldn't stop when you have kids.  With the goal of helping families adventure more and stress less she and her husband created The Stoke Fam.  Through their practical advice, actionable tips, and stories that resonate they empower families to get out and explore together while building stronger relationships with their children & teens. I have chuckled at the mishaps and appreciated her humility as she keeps adventure real with kids.  Tiffany, welcome to Ordinary Sherpa.  Key Takeaways Adventurous Mom is a title that you can grow into and evolve with your family.  While Tiffany had adventure experiences as a kid, much of her adventure spirit has been nurtured since having kids.  Investing in ski lessons from someone other than your significant other is usually cheaper than therapy in the long run.  Your relationship might thank you for this insight.    While you can and should adventure with whatever you have, investing in a few key pieces of gear was a game changer for Tiffany.  Learning how to layer and find some key items to keep her warm and dry while adventuring made the experience much more desirable.   Find your Stoke is to find that thing that lights you up.  What is the spark or what brings you joy.   As kids age their attitudes, opinions and personality shine through.  Recognizing each individual has wants and needs and making sure to consider everyone's desires in the process is critical for teens and tweens overall engagement.   Allow your kids to have an opinion both in the planning and timeline for family adventures.  We want to empower kids to speak up and share their limitations and have a voice in the decision making.  If we do this well they become invested in the overall experience.  Opting out might be a choice to consider.   “Be a welcome mat to family adventure”  Most of the adventures we see others doing, didn't start at the epic summit.  We work up to those.  Be careful not to compare your start to someone else's summit.   The Outdoor Resource Guide and Start Here sections of the Stoke Family blog are great starting points to consider things that trip us up in adventure.  The goal is to make it easy so you can spend less time researching and more time adventuring.     To Connect with or Follow Website: thestokefam.com Email: hello@thestokefam.com  IG: https://instagram.com/thestokefam FB/Twitter/Pinterest/TikTok: Also all @thestokefam, but spend the most time on Instagram A few resources referenced during the episode: Outdoor Resource Guide: https://thestokefam.ck.page/25b1efeea6 Start-Here section of the Blog: https://thestokefam.com/start-here/

My Adventure Win of the Week (btw a weekly feature in the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group) is that I am coming off my first Ordinary Sherpa meet up locally and a mini book launch party.  After publishing my book in May I needed a break from it.  We spent the summer adventuring and enjoying life. I am ready to get back into a routine.  Entrepre.  - what am I going to focus on?  One of the options was to release the audiobook format of my book.  People are sharing their feedback and how the book helped them.  In light of that I thought I'd dedicate an episode to a chapter in the book titled “I'm not Adventurous”  I wrote this book specifically for parents who crave adventure.   My Adventure Win of the Week (btw a weekly feature in the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group) is that I am coming off my first Ordinary Sherpa meet up locally and a mini book launch party.  After publishing my book in May I needed a break from it.  We spent the summer adventuring and enjoying life. I am ready to get back into a routine.  Entrepreneurship challenge has been what am I going to focus on?  One of the options was to release the audiobook format of my book.  People are sharing their feedback and how the book helped them.  In light of that I thought I'd dedicate an episode to a chapter in the book titled “I'm not Adventurous”  I wrote this book specifically for parents who crave adventure.     Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/093 To find and support the book: https://ordinarysherpa.com/book Join the Free Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ordinarysherpa

When you learn tricks to optimize your time, money, and travel it sometimes feels like you are winning at life.   While I love a good optimization strategy, I have found that there is nothing to optimize relationships and being human.  My hope is that this episode today helps you optimize the stuff in your life getting in the way of you connecting with other humans (or even with yourself).   Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/092Join the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group to interact with other listeners.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ordinarysherpa Our guest today is the ultimate  life hacker helping others optimize their time, money, and travel. I've listened to stories of him begging to go to boarding school, being an undercover agent to expose a pyramid scheme, creating a company in 48-hours, and even the back story on how he  convinced his wedding videographer to do his wedding for free (I guess technically it was about a $1,000).  His tenacity in the face of uncertainty is inspiring and he always seems to find unique ways to bring people together from hosting concerts, to Laid Off Camp, to speaking at South by Southwest.  He is a travel rewards guru but also looks at experiences differently.  An example is traveling the world in 8 months when he suggested to his wife to take a one-way flight with him to South Africa, couch surf as much as possible and find interesting ways to travel between cities.  After years of working in start ups and aggressively pursuing Financial Independence, he also seems to have landed as the founder and host of All the Hacks podcast.  Chris Hutchins is a dad of 2 young girls, and Chief Optimizer here to share his insights.  Chris, thank you so much for being here.  Welcome to Ordinary Sherpa   Key Takeaways A great starter travel hack: Book your room directly through the hotel.  Then email the hotel directly (the local hotel not HQ) and share more about who you are and why you are staying there.  The number of extras people receive has been in the hundreds.  Hotels are in the hospitality game.  By interacting with them you are letting them do the things they are good at, which is hospitality.  By working with them direct you make it easier for them to build a relationship with you and provide a better overall experience.   Chris shared an experience where negotiating with the added challenge of culture and language barriers led to this escalating.  Even though he was in the right, it reminded him that sometimes winning isn't saving a few bucks.   Living on $30/day did inspire finding the cheapest accommodations each night.  However if $3 meant three hours walking around town, there is a point when you have to recognize you will never get the three hours back.  Is this really the best use of all of our resources.   Time becomes more important than money when you have kids.  Finding the value of 30 minutes is very different when your total free time is less than 4 hours as compared to 10 hours each day.   One way they optimized their life with kids was to hire someone from a Craigslist to bulk prep meals.  Sometimes optimizing means figuring out what management trick we can use right now without feeling like we need to create a system that solves all of our problems forever.   While they once traveled via the cheapest flights, the filter for searching flight options now includes the cheapest + direct flight.   Being a dad, he's gotten more optimized on time strategies without sweating a small to moderate financial investment.  He's much more likely to spend time with his kids than the hours he spent researching the best option earlier in his life.   Using the Lyft driving example, Chris was able to give his time a floor value.  Putting a dollar value on each hour of his time helped him realize the negative ROI of Do-it-Yourself type implementation.   Stacking two tasks that don't need the same part of your brain is also a tip that allows him to maximize his time.  For example he might schedule a call while on a walk or listen to podcast guest he is doing research on while driving or washing the dishes.   Do a calendar audit from time to time.  What lights you up and what can go away or be stacked on top of something else.   Having a THING to talk about when meeting new people to help build relationships.  Laid off camp was the thing people were curious about.  Better yet, listen more and have the others do the talking.  Connect or Follow:Podcast: All the HacksWebsite: ChrisHutchins.comEmail: chris@allthehacks.com Twitter:@hutchinsInstagram:@chrishutchinsFacebook: @chrishutchins Resources: All the Hacks episodes referenced in this episode 52 Places: The Art of Traveling Like a Journalist and Making Every Trip Memorable Hosting Cocktail Parties, Building Relationships, Museum Hacks and Friends Newsletters Rental Cars: Saving Money, Avoiding Fees and All the Secret Tricks Pro Travel Hacks for Every Aspect of Your Next Trip Maximize Your Points: Stacking, Buyers Clubs, Redemption Hacks, and More

Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/091Will you leave Written Review on Apple Podcasts:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/review/ Join the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group to interact with other listeners.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ordinarysherpa Key Takeaways Look for opportunities that inspire you.  Listening to the RVE podcast (link to episode) for sometime I was genuinely curious and decided to ask to be a guest on the podcast.  This led to a great conversation where I was able to contribute some insights and support their work.   Communities are made by people, not numbers.  There were just under 100 people and the depth of relationships built were unlike any other experience.  Humble Leadership is also an indicator of an authentic experience.   Create the space where others can ask you for help and you can ask others for help.  Being vulnerable to share opens doors to authentic connections.  I never want to be the smartest person in the room.   There are fascinating businesses in the RV space.  From a traveling band- shout out to my friends Jacqueline and Dave Hudson of the Border Hookups  and side note the entire concert was powered by solar it was so cool to share a few drinks on the patio; Niki of Your Selling Guide  teaching people retail arbitrage, Learning from the media relations side RV podcast veterans and the reason for several fan visits - Jason & Abby Eperson of RV Miles and America's National Parks Podcast.  With support from various forms of content - both digital and analog and roundtables to ask questions and get clarity.  I am always impressed to see what is possible.   My friends Scott & Taylor are the new owners of the Campers Hub and have an amazing vision.  Offering co-working space, amazing wi-fi, places to gather, meet, record.  I am so excited to see what is possible for the future of campgrounds.   When 10+ families with kids come together to play, learn and create together it is truly mesmerizing.  I was so proud to see creative independence emerge each day.  The kids stole the show each night playing on piles of dirt and creating worlds and experiences no adult has dreamed of.  I can't wait to bring the kids and meet up with other RV families.   Dirt piles are way cooler than playgrounds.  It has officially been added back into the renderings for the campground.   I can only go 4 days on crappy coffee.  One of the other attendees (shout out to @thatroadtripmom) and I caravanned back to Denver together.  I have never been so excited for boujie coffee.  P.S. If you want to you can buy me a coffee to say thanks and support the show., I won't turn you down LOL.  I am not quite back to eqilibrium.   Practice asking for ways others can help you.  People genuinely want to help.  If they are more focused on what they can get - they aren't your people.   Show up.  While it's nice to be back in-person, it is equally as important to show up and listen.  Connections are not made by who you know, but how did you make them feel in your presence.   Call to Action:: Connect with or Follow any of the amazing entrepreneur and RV families. Click on the links below.  Give them a follow, DM or share.  Let them know Ordinary Sherpa thinks they are awesome!  Josh & Kolie were amazing hosts and organizers.  You can find them at Gander Flight mostly on YouTube, or the Traveling Families podcast, Josh is also the host of the RV Life Entrepreneur Podcast. Scott & Taylor are the owners of the Camper's Hub, and RV park for the next generation of campers.  Watch their journey as they transform the space into an amazing place for family connections and lasting memories.   Dave & Jacqueline: The Border Hook-ups are a male-female acoustic duo that tours extensively.   Niki: Your Selling Guide has worked her way through the retail arbitrage space to successfully resell on Amazon. 

Jessica is a full-time human being and a part-time lifestyle design coach and writer at the award-winning blog, The Fioneers. Jessica's goal is to build a life she doesn't want to retire from and help others do the same through her writing, courses, and group coaching programs. Jessica has been featured in MarketWatch, Business Insider, The Motley Fool, and Forbes. When not writing and coaching, you can find her perfecting her sourdough pizza recipe, road-tripping in her campervan with her husband and dog, and playing complex, cooperative board games.  Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/090Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ to get the latest on the Ordinary Sherpa membership and “Middle space” communityJoin the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group to interact with other listeners.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ordinarysherpa   KEY TAKEAWAYS Financial Independence or the idea of increasing income, decreasing spending and accelerating your savings can sometimes feel like deprivation.  Jess saw FI as a tool to inspire her to consider “What would I really want out of life?” Developing that vision helped her establish how to get from here to there. Following some challenges with her mental health she needed to make immeditate changes and it was the first time she was able to look at her money and ask “What can my money do for me today?”  Recognizing she had a 9m savings runway she could take a career break.  This gave her the freedom to focus on her health and once that was in a good place she could begin to add in the passion work from her life vision.   Coast FI (Coast FI Calculator) is the point at which you no longer need to save and still be on track for traditional retirement.  Semi-Retirement (sometimes known as Barista FI) is a higher amount overall and through the combination of drawing down + a smaller amount of active income are able to potentially step back from traditional employment. Two of the empowering beliefs that helped guide her vision were:I deserve to be pain freeI deserve to live a thriving and joyful life Part of living into the vision is paying attention on a daily basis.  Not only from a to-do list perspective, but being intentional about having fun and spacious time. I learned that doing travel and adventure didn't have to be only on big trips, she began asking How can I do this everyday? What does adventure mean today?   Recognizing that travel doesn't have to be a hurry.  She stopped viewing travel as a “Once in a lifetime experience.” She referenced a two-week vacation to Europe that led to her feeling like she had to do all the things which led to other problems.   Slowing Down came as a necessity for her to remove everything and asking herself What do I want to add back in?  She also recognizes that you don't need an external crisis to go through this process.  The power is in realizing you have options and having the courage to take action.  Being intentional allowed her to reduce what she didn't want to do which then gave space for her to test what she did want to do.  It can be a virtuous cycle to build upon.   Jess speaks highly of the importance of building a community of like-minded people.  “It's life changing when you find the people who do understand and seeing different examples of what is possible”   To stay connected and learn about the upcoming LIVE event and Community subscribe to Ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe  To follow or Connect with Jessice (aka Mrs. Fioneers) Website: https://thefioneers.com Email: thefioneers@gmail.com Facebook: Slow FI Enthusiasts Facebook group - https://thefioneers.com/fb Instagram: @thefioneers Twitter: @thefioneers Resources from this episode:Coast FI Calculator: https://thefioneers.com/coast-financial-independence-calculator/  Supportive Friends will Change your Life: https://thefioneers.com/supportive-friends/   

Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/089 Freebie: 50+ Simple Family Adventure Ideas: https://ordinarysherpa.com/free Return to school we are rounding out our summer by visiting the kids summer adventure lists to see what remains.  We have tried to find something each day that seems new, different and yet simple and attainable.  Thanks to my daughter's list she made a weaving art with pipe cleaners.  My little monster organized a water balloon stomp on the trampoline, and we are hoping to visit either the local night sky program or the venom extraction at a local attraction this weekend.  All these family adventures were designed by kids and have led to really fun family connection experiences, so I thought I would use these simple adventures as the theme for our show today.   Point in life when I realized my comfort zone was getting smaller.  There is a social conditioning that happens through structures in our society (family, faith, economics, etc) that begin to condition us to avoid certain things. I think one of the magical elements about being around young kids is their sense of wonder, their belief that they can do, be, and have anything. Resources Referenced in this episode: Book: Beyond Normal a field guide to embrace adventure, explore the wilderness and design an extraordinary life with kids.   Episode 087 | How to Quit a Job you Love  Free Download: Simple Family Adventure Ideas

Field Trips are often an immersion, a hands on learning experience.  In this episode Heidi interviews Erin Austen Abbott to cultivate backyard family adventures sharing planning tips for family field trips.  She also peel back the layers of untourism by describing what makes a place like Mississippi so unique and filled with hidden gems, yet rarely on our travel list.   Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/088 Will you leave Written Review on Apple Podcasts:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/review/ Beginner's Guide to Untourism: https://ordinarysherpa.com/untourism/ Our guest is a writer, an early childhood educator, and a former traveling nanny.  She has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Real Simple, Mother Mag, and more.  She published her second book in April of 2020 called Family Field Trip. Her blog, Field Trip works to teach parents and children about design, food, art, and culture, from home and beyond.  Erin Austen Abbott lives in Water Valley, Mississippi with her husband, son, and four animals.  Key Takeaways Mississippi is unlikely on anyone's bucket list, but it would be an ideal untourist destination due to the many hidden gems.  As William Faulkner once said, “to understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi. I'm not sure if any of you have ever been to the Mississippi Delta, but once you set foot on its soil, it seeps into your blood and changes the way in which your eyes look out at the world.” To give you a hint of the hidden gems, the amount of good food at gas stations is unlike anywhere Erin has ever traveled.  There are trails specific to music, literary trails, even a tamale trail.  When you begin to look at the area with a different lens there are virtually adventures and hidden gems abound. The Blues trail is not only a great adventure, it's a historical and cultural lesson.  Erin created a spotify playlist to accompany each blue sign to help connect the facts to an experience.  The spotify playlist is something they can come back to over and over to retain and remember what they learned and experienced on the blues trail.   Erin's second book, Family Field Trip was inspired many years ago during her solo travel days.  She was standing in line for a remarkable location in France watching several kids complaining and oblivious to the amazing opportunities surrounding them.  “I need to write a book about all the things they could do” That was the spark for the book and it never left.  Even while working on her first book the family field trip book lingered waiting for her to bring it to life.  What sparks linger inside of you?  What books do you need to write? Public art and murals are an indicator of what the area is going through.  Many times the art reflects the aspect the community is proud of and the challenges they have worked through.   A great untourist experience is to go to a farmers market, grocery store, or locally owned restaurant and seek out the food you have never seen, or tried before.  Purchase it and explore what makes that food unique.  When you explore from a curious standpoint you also have questions to ask the local people and learn what makes that location unique.   In many ways, as we age we run out of first time experiences - which might be the appeal of travel.  If we are intentional to notice nature is constantly changing around us.  Things like a season study to watch for different birds or how the same place changes over time are great microadventures.   One way Erin likes to acclimate to a new community is to take public transit on a simple out and back experience.  Study what's outside the windows, listen to the local chatter and glean insights from the commuter culture that surrounds you.  You'll be able to be a simple passenger without an itinerary.   One of the ways Erin and her family like to connect with kids and families is by ordering good takeout and heading to a local park or playground.  If you choose one near a school they are usually embedded in the community and will attract local people.   Erin gave SO MANY tips on how to plan for untourist or family field trips.  One of her favorites is searching for geotags and then following the rabbit hole to discovery.  For example when you are in Instagram and you click on the geotag it takes you to a map, which then she adds to a guide in Apple Maps.  Getting in the habit of adding geotags to maps at the moment makes planning for the long term much easier.  To Follow or connect with Erin  Website: erinaustenabbott.com Email: erinaustenabbott@gmail.com Book: Family Field Trip: Explore Art, Food, Music, and Nature with Kids  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fieldtripblog Instagram: @erinaustenabbott Other:  https://www.pinterest.com/erinaustenabbott

Something big happened last week (actually a few weeks ago now)  Before I get into all of the thoughts and attempt to address FAQ about this decision I just wanted to remind you that if this sounds intriguing there are a few ways you can dive much deeper into the content Subscribe to the podcast and email list http://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe  Read my book: Beyond Normal, a field guide to embrace adventure, explore the wilderness, and design an extraordinary life with kids. Come meet up with me at the RVE summit in a couple weeks in Montrose, CO.  Tickets are $99 and it's a very casual experience to meet, connect and learn from other nomadic entrepreneurs living an adventurous lifestyle.  https://therventrepreneur.com/rv-entrepreneur-summit/ Why am I leaving a job I love? The simple answer is because my kids are 12, 10 and 7 and if ever there was a “right time” to take a gap year and explore the world, this is it.  This is an extremely personal decision and looking at each of the factors with your own lens and engaging in conversations with your partner/spouse/kids has been critical throughout this journey.  I will share our journey and attempt to answer both the tactical and strategic approach we have taken to get here.  I should also mention that I go into much more detail on how we got here in my book (Beyond Normal: A Field Guide to Embrace Adventure, Explore the WIlderness, and Design and Extraordinary Life with Kids).   The top 10 questions I have been asked and I'll attempt to address in this episode: What's the real reason you are leaving?  Why a gap year, why not a sabbatical? Couldn't you just work part-time?    What will you do for your kids' schooling? Won't this impact your kids education? What about your relationships with friends and family? What about health insurance? What are you going to do? Where are you going?  What will atypical day look like?   Aren't you nervous?  What has been the hardest part?  How can you afford to do this? Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/087Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/

If you are curious about RV life or even Remote Lifestyle I strongly encourage you to consider attending the RV Entrepreneur Roundtable.  It's September 7-11 in Montrose CO. They just changed it from a summit to a roundtable and dropped the price.  What I am SO excited about is that you get access to creators from various backgrounds in both the RV and Entrepreneur space.  I will be there speaking on using my podcast to build community, so if you want to meet me or other brands and creators…or just deep dive into RV life, I am beyond excited to connect with others.  Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/086Will you leave Written Review on Apple Podcasts:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/review/ Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ Join me at the RVE Summit: https://therventrepreneur.com/rv-entrepreneur-summit/

Welcome back to another episode of Ordinary Sherpa, I am your host Heidi Dusek.  This summer has been a fascinating journey in continuing to live out and test our adventurous lifestyle with kids.  We spent over 30 days living in an RV in The Canadian Rockies near Banff, Jasper and then made our way down into Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming before some time in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  Our purpose for this experiment was to consider this a test in slowing down.  Treat it less like a vacation and more like a lifestyle filled with simple adventures.   You'll hear more about our trip in coming episodes and through my email list (you can read all with a dose of adventure in your inbox each week).  If you are intrigued about RV life I invite you to join me at the RV Entrepreneur summit in September in Colorado.  I am including the link in the show notes.  The theme for the summit is Connection Through Community.  If you are remotely interested in RV life, starting a side hustle, or how to manage a remote lifestyle you might want to consider attending.  I am particularly excited about the limited tickets in an effort to create a smaller event where we can connect deeper.  Registration Link: https://therventrepreneur.com/rv-entrepreneur-summit/ I am excited about this episode. When I was launching my book, Doc G was extremely open and supportive, I would say demonstrating the sherpa philosophy.  I also am excited because while he and I seem to approach life slightly different, I think our purpose behind the why of our work is similar.  In fact part way through reading his book I messaged him to say I think we are both working on cultivating a meaningful life! Jordan spent the later part of his career with patients during their end of their life.  His interest in becoming a doctor was ignited when his father died unexpectedly in the prime of his life.  After years of rotations and various practices, burnout and financial independence he settled into the speciality of hospice care.  Doc G, whom you may have heard in Episode 20 Opting Out is back as Jordan Grumet with his new book, Taking Stock a Hospice Doctor's Advice on Financial Independence, Building Wealth, and Living a Regret-Free Life.   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 buy me a coffee 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: https://ordinarysherpa.com/084Will you leave Written Review on Apple Podcasts:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/review/ Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ Key Takeaways Jordan is a study in delayed gratification.  Being a doctor meant putting in the time and work, which made planning for the future easy. Hospice allowed him to see 1. how fragile life is and how that rocket may never launch 2. Sometimes it's just more fun to enjoy life now and recognize maybe I don't need 2 marshmallows later!  “What I forgot is that the real joy is to live life.” His hospice patient reflections often sounded like “I wish I would've taken that trip 10 years ago when I felt better.”  Jordan didn't like the idea of YOLO until he realized you do only live once.  He learned from his patients who were dying that there is a spectrum: YOLO  on one end and delayed gratification on the other.  Realizing this softened his perspective on YOLO.   While the doctor role was my purpose, I didn't feel like I belonged in that culture.  Instead of having the courage to cling onto hospice care which spoke to me, I pursued all the other elements of being a doctor.  It took me decades to come back to do what I loved doing.  We're dying from the day we are born, but we don't really like to talk about that.  Death means we have a finite amount of time to live out our purpose.  Big scary thoughts remind us of our mortality.  We focus on less important things - for Jordan that was money.  Money and death are both topics that we don't like to talk about, both topics are intertwined, and both are critical to figuring out who we want to be today. A terminal diagnosis forces us to face important questions such as: What am I going to regret that I didn't do? What am I going to want to achieve in the last 3-6 months of my life?   We don't need a death sentence to have those conversations.   The idea of writing your own eulogy is a great clarifier.  He often gets the question “How do I know what my purpose is?” These activities force us to clarify what is important and meaningful to us.  Having children has profoundly affected me in how I think about my goals and legacy. When you have to explain to your children why do you do what you do?  Why do you have to work at night?  Why can't you be at my game?  These are great clarifiers and help you focus on life through a different lens.   We make the mistake of thinking we can commoditize time (exchanging things for time).  Time is static, it's unchangeable and uncontrollable - meaning time passes no matter what we do.  We need to change the conversation from gaining or losing time, rather what do we choose to fill our time with.   How do we experience time - it's different at different times of our life.  6 YO version of time is very different at 48 YO version of time when you celebrate your child's teenage birthday wondering where the time went.  Another example set a time and watch tv for 2  minutes and then reset the timer for 2 minutes and hold a plank position….the same amount of time can feel very different based on what we are doing to fill the time.  Ideally we want to find things that bring us joy, meaning and value to fill the majority of our time.  How can we view money as potential energy to erase the things we don't want to do?  I would rather do something I like but don't love to erase something that I hate doing for an hour.  Studies show we have a decent amount of free time.   Money and time capital are probably the least important of the overall equation.  You can parse it out into all different sorts of capital, but when you get the money part of the framework you can erase the things that don't bring you joy.  Time becomes less of an issue when you learn to perceive it as abundance.   The Book Taking Stock Connects purpose, identity, to who and what we want to be in life and secondly gives us the money framework to make a meaningful life.  Once you figure out your pathway to financial independence and how fast to get there.  

This episode, Ed takes adventure to the next level with ways to experience adventure near and far.   Ed is a husband and father originally from Singapore now in Washington.  Prior to Covid he was a sophisticated travel hacker, but now more of an aspiring polyglot.  Others might also say he's a tax optimizer, a geo-arbitrage schemer, homeschooler, entrepreneur, and just adding a budding asian cuisine chef...Right?  Let's just say Ed Tee has become one of my adventure Super Heros.  This episode will demonstrate, there is not much he hasn't done as he works to leave his own mark on the world.   In preparing for this interview I dove deep into what it means to be a polyglot: which is the study of multiple languages.  While Ed only speaks 2 languages fluently, I believe he said he can speak at an elementary level in I believe 12 languages.  For listeners who may not be familiar with geo-arbitrage, it's the ability to live anywhere.  As you will hear Ed spends a significant amount of time in various countries.  I am so grateful Ed was able to join us and take us on a wild ride just touching on a few of his adventures and give us all some tips and free resources to support our own adventure journey.   Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/083Will you leave Written Review on Apple Podcasts:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/review/ Subscribe to the email List:  https://ordinarysherpa.com/subscribe/ Join the Ordinary Sherpa Facebook Group to interact with other listeners.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ordinarysherpa Themes:Military ExperienceLanguage LearningUnlikely Cooking Lessons in ThailandLength of travel and depth of experiencesTeenage daughter inspired most iconic adventure for the entire familyHomestead experience in Western MongoliaTravel hacking2020 version of adventureLifestyle fueled by Financial Independence Key Takeaways: I just wanted to recap with a couple of key takeaways that I noted throughout this episode.  Embrace the suck.  Making the best of an experience can open your mind to new possibilities. Once you realize you can belong anywhere, and be happy, the whole world opens up to you.   Language and food are critical aspects to local culture.  Authentic local experiences typically don't require extensive tourism. You don't need to be fluent, but the attempt to learn the language builds connections.  Define a benchmark such as ordering a beer.   The military can be a path to explore the world and make meaningful connections.   Traveling the world is “more than collecting stamps in your passport.”   Is hunched over cooking at a street vendor push cart what you imagined for local cooking lessons?  Maybe it could be.   While American safety standards exist for a reason, be open to what the standards in the community you are visiting.  Lean in - get curious.  You might be opting out with your hidden bias.   Is anyone else craving yummy Asian cuisine now?!  Note to self: go to Thailand and indulge.  It's cheaper than Mac-N-Cheese at home :) Look for inspiration everywhere.  The curiosity of his teenage daughter took them on one of the most iconic experiences for their family.   Someti mes the greatest experiences will happen in the most unlikely places.  Memorable experiences are not always synonymous with comfort.   Adventure and travel is a tool to reinforce children's learning.   The buddy system is a good practice, even for remote locations like Western Mongolia Not traveling in 2020 led to adventures in learning a new language and Japanese home cooking.  Language and food were 2 large chunks of his travel experiences.  What are big chunks of your travel experience.   The key to allowing their family the flexibility and freedom to travel extensively was a combination of Financial Independence and Homeschooling.   Financial Independence = Earn More, Spend Less, and Invest the difference.  Maintain a reasonable lifestyle that keeps your spending aligned with your values.  Make investing simple using broad-based index funds.  After 10 years they were able to draw 3-4% to cover their annual living expenses.   Fill the gap by being willing to take odd jobs or ad-hoc consulting.  This gave them the ability to be anywhere in the world. Free Resources Referenced during the Show: Financial Independence  FI 101: Free FI course for Everyone: for people who want to get started and dive deep into FI: the Foundation's FI101  choosefi.com/fi101. Choose FI Travel Rewards course: Your shortcut to traveling better using less money with travel rewards.  https://travel.choosefi.com Pimsleur Language Learning Series: CD set available from local library system or download the app.  Recommended by the military and available in about 50 languages.  Asian Home-cooking: http://Justonecookbook.com  with Nami.

 As I've mentioned in the past adventure looks different for everyone and using the simple definition of a new or different slightly risky experience still drives home this theme week after week.  On this episode we'll be talking about edible landscapes, or in some terms foraging.  For some reason when I think of this concept I am reminded of two things.   One being my brown thumb capabilities.  Gardening has long been a desire but I realize that it takes daily or at least weekly attention to pull the weeds and where we live protect the plants and food from the wild things roaming our back yard.  We also tend to travel most of the summer and so I've outsourced my local foods to nearby family or friends who do this better than I.   Secondly, when I think of foraging wild plants and flowers to eat, I am reminded of Chris McCandless, a young man who was the character in the book Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer.  Without giving a spoiler alert, foraging can create fear in eating the correct things or mixing the wrong things to create a cocktail of less than desirable outcomes.   We recently left Northern Minnesota State Park, and foraging was one of the key activities known at the campground website.  As it turned out the mosquitos and abundant rains Northern Minnesota experienced were the deciding factor in our foraging success, (or should I say, lack of foraging success)  however I do have a desire to continue to explore this fear or mindset that I'm not good at gardening or while out in the wilderness, the concept of forage.  I do want to call out that with foraging you definitely want to do some research before making assumptions about what to pick and what is edible. Everything from encounters with wildlife to having landowners permission, there are many little things that can become big things if you do not have some basic foundation in place.  On a fun, lighter not, my mom has been really into some of these concepts and recently made dandelion jam and cookies.  Website for this episode: https://ordinarysherpa.com/08350+ Free Simple Family Adventure Download:   ordinarysherpa.com/free At the start of the New Year I created a mini-escape from 2021 with 50+ Free SIMPLE family adventure activities.  Interviewing our guest was a great reminder that sometimes we think adventures need to be elaborate or require considerable planning.  You can get those ideas by heading to ordinarysherpa.com/free    A couple from Florida with 2 basset hounds and binder of gardening opportunities set off on an adventure in search of the best place to cultivate the land. They landed in Burnsville, West Virginia, not likely on anyone's destination or bucket list of choice.  What happens when your backyard is the retreat and adventure you seek? With a desire to teach edible landscaping, and embark on projects such as building an outdoor pizza oven, they have turned their homestead into a growing portfolio of simple everyday adventures. Tony Slagbough, a friend whom I met through podcasting and now a member of the platform launchers community* is developing his space at home and online to help us all be better neighbors, get our hands dirty and fall back in love with the magic of the natural world.  Key takeaways  Fill a binder with your dreams and design the criteria for you to take action.  In Tony and Aine's case the dream was to see the apple trees grow. The criteria was no hurricanes, no lizards or fire ants and a location near water.   Have you ever eaten a rose petal?  Have you ever eaten a ___?  People have lived off the land long before conventional farming existed. The growing season is a year round even with four seasons.  Using strategies like companion planting and seasonal planting they are able to adapt to nature's tendencies.   What are you buying now?  What tastes and flavors do those items represent?  There is a native substitute for everything.  Seize the opportunity.  The plum trees only bloom for a week.  A great day calls for a picnic to enjoy the blooms, buzzing insects and glory of a simple day.  Document your journey in whatever format that works for you.  Handing your legacy down in notes, and pictures to support the next generation also plants a seed and allows it to grow Wood-fire pizza was a 45 minute drive so they built their own pizza oven and now create some of the best pizza his father-in-law has ever tasted. Imagine eating that delicious pizza while listening to a stream, with virtually no sound pollution or light pollution to inhibit your view of the stars. Did he paint the picture for a future Ordinary Sherpa retreat?  I think a seed was planted.  When asked “Why did you move here?” he responded with “Why haven't you left?”  Finding the hidden gems, the people and natural wonders  of a community, is what makes West Virginia the perfect neighborhood for them.   If you are looking for simple adventure ideas consider downloading 50+ Free Simple adventure Ideas.    You can find it at Ordinarysherpa.com/free To Connect with or Follow Tony Slagbough  from Hello Good Neighbor PodcastPodcast: Hello Good NeighborWebsite: https://hellogoodneighbor.com Instagram: inthenookfarmFacebook: In the Nook Farm *indicates Ordinary Sherpa is an affiliate meaning if you use this link to purchase, it costs you the same amount but Ordinary Sherpa receives credit for the referral.