After two decades driving buses through the streets of Toronto, Carlos Castelo felt life slipping into a monotonous loop — work, bills, exhaustion, repeat. In this candid conversation, Carlos shares how the pandemic, a brush with midlife crisis, and a fearless recon trip to Costa Rica sparked a bold decision: sell it all and start fresh in a new country. From fears and family adjustments to building community and rediscovering joy, Carlos’ story is a blueprint for anyone yearning to break free from “good enough” and embrace a more vibrant life.

• Your comfort zone can be a trap — even a “good” life can keep you from a great one.

• Crisis can be a catalyst — midlife challenges and pandemic pressures can open the door to transformation.

• Fear is the biggest barrier — most people stay stuck not because they can’t change, but because they’re afraid to try.

• Community takes time — building new friendships and networks doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s worth the effort.

• Invest in experiences over possessions — time with loved ones and a fulfilling lifestyle matter more than a bigger paycheck.

• Mindset matters — surrounding yourself with people who think outside the box can change what you believe is possible.

• Leap before you’re “ready” — you may never feel fully prepared, but bold moves can lead to the happiest chapters of your life.

In this conversation, Jacob Rieke interviews Jim Burrows, who shares his transformative journey from obesity to health. Jim discusses the catalysts that prompted his change, including his role as a cross country coach and the realization of needing to be around for his grandkids. He reflects on his weight loss journey, the challenges of dieting, and the importance of strength training. The conversation also delves into the mindset required to overcome self-sabotage and the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle as one ages. In this engaging conversation, Jim Burrows shares his transformative journey from being overweight to becoming a fitness coach and YouTube content creator. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, attitude, and making small changes to achieve significant results. Jim discusses the role of support from loved ones in personal growth and the necessity of taking responsibility for one's health. He reflects on his past, the lessons learned, and the importance of finding joy in life. The conversation concludes with Jim's aspirations for the future and his commitment to helping others on their health journeys.

Takeaways:

Jim Burrows lost 70-80 pounds over several years.

His journey began as a cross country coach needing to understand running.

He started with small, manageable workouts to build consistency.

Dieting has been a roller coaster of successes and failures for him.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding caloric intake and exercise balance.

Jim's current diet focuses on animal-based, single-ingredient foods.

Strength training became a crucial part of his fitness journey.

He learned to change his relationship with food for better health.

Self-sabotage is a common struggle; discipline is key to overcoming it.

Aging requires a focus on strength training to maintain health. Consistency builds a sense of invincibility.

Running can be a meditative experience.

Sharing personal experiences can inspire others.

Happiness is a conscious choice we make.

Life is an adventure filled with ups and downs.

Small changes can lead to significant transformations.

Support from loved ones is crucial in personal growth.

You must take responsibility for your health.

Leading by example can motivate others to change.

Finding joy in life is essential for well-being.

Is that the voice of Jesse Ventura? No, Jay Schmidt, shares his transformative journey from a 30-year career in the dairy industry to becoming a tour guide in the UK. Jay discusses the personal challenges he faced, including an unhappy marriage, and how his daughter's encouragement led him to explore tourism. He reflects on the cultural adjustments he made after relocating to the UK, the challenges of starting a new career, and the joy of connecting with people from around the world. Jay also offers insights and advice for those considering major life changes, emphasizing the importance of having a backup plan and being open to new experiences. In this conversation, Jay Schmidt shares his journey of transitioning from the dairy industry to tourism, discussing the challenges and rewards of navigating immigration processes, adapting to a new lifestyle in the UK, and embracing change at any age. He reflects on health improvements, cultural differences, and the importance of travel, while encouraging others to pursue their dreams and be open to new experiences.

Takeaways

- Life transitions can lead to unexpected opportunities.

- Encouragement from loved ones can spark change.

- Personal challenges often catalyze major life decisions.

- Cultural adjustments are part of relocating to a new country.

- Building connections is crucial in a new environment.

- Tourism can be a fulfilling career for those passionate about it.

- Having a backup plan can ease the transition process.

- Experiencing different cultures enriches personal growth.

- Embracing change can lead to personal happiness.

- Reflecting on past decisions can provide clarity for the future.

-The immigration process can be complex but manageable with the right information.

- Life transitions can lead to personal growth and happiness at any age.- Health can improve with lifestyle changes and support from loved ones.

- Cultural differences can be both challenging and enriching when living abroad.

- Being open to change is essential for personal development.

- Traveling can provide unique insights into history and culture.

- It's important to embrace discomfort as a part of growth.

- Traveling allows for exploration and appreciation of different perspectives.

- Family connections can motivate life changes and transitions.

- The joy of travel is often found in the stories and experiences shared along the way.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Life Transition

01:39 From Dairy to Tourism: A Major Pivot

04:04 The Impact of Personal Struggles on Career Change

07:34 Navigating New Opportunities in Tourism

11:30 Love and Relocation: Moving to the UK

12:38 Cultural Adjustments in a New Country

16:25 Establishing a New Career in London

21:16 Life as a Tour Guide: Experiences and Challenges

24:49 Cultural Shock and Adaptation in the UK

28:16 Driving Culture Shock: A Tale of Two Countries

31:10 Navigating Life Between Two Worlds

34:54 Culinary Discoveries and Cultural Exchanges

39:23 The Transition Journey: Challenges and Triumphs

45:46 Future Aspirations and Family Dynamics

51:46 Health, Aging, and Lifestyle Changes

54:34 Language Barriers and Cultural Nuances

55:46 Historical Insights and American Presidents

59:02 Personal Transitions and Life Changes

01:00:48 The Importance of Embracing Change

01:04:15 Travel Experiences and Cultural Insights

01:07:57 Future Travel Plans and Aspirations

01:20:31 Outro Clip.mp4