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

In this episode, Jacob Rieke interviews Sophia Reuser, who shares her journey from a corporate job in the Netherlands to a fulfilling life in Costa Rica as an Ayurvedic therapist and tour guide. Sophia discusses her experiences with burnout, the importance of self-discovery, and how traveling has shaped her understanding of health and happiness. She emphasizes the significance of listening to one's intuition and the need for a balanced lifestyle, contrasting her past corporate life with the slower pace of life in Costa Rica. The conversation also touches on cultural differences and the challenges of finding personal fulfillment in a fast-paced world.Takeaways:- Sophia transitioned from a corporate job to a more fulfilling life in Costa Rica.- Burnout can lead to significant self-discovery and change.- Traveling is a powerful way to learn about oneself and the world.- Ayurveda emphasizes individual needs and holistic health.- Preventative health is often overlooked in modern healthcare.- Cultural differences can greatly affect one's perspective on work and life.- Listening to one's intuition is crucial for personal happiness.- The pace of life in Costa Rica encourages relaxation and mindfulness.- Self-discovery often comes through challenging experiences.- Sophia plans to design her own tours in Costa Rica, combining travel with Ayurvedic principles.Sophia's Website: https://sophiareuser.com/Jake & Kylie: https://www.brilliantlifejourney.com/

Olga Brouwer shares her transformative journey from being a teacher in the Netherlands to becoming a life and leadership coach living in the Azores. She discusses the challenges of identity, personal growth, and the importance of embracing change. Olga reflects on her experiences with coaching, art, and the lessons learned through her transitions, emphasizing the significance of speaking one's truth and the ongoing journey of self-discovery.Takeaways:Change is possible at any moment in life.Personal development often requires stepping out of comfort zones.Embracing new environments can lead to significant growth.Art and creativity can be powerful tools for self-discovery.Building a supportive community is essential during transitions.Learning to speak your truth is crucial for personal empowerment.Regrets can lead to valuable lessons and insights.Coaching can help individuals navigate their personal journeys.The importance of maintaining connections with loved ones during transitions.Finding purpose often involves exploring past passions and interests.Olga's Contacts:https://www.olgabrouwer.com/https://www.instagram.com/brouwercoaching/https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgabrouwer/https://www.facebook.com/OlgaBrouwerCoachingJake & Kylie:https://www.brilliantlifejourney.com/

In this episode, Chris DT Gordon shares his incredible journey of personal transformation following a life-threatening incident caused by flesh-eating bacteria. He discusses the initial event, the diagnosis, and the extensive treatment he underwent at the Mayo Clinic. Throughout his recovery, Chris emphasizes the importance of community support and the mental shift he experienced, leading to an attitude of gratitude. He reflects on the challenges of rehabilitation and how this experience has shaped his perspective on life, ultimately inspiring him to help others through speaking engagements and his book.

Takeaways:

• Chris experienced a life-altering event that changed his perspective.
• The incident began with a seemingly minor scratch that led to severe health complications.
• He underwent 15 surgeries during his recovery at the Mayo Clinic.
• Chris emphasizes the importance of community support during his hospitalization
• His mental shift towards gratitude helped him cope with the challenges he faced.
• He refers to his skin graft as his 'thand' and uses humor to cope with his situation.
• Chris believes that focusing on the little things in life can lead to greater happiness.
• He encourages others to find purpose and perspective in their struggles.
• Chris's journey highlights the power of resilience and positivity.
• He aims to inspire others through his story and his book.

Chris DT Gordon's Website: https://chrisdtgordon.com/

Chris's dot.Profile: https://dot.cards/chrisdtgordon

Jake & Kylie's Website: https://www.brilliantlifejourney.com/

In this episode, Brie Taralson shares her transformative journey from a career in healthcare to establishing a community hub and bookstore, Ulm Sweet Ulm and Lykke Books. She discusses the impact of COVID-19 on her mental health, the importance of reflection in finding clarity, and the significance of community building. Brie emphasizes the value of aligning one's career with personal values and the importance of social connections for happiness. She offers advice for those feeling stuck in their careers and highlights the richness of her new life filled with meaningful experiences and relationships.

Takeaways:

• Brie's early life involved frequent moves, fostering adaptability.
• She pursued a career in healthcare due to family expectations.
• COVID-19 catalyzed her mental health struggles and career reevaluation.
• Reflection and journaling helped Brie gain clarity on her values.
• Brie's passion for community led to the creation of Ulm Sweet Ulm.
• She emphasizes the importance of social connections for happiness.
• Brie's transition involved forming a nonprofit and bookstore.
• She encourages others to take time for self-reflection and pause.
• Brie's family dynamics have deepened since her career change.
• She believes in the power of synchronicity in life transitions.

Brie's Website: https://www.ulmsweetulm.com/

Jake & Kylie's Website: https://www.brilliantlifejourney.com/

In this conversation, Jacob Rieke and Jeff Toomer discuss the transformative journey of Jeff, who transitioned from a career as a funeral director to becoming a fitness coach. They explore the importance of support from loved ones, the challenges of daily life in a demanding job, and the pivotal moments that led to Jeff's significant weight loss and lifestyle changes. The discussion emphasizes the role of failure in personal growth, the impact of community in fitness, and the necessity of prioritizing long-term health over immediate results. In this conversation, Jeff Toomer shares his transformative journey from working in a funeral home to becoming a successful gym owner. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to pursue his passion for fitness, the importance of having a supportive partner, and the daily routines that keep him grounded. Jeff emphasizes the significance of mental preparation, consistency over perfection, and the need for holistic approaches to health. He also shares his aspirations for expanding his gym and offering more resources to the community.

Takeaways

• Transformation is possible at any age.

• Support from loved ones is crucial during transitions.
• Daily routines can lead to burnout if not managed.
• Health and fitness can drastically change one's life.
• Failure is a part of the learning process.
• Finding a supportive community can enhance personal growth.
• Career changes often require courage and risk-taking.
• It's important to prioritize mental and physical health.
• Long-term health should be the focus, not just aesthetics.
• Life experiences shape our perspectives on health and fitness. Jeff's journey began with a pivotal dinner that changed his life.
• Support from others can be a powerful motivator.
• Taking risks is essential for personal growth.
• Creating a detailed business plan is crucial for success.
• Finding the right location can be challenging but rewarding.
• Daily routines play a significant role in maintaining focus and productivity.
• Mental preparation is key to facing daily challenges.
• Consistency in habits leads to long-term success.
• Gratitude for relationships can enhance personal well-being.
• Future aspirations include expanding the gym and offering more services.

Jeff Toomer's Website: https://newulmfitness.com/

Jake & Kylie: https://www.brilliantlifejourney.com/