In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Ken Posner—ultrarunner, author, former Army Ranger, and corporate financial analyst—to explore the transformative power of pushing physical and mental boundaries. Ken shares stories from his extraordinary journey completing the "grid": summiting all 35 high peaks of New York's Catskills in every month of the year. Along the way, he stripped away technology, embraced barefoot running, and found a deeper connection with nature and himself.

This episode isn't just about extreme endurance. It's about rediscovering who we are when the noise of the modern world fades away. We unpack how doing hard things in nature can bring clarity, strength, and a more balanced life. Whether you're curious about barefoot hiking, intrigued by minimalist living, or seeking inspiration to shake up your own routine, Ken's story will move you.

Timeline Summary:

[2:22] - Ken's shift from corporate life to ultra endurance running in his late 30s
[4:00] - Why he started running barefoot and what kept him going
[7:45] - The joy, mindfulness, and sensation of barefoot movement
[10:10] - Balancing high-tech corporate work with minimalist, analog outdoor living
[19:00] - The metaphor of "signal vs. noise" and how nature helps us tune in
[28:30] - Pain vs. suffering: building resilience through chosen challenges
[35:00] - The Badwater Double: a 292-mile journey through Death Valley and back
[47:30] - How the mountains called him at age 50 and led to chasing the grid
[54:00] - The spiritual and transformative lessons learned through mountain pilgrimages

Links & Resources:

• Ken's website: www.barefootken.com

• Ken Posner's book: Chasing the Grid (available Sept 23 on Amazon)

• Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

• Antifragile by Nassim Taleb

• Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey

• The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind by Julian Jaynes

Closing Remark:

Please check out Ken's website and support him by purchasing his new book!

If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a friend who could use a little adventure in their life. Be sure to follow, rate, and leave a review of the podcast and well as our new YouTube channel—it helps us reach more everyday explorers just like you. Thanks for tuning in!

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Charles Infurna—a coach, academic, and athlete—who shares a powerful story about unlocking human potential. From the legacy of his immigrant family to his own journey through athletics and coaching, Charles brings a deep, authentic perspective on what it really takes to push past limits and perform at the highest level.

We talk about the importance of belief, the trust that fuels great coach-athlete relationships, and how to balance ambition with healthy detachment. Whether you're chasing Olympic dreams, striving for personal growth, or trying to show up better for your kids, Charles’ reflections offer real wisdom for anyone walking their own adventure.

[1:22] - The immigrant roots that shaped Charles’ drive and work ethic
[5:00] - Early lessons from watching his parents work tirelessly for the American dream
[7:50] - The college years: How track and field became the anchor that kept him moving forward
[10:12] - Stepping into coaching: From reluctant start to life-changing purpose
[16:00] - Navigating identity, ego, and love for the sport in his first years as a coach
[19:45] - Parenting and coaching: What he's learned about motivation, belief, and letting go
[22:55] - The most important thing a coach can do: Be a “light giver” and guide belief
[27:10] - Stories of grit, growth, and belief from standout athlete Lewis and others
[35:00] - Research insights: What Olympic coaches do differently to create trust and performance
[45:00] - Inside “The Throwing Circle”: Charles’ upcoming book and how it blends story with science

• Follow Dr. Charles Infurna
  Instagram & Twitter: @charlesinfurna
  LinkedIn: Charles Infurna

• Dr. Infurna’s Upcoming Book: The Throwing Circle
  Launching Summer 2025 – Available soon on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Costco.

• Josh's Financial Planning Resources
  Website: www.ridgelinewealthadvisors.com
  Newsletter: The Money Trail Guide – Sign up on the site!

If you found this conversation valuable, don’t forget to rate, follow, share, and review the podcast! Your support helps us keep bringing inspiring stories and hard-won insights from everyday explorers, adventurers, and achievers.

👉 Also, be sure to find and follow our brand-new YouTube channel where you can watch full episodes and more from the On Adventure Podcast.

Stay safe. Stay curious. Stay on the adventure.

What does it really mean to suffer with purpose? In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with conservationist and ultra-endurance athlete Tom Hicks – a man whose journey is as layered as the landscapes he climbs. From leading anti-poaching efforts across Africa and Asia with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation to tackling brutal challenges like Ironman races and high-altitude expeditions, Tom’s life is defined by intentional hardship, deep introspection, and relentless forward motion.

We dive into the heart of resilience, why discomfort can be transformative, and how a former rugby coach found meaning in the mountains. Tom also shares his connection with previous On Adventure guest Holly Budge and his plans to lead a new team to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Whether you're an aspiring adventurer, a mindset junkie, or someone wrestling with self-doubt, this episode delivers a powerful reminder: growth is never linear, and purpose is often found in the pain.

Episode Highlights:

[3:00] – Fighting global wildlife crime: Tom’s work with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
[8:00] – The brutal truth about poaching, organized crime, and the risks of field conservation
[12:00] – From being told he’d never succeed to becoming a conservation leader
[18:00] – Mentoring the next generation: the importance of presence and vulnerability
[24:00] – The “circuit breaker” mindset tool to quiet negative inner voices
[29:00] – What drives us to endure suffering in pursuit of meaning
[38:00] – A life-or-death lesson on Lenin Peak – and why good decision-making matters
[45:00] – Remembering Dixie Dansercoer and how it reshaped Tom’s risk tolerance
[54:00] – Emotional regulation in chaos: the power of calm leadership
[59:00] – Balancing ambition, burnout, and building a team for Kilimanjaro

Links & Resources:

• David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

• Learn more about snow leopard conservation

• Holly Budge’s Episode 52

• Osprey Packs

• In memory of polar explorer Dixie Dansercoer

Connect with Tom:
Have questions about conservation, endurance training, or joining the upcoming Kilimanjaro team? Reach out to Tom directly on LinkedIn or Instagram – he’s always happy to connect with fellow adventurers and curious minds.

Enjoyed this episode?
If Tom’s story sparked something in you, take a second to rate, follow, and review On Adventure. And be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and inspiration from the trail. Plus – don’t miss new episode drops and bonus video content on our brand-new YouTube channel. Hit subscribe and join us for the next great adventure.

In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Brian Warren—an elite mountain guide whose life has been defined by risk, reinvention, and a deep connection to the mountains. From thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail just days after high school to guiding in the Tetons, Himalaya, and beyond, Brian’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and embracing the unknown.

We explore how Brian transitioned from living out of a backpack to leading high-stakes expeditions around the globe—and eventually, to navigating a whole new adventure: fatherhood and a career pivot into financial services. This conversation dives deep into themes of identity, confidence vs. competence, imposter syndrome, and the unique lessons that come from suffering in comfort. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to reinvent yourself while carrying forward everything hard-earned from past chapters, this episode is for you.

• [2:22] – Launching into adventure: Brian’s decision to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail at 18.

• [10:45] – Discovering leadership on the trail and earning the nickname “Merlin.”

• [18:20] – Transitioning from Knowles courses to guiding in Jackson Hole and the Tetons.

• [27:05] – Learning to ski on “toy skis” and the path to heli-ski guiding.

• [37:50] – Companionship as the secret ingredient to adventure: why relationships matter in the mountains.

• [44:00] – “Suffer in comfort”: Brian’s mantra for staying calm in high-stakes situations.

• [1:04:15] – Stories from the edge: avalanches, crevasse falls, and helicopter crashes.

• [1:10:30] – Reinventing life beyond the mountains: from guiding to financial planning.

• Sign up for The Money Trail Guide newsletter for insights on funding your own adventures.

• NOLS Outdoor Leadership School

• Jackson Hole Mountain Guides

If this episode inspired you, please rate, review, and share the podcast. You can also find our new YouTube page! It’s the best way to help more adventurers like you find these conversations. And don’t forget to follow so you don’t miss the next episode.

What drives someone to leave behind comfort and pursue something deeply meaningful? In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with Tanner Critz - a martial artist, Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, and founder of Unity Martial Arts in Little Rock. This conversation isn’t just about hiking 2,200 miles or building a successful dojo. It’s about identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to follow your own path - especially when it’s steep and uncertain.

Tanner opens up about his pivotal adventures: hiking the AT alone with a hidden bleeding ulcer, turning a quiet martial arts passion into a thriving community, and facing a near-death COVID experience that shook his world. We explore what it means to live with intention, take risks that matter, and find a sense of home in both place and people. Arthur Brooks says that to live a happy, meaningful life, we all have to answer two questions...Why am I here, and What am I willing to die for? If you’ve ever asked yourself either of these questions - this episode is for you.

[3:42] - How a year of reflection led Tanner to hike the Appalachian Trail
[8:15] - Experiencing deep physical pain—and choosing not to quit
[14:29] - The unexpected transition from graphic design to martial arts
[20:51] - Starting Unity Martial Arts and building community through connection
[31:03] - The philosophy of self-defense and teaching through empathy
[39:30] - Surviving COVID: A near-death experience and its lasting impact
[46:10] - Finding peace, purpose, and the value of rest
[52:58] - Advice for anyone standing at the edge of a big life decision

• Unity Martial Arts, Little Rock

• The Appalachian Trail Conservancy

• Books Mentioned:

  • End to Ending: An Appalachian Thru Hiker's Story by Tanner Critz

  • Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior by Chögyam Trungpa

If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to follow, rate, and review the podcast. Also check out our new YouTube page and be sure to subcribe there. And don’t forget to share it with someone who might be standing at the edge of their own next big step. See you next time, adventurers.

In this special episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with the unstoppable Holly Budge—an adventurer, conservationist, and the first woman to skydive over Mount Everest. With World Female Ranger Week in full swing, this conversation couldn’t be more timely. You can find out more about what these incredibly brave female rangers do here and why they are being celebrated this week. Holly opens up about transforming fear into fuel, climbing the world’s highest peak solo, and how her bold expeditions became a platform for championing female wildlife rangers.

We explore her work with How Many Elephants and the founding of World Female Ranger Week, diving into the challenges and triumphs of the women on the front lines of conservation. Whether you’re an adventure junkie, a purpose-driven leader, or someone looking for that next spark of inspiration, this episode delivers the goods.

Timeline Summary:

[2:15] - How a single conversation launched Holly’s journey to skydive Everest
[6:47] - What it’s like to freefall at 29,500 feet over the Himalayas
[12:22] - Training your mindset for mental toughness and high-altitude endurance
[17:31] - The origin story of How Many Elephants and connecting passion with purpose
[21:18] - Launching World Female Ranger Week and elevating unheard voices
[27:05] - Grit, resilience, and the power of women protecting the wild
[35:40] - What Holly’s adventures have taught her about life and leadership

Links & Resources:

• Holly Budge: hollybudge.com

• World Female Ranger Week: worldfemalerangerweek.org

• How Many Elephants: howmanyelephants.org

• Follow Holly on Instagram: @hollybudge

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If you loved this episode, make sure to follow the show on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an adventure. And we’ve just launched our brand new YouTube channel where you can catch full episodes and exclusive behind-the-scenes content—subscribe now and join us visually!

🎙️ Follow | ❤️ Rate | 💬 Review | 📤 Share — your support means the world.

In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with Jess Hanson—a certified mental performance consultant, ultra runner, and coach—to explore what it takes to build a resilient mindset for both high-performance athletes and everyday adventurers. Jess shares her journey from playing lacrosse in college to coaching athletes across sports like skiing, mountain biking, and ultra running. We dive deep into how the mental game shapes athletic success, and how pushing your physical and emotional limits can unlock deeper purpose, confidence, and grit.

If you’ve ever faced the “dark moments” in endurance sports or wondered how to mentally prepare for big goals, this conversation is for you. We talk about identity, risk, motivation, and what it really takes to show up when things get hard. Plus, Jess gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her own ultra journey - yes, even the gritty details of 100K races, helicopter skiing, and rim-to-rim-to-rim Grand Canyon adventures.

• [1:20] - From lacrosse to ultra running: Jess shares her athletic evolution

• [4:45] - Why mental performance matters—and how it’s different from traditional coaching

• [11:40] - Facing fear in the backcountry and building confidence in uncertain moments

• [16:50] - Running her first 50-miler with just two months of training (!)

• [21:55] - Mental spirals and self-talk strategies during her 100K trail race

• [33:10] - Why she loves working with high school athletes and how she helps them reshape their relationship with sport

• [45:10] - What drives Jess to keep pushing her limits in running, skiing, and life

• Jess Hanson’s Coaching: https://cognelite.net

• Association for Applied Sport Psychology: https://appliedsportpsych.org

  • Find a CMPC-certified consultant: AASP Directory

• Instagram: @cognelite

If this episode gave you fuel to keep chasing your goals - or gave you tools for when the trail gets tough - please rate, follow, and share On Adventure. Also find us on our new YouTube page and click to subscribe! And if you haven’t yet, go back and check out Episode 36 with Jess’s dad, Scott Hanson, for more inspiring stories from the trail.

In this heartfelt episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with a younger Everyday Explorer, my son Hudson, for a conversation that redefines what adventure truly means. While we often explore tales of physical challenge and bold travel, this episode takes us on an inward journey—a story of persistence, identity, and the courage to live fully despite daily challenges. Hudson lives with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic condition, and he brings us into his world with sincerity, wisdom, and humor.

We talk about what it’s like to grow up with PWS, the unique joys and struggles that come with it, and how it’s shaped Hudson’s perspective on life. He shares how adventure isn’t just found on mountaintops or across oceans—it’s in the relationships we build, the obstacles we face, and the love we share. From exploring WWII history in Europe to dreaming about the Great Wall of China, Hudson reminds us that the truest adventures are often the ones that take place in our own hearts and homes. This episode is not just a story of difference—it’s a story of belonging, resilience, and the extraordinary power of being seen and included.

• [0:00] – Meet Hudson Self and an introduction to Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month

• [1:00] – Hudson’s heartfelt presentation on living with PWS

• [3:00] – Sharing his passions and personal joys beyond the diagnosis

• [5:00] – The importance of inclusion and being treated like everyone else

• [7:00] – Discussing the constant challenge of hunger with PWS

• [9:00] – How PWS brought meaningful relationships and mentors into Hudson’s life

• [10:00] – Visiting historical sites in Europe and the emotional impact of Normandy

• [12:00] – Dreaming of a future adventure to the Great Wall of China

• [13:00] – Favorite memories from a Jurassic-themed trip to Hawaii

• Learn more about Prader-Willi Syndrome

• Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month (May)

This episode is a powerful reminder that adventure comes in many forms. If Hudson's story moved you, inspired you, or made you think a little differently, please consider rating, following, and sharing the podcast from our YouTube (this is brand new!), Instagram and Facebook pages (this is new too!). And don’t forget to leave a review—we’d love to hear from you.