#086 - Get ready to venture into the wild side! I'm thrilled to bring you an electrifying conversation with Amy Siewe, a fearless Python Hunter with a fascinating story to tell. A former homecoming queen and real estate agent, Amy switched gears in a major way when she swapped property showings for python hunting in the Everglades. You'll be hooked as Amy takes us through her unique journey, blending her childhood love of critters with her newfound passion. Amy's tales from the swamps are nothin...
Jan 04, 2024•50 min•Ep. 86
#085 - Imagine packing up your life and jetting off to a remote island halfway across the world. That's the story of our spirited guest, Lexie Brown, who traded in her urban life for an adventure-packed existence on the Marshall Islands. This episode takes us on a wild journey to the sandy shores of the Pacific, unearthing the emotional upheaval and logistical challenges of such a drastic move. Picture this: a small island, no personal vehicles, daily encounters with the vibrant local culture, a...
Dec 28, 2023•51 min•Ep. 85
#084 - Prepare to be transported to stunning landscapes, exotic cuisines, and rich cultures as we sit down for an enlightening chat with Jamie Edwards, the creator of the much-loved travel website I Am Lost and Found. www.iamlostandfound.com Her tales take us on captivating journeys, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the icy wilderness of Antarctica, and to the serene beauty of Uganda. Journey with us as we navigate the thrilling waters of family travel adventures and cultural immersion. Hea...
Dec 21, 2023•48 min•Ep. 84
083 - Strap yourself in for a thrilling ride on the wave! We have the electrifying Sam Studee, a professional wake surfer, a Minnesota native, and an all-round action sports enthusiast joining us on the show today. He’s going to take us through the rollercoaster ride of his journey, from being just a boy with a love for action sports to becoming a professional wake surfer. We’ll be hearing about his intriguing experiences surfing not just on wakeboards, but on coffee tables too! This is surely a...
Dec 14, 2023•36 min•Ep. 83
#081 - Join us for a heartening episode as we sit down with ultra-runner Ryan Head, whose story is the epitome of resilience. Over the years, Ryan has turned his life around, shedding 85 pounds as well as the mental and physical barriers that held him back. We journey with him on his path to personal transformation, as he moves from running a mile on a treadmill to completing full and half marathons, including the challenging Ogden Marathon. In an exciting twist, we delve into the thrilling worl...
Dec 07, 2023•52 min•Ep. 81
#081 - Get ready for a thrilling rollercoaster ride through exhilarating highs and challenging lows as I, Jake Bushman, recount my journey of running my second half marathon at the breathtaking Snow Canyon in St. George, Utah. Will I conquer the grueling 13.1 miles or succumb to the taxing trials of the course? Joined by my good friend, Paul Petersen, we explore this journey and much more, offering a deeper glimpse into my life beyond the podcast. In a scintillating Q&A session, Paul dives i...
Nov 30, 2023•46 min•Ep. 81
#080 - If you've ever wondered how one man can balance the exhilarating thrill of riding waves, with the calm tranquility of nursing, you're about to meet him. Meet our guest, Spencer Tong, a passionate surfer, nurturing nurse, and dedicated family man. This episode sees Spencer's captivating tales of surfing from Hawaii to Indonesia, and the life lessons he's harnessed from the vast ocean to the hustle of his life back on land. Spencer didn't just fall in love with surfing; he mastered it. List...
Nov 22, 2023•49 min•Ep. 80
#079 - You're in for an absolute treat, as today's episode of Journey with Jake is sure to ignite your wanderlust. We're joined by Dianni Hall, the awe-inspiring host of the podcast While She's Away. Dianni's been living a life of adventure for the past five years, immersing herself in various cultures, and today she offers us a glimpse into her thrilling nomadic lifestyle. From her initial solo voyage to India that sparked her love for travel, to her daring escapades across Southeast Asia, Dian...
Nov 16, 2023•55 min•Ep. 79
#078 - Today's episode is a portrait of perseverance, dedication, and triumph amidst adversity. We're thrilled to bring you a heart-to-heart with Elsa Hassett, a cheerleading titan with six NCA championships and three NCA partner stunt championships under her belt. Elsa's journey takes us from her humble beginnings in gymnastics, all the way to the high-stakes world of competitive cheerleading at Weber State University. Our conversation probes not only Elsa's glittering achievements, but also th...
Nov 09, 2023•50 min•Ep. 77
#077 - Meet Tucker Balmert: an 11-year-old wakeboarding prodigy whose passion and determination have already led him to major triumphs in the sport. As our youngest guest yet, Tucker offers a unique perspective on the journey to success, sharing his experience from childhood practice sessions at Lake Barton under the committed guidance of his coach, Glenn Fletcher, to his crowning glory of winning the Junior Boys 2022 WWA Wakeboard World Championships. His story is as much about the thrill of wa...
Nov 02, 2023•31 min•Ep. 77
076 - Prepare to plunge into the depths of an awe-inspiring sojourn as we voyage with Allison Burkhard into her year of revelation and transformation. As she paints an evocative portrait of her path from an environmental law attorney to an ardent ocean travel and underwater photography enthusiast, you can feel the lapping waves and cool sea breeze. Her stories will transport you from the comfort of your room to the dancing northern lights of the Arctic Circle and the vibrant reefs of the Caribbe...
Oct 26, 2023•48 min•Ep. 76
#075 - Join me as we embark on an invigorating journey with an incredible woman, adventurer, and traveler, Sara Iannacone. With a life story filled with globe-trotting experiences, culinary adventures, and a candid portrayal of her battle with anxiety, Sara is an inspiration to all of us who desire to explore the world and embrace life. Raised in quaint Mystic, Connecticut, Sara's love for travel was kindled early on in life, taking her on a whirlwind journey around the world and back. During ou...
Oct 19, 2023•47 min•Ep. 75
074 - Join the fascinating journey of Mario Ruiz, the Black Scuba Bear, on this episode of Journey with Jake. As your host I assure you this is not just a story about scuba diving. It's a journey of discovery, of connecting with the world beneath the surface, and of finding one's purpose in life. We'll start with Mario's early life in Miami, explore his love for water and marine life in California, and get glimpses of his awe-inspiring experiences with hammerhead sharks and black iguanas in the ...
Oct 12, 2023•37 min•Ep. 74
#073 - What if a rod and a reel could be a healing source for you? What if casting a line into a river could soothe your troubled mind? This is the fascinating story of our guest, Danny Keith, a fly fisherman from Wisconsin, who found solace and healing from his struggles with depression and mental illness through the serene art of fly fishing. Danny takes us on his journey, from a difficult upbringing and homeschooling to traveling around the country, finally returning to his home state. Join u...
Oct 05, 2023•51 min•Ep. 73
#072 - Hold on tight! This episode offers a thrilling ride as we plunge into the daring world of bull riding with our audacious guest, Gavan Hauck. An 18-year-old professional bull rider from Bandera, Texas, Gavan shares his unfiltered journey in this adrenaline-filled sport. Expect a heart-pounding narrative filled with life-changing experiences, family support, and the physical and mental grit needed to ride a 1500lb bull! As we stir up dust with Gavan, we uncover the highs and lows of his bul...
Sep 28, 2023•44 min•Ep. 72
#071 - Let's take an exciting trip as we ride shotgun with Sasha Lezhnev, an unbridled adventurer with a heart for humanity. Sasha's tales from the road are as diverse as they are inspiring - from wild weddings in Italian castles to challenging mountain hikes in Ecuador and even a cherry spitting contest. Yet, his journey is more than just an adrenaline rush; it's also about his impactful work in Africa, rehabilitating former child soldiers, and his contributions to the Democratic Republic of Co...
Sep 21, 2023•56 min•Ep. 71
#070 - Get ready to soar to new heights with our fascinating guest, Dan Bentley, a seasoned helicopter pilot and an aspiring master falconer. Tag along for a whirlwind journey that traverses through the peaks and valleys of Dan's life, from piloting multi-million dollar helicopters to pursuing his passion for falconry. Listen closely as he navigates the challenges of needing glasses, and the art of mastering turbulence and prevailing winds – it's a high-stakes tale of perseverance, determination...
Sep 14, 2023•54 min•Ep. 70
Get ready for an adrenaline-filled adventure as we journey with our returning guest, Josh Baker, who is here to narrate his thrilling experience on the Wonderland Trail. This 93-mile loop around Mount Rainier is a test of stamina and courage, offering an array of terrains from rainforests to alpine and sub-alpine areas. With Josh’s vivid depiction, you will embody his anticipation, challenges, and triumphs as he embarks and conquers this strenuous trail. Delving into the heart of his journey, Jo...
Sep 07, 2023•47 min•Ep. 69
#068 - Ready for a deep dive into the tranquil world of fly fishing and the healing power of nature? That’s exactly where we're headed with our guest, Matt Harmon. Matt is not just an avid fly fisherman and outdoor enthusiast, but he also plays a symphony of resilience as he shares his journey through bipolar type two and ADHD. Our conversation unravels his life story, filled with personal victories, love, fatherhood, and the joy of connecting with nature. Imagine the serenity of a camping trip,...
Aug 31, 2023•39 min•Ep. 68
Ever dreamed of visiting all 63 U.S. National Parks but don't know where to start or how to fit it in your schedule? Get ready to be inspired as I, your host Jake, welcome Liz Bailey from the Instagram account @wanderingontheweekends on today’s episode. Liz and her husband managed to pull off an incredible feat, visiting every U.S. National Park and all 50 states in just three years, while still maintaining their full-time jobs. Listen in as Liz shares their journey, from the awe-inspiring sunse...
Aug 24, 2023•41 min•Ep. 67
Prepare to step into the world of wild exploration and outdoor adventures with our guest, Haley Suebert. Sharing her story from the scorching deserts of Phoenix, Arizona to the snow-capped peaks of Colorado, Haley opens up about her love for hiking, camping, and outdoor travel, coupled with her intriguing career as a biomedical engineer with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Not just another mountaineer, Haley shares her unique preference for 'bagging' alpine lakes over conquering Colorado's f...
Aug 17, 2023•37 min•Ep. 66
#065 - Ever found yourself standing at the precipice of a new life, heart pounding with a mix of fear and exhilaration? That's exactly where our guest, Tara, found herself when she left Texas for Utah, knowing not a soul. Trading in her comfortable known for the wild unknown, she embraced her courage in a whole new way. In a heartfelt conversation, we talk about what it means to be courageous and how this trait influenced Tara's passion for hiking, Picture this: A lone woman in a new state, acco...
Aug 10, 2023•32 min•Ep. 65
Ditch the notion that only high-performance athletes have stories worth sharing. This week, I'm humbled to chat with Jason Bahamundi and Aum Gandhi, the masterminds behind Run Tri Bike. They believe in the power of every individual story, the triumphs and the hiccups, from endurance sports beginners to seasoned pros. We’re also stirring up a debate on the polarizing culinary choice of pineapple on pizza. Yes, you heard it right! Caught in the whirlwind of endurance sports, Jason and Aum's journe...
Aug 03, 2023•53 min•Ep. 64
#063 - Here's your chance to embark on a vicarious adventure through the eyes of our brave guests, Hayley and Jake. This engineering duo decided to leave the conventional life behind and hit the road on a fascinating journey. They've transformed from mere engineers to accomplished vanlife adventurers, exploring the stunning terrains of Mexico, building their own van from scratch, and overcoming the challenges that come with an adventurous lifestyle. Our conversation with Hayley and Jake takes us...
Jul 27, 2023•56 min•Ep. 63
#062 - Here's a treat for you, folks! Join us as we navigate through the picturesque landscapes of Utah with the delightfully engaging Rebecca Hrabar from @utahfamilytravels. Fasten your seat belts as we venture out on a family travel expedition, crafting memories and collecting stories, all while relishing the beauty of the great outdoors. On this jaunt, we get a chance to peek into Rebecca’s life as a traveling mom and adventurer, juggling between her love for exploring and her family's needs....
Jul 20, 2023•42 min•Ep. 62
#061 - Ever wonder how hurling your way through Ireland or navigating icy fjords in Iceland could transform your life? Or how about the impact of social media on your personal expectations? Join Allie and Regan from the Wanderlusting Wives Podcast , as we travel across borders and delve into socio-cultural norms, all from the comfort of this podcast. Sit back and fasten your seat belts as we take you on a captivating ride through the highs and lows of Allie's adventurous camping escapades during...
Jul 13, 2023•58 min•Ep. 61
Picture this: you're on a journey, navigating the twists and turns of life, much like training for a half marathon. Drawing parallels between everyday hurdles and the pursuit of running, guest host Rick Bamford (from episode 35) talks to me about my half marathon experience and dives into some of my insights about the podcast. Are you ready to unleash the power of gratitude? There's magic in the mundane, and joy in the simple moments that often go unnoticed. We talk about my transition from a tr...
Jul 11, 2023•59 min•Ep. 60
#059 - What if a 14-year-old boy could inspire you to see the world through a different lens? Meet Adarsh Nagda, a young wildlife enthusiast from Nairobi, Kenya, who is on a mission to invite us all to protect our wildlife. Join us as we journey through Adarsh's exciting wildlife encounters, from his first visit to Nairobi National Park to his daring escapades, including watching a cheetah on a hunt and getting stuck in the mud with a lioness nearby. Adarsh's passion for wildlife is contagious. ...
Jul 06, 2023•40 min•Ep. 59
#058 - What happens when a 20-year-old adventure-seeker from Maryland discovers the world of acrobatics? Join us this week as we chat with Tigor Lettsome about his fascinating journey from basketball to acro and the life lessons he's learned along the way. Raised in a diverse family and homeschooled, Tigor's unique background plays a significant role in his indomitable spirit and drive to overcome the challenges he faces in life. Learn how a friendly bet with his family sparked a dedication to h...
Jun 29, 2023•41 min•Ep. 58
#057 - What happens when a couple goes from dating app to running marathons together? Join us on a wild adventure with ultra runners and podcast hosts, Jacob and Melody Bateman from Trail to 100, as we explore their captivating journey to conquering ultra races and growing stronger individually and as a couple. Discover the incredible stories of their running experiences, including the challenges of tackling a 100-mile race, the near-miraculous finding of water in the middle of a scorching hot t...
Jun 22, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 57
