Colombia has achieved peace and is increasingly regarded as a good place to consider for living and investing. With such a tumultuous history the question is, is this a good idea? We speak to Park Wilson co-founder of Viva Tropical about his recent trip to Colombia where he traveled a month with his family. When he left Panama his current home to visit Colombia, he was seriously considering moving there and now that he is back you can listen to what he thought and if he will indeed leave Panama ...
Sep 29, 2016•1 hr 17 min
Did you know you can use your 401k or IRA to invest in Tropical Real Estate? Well, you can and not only that you can invest in several other assets classes besides real estate too. This means you can get your money outside the volatile world of the stock market and make investments on your own terms. You can even get your money outside the U.S. to take advantage of emerging markets and increased control and privacy over your hard earned money. You will be able to find new opportunities and get i...
Sep 15, 2016•51 min
With the release of the Costa Rica Real Estate Report, Park and Josh decided that this wealth of data and analysis needed a podcast episode all its own. Tune in to hear them discuss how they created the information, how you use it, and how it relates to buying property. What we cover: • Top most expensive beach towns. • Top three most expensive mountain areas (here where the cheapest beachfront is located based on total price). • Plus many more ideas that you will be able to use to get great dea...
Feb 26, 2016•54 min
Josh just returned from a Nicaragua trip and he breaks down the investment and living potential for the northwest corner of the beautiful country. The area is called Chinandega and has mostly flown under the radar as a place to live for expats. Josh discusses the area attractions, prices, building and why he loves it. There is also an interview with Jannene Harker a New Zealander with the first planned development of the area. She discusses how she settled into the area and why she decided to cr...
Nov 19, 2015•1 hr 2 min
Ecuador is one of the most popular up and coming retirement and investment locations. The problem is that is difficult to find good and accurate information. In this episode we try to fix that by speaking to Jesse Thomas who is an investor, expat and all around great source of information. From his home in Loja, Ecuador they discuss many different angles on why Ecuador is great fit for many.
Sep 24, 2015•1 hr 5 min
Park and Josh look for a large tract of land for their next project. After combing through hundreds of options and locations they have narrowed it down the Southern Zone of Costa Rica or Nosara, Costa Rica. Join them as they discuss the pros and cons of each site while walking around on the property. Listen in as they discuss the process of deciding what direction to take or not take on a particular property. The initial stage of deciding what property is the best for them is only the beginning,...
Jul 06, 2015•50 min
After escaping Prison in 2001 Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman became the most wanted criminal in the world. The DEA, FBI, and Mexican Authorities were hunting him, but for some reason they couldn't find El Chapo. Film Maker Angus Macqueen doubted that these authorities with virtually limitless resources couldn't find El Chapo, so he set out with a camera to find him and make a movie about it. This episode details what he did it and how he survived the process.
Jun 22, 2015•51 min
Hanli Prinsloo is a Freediver and Ocean Conservationist. Freediving is the practice of diving below the surface of the ocean on a single breath. Professionals can go hundreds of feet down and there are depth competitions, but freedivers also get to see things surface dwellers never even dream of experiencing. Like looking into the eye of a 60ft sperm whale, swimming with sharks, or a finding a deeply meditative place calm place.On this episode Josh and Hanli discuss how yoga and free diving have...
May 25, 2015•59 min
Located 1200m (3900ft) above sea level this little mountain has the perfect climate. It is obvious why it is such a hit with expats and retirees. Great climate, lots of restaurants, and a walkable small town feel.Paul McBride joins the show to discuss the real estate market, how the area has changed over the last decade and where you should be looking for investment opportunities. We also discuss Boquete's enduring appeal, why you should consider it even if you want to be near a beach.We also di...
May 11, 2015•59 min
Our guest today, Juani, travels the world providing Ayahuasca ceremonies for people looking for a spiritual breakthrough. He talks about why people attend, and how they gain valuable insight into their lives using a traditional plant mix. He also talks about why this relatively obscure amazon practice is gaining popularity in the modern world.Josh also speaks with Juani about his job as an Ayahuascero, traditions from the ceremony, his training, and much much more. This your chance to go inside ...
Apr 28, 2015•1 hr 8 min
Peter Chapman Financial Times reporter and author of Bananas joins the show to discuss the subject of his book. The rise of one of the most powerful companies in the world during the early to mid 1900's The United Fruit Company. Listen how the creator of the Banana Republic and purveyor of the yellow fruit would stop at nothing to maintain control of their business.For 100 years the company controlled most of Central America, they rigged elections and massacred people, while building a banana em...
Apr 13, 2015•1 hr 6 min
Free diving championships in Greece, 2500ft under water in a DIY submarine, and learning the language of whales. Author of Deep, Free Diving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us about Our Selves, James Nestor joins the show. Listen as he describes his journey from surface dweller to swimming with Sperm whales. James also tells us that he learned the human body is uniquely adapted to the underwater environment. Tune to hear all this and more and add a little adventure to your day....
Mar 30, 2015•54 min
In this episode we cover The Southern Zone of Costa Rica, an area on the Pacific coast stretching from Manual Antonio south to the border of Costa Rica and Panama.Casey Stamps, investment specialist, comes back on to do a deep dive into this very large and diverse region. We discuss building costs, where he thinks the opportunities are located, what is making this region grow, and the investment and buying strategies that are working today. We also discuss who would really love this stretch of c...
Mar 02, 2015•1 hr 3 min
Mayan Scholar Dave Schaefer drops by to discuss the Mayan calendar, The Mayan creation book the Popol Vuh, and how modern Mayan people aren't being recognized. Dave talks with Josh about his favorite ruins and how he got started studying Mayan hieroglyphs in Guatemala. If you are interested in Mayan history or just want an introduction to Mesoamerican culture this show is for you.
Feb 16, 2015•59 min
Learn what you need to know before you build the house of your dreams in the Latin Tropics.Scott Nichols joins the podcast to discuss his trials and tribulations of the building process in Central America. He is currently in the middle of building a house and stopped by to tell us what he has learned so far. Josh and him discuss how to find a builder, what to know before you design a house, and why certain materials are more expensive. A must listen for anyone who is considering building a house...
Jan 26, 2015•1 hr 4 min
Ecuador has a ton of coastline, but much of it isn't good for beach living due to high cliffs and industrial activities. Park and I explored Ecuador from tip to tip and covered the entire coastline. What we found was there are several spots that could be perfect to live and you have to know what is happening locally to determine where is best. So today we are speaking with Greg Gilliam long time Ecuador expat about how to approach the Ecuador market and where you should focus your time when look...
Dec 30, 2014•50 min
John Acott long time broker in Belize tells you what is happening. Learn how much it costs to build in Belize, where the top 3 places to live and invest are located. Also a major infrastructure change on the horizon that if happens will be something you need to hear. John is from the San Ignacio, which is rarely covered and from all accounts seems to be a tremendous value for living. Tune to hear all this and more.
Dec 08, 2014•40 min
Murder Confessions, 300 LB Tunas, and 9mm Barettas, all make appearances when Josh and Park recount some of their stories from the road. They have experienced many different colorful situations over the years while scouting out real estate investments.Maybe the greatest job in the world, Park and Josh reminisce about some of their most memorable days while exploring the far reaches of Central America in their search for the best real estate on offer.
Dec 01, 2014•1 hr 6 min
Author Jonathon Weisberger joins the show to discuss his experience living and helping the Secoya people. What happens to culture, life, and spirituality when they develop within the jungle away from modern life. Jonathon discusses what he learned and why he continues to work with the Secoya elders. He also talks about how others can experience their sacred Ayahuasca/Yage ceremonies. Listen and enjoy an amazing opportunity to get a glimpse into a another world.
Nov 24, 2014•1 hr 3 min
On this episode we discuss Nicaragua and all its awesome potential. Barry Oliver real estate professional has over 10 years of experience in the country and it will make a difference if you are considering buying or investing there.One of the safest countries in Central America, Nicaragua is often overlooked because of its turbulent history and lack of organization. Today's situation is much different and many have already discovered why this is one of the best options for living in Central Amer...
Nov 17, 2014•50 min
We talk to fellow travel lover Matthew Brumley and find out how he got started in the expedition business. Founder of Earthbound Expeditions, Matthew talks candidly about what has worked for him and how he comes up with creative ideas that provide unique travel experiences. He gives insight into why Costa Rica is one of his chosen destinations and how visiting Cuba is like Time Travel. If you ever thought about creating a travel based business or were just interested in traveling with small grou...
Nov 10, 2014•59 min
Brian O'Dea comes back on to finish his story of what it was like to be a professional smuggler. This time around we get to discuss some of the nitty gritty details about chance encounters, strategy, and the steps that led to smuggling and, then, selling $300,000,000 of marijuana. Tune in now and hear what led to the biggest drug deal in U.S. history at the time it went down. There is no doubt why his story is beign fast-tracked to a major motion picture and will probably be a big hit....
Nov 03, 2014•53 min
Eric Youngren, Off-Grid Expert, returns to expand our knowledge and this time we focus on creating an off-grid escape. Last time Eric joined the show we discussed what you need to know before even thinking about living off the grid. This time we discuss how to evaluate locations based on their ability to produce energy. We also talk about how each of the big three technologies, solar, wind, and hydro, could help you create your own off-grid retreat. Some of the most incredible locations in Centr...
Oct 27, 2014•54 min
Josh talks to Eduardo Carillo, Jaguar expert and professor at University of Costa Rica.The Jaguars name comes from the Native American word meaning, “he who kills with one blow.”Eduardo has been studying their behavior for over 25 years and shares his knowledge from the field. Tune in and listen as he shares what he has learned and how his career began with a chance encounter with a Jaguar on a beach. Also what is being done to protect this species from extinction and what you can do help. We th...
Oct 20, 2014•48 min
We talk to Phil Flanagan, world traveler and overland expert. Phil sourced and converted a european van to travel world for less than $18,000 USD. He then proceeded to drive across Europe, Asia, North America then South America for the ensuing 5-6 years. In this episode Phil teaches you how to do it too, where to find a car and his minimalistic approach to maximum travel experience. The travel legends were able to to travel this way for $50 a day, this includes food for both of them, maintenance...
Oct 14, 2014•1 hr 23 min
Christopher Minster, Latin American History expert, discusses the Maya. The ancient culture that developed reading writing and a complex society in around Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. He talks about their beliefs, their fascination with all things celestial and if they also sacrificed humans like the Aztecs. Christopher and Josh also talk about their favorite Mayan ruins why you should visit these sites today. Tune in and learn something new.
Oct 07, 2014•49 min
3 new people, 3 new places. We talk to Mike Cobb, long time developer in Nicaragua about the real estate climate in the beautiful country. His project Gran Pacifica is located there and he also explains why the lifestyle is so attractive to expats.Panama! Lucy Haines, founder of Panama Realtor the largest broker in Panama joins the show to give her unique perspective on where to look in Panama and why. And last but certainly not least, we head to one of the hottest real estate markets in Costa R...
Sep 22, 2014•1 hr 28 min
Park joins the show to discuss his recent trip to Medellin, Colombia with his boys. Park examines the good and bad from the trip and compares his experience there to the rest of Central America. Not to be outdone, Josh recounts his recent trip to El Salvador and breaks down how the country fits into the scope of Central America real estate investment. The business partners also catch up on the recent elections in Panama and what has been happening on Boca Chica Island.
Sep 15, 2014•1 hr 2 min
Surfing is a perplexing sport when it comes to training, on the one had if you are near the waves you can just surf. On the other hand how do you train for surfing waves on land? The sport is unique in that you ride something that is moving, but how do you replicate thosese conditions on land? What type of training can you do that will improve your skills in the water? Learn how when we are talk to Anthony Sasso creator of the program Fit2shred, he has created a program to that will help any sur...
Sep 08, 2014•46 min
Esteban Pereira joins the show to discuss Biodynamic Farming. He explains what in the world Biodynamic farming means and how anyone can get started today. The practice originated from talks by Ruldolf Steiner who was also the creator of Waldorf Schools. Biodynamics was also the system that eventually lead to our current Organic Standards you will see it is an all encompassing system that is as incredible as it is diverse. If you ever think about growing your own food and living off the land then...
Aug 25, 2014•43 min
