Episode 38: From the Wilderness to the Operating Room with Dr. Tommy Gavigan


In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I catch up with an old friend and fraternity brother, Dr. Tommy Gavigan. From our days at the University of North Carolina to his current life as a practicing surgeon in Charlotte, Tommy’s journey has been anything but conventional. After college, Tommy spent nearly a decade guiding teenagers into remote wilderness areas with Moondance Adventures—experiences that shaped not only his leadership but also his path into medicine.

We explore the connection between pushing past your comfort zone in the backcountry and managing high-stakes scenarios in the operating room. Tommy shares incredible stories of adventure, personal growth, and how these experiences molded his outlook on life. Now in his “Adventure 3.0,” he reflects on fatherhood, future aspirations, and why challenging yourself—physically, mentally, and emotionally—is key to living fully.

This episode is a deep dive into why we seek hard things, what we gain on the other side, and how adventure can prepare us for life’s biggest moments.

Episode Highlights

  • [1:10] – Introduction: Reconnecting with Tommy and his unique journey post-UNC.
  • [4:45] – The Moondance Adventures: From green teenagers to life-changing moments in the wilderness.
  • [12:30] – Real backcountry challenges: Lightning storms, hypothermia, and a rare grizzly bear encounter.
  • [18:00] – Service through adventure: Teaching kids leadership, grit, and resilience.
  • [31:30] – From outdoor leader to surgeon: Tommy’s leap into medicine and his pivotal “letter to the future self.”
  • [39:20] – Adventure 3.0: Parenthood, teaching his son the outdoors, and future dreams.
  • [42:15] – Managing high-stakes stress: Lessons from the wilderness to the operating room.
  • [45:30] – What’s next? Personal peaks, challenges, and expanding the comfort zone.

Links & Resources

Check out this episode!

Episode 37: Paying off $225,000 of student loan debt to fuel big adventures with Matt Miner


In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with my friend and former colleague, Matt Miner, to talk about his unique take on adventure. From growing up in Seattle and Tucson to now running his own wealth management firm, Matt shares the pivotal moments that shaped his life and career.

We explore what it means to embrace life’s challenges, how intentional planning creates opportunities, and why staying true to your values makes all the difference. Whether it’s his love for the outdoors, paying off substantial debt, or helping his kids prepare for adulthood, Matt’s story is full of practical wisdom and honest reflections.

If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate big life transitions while staying grounded, this conversation is for you.

Timeline Summary

[00:00] Introduction – Welcoming Matt Miner and a look at his journey.
[02:00] Roots and Resilience – Growing up in Seattle, moving to Tucson, and finding adventure outdoors.
[06:30] Career Transitions – From corporate roles to entrepreneurship: lessons learned.
[12:00] Debt-Free Milestone – How Matt’s family paid off $225,000 in debt and moved forward.
[19:00] The Outdoors Connection – Hunting, backpacking, and building community.
[26:15] Journaling for Growth – Using writing to reflect and move forward.
[33:45] Family Legacy – Preparing the next generation with life skills and values.
[36:00] Key Takeaways – The power of knowing your values and making intentional choices.

Links & Resources

Closing Remarks

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the show and leave a review. Your support helps us bring more thoughtful conversations like this one to life.

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Episode 36: Beyond the Pain Cave – Lessons from Ultra Adventures with Scott Hanson


In the latest episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Scott Hanson, a true veteran of endurance challenges and an influential figure in the financial industry. Scott’s story is one of resilience, determination, and finding purpose through pushing physical and mental boundaries. Our conversation explores Scott’s journey from casual running to completing the grueling Western States 100—a 100-mile ultramarathon with 19,000 feet of elevation gain—and how that experience, among others, shaped his approach to life and business. We also dive into his memorable adventure up Mount Fuji, where cultural and personal growth merged in an unforgettable climb.

Join us as Scott shares the highs and lows of his adventures, from overcoming pain and doubt during ultramarathons to the life lessons he’s applied from these challenges to his professional and personal life.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction – Meeting Scott Hanson

[02:08] Scott’s Journey Begins – From reluctant high school runner to becoming captivated by endurance sports.

[06:22] Training and Competing – Navigating family, work, and training routines with morning runs and long days on the trail.

[20:00] The Western States 100 Experience – The mental and physical battles of one of the world’s toughest races.

[23:48] Lessons Learned – How pushing through “the pain cave” taught Scott resilience and mental fortitude that extend beyond sport.

[27:27] Reflecting on Challenges – Applying adventure-driven tenacity to everyday life and professional challenges.

[39:00] Mount Fuji – A cultural and physical journey with friends and family, complete with lessons in humility and awe.

[48:35] The Future of Adventure – Scott’s plans and reflections on maintaining an adventurous spirit as life evolves.

Links & Resources:

Closing Remarks: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share the On Adventure Podcast. Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring stories like Scott Hanson’s to your ears!

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Episode 35: Building Perserverance Through Hardship, Competition and Adventure with Owen Hayden


Join me for a cool conversation with Owen Hayden, a high-energy adventurer, corporate achiever, and former athlete who’s mastered the art of resilience. Owen shares his journey from a high-level sports career to navigating the challenges of the corporate world, all while staying connected to his passion for adventure. We discuss what it takes to push through adversity, the lessons he learned from sports, and his pursuit of grit as a defining trait both on and off the field. Plus, you’ll hear about Owen’s commitment to exploring the world—from Glacier National Park with his young family to Ironman races and rodeos. If you’ve ever been curious about finding purpose and adventure in everyday life, this episode is for you.

Highlights:

  • [00:01:32] Owen’s career journey: From corporate climber to world traveler.
  • [03:00] Hiking Glacier National Park with a baby in tow—tips for family adventurers.
  • [07:00] The power of sports and family in building resilience and grit.
  • [11:30] Learning from loss: how adversity shapes our drive and character.
  • [14:00] Coaches and mentors: the unexpected father figures who shaped Owen’s path.
  • [24:19] Finding a new “team” after sports: how CrossFit and community fill the gap.
  • [32:00] Bucket list adventures: How Owen plans to keep exploring with his family.

Links & Resources:

Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating, following, and sharing “On Adventure.” Your support helps us bring you more amazing guests and stories.

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Episode 34: The 5 Elements of Adventure with Matt Walker


In this special episode, I’m excited to bring you an insightful webinar with adventure coach and psychologist Matt Walker. Known for his unique blend of mountain climbing experience and psychological expertise, Matt shares how the concept of adventure can shape not only extreme expeditions but also our everyday lives. In this session, he takes us through his recent solo climb of Manaslu, one of the highest peaks in the world, and how it taught him the importance of living adventurously. Learn about the five essential elements of adventure and how you can apply them to your own life, whether you’re scaling mountains or navigating day-to-day challenges. This is an inspiring episode that will push you to think deeply about your own adventures—big or small!

Tune in to hear Matt’s captivating stories and insights on high endeavor, uncertainty, total commitment, tolerance for adversity, and the power of companionship.

Episode Highlights:
[2:00] – Introducing Matt Walker: From psychologist to extreme adventure guide
[4:10] – What is adventure? Challenging conventional definitions
[11:00] – Matt’s solo climb on Manaslu: confronting extreme conditions and overcoming obstacles
[15:30] – The Five Elements of Adventure: High endeavor, uncertain outcome, total commitment, tolerance for adversity, and great companionship
[21:00] – How Matt integrates his family into his adventurous life
[27:45] – Climbing in extreme altitudes: life in the death zone
[33:00] – The importance of staying present and focused during difficult journeys
[40:00] – Why adventure isn’t just for mountaintops: Applying the elements of adventure to daily life
[45:00] – Listener Q&A: Overcoming psychological barriers to adventure

Links & Resources:

Closing Remarks:
If you enjoyed this conversation with Matt Walker and learned something new about how to bring more adventure into your life, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share this podcast with friends! And if you’re ready to embark on your own adventure, start by subscribing to our newsletter for more tips and resources. Until next time, keep pursuing your great adventure!

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Episode 33: Lessons in Grit and Growth on the AT with Steve Bradshaw


In this episode, I sit down with Steve Bradshaw, a lifelong adventurer and outdoor enthusiast from Western North Carolina. Steve’s story is one of pushing boundaries, from growing up in West Virginia to becoming a collegiate championship swimmer, and ultimately to hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. Steve shares how he stepped out of his comfort zone to take on the grueling 2,200-mile trail, and we explore the mental and physical resilience it takes to complete such an endeavor. Whether you’re into hiking, or simply looking for inspiration on how to challenge yourself in new ways, Steve’s journey offers a wealth of insight.

We dive into Steve’s upbringing and how his early experiences in the outdoors shaped his life. We also chat about his experiences with starting and selling a successful business, how he balanced family life with adventure, and the unexpected lessons he learned on the trail. This episode is packed with stories of adventure, perseverance, and growth, so buckle up!

Timeline Summary:

[2:22] – Steve’s introduction and how his love for the outdoors began in West Virginia
[8:45] – How collegiate swimming shaped Steve’s mindset and approach to challenges
[14:50] – The story behind Steve’s trail name and why he decided to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail
[23:30] – Navigating the hardest sections of the Appalachian Trail and how the weather played a role
[31:10] – The importance of “hiking your own hike” and the unique culture of trail communities
[40:55] – Lessons learned from the grind of hiking and how they translate to everyday life
[47:15] – What’s next for Steve: From elk hunting in Colorado to new adventures on the horizon

Links & Resources:

Closing:

If you enjoyed this conversation with Steve, be sure to rate, follow, and share the podcast with your friends. Every review helps us reach more listeners who are ready to embark on their own great adventures. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!

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How to Plan a Big Family Trip Without Becoming the Griswold’s

Research shows that spending money on experiences often brings more lasting joy than buying more “stuff.” Now imagine the joy and connection that comes from planning a big family vacation—one that creates memories for generations to come. I believe Clark Griswold knew the value of such trips, but he clearly had trouble pulling it off.  While getting everyone aligned may feel challenging, it’s also what makes the journey worthwhile. Let’s go over some key steps to ensure your family adventure is one for the books.

Open the Dialogue Early

Nobody enjoys being dragged along on someone else’s vacation. The key to a successful family trip is making sure everyone feels included from the start. Whether some family members are retired with flexible schedules or others are balancing school, work, and activities, it’s important to consider everyone’s situation.

Start by agreeing who is the ‘champion’ of the planning overall.  Someone must be responsible for organizing the communicating the plans.  Then start gathering input from everyone—use a group video chat, shared document, or a family meeting to talk through options. This gives everyone a chance to voice what works for them and helps you find common ground. Collaboration early on can make all the difference in pulling off a trip everyone enjoys.  Obviously this will look different if you are traveling with younger kids, but you know that they have opinions too!

Balance Togetherness and Individual Time

When planning a vacation for a large group, it’s crucial to strike the right balance between shared experiences and personal space. Not everyone will want to do the same activities, and that’s okay. Whether it’s golfers heading out for a round while others enjoy a spa day or different groups exploring different sights, the key is flexibility.

Plan a few moments for everyone to be together—like beach time or family dinners—but also allow space for each person to pursue what excites them. This balance will help everyone enjoy the trip in their own way without feeling overwhelmed or restricted.

Be Clear About the Budget

Few things create tension faster than money talk, especially in a family setting. If each family is paying their way, aim to pick a destination that fits most people’s budgets. If one person is paying for it all (ie, mom and dad), be totally clear about that from the beginning.  This ensures everyone can enjoy the trip without feeling financially strained.  Or worse, living in the uncertainty of ‘who is paying for what’?

If you are generously covering the cost, having a clear budget in place is even more important. Setting limits upfront helps ensure you don’t overstretch yourself financially, allowing you to fully enjoy this special experience with your loved ones.

Thinking ahead about your travel budget and ensuring that this family vacation fits within your broader financial goals will allow you to focus on making memories instead of managing costs.  This is what it is all about!

 

Episode 32: Epic Adventures and Life Lessons with Skip Schweiss


In this episode of the On Adventure podcast, I sit down with Skip Schweiss, a seasoned executive in the financial services industry and a passionate adventurer. Known for his years of leadership at TD Ameritrade, Skip has seamlessly woven his professional life with a personal quest to push physical and mental boundaries in the great outdoors. We dive into Skip’s career journey, from his work in advisor advocacy to how he’s now dedicating more time to his love of the wilderness.

But Skip isn’t just about hiking the occasional trail—he organizes an annual group hike called “Excellent Adventures,” attracting dozens of people to tackle challenging hikes across some of the most beautiful landscapes in the U.S. From the majestic peaks of Colorado’s 14ers to this year’s adventure in Telluride, Skip shares his motivation for doing hard things, the camaraderie that comes from shared suffering, and why he believes that testing our limits makes us better.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or someone looking for inspiration to push past your comfort zone, Skip’s stories will encourage you to set bigger goals, embrace the challenge, and find joy in the journey.

Episode Highlights:

[2:42] – Skip’s journey in the financial industry, his role at TD Ameritrade, and how his love for adventure began.

[7:00] – How the Rockies ignited Skip’s passion for hiking, leading him to complete all 54 of Colorado’s 14ers.

[12:15] – The origin of Skip’s “Excellent Adventures” group hikes, which have now grown to include 70 people, and the importance of camaraderie in adventure.

[29:00] – Handling adversity on the trail: The lessons Skip has learned about staying calm when things go wrong, and how to apply that mindset to life.

[40:30] – A recap of the most recent “Excellent Adventure” in Telluride, where Skip led a group on a brutal 26-mile hike with 8,000 feet of elevation gain.

[52:00] – What’s next for Skip and the group? A sneak peek into next year’s adventure to Zion National Park and some of the epic hikes planned.

Links & Resources:

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast! Don’t forget to follow us so you don’t miss out on upcoming episodes filled with more inspiring adventures.

Check out this episode!

How to Live Like a Local…in Paris

How to Live Like a Local in Paris, France: A Financial Planner’s Guide to Adventure

Paris, the City of Light, is known for its world-class art, cuisine, and culture. But to truly experience the magic of Paris, you need to live like a local. Not only does this provide a more authentic experience, but it can also be more financially sustainable, which is a priority for our financial planning clients. Here’s a guide to living like a local in Paris with a touch of adventure, while keeping your budget in check.

Navigate Paris Like a Parisian

One of the best ways to explore Paris is on foot or by using public transportation. Parisians often walk or bike around the city, especially in pedestrian-friendly areas like Le Marais or the Latin Quarter. Renting a Vélib’ bike is a great option for getting around efficiently and affordably. For longer journeys, the Paris Metro is fast, cheap, and easy to navigate. A weekly or monthly Navigo pass can save you money compared to purchasing individual tickets.

Explore the Neighborhoods Beyond the Tourist Spots

While the Eiffel Tower and Louvre are iconic, living like a local means venturing into Paris’s unique neighborhoods. Montmartre offers cobblestone streets, art galleries, and an authentic bohemian atmosphere. Definitely visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica at the top of Montmarte and take the short tram from the front steps down to a delicious streetside crepe.  My family loved this excursion!  Le Marais, with its narrow medieval streets, is home to fashionable boutiques, quaint cafés, and hidden courtyards. Canal Saint-Martin is a favorite among Parisians for picnics and strolls along the water.

For a true local experience, spend time in lesser-known districts like Belleville, known for its vibrant street art and multicultural food scene, or the 11th arrondissement, where you’ll find affordable restaurants and a relaxed, authentic vibe.

Shop at Local Markets

One of the most enjoyable ways to live like a Parisian is by shopping at local markets. Rue Mouffetard, in the Latin Quarter, is a historic market street with fresh produce, cheeses, and bread. Marché d’Aligre in the 12th arrondissement is a bustling market where you can find everything from gourmet foods to second-hand treasures.

Shopping at markets not only supports local businesses but also offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy the best of French cuisine. Grab some fresh baguettes, cheese, and a bottle of wine for a perfect Parisian picnic in one of the city’s many parks.  The amount of Fromageries in Paris will make a cheese lover’s heart melt!

Enjoy the Green Spaces

Paris is home to beautiful parks and gardens where locals spend their weekends relaxing. The Jardin du Luxembourg is a favorite for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning landscapes. For something off the beaten path, visit Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement, one of Paris’s largest parks, complete with waterfalls, cliffs, and stunning views of the city. Parc Monceau in the 8th arrondissement is another gem, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by elegant townhouses.

Eat Like a Parisian

Dining in Paris can be pricey, but there are ways to eat like a local without overspending. Skip the tourist traps and head to neighborhood bistros and brasseries where locals dine. For an authentic Parisian experience, visit a fromagerie (cheese shop) and boulangerie (bakery) to assemble your own meal. Enjoy a simple, yet delicious picnic by the Seine or in one of Paris’s parks.

For those looking to experience Paris’s diverse culinary scene, explore the affordable eateries in neighborhoods like Belleville or the 10th arrondissement, where you’ll find cuisines from around the world. Don’t forget to visit the pâtisseries (pastry shops) to treat yourself to a croissant or pain au chocolat.

Take Advantage of Free Cultural Attractions

Many of Paris’s most famous museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month, including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay (one of my favs). Additionally, some of the city’s most beautiful landmarks, like Notre-Dame and Sacré-Cœur, are free to visit. Wander the streets of the historic neighborhoods like Le Marais and the Latin Quarter, soaking in the city’s architecture and charm without spending a euro.

Another way to experience local culture is by attending free events. From outdoor film screenings in the summer to seasonal festivals, Paris offers numerous opportunities for entertainment that won’t strain your budget.

Live Like a Local, Plan Like a Pro

Living like a local in Paris means embracing the city’s slower pace, savoring simple pleasures, and avoiding the touristy spots in favor of authentic experiences. As financial planners, we understand that your travel adventures shouldn’t come at the expense of your financial well-being. By making smart choices, from using public transportation to shopping at local markets, you can enjoy the best of Paris without breaking the bank.

Financial Tips for Adventurous Paris Travelers
  • Set a Daily Budget: Paris can be expensive if you’re not mindful of your spending. Set a daily budget for meals, transportation, and activities to stay on track.
  • Accommodation: Consider staying in short-term rentals or chambres d’hôtes (bed and breakfasts) instead of pricey hotels. This also gives you the chance to live in authentic Parisian neighborhoods.
  • Local Banking Options: If staying for a longer period, consider opening a local bank account to avoid foreign transaction fees.
  • Use Public Transport: The Navigo pass is cost-effective for public transport, and Vélib’ bikes are an affordable, fun way to explore the city.

By following these tips, you can experience Paris like a local and make your trip both memorable and financially smart. Paris is a city for dreamers and adventurers alike, and with the right approach, you can explore its wonders without overspending.