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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Election Day Reflections

I sent this letter out initially in the midst of Election Day.  There obviously was a lot of energy in the air. Anticipation runs high, and the headlines were filled with speculation on what the choices mean for the markets. But here’s the perspective we can hold: while political outcomes may feel momentous, they rarely dictate the path of long-term investments.

Here are some helpful reminders as we continue to move through this election cycle:

Election outcomes and stock market outcomes are not correlated.

Election results and market returns are often far less connected than the news might suggest. For example, research by Fidelity has shown that, over time, the S&P 500 has performed comparably under both Democratic and Republican administrations—regardless of who held Congress. Since 1976, every market sector has had periods of growth during both Democratic and Republican terms. Across election cycles since 1976, each sector has performed well at times, regardless of which party holds the White House.  The markets, it seems, march to a rhythm of their own.

Cause and effect in the markets is rarely direct.

During election seasons, it’s tempting to act on predictions about how new socioeconomic policies might influence the markets. However, even the most astute commentators cannot reliably forecast market reactions to political shifts. Financial writer for Forbes John Jennings compares this to scientists who understand why volcanoes occur but cannot predict each eruption. In markets, just as in nature, the ability to explain an event is different from the ability to foresee it.

Elections come and go; your investments have a much longer time horizon.

We may vote for a president every four years, but your portfolio is designed to endure and grow over decades. Data spanning nearly a century, illustrated by Dimensional Fund Advisors, shows that U.S. equities have consistently trended upward, no matter which party was in power. Staying the course remains the most effective path forward for reaching your long-term goals.

So as the election buzz fills the air, know that your investments are positioned for resilience. Let’s keep our sights on the horizon, with our long-term objectives leading the way.

Steady onward.

 

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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Thanksgiving Reflections: Finding Financial Peace, Presence, and Genuine Joy in the Season

Thanksgiving marks a pause for many of us in the whirlwind of daily life. I love it for that.  For a few days, we gather with family and friends, enjoying good food, laughter, and conversation. Yet, the season can be bittersweet—a time of reflection and celebration that’s often overshadowed by the stress of holiday expenses and the pressures of hosting or attending gatherings or other family dynamics that are just hard to put a finger on. As we enter this Thanksgiving season, maybe we consider a different approach: focusing on financial stability, being fully present with our loved ones, and finding genuine enjoyment rather than just getting through it.  Yeah, I know, you’ve heard this before, but hear me out.

Cultivating Financial Stability…it’s not about the money

Financial stability isn’t about extravagance; it’s about having peace of mind and the freedom to make choices aligned with our values. For many, holidays add a financial strain, but it doesn’t have to.  Trust me, this is the part of the article where I’m talking to myself, so feel free to listen in.

Financial stability begins in the mind. It’s about adopting a mindset that values contentment over accumulation, embracing a sense of “enough” rather than striving for more. This mindset allows us to approach the holidays with gratitude for what we have rather than stressing about what we lack. Thanksgiving invites us to step back and see our resources—time, energy, and money—as tools to be used intentionally, not indicators of success or happiness. When we feel secure in what we have, we’re less tempted by the holiday urge to overspend or overextend.

The Power of (Being) the Present

With today’s technology, it’s easy to be physically present with family while mentally absent—our thoughts divided between notifications, emails, and to-do lists. I truly believe that there is no such thing as multi-tasking…our brains are hardwired in this way.  So, if you’re staring at your phone, you’re not present with those around you.  One of the most profound gifts we can give during Thanksgiving is the full presence of our attention. Choosing to leave phones in another room, engage in conversation, and listen to each family member’s story without distraction can transform our gatherings. These moments don’t require perfection in family dynamics; they only need our open ears and a willingness to embrace others as they are. 

Being fully present also applies to ourselves. Instead of rushing to fit every seasonal obligation, we can consciously slow down, taking time to recharge. Whether it’s a quiet morning walk, reading a book, or simply breathing deeply before a meal, these moments allow us to enjoy Thanksgiving with gratitude and grace rather than as an item on a checklist.

Enjoying, Not Enduring, the Season

Many people experience the holidays as something to endure rather than enjoy—a time of fulfilling social expectations or family obligations. However, true enjoyment comes from engaging with the season in a way that’s meaningful to us personally. For some, this might mean traditional festivities; for others, it might look like an intimate gathering or even a quiet Thanksgiving hike. The key is to spend the day in a way that brings joy and connection, free from imposed expectations.

Setting boundaries on how we celebrate doesn’t diminish the holiday’s value—it enhances it. When we choose celebrations that align with who we are, we foster genuine gratitude. If that means opting for a small dinner, skipping crowded stores, or using Thanksgiving to volunteer instead, so be it. Our traditions should reflect what brings us joy, not what we feel pressured to maintain.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on abundance—of love, health, relationships, and even the lessons learned through challenges. I want us all to pursue our Great Life right now, and this holiday season is a great opportunity to pursue it with the people that we care most about.  This season, let’s make it less about stretching our resources thin and more about stretching our capacity for gratitude. Embrace simplicity, give the gift of presence, and choose joy over obligation. In doing so, Thanksgiving becomes more than a holiday; it becomes a practice in contentment, reminding us that true wealth is measured by the richness of our experiences and the depth of our connections. 

Thanks for listening without judgment to my inner dialogue.

 

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!