This week, we're honored to welcome Austin Whitehead from Salt Lake City, Utah, who made a pivotal decision 15 years ago that would shape the entire trajectory of his life. Growing up in suburban Charlotte, North Carolina, Austin felt the pull of something beyond the traditional path: a calling to step away, explore, and discover who he truly was before diving into college.
Austin takes us on a journey through his transformative gap year, from that first step onto the Appalachian Trail as an 18-year-old, to working on organic farms in the Italian Dolomites, to returning as a caretaker at a legendary trail hostel. He describes those pivotal moments: breathing in the mountain air, finding simplicity in the rhythm of walking, and meeting people from all walks of life. These experiences gave him the context and confidence to pursue a life aligned with his deepest values.
In this episode, we explore the profound power of the intentional pause, the difference between falling behind and gaining clarity, and how Austin's deliberate choice to take a gap year became an accelerator rather than a detour. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about listening to your inner compass, the medicine of moving your body in nature with others, and what it truly means to figure it out as you go, one adventure at a time.
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This week, we're honored to welcome Austin Whitehead from Salt Lake City, Utah, who made a pivotal decision 15 years ago that would shape the entire trajectory of his life. Growing up in suburban Charlotte, North Carolina, Austin felt the pull of something beyond the traditional path: a calling to step away, explore, and discover who he truly was before diving into college.
Austin takes us on a journey through his transformative gap year, from that first step onto the Appalachian Trail as an 18-year-old, to working on organic farms in the Italian Dolomites, to returning as a caretaker at a legendary trail hostel. He describes those pivotal moments: breathing in the mountain air, finding simplicity in the rhythm of walking, and meeting people from all walks of life. These experiences gave him the context and confidence to pursue a life aligned with his deepest values.
In this episode, we explore the profound power of the intentional pause, the difference between falling behind and gaining clarity, and how Austin's deliberate choice to take a gap year became an accelerator rather than a detour. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about listening to your inner compass, the medicine of moving your body in nature with others, and what it truly means to figure it out as you go, one adventure at a time.
Episode 173: EBC Part 2: Reflections from the Trail with Clare, Keith & Sam
Inspire Campfire
52 minutes 36 seconds
5 months ago
Episode 173: EBC Part 2: Reflections from the Trail with Clare, Keith & Sam
This week, in part 2 of our Everest Base Camp series, we're honored to welcome three extraordinary adventurers from our recent Everest Base Camp trek: Keith Davis, a real estate investor from Eugene, Oregon; Clare Brown, an upland ecologist from Scotland; and Sam Van Keulen, a real estate investor based in Burgundy, France. United by their spirit of adventure, these three individuals joined host Scott Wurtzbacher on an unforgettable journey through the Himalayas.
Our guests take us through their transformative experiences trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp, where they joined Paralympic gold medalist Karen Darke in her remarkable journey. They describe those pivotal moments facing the challenges of high altitude, mechanical issues with Karen's specialized bike, and the breathtaking majesty of the world's highest mountain range. What began as a physical challenge quickly evolved into something deeper—a profound experience of human connection, present-moment awareness, and spiritual growth.
In this episode, we explore the meaning of perseverance beyond its physical demands, the unique spirit of the Nepalese people, and how this journey became a catalyst for personal transformation for each guest. Keith shares the emotional journey of honoring his sister's memory, Clare discovers her ability to be truly present, and Sam reflects on finding life's true value beyond material possessions. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about finding purpose through challenge, embracing adventure one step at a time, and what it truly means to travel with an open heart.
Inspire Campfire
This week, we're honored to welcome Austin Whitehead from Salt Lake City, Utah, who made a pivotal decision 15 years ago that would shape the entire trajectory of his life. Growing up in suburban Charlotte, North Carolina, Austin felt the pull of something beyond the traditional path: a calling to step away, explore, and discover who he truly was before diving into college.
Austin takes us on a journey through his transformative gap year, from that first step onto the Appalachian Trail as an 18-year-old, to working on organic farms in the Italian Dolomites, to returning as a caretaker at a legendary trail hostel. He describes those pivotal moments: breathing in the mountain air, finding simplicity in the rhythm of walking, and meeting people from all walks of life. These experiences gave him the context and confidence to pursue a life aligned with his deepest values.
In this episode, we explore the profound power of the intentional pause, the difference between falling behind and gaining clarity, and how Austin's deliberate choice to take a gap year became an accelerator rather than a detour. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about listening to your inner compass, the medicine of moving your body in nature with others, and what it truly means to figure it out as you go, one adventure at a time.
