On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down with Kandi Pickard, CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society, for an open and honest conversation about parenting, inclusion, and what it means to dream bigger. From her son Mason’s story to the national advocacy work that’s reshaping opportunities for people with Down syndrome, Kandi brings both warmth and wisdom to every moment. We discuss the fear, joy, and the everyday beauty of raising kids who change how we see the world. From seaplanes landing outside our window to Ren making a surprise appearance mid-recording, this is real life, unscripted and unfiltered.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month the best way we know how, by talking about the myths we have heard, the truth we have lived, and the moments that made us laugh along the way. From the idea that people with Down syndrome are always happy (they aren’t) to the myth that everyone with Down syndrome looks the same (they don’t), we share what is actually true in our world with Ren. You will hear about the letter A standoff, the epic starfish counting moment, and Ren’s plan to live with his friends one day. It is real life with a side of humor, honest, personal, and full of love for the kid who keeps us on our toes and reminds us not to take anything too seriously.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I share about our new educational docuseries, Adventure Without Boundaries. What began as a way to inspire kids with special needs has grown into a full classroom resource with lessons, sensory sections, and activities that teachers can adapt for every kind of learner. We talk about why we kept the series off social media, how teachers are using it, and the incredible feedback we’ve already received. You’ll also get a peek at our next episode, where our family volunteers at a local salmon hatchery to learn about conservation, community, and the connection between adventure and responsibility. It’s fun, thoughtful, and all about showing kids, with and without disabilities, that curiosity belongs everywhere, even in the classroom.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Maegan Calcutt, who flew to British Columbia to interview for the role of Ren’s Direct Support Professional (DSP). But this isn’t your average interview, it’s messy, chaotic, and quickly becomes clear that this job is really 25/8 with no privacy, no clocking out, and no escape. From crab pots dumping open on her feet to the blunt reality of life on a boat with kids, Ren, and a crew that never stops moving, Maegan shares what excites her, what scares her, and what it feels like to step straight into our world. This is the unedited, behind-the-scenes reality of what it takes to even consider joining the expedition.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Erik and Emily Orton, authors of Seven at Sea. It tells the story of living aboard with five kids, including their youngest daughter Lily who has Down syndrome, as they sailed from the Caribbean to New York. We talk about the courage it took to step away from the “conveyor belt” of life, the realities of parenting on the water, and how Lily’s curiosity and determination gave them new perspective on education and adventure. Eric and Emily also reflect on the friendships they built at sea and the challenges of returning to life on land. Their story is a powerful reminder that family is the greatest adventure of all, and that sometimes the most important question is not What could go wrong? but What could go right?

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we’re back and living a whole new chapter in Canada, on the boat, and beginning Salomé’s refit. After three years of preparation, it finally feels real. Along the way, Ren finds new freedoms (with one unforgettable runaway story), Freya becomes the pied piper of neighborhood kids, and Roake takes the helm with quiet confidence that surprises even us. Together, we discover the joy of waking up every day to something new. It’s chaotic, funny, and full of those “we made it” moments, a reminder that life isn’t tomorrow, it’s happening right now.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I’m flying solo to share some big updates. We’ve officially left Oregon and arrived in British Columbia, marking the beginning of our long-awaited refit on Salome. Val is back in Oregon, wrapping up the house and her job, while Roake, Freyja, and I start settling into the new rhythm of a sleepy little town by the sea. I share what it's like to pare down our life into 20 bins, the joy of seeing the kids thrive, and the incredible support from Lou and Judy. Plus, I give you a behind-the-scenes look at our visit from Battle Born Batteries, including a film crew capturing the heart of Ren’s story and the expedition.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down for part two of our conversation about fear, and this one goes deeper. We’re not just talking about storms or seasickness. We’re talking about what it means to risk everything as a family. What if we hate it? What if the kids hate it? What if something goes wrong and we can’t take it back? From Val’s fear of storms and medical emergencies to my fear of crew dynamics and worst-case scenarios with Ren, we try to name the things that keep us up at night, sometimes literally. It’s raw, a little dark, and at times, weirdly funny. But that’s what it looks like when two people who’ve lived through some things let their inner voice come out. No drama. Just honesty.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val, Roake, and I are recording from the back deck to escape the empty rooms and moving boxes, and to talk about the things we’re afraid of on this expedition. This time, we’re not diving into what we’re excited for. We’re naming the stuff that gives us pause. Seasickness. Storms. Running out of water. Rockfish. Bad diesel. And yes… cone snails. Each of us shares what’s been on our minds as the expedition gets closer. The goal isn’t drama or being heavy. We just want to be real. Join us for a reflective conversation about fear, the unknown, and moving forward because we know courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s deciding to keep going despite it.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I sit down with my son Ren. He’s nine years old, loves bikes, ice cream, and talking about our upcoming sailing expedition. Ren also has Down syndrome and has been working very hard on developing his speech. Sometimes he’s on topic, sometimes he’s not, and sometimes it just feels like a window into the way his mind works. This episode is about letting Ren be Ren, and that’s what makes it so special. His love of life, his sense of adventure, and his excitement for what’s ahead come through in ways you can’t script. If you’re wondering why we’re doing this expedition, listening to him might help you understand.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we’re giving a quick update as we wrap up the last pieces of life here in Oregon and get ready to head to British Columbia. Our house is nearly ready to list, the pets have new homes, and somehow everything we’re bringing fits into a few black bins. It’s strange, exciting, and a little surreal.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we take a break from the stress of packing, deadlines, and to-do lists to reflect on what’s pulling us forward. In a completely unscripted conversation, Paul surprises Val with a question, What are the top five things we’re most looking forward to as we set sail? The result is a countdown filled with laughter, honesty, and wild turns including sharks, surfing, bread baking, and the now-infamous “one dot” tattoo idea. This episode is equal parts vulnerable and funny, and it reminds us of what really matters when we're chasing something big as a family. We talk about his years at SeaWorld, his expeditions to Antarctica, and the challenges of raising kids to care about nature in a world glued to screens. Our son Roake’s bearded dragon Hank the Tank even makes a cameo, from a new home that might just be perfect. This episode is full of heart, wild stories, and a reminder that the natural world has the power to change lives if we pay attention.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Dave Sidden, Executive Director of Wildlife Images and a lifelong advocate for all things wild. Dave shares his journey from filming wildlife with his father to running one of the most beloved rehabilitation and education centers in the Pacific Northwest. We talk about his years at SeaWorld, his expeditions to Antarctica, and the challenges of raising kids to care about nature in a world glued to screens. Our son Roake’s bearded dragon Hank the Tank even makes a cameo, from a new home that might just be perfect. This episode is full of heart, wild stories, and a reminder that the natural world has the power to change lives if we pay attention.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Ms. Rhonda Schock, educator, community builder, and the woman who’s helped raise half the kids in Rogue River, including ours. For 39 years, she’s championed play-based learning, inclusion, and meeting each child exactly where they are. We talk about parenting shifts over the decades, the value of letting kids get dirty, how to spot a great preschool, and what it really means to build a village. Rhonda shares how she’s created space for kids with special needs without fear, labels, or limitations, just love and learning. This episode is full of laughter, honesty, and moments that might just shift how you think about childhood and education.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I share the 10 things we wish we knew about Down syndrome when Ren was born. We didn’t know he had Down syndrome until the moment he arrived, and what followed wasn’t encouraging. It felt like an endless list of warnings about everything he might never do, instead of any recognition of the potential and beauty that would come to define his life. This is the list we wish someone had given us instead. Some of it’s backed by science. Some of it’s just the truth we’ve learned by living it. We talk about the unknowns, the hard moments, and the unexpected beauty of raising a child with Down syndrome. This episode is about hope, connection, and the joy we’ve found in 10 years of parenting Ren. A life more full, more connected, and more meaningful than we ever imagined.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down with Tressie Albee, a therapist whose candid and unconventional approach to life and therapy has been shaped by her own profound experiences. In this raw, unscripted conversation, Tressie shares her journey from tribal Kenya during the Somali war and her eventual shift in understanding that life is about being fully alive, not ticking boxes. From finding purpose in the chaos, we explore how perceptions shape our ideas of ‘success’ and why parenting isn’t about perfection. Tressie challenges conventional views of therapy, shares stories of navigating life with authenticity and reflects on what it truly means to practice self-care.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down with Freyja, our 7-year-old daughter, to hear how she imagines our expedition unfolding. From her love of animals (even the sharks!) to what it might be like living on a boat with her brothers, she shares it all with the spark of wonder only a kid can bring. It’s a beautiful, light-hearted conversation that lets you see through the eyes of someone who’s been dreaming about it for nearly half her life.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Matt Knighton, director, adventure photographer, and award-winning filmmaker. Matt shares his experiences as the Onboard Reporter for Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing during their winning 2014-2015 Volvo Ocean Race. He reflects on what it was like to race around the world on a Volvo 65, what it means to be a sailor, and offers candid insights into our upcoming expedition. From the intensity of offshore racing to the human dynamics that define success at sea, this episode dives into the grit, storytelling, and reality of life at sea. Join us for an honest, unexpected, and engaging conversation about the intersection of sailing, adventure, and the stories that shape us.

On this episode of The Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down with Joy and Bobby, parents to Allanah, a child with level 3 autism and additional diagnoses. They share an unfiltered look at their daily reality—the struggles, the exhaustion, and their unwavering fight to ensure Allanah has the best possible life. Their journey is a testament to the lengths parents go to for their children. It’s an honest conversation about the challenges that don’t always have easy answers. Through it all, they remain dedicated, constantly pushing forward because of their love and unwavering commitment.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I continue our conversation with my dad, diving into the moments, challenges, and lessons that have shaped us as a family and made this expedition possible. We reminisce about my childhood and the many adventures that followed, reflecting on how those experiences prepared us for the journey ahead. Along the way, we explore how life’s experiences shape our perspectives on time, family, and what truly matters. Through it all, my dad offers insights in the way only he can, seeing life from an angle that makes us pause and reflect. This episode isn’t just about the past. It is about the foundation that makes us who we are and why we take on challenges others might shy away from.