Adventure is Everywhere

What do you do when life hands you a moment that feels complicated?In this episode, I’m taking you inside a weekend that could have gone very differently. My former husband got married, and instead of staying home and powering through it, I chose to leave town and spend the weekend at Civana Wellness Resort in the Arizona desert.And what I thought would be a relaxing getaway turned into something much deeper.If you’ve ever navigated divorce, a major life transition, or just found yourself in a season where you’re trying to rebuild and figure out who you are again—this episode is for you.We’re talking about a different kind of adventure. Not the kind that requires a passport or a plane ticket, but the kind that asks you to slow down, sit with yourself, and actually pay attention to what’s happening inside.Inside this episode, you’ll hear:What an intention-burning ceremony is (and why it was exactly what I needed)The unexpected life lesson I learned from hiking through a saguaro cactus forestWhy slow growth is still meaningful growth (even when it doesn’t feel like it)How a simple meditation tool helped me finally build consistencyWhat happened at the airport that tested everything I thought I “learned” that weekendWhy healing isn’t a one-time event—and what it actually looks like in real lifeThis episode is a reminder that:You don’t have to be fully healed to be moving forward.You don’t have to rush your growth for it to matter.And sometimes the most meaningful adventure you can take… is inward.If you’re in a season of change, rebuilding, or just trying to feel a little more like yourself again, I’d love to hear from you.You can DM me on Instagram at @adventure.iseverywhere and let me know what part of this episode hit home.And if you know someone who might need to hear this right now, share it with them. You never know who’s quietly going through their own version of this.Next week, we’re heading from inward adventure to a very outward one—my hike through the Grand Canyon.

Can you live an adventurous life if you struggle with anxiety?In this episode of Adventure Is Everywhere, we talk about adventure, anxiety, and how to try new things even when your brain jumps to worst-case scenarios.If you’ve ever wanted to try something new—travel somewhere unfamiliar, hike a new trail, sign up for a big challenge—but your brain immediately started imagining everything that could go wrong, this episode is for you.We talk about how you can learn to carry anxiety with you instead of letting it stop you, along with practical strategies for building confidence and embracing adventure in everyday life.You’ll also hear stories from a recent weekend of microadventures around St. Louis—including a spontaneous hike that ended with a herd of elk blocking the trail, a creative stop on Cherokee Street, tango lessons with my fiancé, and a chaotic hot pot dinner.Here's what else we'll cover:Why anxiety doesn’t mean adventure isn’t for youThe concept of anxiety as “the dizziness of freedom”How to prepare for adventure without spiraling into over-planningWhy microadventures are a powerful way to build confidenceThe importance of starting small and building evidence that you can handle new experiencesWhy doing adventurous things with friends or guides can help reduce anxietyThe surprising ways nature can support mental healthMentions in the episode:Hiking at Lone Elk Park near St. Louishttps://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/parks/places/lone-elk-park/Creative stop at SunSnow Stationery & Studio on Cherokee Streethttps://sunsnowstationery.com/Coffee at Good Strangers on Cherokee Streethttps://www.goodstrangersstl.com/Hot pot dinner at K-Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot (Overland, MO)https://thekpot.com/location/overland/Kim’s first 29029 Everesting experience in Sun Valleyhttps://29029everesting.com/sun-valley/29029 Everesting Mont-Tremblanthttps://29029everesting.com/mont-tremblant/You don’t have to eliminate fear to live an adventurous life.You just have to decide that your life is big enough to hold both adventure and anxiety.Follow along for more everyday adventure ideas and microadventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventure.iseverywhereTopics in this episode: adventure and anxiety, microadventures, outdoor adventure, mental health and travel, overcoming fear, hiking and nature, building confidence through adventure.

What happens when you stop trying to protect yourself from failure and just climb the mountain?In this episode, Kim shares the full story of completing 29029 Mont Tremblant—an endurance event where participants hike the same mountain over and over until they reach 29,029 vertical feet, the height of Mount Everest.After finishing Sun Valley the year before, Kim thought she knew what she was signing up for. But training through St. Louis heat waves, nagging injuries, and a lot of imposter syndrome led to an unexpected mental challenge: realizing she was already telling herself the story of how it might go wrong.Then the storm hit.In the middle of the night on lap nine, Kim found herself climbing through pouring rain, intense wind gusts, and lightning lighting up the mountain. What started as a terrifying moment turned into one of the most exhilarating experiences of the entire weekend—and a reminder that sometimes the hardest moments are the ones that make you feel most alive.Along the way, Kim talks about the power of community at 29029, the mantra that carried her through the hardest moments (“Everything I need is within me”), and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is stop writing the failure story before the adventure even begins.She also shares her favorite post-race recovery experience at Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant, plus a few thoughts on why adventure friendships are very much a real thing.What 29029 Everesting actually is and why people sign upTraining for Mont Tremblant through Midwest heat wavesThe mental trap of “failing in advance”What the Mont Tremblant mountain course is like (false summits included)Climbing through an evening lightning stormWhy community makes endurance events so powerfulThe mantra that kept Kim moving when things got hardPost-race recovery at Scandinave SpaWhy the best adventures often lead to unexpected friendshipsFollow Kim on Instagram: @adventure.iseverywhereMicroadventure inspiration: @grandmaschaosandglitterRelated episodes:29029 Sun Valley Recap (Kim’s first Everesting experience)Adventure as a Core Value in RelationshipsLearn more about the event:29029 EverestingRecovery recommendation:Scandinave Spa Mont-TremblantSometimes the hardest part of adventure isn’t the mountain—it’s the story we tell ourselves before we even start.And when things get hard, remember:Everything you need is already within you.

What happens when you start saying yes to the things that scare you — just a little?In this episode, I’m sharing the ripple effect of one small brave decision… and how it led to me hiking the Grand Canyon later this month.In this episode, we talk about:The power of saying yes to things outside your comfort zoneWhy small brave decisions build confidence over timeHow divorce was the first big “choose yourself” moment that changed my lifeHow 29029 Everesting led to this Grand Canyon opportunityWhy regret sticks differently than sore legsAnd how to interrupt your automatic “no”If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re playing it too safe… this one’s for you.You don’t need a Grand Canyon moment.You need one aligned, slightly-scary yes.Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 7: 29029 Sun ValleyEpisode 5: Midlife is Prime Adventure SeasonPhantom Ranch (Grand Canyon National Park)https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/lodging/phantom-ranch/Follow along with my Micro Adventure Mondays and Grand Canyon updates on Instagram:👉 https://www.instagram.com/adventure.iseverywhereIf this episode resonated, share it with a friend who might need a nudge toward their own brave yes.

Planning a family trip can either feel magical…or like you’re personally responsible for orchestrating a logistical Olympics.In this episode of Adventure Is Everywhere, I’m sharing the exact framework I use to plan trips that are meaningful, memorable, and actually enjoyable — for everyone.This isn’t about packing your schedule to the brim.It’s about building intentional experiences your kids will still talk about in their twenties.Whether you’re planning an international adventure (like our upcoming trip to Montenegro) or a long weekend closer to home, these seven strategies will help you create trips that feel thoughtful instead of frantic.Invite your people into the decision-making process early.Consider the interests of each person in the group when planning activities.Resist the urge to overpack the agenda.Get nerdy with logistics. Borrow other people's itineraries Consider timingDo a debriefMemorable trips are not about how exotic the destination is and you don't necessarily need a passport. What you do need is intention, so the magic isn't accidental. When you plan with care, you're building family lore, and you're shaping whatadventure means in your home. Other mentions and helpful links from this episode: Intro destinations: Civana SpaPostcard CabinsInstagram shout-outs:@mathwithmissmcd@two_teacherstravelDominica episodeOther Travel Options/Mentions:Ecoventura GalapagosWhitewater rafting⁠ in MontenegroHalf-day ⁠private boat trip⁠ in MontenegroDurmitor National Park⁠Trip Planning Tools:Create Your Own Google MapCanva (for creating pretty trip presentations)The Power of Moments.⁠ (book describing the Peak-End Effect phenomenon)London (upcoming trip):The Floating Bookshop (Word on the Water)Attendant Coffee Roasters (the former Victorian urinal coffee shop)And just for fun...Poop Cruise Documentary

In this episode of Adventure Is Everywhere, I’m sharing my honest 29029 Sun Valley experience — from the 20 weeks of training to the 36-hour cutoff and what the event is really like.If you’ve ever Googled “Is 29029 worth it?” or “What is 29029 like?” this is the episode I wish I had found before I signed up.29029 is an Everesting event where participants hike the same mountain 15 times in 36 hours, gaining the elevation of Mount Everest. I trained 5–7 days per week while navigating divorce, solo parenting, business ownership, and rebuilding trust in my body after a major tibial stress fracture.In this episode, I talk about:What 29029 Sun Valley is actually likeHow I trained for 20 weeks (including long training days and two-a-days)The mental challenge of climbing the same mountain 15 timesThe infamous “Wall” sectionThe 3 a.m. moment that almost broke meFinishing with one hour left before the 36-hour cutoffBut more than that, this episode is about identity. It’s about self-doubt. It’s about what happens when your life shifts and you decide to climb anyway.If you’re considering 29029 — or facing a mountain of your own — this one’s for you.

What if adventure isn’t something you plan once in a while—but a value you live by in your relationships?In this episode, I explore adventure as a core value in romantic relationships, especially in long-term, real-life partnerships. Not adventure as thrill-seeking or constant travel, but adventure as curiosity, openness, shared courage, and a willingness to step outside routine—together.In honor of Valentine’s Day, I start with a question: When was the last time you felt curious in one of your relationships? Because that feeling—oh, this is new—is often where adventure begins.I share a core values exercise inspired by Dr. Alexandra Solomon, and reflect on what it was like to narrow nearly 90 values down to a top ten for my relationship. One of the biggest takeaways? Adventure isn’t always obvious when it’s missing—but when it’s present, it quietly shapes how connected, alive, and engaged a relationship feels.Through personal stories—from finishing a 29029 Everesting event, to learning Argentine tango together, to early travel mishaps that could’ve gone very wrong—I talk about what shared adventure adds to a partnership:A richer shared storyA break from autopilot and routineNew ways of seeing each otherMore laughter (especially when things don’t go as planned)Stronger teamwork when things get hardWe also talk about an important truth: adventure can feel scary when you’re doing it alone. Having an adventure partner doesn’t eliminate fear—but it makes it feel manageable. And if you’re choosing someone to build a life with, choosing someone you can step into the unknown with—someone who makes the scary stuff feel more possible—might matter more than we’re taught to believe.This episode isn’t only about romantic relationships, either. These same ideas apply to your relationship with yourself. When curiosity fades and novelty disappears, it’s often self-connection that suffers first. Inviting adventure back in—through small risks, new experiences, or simply paying closer attention—can be a powerful way to rebuild trust and engagement with your own life, whether you’re partnered or not.I also share practical ways to invite more adventure into your relationships, including:Talking openly about the role you want adventure to play—individually and togetherSupporting each other’s solo adventures as well as shared onesStaying flexible and saying yes to unplanned momentsBeing intentional about planning experiences instead of waiting for “someday”Along the way, I reference a few resources that have shaped how I think about values, intention, and designing a meaningful life:Money for Couples, by Ramit Sethi, which explores how couples can design a shared “rich life” based on what matters most to themBig Ass Calendar, a planning tool built around scheduling meaningful experiences first—and letting the rest of life fit around themYour Journaling Partner, Episode 1, which inspired reflection on intention, awareness, and noticing the adventure that already exists in our livesWhether you’re partnered, single, parenting, or somewhere in between, this episode is an invitation to think about adventure not as something extreme—but as a way of choosing to stay engaged, curious, and connected.Because adventure doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful.Sometimes it’s just choosing to say yes—and not doing it alone.

Midlife is often framed as a time of slowing down—but what if it’s actually the moment when adventure becomes more accessible, more intentional, and more meaningful?In this episode, we reflect on aging, self-perception, and why midlife is prime adventure season, looking at midlife legends like the Golden Girls and Catherine O'Hara, whose portrayal of Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek modeled fearless reinvention, humor, and presence at midlife. The episode also explores:How negative self-talk around aging quietly shrinks our livesWhy declaring yourself “too old” can be a form of self-protectionA powerful story from a 29029 Everesting event that reframed what aging can look likeWhy midlife brings clarity, confidence, and fewer (but more wisely rationed) fucksHow choosing healthy discomfort can make you feel more alive—regardless of ageThe episode also references a favorite Moira Rose quote:“Who knows what will befall us tomorrow? You could be hit by a Mack truck or bopped on the head by a tiny piece of space debris.”

What if being more adventurous isn’t about being fearless—but about trusting yourself more?In this episode of Adventure Is Everywhere, I share how weightlifting and CrossFit helped me build confidence, trust myself, and say yes to more adventure—without this being a “you should work out” episode.This isn’t about looking a certain way. It’s about practicing discomfort, building faith in yourself, and discovering how intrinsic motivation—wanting a body that supports the life you want—can be far more powerful than external goals like appearance.We talk about:Why doing hard things on purpose builds confidenceHow fitness and adventure reinforce each other in a powerful feedback loopWhy mindset matters more than physical abilityWhether fitness is part of your life or not, this episode is about courage, curiosity, and learning to trust yourself in small ways that lead to bigger, richer experiences.Because adventure isn’t always something you plan.Sometimes it’s something you’re already training for.Follow along:👉 Gym: https://www.instagram.com/twosixfitness👉 Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/adventure.iseverywhereNote: This episode contains a recommendation for the book Outlive by Peter Attia. Shortly after its airing, information came to light about Peter Attia’s close association with Jeffrey Epstein. I was unaware of this at the time of recording and would not knowingly recommend or support authors connected to such behavior. I regret the recommendation and am actively seeking alternative longevity resources from authors whose work—and values—I can stand behind.

What if the reason you think you’re “not adventurous” isn’t because it’s true—but because your definition of adventure is too small?In this episode of Adventure Is Everywhere, we unpack the quiet story so many of us tell ourselves—I’m just not adventurous—and explore how comparison, all-or-nothing thinking, and the need to feel safe can slowly shrink our lives.This isn’t a conversation about extreme sports or quitting your job to travel the world. It’s about expanding what adventure really means, recognizing that vulnerability and curiosity carry risk too, and learning how small, meaningful experiences can create a richer, more adventurous life.You’ll hear personal stories, a reframe of adventure that opens the door for more people to step through it, and practical ways to start building confidence through micro-adventures—without blowing up your life.✨ Includes a simple closing ritual to help you try one small adventure this week.If you’ve ever felt like adventure was for other people, this episode is for you.