In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Brian Warren—an elite mountain guide whose life has been defined by risk, reinvention, and a deep connection to the mountains. From thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail just days after high school to guiding in the Tetons, Himalaya, and beyond, Brian’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and embracing the unknown.

We explore how Brian transitioned from living out of a backpack to leading high-stakes expeditions around the globe—and eventually, to navigating a whole new adventure: fatherhood and a career pivot into financial services. This conversation dives deep into themes of identity, confidence vs. competence, imposter syndrome, and the unique lessons that come from suffering in comfort. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to reinvent yourself while carrying forward everything hard-earned from past chapters, this episode is for you.

• [2:22] – Launching into adventure: Brian’s decision to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail at 18.

• [10:45] – Discovering leadership on the trail and earning the nickname “Merlin.”

• [18:20] – Transitioning from Knowles courses to guiding in Jackson Hole and the Tetons.

• [27:05] – Learning to ski on “toy skis” and the path to heli-ski guiding.

• [37:50] – Companionship as the secret ingredient to adventure: why relationships matter in the mountains.

• [44:00] – “Suffer in comfort”: Brian’s mantra for staying calm in high-stakes situations.

• [1:04:15] – Stories from the edge: avalanches, crevasse falls, and helicopter crashes.

• [1:10:30] – Reinventing life beyond the mountains: from guiding to financial planning.

• Sign up for The Money Trail Guide newsletter for insights on funding your own adventures.

• NOLS Outdoor Leadership School

• Jackson Hole Mountain Guides

If this episode inspired you, please rate, review, and share the podcast. You can also find our new YouTube page! It’s the best way to help more adventurers like you find these conversations. And don’t forget to follow so you don’t miss the next episode.

What drives someone to leave behind comfort and pursue something deeply meaningful? In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with Tanner Critz - a martial artist, Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, and founder of Unity Martial Arts in Little Rock. This conversation isn’t just about hiking 2,200 miles or building a successful dojo. It’s about identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to follow your own path - especially when it’s steep and uncertain.

Tanner opens up about his pivotal adventures: hiking the AT alone with a hidden bleeding ulcer, turning a quiet martial arts passion into a thriving community, and facing a near-death COVID experience that shook his world. We explore what it means to live with intention, take risks that matter, and find a sense of home in both place and people. Arthur Brooks says that to live a happy, meaningful life, we all have to answer two questions...Why am I here, and What am I willing to die for? If you’ve ever asked yourself either of these questions - this episode is for you.

[3:42] - How a year of reflection led Tanner to hike the Appalachian Trail
[8:15] - Experiencing deep physical pain—and choosing not to quit
[14:29] - The unexpected transition from graphic design to martial arts
[20:51] - Starting Unity Martial Arts and building community through connection
[31:03] - The philosophy of self-defense and teaching through empathy
[39:30] - Surviving COVID: A near-death experience and its lasting impact
[46:10] - Finding peace, purpose, and the value of rest
[52:58] - Advice for anyone standing at the edge of a big life decision

• Unity Martial Arts, Little Rock

• The Appalachian Trail Conservancy

• Books Mentioned:

  • End to Ending: An Appalachian Thru Hiker's Story by Tanner Critz

  • Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior by Chögyam Trungpa

If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to follow, rate, and review the podcast. Also check out our new YouTube page and be sure to subcribe there. And don’t forget to share it with someone who might be standing at the edge of their own next big step. See you next time, adventurers.

In this special episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with the unstoppable Holly Budge—an adventurer, conservationist, and the first woman to skydive over Mount Everest. With World Female Ranger Week in full swing, this conversation couldn’t be more timely. You can find out more about what these incredibly brave female rangers do here and why they are being celebrated this week. Holly opens up about transforming fear into fuel, climbing the world’s highest peak solo, and how her bold expeditions became a platform for championing female wildlife rangers.

We explore her work with How Many Elephants and the founding of World Female Ranger Week, diving into the challenges and triumphs of the women on the front lines of conservation. Whether you’re an adventure junkie, a purpose-driven leader, or someone looking for that next spark of inspiration, this episode delivers the goods.

Timeline Summary:

[2:15] - How a single conversation launched Holly’s journey to skydive Everest
[6:47] - What it’s like to freefall at 29,500 feet over the Himalayas
[12:22] - Training your mindset for mental toughness and high-altitude endurance
[17:31] - The origin story of How Many Elephants and connecting passion with purpose
[21:18] - Launching World Female Ranger Week and elevating unheard voices
[27:05] - Grit, resilience, and the power of women protecting the wild
[35:40] - What Holly’s adventures have taught her about life and leadership

Links & Resources:

• Holly Budge: hollybudge.com

• World Female Ranger Week: worldfemalerangerweek.org

• How Many Elephants: howmanyelephants.org

• Follow Holly on Instagram: @hollybudge

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