In this episode of the On Adventure Podcast, I sit down with singer-songwriter and creative visionary Thad Cockrell for a conversation that took an unexpected but deeply inspiring turn. Thad opens up about his journey from wrestling mats and seminary halls to Nashville stages and international acclaim—all while forging a career based on creativity, authenticity, and saying a bold “yes” to uncertainty. We explore what it means to create from love rather than fear, and how rebellion, doubt, and wonder can be sacred tools on the creative path.

From Thad’s bold decision to sell his album for $100 directly to fans, to the moment Jimmy Fallon discovered his song in a hardware store, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success, security, and what it means to truly create without an agenda. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or just someone seeking a more intentional life, this episode is packed with insight and soul.

[1:45] - Thad on how creativity is a daily act of defeating doubt
[4:00] - Why you can’t conform and create at the same time
[9:55] - The childhood moment that sparked Thad’s unexpected path toward music
[14:20] - Discovering Neil Young and realizing, “This is what I’m supposed to do”
[24:30] - Moving to Nashville and the wild story of unexpected community support
[33:50] - Thad’s transformative shift from insecurity to creating from security
[44:00] - How he released his latest album for $100 and made more than 13 years on Spotify
[49:50] - What it means to create from the present moment with no need for external validation
[56:00] - Thad’s big dream: building a new music economy and going platinum without streaming

• Thad Cockrell’s album “The Kid” — Available exclusively via his site

• Learn more about Thad’s journey and upcoming projects at thadcockrell.com

• Past guest: Thom Asta's episode

If this conversation sparked something in you, I’d love for you to leave a review, share the episode, or hit that follow button. Your support means the world and helps more people find the podcast. Thanks for being part of the adventure!

Some stories grab you right from the first sentence—and this one, with Patrick Serfass, took me on a ride I didn’t want to end.

Patrick isn’t just a triathlete, or a renewable energy leader, or a dad raising two adventurous boys. He’s a guy who once said yes to sailing a 26-foot boat with no refrigeration all the way to South America. A guy who climbed the Grand Teton without any prior climbing experience. But what really makes his story stick with you is what happened when all of that—his athletic identity, his mobility, his very sense of self—got upended in a moment.

In this episode, we talk about what it means to suffer well, how ego can drive growth, and why the most powerful moments in life often come through challenge. We talk about trust, adventure, the loneliness of injury, and the healing that comes when you’re surrounded by people who say, “I’ve got you.” If you’ve ever been forced to let go of something you thought defined you—this one’s for you.

[1:12] – Patrick introduces his family and his lifelong pull toward movement and travel
[5:55] – A spontaneous dinner conversation leads to a year-long sailing adventure
[12:01] – Why shared suffering forges deeper connection than comfort ever could
[17:40] – Losing the ability to run, and finding new purpose beyond the podium
[30:17] – What happens when your body becomes the limiting factor—and you say yes anyway
[35:12] – Climbing Grand Teton without climbing experience: fear, faith, and the magic of the mountains
[47:40] – The unexpected rewards of pushing through what scares us
[56:00] – What it really means to “stay in shape for the next adventure”—and why it’s not just physical

• American Biogas Council: americanbiogascouncil.org

• Voyage of the Mimi (PBS series): IMDb

• Grand Teton National Park: NPS Site

• C&O Canal + GAP Trail info: gaptrail.org

If you’ve ever had to redefine who you are, if you’ve ever stood at the edge of something scary and whispered “yes,” I hope this episode reminds you: you’re not alone.

And hey—if it did speak to you, don’t forget to share the love. Follow, rate, and leave a review to help On Adventure reach more listeners who need these stories just as much as we do.

In this fun episode, Josh sits down with John Norwood, a commercial banker from Raleigh, North Carolina, whose second identity is that of a passionate adventurer. While John’s day job revolves around numbers and negotiations, his soul is stirred by trails, waterfalls, and sunfish sails. Rather than jetting off to exotic lands, John finds endless wonder in his own backyard—the mountains, lakes, and coastlines of North Carolina.

Together, they explore John’s lifelong connection with the outdoors, how he blends adventure with a full-time career, and how he’s cultivated a community of fellow explorers. From Christmas Day hikes to dry-suit sailing in winter winds, John shares stories that blend practical inspiration with a bit of wanderlust magic. 🌲🛶

• [00:00:00] Introduction to John Norwood and his adventurous alter ego

• [00:03:00] Family traditions and the origin of the “dreaded Christmas hike”

• [00:06:00] Sailing in dry suits and winter wind at Falls & Jordan Lake

• [00:11:00] An unforgettable halibut fishing trip in Alaska

• [00:16:00] Why John chooses to adventure local

• [00:18:00] The magic of Grayson Highlands and wild ponies

• [00:24:00] John’s roots in outdoor exploration

• [00:33:00] The 11-year quest to complete 100 Classic NC Hikes

• [00:37:00] Turning solo trips into a thriving hiking community

• [00:41:00] The deep “why” behind adventuring: mental clarity, physical challenge, and spiritual renewal

• [00:51:00] Upcoming trips: Cape Lookout Jeep expedition & AT alternatives post-Hurricane Helene

• Adventure is everywhere – You don’t need a passport to find wonder.

• Make space for solitude – Recharging happens when you unplug and reconnect with nature.

• Community grows through shared challenge – John's trips turned into a tribe.

• Local treasures, lifetime stories – From Grayson Highlands to the Sycamore Trail sleep hack, there's beauty in repetition.

“The trail gives me solitude, structure, and stories—and that's what keeps me coming back.” – John Norwood