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In this video, I explore The Illusion of Success, why society pushes us to measure worth through money, status, and follower counts, and why that can leave us feeling empty. Drawing from my own journey from military medals and promotions to redefining success on my own terms I share why true success comes from living authentically, making an impact, and creating without fear of judgment.

0:00 – Intro: The Illusion of Success
0:17 – How Society Measures Success
0:42 – Social Media and the Numbers Game
1:03 – My Definition of Success
1:46 – Success as an Internal Measure
2:00 – Military Achievements vs True Success
2:53 – Why Material Measures Don’t Matter
3:13 – What We Really Value in People
3:50 – Impact and Contribution as Success
4:11 – Advice to My 20-Year-Old Self
4:25 – Success as Living on Your Terms
4:36 – Adventure, Freedom, and New Experiences
4:49 – Friendships and Relationships That Matter
5:01 – Being a Role Model and Creating Without Fear
5:34 – Success Is Staying True to Yourself
5:42 – Final Message: Go Create and Contribute
5:56 – Closing

In this episode of the Stronger Without Podcast, I explore the emotional crash, identity loss, and quiet confusion that hits after finishing a long bike tour. I share my story of returning home after cycling across the world and what I’ve learned about rebuilding life, purpose, and community when the adventure ends.

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0:00 – Intro: What Happens After the Ride?
0:26 – The Reddit Question That Sparked This Episode
1:00 – Psychological Impact of Coming Home
1:55 – Returning from 18 Months on the Road
3:19 – Christmas, Normal Life, and the Crash After
4:42 – Similar Feelings After Military Deployments
5:45 – Post-Adventure Blues Are Real
6:37 – Losing Identity After a Big Trip
7:16 – Letting Go of the “Biker Guy” Label
8:12 – Weight Gain and Adjusting Physically
8:58 – Dating, Drinking, and Disconnection
10:03 – Rebelling Against the Norms
11:05 – Re-Entry Strategy: What I Wish I Knew
12:00 – How Travel Changes Your View of Tourism
13:05 – A New Perspective on Risk and Safety
14:16 – Gratitude for Simple Things: Water, Beds, Fridges
15:42 – The Power of Community and Hosting
16:40 – Stronger Without Events: What’s Next
17:03 – Home Felt Claustrophobic, Then Comforting
17:32 – The Journey Still Shapes Me Today
18:06 – Find a New Challenge When You Return
18:44 – Practical Tips: Journal, Move, Set Goals
19:32 – Closing Reflections & How to Connect

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0:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Misogi
0:30 – Comfort Is Killing Us
1:07 – Army Training at 17: My First Misogi
5:00 – Modern Life: Comfort in the Corporate World
6:40 – Cold Showers & Sea Swims: Small Discomforts
7:56 – Discovering The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
8:50 – The Origin of Misogi: Japanese Purification Rituals
10:03 – Michael Easter’s Misogi in Alaska
11:02 – Why Doing Hard Things Makes Life Easier
12:00 – More Military Misogis: Sandhurst & South Wales
14:53 – What Is a Misogi? The Two Key Rules
16:07 – No Social Media Rule & Validation Culture
18:03 – Why Most Challenges Aren’t True Misogis
20:03 – My Personal Misogis: Walking Across England
21:23 – Undocumented Challenges from My World Bike Tour
23:02 – Comfort Statistics: Obesity & Softness in the West
24:05 – Why Most Men Lack a Rite of Passage
25:17 – My Ultimate Misogi: The World Bike Trip
26:35 – Overcoming the Pyrenees: Confidence Through Challenge
27:37 – Training for a Marathon (But It's Not a Misogi)
28:03 – Invitation: Join Me for a Real Misogi Experience
29:48 – What It Could Look Like: Rucksacks, Rivers, Mountains
30:22 – This Is Not a Competition—It’s for You
31:07 – How to Get Involved
31:59 – Closing Words: You’ve Got More in the Locker