In this episode, I go back to the roots of the podcast which is built on the 4 cornerstones of Information, Instruction, Inspiration, and Implementation and talk about some ideas and concepts that have been more relevant for me this year. As we move towards the end of another year, I share 10 reflections that are centered on personal growth and development and building a better life that aligns with who we are and what we are aiming to become. Below are the 10 principles that I di...

In part 2 of my discussion with Jerald Simon, we discuss key values and the impact of developing a positive and growth oriented mindset. Jerald also shares more about his books including his recent release “How To Experience More Peace and Positivity in Life”- the 30 Day Challenge. More about Jerald's Work: Jerald Simon is the founder of Music Motivation® and focuses on helping piano students and piano teachers learn music theory, improvisation, and composition. He refers to these areas...

In part one of this interview, Jerald and I chat about the ideas of mission and purpose and how it so profoundly impacts us as individuals and others too. We discuss the importance of challenging ourselves and aiming to be well-rounded by trying various activities like sports, dance, drawing, singing, and reading. We talk about the impact that music has played in Jerald’s life, his interest in speaking, teaching, and writing about self-improvement, and also how the subjects of music and...

In this special holiday chat and landmark 50th episode of PerfectWhelm Podcast, I talk about the gratitude I have for getting to be a parent in this life. I share 6 parenting ideals/philosophies that Estalita and I have practiced in raising our three children. Some of these will likely come across as being nonconventional or counterintuitive, so that lines up just fine with many of the nontraditional paths that we have taken. Some of the key philosophies that I explore include ...

In this episode, I discuss the idea of Slow Travel. Slow travel is resisting the urge to do or see everything in a single trip or short window of time. When we learn to travel at a slower pace … it allows for more meaningful experiences and serendipitous moments. Slow travel to me is eating in the local restaurants, shopping in the markets, walking in the non touristy parts of town, striking up conversations with locals to learn about local history, traditions, culture, everyday life, utilizi...

I think you will gain more than just extra bling in your wallet from this travel episode full of money saving tips. I talk about the idea of adopting an “everything is negotiable” mindset while out on the road. I discuss a community hospitality exchange called Couchsurfing that will allow you to connect with other travelers and stay for free on couches or spare bedrooms of service hosts who share your passion for adventure and travel. I share how I conserve funds when it comes to my foo...

In this, my third installment of Camino adventure episodes, I share my thoughts on why I met so few people Americans who were in my age group who were walking this trail. I discuss the three main components of the Camino, which include the bag, the trail, and the pilgrims. I finish things up today with a story about my unexpected encounter with a total stranger in Pamplona and how that event impacted the whole Camino experience for me. PerfectWhelm Podcast Links & Resour...

In this episode, I give specifics on budget items for my Camino including things like meals and accommodations. I also share openly about the toll that this pilgrimage had on my body and some of the physical pain I had to push through. I also discuss how I spent my time on the trail every day and offer I some insight and reflections about many of the things I learned from this adventure. Podcast Links & Resources: -Schedule a free discovery call with me to learn more about my ...

In this episode, I offer a brief history of the Camino, a 776.2 kilometer storied path that runs through a small part of France and stretches across most of Spain. The Camino is often referred to as “The Way of Saint James” There is some anecdotal testimony that James (an apostle of Jesus & the brother of the apostle John) spent a brief period of his life traveling through Spain and ministering to people shortly after the time that Christ dwelled on earth. James is said to hav...

In this episode, I share my perspective about the importance of obtaining travel insurance before venturing overseas. I have been impacted by my own personal illnesses and also family medical emergencies while overseas. I talk about a few specific incidents where I did have insurance coverage and situations where I did not, and the mayhem that it caused. The only thing worse than a claim is not having insurance when you need it. My specific travel insurance stories are based...

Come along for the ride as I share about my research that labeled excessive travel a psychiatric disorder from the mid 1800’s until the early 2000’s. This condition is called Dromomania, and I’m here to talk more about it. I also talk about my friend Cathy Heller’s perspective concerning how choosing to get off the work centered hamster wheel can be so life altering. I agree with Cathy’s observations that we so often buy into the lie that life is about work-work-work, that our wor...

In this episode, I talk about the power we have to change our zip code and how spending time in places different from where we’re used to can spark creativity, help us move beyond the expectations of others, and plug into a fresh perspective. I share 3 short stories about getting chased by different animals while hiking in the countryside. The first story involves my dog and I being pursued by a bull elk in Big Sky Country. In the second account, I talk about the time I encountere...

In this episode, I talk about my very real fear of flying, and how I literally couldn’t bring myself to travel by plane for a couple of years following the September 11th terrorist attacks. I also talk about the ways I got around air travel and then how Greyhound Bus Lines convinced me to give the skies another try! Stepping into my stand-up comedy alter ego, I then pontificate about how personal parachutes would make better seat accessories than personal flotation devices. I also ask t...

In this episode, I share more about the values and reasons why I explore so often and travel so much. I talk about the resistance, negative feedback, and pushback I have often received from friends, family, teachers, and colleagues regarding my travel habits. I delve into the idea that travel is not running away from something. In my life, it represents running towards something that is very life giving, liberating, fun, challenging, and joyful. I briefly discuss why it is so important that w...

In this episode, I kick things off talking about my reasons for loving the open road and how my interest in travel has impacted and improved my life. I share about the goodness that exploring and traveling can offer like fun, adventure, freedom, more empathy and understanding about ourselves and others, and personal growth too…because getting out of our comfort zones is seemingly always a positive thing. I discuss my earliest travel experiences and memories and one misadventure at the a...

If there ever was an episode where I put awkward honesty and uncomfortable truths out front, this is it! In this solo episode, I have a very honest and vulnerable conversation with God as I reflect on some very raw thoughts, feelings, and reflections related to recent tragedies involving young Christ followers. More specifically, this podcast is my personal letter of mourning and lament concerning the kids who died in the central Texas floods and the children who were both injured and k...

Eevi Niemela is an internationally accredited empowerment and mindset coach who helps people build their magnetic selves and an online presence so that they can create real freedom and become the actual owners of their own lives through an online business that they’re building. From rock bottom to red carpets, Eevi has built a life and an online business that is garnering attention around the globe, while also allowing her to be location independent. In part 2 of our conversation, Eevi talks ...

Eevi Niemela is an Internationally Accredited Empowerment & Mindset Coach. She specializes in self-empowerment and helping people build a magnetic sense of self and an online presence, so they can create real freedom and become the actual owners of their own life through an online business they’re building. Along with the importance of focusing on a healthy mindset, much of Eevi’s work is centered on managing our energy levels and showing up for ourselves in the best possible ways. Eevi h...

Cherith Fluker is an author, freelance writer, and educator based in Alabama. She has a passion for self-care and sightseeing. She is the creator of WhatCherithinks, a lifestyle and travel blog that encourages people to explore boldly, prioritize their well-being, and embrace new experiences. Her work has been featured in publications like Food, Wine, & Travel Magazine, Hallmark Mahogany, LakeLife 24/7, and Bham Family Magazine. She has partnered with several tourism boards across t...

In this solo episode, I talk about the milestone of now releasing 34 episodes, and how that journey has taken shape for me. I cover the highlights, the challenges, and how being willing to do B minus work and pushing myself to launch this past April has really been such an important piece of this venture. I briefly discuss how perfectionism can often hold us back, and sometimes “done is better than good.” I also share some updates about what you can expect to hear and experience on PerfectWhe...