In this episode, I talk about what it really feels like to start something new and why flow doesn’t show up right away. I reflect on learning to snowboard, stand up paddleboard, and ride a one wheel, and how each experience felt awkward, frustrating, and unsteady at the beginning.

I share what was going on internally during those moments—the self-doubt, the mental chatter, and the temptation to quit when things didn’t feel natural. I explain how falling and struggling weren’t signs of failure, but actually part of the process of learning.

I connect this idea to real life, including what I see as a teacher and instructor. Whether it’s kids learning something new or adults stepping outside their comfort zone, we often expect things to feel smooth right away, when in reality growth happens through the awkward stage.

I close with a reminder that flow comes after the struggle, not before it. If it feels difficult at the beginning, that doesn’t mean something is wrong—it means you’re in the process. Stay with it, and that’s where things begin to shift.

• Learning snowboard, paddleboard, and one wheel
• Early struggle and falling repeatedly
• Mental doubt and self-talk
• Support from others and learning tools
• Flow comes after frustration
• Staying with the process

• Flow doesn’t happen at the beginning
• Struggle is part of learning something new
• Mental doubt can stop progress early
• Growth comes from staying with it
• Awkward beginnings lead to real progress

In this episode, I open up about why I’m starting the Outdoor Funky Podcast again after stepping away from it. I reflect on how life, teaching, and other projects pulled my attention, even though I had meaningful outdoor experiences worth sharing.

I take you back to a powerful stretch of time in Florida, where I spent days paddling different waters with no strict plan. Those moments reminded me what it feels like to be fully alive—exploring, adjusting, and simply being present without forcing anything.

I connect that experience to a bigger idea: Outdoor Funky isn’t about extreme adventures or being an expert. It’s about starting, exploring, and allowing the outdoors to shape how you live your everyday life—through balance, flow, and presence.

I close by sharing what’s ahead for the podcast, including a focus on paddling and the lessons it reveals. More than anything, this is an invitation—to begin, to explore, and to step into something without needing it all figured out.

• Restarting the Outdoor Funky Podcast
• Life, teaching, and shifting priorities
• Florida paddle experience
• Living without a strict plan
• “You don’t need extreme to explore”
• Leaning into paddling and presence

• You can start again without being perfect
• Real experiences are worth sharing
• The outdoors brings clarity and presence
• You don’t need extreme to explore
• Growth begins with a willingness to start

The salient point of our discussion centers on the profound experience of visiting the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, which embodies not merely a location but a nexus of connection, legacy, and wonder. This site, steeped in nostalgia, offers a unique opportunity for families to engage in simple yet meaningful activities, such as playing baseball amidst the tranquil backdrop of cornfields. We recount our serendipitous decision to visit this iconic locale during a family road trip, underscoring the value of spontaneous adventures that enrich our lives. Through our reflections, we emphasize that true magic often resides in unpretentious moments shared with loved ones, rather than in grandiosity. Ultimately, we encourage our listeners to seek out their own "fields of dreams," fostering moments that resonate deeply within their hearts.

The exploration of the Field of Dreams serves not merely as an account of a physical location but as a profound journey into the realms of nostalgia, connection, and the essence of joy. Nestled in Dyersville, Iowa, this iconic site transcends its cinematic origins, offering a sanctuary where the echoes of baseball resonate amidst the tranquility of cornfields. The host, Nicholas Cleave, articulates the transformative experience of visiting this hallowed ground, where visitors can engage in the simple pleasures of tossing a ball, running the bases, and reliving the magic of childhood dreams. The Field of Dreams epitomizes the intersection of memory and place, inviting individuals and families alike to immerse themselves in a shared legacy that is both personal and universal. As Cleave recounts his own familial visit, he emphasizes the significance of unplanned adventures that often yield the most cherished memories, highlighting the spontaneity that defines the essence of family road trips.

The narrative unfolds with a vivid depiction of the site itself, characterized by its unpretentious beauty and the palpable sense of history that permeates the air. Cleave's reflections on the joy experienced by his children, juxtaposed with his own prior visits, illuminate the enduring nature of the human spirit's connection to such places. It evokes a sense of wonder, urging listeners to recognize that the magic of the outdoors lies not in grandiosity but in the authenticity of experiences shared with loved ones. The Field of Dreams stands as a metaphor for the aspirations we hold and the moments that define us, encouraging all to seek out their own 'field of dreams' in the quiet corners of life.

Ultimately, this episode serves as a clarion call to embrace exploration and adventure, to discover the hidden gems that lie just beyond our planned itineraries. Cleave's narrative resonates with the listener, compelling them to reflect on their own personal journeys and the significance of familial connections forged through shared experiences. The Field of Dreams is portrayed not just as a destination but as a vital reminder of the power of place in shaping our memories and relationships, urging all to venture forth and create their own lasting legacies in the great outdoors.

Takeaways:

• The Field of Dreams is not merely a location, but a profound symbol of nostalgia, legacy, and connection.
• Experiencing the Field of Dreams allows families to engage in meaningful outdoor activities together.
• Surprising moments often enhance family vacations, as illustrated by our spontaneous visit to the Field of Dreams.
• Outdoor adventures, such as visiting the Field of Dreams, create lasting memories that resonate deeply within us.
• The simplicity of the Field of Dreams emphasizes that magic can exist in serene and unassuming places.
• One's personal 'field of dreams' may serve as a source of inspiration and reflection throughout life.

Links referenced in this episode:

• fieldofdreams.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Field of Dreams
• Wisconsin Dells