In this episode of That's So Rad, Travis is joined by his friend Taylor Brown who is the founder of Cottonwood Construction. Taylor is known for his unique leadership style rooted in character, adventure, community, and resilience. His company is distinguished by its integrity-driven culture and commitment to sustainable growth.

Taylor shares how choosing deep roots over seasoned experience transformed his team—and his life. Taylor’s unconventional approach to team-building—prioritizing character over experience—has created a motivated, accountable, and enduring crew. You'll hear more about that as well as some crazy outdoor stories. Taylor has some other great insights and inspiration to share about life in general as well.

Cottonwood Construction and Design:

https://cottonwoodbuilds.com

F3 Nation: Fitness, Fellowship, Faith

https://f3nation.com

Episode highlights:

1. Highlights from Taylor's travels and adventures in St. Thomas and Colorado.
2. The challenges and joys of outdoor activities like rafting, mountain biking, and canoeing.
3. The significance of teamwork in overcoming challenges during adventures.
4. Taylor's involvement in F3 and its impact on his life.
5. Cottonwood Construction's mission rooted in integrity and communication.
6. Innovative leadership by building a team based on character and strengths.
7. The role of mentorship in personal and professional growth.
8. Finding inspiration in nature and music, and the practice of gratitude.

In this episode of That's So Rad Podcast, Travis is joined by his brother Dan as they dive into a whirlwind of stories, random topics, and reminisce on notable memories from long ago and recent times.

Dan and Travis also reflect on a life-altering car accident that occurred 16 years ago, which their brother Jeremy with a disabling traumatic brain injury. They discuss the profound impact of this event on their family, the journey of healing, and the importance of finding support in community along the way.

The conversation also touches on Dan's recent return to the accident site in Montana, the beauty and pain intertwined in the memories, some incredibly inspiring redemptive moments, and the celebration of Jeremy's life through a really cool community event.

Episode highlights:

1. Childhood memories in North Dakota.
2. Discussion on vintage trucker hats.
3. Funny Buckees story!
4. Dan's wild kayak story in the open ocean.
5. Reflections on a family tragedy that has profound impacts today.
6. Dan recounts returning to the accident site this past fall.
7. Jeremy's art and joy inspire those around him.
8. Reflections on a huge birthday bash for their brother Jeremy who suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Checkout Jeremy's website:

joyindespair.com

Checkout his monthly newsletters and subscribe:

https://www.joyindespair.com/newsletter-archives

Jeremy jamming on the "Feetar" with Wasperjaws:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vc47XXDVgM

In this episode of That's So Rad Podcast, host Travis reflects on the start of a new year, his trimmed up beard, the importance of storytelling, and the adventures that come with unexpected challenges like flat tires.

Travis shares humorous anecdotes and reflections on life, including a memorable flat tire adventure in Asheville and the importance of being present in the moment. He emphasizes the value of storytelling, humor, and the little things in life that often turn out to be the big things.

Reach out to me at: travisvangsnes@gmail.com

Episode Highlights:

1. The podcast aims to be a platform for storytelling.
2. Stories provide sustenance and connection in our lives.
3. Humor is essential for connecting with others.
4. Owning and operating a beard responsibly.
5. Embracing the little moments can lead to greater fulfillment.
6. Unexpected challenges can lead to memorable adventures.
7. Being present in life enhances our experiences.
8. Quotes can serve as guiding principles in our lives.
9. Life's simple tasks can bring clarity and focus.
10. Engaging with others can inspire personal growth.

In this heartfelt episode, Travis and his mom Kathy reflect on the year 2025, sharing personal stories, family dynamics, and Christmas memories and traditions. Kathy recounts her inspiring medical mission trip down the Amazon River, while both discuss the challenges faced by family members and friends throughout the year. They also share their favorite highlights for the year.

They reminisce about family holiday stories, the importance of faith and community, and the joy of being together as a family. As they look ahead to the new year, they express their hopes for continued adventures and forging deeper connections with important people in their lives.

Episode highlights:

• Kathy shares her experience on a medical mission trip down the Amazon River.
• Kathy emphasizes the importance of faith and community in difficult times.
• The discussion includes remembering Christmas traditions and memories from childhood.
• Travis and Kathy reflect on the significance of small moments in life.
• They talk about favorite Christmas memories with family through the years.
• They recount the awful stomach flu Christmas that spread like wildfire.
• Travis shares a crazy story about his cowboy boot roller skates he made for Christmas.

In this episode of "That's So Rad," host Travis engages in a lively conversation with his youngest son, Dakota. They discuss family dynamics, Dakota's love for drawing, and all the random things that pop into a six year old's mind in a conversation.

The episode is filled with humorous anecdotes, including Dakota's imaginative stories and his unique perspective on family roles. The conversation also touches on themes of gratitude, love, and the joy of simple moments shared between father and son.

Episode highlights:

• Travis and Dakota share a humorous story about a grocery store experience.
• Dakota has a unique perspective on family roles that Travis tries to figure out.
• Travis and Dakota discuss the challenges and joys of having a big beard.
• The episode is filled with imaginative stories from Dakota.
• Travis shares Dakota's really special gift he brings to the world
• Dakota's favorite activities include drawing and spending time with family.

In this episode of That's So Rad Podcast, Travis reflects on the journey of his podcast so far, sharing personal stories and highlights from past episodes. He talks about the power of short form content and the impact and reach the reels have had on social media--including one that went viral and another one that was liked by a starting NFL player on the Indianapolis Colts. Travis talks about the aspect of guests bringing props to share on the show and brings out a pair of Reebok Pumps for this episode.

He also shares about some surprises he didn't see coming on the show in terms of guests and cool moments. Travis touches on the frequency he talks about his brother Jeremy's story , who has shown incredible resilience after a life-changing accident. He also shares some of the vision about what he's been exploring in terms of guests and content in the show.

Takeaways

• Travis shares the unique format of his podcast, featuring ordinary people sharing stories and life lessons.
• Travis reflects on his brother Jeremy's resilience after a life-changing car accident.
• Travis discusses the impact of grief and the solidarity of suffering with his guests.
• The episode highlights the importance of humor as a connector and coping mechanism.
• Travis shares a funny story about finding a knockoff Nike shoe labeled 'Mike.'
• The podcast has had a clip that has gone viral with a prop from high school track days, gaining over a million views.
• Travis emphasizes the power in the diversity of answers to what keeps people inspired.
• The episode concludes with gratitude for the support and feedback from listeners.

In this episode of 'That's So Rad!,' Travis talks with his high school classmate, Rachael Ormond, who he hasn't seen for nearly 30 years. They take a nostalgic trip back to growing up on farms and their high school days in Rugby, North Dakota. They share humorous anecdotes about their teenage years, including awkward school dances, 90s nostalgia, and random memories from their childhood and teen years.

Rachael also discusses her journey from a small-town artist to a professional photographer and painter, highlighting the influence of her upbringing on her creative pursuits. She shares what inspires her art now and what she sees for the future of her creative endeavors. The two reflect on their own faith and talk about the grief and loss of losing their dads.

Purchase Rachael's original and custom art prints:

Highlights:

• The influence of North Dakota's landscape and farm life on their upbringing.
• Rachael's childhood memory of digging ponds on the farm.
• Awkward junior high dances
• The nostalgic discussion about 90s pop culture and school memories.
• Show and tell on art both have created
• North Dakota accents
• Rachael's journey from a small-town artist to a professional photographer.
• Rachael's artistic journey and where she finds inspiration today.

In this episode, Travis is joined by Rhonda Douglas who shares about their unlikely friendship through her discovering a YouTube video of his brother's traumatic brain injury story several years ago. Rhonda would regularly make 6 hour round trip visits in the same day to see Jeremy. They reminisce on this and talk about Jeremy's inspiring recovery from a traumatic brain injury in 2009.

Rhonda shares her journey of faith, the importance of family, and her experiences in special education, highlighting the profound impact of special needs students on her life. She emphasizes the significance of being an advocate for children with disabilities and the joy she finds in teaching kids about Jesus. The conversation explores themes of compassion, courage, inspiration, and the beauty of community.

Jeremy's website and story:

https://www.joyindespair.com/

An old video of Jeremy and his brain injury recovery journey:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5fQb39uNV4

Takeaways

• Faith can lead to unexpected friendships.
• Community support is vital in recovery journeys.
• Teaching is a form of caregiving.
• Unexpected connections can change lives.
• Family and faith are foundational.
• Miracles can happen in everyday life.
• Advocacy is crucial in special education.
• Nature inspires peace and reflection.
• Technology impacts children's learning.
• Personal stories can inspire others.