From working on an oil rig to living around the world as a digital nomad for 17 years. Consistent adaptation and creating 4 businesses all bent on building a life of freedom.

Today's trailblazer is Nick Wharton. Nick and his partner Dariece left their unaligned jobs in Canada back in 2008 to go on a gap year. That gap year turned into a life of travel. They started Goats on the Road, which became one of the top travel blogs. Turned to helping others create blogs, and recently started helping others in leaving their unaligned 9-5 job to building a life of freedom.

In this episode Nick shares the day that changed it all for him and Dariece to leave Canada and their old lives behind to turning something they started to update friend and families on their travels into a major money-making blog. The conversation delves into the challenges they faced with Google algorithm updates, the impact of AI on blogging, and their strategy for continuous adaptation. Nick also provides insights into the importance of starting despite uncertainties and building a personal brand.

Key Takeaways

The episode is filled with practical advice for anyone looking to ditch their job and listen to the voice whispering to pursue a freedom-led business.

• The Growth Zone: how to recognize when you are in the growth zone, and to know whether you should pivot or keep going
• Reach the Oasis: persistence in how to keep going to finally reach the oasis on the other side
• Knowing your Why: how to find your why that you'll turn to when things get hard

Timestamps

(00:00) Guest Introduction

(04:03) Early Challenges and Breakthroughs

(06:05) The Turning Point: From Travel Blog to Business

(12:48) The Evolution of Goats on the Road

(22:22) Monetizing the Blog and Sustaining the Lifestyle

(29:31) Balancing Travel and Work as Nomads

(35:35) The Decline of Blogging and Rise of AI

(40:33) Building a Personal Brand for Success

(43:50) Client Success Stories: From 9-to-5 to Financial Freedom

(51:48) Adapting and Thriving in Business

(56:27) Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Nomads

Guest's links:

Goats on the Road Website

Goats on the Road Instagram

Goats on the Road LinkedIn

Goats on the Road Facebook

Support the podcast:

- Follow us on Instagram (@thedirtpathpodcast)

- Subscribe to the YouTube

- Email your questions (thedirtpathpodcast@gmail.com)

From not knowing what GPS is, to making it into a successful business. Quitting a promising 9-5 career to being invited to the G20 as a decorated entrepreneur.

Trailblazer Russel Gonzalez, or Mr. Merida, has made a big name for himself in the Yucatan state in Mexico as an entrepreneur. Russel is the only Yucatecan to be featured in Forbes three times, attended the G20 twice, and is constantly working to help other entrepreneurs in his home state.

We first chat through Posadas, and other unique traditions in the Yucatan. The conversation delves into Russel's journey as an entrepreneur, from his early inspirations to starting his GPS tracking company, Rastreall, and the obstacles he overcame. Russel also discusses his involvement in the G20 summits and sharing insights into the entrepreneurial landscape in Yucatan, Mexico, and how he changed the business operations to only work a few hours a day. Moreover, he talks about diversifying his ventures with e.xperiencer, a platform promoting local businesses, and his approach to mental health and balancing life.

Key Takeaways

A great episode for any new or aspiring entrepreneur.

• 2 needs for successful entrepreneurs: contacts and knowledge
• Symbolize what you're selling: when you embody what you sell, your sales will explode
• Entrepreneur energy: the determination and relentlessness of a successful entrepreneur

Timestamps

(00:00) Guest Introduction

(03:51) The Tradition of Posadas in Mexico

(06:46) Yucatecan Culture and Traditions

(10:26) The Journey to Entrepreneurship

(17:15) Starting a GPS Business

(21:51) Challenges and Growth

(26:12) Networking and Building Contacts

(31:04) Mindset and Emotional Resilience

(34:40) Achievements and Recognition

(36:51) Supporting Entrepreneurial Initiatives in Mexico

(38:26) G20 Summit and International Recognition

(41:36) Growth of the Entrepreneurial Scene in Yucatan

(46:08) Automating Business Operations

(53:44) Launching e.xperiencer

(01:02:24) Balancing Multiple Ventures and Personal Life

(01:09:31) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

(01:15:08) Planning for the Future

Guest's links:

Russel's LinkedIn

Russel's Instagram

E.xperiencer Instagram

Support the podcast:

- Follow us on Instagram (@thedirtpathpodcast)

- Subscribe to the YouTube

- Email your questions (thedirtpathpodcast@gmail.com)

Entering the dirt path for calculated risk-takers, doing it one step at a time, with intention, to achieve the life of your dreams.

In this episode, the roles are switched as your host, Grayson Harris, sits in the interviewee chair to share his story. Grayson has an incredibly unique journey in being the only person to curate their own path in becoming a digital nomad while in operations as an electrical engineer, to later developing a whole nomad program for a company so others can follow suit. Grayson's story has been featured in multiple books, podcast appearances, and articles.

Initially captivated by travel during a family trip to Europe, he pursued his dream of living and working abroad. Through intentional planning and seizing opportunities, he navigated job changes, workplace dynamics, and the uncertainties brought by a tumultuous moment. His dedication to remote work not only enabled him to work from various countries but later led him to creating a whole new position at the company centered around flexible work. When later given a big choice, he decided to leave his job to pursue a new venture, driven by the mission to inspire others to take their own dirt path.

Key Takeaways

This episode offers invaluable insights for any calculated risk-takers, and 9-5ers in chasing your dream life.

• 9-5 Freedom Unlock: 3 ways to build leverage when in a 9-5
• Nomad Sustainability: insider tips to living the nomad life without burnout
• Intentionality Wins: speaking things into existence, the power of a good plan, and how to use the engineering mindset to achieve your dreams

Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction and Role Reversal

(03:37) Early Influences and Love for Travel

(05:00) Career Beginnings and Aspirations

(06:30) The Digital Nomad Dream

(08:02) The Impact of COVID-19

(08:48) A Life-Changing Decision

(10:12) Pursuing Remote Work

(20:35) Starting the Nomad Journey

(24:16) Solo Travel and New Connections

(27:21) Sustainable Nomading Tips

(31:39) Struggles of Working in Asia

(32:04) Embracing Asynchronous Work

(32:43) Achieving the Nomadic Dream

(33:16) Discovering the Role of Head of Remote

(34:47) Challenges of Working in Different Time Zones

(35:41) Building Remote Work Practices

(36:37) Pitching a New Role

(38:41) Transitioning to a New Role

(47:11) Facing Job Uncertainty

(48:41) Choosing the Path Less Traveled

(52:38) Starting the Dirt Path Podcast

(57:19) Advice for Aspiring Nomads

Guest's links:

Grayson's LinkedIn

Support the podcast:

- Follow us on Instagram (@thedirtpathpodcast)

- Email your questions (thedirtpathpodcast@gmail.com)

A behind the scenes look at what it takes to become a world class bakery and a refreshing reminder of seeing someone fueled by true passion at work.

Trailblazer Simone Laboa is an award-winning pastry chef who operates Solo Pane e Pasticceria, a world class Italian bakery in Bath, Maine. His path entails working just about every job in the kitchen in Italy, immigrating from Italy to the US to open up the bakery, and leading with his passion for pastry.

Hear Simone's background, including his father's influential career as a chef and restaurateur in Italy and the United States. We discuss the decision to move to the U.S., leading to the establishment of his own bakery, Solo Pane. Simone elaborates on his love for traditional Italian pastries, the intricacies of the baking process, and the importance of maintaining quality and authenticity. He touches on the cultural differences between Italy and the U.S., the challenges of running a bakery, and the satisfaction that comes from doing what he loves.

Key Takeaways

Simone's path is powerful for any fellow artist, chef, creative, or aspiring entrepreneur.

• Immigrating to the US: the cultural differences between Italy and the US and why one would make the change
• Chosen family: treating your team as your family and leading by example
• Doing what you love: the power from doing something you have immense passion for

Timestamps

(00:00) Guest introduction

(03:00) New Exciting Items at the Bakery

(06:21) Simone's Connection to a 'Chopped' Winner

(08:04) Simone's Father's Culinary Journey

(12:47) Growing Up with a Chef Father

(15:08) Simone's Path to Pastry

(17:01) Differences Between Cornetti and Croissants

(22:10) Simone's YouTube Channel and Early Days

(28:11) Moving to the United States

(31:19) Starting Solo Pane Bakery

(35:03) Simone talks Focaccia

(39:58) The Challenges of Being a Pastry Chef and Business Owner

(43:37) Cultural Differences Between Italy and the US

(48:28) The Realities of Running a Bakery

(57:16) The Passion Behind the Craft

(01:05:32) Advice for Aspiring Bakers and Entrepreneurs

Guest's links:

Solo Pane's Website

@solopanepasticceria

@soloitaliano.Maine

Solo Pane's Facebook

Referenced links:

Danny Bowien

Simone's first YouTube channel

Acting: A handbook of the Stanislavski Method

Support the podcast:

• Follow us on Instagram (@thedirtpathpodcast)
• Subscribe to the YouTube
• Email your questions (thedirtpathpodcast@gmail.com)

From using LinkedIn in high school to get jobs, to building a brand that attracts opportunities, and becoming THE LinkedIn thought leader around spirituality and authentic personal branding on LinkedIn, this episode highlights the true power of an authentic personal brand on LinkedIn while living your life to the fullest as a digital nomad.

Today's trailblazer is Paige Goldstein, who has made a name for herself around spirituality and authentic personal branding on LinkedIn. Paige started posting on LinkedIn way back in high school, used it to get every job she ever had, became the top producer at her sales tech job from using LinkedIn, and has now created The Ripple Effect, where she helps soul-led leaders build a magnetic LinkedIn presence that attracts their dream opportunities. At the same time, we also discuss Paige's journey as a digital nomad, and her shift into entrepreneurship.

Oh, and Paige is also my girlfriend, so you can hear a bit on how we met as well.... and it might just have to do with the title of the video;)

Who Should Listen (Key Takeaways)

Paige's journey on LinkedIn is an amazing story for those curious about the platform, or really anyone in taking their career to the next level

- Stand out with authenticity: How being authentic on LinkedIn can make you stand out from the rest

- The power of a strong personal brand: Land that dream job, find your ideal client or an aligned partnership, all from building a strong personal brand.

- 1 year into entrepreneurship: hear successes and pain points from a year into building your own business.

Timestamps

(00:00) Guest introduction

(03:47) Interview start

(06:51) Early Life and Influences

(10:09) College and Career Exploration

(16:18) Study Abroad

(20:36) LinkedIn and Career Development

(26:11) Transition to Full-Time Remote Work

(37:39) Personal Growth and Challenges

(46:16) The Power of Authenticity on LinkedIn

(50:40) The Ripple Effect is born

(57:12) Empowering Authenticity on LinkedIn

(01:21:06) Challenges and Emotional Breakthroughs

(01:26:17) Investing in Yourself and Overcoming Doubts

Guest's links:

Paige's LinkedIn

The Ripple Effect Website

The Ripple Effect Instagram

Referenced links:

Fill your Sol podcast

Support the podcast:

- Follow us on Instagram (@thedirtpathpodcast)

- Subscribe to the YouTube

Email your questions (thedirtpathpodcast@gmail.com)

From sailing the Atlantic with nothing to building a thriving life and charter business in Maine, the inaugural episode of The Dirt Path Podcast is jam-packed with motivation, raw honesty, and lessons on finding love and purpose at any stage of life.

Today's trailblazer is Ed Hamilton, an entrepreneur who began his "dirt path" journey in his early 20s when he chose to sail the Atlantic to the Caribbean on 48 hours' notice, completely changing the course of his life. Ed eventually found his way in the beautiful island of Tortola before eventually meeting his now wife, Barb. Together, they moved to Maine to build a successful charter company after an initial 12 challenging years, before finally making it big and achieving the dream of selling it and retiring. Ed and Barb now enjoy their fulfilled, retired life in the mid-coast of Maine.

Who Should Listen (Key Takeaways)

This is an essential episode for the "dirt path curious" seeking the courage to take the leap into a big life change. Ed's story is a masterclass in:

- The Power of Belief: How perseverance and self-belief can turn a snap decision into a successful career.

- MASTERCLASS in Couplepreneurship: The raw truth about running a thriving business alongside your spouse (and making it work!)

- Life After the Sale: Finding continued passion and purpose in retirement after achieving a major life goal.

Whether you're in business, managing a relationship, or trying to find your purpose, Ed's lessons are truly great for everyone.

Timestamps

(00:00) Podcast intro

(01:40) How I met Ed

(05:29) Ed's Early Life and Boating Adventures

(07:17) Sailing Across the Atlantic

(12:53) Starting a Business in the Caribbean

(16:01) Cultural Integration and Challenges

(25:46) A New Chapter with Barb

(31:39) Moving to Maine to start the charter business together

(36:22) Challenges, successes, and lessons

(44:04) Navigating a business with your romantic partner

(59:18) Retirement and Hobbies

(01:04:56) Advice for the dirt path curious

Support the podcast:

• Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ (@thedirtpathpodcast)
• Subscribe to the ⁠YouTube⁠
• Email your feedback, dirt path update, and questions (thedirtpathpodcast@gmail.com)

Introducing The Dirt Path Podcast! In this intro episode your host, Grayson Harris, answers a few of the basic questions around the podcast:

What is the dirt path?

Who is this podcast for?

Who am I as your host?

After listening, navigate to one of the full interview episodes whose dirt path interests you the most and enjoy!

Timestamps

(00:00) Welcome to the Dirt Path Podcast

(00:28) What is the dirt path?

(02:40) Who is this podcast for?

(04:16) Who am I as your host?

Support the podcast:

• Follow us on Instagram (@thedirtpathpodcast)
• Subscribe to the YouTube
• Email your feedback, dirt path update, and questions (thedirtpathpodcast@gmail.com)