Lessons Learned from a 5,775 Mile Bicycle Trip Across North America with John Schwenck

05/23/23 • 28 min

Playful Humans - People Who Play for a Living

What happens when you push yourself beyond your perceived limits and embrace the world in its raw, unfiltered state? Join Mike Montague as he chats with John Schwink about his incredible 5,775-mile bike ride across the continent, from Central Park, New York City, to Seward, Alaska - all on a 30-year-old bicycle and with little experience.
Listen in as they discuss the importance of challenging oneself and the potential benefits and pitfalls of data collection in our everyday lives. Find the right balance, especially when it comes to health and well-being, and enjoy a fun-filled and inspiring episode filled with jokes, dance breaks, and stories of adventure and self-discovery. Engage with us at playfulhumans.com to discover your playful personality and join a community of like-minded individuals.
Find John Schwenck at: https://www.adventures-less-traveled.com/
Chapters:
(0:00:21) - Biking Across the Continent
(0:13:37) - Data Analysis and Philosophy of Measurement
(0:27:28) - Promoting Playful Adventures
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:21) - Biking Across the Continent (13 Minutes)
John Schwink's incredible 5,775-mile bike ride from Central Park, New York City, to Seward, Alaska, was inspired by a heart condition and a desire to stand out in his grad school application. The importance of pushing oneself beyond perceived limits and embracing the world in its raw, unfiltered state is discussed through inspiring stories of adventure and self-discovery.
(0:13:37) - Data Analysis and Philosophy of Measurement (14 Minutes)
Celebrating the Fourth of July and encountering not-so-nice Canadians are explored, as well as the physical transformation during a 95-day bike trip, including weight loss and injuries. The benefits and potential pitfalls of data collection in everyday life are discussed, emphasizing the importance of finding balance and understanding individual needs when it comes to health, well-being, and self-tracking.
(0:27:28) - Promoting Playful Adventures (1 Minute)
Explore adventures less traveled, the importance of feedback, and the love for data and insights. Engage with others, discover your playful personality, and experience the power of play and adventure in life.

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Buy the Playful Humans Book on Amazon!
Playful Humans was an Amazon best-seller in the happiness category...
Get your copy now!

Support the show

Support the Playful Humans mission to help adults rediscover the power of play:

Get the best-selling book on Amazon!

Previous Episode

Learn the Psychology of Top Performing Artists and Athletes with Stuntman Dr. Brian Hite

What does it take to be an accomplished stuntman in popular shows like Buffy, Star Trek, 24, and Stranger Things? Join us as we explore the thrilling world of stunts with the talented Brian Heights, discussing the differences between a stunt player, a stunt performer, and a stunt double. Brian shares some of his most memorable stunts, the scariest one he's ever done, and how sports psychology concepts like open and closed skills play a role in everyday life.
Discover the power of play in our lives and the importance of adaptability and flexibility in various situations. Brian reveals how combining work and play leads to a fulfilling life and even puts his playful skills to the test with a game of Survey Battles. If you're interested in learning more about performance psychology, don't miss this exciting insight into Brian's experiences and his published book, as well as Begin Again Performance Psychology.
Find Brain Hite at: https://beginagainperformancepsychology.com/Watch the full episode at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWfYJ8fKVbY
Chapters:
(0:00:19) - Stuntman and Performance Psychology
(0:13:53) - Designing a Career With Open Skills
(0:23:09) - The Power of Play and Self-Exploration
(0:29:21) - Playful Humans
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:19) - Stuntman and Performance Psychology (14 Minutes)
Stuntman Brian Heights discusses the differences between a stunt player, a stunt performer, and a stunt double, sharing memorable stunts like a fiery car sequence in Drive Angry. He also reveals the scariest stunt he's ever done and his work as the founder of Begin Again Performance Psychology.
(0:13:53) - Designing a Career With Open Skills (9 Minutes)
Open and closed skills in sports psychology involve adaptability and flexibility, as well as rehearsing repetitive movements. Trust in ourselves and our abilities helps us navigate distractions and emotions in various situations. Order and chaos require balance in daily life, and applying the right skills for the situation is crucial. Deliberate practice works well in predictable environments but may be less effective in life's unpredictable nature. The military acronym VUCA reminds us that life is often chaotic and uncertain, requiring adaptable and flexible skills.
(0:23:09) - The Power of Play and Self-Exploration (6 Minutes)
Exploring the power and benefits of play, combining work and play can lead to a fulfilling and enjoyable life. Intrinsic motivation and the rejuvenating effects of engaging in activities for fun are discussed. Playful skills are put to the test with a game of Survey Battles. For more information on performance psychology, refer to Begin Again Performance Psychology and Brian's published book.
(0:29:21) - Playful Humans (1 Minutes)
Brian Hyde, a prolific stuntman, shares insights from his book "Begin Again" and explores the importance of playfulness in our lives. Discover your playful personality at playfulhumans.com and engage in team-building events, game shows, and fun keynote speeches. Live in the moment and make the most of today.

Buy the Playful Humans Book on Amazon!
Playful Humans was an Amazon best-seller in the happiness category...
Get your copy now!

Support the show

Support the Playful Humans mission to help adults rediscover the power of play:

Get the best-selling book on Amazon!

Next Episode

Life's too short to NOT travel! Learn how to be a Continental Drifter with Ralph Velasco

Are you ready to turn your passion for photography and travel into an adventure of a lifetime? Join Ralph Velasco, the Continental Director, as he shares his journey from owning restaurants and working as a financial advisor to becoming a travel photographer and tour organizer. Ralph's passion led him to create walking tours that teach people how to use digital cameras, starting in the early 2000s, and the many benefits that international travel can bring by taking us out of our comfort zones.
In this engaging episode, listen as we explore the art of photography, common misconceptions, and mistakes people make when taking pictures. Discover the concept of "spray and pray," where photographers take numerous shots in hopes of capturing the perfect moment. Learn basic tips that anyone can use with any camera, such as watching your background and being aware of what's happening in front of and behind your subject. As photographers, we are storytellers, and our goal is to capture interesting images that tell our friends and family about our experiences. So, join us as we follow Ralph's story of following his dreams and turning play into a way of life, and learn how to improve your photography skills and capture memorable images on your next adventure.
Find Ralph Velasco at: https://continentaldrifter.co/
Chapters:
(0:00:27) - International Travel and Making Memories
(0:08:13) - Benefits and Experiences of International Travel
(0:12:24) - Travel Photography and Setting Realistic Expectations
(0:19:12) - Photography Tips and Movie Trivia
Chapter Summaries:
(0:00:27) - International Travel and Making Memories (8 Minutes)
Ralph Falesco's journey from restaurant owner and financial advisor to travel photographer and tour organizer showcases his passion for travel and photography. Early 2000s, he created walking tours teaching people how to use digital cameras. The 2008 financial crisis pushed Ralph to pursue his passion full-time, resulting in a fulfilling and playful career.
(0:08:13) - Benefits and Experiences of International Travel (4 Minutes)
International travel benefits and invigorates by taking people out of their comfort zones. Studying and volunteering abroad in countries like Spain, Peru, Venezuela, and Mexico provide immersive experiences. Being conscious and experienced helps avoid negative travel experiences. Memorable moments include meeting new people and gaining different perspectives from other cultures.
(0:12:24) - Travel Photography and Setting Realistic Expectations (7 Minutes)
Common misconceptions and mistakes in planning international trips include setting unrealistic expectations and not understanding the destination. Balancing enjoyment and capturing experiences through photography is important, as well as being present and appreciating the location. Motivations for travel photography range from documenting vacations to starting travel blogs or selling photos professionally.
(0:19:12) - Photography Tips and Movie Trivia (11 Minutes)
Photography misconceptions include the "spray and pray" technique, where numerous photos are taken to capture the perfect moment. Basic photography tips include watching backgrounds, being aware of the subject's surroundings, and considering light quality and direction. Photographers act as storytellers and can use a shot list to capture a variety of images. Balancing candid a