The Osborne Adventure Podcast is an inside look into our World Record setting sailing circumnavigation to raise Down syndrome awareness. Join us each week as we share an intimate look into our unique lifestyle, our views on adventure parenting, and the beauty and challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome.
Whether you're an avid sailor, an individual with Down syndrome, a parent of a child with special needs, or simply curious about life on the high seas we promise to inspire, educate, and ignite a spirit of adventure within you.
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Letting the Inside Voice Out (Fear Part 2) - EP. 49
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down for part two of our conversation about fear, and this one goes deeper.
We’re not just talking about storms or seasickness. We’re talking about what it means to risk everything as a family. What if we hate it? What if the kids hate it? What if something goes wrong and we can’t take it back? From Val’s fear of storms and medical emergencies to my fear of crew dynamics and worst-case scenarios with Ren, we try to name the things that keep us up at night, sometimes literally.
It’s raw, a little dark, and at times, weirdly funny. But that’s what it looks like when two people who’ve lived through some things let their inner voice come out. No drama. Just honesty.
Storms and Cone Snails: What We’re Worried About - EP. 48
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val, Roake, and I are recording from the back deck to escape the empty rooms and moving boxes, and to talk about the things we’re afraid of on this expedition. This time, we’re not diving into what we’re excited for. We’re naming the stuff that gives us pause. Seasickness. Storms. Running out of water. Rockfish. Bad diesel. And yes… cone snails. Each of us shares what’s been on our minds as the expedition gets closer.
The goal isn’t drama or being heavy. We just want to be real. Join us for a reflective conversation about fear, the unknown, and moving forward because we know courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s deciding to keep going despite it.
Ren In His Own Words - EP. 47
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I sit down with my son Ren. He’s nine years old, loves bikes, ice cream, and talking about our upcoming sailing expedition. Ren also has Down syndrome and has been working very hard on developing his speech. Sometimes he’s on topic, sometimes he’s not, and sometimes it just feels like a window into the way his mind works.
This episode is about letting Ren be Ren, and that’s what makes it so special. His love of life, his sense of adventure, and his excitement for what’s ahead come through in ways you can’t script. If you’re wondering why we’re doing this expedition, listening to him might help you understand.
Four Black Bins - EP. 46
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we’re giving a quick update as we wrap up the last pieces of life here in Oregon and get ready to head to British Columbia. Our house is nearly ready to list, the pets have new homes, and somehow everything we’re bringing fits into a few black bins. It’s strange, exciting, and a little surreal.
We talk about what it’s like to really downsize, how it feels to finally begin the refit, and what we’ve learned about letting go of things we once knew were essential. We share details about the docuseries, why it’s definitely not a vlog. We explore how it will add value to the classroom and one of our favorite things, “Feelings on Deck”. We’re not just building a follow-along series, we are building something that will last long after the expedition ends.
It’s a short episode, but a meaningful one. Thanks for coming along.
Sunshine, Sharks & One Dot Tattoos - EP. 45
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we take a break from the stress of packing, deadlines, and to-do lists to reflect on what’s pulling us forward.
In a completely unscripted conversation, Paul surprises Val with a question, What are the top five things we’re most looking forward to as we set sail? The result is a countdown filled with laughter, honesty, and wild turns including sharks, surfing, bread baking, and the now-infamous “one dot” tattoo idea.
This episode is equal parts vulnerable and funny, and it reminds us of what really matters when we're chasing something big as a family.
Wild Hearts, Wild Places: A Conversation with Dave Sidden - EP. 44
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Dave Sidden, Executive Director of Wildlife Images and a lifelong advocate for all things wild. Dave shares his journey from filming wildlife with his father to running one of the most beloved rehabilitation and education centers in the Pacific Northwest.
We talk about his years at SeaWorld, his expeditions to Antarctica, and the challenges of raising kids to care about nature in a world glued to screens. Our son Roake’s bearded dragon Hank the Tank even makes a cameo, from a new home that might just be perfect.
This episode is full of heart, wild stories, and a reminder that the natural world has the power to change lives if we pay attention.
We Didn't Tell Her She Couldn't: A Conversation with Ms. Rhonda Schock - EP. 43
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Ms. Rhonda Schock, educator, community builder, and the woman who’s helped raise half the kids in Rogue River, including ours. For 39 years, she’s championed play-based learning, inclusion, and meeting each child exactly where they are.
We talk about parenting shifts over the decades, the value of letting kids get dirty, how to spot a great preschool, and what it really means to build a village. Rhonda shares how she’s created space for kids with special needs without fear, labels, or limitations, just love and learning. This episode is full of laughter, honesty, and moments that might just shift how you think about childhood and education.
The 10 Things We Wish We Knew About Down Syndrome - Ep. 42
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I share the 10 things we wish we knew about Down syndrome when Ren was born. We didn’t know he had Down syndrome until the moment he arrived, and what followed wasn’t encouraging. It felt like an endless list of warnings about everything he might never do, instead of any recognition of the potential and beauty that would come to define his life.
This is the list we wish someone had given us instead. Some of it’s backed by science. Some of it’s just the truth we’ve learned by living it. We talk about the unknowns, the hard moments, and the unexpected beauty of raising a child with Down syndrome. This episode is about hope, connection, and the joy we’ve found in 10 years of parenting Ren. A life more full, more connected, and more meaningful than we ever imagined.
The Chaos of Parenting: Why Perfection Doesn’t Matter - Ep. 41
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down with Tressie Albee, a therapist whose candid and unconventional approach to life and therapy has been shaped by her own profound experiences. In this raw, unscripted conversation, Tressie shares her journey from tribal Kenya during the Somali war and her eventual shift in understanding that life is about being fully alive, not ticking boxes.
From finding purpose in the chaos, we explore how perceptions shape our ideas of ‘success’ and why parenting isn’t about perfection. Tressie challenges conventional views of therapy, shares stories of navigating life with authenticity and reflects on what it truly means to practice self-care.
A Grandmother’s View: Family, Adventure, and the Journey Ahead - Ep. 34
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with someone who has been part of this journey from the very beginning—Val’s mom. From living with her when we moved from San Diego to the role she’s played in shaping our family, she has been a constant source of support and love. We talk about the adventure ahead, what it means to take on something this big as a family, and how she feels watching us prepare to sail around the world. There’s laughter, a few tears, and plenty of honest conversation about family, dreams, and the waves that carry us forward.
Navigating Social Media as Parents on a Mission - Ep. 33
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we explore balancing our family’s privacy with sharing our story. Our global sailing expedition often puts the spotlight on our children—but where do we draw the line? We’ll share how we navigate social media and the internet, the steps we take to keep their lives private, and how we stay focused on what matters most. Join us for an honest conversation about parenting in the digital age and honoring both our mission and our kids’ future.
All Hands On Deck - Ready, Set, Build! - Ep. 29
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I take a moment to dive into the final big step before our expedition—our upcoming move to British Columbia. After two and a half years of preparation, we are about to undertake one of the biggest milestones of hauling Salome out of the water for her refit. We share what it will take to get the boat ready, the excitement of this next chapter, and the major changes it means for our family. It’s exhilarating, it’s daunting, and it’s all part of the adventure. Join us as we reflect on the journey and the road ahead.
Raising Ren - A Down Syndrome Parenting Adventure - Ep. 28
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we dive into the joy, humor, and heartfelt moments of raising a child with Down syndrome. Through stories and reflections, we share what life is really like parenting Ren—from the challenges to the unexpected moments that keep us smiling. It’s an honest and lighthearted look at our family life and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re a parent, an adventurer, or simply curious, this episode promises to inspire and uplift. Join us for a glimpse into the beautifully unique adventure of raising Ren.
Through the Chaos: Grief, Guilt, & Moving Forward - Ep. 27
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I open up about 2024 being one of the most difficult years of our lives. In February, Val lost her dad, and the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I lost my mom unexpectedly. While planning a global expedition, we’ve found ourselves trying to balance the death of our parents, the guilt of leaving family behind, and the relentless pace of our lives as we work to make this expedition happen. Join us as we share the importance of just continuing to move forward, even when life feels impossible, and the lessons we learned about time, family, and navigating loss.