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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Stalked by a Raft of Sea Lions – Ep. 60
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we talk about the silver linings of life on the dock in British Columbia. This season was never part of the plan, but it has given us something we didn’t even realize we needed: time. Time to breathe, time to recover, time to actually enjoy the process again, and time to feel that excitement coming back instead of just grinding through another list. We talk honestly about how burnt out we were when we arrived, how much it impacted all of us, and why this slower stretch has helped our family come back to ourselves.
You will hear about Val being stalked by a “raft” of sea lions on a paddleboard, the cursed dock stairs that have become a daily glute workout, and the unexpected gift of friends and family making the trip to visit us up here. We talk about Sunday dinners with Lou and Judy, the new friendships the kids have made, and the most meaningful silver lining of all: Ren having real friends who come invite him to do things, and watching him step into that in a way we’ve never seen before. It is an honest conversation about detours, perspective, and why maybe we’re not behind at all, maybe we’re right where we’re supposed to be.
Missing the Deadline (I Made Up) – Ep. 59
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Maegan as she officially says yes to joining our family and stepping into the role of Ren’s DSP. What began as a quick text has turned into a life changing whirlwind that includes living together, taking sailing courses, and learning what daily life with our family actually looks like.
You will hear about spelunking in the lava beds, snow bound trips through Oregon, stand up paddling in 40º rain, water parks, and boat projects, all packed into just a few short weeks together. We talk about building trust with Roake and Freyja, learning Ren’s rhythms, and the difference between helping and allowing him to do things on his own. It is an honest conversation about commitment, integration, and figuring things out in real time, before the lines are cast off and the dock disappears.
Lions, Tigers and Freyja… Oh My! – Ep. 58
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Maegan as she officially says yes to joining our family and stepping into the role of Ren’s DSP. What began as a quick text has turned into a life changing whirlwind that includes living together, taking sailing courses, and learning what daily life with our family actually looks like.
You will hear about spelunking in the lava beds, snow bound trips through Oregon, stand up paddling in 40º rain, water parks, and boat projects, all packed into just a few short weeks together. We talk about building trust with Roake and Freyja, learning Ren’s rhythms, and the difference between helping and allowing him to do things on his own. It is an honest conversation about commitment, integration, and figuring things out in real time, before the lines are cast off and the dock disappears.
Drill Bits, Redwoods, and a Million Dollar Drone Shot – Ep. 57
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I finally sit down to give a long-overdue update. We discuss what it actually looks like to refit a boat while homeschooling, filming a docuseries, and trying to live a normal life at the same time, and why a lot of real progress doesn't look very exciting when you zoom out.
You will hear about a missed step in the Redwoods that almost turned into a call to search and rescue, what it took to fly a drone through a tiny opening in a 2000-year-old tree, and why, given even half a chance, Ren will still pack everything he owns and be ready to leave in five minutes. We discuss shifting family dynamics, homeschooling as a family, and why we are intentionally trying to slow things down at the moment. It is a fun, honest update from what sometimes feels like about three inches below the surface.
Dreaming Bigger with Kandi Pickard, CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society – EP. 56
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down with Kandi Pickard, CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society, for an open and honest conversation about parenting, inclusion, and what it means to dream bigger. From her son Mason’s story to the national advocacy work that’s reshaping opportunities for people with Down syndrome, Kandi brings both warmth and wisdom to every moment.
We discuss the fear, joy, and the everyday beauty of raising kids who change how we see the world. From seaplanes landing outside our window to Ren making a surprise appearance mid-recording, this is real life, unscripted and unfiltered.
Unicorns, Bigfoot, and the Myth of Down Syndrome – EP. 55
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month the best way we know how, by talking about the myths we have heard, the truth we have lived, and the moments that made us laugh along the way. From the idea that people with Down syndrome are always happy (they aren’t) to the myth that everyone with Down syndrome looks the same (they don’t), we share what is actually true in our world with Ren.
You will hear about the letter A standoff, the epic starfish counting moment, and Ren’s plan to live with his friends one day. It is real life with a side of humor, honest, personal, and full of love for the kid who keeps us on our toes and reminds us not to take anything too seriously.
Pass the Snorkel, Class Is in Session – EP. 54
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I share about our new educational docuseries, Adventure Without Boundaries. What began as a way to inspire kids with special needs has grown into a full classroom resource with lessons, sensory sections, and activities that teachers can adapt for every kind of learner. We talk about why we kept the series off social media, how teachers are using it, and the incredible feedback we’ve already received.
You’ll also get a peek at our next episode, where our family volunteers at a local salmon hatchery to learn about conservation, community, and the connection between adventure and responsibility. It’s fun, thoughtful, and all about showing kids, with and without disabilities, that curiosity belongs everywhere, even in the classroom.
The 25/8 Interview - No Privacy Here – EP. 53
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Maegan Calcutt, who flew to British Columbia to interview for the role of Ren’s Direct Support Professional (DSP). But this isn’t your average interview, it’s messy, chaotic, and quickly becomes clear that this job is really 25/8 with no privacy, no clocking out, and no escape.
From crab pots dumping open on her feet to the blunt reality of life on a boat with kids, Ren, and a crew that never stops moving, Maegan shares what excites her, what scares her, and what it feels like to step straight into our world. This is the unedited, behind-the-scenes reality of what it takes to even consider joining the expedition.
I Went to Mars and You Weren’t There: Meet the Ortons
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Erik and Emily Orton, authors of Seven at Sea. It tells the story of living aboard with five kids, including their youngest daughter Lily who has Down syndrome, as they sailed from the Caribbean to New York.
We talk about the courage it took to step away from the “conveyor belt” of life, the realities of parenting on the water, and how Lily’s curiosity and determination gave them new perspective on education and adventure. Eric and Emily also reflect on the friendships they built at sea and the challenges of returning to life on land.
Their story is a powerful reminder that family is the greatest adventure of all, and that sometimes the most important question is not What could go wrong? but What could go right?
Why is this so damn hard? - Ep. 36
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I’m taking you on a real, raw journey through the ups and downs of planning this expedition—one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Being a parent is tough, but raising a child with special needs brings its own set of challenges. Adding a global voyage to the mix? That’s a whole new level. We’re not here to sugarcoat things or only share the happy moments—we’re here to share the truth. The good, the bad, and everything in between. Life isn’t always picture-perfect, and this adventure is no exception. So, join me as I open up about the struggles, the lessons I’ve learned, and why, even when it’s hard, we keep pushing forward.
From Land to Sea - Getting Our Kids Ready for Life Aboard - Ep. 31
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I share what it will look like to homeschool our kids while sailing around the world. Over the last few years, we’ve transitioned from public school to homeschooling, and it’s been quite an adventure! With plenty of questions—and some concerns—about how sailing will affect our kids’ education, we’re tackling it head-on. Join us as we reflect on our homeschooling experiences, share our plan while on the boat, and show how learning can be a family adventure like no other.
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.