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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down with Freyja, our 7-year-old daughter, to hear how she imagines our expedition unfolding. From her love of animals (even the sharks!) to what it might be like living on a boat with her brothers, she shares it all with the spark of wonder only a kid can bring. It’s a beautiful, light-hearted conversation that lets you see through the eyes of someone who’s been dreaming about it for nearly half her life.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Matt Knighton, director, adventure photographer, and award-winning filmmaker. Matt shares his experiences as the Onboard Reporter for Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing during their winning 2014-2015 Volvo Ocean Race. He reflects on what it was like to race around the world on a Volvo 65, what it means to be a sailor, and offers candid insights into our upcoming expedition.

From the intensity of offshore racing to the human dynamics that define success at sea, this episode dives into the grit, storytelling, and reality of life at sea.

Join us for an honest, unexpected, and engaging conversation about the intersection of sailing, adventure, and the stories that shape us.

On this episode of The Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down with Joy and Bobby, parents to Allanah, a child with level 3 autism and additional diagnoses. They share an unfiltered look at their daily reality—the struggles, the exhaustion, and their unwavering fight to ensure Allanah has the best possible life. Their journey is a testament to the lengths parents go to for their children. It’s an honest conversation about the challenges that don’t always have easy answers. Through it all, they remain dedicated, constantly pushing forward because of their love and unwavering commitment.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I continue our conversation with my dad, diving into the moments, challenges, and lessons that have shaped us as a family and made this expedition possible. We reminisce about my childhood and the many adventures that followed, reflecting on how those experiences prepared us for the journey ahead. Along the way, we explore how life’s experiences shape our perspectives on time, family, and what truly matters. Through it all, my dad offers insights in the way only he can, seeing life from an angle that makes us pause and reflect. This episode isn’t just about the past. It is about the foundation that makes us who we are and why we take on challenges others might shy away from.

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.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with my dad to talk about Ren and our expedition—but the conversation takes an unexpected turn into his career as a whale trainer at SeaWorld in the 1970s. It was an era of firsts, discovery, and working with incredible animals in ways few people ever have. We talk about what it was like to pioneer marine mammal training, SeaWorld’s early role in conservation, and being part of something that helped change how the world saw whales. This is part 1 of a fascinating conversation offering a rare glimpse into a world most people will never hear about, straight from someone who lived it.

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.

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.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I’m joined by my 10-year-old son, Roake, for a hilariously fun and completely unscripted conversation. Between his quick, excited answers about the trip and his running commentary on his love of fruit, there are plenty of one-word responses like “no” that remind us he’s a 10-year-old through and through. This episode is equal parts insight and laughter. Take a glimpse through the eyes of a 10-year-old into what it looks like to leave everything behind and embark on a global sailing expedition.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.