Adventure Travel with Jerry Elkins - Host's Father and Adventurer

Guest BioJerry Elkins is a lifelong adventurer whose journey has spanned skies, caves, coastlines, and countless open roads. He began flying hot air balloons in 1979 and, for nearly a decade, made his living as a traveling balloon barnstormer — eventually becoming the first pilot to fly in all 50 U.S. states. But Jerry’s adventures go far beyond the basket. Over the past four decades, he’s explored underwater worlds through SCUBA diving, delved into deep caves, traveled extensively, and built lasting connections through storytelling. As the second of four generations of Elkins balloon pilots, Jerry brings a rich legacy of curiosity, courage, and a deep love for the outdoors to every experience he shares.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with his father, Jerry, about a life defined by exploration, personal growth, and family legacy. From early days in Wyoming to adventures across land, air, and sea, their conversation paints a vivid picture of what it means to live fully and intentionally.They reflect on memorable childhood moments, the power of storytelling, and how a spirit of curiosity led Jerry into ballooning, cave exploration, SCUBA diving, and beyond. With heartfelt honesty, Jerry shares lessons learned from a lifetime of adventure — and Jason explores how those moments have shaped his own path. Together, they celebrate the value of memories, connection, and embracing the unknown.Key Takeaways✓ Adventure is about personal growth, not just thrills. ✓ Childhood experiences often shape our worldview and identity. ✓ Embracing discomfort can lead to meaningful transformation. ✓ Strong communities and friendships enrich the journey of life. ✓ Life’s most treasured possessions are often memories, not things. ✓ Writing offers a powerful way to preserve and reflect on experiences. ✓ Staying present opens the door to unexpected discoveries. ✓ The path of life is a continuous cycle of learning and adapting. ✓ Parental support can inspire a lifelong spirit of exploration. ✓ It’s never too late to pursue new creative passions. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.