Episode 321 - Try, Fail, Wander, Learn: Bix Firer’s Real Life Education

Growing up in Milwaukee, expectations were clear for Bix Firer: go straight to college and stay on a traditional path. He tried — and quickly learned it wasn’t his path at all. After dropping out, Bix spent several years exploring unconventional jobs, traveling, and learning through lived experience rather than a classroom. Those detours became the foundation for discovering who he was and what he valued. In this episode of Success is Subjective, Bix shares how listening to his intuition — even when it meant starting over — eventually led him into outdoor education, meaningful community work, and a values-aligned career in conservation with the Ice Age Trail Alliance. His journey is a grounding reminder that success isn’t measured by speed or status, but by alignment, joy, and how we show up for ourselves and others. If you or a young adult in your life is questioning “the expected path,” Bix’s story offers reassurance that stepping off course may be the most important part of finding your way. Bix’s Resources: Website: Ice Age Trail AllianceInstagram: @iceagetrailorgEmma’s book: Dead ReckoningPodcast features: The Dirtbag DiariesConnect with Joanna Lilley  Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail [email protected]#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful  #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #IceAgeTrail #FindYourTrail #ExploreWisconsin