From ‘Problem Kid’ to World Traveler: The Power of Curiosity & Second Chances | Corey Watts

What happens when you stop living the life you’re supposed to live and start living the one that actually feels true?In this episode of I Have Questions, I sit down with former student, world traveler, and full‑time “say yes” human Corey Watts — a kid who once drove me crazy in the classroom and now inspires me as an adult.Corey shares how he and his wife walked away from the traditional script — the house, the job, the expectations — and instead built a van, then a school bus, and spent years traveling the United States, Southeast Asia, and Central America. Along the way, he discovered something bigger than adventure: perspective.We talk about:What it really feels like to leave the 9–5 grindHow Nicaragua shattered everything he thought he knew about the worldWhy “problem kids” are often misunderstood, not misbehavingThe power of one adult who believes in youHow saying yes can reshape your entire lifeWhy goals aren’t fixed — they evolve as you doWhat travel teaches you about privilege, gratitude, and possibilityThis conversation is raw, honest, funny, and deeply human. If you’ve ever wondered what might happen if you stopped dipping your toe in and finally dove headfirst into the life youPrimary Keywordstravel transformation storyleaving the 9–5 for travelvan life school bus conversionNicaragua travel experiencesaying yes to lifemisunderstood students / problem kidspersonal growth through travelcuriosity podcastI Have Questions podcastSecondary KeywordsCentral America travel storiesSoutheast Asia backpackinglife-changing travel momentsteacher student reunion interviewalternative lifestyle inspirationbuilding a life of freedommental health and identitylate‑20s life transitiontravel transformation, van life story, school bus conversion, Nicaragua travel, Central America backpacking, Southeast Asia travel, saying yes to life, curiosity podcast, personal growth journey, leaving the 9–5, alternative lifestyle, problem kids in school, misunderstood students, teacher student interview, I Have Questions podcast, Mike Ruhland podcast, Corey Watts interview, life purpose, travel perspective shift, freedom lifestyleWorld traveler Corey Watts joins Mike Ruhland to talk about leaving the 9–5, building a school bus home, traveling through Southeast Asia and Central America, and how saying “yes” changed his life. They also revisit Corey’s days as a “problem kid” and explore how mentorship, curiosity, and perspective can completely reshape a person’s path.TakeawaysTravel broadens perspectivesSaying 'yes' to opportunities leads to new experiencesExploring one's own backyard can be as enriching as international travel Mentorship and positive relationships can have a profound impact on students' lives.Making connections and not giving up on challenging students is crucial for educators.Chapters00:00 The Impact of Travel on Personal Growth25:17 Travel and Adventure33:00 Personal Preferences and Reflections