Episode 157 - The Joy, Flavor and Affection of Salsa Dancing: David Schafran's Transformational Journey

When David Schafran felt his life spiraling into depression and emptiness, he discovered an unexpected lifeline – salsa dancing. That first night on the dance floor sparked something profound: "It makes me feel so happy because it's so joyous and flavorful and juicy." This moment of clarity eventually led David from his high-stress tech startup in Boston to the vibrant streets of Medellín, Colombia, where he immersed himself in dance for five transformative months.David's story challenges conventional thinking about wellness and healing. Despite practicing meditation and yoga, these solitary pursuits weren't enough to lift him from his emotional fog. What he desperately needed was connection, expression, and embodied joy – elements he found abundantly in the salsa dancing community. As he puts it, salsa offers three essential gifts: "joy, flavor, and affection."This revelation didn't just change David's personal life – it birthed a mission. Through his company Soma Loco (meaning "we're crazy together"), he now creates personalized dance immersion experiences that help others discover the same transformative power of movement. Whether you're an experienced dancer or someone who believes they have "two left feet," David's approach proves that dance isn't about performance but feeling. The results speak for themselves, with participants describing the experience as genuinely life-changing.Ready to discover how movement might transform your life? David's journey reminds us that sometimes healing isn't found in stillness, but in rhythm; not in isolation, but in connection. As he advocates, dance isn't just fun – it's medicine that should be taken seriously as a path to well-being. Follow your curiosity to somoloco.com or @dancesomoloco on Instagram to learn how you might find your own rhythm.Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjakeDiscover the journeys that do more than take you somewhere new—they change the way you see yourself and the world. Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel explores unforgettable adventures, hidden places, and the transformative power of stepping beyond the familiar.Check out Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel and listen wherever you get your podcasts. Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure.