Nomads and Nimble Shadow

Join us as we take listeners on a whimsical, nomadic trekacross the Midwest, navigating everything from a "catastrophic" water main break in historic Galena to a transmission-slipping scare in Chicago. Their journey blends deep dives into 19th-century architecture and dark legends of secret tunnels with humorous observations on "sarcastic" kitchenettes, "terrifying" river fish, and the vibrant tulip fields of Holland, Michigan. Between segments on "Big Hair Friday" experiments and the etiquette of baseball hats in steakhouses, they find beauty in the rolling "Driftless Area" and the idyllic, golf-centric lake communities of Stanwood, all while their dog, Django, expertly adapts to life on the road.

Follow us as we continue north from Sioux Falls to beautiful La Crosse, Wisconsin. We wander the almost empty streets of this historic town while the temperature falls from 80 degrees to 20 degrees in an hour. And what is that loud siren? Small trigger warning for sexual abuse discussion.

This episode brought to you by all the small country roads that somehow earned a highway label. We take the long way from Oregon counterclockwise through the USA to Canada. We discuss living on the road, people watching, and experiencing the small nuances brought to you by the backroads. We hope you enjoy our meandering.

We flew to the wrong island… and it turned into one of the best weeks of our lives. Seven days on a dive boat, exploring reefs, meeting amazing people, and making memories that hit different.This one’s loaded with videos and photos—throw it on your big screen and come along with us.

We sit down with some new friends and discuss what it takes to walk away from what you know and to follow the dream of living abroad. The impetus to departure, and the day-to-day lessons of being outside of the USA. A big thank you to Vanessa and Don for joining us and sharing their story.

We step out on a three-day road trip to explore La Fortuna. Our days were filled with white water rafting, chasing turquoise waterfalls, hiking in the wilderness, and stumbling across a culinary hidden gem on the side of a lonely country road. Hop in with us as we explore the volcanic beauty surrounding La Fortuna. This podcast has photos and videos throughout to help you follow along with the sights and sounds of our adventure. Email us at [email protected]

In this episode, we talk about the unexpected loss of my father and my trip back to the United States to face my responsibilities. We also reminisce about air travel and share stories of prior adventures. Thanks for listening!

Two podcasts in one. The first part entails our adventure and discovery of the medical system in Central America. Can two brave Americans pay less and get more in a developing country? I think you'll be surprised by what we have discovered. Part two focuses on our drive and experience of what the Caribbean side of Costa Rica has to offer. Which side is more appealing to you? This was a difficult episode to publish as my father passed away during its production. This two-part podcast is dedicated to my father. He would have never listened to it, but I'm giving it to him anyway. Rest in Peace, Dad. 🥹🖤

Listen as we discuss the difficulties of enduring a three-day water fast. The science behind the why and the ups and downs while we're in it. Thanks for joining us. Send your comments, questions, and topics to:[email protected] episode has some photos embedded if you have the ability to watch them from your device.

What is Christmas to you? What makes you get in the Christmas Spirit? What are the traditions that can carry over to Central America? We share seasonal stories and listen to Emma reflect on what made her Christmas magical growing up.

In this episode, we explore the idea that meaningful memories often live just beyond our comfort zone. From traveling in developing countries and trying unfamiliar foods to staying in unexpected places and visiting destinations many friends and family would never imagine, we talk about how taking thoughtful risks can lead to unforgettable experiences. We share stories of a baboon challenging us for food inside a rental vehicle, and a hike in South Africa where a wrong turn led straight through a baboon troop. Is there a sliding scale between risk and joy when it comes to memory-making? This episode includes photos and videos along the way—so sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.send questions/comments/topics to us at: [email protected]

The Cost of Caring Too MuchIs it healthier to care less and live fancy-free, or safer to pre-plan and stress over everything that could go wrong? In this episode, we dive into K’s wildly chaotic day, complete with rabies worries and geckos dropping from the ceiling. We also revisit some heartbreaking—but unbelievable—animal stories from our years in law enforcement. It’s a conversation about worry, instinct, and whether caring too much is hurting more than it’s helping.Trigger warning: animals, suffering, and a gnarly motorcycle accident K helped out with during her road trip. Thanks for listening, and please remember to comment or send questions/concerns/topics to our email address at: [email protected]

We sit down with a longtime family friend who’s known us for years, and she shares her perspective on visiting Costa Rica for the first time. As the former spouse of a first responder, she opens up about the challenges of supporting someone balancing intense work demands with family life—and the sacrifices that come with both.Together, we talk about work philosophies, swap stories, and share some updates on the wildlife in and around our new Central American home.We also recap our future endeavor of the Wanderbox, per my brother's request. Join us for a warm, breezy evening conversation, complete with the hum of cicadas, as we reminisce and reflect. Follow along as I post photos or videos of what we're talking about during the session. Send questions/comments/topics to: [email protected] included are of an example of a Wanderbox vehicle, the website address of Wanderbox.com, and a clip of a video shown on their website. Also included is an album cover of the single "Cat's in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin.

In this episode, we go over our recent wins and woes of adjusting to our new way of life. Central America is beautiful and offers a variety of fun challenges. We reflect on living in the jungle and how sometimes the jungle finds its way into your home. Thanks for joining us, and don't forget to send questions, comments, and topics to us at: [email protected]

This episode was recorded at our Costa Rica home with two close married friends who were kind enough to spend their vacation with us. We discuss the difficulties of being married to a first responder, and when things start to balance out, you then bring a trained police dog into a home with three young children, one of whom is neurodivergent. Traveling stories, the anxiety of bartering, and my polling the group on social norms when it comes to walking away from a shopping cart. Please join our poll to weigh in! We love having you join us in today's podcast, and don't forget to send questions, comments, and topics to us at: [email protected]

We arrived! This episode is brought to you from Central America. We discuss the differences of living abroad and the challenges of figuring it out along the way. Coffee talk, reflections, and negotiating PTSD flight/freeze in a crowded grocery store. Thanks for joining us!Please send questions/comments/topics to: [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into all the ways travel inevitably goes sideways when you’re abroad—and how that’s often where the best memories are made. You don’t remember every uneventful mile of a road trip, but you do remember changing a tire in a muddy ditch during a thunderstorm… while being menaced by a muster of peacocks. (Yes, a muster—not a pack. They can also be referred to as a 'party.') So let’s get this party started.We recorded this just a day or two before, once again packing up everything we own and moving our lives to Central America. Join us as we look back on the misadventures that shaped our journey so far.Email us your questions, comments, or concerns at:[email protected]

This episode counts down to a pause in our life on the road and the transition to moving to Central America in the coming days. We discuss our anxiety of giving up our now everyday routine for the stresses of caring for a home in a new environment where English is not spoken by the locals.We share some more work stories, including pranks of the past and my fantasy of swimming through a pool of copper pennies

In this engaging conversation, the hosts reflect on their recent travels, discussing the emotional and psychological impacts of transitioning from serene landscapes to bustling urban environments. They delve into personal experiences with PTSD, the challenges of navigating public transportation, and the joys of culinary exploration in Boston. The discussion also touches on the cultural differences in transportation systems, particularly in Costa Rica. It concludes with reflections on finding comfort in their Airstream as a home base amidst their adventures. Takeaways PTSD can manifest in unexpected ways during travel.Transitioning from quiet to chaotic environments can be challenging.Public transportation offers unique experiences and insights into local culture.Traveling allows for personal growth and shifts in perspective.Navigating urban life can trigger feelings of agitation and discomfort.Culinary experiences can enhance travel memories.Traveling in different countries reveals diverse transportation norms.Finding a sense of home in a mobile lifestyle can be fulfilling.The importance of communication in relationships during stressful situations.Traveling can foster empathy and understanding of different lifestyles.“Music: ‘Aural Nights’ by MusicbyAden — licensed under CCBY-SA 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0). Used with permission from the artist. Original track: [link to the SoundCloud page]”Song: Aural NightsComposer: MusicbyAdenWebsite: No URL availableLicense: Creative Commons (BY-NC 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.comEmail us at: [email protected]

email us In this retrospective episode, we reconnect with a long-time friend and former co-worker who shared the journey with both of us in law enforcement. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside him in several areas of police work—and even better, our professional paths have grown into a close family friendship.Our guest reflects on his career, the challenges and smoother moments of transitioning to a new department, and what it really means to blend different workplace cultures and philosophies. Together, we explore whether staying the course is truly worth it. Of course, we also revisit some memorable stories and shared philosophies from our time on the job.So sit back and enjoy as our guest brings his remarkable memory—and a few unforgettable tales—to life.Don't forget to send us an email with your questions/comments/suggestions. We'd love to hear from you at: [email protected]

We sit down with my son and his girlfriend to catch up and recollect fun memories. We learn about sponge cities, the insight from a prior Jamba Juice employee, Halloween past and present, and how minesweeping at a beach seems cathartic. For this episode, we are in the Airstream in Petaluma. Thanks for listening, and don't forget to send us comments/questions/topics to our email at:[email protected] song is DANCE MONKEY, an AI-generated song provided by Wondershare Filmora and authorized by such to be used in programs such as these.

Traveling with kids...where do you go? Local destinations, popular grandiose locations, or international? How young is too young to travel? In this episode, we utilize our last night in Washington DC to talk to Emma and Andrew about travel philosophy and other fun topics. Mentioned in this episode is a cool app called CHARITY MILES, where you can walk for a cause and raise money just by doing your normal ambulatory commute to and from school or work. We also discuss why public transportation is exceptional in foreign countries but almost non-existent in America. I said nearly, yes, it's present, but when you go to Switzerland, you'll know what I mean.

We are joined and interviewed by the oldest in the family and her boyfriend. We discuss parenting as first responders and being parented by first responders, as well as philosophies and S's nine lives.We look forward to hearing from you. Please email us with questions/requests/concerns to: [email protected]

In this episode...S outsmarts K on how many shows he can pick per week...K's prior audition and maybe future audition for Survivor...PTSD, when did we start to notice a change, and how are we adapting to being in each other's space ALL the time?Thanks for listening. We would love to hear from you. Please send all questions/comments/concerns to: [email protected]

We share a story about S getting the bends, and if he hadn't, we may not be here today.....Travel stories and how dumb two city people can be deep in the Amazon Rainforest.And yes, another BJJ injuryThanks for listening, as always, feel free to send comments/questions/concerns to us at:[email protected]

We share a story where we fall victim to an elaborate scam/con during our travels. K shares a work story. Trigger warning for sexual assault. Welcome, and we're happy you're listening. Send all comments/questions/concerns to us at: [email protected]

SN shares a work story, talks about quitting ZYN's, taking little ones to the emergency room, and the potential dangers of leaving a little boy in the same room as a box of matches.Share with us your comments/questions/complaints or topics at: [email protected]

Disc Golfing, customer service woes, and our potential future, the WANDERBOX! How do Americans travel around the globe to overland? Is it feasible and realistic to think you can take your overland vehicle wherever you want in the world? Missing the kids on the road....Send your questions/comments/complaints/topics to: [email protected] will be answering your questions as soon as he grows opposable thumbs. 

I have a ritual of making coffee in the morning. I filmed this in a beautiful Stargazing Villa named Kosmos that is located in Arizona. Enjoy the ASMR while I make a cup and enjoy the crisp, cool Arizona morning.

We share a rough day in hopes of giving you some laughs. Nothing's easy, and sometimes you both can have a bad day at the same time. We're in Lebanon, Oregon, for the week. Everything is one hour away from this home base.....Email us questions/comments/concerns to: [email protected]

Cruising in Reno with big hair, favorite TV shows, and movies, and how allowing your kid to read scary books is ten times worse than letting them see the film. What are your favorite childhood movies, and did you cruise as a teenager?Get in touch with us: [email protected]

In this episode, we talk about our memories of that tragic day, the state of the union after a recent assassination, and other issues in our encapsulated lives. Thanks for listening, and don't forget to email us with questions, comments, and topics to: [email protected]

We dive into what it's like cooking on the road in our smaller kitchen with the smaller fridge with the smaller pots, the miniature silverware, and tiny glasses....ok, not really. Also, we bring up our past and what we found on the dinner table as kids. The DMV in Oregon, compared to California, and as always more pet peeves. We are now finally moving into our more organized and outlined phase of our podcast and are ready for the prompts and questions from our audience!! Please forward any questions, prompts, or topics to:[email protected] for listening!

Have you ever seen a salmon dressed in his finest red outfit before his version of Eyes Wide Shut? We got to see that today. Also in this episode, I share my experience with a panic attack at Costco, my pet peeves, and we discuss whether being a food server is really as difficult as it seems. Brought to you from Wallowa State Park in our 27' aluminum recording studio.....

This episode is recorded in a State Park near Joseph, Oregon. We talk about our work resumes, missing our friends and family, and the moral dilemma of keeping secrets from your spouse when it comes to work. Thanks for listening!

We recorded this episode where mosquitoes are made, but have a new weapon against the itch. Catching up with my brother in his new castle, his childhood memories vs mine, the losing of a bet, and escape rooms.

Our story begins over the radio waves some twenty-five years ago — a call for service that was truly the cat’s meow. What followed was a glimpse into how balanced, “normal” people evolve after years in public safety. The average person may face five critical incidents in a lifetime. For those in public safety — EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, and police officers — that number climbs to around two hundred if they see a full career. Each one has the power to change a person forever. This is also a story about batteries under pressure… and the crushing loss of our beloved red bike.

In this episode, we talk about our road trips as kids,pedicures for men, and most importantly, our formal introduction to our service dog. We recorded this episode at the top of a very high hill surrounded by wildernessin Pocatello, Idaho. This was our last episode with our beautiful red mountain bike.....RIP Big Red 

In this episode, we discuss how being a police officer changes you and transforms the way you perceive and react to things. In trying to prepare for the jack-in-the-box hiding under the bed, your body and personality undergo not-so-healthy changes. Also included is the cacophony of a pack of vicious chihuahuas and the seedy side of Salt Lake City RV Park living. Come along with us as we play Where's Waldo in the canned food aisle.

In our second episode, we discuss the illusion sold to us as the American dream, picket fence and all. Kendra shares her secret desire to step on baby animals. This episode brought to you by loud diesel trucks, a seemingly required vehicle in the small Utah town of Vernal, population 10,698.

An introduction to our adventure after walking away from the white picket fence....We’re two retired first responders who sold everything, grabbed our dog Django, and set out to live our dream. Nomads and Nimble Shadow is our journey — the highs, lows, and life lessons of living full-time in a 27-foot Airstream and finding a slower, more intentional way to live.1:34Song: Aural NightsComposer: MusicbyAdenWebsite: No URL availableLicense: Creative Commons (BY-NC 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/Music powered by BreakingCopyright:https://breakingcopyright.com