The Osborne Adventure Podcast is an inside look into our World Record setting sailing circumnavigation to raise Down syndrome awareness. Join us each week as we share an intimate look into our unique lifestyle, our views on adventure parenting, and the beauty and challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome.
Whether you're an avid sailor, an individual with Down syndrome, a parent of a child with special needs, or simply curious about life on the high seas we promise to inspire, educate, and ignite a spirit of adventure within you.
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Raising Ren - A Down Syndrome Parenting Adventure - Ep. 28
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we dive into the joy, humor, and heartfelt moments of raising a child with Down syndrome. Through stories and reflections, we share what life is really like parenting Ren—from the challenges to the unexpected moments that keep us smiling. It’s an honest and lighthearted look at our family life and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re a parent, an adventurer, or simply curious, this episode promises to inspire and uplift. Join us for a glimpse into the beautifully unique adventure of raising Ren.
Through the Chaos: Grief, Guilt, & Moving Forward - Ep. 27
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I open up about 2024 being one of the most difficult years of our lives. In February, Val lost her dad, and the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I lost my mom unexpectedly. While planning a global expedition, we’ve found ourselves trying to balance the death of our parents, the guilt of leaving family behind, and the relentless pace of our lives as we work to make this expedition happen. Join us as we share the importance of just continuing to move forward, even when life feels impossible, and the lessons we learned about time, family, and navigating loss.
From Oceans to Classrooms: Announcing Our Docuseries - Ep. 26
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we’re excited to announce our weekly educational docuseries Adventure Without Boundaries coming in the fall of 2025. The series will be created specifically for special needs classrooms and it will bring the excitement of our global sailing expedition straight to students around the world! It will follow our son Ren (10), a young adventurer with Down syndrome, as he embarks on a journey like no other.
Join us behind the scenes of this amazing project, sharing the inspiration, the mission, and what it means to create something that connects so many people with the adventure of a lifetime. Join us as we explore the heart of this series and what it will bring to classrooms and families everywhere.
Hard Truths & High Risks: An Interview with Dr. Chris David - Ep. 25
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down with Dr. Chris David, Emergency Department Medical Director and former Air Force emergency medicine physician. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Dr. David dives into his biggest concerns about our expedition. Together, we explore the fine line between adventure and danger, offering a candid and unfiltered look at the risks and realities we’ll face at sea. Whether you’re drawn to tales of exploration or intrigued by emergency medicine, this episode will leave you thinking long after it’s over.
A Moment for Family
Life doesn’t always follow the course we chart, and this week we’re pausing the podcast to face one of life’s most difficult moments. Our family is navigating a deeply personal time as we support each other through this challenge.
The expedition is still moving forward, and while this is a painful part of the journey, it reminds us of the strength and purpose that come from living life fully.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. We’ll be back next Thursday, ready to share more stories and adventures with you.
Safety, Survival, and the Sea - An interview with Kevin Garcia - Ep. 24
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I’m joined by Kevin Garcia, a retired United States Coast Guard helicopter rescue pilot. Kevin shares his journey from flight school to high-stakes marine rescues. We dive into some of the more dangerous aspects of boating, drawing on Kevin’s firsthand experiences. As we talk, Kevin shares his perspective and concerns for our expedition, offering insights on the risks involved, the preparations needed, and the mindset this undertaking will demand. Join us for an episode filled with adventure, caution, and the wisdom of a seasoned rescue pilot who has dedicated his life to bringing people home safely.
On the Edge: Family, Refit, and Letting Go - Ep. 23
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down to plunge headfirst into the latest updates on our countdown to setting sail. We cover everything from our refit timeline and the current projects underway to key dates and responsibilities as we prepare for our global expedition. We’ll take you behind the scenes of our recent trip to the Annapolis Boat Show, share insights on new partnerships, and reveal what it’s like to be selling our home and just about everything we own. We also share updates on the kids, the hurdles our family has to overcome, and the many sacrifices we’re making to make this expedition possible. Join us as we pull back the curtain on what it takes to make this dream happen.
The Heart of Salome: An Interview with Lou & Judy - Ep. 22
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we invite you to sit around the table with us for an intimate, long-form conversation with Lou and Judy, the incredible couple behind the foundation of our expedition, Salome. From the start, Lou and Judy believed in us and, through unimaginable kindness, made the purchase and refit of Salome possible. Most importantly, they have become our dearest friends in the process. Join us as Lou shares the moment he first stepped aboard Salome and, despite knowing the years it would take to get her back on the water, felt he was home. Judy recounts her journey, from a childhood shaped by the sea's embrace to her connection with Lou, sparked by an unforgettable experience on Salome.
Over shared stories and laughter, they open up about why they so deeply believe in our mission. This episode offers a warm, unfiltered look at two people who have become a cornerstone of Osborne Adventure. Join us for stories of belief, friendship, and the unbreakable bonds forged through a shared dream.
Highs, Lows, and a Treehouse Conversation: An Interview with Jenn Taylor - Ep. 21
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I’m joined by Jenn Taylor, an airline pilot and epic rock climber who’s also one of my oldest friends. We’ve shared many adventures over the years, but her journey parenting Ford, a bright and challenging child with ADHD and a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile, stands out as truly remarkable. PDA is a lesser-known part of the autism spectrum, where children intensely avoid everyday demands, often due to anxiety. PDA often presents identically to Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).
Recorded in a treehouse in Washington's temperate rainforest, we talk about the highs and lows of life with kids who don’t fit into neat boxes. Jenn shares insights into our expedition and how her experiences have shaped her views on life, adventure, and moving forward in the face of uncertainty.
Join us for an honest, personal, and often humorous look at how two old friends, each navigating parenting, adventure, and life, have found support in each other.
Sharing the Journey: An Interview with Chelsea Pepperman - Ep. 20
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I sit down with my dear friend, Chelsea Pepperman. Chelsea has been a part of my life even before my marriage to Val and the arrival of our kids. If there is one thing I can say about Chelsea it is her kindness and compassion have always stood out. In this episode, Chelsea shares a deeply personal story from Ren's birth, one she witnessed firsthand and offers insight into our family and our sailing expedition. Our conversation explores our friendship, shared experiences, and the dreams we hold for the journey ahead.
The Paradox: Down Syndrome & Sailing - Ep. 19
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we dive into one of our most frequently asked questions: “What does sailing have to do with Down syndrome?” Join us as we unravel the unexpected link between our global expedition and our mission to challenge the world’s perceptions of Down syndrome. The connection will shock you!
Ren, Sailing, and School Success: A Candid Conversation with Ms. Katie - Ep. 18
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Katie Ross, aka Ms. Katie, Ren’s life skills teacher. Join us for a humorous and candid conversation about what it's like having Ren as a student, her initial thoughts when we announced our plans to sail around the world, and the strengths she sees in Ren that will help him on our global sailing expedition. Katie also shares insights for parents of special needs children on how to successfully navigate the education system, offering practical advice to help their child enter and thrive in school. It's an uplifting discussion filled with reflections, guidance, and encouragement for families.
Sailing as a Second Language - Ep. 17
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I dive into the quirky and often confusing world of sailing terminology. From the rigging to the hull, it’s like learning a whole new language - and trust me, Val wasn’t too thrilled about it! Join us for a lighthearted chat as we break down the terms, share stories, and laugh about what it’s like to learn to speak "sailor." Whether you're an old salt or just getting your sea legs, this one’s sure to entertain!
Chasing Adventure: Navigating Elopement - Ep. 16
In this eye-opening episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we share the challenges and realities of Ren's elopement. We put Ren’s elopement in simple terms and share how it affects our daily lives. Hear how we have managed to ensure Ren’s safety while continuing to embrace our adventurous lifestyle. From practical tips to heartfelt anecdotes, we offer ideas and strategies for adventuring when your child tends to elope. Join us for an informative and inspiring discussion on how we navigate one of the most difficult aspects of our Down syndrome journey.
Raising Sailors and Navigating the Uknown - Ep. 15
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we share our hopes and dreams for Roake, Ren, and Freyja. While raising awareness for Down syndrome is a driving force behind our sailing expedition, our family is the heart and soul of the adventure. Join us as we discuss our unique outlooks, how we see a life at sea shaping all our kids’ lives, and how we know not everything will go as planned.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Sailing School (PART 2) - Ep. 14
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we continue our deep dive into the world of sailing with part two of our ASA certification journey. This time, we're navigating the challenges of ASA 105 Advanced Coastal Navigation and ASA 106 Advanced Coastal Cruising. As we push our skills to the limit, we trade wild storms for the intricate art of plotting courses, calculating tides, and tackling advanced sailing techniques. The Canadian border remains our rugged classroom, where every mistake is a lesson and every triumph a testament to our growing expertise. Join us for another chapter of intense learning, unexpected hurdles, and the unwavering determination that drives our adventure. Whether you're curious about coastal navigation or eager to hear about advanced cruising, this episode is filled with the highs and lows that make our sailing journey unforgettable.
First Things First… Sailing School (PART 1) - Ep. 13
In part one of this two-part series of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we plow bow first into a new challenge - sailing school. When we agreed to pursue several sailing certifications, Val envisioned lazy days sailing past sun-soaked beaches surrounded by warm, blue water. Little did she know...
Life with the Osbornes - Amanda Cirillo interview - Ep. 12
On this episode of the Osborne Adventure podcast, we explore what we have termed “Adventure Parenting”. Join us as we discuss why we decided to change our lives to immerse our kids in nature, encourage them to take risks, and help them become confident and independent. We share personal stories about our successes and failures, how they shaped our family, and how these experiences have helped prepare us for the expedition ahead! Get ready to laugh, shake your head, and judge us (possibly more than a little)!
Adventure Parenting: Raising Resilient Kids- Ep. 11
In this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we discuss our philosophy of raising kids, a.k.a. “adventure parenting”. Discover why we have embraced this unconventional approach, despite its financial and emotional costs. We share our stories and experiences that have shaped our children into confident, resilient, and kind individuals. Learn how our kids have become comfortable in their skin, at ease with boredom, and capable of forming meaningful connections with their peers. Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation about the rewards and challenges of raising adventurous explorers.
Unfiltered: Beyond a diagnosis - Ep. 10
In this powerful and raw episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we explore our views and experiences with Ren and his Down syndrome diagnosis. Hear our unscripted and unfiltered account of the journey that began with Ren’s diagnosis. This episode dives deep into our sense of loss, pain, and misunderstanding, but also reveals the beauty and joy of emerging on the other side. Join us to understand why Down syndrome doesn’t define Ren or anyone else who shares his diagnosis, and why this expedition is about more than just a journey across the seas.