OSBORNE ADVENTURE

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Salome is finally out of the water, and apparently finding three thumb sized holes in your keel can be good news. We talk about hauling her out, the long awaited hull ultrasound, what we found hiding beneath some old repairs, and why the results actually answered one of the biggest questions we’ve had about the boat. With Salome on the hard, the refit is moving into a completely different phase. The masts are coming down, the standing rigging is being replaced, and after a year of working through one hurdle after another, it finally feels like we’re gaining real momentum. We also talk about the people we’ve met along the way, watching the kids put down roots in British Columbia, and that growing realization that this isn’t some distant plan anymore. We’re actually getting close to the part where we untie the lines and go.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we share a major update on the Salome refit and some of the surprising decisions that have come with it. From self-tailing winches and storm shutters to galvanized rigging and a pilot house painted search-and-rescue orange, the boat is changing quickly, and not always in the ways we originally expected. We talk about the challenge of balancing the traditions, costs, safety, and aesthetics required to sail around the world. Along the way, we discuss burnout, momentum, and the strange feeling of watching a dream slowly become real. Sometimes the biggest changes aren't happening to the boat at all.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I sit down with one of the few people who has known me almost my entire life. We met as kids, and somehow through decades of moves, chaos, marriages, parenting, loss, and life, we’re still here. We talk about the traits that define people, optimism, stoicism, cynicism, perfectionism, idealism, and all the other little “tisms” that shape how we move through the world. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you find someone whose wiring fits yours. This is a conversation about lifelong friendship, family, resilience, and the rare people who keep showing up no matter what.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I share an unexpected experience, being invited to an elementary school where 300 students gathered for an assembly about Down syndrome. The speaker, a fourth grader named Hailey, and what followed was thoughtful, funny, and far more meaningful than we expected. After Hailey’s presentation, the floor was open for questions for all five of us. The kids asked about sharks, storms, food storage, homeschooling, sailing around the world, and life with Down syndrome. Ren, Roake, and Freyja each took their turn answering, and it was amazing to watch how naturally they stepped into it. The surprise was seeing firsthand how kids connected with our mission, and how different it feels when hundreds of students experience it together.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down and talk about something we don’t always say out loud, what it actually looks like to raise a child with Down syndrome. We share stories from the early days, feeding struggles, developmental delays, therapy, and trying to figure things out as we went, without really knowing what to expect or where things would land. The conversation moves through what life looks like now, including speech, impulse control, and elopement, which has shaped more of our day to day than we probably realized at first. Some of it is heavy, some of it is funny, but mostly it’s just an honest conversation about our experience and the parts that don’t always get shared.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I sit down with three of the kids in our lives, Hannah, Hailey, and Roake, and just let the conversation go wherever it takes us. What starts with favorite books quickly shifts as they share what it’s actually like to know Ren, not through a diagnosis, but as a friend. We talk about the things they notice, the things they don’t, and how life looks different just by being around him. It’s honest, unfiltered, and at times a little surprising. We talk about bigger things too, like what we’re willing to give up for something we care about, and how kids sometimes can see life more clearly than we do. Mostly, though, it’s just a conversation worth listening to.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down with our friend and neighbor Jen, a firefighter and mom whose daughters have become fast friends with our kids over the past few months. What started as kids running back and forth between houses has turned into something bigger, and we ended up having a conversation about what it’s actually like for another family to step into our world. We talk about how naturally their kids have connected with Ren, the kind of moments that you can’t really plan for but end up meaning the most, and a few stories that still make us laugh. There’s also one that caught us completely off guard, a school project that says more about what we’re doing than we ever could.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I get a little philosophical while sharing a few updates. There’s big news with the National Down Syndrome Society, and some not-so-big news involving cleaning, grinding, epoxy, and the age-old question, “Do we need to gut the entire boat?” All of it somehow happens in the blink of an eye. We talk about the rhythm of working on an incredible boat, learning not to panic every time something unexpected shows up, and how I am slowly learning to stop when my first instinct is still to solve small holes with bigger holes. Mostly, though, we’re just happy for the adventure that is our life.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I handed the microphone to Roake, Freya, and Ren for an unscripted conversation about what this life looks like through their eyes. We talk about sleeping on the boat, losing teeth at anchor, collecting one shell from every place we visit, and what “far away” really means when you’re ten years old. There are killer whales in Norway, penguins in Antarctica, crocodiles in Australia, and a surprising amount of debate about jellyfish. We also get into filming the docuseries, why we won’t have much electronics on the boat, and how family movie nights with homemade popcorn might still be the most important tradition we bring with us. It’s chaotic in places, honest all the way through, and a real look at the expedition from the three voices it will shape the most.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we talk about the silver linings of life on the dock in British Columbia. This season was never part of the plan, but it has given us something we didn’t even realize we needed: time. Time to breathe, time to recover, time to actually enjoy the process again, and time to feel that excitement coming back instead of just grinding through another list. We talk honestly about how burnt out we were when we arrived, how much it impacted all of us, and why this slower stretch has helped our family come back to ourselves. You will hear about Val being stalked by a “raft” of sea lions on a paddleboard, the cursed dock stairs that have become a daily glute workout, and the unexpected gift of friends and family making the trip to visit us up here. We talk about Sunday dinners with Lou and Judy, the new friendships the kids have made, and the most meaningful silver lining of all: Ren having real friends who come invite him to do things, and watching him step into that in a way we’ve never seen before. It is an honest conversation about detours, perspective, and why maybe we’re not behind at all, maybe we’re right where we’re supposed to be.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, it is just me, talking honestly about missing a deadline I made up, and what that revealed about how much pressure I was putting on myself. November 2025 became a hard line in the sand, and missing it forced me to confront the difference between progress and performance. I discuss revisiting the book A Voyage for Madmen and being reminded that this is the kind of adventure people used to undertake as individuals, not corporations or professional teams. There is no safety net beyond the choices we make every day. The timelines, the funding, and the mission all rest on us. This is our life, not a job. Despite missing some marks along the way, the mission itself has never changed.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Maegan as she officially says yes to joining our family and stepping into the role of Ren’s DSP. What began as a quick text has turned into a life changing whirlwind that includes living together, taking sailing courses, and learning what daily life with our family actually looks like. You will hear about spelunking in the lava beds, snow bound trips through Oregon, stand up paddling in 40º rain, water parks, and boat projects, all packed into just a few short weeks together. We talk about building trust with Roake and Freyja, learning Ren’s rhythms, and the difference between helping and allowing him to do things on his own. It is an honest conversation about commitment, integration, and figuring things out in real time, before the lines are cast off and the dock disappears.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I finally sit down to give a long-overdue update. We discuss what it actually looks like to refit a boat while homeschooling, filming a docuseries, and trying to live a normal life at the same time, and why a lot of real progress doesn't look very exciting when you zoom out. You will hear about a missed step in the Redwoods that almost turned into a call to search and rescue, what it took to fly a drone through a tiny opening in a 2000-year-old tree, and why, given even half a chance, Ren will still pack everything he owns and be ready to leave in five minutes. We discuss shifting family dynamics, homeschooling as a family, and why we are intentionally trying to slow things down at the moment. It is a fun, honest update from what sometimes feels like about three inches below the surface.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down with Kandi Pickard, CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society, for an open and honest conversation about parenting, inclusion, and what it means to dream bigger. From her son Mason’s story to the national advocacy work that’s reshaping opportunities for people with Down syndrome, Kandi brings both warmth and wisdom to every moment. We discuss the fear, joy, and the everyday beauty of raising kids who change how we see the world. From seaplanes landing outside our window to Ren making a surprise appearance mid-recording, this is real life, unscripted and unfiltered.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month the best way we know how, by talking about the myths we have heard, the truth we have lived, and the moments that made us laugh along the way. From the idea that people with Down syndrome are always happy (they aren’t) to the myth that everyone with Down syndrome looks the same (they don’t), we share what is actually true in our world with Ren. You will hear about the letter A standoff, the epic starfish counting moment, and Ren’s plan to live with his friends one day. It is real life with a side of humor, honest, personal, and full of love for the kid who keeps us on our toes and reminds us not to take anything too seriously.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I share about our new educational docuseries, Adventure Without Boundaries. What began as a way to inspire kids with special needs has grown into a full classroom resource with lessons, sensory sections, and activities that teachers can adapt for every kind of learner. We talk about why we kept the series off social media, how teachers are using it, and the incredible feedback we’ve already received. You’ll also get a peek at our next episode, where our family volunteers at a local salmon hatchery to learn about conservation, community, and the connection between adventure and responsibility. It’s fun, thoughtful, and all about showing kids, with and without disabilities, that curiosity belongs everywhere, even in the classroom.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Maegan Calcutt, who flew to British Columbia to interview for the role of Ren’s Direct Support Professional (DSP). But this isn’t your average interview, it’s messy, chaotic, and quickly becomes clear that this job is really 25/8 with no privacy, no clocking out, and no escape. From crab pots dumping open on her feet to the blunt reality of life on a boat with kids, Ren, and a crew that never stops moving, Maegan shares what excites her, what scares her, and what it feels like to step straight into our world. This is the unedited, behind-the-scenes reality of what it takes to even consider joining the expedition.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Erik and Emily Orton, authors of Seven at Sea. It tells the story of living aboard with five kids, including their youngest daughter Lily who has Down syndrome, as they sailed from the Caribbean to New York. We talk about the courage it took to step away from the “conveyor belt” of life, the realities of parenting on the water, and how Lily’s curiosity and determination gave them new perspective on education and adventure. Eric and Emily also reflect on the friendships they built at sea and the challenges of returning to life on land. Their story is a powerful reminder that family is the greatest adventure of all, and that sometimes the most important question is not What could go wrong? but What could go right?

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we’re back and living a whole new chapter in Canada, on the boat, and beginning Salomé’s refit. After three years of preparation, it finally feels real. Along the way, Ren finds new freedoms (with one unforgettable runaway story), Freya becomes the pied piper of neighborhood kids, and Roake takes the helm with quiet confidence that surprises even us. Together, we discover the joy of waking up every day to something new. It’s chaotic, funny, and full of those “we made it” moments, a reminder that life isn’t tomorrow, it’s happening right now.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I’m flying solo to share some big updates. We’ve officially left Oregon and arrived in British Columbia, marking the beginning of our long-awaited refit on Salome. Val is back in Oregon, wrapping up the house and her job, while Roake, Freyja, and I start settling into the new rhythm of a sleepy little town by the sea. I share what it's like to pare down our life into 20 bins, the joy of seeing the kids thrive, and the incredible support from Lou and Judy. Plus, I give you a behind-the-scenes look at our visit from Battle Born Batteries, including a film crew capturing the heart of Ren’s story and the expedition.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down for part two of our conversation about fear, and this one goes deeper. We’re not just talking about storms or seasickness. We’re talking about what it means to risk everything as a family. What if we hate it? What if the kids hate it? What if something goes wrong and we can’t take it back? From Val’s fear of storms and medical emergencies to my fear of crew dynamics and worst-case scenarios with Ren, we try to name the things that keep us up at night, sometimes literally. It’s raw, a little dark, and at times, weirdly funny. But that’s what it looks like when two people who’ve lived through some things let their inner voice come out. No drama. Just honesty.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val, Roake, and I are recording from the back deck to escape the empty rooms and moving boxes, and to talk about the things we’re afraid of on this expedition. This time, we’re not diving into what we’re excited for. We’re naming the stuff that gives us pause. Seasickness. Storms. Running out of water. Rockfish. Bad diesel. And yes… cone snails. Each of us shares what’s been on our minds as the expedition gets closer. The goal isn’t drama or being heavy. We just want to be real. Join us for a reflective conversation about fear, the unknown, and moving forward because we know courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s deciding to keep going despite it.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I sit down with my son Ren. He’s nine years old, loves bikes, ice cream, and talking about our upcoming sailing expedition. Ren also has Down syndrome and has been working very hard on developing his speech. Sometimes he’s on topic, sometimes he’s not, and sometimes it just feels like a window into the way his mind works. This episode is about letting Ren be Ren, and that’s what makes it so special. His love of life, his sense of adventure, and his excitement for what’s ahead come through in ways you can’t script. If you’re wondering why we’re doing this expedition, listening to him might help you understand.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we’re giving a quick update as we wrap up the last pieces of life here in Oregon and get ready to head to British Columbia. Our house is nearly ready to list, the pets have new homes, and somehow everything we’re bringing fits into a few black bins. It’s strange, exciting, and a little surreal.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we take a break from the stress of packing, deadlines, and to-do lists to reflect on what’s pulling us forward. In a completely unscripted conversation, Paul surprises Val with a question, What are the top five things we’re most looking forward to as we set sail? The result is a countdown filled with laughter, honesty, and wild turns including sharks, surfing, bread baking, and the now-infamous “one dot” tattoo idea. This episode is equal parts vulnerable and funny, and it reminds us of what really matters when we're chasing something big as a family. We talk about his years at SeaWorld, his expeditions to Antarctica, and the challenges of raising kids to care about nature in a world glued to screens. Our son Roake’s bearded dragon Hank the Tank even makes a cameo, from a new home that might just be perfect. This episode is full of heart, wild stories, and a reminder that the natural world has the power to change lives if we pay attention.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Dave Sidden, Executive Director of Wildlife Images and a lifelong advocate for all things wild. Dave shares his journey from filming wildlife with his father to running one of the most beloved rehabilitation and education centers in the Pacific Northwest. We talk about his years at SeaWorld, his expeditions to Antarctica, and the challenges of raising kids to care about nature in a world glued to screens. Our son Roake’s bearded dragon Hank the Tank even makes a cameo, from a new home that might just be perfect. This episode is full of heart, wild stories, and a reminder that the natural world has the power to change lives if we pay attention.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Ms. Rhonda Schock, educator, community builder, and the woman who’s helped raise half the kids in Rogue River, including ours. For 39 years, she’s championed play-based learning, inclusion, and meeting each child exactly where they are. We talk about parenting shifts over the decades, the value of letting kids get dirty, how to spot a great preschool, and what it really means to build a village. Rhonda shares how she’s created space for kids with special needs without fear, labels, or limitations, just love and learning. This episode is full of laughter, honesty, and moments that might just shift how you think about childhood and education.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I share the 10 things we wish we knew about Down syndrome when Ren was born. We didn’t know he had Down syndrome until the moment he arrived, and what followed wasn’t encouraging. It felt like an endless list of warnings about everything he might never do, instead of any recognition of the potential and beauty that would come to define his life. This is the list we wish someone had given us instead. Some of it’s backed by science. Some of it’s just the truth we’ve learned by living it. We talk about the unknowns, the hard moments, and the unexpected beauty of raising a child with Down syndrome. This episode is about hope, connection, and the joy we’ve found in 10 years of parenting Ren. A life more full, more connected, and more meaningful than we ever imagined.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down with Tressie Albee, a therapist whose candid and unconventional approach to life and therapy has been shaped by her own profound experiences. In this raw, unscripted conversation, Tressie shares her journey from tribal Kenya during the Somali war and her eventual shift in understanding that life is about being fully alive, not ticking boxes. From finding purpose in the chaos, we explore how perceptions shape our ideas of ‘success’ and why parenting isn’t about perfection. Tressie challenges conventional views of therapy, shares stories of navigating life with authenticity and reflects on what it truly means to practice self-care.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down with Freyja, our 7-year-old daughter, to hear how she imagines our expedition unfolding. From her love of animals (even the sharks!) to what it might be like living on a boat with her brothers, she shares it all with the spark of wonder only a kid can bring. It’s a beautiful, light-hearted conversation that lets you see through the eyes of someone who’s been dreaming about it for nearly half her life.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I sit down with Matt Knighton, director, adventure photographer, and award-winning filmmaker. Matt shares his experiences as the Onboard Reporter for Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing during their winning 2014-2015 Volvo Ocean Race. He reflects on what it was like to race around the world on a Volvo 65, what it means to be a sailor, and offers candid insights into our upcoming expedition. From the intensity of offshore racing to the human dynamics that define success at sea, this episode dives into the grit, storytelling, and reality of life at sea. Join us for an honest, unexpected, and engaging conversation about the intersection of sailing, adventure, and the stories that shape us.

On this episode of The Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I sit down with Joy and Bobby, parents to Allanah, a child with level 3 autism and additional diagnoses. They share an unfiltered look at their daily reality—the struggles, the exhaustion, and their unwavering fight to ensure Allanah has the best possible life. Their journey is a testament to the lengths parents go to for their children. It’s an honest conversation about the challenges that don’t always have easy answers. Through it all, they remain dedicated, constantly pushing forward because of their love and unwavering commitment.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I continue our conversation with my dad, diving into the moments, challenges, and lessons that have shaped us as a family and made this expedition possible. We reminisce about my childhood and the many adventures that followed, reflecting on how those experiences prepared us for the journey ahead. Along the way, we explore how life’s experiences shape our perspectives on time, family, and what truly matters. Through it all, my dad offers insights in the way only he can, seeing life from an angle that makes us pause and reflect. This episode isn’t just about the past. It is about the foundation that makes us who we are and why we take on challenges others might shy away from.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I’m taking you on a real, raw journey through the ups and downs of planning this expedition—one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Being a parent is tough, but raising a child with special needs brings its own set of challenges. Adding a global voyage to the mix? That’s a whole new level. We’re not here to sugarcoat things or only share the happy moments—we’re here to share the truth. The good, the bad, and everything in between. Life isn’t always picture-perfect, and this adventure is no exception. So, join me as I open up about the struggles, the lessons I’ve learned, and why, even when it’s hard, we keep pushing forward.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with my dad to talk about Ren and our expedition—but the conversation takes an unexpected turn into his career as a whale trainer at SeaWorld in the 1970s. It was an era of firsts, discovery, and working with incredible animals in ways few people ever have. We talk about what it was like to pioneer marine mammal training, SeaWorld’s early role in conservation, and being part of something that helped change how the world saw whales. This is part 1 of a fascinating conversation offering a rare glimpse into a world most people will never hear about, straight from someone who lived it.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with someone who has been part of this journey from the very beginning—Val’s mom. From living with her when we moved from San Diego to the role she’s played in shaping our family, she has been a constant source of support and love. We talk about the adventure ahead, what it means to take on something this big as a family, and how she feels watching us prepare to sail around the world. There’s laughter, a few tears, and plenty of honest conversation about family, dreams, and the waves that carry us forward.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we explore balancing our family’s privacy with sharing our story. Our global sailing expedition often puts the spotlight on our children—but where do we draw the line? We’ll share how we navigate social media and the internet, the steps we take to keep their lives private, and how we stay focused on what matters most. Join us for an honest conversation about parenting in the digital age and honoring both our mission and our kids’ future.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, I’m joined by my 10-year-old son, Roake, for a hilariously fun and completely unscripted conversation. Between his quick, excited answers about the trip and his running commentary on his love of fruit, there are plenty of one-word responses like “no” that remind us he’s a 10-year-old through and through. This episode is equal parts insight and laughter. Take a glimpse through the eyes of a 10-year-old into what it looks like to leave everything behind and embark on a global sailing expedition.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I dive into what it really takes to prepare our kids for this next big step— heading to British Columbia and ultimately life aboard Salome. From helping them adjust to new routines and changing their diets to exploring how homeschooling will work both on land and at sea, a lot of our focus right now is on making sure they’re ready for this adventure. We’re also navigating the chaos of downsizing and selling almost everything we own. It’s a daily balancing act of preparing for the practical while keeping the dream alive, and today, we’re sharing what it’s like to bring the whole family along for the journey!

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, Val and I share what it will look like to homeschool our kids while sailing around the world. Over the last few years, we’ve transitioned from public school to homeschooling, and it’s been quite an adventure! With plenty of questions—and some concerns—about how sailing will affect our kids’ education, we’re tackling it head-on. Join us as we reflect on our homeschooling experiences, share our plan while on the boat, and show how learning can be a family adventure like no other.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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, I would schedule our American Sailing Association (ASA) courses in early spring on the Canadian border. She could never have anticipated our first course, ASA 101, 103, and 104, would be seven days of fierce storms, gale-force winds, freezing temperatures, and broken equipment - all while trying to master new skills. Join us for a wild adventure as we share the thrills, trials, and unforgettable moments that define our sailing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just dreaming of the open seas, this episode is packed with the experiences that define adventures with the Osbornes.

In this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we sit down with Ren's Direct Service Provider, Amanda Cirillo, for an inside look at our family through her eyes. Amanda shares her heartfelt experiences with Ren while sharing an outsider’s view of our adventurous lifestyle. Hear a mix of funny stories, crazy adventures, and the touching moments that make Ren truly special. Her love for Ren is evident as she discusses his unique abilities and her unwavering belief in our upcoming expedition. Join us for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the extraordinary bond between Ren and those who love him.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, meet our 6-year-old daughter, Freyja. Don’t let her love for stuffed animals and mermaids fool you—she's a force to be reckoned with. Tune in to hear Freyja's beautiful outlook on life, her perspective on having a brother with Down syndrome, and insight into her unique world. Catch a glimpse through the eyes of a brilliant little girl who is ready to take on the world as she prepares for an expedition that would make many sailors’ blood run cold.

Join us for this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast to meet our 10-year-old son, Roake. Roake will share his views on life, our global expedition, and having a brother with Down syndrome. His stories provide a glimpse into the life of a young explorer. See the world again through the eyes of a young adventurer as he recounts his adventures and his love for his family. Experience what it is like to have an unbridled love for the great outdoors in an age where the average American child spends just 7 minutes a day outside.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, we introduce you to Val, a remarkable member of our crew and the mother of our children. Join us as we share insights into her life and the diverse experiences that have shaped her. Hear about her childhood in the remote mountains of Oregon, her years of surfing along the Pacific coast, and her journey as a mother. In addition to these adventures, learn about her dedicated career in emergency medicine. This episode offers an inspiring glimpse into Val's world, showcasing the spirit and determination that make her invaluable to this expedition.

On this episode of the Osborne Adventure Podcast, you will meet Paul Osborne - husband, father, and captain of this extraordinary expedition. Join us for the compelling stories that have shaped his life, from his roots in rural Ohio to the daring adventures that define him. Discover the moments of triumph, the lessons learned, and the passions that drive him forward. This episode provides an intimate glimpse into his journey, revealing the man behind the adventures and inspiration for all who dare to dream.

A Global Sailing Expedition for Down Syndrome Awareness

A Global Sailing Expedition for Down Syndrome Awareness