In this deeply personal episode, I share the long and winding journey that led me to finally sell out my middle school wilderness backpacking rite of passage trip, a dream that has taken years, setbacks, heartbreak, resilience, and unwavering belief to bring to life.

I open up about the science of grit, self-belief, growth mindset, and perseverance, while also sharing my own transformational experiences with wilderness rites of passage, solo time in nature, mentorship, and the challenges of building a purpose-driven business that supports teenagers and families.

This episode is for parents, teens, educators, mentors, and anyone who has ever felt called toward something meaningful but difficult. If you’ve ever questioned yourself, doubted your path, or wondered whether your dreams are worth pursuing, this conversation is for you.

In This Episode, I Share:

• Why grit and perseverance matter more than talent
• The science behind resilience, growth mindset, and self-belief
• My life-changing wilderness rite of passage experiences
• How nature and challenge build confidence in teenagers
• The struggles of building a purpose-driven business
• What repeated failure taught me about persistence
• Why do parents and teens both go through rites of passage

If you feel like your teenage daughter is craving more confidence, connection, resilience, and time away from the pressure of screens and social media, I would love to invite her to join my High School Girls Wilderness Backpacking Rite of Passage Trip this July in the Marble Mountain Wilderness of Northern California.

So if this is calling to you and your teen, now is the time to register.

🔗https://youth.guided-passages.com/high-school-girls-wilderness-trip-2026

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another parent or teenager who may need this message right now. I’d love to connect with you and your family.

Resources & Mentioned Research

• Dr. Angela Duckworth’s research on grit
• Dr. Carol Dweck’s work on growth mindset
• Dr. Albert Bandura’s research on self-efficacy
• International Coaching Federation (ICF)

Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast to help more families discover the power of rites of passage, resilience, and nature-based transformation.