In this riveting episode of Travels With Jim and Rita, "Building a New Life Through Travel and Creativity," listeners are invited to explore the profound transformations in both personal and professional lives of Zeke and Terri Mead. This episode is a testament to the resilience of love and the power of new beginnings, set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which served as a catalyst for their remarkable journey.
The episode begins by delving into Zeke and Terri's near-divorce experience after 25 years of marriage. The pandemic lockdown forced them into close quarters, creating a unique environment where they had to confront their differences and rekindle their relationship. Daily intimacy, vulnerability, and therapy played crucial roles in this renewal process. Despite their diverse interests—Zeke's passion for cycling and Terri's love for museums—they found common ground through their mutual love for travel. This shared interest breathed new life into their marriage, taking them on adventures from quaint bike rides to serene beach walks. Their travel channel, born during a walk on the beach in Half Moon Bay, became a symbol of their renewed bond.
Zeke's career shift from managing a wood shop to becoming a full-time homemaker and videographer is another highlight of the episode. He shares his journey of evolving his videography skills with tools like iMovie and Final Cut Pro. This career pivot wasn't without its challenges, especially balancing family responsibilities and creative pursuits. However, the rewards of this new path have been manifold. Zeke's decision to leave his job was influenced by financial and lifestyle considerations, underscoring the complexities of balancing career, family, and creativity. Their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., where they plan to house sit and create content, exemplifies their ability to blend local living, client work, and travel seamlessly.
The episode also features an inspiring story of Terri, a consultant and angel investor who has shattered glass ceilings in male-dominated industries. Her journey from launching the "Piloting Your Life" podcast to writing a book aimed at empowering women over 40 is nothing short of remarkable. This story underscores the importance of lifelong learning, stepping out of comfort zones, and the enriching experience of slow travel. Her insights into navigating perimenopause, her passion for women’s health, and her plans for future projects like teaching at Stanford, provide a wealth of inspiration for listeners. The episode emphasizes the significance of personal growth and resilience, making it a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to rekindle a relationship, pivot their career, or seek inspiration from trailblazing women.
The chapter on "Rebooting Marriage Through Travel and Adventure" is particularly compelling. Zeke and Terri share how their mutual love for travel played a pivotal role in their relationship's revival. They recount their adventures, compromises, and the inception of their travel channel. This segment highlights the importance of finding common ground and shared interests in a relationship, especially when faced with significant challenges.
In the chapter "Navigating Career and Family Dynamics," Zeke discusses his unconventional journey into videography. Starting from managing a wood shop to creating videos for a corporate campus during the pandemic, he shares the challenges of memory management while incorporating footage from bike trips and evolving his skills with tools like iMovie and Final Cut Pro. The decision to leave his job to become a homemaker is also explored, highlighting the financial and lifestyle considerations that influenced this choice. This chapter reflects on the complexities of balancing career, family, and creative pursuits, providing valuable insights for anyone considering a similar path.
The "Adventure and Growth in Life" chapter, Terri shares her stories as a consultant and angel investor who has frequently found herself as the only woman in male-dominated rooms. Her quest for knowledge led her to launch the "Piloting Your Life" podcast, aiming to make visible what was possible for others. This chapter delves into her passion for focusing on women, particularly around the perimenopause transition, and her experiences in the life sciences and technology sectors. This chapter emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and adventure, explaining how stepping out of one's comfort zone can build new neural pathways and enrich life.
In the final chapter, "Embracing Slow and Fast Travel," the discussion shifts to travel experiences and the balance between fast and slow travel. The benefits of using services like Trusted House Sitters and Home Exchange to enhance local experiences and support underrepresented businesses are explored. The dynamics of traveling as a couple are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of having a common goal or project to maintain harmony and focus during journeys. This chapter offers advice for couples on the road, highlighting the significance of shared interests and goals to navigate the challenges of travel together.
Overall, this episode is a rich tapestry of personal and professional transformations, underpinned by themes of resilience, lifelong learning, and the power of travel. Whether you're looking to rekindle a relationship, pivot your career, or seek inspiration from trailblazing women, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights. The stories of Zeke and Terri provide a compelling narrative of growth, renewal, and the endless possibilities that life offers when we dare to step out of our comfort zones.
Follow the story of Jim and Rita, who sold their home to travel for the next few years here in this blog, and on the podcast "Travels With Jim and Rita", available on all major podcast platforms.
