In this episode of The Ronin Mindset, I sit down with the incredible Karen Ricks—world traveler, chef, educator, and entrepreneur—who has been PLAYing her way around the world for years. After spending a decade in Japan running an international school, she sold everything to follow a dream: attending culinary school in Italy. Since then, she and her family have been on a global adventure, embracing life with joy and curiosity.

We discuss:

• Her journey from Japan to Italy and beyond
• The power of #PLAYwithYourFood, #PLAYinYourBody, and #PLAYinYourLife
• Lessons from integrating into Japanese culture
• How to build deep connections as a global citizen
• The magic of worldschooling and raising children on the road
• Why you should NEVER settle and always follow your passions

Karen’s energy is contagious, and her insights will inspire you to embrace more play, adventure, and purpose in your life!

For more fun and deliciousness from Karen Ricks & Our Kitchen Classroom, find us all over the web!

Website: https://OurKitchenClassroom.com;

Facebook: https://facebook.com/ourkitchenclassroom;

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenm.ricks/

(#OurKitchenClassroom); YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ourkitchenclassroom;

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YogaWKaren

#PLAYwithYourFood Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WePLAYwithOurFood/;

Subscribe to Our Kitchen Playground: https://ourkitchenclassroom.com/subscribe-to-our-kitchen-playground/;

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-m-ricks/

🌍 Follow Steve Didier: https://www.instagram.com/steve_didier/

https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidierTheRoninMindsetPodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidier/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevedidier/

https://www.tiktok.com/@ronin.mindset.podcast

https://www.theroninmindset.com/

In this episode of The Ronin Mindset, I sit down with Heather Wyatt, who made a bold decision in September 2023—she sold everything she owned in New Jersey and moved to Costa Rica to embrace a fully nomadic lifestyle. Since then, she has built a career around creating transformational experiences for others, including retreats, wellness events, and mental health-focused gatherings.

We dive into:

• The mindset shifts necessary to leave behind a conventional life
• How Costa Rica became the perfect launchpad for her new lifestyle
• The personal transformation she experienced after quitting bartending
• What it takes to turn passion into a career while traveling
• Tips for anyone looking to break free and design a life on their own terms

Heather’s story is all about embracing change, taking risks, and building a life around freedom and purpose.

👉 Subscribe & Listen! 📲 Follow Heather Wyatt:

• https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069429799210
• https://www.instagram.com/goddessgetawaves/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-wyatt%F0%9F%A7%9C%E2%80%8D%E2%99%80%EF%B8%8F-64285124b/

🌍 Follow Steve Didier:

• https://www.instagram.com/steve_didier/
• https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidierTheRoninMindsetPodcast/
• https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidier/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevedidier/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@ronin.mindset.podcast
• https://www.theroninmindset.com/

In this episode of The Ronin Mindset, we sit down with Asha Farrah, founder of Mexpat Dreamers, a relocation company dedicated to helping aspiring expats navigate the journey of moving to Mexico. Originally from Harlem, NYC, Asha has traveled to nearly 30 countries across 5 continents and now calls Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico, home.

Join us as we dive deep into:

• Asha's inspiring path from Harlem to Mexico.
• The incredible diversity Mexico offers in food, culture, geography, and lifestyles.
• The realities and rewards of expat life.
• Practical tips and crucial considerations for anyone planning to relocate to Mexico.

Whether you're dreaming of life in a new country or just curious about the expat experience, this episode is packed with inspiration, insights, and actionable advice!

🔗 Connect with Asha Farrah: Website: Mexpat Dreamers Instagram: @mexpatdreamers

Connect with Steve:

• https://www.instagram.com/steve_didier/
• https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidierTheRoninMindsetPodcast/
• https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidier/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevedidier/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@ronin.mindset.podcast
• https://www.theroninmindset.com/

In this unforgettable episode of The Ronin Mindset, I’m joined by none other than Big Sexy—a man whose name is as big as his personality! Born in California and starting his global adventures in Las Vegas, Big Sexy has worn many hats: podcaster, improviser, actor, playwright, poet, DJ, emcee, Mahjong enthusiast, and even a professional cuddler. Currently soaking up the sun in Mexico, he shares his fascinating journey of ticking off destinations and collecting incredible stories from the nomads and travelers he encounters.

Together, we dive into: 🎙️ How Big Sexy and his wife embraced the nomadic lifestyle 🎙️ Misadventures in Malaga—what went wrong (and right) 🎙️ Exploring the beauty and quirks of Romania 🎙️ The unexpected journey that landed him in Playa del Carmen 🎙️ Insights from his own podcast, Big Sexy Digital Nomad 🎙️ Tips, laughs, and lessons from life on the road

This is a fun, inspiring, and wildly entertaining conversation you don’t want to miss! Whether you’re a seasoned nomad, dreaming of freedom, or just here for the stories, Big Sexy’s charm and wisdom will keep you hooked.

Connect with Big Sexy 🎧 🌍

• Merch Store: https://wearisbigsexy.com
• Buy Us Drank: Https://www.Buymeacoffee.com/Bigsexynomad
• Instagram: ⁠https://www.Instagram.com/Bigsexynomad
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigSexyDigitalNomad/
• Youtube Channel: YouTube.com/@bigsexydigitalnomad

Connect with Steve!

• https://www.instagram.com/steve_didier/
• https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidierTheRoninMindsetPodcast/
• https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidier/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevedidier/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@ronin.mindset.podcast
• https://www.theroninmindset.com/

Tune in now and start your 2025 with some laughter and inspiration!

In this transformative episode of The Ronin Mindset, I sit down with Jeff Kolez, a man who turned his life upside down—and for the better. After going through a life-altering divorce, Jeff embarked on a slow-travel journey, diving into different cultures and scuba diving adventures across the globe.

Jeff is now building a conscious business dedicated to helping men recover from divorce and create extraordinary lives for themselves. Together, we explore:

• The emotional and psychological challenges of divorce and how to overcome them.
• Why traveling and experiencing new environments can be key to personal reinvention.
• The lessons Jeff learned from slow traveling through Germany, Belize, and Mexico.
• Strategies for men to bounce back from pattern interrupts and rebuild their identity.
• What it takes to build a purpose-driven business while living nomadically.

If you've ever faced a major life reset or felt stuck in a rut, this episode will inspire you to take charge, embrace change, and design a life of freedom and fulfillment.

Key Takeaways:

• "Pattern interrupts," like divorce, can be an opportunity for reinvention.
• Travel forces introspection and can help uncover new paths in life.
• Building a meaningful life post-divorce requires courage, reflection, and intentionality.

Connect with Jeff:

• https://divorce-daddy.com
• https://www.youtube.com/@jeffkolez

Connect with Me:

• https://www.instagram.com/steve_didier/
• https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidierTheRoninMindsetPodcast/
• https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidier/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevedidier/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@ronin.mindset.podcast
• https://www.theroninmindset.com/

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories about creating freedom through entrepreneurship, travel, and self-discovery. #DigitalNomad #PodcastingTips #Entrepreneurship

Crystal Adair-Benning is a master storyteller and world traveler who has spent more than 20 years merging her love of writing with her passion for adventure. As a digital nomad, she has created a life filled with purpose, freedom, and incredible stories from her travels. From the Maldives to Croatia to Bali, Crystal’s experiences inspire not only her clients’ books but also her own captivating journey.

Topics Covered:

• Starting Young: Crystal’s journey into the nomadic lifestyle at just 19 years old
• 20+ Years on the Road: The highs, lows, and lessons learned from a lifetime of travel
• Love on the Road: How Crystal found a partner who shares her adventurous spirit
• Travel Fatigue: Staying grounded and avoiding burnout as a digital nomad
• The Power of Family: Staying connected to loved ones while living a life of freedom
• Miracles in New Zealand: Crystal’s life-changing trip that cured her cancer
• Dreams of Settling: Why New Zealand holds a special place in her heart

Key Takeaways:

• How to blend creativity with a nomadic lifestyle
• Tips for finding balance and avoiding travel fatigue
• The importance of embracing life fully because tomorrow is never promised

Connect with Crystal Adair-Benning:

• writewordmagic.com

Connect with Steve:

• https://www.instagram.com/steve_didier/
• https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidierTheRoninMindsetPodcast/
• https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidier/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevedidier/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@ronin.mindset.podcast
• https://www.theroninmindset.com/

Listen & Subscribe: If you’ve ever dreamed of living a life of freedom, adventure, and creativity, this episode with Crystal Adair-Benning is for you. Tune in and get inspired!

Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode, I sit down with digital nomad Joel Oliver, founder of East Coast Studio and host of Profits Through Podcasting. Joel’s journey from a freelance podcast producer to running a thriving podcast production company for health-focused entrepreneurs is nothing short of remarkable.

We discuss:

• How a major heart surgery in 2018 changed Joel’s perspective on work and life.
• His transition to the digital nomad lifestyle and the mindset it requires.
• The pros and cons of living and working globally, from managing time zones to staying productive on the road.
• Why he pivoted East Coast Studio to serve the health and wellness niche.
• Lessons learned about trust, team-building, and scaling a business.

Whether you're dreaming of leaving the corporate grind, starting your own podcast, or simply curious about the realities of being a digital nomad, Joel's story offers valuable insights and actionable advice.

Connect with Joel Oliver:

• https://eastcoaststudio.com

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-ecs

• https://www.instagram.com/ecpodcaststudio

Connect with Me:

• https://www.instagram.com/steve_didier/
• https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidierTheRoninMindsetPodcast/
• https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidier/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevedidier/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@ronin.mindset.podcast
• https://www.theroninmindset.com/

Episode Title: From a White Picket Fence to Global Freedom w/ Veronica Hanson

Guest: Veronica Hanson, Minimalist, House Hacker, and Founder of Messy to Minimalist

Overview: In this episode of The Ronin Mindset, Veronica Hanson shares how she transitioned from living the conventional suburban “American Dream” to embracing a minimalist, nomadic lifestyle with her husband and two kids. Calling herself an “ex-American dream addict,” Veronica reveals how house hacking, credit card points, and intentional minimalism enabled her to leave the corporate world and explore Central America, Asia, and Europe.

Her journey is a masterclass in simplifying your life, redefining success, and creating the freedom to live life on your terms.

Key Topics Covered:

• Veronica’s realization: Why the American Dream wasn’t enough
• The mindset shift required to embrace minimalism
• How house hacking helped fund her family’s escape
• Lessons learned while living nomadically as a family
• Tips for decluttering and starting fresh with Messy to Minimalist

Connect with Veronica Hanson:

• Website: https://veronicahanson.com

• E-Courses: https://nomadfamily.teachable.com/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nomadveronica

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadveronica/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nomadveronica/

Join the Conversation:

• Could you leave it all behind for global freedom? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Connect with Steve

• https://www.instagram.com/steve_didier/
• https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidierTheRoninMindsetPodcast/
• https://www.facebook.com/SteveDidier/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevedidier/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@ronin.mindset.podcast
• https://www.theroninmindset.com/

📢 Subscribe for more inspiring stories and actionable advice to design a life of freedom and adventure!