Jackie sits down with James Edward Mills, fellow Osprey ambassador, freelance journalist, National Geographic Explorer, and creator of the Joy Trip Project, for a wide-ranging conversation about building an adventurous life on purpose. 

James shares how a childhood in Los Angeles, a job at REI, an unexpected career with The North Face, and a life-changing pivot after 9/11 led him into journalism and storytelling rooted in equal outdoor access, conservation, and community. Together, Jackie and James explore the power of following curiosity, choosing lifestyle over convention, uncovering hidden histories in the outdoors, and creating opportunities for more people to see themselves in wild places. 

This conversation is full of wisdom for anyone ready to rewrite their story, follow the next beacon, and build a life that feels deeply and authentically their own.

Resources:

• Find and follow James Edward Mills and The Joy Trip Project at The Joy Trip Project Website and Podcast Series and @thejoytripproject
• Please follow the show, leave a 5-star review if you love it, and share with your travel buddies
• Don’t miss Jackie’s behind-the-scenes communications - hop on our email list at TravelingJackie.com 
• Choose your OWN international adventure curated by Jackie at jumpadventures.com 

Produced by NOVA 

Take a leap with Jackie IRL - join us in Greece and Norway in 2025 at JUMPadventures.com

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