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National Geographic’s Jeff Jenkins: Life Begins Where Your Comfort Zone Ends (ep. 588)

Jeff Jenkins

Jeff Jenkins of National Geographic’s Never Say Say joins John O’Leary on the the Live Inspired Podcast to remind us that life begins where your comfort zone ends.

Travel journalist Jeff Jenkins didn’t step foot on a plane until he was 20 years old, but once he did, he started living by his mantra: “Life begins where your comfort zone ends.”

As the host of the new National Geographic show Never Say Never, Jeff travels the world testing the limits of his physical abilities — from attempting to climb 70-foot mountain faces, to rafting class 5 rapids, to sailing in a windstorm at the end of the world. Throughout his global odyssey Jeff makes deep connections with locals and learns not just about the world, but also about himself.

Today, Jeff shares his personal transformation from a novice traveler to a globetrotting journalist. His heartfelt story and infectious enthusiasm will leave you believing in your own potential and eager to embark on new adventures.

My friends, leave your passports behind as Jeff takes us on an amazing adventure, reminding us all that life’s greatest joys lie beyond our comfort zones.

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SHOW NOTES:

  • At 20 years old, Jeff took his first plane ride… and it was to Japan through the Camp Adventure program.
  • Before he graduated college, Jeff traveled to 14 countries.
  • “I want to travel the world, help people and get paid to do it.” Jeff’s first mission trip brought him to Rwanda to build gardens which launched a well water project.
  • Seeing most of travel blogs and media outlets featuring straight body individuals and individuals outside of the BIPOC community, Jeff was motivated to change the narrative.
  • “I’m not here to promote obesity. I’m here to promote people living life now.”
  • Visiting Pike’s Peak in Colorado, Jeff describes the beauty as something that took days to fully process.
  • Smile is my superpower. Jeff has seen that throughout different cultures, a simple smile softens people.
  • Jeff sees his National Geographic show Never Say Never as an opportunity for others to challenge themselves.
  • “It was 17 years ago when my mentor first said ‘life begins where your comfort zone ends.’ I would not have been able to experience the pleasures or the joy of traveling if I didn’t keep that at the forefront.”
  • The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone taught Jeff to have very audacious goals.
  • Watch National Geographic’s Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins here.

Did you enjoy today’s episode?

You’ll love my conversation with Michael Easter. As an investigative health journalist Michael Easter shares how we can leverage the life-enhancing power of discomfort in our daily lives to relieve tension, lower the risk of disease and dramatically improve our overall well-being. This conversation will help you to embrace discomfort to reclaim your wild, happy and healthy self. Listen to Michael Easter on ep. 474 now.

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About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.

 

JEFF JENKINS' LIVE INSPIRED 7

  1. Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
    A. The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone.
  2. Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
    A. I was very faithful and always dreaming.
  3. Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
    A. There's a box with my memorabilia from when I was a kid.
  4. Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
    A. Oprah.
  5. Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
    A. The reason why we're all successful is because we're the ones that didn't give up.
  6. Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
    A. You are powerful beyond measure.
  7. Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
    A. He was kind. He was thoughtful. He was gracious.