Welcome to the Great Things LLC Podcast, where we celebrate individuals making an impact through conscious business practices aligned with personal values. Hosted by Josh Meeder, this show features visionaries who have found their purpose and created joy and abundance while helping others. Whether you're an established trailblazer or still seeking your path, these stories will inspire you to be the best version of yourself.

In this episode, Josh Meeder interviews the multifaceted Frankie Rollins, a former academic turned author, writing coach, and entrepreneur. Frankie shares her journey from teaching at a community college to founding the Fifth Brain Creative Collective. Her passion for helping others through writing and creativity shines through as she discusses the transformative power of storytelling and self-expression.

Introduction to Frankie Rollins

Frankie has authored several books, including "The Greek Madness Manuscript," "Running Wild," "The Sin Eater and Other Stories," and her latest work, "Do You Feel Like Writing? A Creative Guide to Artistic Confidence."

The Pandemic as a Catalyst for Change

Frankie reflects on her life in Tucson, Arizona, during the early days of the pandemic. She shares the profound impact of teaching creative writing online while coping with personal loss and isolation. These experiences led her to reevaluate her career and ultimately leave academia to start her own business.

The Birth of Fifth Brain Creative Collective

Discover how Frankie’s experiences during the pandemic inspired her to create the Fifth Brain Creative Collective, a business focused on supporting people in their creative writing journeys. She discusses the significance of collaboration, conversation, and weekly support in fostering creativity and healing.

Overcoming Fear and Embracing Creativity

Frankie addresses the common fears and obstacles aspiring writers face, such as impostor syndrome and the fear of being selfish. She emphasizes the importance of giving oneself permission to write and the therapeutic benefits of creative expression.

Success Stories from the Fifth Brain Creative Collective

Hear inspiring stories of Frankie’s clients who have overcome significant personal challenges through writing. From a trauma survivor writing her first sophisticated essay to an agoraphobic client who published a short story nationally, Frankie illustrates the profound impact of creative coaching.

The Importance of Process Over Outcome

Josh and Frankie discuss the value of focusing on the creative process rather than the outcome. They highlight how perfectionism can stifle creativity and stress the importance of embracing the journey of self-discovery and growth.

Writing as a Tool for Healing

Frankie shares her belief that writing is a powerful tool for healing and self-awareness. She encourages listeners to explore their experiences and emotions through writing, emphasizing that the act of creating can lead to profound personal transformation.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Writers

Frankie offers practical advice for those interested in writing, including starting with simple prompts, embracing the learning process, and finding delight in creative expression. She also discusses the role of writing in processing difficult emotions and experiences.

What’s Next for Frankie and Fifth Brain Creative Collective

Learn about Frankie’s plans for expanding her business, including new membership packages and classes tailored to different levels of writing experience. She also shares her personal writing projects and the joy of creating while running a business.

Final Thoughts

Frankie's heartfelt message encourages listeners to move forward authentically and give themselves permission to be creative.

Join us on an extraordinary adventure as we delve into the remarkable journey of Patty and Loren Upton. For more than five years, they embarked on an overland expedition, circumnavigating the world entirely in their trusty Jeep, The "Sand Ship Discovery". Their story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, the power of determination, incredible self-reliance, and the wonders of exploration.

An Independent Spirit and Simple Mission

It was a dream of Patty's late husband, Loren Upton, to circumnavigate the world in an American-built vehicle. These were the foundational principles of the excursion. From Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Punta Arenas, Chile, then a cargo ship ride to the African continent (this was the only part that the Jeep was transported on water), from Cape Agulhas, South Africa they ended the 5 year odyssey in Gamvik, Norway

The Darien Gap Challenge:

One of the most jaw-dropping chapters of their journey was undoubtedly their conquest of the Darien Gap, between Panama and Columbia. This dense and forbidding rainforest region had thwarted countless adventurers before them,. There were no roads and this 125-mile strectch took them 741 days to complete. Share in their triumph as they navigate treacherous terrain, forge wild rivers, and overcome the many challenges of this untamed wilderness. This excursion landed them in the Guinness Book of World Records, as the first overland crossing of the Darien Gap.

Global Encounters and Cultural Experiences:

As they crisscrossed continents, Patty and Loren found that an unshakable commitment to the dream, unwavering self-reliance and help from good people around the globe was the reason for the success.

These connections with people in every corner of the world show the good nature of strangers. Gain insights into their encounters with people from all walks of life and how these interactions enriched their expedition experience.

Resilience and Adversity

What is most inspiring and noteworthy is how their daily resilience was tested daily for over 5 years. The Jeep would break axles, springs, brakes, and other mechanical problems could not stop them. Patty had to carry parts in from Panama into Columbia. Axel replacements were shipped via train, mules, and hand carriers.

In the most challenging days, the Jeep broke an axel in the vast desert of Sudan. With nothing and no one around, they found the Nile and floated for 2 and 1/2 days to find a town. It took 70 days to get the parts and back on the path. During this time, Loren survived on limited rations in the desert while Patty coordinated getting the parts shipped in from around the world. A few fortuitous encounters and helpful strangers ultimately made the difference.

The Jeep That Made History:

Patty and Loren's Jeep, The Sand Ship Discovery, deserves special mention. It became more than just a vehicle; it was their home, protector, and constant companion throughout the journey. Discover the limited modifications and extensive preparations they made to ensure the American-built 1966 CJ-5 Jeep made the entire route.

In this captivating Podcast interview, we explore the incredible adventure of Patty and Loren Upton as they drove their Jeep across continents, completed the daunting Darien Gap crossing, and embraced the world's diversity. This is a tale of human tenacity, environmental stewardship, and the transformative power of following your dreams. Join us on this epic journey!

To contact or support Patty, reach her at outbackofbeyond.com

Sarah Beatrice is an avid traveler and has started a curated travel business. She has explored 26 countries, through hiked the Appalachian Trail, and most recently hiked to the Mt Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Sarah shares her inspirational story of how Everest base camp came to be, and it is not how you would expect.

In under 7 months, with no guide, and less than $3,000, she accomplished something most only dream of. Beginning from Pittsburgh, the first layover was in Qatar. It was an unreal experience with air-conditioned streets and local markets. Arriving in Kathmandu, Nepal, the trip begins. Just her and her friend, no guide but a direction. Over an 11-day trek, she met a few locals that would be instrumental along the way. Altitude sickness and other physical issues made the trip arduous. The return hike involved a horse and a helicopter.

Along the way, Sarah and her friend experience life high in the Himalayas, the friend people, and views that very few see. The challenge was more than the Appalachian Trail.

One of the memories from the trip is a tattoo from the highest-elevation tattoo shop on the planet. Sarah gets a new tattoo for each continent she visits. Although she said Antarctica could be a challenge for that practice.

Sarah shares the joys and realities of her extensive travel experience. The lesson of knowing with to push herself and know when not to. Throughout it all, Sarah's excitement and passion for travel is evident.

I hope you enjoy are inspired by her story. If you would like to know more or have Sarah put together a trip for you, find her on Instagram at traveler_sarahb