#54 - The Journey to The Great Smoky Mountains

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In the first episode of 2026, Tim and Mike kick off the new year with a wide-ranging, thoughtful conversation about recovery, restlessness, identity, and wanting more out of life. Mike shares how foot surgery has already improved his quality of life, while Tim reflects on burnout, self-inflicted stress, and the difficulty of slowing down after years of grinding.

The episode moves between lighthearted stories and deeper reflection: working through the holidays, the mental toll of returning to the office, trips to Gatlinburg, sky lifts in the Smoky Mountains, Buc-ee’s obsession, and why vacations hit differently as you get older. A simple vacation purchase — a hat — sparks a larger discussion about identity, confidence, and the freedom to become “who you want to be” later in life.

From there, the conversation turns more introspective. Tim and Mike talk candidly about missed opportunities, financial regret, ambition, and the desire to build something meaningful beyond a traditional 9–5. They wrestle with the balance between gratitude and dissatisfaction, acknowledging how fortunate they are while still feeling driven to create wealth, legacy, and personal freedom.

The episode wraps with talk of new podcast segments, future plans (including presidential history episodes), and a shared commitment to make 2026 a year of action — less sitting still, more creating, and more intention. It’s a relaxed, honest, and reflective start to the year that blends humor, friendship, and real-life conversation.