The Freedom Chapter

Ashleigh and Julius Bloem
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY

Welcome to The Freedom Chapter, the podcast that inspires you to live life to the fullest by embracing mini retirements. We redefine retirement by taking short, purposeful breaks throughout life to recharge, pursue passions, and experience the world now. Join us for stories, insights, and tips on planning and living fully during these breaks. Whether you're seeking adventure, a lifestyle change, or simply more time for yourself, we provide the inspiration and information you need to break free from the conventional work-life cycle and start living your best life today.

  1. 26/12/2024

    #17 From Ancient Wonders to Modern Marvels and a Holiday from our Holiday

    In this episode, we share our adventures as we wrap up our time in Europe and explore some of the most iconic destinations in Egypt, the UAE, and Bali. Here’s what we cover: 🌍 Egypt: Bustling Cairo, a private tour of the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, and a food-filled night tour. Plus, our thoughts on safety in the city. 🌆 Dubai: Marveling at the Burj Khalifa, exploring the Miracle Garden, and indulging in a Michelin Star dining experience. 🌴 Bali: A relaxing getaway with fresh coconuts, great coffee, and some unplanned “Bali belly” adventures. We also share our favourite foods and reflect on what it was like transitioning between such unique destinations. 🎧 Tune in for stories of ancient history, futuristic cities, and tropical relaxation! Follow us on Instagram: @juliusbloem @ashlxgh

    40 min

  2. 19/12/2024

    #16 - 8 Essential Insights for House Sitting Success: A Mini Retirement Game-Changer

    In this episode, we dive into our experience with house sitting and pet sitting during our mini retirement. We discuss what house sitting is, how it works, and why it’s an incredible way to travel cost-effectively. We cover: ✨ What is house sitting and how it works. ✨ The best platforms for finding house sits, like TrustedHousesitters and KiwiHouseSitters. ✨ Tips for standing out in your applications and securing great opportunities. ✨ How to leave a lasting impression, from updates to thoughtful gestures. ✨ The challenges of living in someone else’s home and how to adapt. ✨ Our personal stories, from interviews with homeowners to surprising house styles. If you’ve ever thought about house sitting or pet sitting as a way to explore the world, this episode is packed with tips, tricks, and honest reflections. 🎧 Tune in and get inspired to start your own house-sitting adventure! Follow us on Instagram: @juliusbloem @ashlxgh

    40 min
  3. #15 Scaling Mountains, Houseboats and Autumn in Europe

    12/12/2024

    #15 Scaling Mountains, Houseboats and Autumn in Europe

    We’re now three months into our mini-retirement, and this update is packed with stories from four amazing countries! 🇨🇿🇨🇭🇱🇺🇳🇱 Czech Republic: Catching up with friends in Prague, trying new gyms, and soaking in the stunning autumn vibes. Switzerland: Outdoor adventures in Flims, from scaling the Pinut to biking to alpine lakes—EPIC is the only way to describe it! Luxembourg: A new country for us, spent walking, talking, and bumping into interesting travellers. Netherlands: A laid-back week on a houseboat in Haarlem, with plenty of family time, Dutch treats, and biking adventures. Plus, we share lessons on embracing comfort, saying yes to new adventures, and the joy of simply existing. Follow along as we recount our favourite foods, unforgettable moments, and what’s next on our journey! Connect with us on Instagram: @juliusbloem & @ashlxgh

    46 min

  4. 10/12/2024

    #14 - 15 Years of Mini Retirements: How Mohawk Matt Has Explored 170 Countries and Counting

    What if you could turn your life into one long adventure? 🌍 For 15 years, Matthew Woodworth, aka Mohawk Matt (@mohawkmattitude), has been doing just that—living a life of mini retirements, exploring 170 countries, and working as a tour guide based in Prague. In this episode, Matt shares the secrets behind his extraordinary journey, from what inspired him to live this way to his top five cities, tips for making mini retirements a reality, and how he plans to visit every country in the world. We also dive into the realities of life on the road and the perks of having Prague as a home base between adventures. Ready to take the leap into a life less ordinary? This episode is packed with insights and inspiration for anyone dreaming of more travel and freedom. Follow us on Instagram: @juliusbloem & @ashlxgh

    38 min

  5. 14/11/2024

    #13 Boating to a Bus Crash: Italy, Slovenia & Slovakia

    This episode covers a whirlwind journey through Italy, Slovenia, and Slovakia, packed with highs, surprises, and a few mishaps! 🌍 We kicked off in the beach town of Tropea, where we rented a boat with some unexpected safety quirks, explored Modena’s top car museums, and wrapped up Italy with our first ParkRun in Milan. Then, it was off to Ljubljana’s vibrant markets and a day at Lake Bled before an unforgettable birthday celebration in Bratislava — featuring a bus crash that made it one for the books! Don’t miss this wild update. Follow along on Instagram: @juliusbloem & @ashlxgh

    1hr 3min

  6. 30/10/2024

    #12 How Much Money Do You Need for a Mini-Retirement?

    Thinking of a Mini-Retirement? Here’s How We Budgeted to Make It Happen! Taking a mini-retirement sounds dreamy, but making it financially viable takes smart planning. In this episode, we dive into the financial side—how to budget, save, and plan for an extended break from work. We cover everything from daily budgets to practical tips for making your mini-retirement sustainable, whether you’re looking to travel, explore a new skill, or simply recharge. Got questions about your own mini-retirement? Reach out on Instagram: @juliusbloem & @ashlxgh.

    25 min
  7. #11 How We Almost Skipped a Bucket List Adventure – Plus, Our Sicily Surprise

    17/10/2024

    #11 How We Almost Skipped a Bucket List Adventure – Plus, Our Sicily Surprise

    We came close to skipping Mont Saint-Michel, one of the ultimate bucket list spots, but made a last-minute decision to go! From early morning trains to unexpected downtime in Pontorson, hear how we made it happen. Then, follow us to Sicily as we explore Palermo, find our groove in Cefalù, and take in the beauty of Taormina with Mount Etna in view. We’ll share lessons, favourite foods, and our travel highs and lows! Follow our journey on Instagram: @juliusbloem & @ashlxgh.

    41 min

  8. 11/10/2024

    #10 Ask Us Anything: Surprises, Culture Shocks, and Our Mini Retirement Adventure

    In this special episode, we’re answering your questions about our mini retirement and travels! From the funniest things we’ve been asked, to our favourite countries so far, and how we’ve navigated cultural differences and non-English-speaking places. We’re diving into the quirks, surprises, and highlights of life on the road. Wondering if we’ve missed work or if house-sitting is in the cards? Hit play to find out! Plus, we share our thoughts on vlog-style content, dream cars, and more. Follow along for a candid look at our journey! Follow us on Instagram: @juliusbloem & @ashlxgh.

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Freedom Chapter, the podcast that inspires you to live life to the fullest by embracing mini retirements. We redefine retirement by taking short, purposeful breaks throughout life to recharge, pursue passions, and experience the world now. Join us for stories, insights, and tips on planning and living fully during these breaks. Whether you're seeking adventure, a lifestyle change, or simply more time for yourself, we provide the inspiration and information you need to break free from the conventional work-life cycle and start living your best life today.

Information

  • Creator
    Ashleigh and Julius Bloem
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ashleigh and Julius Bloem
  • Show Website
    The Freedom Chapter