How a Doctorate lives the VanLife; DPT Dan Walden the Stokemaster

Anthony Thomas Podcast

Does your Physical Therapist live in a van… down by the river? If yours doesn’t, I know a guy!

In today’s episode, I’d like to introduce you to Dan Walden, a Licensed Physical Therapist and certified Stoke-master, who is stepping away from medical contracts to prioritize his passions. Not only is he a mental health advocate, but this mountain man also wants to purposefully coach you in creating a more connected, intentional life that you’re stoked about. From professional wakeboarding to mountain biking and surfing, he’s intentionally chosen to build and lead an experience-centric lifestyle. Today, we discuss how Dan has enhanced his lifestyle through lived experiences, adventure, building community through van life, and how failure and novelty can redirect your journey.

Originally from Tennessee, Dan Walden has been van-lifing it cross-country for 6+ years with his gentle Golden Retriever, Coop. He’s a Physical Therapist by trade but has committed to the call of lifestyle performance coaching, in order to connect with and impact more people daily. If you’re in need of inspiration for adventure, positivity, mental wellness, community, connection and self-reflection, give Dan (& Coop) a follow on social media—you’lll be inspired!

Please enjoy!

What we discuss:

00:25 Intro

03:18 The van man in Truck-ee

09:01 How the pandemic changed the landscape for his job

11:01 Improving body endurance and durability

15:40 ATP=high energy

19:43 Choosing the van-life to create more connections

22:27 People don’t like to hear hard truths

23:06 Lifestyle-forward person

23:40 Rich in experience, not in possession

26:30 Your relationships suffer when you’re not your real self

28:20 “Depression is your avatar saying it wants to be a different character”

29:30 Living a life of novelty

39:58 Failures can redirect your journey

42:50 Being your best version of yourself for whatever you’re pursuing

46:40 Trying new things based on lifestyle enhancement

1:00:36 Journey vs. Destination

1:02:57 The pain of regret vs. the pain of finishing

1:07:11 Being in the moment

1:14:42 Experience the van stoke!

Episode Resources:

• Dan Walden | Instagram | Youtube

I genuinely appreciate your time and support, whether it’s through listening, sharing, leaving an honest review, or donating. A special thanks to my partner in life, Jeannette, my fantastic editor, Phil, today’s guest, Dan, and of course, YOU—the curious and thorough type that drives growth from an idea and dream into something massive that moves the world. Until next time…

Want to connect further? Follow me on Instagram!