Turn It Into the Wind (with Erik and Emily Orton) | Episode 21

Ever wondered what it takes to turn an ordinary life into an extraordinary adventure? This episode features Erik and Emily Orton, a couple who have redefined family living through the power of intentional storytelling and daring choices. Inspired by Joseph Campbell's hero's journey, they left their stable life in New York City to spend a year sailing the high seas with their five children. Emily reveals how a book by Donald Miller changed their worldview on crafting meaningful life narratives. You'll hear how their bold decisions have inspired their children, who are now between the ages of 16 and 26, to become protagonists in their own stories.

Join us as we explore the Ortons' journey, highlighting their commitment to living with intention and resilience. Erik and Emily share the challenging yet rewarding experiences of navigating both literal and metaphorical storms. From a harrowing overnight crossing to the invaluable lessons learned, their stories illustrate the importance of being prepared for adversity while focusing on positive outcomes. The couple also reflects on how their approach to handling challenges has strengthened their marriage over 28 years, giving their family a legacy of endurance and adaptability.

In this insightful conversation, we delve into the Ortons' unique pre-departure practice of listing potential worst-case scenarios alongside positive possibilities. This powerful exercise has fortified their mental resilience, making them adept at facing life's uncertainties. Discover how small, everyday choices and intentional storytelling can shape a family's culture for generations. Learn the transformative power of imagining positive outcomes and how this simple yet effective shift in focus can open doors to new opportunities. Tune in to find out how the Ortons continue to craft an inspiring and fulfilling family narrative that will resonate for years to come.

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About Erik and Emily:

Erik Orton is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer. Emily Orton is an educator, author and public speaker. Their life design framework mutes fear and accelerates growth. They are parents to five adult children, including their youngest with Down Syndrome. They raised their family in upper Manhattan for 23 years where Erik worked on such shows as Wicked, Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera. When their kids were 6-16 years old, Erik and Emily bootstrapped life aboard a fixer upper sailboat in the Caribbean. They sailed as a family from St. Martin back to New York City. Their memoir about the experience (Seven at Sea) is a New York Times Top 10 Travel book. After life on the boat, they continued to travel the world with their children through Europe, the South Pacific, Africa, and across North and South America in planes, trains, boats and vans. They are the co-founders of The Awesome Factory, a coaching and travel adventure company that leads retreats and sailing adventur

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