Sailing Doodles Podcast

Back in 2004, I was a young Gulfstream III copilot flying celebrities around the world—and one of our regular passengers was Snoop Dogg. On one particular trip, our company was bringing Snoop and his entourage home from Brazil. I joined the trip in Brownsville, Texas, where the airplane had to clear U.S. Customs and Immigration before continuing on to California. Customs knew who was coming, and they were ready. Officers met the airplane with a drug dog and thoroughly searched the jet. They even tested the dog during the inspection. Nothing was found, everyone cleared Customs, and we departed fo...

What is it actually like to own a superyacht? I sit down with my friend Bob, who has owned yachts ranging from 65 feet all the way up to 165 feet, to get an inside look at the reality of superyacht ownership. We talk about what these boats really cost to buy and operate, hiring and managing crew, maintenance, scheduling, fuel, marinas, itineraries, and all the logistics that come with owning a yacht of this size. If you’ve ever dreamed about owning a superyacht—or just wondered how the ultra-wealthy actually manage these massive boats—Bob gives a candid look at everyt...

I’m recording this episode from the roof of my RV in the middle of Black Rock City at Burning Man 2026. Burning Man has grown from a small gathering on a San Francisco beach into a temporary city of more than 70,000 people in the Nevada desert. But after decades of explosive growth, something is changing. Tickets that once sold out almost instantly are now easier to get. The average Burner is getting older, fewer people in their 20s are attending, and the cost of participating continues to climb. At the same time, the nonprofit organization behind Burning Man reported a lo...

In this episode, I sit down with Gabriel, whose list of adventures is almost hard to believe. Most recently, he completed the legendary Northwest Passage aboard a 48-foot steel-hull trawler, navigating some of the most remote and challenging waters on Earth. But that’s only one chapter of his story. He has also circumnavigated the globe on a 48-foot sailboat, climbed Mount Everest, completed the Seven Summits, and swam the English Channel. We spend nearly an hour and a half talking about what it actually takes to attempt adventures like these—the preparation, the danger, the moments when things go wron...

I’ve spent years living and traveling on boats, but lately I’ve been back on the road in the RV — and it got me thinking: which lifestyle is actually better? In this podcast, I compare RV life vs boat life from someone who has lived both. We talk about the cost, maintenance, freedom, comfort, travel, adventure, social life, living with dogs, and all the little things that make each lifestyle amazing — and frustrating. RV life is definitely easier in a lot of ways, but does boat life offer something you just can’t get on land? And the bigger question…...

For most of human history, people who felt trapped by their circumstances could leave everything behind and head toward a new frontier. They could escape their social class, family reputation, past failures, or limited opportunities and try to build something entirely new. But do those kinds of fresh starts still exist? In this episode, I explore why starting over may be harder today than it was for previous generations, why fewer people are willing to risk everything, and whether the world has simply run out of places where your past does not define your future. I also share a story...

In this Ask Me Anything podcast, I answer some of the questions patrons and viewers have been asking most. I start with Nika—whether she’ll be joining me again, how we got along, and what might be next. I also share the scariest experience I’ve ever had at sea: the night my old boat nearly caught fire and sank near Cape Hatteras. I included clips from the original video and explain what happened from my perspective. I also give an update on my health, future cruising plans, the Great Loop, the Great Lakes, Maverick, and several other questions submit...

Owning a brand-new hybrid-electric yacht has been exciting—but it has also come with a much steeper learning curve than expected. In this podcast, I give an honest update on my first few weeks aboard the Island Spirit 525e. I walk through the technical issues we’ve experienced so far, including repeated generator faults, problems within the drive-battery system, charging limitations, and some of the other complications that have interrupted our cruising through Thailand. I explain what happened, what the technicians and builder have done to investigate the problems, and why the generator and battery systems are so important on a ya...

I’m back with the second half of my patron Q&A, and this time we’re talking about what kind of boat I should buy for my next adventure. Would a diesel Sea Ray-style express cruiser work for Florida, the Keys, the Bahamas, and potentially farther into the Caribbean? Or would I be better off with a trawler, a traditional motor yacht, or something designed for longer-range cruising? I discuss the features, size, speed, dinghy setup, and practical limitations I would consider before buying. I also answer questions about whether I would collaborate with high-performance powerboat channels, meeting up with...

A few weeks ago I shared an idea that I thought could completely change the way people experience luxury sailing. Then I asked for your feedback. Hundreds of comments later—and one incredibly detailed blog from a viewer—I realized I had made some major mistakes. In this episode I explain what I got wrong, why the original model probably wouldn't work, and the new direction I'm considering. We dive into whole-boat memberships vs. cabin memberships, pricing, charter economics, premium weeks, refundable deposits, and how this idea might actually become a real business. I still don't know if this will ever...

In this patron Q&A podcast, I answer some of the most common—and most interesting—questions viewers have been asking. I talk about what happened with recent crew members, how I find people to join the boat, the couple who were supposed to launch a Sailing Doodles spin-off channel, whether I’m in a relationship, my changing thoughts about Thailand, plans for the new catamaran, the Mediterranean, the flotilla, and whether I’m seriously considering buying a motor yacht and doing the Great Loop. I also tell a disturbing offshore story about a friend who hired a delivery captain to sail...

What if there was a better way to own a luxury yacht? I've been working on a business idea that I honestly can't decide is brilliant... or completely crazy. Imagine having access to a $1.4 million sailing catamaran that cruises the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Thailand and beyond, without having to buy the whole boat yourself. In this episode I walk through the concept, the numbers, the challenges, and the biggest objections I've already heard. Most importantly, I want YOUR feedback. Would you join something like this? What would make you say yes... and what would make you run away? Leave your thoughts...

In this episode, I talk through a big realization about the future of Sailing Doodles: because of location, weather, and cruising seasons, I may only be able to film on my new catamaran about four months a year. That creates a real problem. If I want to keep making consistent boat content, I may need a second boat. So I’m thinking about buying a smaller motor yacht to keep in Florida and use for cruising the Bahamas, and maybe even doing parts of the Great Loop. I go through the different types of boats I’m considering, what makes sens...

Most people have a dream. Maybe it’s sailing around the world, building a cabin in the mountains, starting a farm, opening a business, moving overseas, or just walking away from a life that looks successful on paper but doesn’t actually make you happy. But most people never do it. Not because the dream is impossible, but because they keep waiting until they’re ready. In this episode, I talk about why I believe you have to set a date, prepare as best you can, and then go. My dream was sailing around the world on a yacht, but this i...

In this episode, I’m answering your questions from Patreon, YouTube members, and the Sailing Doodles app. We start with the big one: my recent health scare, the blood clots and thrombosis, whether it could be connected to my past stroke, how medical care has been overseas, and what recovery might look like from here. Then we get into the questions everyone always wants answered: What’s going on with Olivia? Is she coming back to the boat? What happened with the Brazilian girl? Will Chloe or Sailing Miss Lone Star return? I also talk about the dogs, the future of t...

After a big health scare, I’ve had to ask myself some hard questions about the future of Sailing Doodles. I just bought my dream yacht, but now I’m dealing with blood clots and thrombosis in major abdominal veins, and I still don’t have all the answers about what caused it or what the long-term prognosis looks like. For a while, there was even concern it could be cancer, which thankfully seems to have been ruled out. In this episode, I talk honestly about what this could mean for my future: whether I can keep sailing long term, what h...

In this episode, I talk about the medical issue that suddenly interrupted my life and my plans for Sailing Doodles. It started with abdominal pain that I thought might be something minor, but after hospital visits, scans, and more tests, doctors found inflammation around my pancreas and blood clots in the portal vein. For a short time, there was a real fear that it could be pancreatic cancer, which was obviously terrifying. Right now, I’m still waiting on a proper diagnosis. It could be something autoimmune, it could be related to pancreatitis, or it could be something else entirely. I’...

After years of delays, setbacks, and finally taking delivery of my new Island Spirit 525e… I’ve run into another problem. Because of Thailand’s import and customs rules, I now have to sail the boat roughly 72 hours to Malaysia, clear customs, and then sail all the way back to Thailand just so the yacht can legally return as a tourist vessel. It’s expensive, time consuming, exhausting… and honestly pretty frustrating after everything it took to finally get this boat in the water. In this episode of the Sailing Doodles Podcast, I break down: Why I have to leave Thailand T...

After years of planning, delays, factory visits, and a whole lot of frustration, my new Island Spirit 525e electric catamaran is finally in the water — and sailing. In this episode, I talk through the last few crazy weeks of the build: inspecting the boat at the factory, the Buddhist blessing ceremony, the nerve-racking truck move to the marina, launching the yacht, and finally taking her out for the first sail and sea trial. I’ll share what went right, what still needs work, what surprised me most about the boat’s performance, and whether this electric catamaran project is turning out th...

Electric boats are no longer some far-off future idea — they’re here, and my new Island Spirit 525e is a perfect example. With a 210 kWh battery bank, two 65 kW electric motors, and around 80 nautical miles of electric range at 6 knots, this is a serious electric propulsion system. In this episode, I talk about the safety side of modern electric boats: lithium batteries, battery monitoring, cooling systems, electric propulsion, installation quality, and why today’s systems are much safer than they were just a few years ago. I also get into one of the biggest fears on any modern sailboat: lightning. A ligh...

Dating while sailing around tropical islands sounds like it should be easy… but the reality is a lot more complicated. When you live on a boat and cruise full-time, you are constantly moving from one place to the next. You are rarely in one place long enough to casually date, and most cruising destinations are full of couples, families, honeymooners, and retired cruisers — not single people looking to date. Then add YouTube into the mix. In this episode, I talk about what it is really like trying to date while living on a boat, traveling internationally, filming my life for YouT...

The Bahamas pushed cruising fees too far in 2025, and the boating industry says the fallout was immediate: fewer boats, weaker marina occupancy, and millions in lost economic activity across the islands. As of April 1, 2026, they’ve changed the system again. I’m breaking down the new official fee structure, comparing it to the old one, and showing what it means for a typical cruising boat heading to the Bahamas today.

In this episode of the Sailing Doodles Podcast, I finally sit down with Chloe for a real conversation about her background, where she came from, and how she ended up joining the crew. It’s a fun, honest episode where you really get to know her beyond what you see in the videos… But we also share some important news. Chloe will be leaving Sailing Doodles for now to head home and take care of some medical things. We talk about what’s going on, what this means moving forward, and what’s next. It’s not goodbye forever — just a new chapte...

In this episode of the Sailing Doodles Podcast, I’m answering your questions—from the new 525e catamaran build to future sailing plans, life in Thailand, and yes… Chloe. We cover everything from boat systems and upgrades, to where I’m sailing next, to how all of this actually works behind the scenes. Nothing is off limits in this one. Topics include: Status of the new Island Spirit 525e Future sailing plans (Maldives, Australia, beyond) Life and relationships on the road and at sea Boat systems, maintenance, and lessons learned Content, Patreon, YouTube, and how it all works Thanks to everyone...

For years I assumed I had another 5–10 years as a content creator before technology really started disrupting things. After seeing how fast AI video is advancing… I’m not so sure anymore. AI can now generate voices, scripts, music, and even realistic video scenes. I recently watched several AI-generated reels and videos that honestly fooled me at first. And the scary part is this technology is improving incredibly fast. In this episode I talk about: • AI-generated videos that fooled me • How fast AI video is improving • Why creators might actually lose this battle • How AI could flood YouTube with unlimited content • Whet...

Ever wondered how hard it is to move pets internationally? visit AE Pets https://www.aepetsgo.com In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I break down exactly what it took to move my two dogs from the United States all the way to Thailand. There are a lot more steps involved than most people realize — health certificates, government approvals, airline regulations, quarantine rules, and more. To help explain the process, I sit down with James from AE Pets International, the company that handled the logistics of transporting my dogs. We talk about how international pet shipping works, what pe...

In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I dive into one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made… going all-electric with the new catamaran. Why did I choose an electric propulsion system? How does it compare to boats like Fountaine Pajot’s electric cats? What are the real risks — lightning, reliability, long-term maintenance? And what spares and tools will I be carrying to prepare for worst-case scenarios? Then we pivot into your most asked personal questions… – Will there be rotating crew in Thailand? – What’s happening with Flying Doodles and Emma? – Can I get my pilot’s license back? – Does Chloe e...

In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I sit down with Emma — the host of Flying Doodles — to talk about her aviation journey, career path, and what really goes on behind the scenes of the channel. From her flight training and early experiences in the cockpit to where she sees her aviation career heading next, Emma shares stories you haven’t heard before. We also talk about the future of Flying Doodles, upcoming projects, and what excites her most about aviation right now. If you’ve been watching Flying Doodles and wondering who Emma really is and how she got here...

In this Ask Me Anything episode, I answer the question everyone keeps asking… Who is actually coming with me to Thailand to pick up the new boat? There’s been a lot of speculation about crew, plans, and what’s happening next — so I finally address it. I also talk about: Whether Chloe is joining me Lauryn? Thailand flotilla details What I actually have planned once I get there The current status of the boat raffle RV updates and the Camping World situation Craziest sailing mistakes I’ve ever seen And how to get hired on a sailboat Big year ahead. New...

This one feels surreal to say out loud — the new boat is getting very close to completion. In this update, I share where the build is at, what’s left to finish, and why this moment feels different than anything before. After months (and years) of planning, I’ll be flying to Thailand next month to finally step onboard and start the next chapter. I know a lot of you have been following this journey from the beginning, and I can honestly say… I’m just as excited (and nervous) as you are. Thanks for sticking with me — things are about to get...

Sailing YouTube looks easier than ever — bigger audiences, better cameras, more success stories. But the reality? It’s harder now than when I started, and most sailing channels don’t even make it past year two. In this episode, I break down why channels really fail — not because they can’t sail, but because they run out of money, burn out, struggle with people, or misunderstand how YouTube actually works today. I talk honestly about how long it took me to break even, living on beans and rice, dealing with burnout that never really goes away, why subscribers matter less than they...

In this podcast, I answer one of the biggest questions I’ve been getting lately: who’s coming with me to Thailand on the new boat? We talk about the new boat timeline, potential crew lineup, and what this next chapter of Sailing Doodles is really going to look—both on and off camera. I also address questions about Chloe, future appearances, and how I handle bringing new people into the videos while balancing privacy, reality, and the internet’s opinions. We also dive into: Who may be joining the boat in February How crew decisions actually get made Viewer question...

A month or so ago, I shared a podcast about the nightmare I was dealing with on my RV — and at the time, I hadn’t even gotten to the worst part yet: needing a full engine overhaul. In this episode, I give a full update on everything that happened afterward, how the situation evolved, and how Camping World ultimately stepped up and made things right. It was a long, stressful process, but in the end they took care of the problem, made me whole, and even got me into a newer and better RV. I believe in being fair and...

In this episode, I share my personal thoughts on the tragic aviation accident involving Greg Biffle and his family. I had the opportunity to meet Greg and his wife Kristina about a year and a half ago at Spanish Cay Yacht Club, and they were incredibly kind, welcoming people. This is not an episode about speculation or assigning blame, but rather about acknowledging the human loss, explaining what is currently known, and offering perspective on how unforgiving aviation emergencies can be—especially shortly after takeoff and in marginal weather conditions. Investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Sa...

You asked some tough questions, so it’s time to answer them. In this Q&A episode I cover everything from crew changes and relationships, to insurance and the new boat, along with sailing myths, health insurance while cruising, provisioning mistakes, and what’s coming next for Sailing Doodles and the spin-off channel. Nothing scripted, nothing off limits, just honest answers to the questions you’ve been sending in. Thanks to all the patrons and supporters who keep this channel going and help shape these conversations. Enter the contest here: https://raffall.com/398138/enter-raffle-to-win-sailing-doodles-sailboat-hosted-by-sailing-doodles Want more info in the Island Spirit...

Ever wondered what sailing is really like? After years living aboard, crossing oceans, rescuing boats, breaking boats, and teaching new crews how to sail, I’ve heard every sailing myth in the book… and today we’re busting the big ones. In this episode, we break down the 12 most common (and most misleading!) sailing myths that stop people from getting on the water — including the truth about boat costs, storms, sharks, catamaran safety, anchoring, YouTube crew life, and whether you actually need experience before buying a boat. Whether you’re dreaming of cruising, already sailing, or just love the lifestyle, this podca...

After many delays, stress, paperwork, and uncertainty… the insurance saga is finally over. As most of you know, the delivery crew had a major mechanical failure last year that led to my boat being totaled. Since then, I’ve been working through the long insurance process behind the scenes. I can’t share specific numbers, terms, or private details because of my NDA — but I can walk you through what the experience was like, what I learned, and how this affects the future of Sailing Doodles. In this episode I cover: What I can legally say about the resolution What this mea...

Ever wonder where everyday expressions like “three sheets to the wind,” “overboard,” “the bitter end,” or even “windfall” actually came from? Turns out, tons of common words in English were invented by sailors, pirates, and old-school sea captains, and today we still use them without even thinking about it. In this episode of the Sailing Doodles Podcast, I break down over 80 everyday words and sayings that all started on ships — from naval terms, pirate slang, emergency commands, rigging language, and old maritime traditions. Some of these are obvious… but most of them will absolutely blow your mind! If you enjoy sailing, history, la...

What upgrades are actually worth the money on an older sailboat… and which ones you should avoid? In this episode of The Sailing Doodles Podcast, I break down the most valuable upgrades I’ve done across all the boats I’ve owned — from my classic CT-56 to the newer catamarans and charter boats we’ve sailed. I cover which improvements truly make your boat safer, easier to sail, and more enjoyable… and which “fancy” upgrades usually end up being a waste of money. If you’re shopping for an older cruising boat or planning a refit, this episode will save you thousands. To...

The fans didn’t hold back on this one… In this Q&A episode, I answer YOUR questions about the new catamaran, future sailing plans, past crew, and even a few spicy ones about “hot babes” and babies on board We talk about: • Updates on the new Island Spirit 525e catamaran (Hull #5) • Future cruising plans in Thailand and the Mediterranean • Crew, relationships, and how the channel has evolved • Life as a full-time liveaboard and YouTuber • Gear, filming setups, and how the dogs handle land life Thanks to everyone who submitted questions — I read as many as I could! Watch next: [link to related podc...