In this inspiring episode, Ash sits down with TEDx speaker and award-winning author Melo Calarco—a man who has quite literally cycled to the edges of the world in search of meaning, resilience, and himself. Over 30,000 kilometres across five continents, Melo has learned that the most transformative journey is always the one within.He shares how meditation and mindfulness became the quiet anchors behind his extraordinary adventures, and how facing grief, uncertainty, and physical limits on the road ultimately deepened his understanding of what it means to truly live. Together, Ash and Melo explore the tension between ambition and contentment, and what it looks like to pursue big goals without losing yourself in the chase.Drawing on Eastern philosophies and real-life transformations he has witnessed through his coaching work, Melo offers grounded, practical tools for bringing more presence, flexibility, and fun into everyday life. The conversation is a reminder that growth doesn't always look like pushing harder—sometimes it looks like slowing down, checking in with your values, and choosing joy as a practice. Melo's story is equal parts adventure and wisdom, and a powerful invitation to live more fully, freely, and in alignment with what matters most.Episode chapters:00:00 Introduction to Melo Carlaco01:41 A Day in the Life of Melo05:54 The Importance of Fun and Play06:55 Hiding Behind a Smile: Personal Stories10:02 Navigating Grief and Adversity13:04 The Journey of a Lifetime: Cycling Around the Globe17:47 The Seeds of Meditation20:25 Cultivating the Pause: Reaction vs. Response24:31 Life After Adventure: What Now?27:37 The Aftermath of Achievements: TEDx Experience29:26 Setting Hard Goals for Personal Growth32:06 The Balance of Flexibility and Discipline34:08 Integrating Eastern Philosophies into Coaching39:48 Real-Life Transformations through Mindfulness44:01 The Importance of Presence in Daily Life46:40 Practical Tools for Mindfulness and Presence50:45 Living by Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling LifeConnect with Melo below:BOOK: BEATING BURNOUT FINDING BALANCE FREE CHAPTERMELO's TEDx TALKFREE MEDITATIONS on INSIGHT TIMER STAY CONNECTED on MELO's LINKED INFollow and connect with Ash on: ⁠Instagram⁠ @ashbutterssTikTok @behindthesmilewithashbWebsite⁠ www.ashbutterss.comJoin Ash on retreat in 2026!The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026 Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026Watch Ash’s TEDx Talk here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related