Episode 42 - Chasing Freedom: Zeke McDonald’s Journey From Baseball to Dirtbag Life
In this episode of the Myofascial Health Podcast, host Unu Tran sits down with rock climber, backpacking guide, minimalist, and proud “dirtbag” Zeke McDonald for an authentic conversation about freedom, self-discovery, and choosing an unconventional path. Zeke opens up about his early life as a dedicated baseball player, the expectations he walked away from, and the moment he realized he didn’t want the future laid out for him. Inspired by books like Into the Wild and fueled by a deep curiosity about the world, he packed his belongings—along with his cat—into a small Mitsubishi Lancer and drove toward the unknown. Unu and Zeke reflect on their first meeting in Sedona, the value of mentorship in climbing, and the sense of connection that comes from exploring wild spaces. Zeke shares what it meant to embrace the “dirtbag” identity, how the conservation corps changed his perspective, and the courage it took to leave home at 19 with no guarantees other than adventure. The conversation dives into the realities of van life—from freezing nights and limited cooking options to moments of profound peace and connection with nature. Zeke discusses upgrading from a compact sedan to a Toyota Sienna, the process of building out his van with the help of friends and YouTube University, and the ongoing balance between owning less and creating comfort. Unu brings insight from his own experiences with travel, partnership, and myofascial release, highlighting how freedom, minimalism, and softening one’s focus can transform both the body and the mind. Together, they explore the idea of “home” as a feeling rather than a place, how intuition and joy can guide life’s biggest decisions, and why taking risks—especially when you're young—can shape a more authentic and fulfilling future. This thoughtful and heartfelt episode invites listeners to question what they truly need, reconnect with their own dreams, and consider what it might look like to live with more presence, courage, and intentionality.
