How to Travel the World and Still Make a Living – Ryan Mellon’s Story

A Joyful Rebellion

Episode Summary:

What if you didn’t have to wait for retirement to see the world? In this adventurous and inspiring episode, James sits down with Ryan Mellon, better known as The Digital Nomad Coach, to hear how he went from working 14-hour days at two jobs to traveling the world full-time—while still earning an income.

Ryan’s journey started with a one-year RV trip across the U.S., but it didn’t stop there. From glacier hikes in New Zealand to motorbiking through the mountains of Vietnam, he’s built a life where work and wanderlust coexist. In this episode, he shares how he made the leap to location independence, the mindset shifts that made it possible, and the practical steps anyone can take to explore the digital nomad life—even if they don’t have a remote job yet.

If you’ve ever felt like there has to be more than the 9-to-5 grind, Ryan’s story will inspire you to rethink what’s possible—and maybe even book that one-way ticket.

Episode Title: From Fast Food to Freedom: Ryan Mellon’s Digital Nomad Life

Chapter Markers:

1. [00:00] Welcome to Bali – Ryan checks in from halfway across the world.

2. [01:30] The Breaking Point – Working 14-hour days for a decade.

3. [03:00] Costa Rica Changed Everything – A two-week solo trip that sparked it all.

4. [05:30] RV Life Begins – One year, 23 states, and a lot of lessons.

5. [07:00] The Real Estate Revelation – Making remote income on the road.

6. [09:00] Taking It Global – New Zealand and the birth of a nomad.

7. [11:00] Becoming The Digital Nomad Coach – Helping others take the leap.

8. [13:00] Minimalism and the Sailboat Life – Why less stuff = more freedom.

9. [16:00] Mindset Roadblocks – Common fears and how to overcome them.

10. [18:00] The Truth About Cost – Living abroad can be cheaper than home.

11. [21:00] Epic Adventures – Glacier hikes, motorbike tours, and unexpected karaoke.

12. [24:00] Family, Friends & FOMO – What people really think of his lifestyle.

13. [27:00] Risk vs. Regret – Leaving the comfort zone behind.

14. [30:00] How to Get Started – Ryan’s advice for aspiring nomads.

15. [32:00] Final Thoughts – The world is waiting—just do it.

Links and Resources:

• Website: TheDigitalNomadCoach.com

• Free Guide: 7 Ways to Become a Digital Nomad — Available on his website

• Socials:

  Instagram / Facebook / YouTube: @‌thedigitalnomadcoach
• Podcast: Digital Nomad Nation – Now streaming everywhere