<p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p><strong>Episode chapters:</strong></p><br><p>00:00 Introduction to Melo Carlaco</p><p>01:41 A Day in the Life of Melo</p><p>05:54 The Importance of Fun and Play</p><p>06:55 Hiding Behind a Smile: Personal Stories</p><p>10:02 Navigating Grief and Adversity</p><p>13:04 The Journey of a Lifetime: Cycling Around the Globe</p><p>17:47 The Seeds of Meditation</p><p>20:25 Cultivating the Pause: Reaction vs. Response</p><p>24:31 Life After Adventure: What Now?</p><p>27:37 The Aftermath of Achievements: TEDx Experience</p><p>29:26 Setting Hard Goals for Personal Growth</p><p>32:06 The Balance of Flexibility and Discipline</p><p>34:08 Integrating Eastern Philosophies into Coaching</p><p>39:48 Real-Life Transformations through Mindfulness</p><p>44:01 The Importance of Presence in Daily Life</p><p>46:40 Practical Tools for Mindfulness and Presence</p><p>50:45 Living by Non-Negotiables for a Fulfilling Life</p><br><p>Connect with Melo below:</p><p>BOOK: BEATING BURNOUT FINDING BALANCE <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.melocalarco.com/the-book__;!!IY5JXqZAIQ!9WOCPwotRk-Rlnz0NUH3DfCGRgMZZVt-SosOFrrKp4N3VrOAs-F-3qH6A8I0OrApQbH72wE8sNZ7EPx0y74$" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FREE CHAPTER</a></p><p>MELO's <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pzQ6nQfYT4__;!!IY5JXqZAIQ!9WOCPwotRk-Rlnz0NUH3DfCGRgMZZVt-SosOFrrKp4N3VrOAs-F-3qH6A8I0OrApQbH72wE8sNZ7h-utYy0$" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TEDx TALK</a></p><p>FREE MEDITATIONS on <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/insig.ht/mindfulmooves__;!!IY5JXqZAIQ!9WOCPwotRk-Rlnz0NUH3DfCGRgMZZVt-SosOFrrKp4N3VrOAs-F-3qH6A8I0OrApQbH72wE8sNZ7smMrPJk$" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">INSIGHT TIMER</a>&nbsp;</p><p>STAY CONNECTED on MELO's <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.linkedin.com/in/melo-calarco-09354635/__;!!IY5JXqZAIQ!9WOCPwotRk-Rlnz0NUH3DfCGRgMZZVt-SosOFrrKp4N3VrOAs-F-3qH6A8I0OrApQbH72wE8sNZ7owupyLg$" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LINKED IN</a></p><br><p>Follow and connect with Ash on:&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashbutterss/%20%E2%81%A0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">⁠Instagram⁠</a>&nbsp;@ashbutterss</p><p>TikTok <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@behindthesmilewithashb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@behindthesmilewithashb</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ashbutterss.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website⁠ <strong>www.ashbutterss.com</strong></a></p><br><p><strong>Join Ash on retreat in 2026!</strong></p><br><p><a href="https://www.ashbutterss.com/the-embodied-woman-retreat" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Embodied Woman Retreat | Gold Coast | May 2026&nbsp;</a></p><br><p><a href="https://www.ashbutterss.com/bali-retreat-2026" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rest and Renew Holistic Retreat in Bali | August 2026</a></p><br><p>Watch Ash’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfclluaXT4Q" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TEDx Talk here</a>!</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>