The Beginning: Facing Fear and Embracing the Unknown
As I write this from the passenger seat of our Suzuki Jimny, driving north along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica towards San Jose International Airport, I reflect on three transformative years in this beautiful country. It’s December 11, 2024—just shy of my three-year anniversary in Costa Rica and six years of living alcohol-free. I leave the jungle a profoundly different person than when I arrived.
When I first came to Uvita in December 2021, I was full of hope and fear for the unknown. I had just emerged from a dark period during the COVID lockdowns. At the time, I was deeply involved in the growth of a boxing gym in the USA. I’d progressed from helping set up the facility and ensuring its survival during the lockdowns to coaching and eventually managing it in the few months before I resigned.
I also entered into what I thought was a promising business venture offering sports recovery services, but in hindsight, it was a lesson in trust and due diligence. I naively handed over significant capital to someone who misrepresented their past and character. When the partnership unraveled, I was left with unpaid debts and accusations that hurt both professionally and personally.
The most painful part wasn’t the financial loss but the ostracization that followed. Out of a community of nearly 300 plus people, only one person—my friend Ian—initially reached out to hear my side. It was a stark reminder of how quickly people can jump to conclusions in our modern world.
Despite it all, I’ve come to see these experiences as part of life’s broader lessons. Mistakes, no matter how painful, are teachers. The truth has a way of surfacing in time, and karma always finds its balance. As for me, I’ve made peace with it and carry forward with a clear conscience, knowing I’ve stayed true to my values and integrity.
Looking back now at 44 years old, I believe the universe was teaching me a necessary lesson. There are no mistakes—only lessons. That breach of trust became the push I needed to pursue my FARMERSTRENGTH™ dream. When the universe gives you a vision, it’s your duty to act on it. And if you resist, it will force you onto your path.
Life in San Josecito: A Jungle Paradise
Over the next three years, I lived in a casita on a mountain in San Josecito, overlooking Uvita. The house was small—just 25x25 feet—but it had everything we needed. More importantly, it came with a heavenly view of the jungle cascading into the Pacific Ocean.
The casita was part of a larger property, a tropical haven with fruit trees bearing bananas, mamón chino, avocados, pineapples, abiu, mangosteen, limes, and oranges. Nearby were some of Costa Rica’s most stunning beaches: Bahía Ballena, Playa Hermosa, Playa Dominical, and Playa Ventanas. Close by were breathtaking waterfalls, including Nauyaca, El Pavón, and Uvita, as well as the picturesque Pérez Zeledón region.
Every morning, howler monkeys announced the sunrise over the mountains, and the evenings ended with golden sunsets over the ocean. Coatis, snakes, exotic insects, and reptiles were part of daily life. The jungle was alive in a way that demanded both respect and awe. Costa Rica is more than a place—it’s an experience that touches your soul.
Healing Through Nature and Running
Still grappling with anxiety and depression from my previous work ordeal and its personal fallout, Costa Rica’s natural beauty offered the healing space I needed. As Hippocrates (c. 460–370 BCE) said: “Nature itself is the best physician.” I began running every Sunday (I amassed nearly 1,800 km over those three years)—up the mountain, along the beaches, and through nearby towns. These runs helped me heal and connected me with the community.
I met Martin and Sharon, my “fairy godparents,” who became pillars of support. I enjoyed Martin’s fine cooking and shared deep conversations about life, while Sharon offered me her unwavering kindness and encouragement. Their dogs often joined me on my runs, making the miles feel lighter.
Rolbi, the property gardener, became another good friend. He introduced me to the hidden wonders of the jungle, including a secret beach near Playa Chamán, a bat cave, and a jungle waterfall that served as our water source. Cleaning the water supply to the property involved a steep and treacherous hike, but Rolbi tackled it with ease while I trudged along, sweating and swatting bugs.
Expanding Horizons: A Journey of Lifelong Learning
My time in the jungle also allowed me to continue my education. I believe life is meant to be experienced, and we can have as many adventures as we allow ourselves—provided we don’t box ourselves into a narrow path. While dedicating 30–40 years to mastering one craft is admirable, my journey has taken a different direction.
After spending 15 years as a BMW Master Mechanic, I closed that chapter to follow my childhood passion: sports and coaching. During my time in the jungle, I’m proud to have completed my certifications with the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Certified Personal Trainer, MMA Conditioning Specialist, and Group Fitness Trainer. These qualifications now complement my Ready State Mobility Specialist certification, StrongFirst Bodyweight Specialist certification, Wim Hof Breathing course, and First Aid certifications.
While these credentials are valuable, the real education lies in hands-on experience. Coaching is an energetic exchange—some have the ability to inspire and bring out the best in others, while others do not. In today’s world, where social media and sports science often reduce training to rigid formulas, no course can teach you how to connect with the human spirit.
Boxing: Building Relationships and Teams
As I built relationships with Hermosa Boxing Camp and Boxeo Quepos, my soul underwent rapid healing. The connections I made with good-hearted individuals in the boxing communities of Jacó and Quepos played a significant role in my journey.
During my three years in Costa Rica, I was privileged to work a total of 22 professional boxing fights locally, assist in coaching teams that produced Costa Rican national champions, and travel internationally for my craft. I worked three professional fights in the USA with Team Cusumano, one in Medellín, Colombia, with Team Carrita, and virtually in four professional fight camps for Team Giles. In total, I was involved in camps for 30 professional fights—an experience I doubt I would have gained had I stayed where I was. Once again, the universe proved that it knows what it’s doing.
My work in the USA laid the foundation for my connection with Coach Dave McDonough, AJ Galante, and Champs Boxing Club in Danbury, CT. As the curtain began to close on my Costa Rican chapter, this connection became the direction my compass pointed. Announcing my departure from Costa Rica was heartbreaking; the athletes and teams I had worked with felt like family. Yet, their reassurances reminded me that I was leaving not an end but an opportunity—a bridge for continued collaboration between FARMERSTRENGTH™, Costa Rica, and the USA. This time, as I depart, it truly feels like I have left a fingerprint of love on the lives I touched.
Building Strength and Friendships at Atlantis Gym
In Uvita, I trained daily at Atlantis Gym - Uvita, a welcoming community hub that brought together locals and expats. Diego Zamora, the owner, and his staff were incredibly kind, even allowing me to coach some members in boxing basics and conditioning. I cannot speak highly enough about this facility and the significant role it played in my Costa Rican experience.
Through Atlantis, I had the privilege of working with amazing clients like Joanna, Junior, Colleen, Esteban, and Ali. They became more than clients—they became friends. I also trained alongside 16-year-old amateur boxer Jack, who inspired me as much as I inspired him. Jack has all the tools to succeed, and I’m grateful for the time we spent training together.
People come into our lives for a reason, and I hope I played a small role in helping Jack and others become the best versions of themselves.
Parque Reptilandia: A Wild Adventure
One of the most unexpected chapters of my Costa Rican journey was helping Parque Reptilandia near Dominical establish its social media presence by managing their platforms. The park had undergone a massive renovation and was closed for a period. Upon reopening, I was fortunate to assist in building its online presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google, TripAdvisor, and YouTube.
Parque Reptilandia, home to the world-famous crocodile Coquita—renowned for her parthenogenic (virgin) birth—introduced me to a fascinating world of reptiles I had never imagined.
I spent time up close with snakes, turtles, dart frogs, monitor lizards, caimans, and crocodiles. It was an incredible experience that not only expanded my knowledge of these extraordinary creatures but also deepened my respect for the natural world.
Transformative Experiences: Plant Medicine and Brotherhood
My South African friend Kyle Keran, owner of Excalibur Coaching and a brother in every sense of the word, visited me for a life-changing experience. Together, we trained, ate amazing food, fasted, and participated in an ancient plant medicine ceremony deep in the jungle.
The ceremony, guided by an experienced facilitator, was deeply spiritual and mind-expanding. Watching Kyle go through his journey was one of the most honorable experiences of my life, and he later shared that the feeling was mutual as he witnessed my own transformative process. This is not for everyone, and proper due diligence must be done by anyone considering this experience.
The following day, we embarked on an eight-hour hike through jungle terrain that felt like Indiana Jones meets The Goonies. It was grueling but awe-inspiring, filled with dangers and childlike wonder. Kyle, who had previously endured the grueling Men of War training experience, declared after the hike, “Men of War ain’t got shit on the jungle, G!”—a statement that still makes me smile every time I think about it. When the time feels right, this experience will become a chapter of its own for another day.
Rekindling Family Bonds: JP’s Visit
My Irish cousin JP O’Neill visited Costa Rica to study yoga, giving us the chance to reconnect after 20 years. During his visit, we explored the jungle, savored coffee and local cuisine, and attended the Envision Festival—a magical event in the jungle filled with music, art, and dance.
Two moments stand out vividly for me: the two musical journeys we experienced with the Yawinawa Tribe from Brazil. They told spectacular musical stories, weaving together their lives with Mother Nature and the Amazon jungle in a way that was nothing short of magical. One night, they performed from the stage, captivating the crowd with their powerful storytelling, and the next night, we joined them around the sacred fire for an intimate and profound experience.
The tribe’s artistry felt like that of elite, modern DJs, seamlessly blending storytelling with music. They had the ability to hold the crowd spellbound, seated on the floor in awe, only to transition into a celebration of dance and freedom, encapsulated by the incredible music they performed. It was a celebration of life itself, and it brought JP and me closer than ever, deepening our bond in a way I’ll always cherish.
Exploring Beyond Borders
During my three years in Costa Rica, I was fortunate to visit neighboring countries such as Antigua, Guatemala; El Tunco, El Salvador; Medellín, Colombia; and Buenos Aires, Argentina, along with frequent border runs to Nicaragua. Anyone who has lived in Costa Rica will understand the necessity of these border runs—a quirk of life there—but that’s a story for another day.
Each country I visited was stunning in its own unique way. In Antigua, Guatemala, the colonial charm of cobblestone streets and vibrant markets nestled in the shadow of imposing volcanoes left a lasting impression. El Tunco, El Salvador, was a surfer’s paradise with its laid-back vibe, black-sand beaches, and mesmerizing sunsets. Medellín, Colombia, often referred to as the "City of Eternal Spring," captivated me with its perfect climate, innovative culture, and the warmth of its people. Buenos Aires, Argentina, with its European-style architecture, tango-filled streets, and vibrant energy, was nothing short of spectacular.
No matter where I went, I found the people to be incredibly friendly and welcoming. Whether it was sharing a meal with locals, engaging in cultural exchanges, or simply navigating new environments, I was continuously amazed by the kindness and hospitality I encountered.
Traveling beyond Costa Rica not only enriched my perspective but also deepened my appreciation for the diversity and beauty of Central and South America. These journeys were as much about the people as they were about the places, and they remain some of the most treasured memories of my time in this region.
Next Stop: Danbury, CT
As my Costa Rican chapter comes to a close, my focus shifts to Danbury, CT. Champs Boxing Club, with its deep roots in boxing and strong ties to the local MMA, ice hockey, and lacrosse communities, will serve as the new home for FARMERSTRENGTH™. Their strength and conditioning facility provides the perfect environment to grow this next phase of the journey.
Starting December 16th, I’ll be offering group fitness classes, personal training, and breathwork sessions, while continuing to work with amateur and professional boxers. This new chapter aligns beautifully with the winter solstice—the natural new year—a time for fresh starts and renewed purpose.
FARMERSTRENGTH™ will now operate as two divisions: Fitness & Performance Training and Lifestyle & Apparel. The Fitness & Performance Training division will focus on group coaching, personal training, and fight camps, while the Lifestyle & Apparel division will expand into merchandise, prepped meals, and custom fitness equipment inspired by functional farm life.
Although the focus is shifting geographically, my mission remains the same: to sell one million t-shirts, help people discover their healthiest, strongest selves, and give back to the communities I serve. I’m excited to see how FARMERSTRENGTH™ evolves in its new home and grateful for the opportunity to continue inspiring strength, resilience, and compassion in others.
Reflection and Gratitude
Reflecting on my three years in Costa Rica, I hope I was able to paint a vivid picture of some of the standout experiences I had. I realize now that going through a dark period is much like a seed being planted into the ground. At the time, it feels isolating and uncertain, but we don’t realize that we’ve just been given the chance to grow. In those moments, we are on the cusp of tremendous transformation.
To anyone currently experiencing darkness, depression, or feeling like they’ve lost their purpose, know this: you are not alone. Life is one big obstacle course, and often, we are the greatest obstacle we have to overcome. My email and phone number are easily obtainable, and I am always available to share my life lessons and how I’ve navigated the challenges life has thrown my way. I can’t emphasize enough how healing and grounding Mother Nature can be when facing internal turmoil.
For anyone considering an experience living in Costa Rica, I have plenty of do’s and don’ts to offer. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for advice.
This chapter of my journey may be ending, but the lessons and growth it brought will carry me forward into the next.
I am extremely grateful for this experience. Thank you for enjoying my story. To shop FARMERSTRENGTH™ merchandise, click here. Thank you for reading and enjoying my blog. To read more, click here.
