LIVE WITH PURPOSE & follow your dreams | THE BUCKET LIST FAMILY

I sit down with Jess and Garrett Gee, the creators of The Bucket List Family, to discuss their journey to becoming travel journalists and documenting their experiences with the world. After Garrett sold his Scan app to Snapchat they found themselves with newfound freedom. They sold all their belongings to begin their travels in pursuit of finding happiness with less, living a life of service and compassion, and creating life long memories with their family.
In this episode we cover:
- Their journey to becoming travel journalists and The Bucket List Family
- How traveling has been different since COVID
- Garrett’s creation of the mobile-scanning app, Scan, and selling it to Snapchat for $54 million dollars
- How they run their family and business and who is the creative side vs. the business/back-end side
- What inspires them to keep going and not just settle down and retire?
- Jess shares what it’s like being married to Garrett
- How to prevent burn out and keep invested in projects that stimulates and excites them
- How they move forward when they disagree on big changes in their family
- What the education is like for their children moving around so much
- Their conflict in desires to homeschool or not and setting them up for their futures
- The growing popularization of children having their own smart phones and detrimental effects
- The topic of children on social media
- Advice for others looking to create a life of success, whatever that success looks like for them
- Their progress on their latest venture, The Bucket List Studios
- Their favorite place they’ve traveled to and the scariest thing they’ve experienced on the road
- the state of social media and influencing as an industry and if it’s a bubble that’s going to burst
WHERE TO FIND JESS AND GARRETT
The Bucket List Family KZbin / thebucketlistfamily
The Bucket List Family Instagram / thebucketlistfamily
thebucketlistfamily.com www.thebucketl...
Where to find me:
Get my ebooks: www.ellenfishe...
My instagram: / ellenfisher
LISTEN to these episodes on Apple Podcast or Spotify: link.chtbl.com...
Family KZbin channel: / ellenfisher
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[@nicoleemilywellness]

I love that Ellen mentioned about kids have heightened memories because things have been well documented by their parents! I always felt so weird about the fact that I can hardly remember anything about my childhood unless I had re-experienced it as a photo or video. I am striving to become a better content creator by documenting my life so I don't forget any of these precious memories. I love the bucket list family so much and the incredible memories they have created and share with us. Love this video :)

[@kellypat125]

You can film things and not share it on a public platform though.

[@AnnaRobert]

THE COLLAB WE DIDN’T KNOW WE NEEDED😍

[@arts_oflight]

As a person who had their whole childhood recorded I can say this 100%: I will do it with my kids too.Its so worth it,and I feel so blessed having them.

[@sandramorey2529]

I already commented before I watched the whole thing, so comment #2: I love that they and you,Ellen understand the toll being taken on families by living their lives on screens. I am almost 82, a person who has built a community by running a weekly singing group for families in 3 cities over 50 years. Moving to Zoom as the pandemic started has not been easy. I was raised to use a pencil, adding machine and didn't have a computer till I was in my mid 60's. Did all my research by physically going to the library. Garrett, stick to your guns. You and Jess have strong crap detectors and you know what works for you. What works for you educates all of us who follow you. My computer skills are so non existent I can't even figure out how to connect beyond email. My purpose has been to pass on traditional music from many cultures to young families. When my touring, performing days came to an end, I started teaching. I continue to love it and can't wait until we can meet in person again. You young people are an inspiration. But I have one criticism and that is you talk so fast I can't follow it, so I have to use subtitles.

[@KatieRingley]

someone I found them right at the start in 2015 when they had very minimal followers - and have been following you since the beginning Ellen - so what a joy to see you guys join up

[@stephanielight2541]

Yess No Expectations! Only to enjoy your life with humility and then getting followers are a plus!

[@dorothyshelton]

100 likes and more for this special podcast. I loved every minute of it and had the keep rewinding not to miss any parts. It was so uplifting and inspiring Ellen. thanks lightworker

[@barupp123]

More like a thousand "likes" during the conversation! Hahahaha! Love the interview, hate the word "like", over and over again. Are they all 12? Hahaha!

[@Marie-zz1el]

Being the spouse of a creative can be tiring and hard so I understand some of Jessica’s frustrations and you can tell she has a lot on her shoulders. Without a supporter like Jessica, Garrett wouldn’t be able to do all that he does. You both made a great point of how it is definitely a give and take but sometimes you can’t equally switch off with certain tasks. I think they balance each other perfectly just like you and Andrew do.

[@Nothingstutube]

Jessica weight on her shoulders, not just the partner of a creator- Gareth doesnt even no how to turn on a oven to heat so when jessica gets home she can cook for the family- gareth didnt want to know how. (They showed their true colours- they deleted their video of that).

[@JYYB]

@@Nothingstutube ok but Kelly you make it seems like they HAVE to be perfect. No one is perfect I am sure you yourself have or know someone who doesn’t know or wouldn’t want to do something. I have been married for 11 years and we have gone ups and downs we know what our weakness and strengths are. We don’t do the same thing, my husband works hard to provide for us and I stay home to homeschool our kids, I also cook and look after our bills but that’s because out of us two I am better at these things than my husband. So what you see Garett do it might not be Jessica strong suits and what she does is not Garett’s. This is relationship supporting each other not a job.

[@cowladyrita]

I really loved your podcast today. I love the bucket family. They are giving their children such a wonderful life. It’s so refreshing to see that. I am enjoying all the memories that they make. I feel like I’m going on vacation with them. I feel like we’re related lol they are hard-working good-natured God-fearing people with big hearts. Sending them all blessings and hugs. Your show is fantastic I’m definitely going to subscribe to your show and watch Bless you all💕

[@michelleloll]

Love the podcast and love this family! Would love to see a little more variety of guest regarding privilege, maybe some guest that started off with a struggle so that more people could relate! Keep up the great work 😊

[@sandramorey2529]

Love the Gee family. I have followed them for a couple of years. But, they are not like most of us financially. He is a born salesman and could sell refrigerators to Inupiat. He sold that app for 54 million bucks. Then they sold all their stuff. Their kids are just amazing and it's because of the parents who are scared of nothing and jump right in. They bring all of us with them when they travel and as they teach the kids stuff and they also teach us. They do service work with locals in So Amer and Africa-pretty neat. You go guys! Mahalo, Ellen for interviewing Jess and Garrett.

[@JYYB]

What people forget is that our great grandparents or grandparents came to America to change and have a better life. I know I wouldn’t be where I am at if my grandparents who came from Laos worked hard and my parents also worked hard for us children to have a happy life. I am sure Garett’s family was the same…I see so many people complaining about how Garrett HAD money, but the thing was he kept working to get money, yes of course Jessica was the supported at first but look now Garett supports them all. They both didn’t give up like most people nowadays who live off unemployment and government money. I adore this family as well because they are still working hard and still going.

[@taylorlaverdiere2463]

My life goal. This is so so so unreal this is their life. One in millions and millions of how they can go to so soooo many countries wow😍😍😍

[@TaylorHafenscher]

Thank you for these podcasts Ellen! I’m not much of a podcast girl but with your episodes it’s made me easily fall in love with them!

[@theellenfisherpodcast]

wow im so glad that's amazing! thanks for all the support!

[@teslawhincop4658]

I love you both! Thanks Ellen!!! Two of my faves in one!!

[@gwenwoolley1027]

one is definitely the flower and one is the gardener. they both need one another and they both feel validation from that purpose. they compliment well. very nice podcast!!!

[@tiffanywilkerson5569]

What a lovely episode! Not what I was expecting it to be about. Thanks!

[@lizmorgia4061]

The last part about social media being broken and as an individual you have to make a choice for your well being, well thank you for that reminder. I needed that.

[@weissa21]

Putting down whatever you're doing to immediately to pay attention to your family. I love that! Definitely going to be more intentional about that. Thank you!

[@weirdogurl9447]

Anyone knows any similar story but with someone who didn't come from upper middle class? I would love such inspiration. Hearing "I am an average human being and I made my dreams come true" just hurts 🥴 when they come from such a privileged background.

[@ariasworld9991]

...true... And they had belongings worth 45000??????? Like really....

[@weirdogurl9447]

@@ariasworld9991 yup! Is that really "average" in America? Because in my country's currency, they would literally be millionaires 😅

[@kermitcyeh]

@@ariasworld9991 I heard they sold two cars or something like that.

[@ThePearsalls]

Your bank account status (regardless of having much or little) doesn’t ever determine the course of your life. Calling someone privileged is part of the problem & will only limit you for the rest of your life. Your mentality is always the determining factor. Always.

[@weirdogurl9447]

@@ThePearsalls I partially agree with you, it's not helping anyone when I call someone privileged. BUT how could the amount of money I have not determine the course of my life? I work for $3/hour. That's incomparable to wages in America. Yet for example flight tickets (so I could live a cool nomad life that people would actually enjoy watching on YT) cost us both the same amount of money - so to buy a $300 plane ticket I have to work for 100 hours while an american with minimum wage would only work around 40 hours for the same thing.

[@truthtruth5263]

Love the The Bucket List Family and now I’m excited to meet you, I’m vegan , I’m the only one so far in my family so seeing you and your journey excites me.🙋🏼‍♀️🌈

[@stephanielight2541]

I loved this episode! I absolutely love how the people you bring in, and the energetic environment that you create is so humble and down to earth. This one definitely ignited some passion and inspiration. My partner and I are creating a retreat center on a homestead. This retreat center will offer a variety of transformational tools to help create a better world. Thank you again for the inspiring show and definitely subscribed to the channel for these beautiful friends of yours!!

[@theellenfisherpodcast]

amazing wow!! thanks for sharing

[@stephanielight2541]

@@theellenfisherpodcast Yess Absolutely! Sending lots of love from Texas!

[@Marie-zz1el]

Absolutely loved this episode!! So great to hear more personal thoughts from both of you guys. Also, cannot wait to see the cartoon they come out with!!

[@trishlawrence396]

Bluey is the only cartoon I can think of that appeals to the whole family with good messages. I’m so excited for what y’all create!

[@andreahargitai3591]

Hey Ellen, Could you invite Bethany Hamilton too? She is such an amazing lady too!

[@Hazardz09]

Had no idea they were soo accomplished, I also envy their strength to not indulge in their expenses too much really love this. I resonated with what his wife said about their kids becoming creators instead of consumers that's so important and I'm just learning that so for that to be instilled in their kids so early is truly amazing... great episode

[@faithlersey9138]

Wonderfully encouraging podcast. These stories of families thriving all together are so important to hear. Thank you for sharing this with the world, Ellen! I’ve been watching your content for years ❤️

[@kailijang2475]

Create not consume! Love this!!

[@cparker7431]

Lovvvve The Bucket List Family!! Such a great example of an adventurous way to live and teach their children! Great Podcast BTW!!!!!

[@casslarkin4567]

Wow! Jess and Garrett are even more amazing! The statement on not spending their acquisition AND not knowing how much $ they have! True role models.

[@laurieanne9712]

Maybe podcast with Wild We Roam? They are living on your island now!

[@MelanieKateLove]

Fabulous idea. I love those two xx

[@nicoles.higginbotham8984]

I just love this new podcast channel you have. Everything person/s have had a meaningful topic or life. Thank you for opening this window up. P.s don't stop ur page ..I love those videos as well. 😉

[@BirdTricks]

Can you share the kids book about not taking chances? Sounds like a great lesson! 💛

[@cortneycynefin8009]

@47:20

[@BirdTricks]

@@cortneycynefin8009 thanks, found it on Amazon 😀

[@ahpenlee8657]

good conversation. so much to learn from jess and garrett.

[@charmaine786]

This podcast really inspired me and you covered a lot of really awesome topics! I Love the bucket list family and Ellen and your family such great role models! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@natistotallyoutnumbered9558]

My two favorite KZbinrs together? Yes please! Loved every moment of this ❤️

[@KristineOleary]

This is so awesome! Loved seeing this. Would you consider putting a question box on your Instagram? One question related to work ethic/burn out etc I would have loved to know is "how do you organize your day? Do you wake up and write down each task? Does Jess approach the day differently than Garrett? How do you know what you need to do each day when you're a traveling entrepreneur family?" :)

[@cortneycynefin8009]

I've seen TBLF pop up on my YT homepage, but never clicked. Thank you all for doing this interview and the background info!! I want to start watching now!

[@LifeWithCal]

Absolutely loved this. Thank you 🌸

[@kmiklec]

Really great people so down to earth with good intetions and purpose in life. Such an inspiration

[@louisevaux7621]

My favorite youtube family & they are the most humble people, just love them ❤️

[@mafkrimnra8084]

Love this podcast love the bucket list family

[@rawlyroo5975]

Oh my Gosh this podcast episode has all the things I love in it ! I love the Bucket list family. They are awesome

[@sandyb2391]

yes i agree giving kids their own cell phones is crazy it is obsession's

[@gaylarice5072]

Loved this interview, because I’ve seen every BLF video and was a small investor in the newest project. But hadn’t hear much about it progress until it came up in your podcast. And now watch a second of your podcast on Vegan VS Animal Foods.

[@oliviad464]

Love the podcast and such a wholesome, well rounded couple in interview! 🧡

[@gracedavis3372]

Oh my gosh, this was so good!!

[@user-kt3bg9dl2l]

Джессика молодец, в какой то момент она поняла, что если муж будет работать в напряженном режиме, то она его не будет видеть, он её, и дети будут их видеть изредка, а если путешествовать, то вся семья всегда вместе с утра до ночи с ночи до утра . Это здорово !!!

[@wipaporntanjaipetch8511]

hi from Thailand!! one of motivated episodes., thank you for sharing your story and create this podcast, love and support.😀😀

[@elladeflorin5299]

whats your favorite place in thailand?

[@snydermccs]

Great show with great people!

[@Anna-yw8yg]

This is awesome! 😍

[@lucas09041988]

I loved it when you mentioned that it was about creating memories with your family even if you don't get likes on KZbin or Instagram 😍

[@stangoodvibes]

The only good thing about The Bucket List Family is that when you meet one of their subscribers you don't need to waste time getting to know them. (written from Thailand where I've been traveling/diving/hiking/biking for the last 7 months)

[@JYYB]

I am SO glad I grew up in a era that phone where out but not crazy as it is now. We’re phones were for just calling and texting with minutes 😅 This was a good video I adore the bucket list family. Motivation is key and for most people it’s hard to keep being motivated to keep the dream. Negativity is very influential and people devour it easily more than positive. But it’s the mind that has to keep the goodness there, as parents we help and build our children and build it right for them and ourselves.

[@leavixx6814]

So inspiring!! Really enjoyed that

[@alexkurian7282]

Love you people ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ering9271]

Wonderful episode. Inspiring and fulfilling. Mahalo!

[@ilanagreen5371]

This was awesome! Would love to see a podcast with Kori Meloy one day :)

[@SamanthaValentine13]

What an inspiring chat! Thank you.

[@AG-io5wr]

Interesting and inspiring.

[@terbearxoxo]

Wow. The very last couple minutes were so informative and inspiring. Garrett was so right with what the people actually want. Looking forward to what the bucket list studios will come out with. Maybe their own platform one day?😉

[@Daffodils2Daisies]

I would be SO interested if Jessica could give us her daily schedule. My husband owns a business and I'm trying to do 12,000 things too.

[@shellylifshin6703]

Awesome!!!!!

[@er4148]

This episode was so fascinating, particularly Garrett's anecdote about the higher-up in Facebook pointing towards time-use metrics as an indication of users' satisfaction with (not addiction to!) the platform. As a Psychology student in college, I think it's our responsibility to use our formal psych training for counseling and research rather than going into "industry" to help companies hijack the human brain. Love your new podcast Ellen, I've always been such a fan! xx

[@CC-kl4nh]

Agree with social media issues. Everyone has an opinion and a lot of them are extremely narrow minded and negative.

[@Rebecca.Daydream]

Of all the topics you covered in this podcast, the most mindblowing thing I learned is that you’re an Eight, Ellen 🤯🤯🤯 like whaaaaaat 😅 I👏🏻LOVE👏🏻ENNEAGRAM👏🏻

[@adrienneallen2277]

Garret’s voice sounds funny

[@christydalgaard]

Instead of Disney world it’s gong to be the bucket list world :P a fun family friende learning world

[@stephanielight2541]

I am also the Queen of Extreme and my partner is the king of moderation. hahhahaa 🤣 I am the same way with building and changing things for my business.

[@cheyenneonley4117]

They are truly such an inspiration in every aspect they touch. Love them

[@sXePunkV2]

So all I need to do to travel the world is to sell an app to a massive corporation. Good to know 🙄

[@MsPants1632]

Check out 28:30 time stamp they said they didn’t use any of the acquisition money they got from the sale of the app. They sold all their belongings, and traveled with that as they filmed their channel and made money from that.

[@kantnergirl08]

What’s her other KZbin with her kids?

[@chizzydd560]

Wow I(as an 8) an surprised you are an 8, could you please do a episode of women 8s. Life lessons, challenges, growth?

[@Lauraics]

How does he get paid to travel?

[@Ensignpeak]

Oh yeah, and what he doesn't say is that there is no way he personally get $54MM from the sale the business. That's not how that kind of things works. He would have likely been a minority partner at that point and the real money went to the private equity firms that funded his deal. He probably made a couple of million max. Not bad, but still no where near $54MM>

[@eliseerickson5994]

the fact that my two favorite youtubers just admitted to wanted to get out of youtube....

[@monikaoravcova7659]

It all depends on how you look at it. It's great to be able to be free & have such an interesting life. But the other side - it's all about money. You got money = you got all the freedom in the world. Sad fact of living in this world.

[@suezannemarie292]

💞🙏

[@Stargazer95485]

While I appreciate the life experiences that Garrett and Jess have brought to their children, I am disappointed that they monetized their family memories and that they exploit their children online. These family memory videos could have been shared privately with only friends and family but now, their kids are known to millions of strangers and some of them are not good people. Their children have never been old enough to consent to being overshared online. It's unbelievable to me that the Gees and Fishers have no problems with posting their children online and burdening them with huge digital footprints that they had no say in. Greed, narcissism and exploitation at its worst.

[@angelwings7163]

I had a huge problem with the last podcast and this one is maybe worse? Comparing this and the last one with Zuby to the podcast you did with Dr. Klaper I can hardly believe they were done by the same person. Let me quote J. Mulroney for you: Opinion is really the lowest form of human knowledge. It requires no accountability, no understanding. More knowledge - less opinion please.