The Average Guy Who Won a Multi-Million Dollar Resort in Paradise

After I got home, I realized that most of the episodes that came out of Kosrae were about expats/foreigners, which for us feels rather unusual. Normally when filming, for the most part, we do our best to avoid non-locals. But in Kosrae, nobody can be avoided. Film the island for three days and cars full of strangers will already honk their way by and scream out your name in greeting. A couple thousand people and only one road. Lovely place.
But what's more, of the 8 or so foreigners living here, every single one was worth knowing. Every foreigner who has come to make Kosrae their home who I met was a unique, interesting, and weird (in the most positive sense of the term) person. And I believe I met every single one living on the island at that time. Friendly, helpful, skilled and imperfect. My favourite type of people. Frankly each one deserves their story to be told over a beer.
So here's the first toast. To Josh. To the Nautilus.
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This video was made possible thanks to our incredible Patreon subscribers: &pointer, A Tuttle, Ástráður Ísak Lárusson, adam lenk, Adrián GP, Akasha Yi, Alan Camolinga, Alex boneck, Alex Papageorgiou, Alex Tegland, Alex The Magical Cat, Alexander Lee, Alexander Reilly, Alf Einar Solberg, Alice LWatson, Amal Isaac, Ammobunny, Anaethema, Andres Rama, Andrew, Andrew Beals, Andrew Larson, Anina Shaorandra, Arsalan N, Atsushi, Audrey Brown, Austin Cousineau, bajr, BattleGoat Studios, BeanoTheElder, Ben Hewitson, Benkei Paczek, Baise, Bob Dai, Bradley Brown, Brenna and Peter, Brian ONeel, Brian Perkins, Bryan Schmidt, Bullseye89, Carl Bodnaruk, Catherine Berry, Chien Lu Anderman, Christoph Hotep, Christopher Perrin-Porzondek, Christopher Simpkins, Cody Belichesky, Cody Schneider, Cole Skelton, Colin Miskowitz, CollapsingHrungDisaster, Colton Creasey, Cullen McFater, Curtis Shimamoto, Cynical Rhys, Daniel Sierra Matus, Daniel Tyler, Dario Gosu, David Badilotti, David James McConnell, David V, Dorothy, Douglas Danger Manley, Dustin Sysko, Dykam, Edward Sykes, Einar Holmedal, Elsilan, Emma, Eric Floehr, Eric Merrill, Erik Hoag, Eugene Pakhomov, f1r3w4rr10r, fadingnebula, fatsaxman, feo, Gabe Sockie, Gilberto Hart, Gregory Kintz, Hollis Davis, Immanuel Manohar, J Neko, Jake Capoun, James Hoadley, Jan Vilhuber, Jean, Jeremy Impson, Jeremy Wheelis, Jessica Mayberry, Jim Fromwork, Joe Brown, John and Tanya Hug, John Goff, Jonathan Lonowski, Josh Hoppes, Juan Coronado, Julia, Julian Fiander, Justin Thomson, Kameron Stroud, Karol Pilat, Kenny Coulter, Kent Wainwright, Kieran Buchanan, Kush Patel, Kyle Hammer, Kyle Hofer, Lady Sixa, Lane & Kate Seppala, larry82, Lars Flöer, Lars Hjort Christensen, Lee, Lexi, Lilith Berkana De' Anu, Lillian Mark, Louis Lenders, Luke Tomkus, Martin Green, Matt, Matthew Barrett, Matthew Campuzano, matthew joseph klein, Matthew Springer, Matthew Stewart, Matthew Wallace, Melanie Sumner, Michael, Michael Amesse, Miguel Martínez Chapa, Mike Frysinger, Mrburgerdon, Ms Tek, Muncorn, MysticCobra, Nancy Reid, Nathaniel Feldberg, Nic Turcotte, Nicholas Kraabel, Nick Grippo, NiordSir, NM, NoPantsMagicDance, Nuno Balbona Perez, Oliver Frommeier, Oliver 'Kannik' Bollmann, Pablo D Lopez, Paul Bartholomew, Paul Estella, Paul Hui, Peter Gravelle, Petr Doležal, Pjotr Bekkering, Pranav Maddula, Ricardo Machado, Rich Saber, Robbie Mills, Robert Velten, Rocky Yip, Roger Hoffmore, Roger L. Basler de Roca, Ron Warris, Ronen Finegold, RustyJuiceTin, Ryan Breaker, Sabolc Jut, Sam Collins, Sam Rossetti, Sam Wolski, Scotty From Marketing, Sean Dennis, Sean McCool, Sensen, Sergi Rincon, Shaventreebeard, Shawn Wang Williams, Shikyo_The_Dragon, SilliusSodus, Simon Bohnen, Simon Hannus, Space_Chickun, Sriram Govindarajan, Stephen Bourne, Steve Sick, Steve Williamson, Svein Ove Aas, Tedd, TheRmbomo, Thomas, Thomas Paris, Tim Barrett, Tobias B, Traxys, Ubikwitus, Varun Perumal, Vasserot, Viktor Lundell, Vitali Perchonok, Wes Mills, Whitefang, Will Mullins, Wu Jim, Xellos, Xenonfrenzy, Ylva Trimonyte, Zach Preston, and ZZ. We love you guys!
Thanks for watching! You're clearly one of the good ones.

[@RareEarthSeries]

Kata's fish burger donation bin: www.patreon.com/rareearth ko-fi.com/rareearth

[@dayegilharno4988]

Man I so miss being able to leave a like and an appreciative comment over on Nebula... I love to be able to see the world through your eyes and I just wanted you guys to know :)

[@theunknownunknowns5168]

Have you considered visiting Rēkohu (Chatham Islands)?

[@theunknownunknowns5168]

You can research a little on...

[@theunknownunknowns5168]

The Aotearoa History Show at rnz or YT.

[@theunknownunknowns5168]

YT is blocking all that as one comment. I think the algorithm my be a bit "R" word or culturally insensitive.

[@GojiMet86]

This is the sort of thing Pokemon Masters actually end up doing with their Pokemon Gyms. Life imitating art.

[@DasGanon]

"I got bad news, you won a Marina. Figure out how to run a water gym"

[@RadenWA]

This sounds like literally the real life version of Animal Crossing New Horizons if people still remember that lmao

[@borntoclimb7116]

True

[@danielschein6845]

The islanders lucked out with Josh. It’s easy to imagine someone winning who couldn’t leave their old life behind or didn’t care.

[@pleasejustletmebeanonymous6510]

I wonder if he had to sign some contract that he wouldn't just sell it. I imagine most people would just realize it wasn't practical for their life and dump it to one of the chains the owners wanted to avoid.

[@nekkowe]

@@pleasejustletmebeanonymous6510 Most of those people probably wouldn't have spent money on a ticket, to be fair. I think the owners thought that part through pretty well. Wonder how many people even bought one or more of those...

[@HashSl1ng1ngSlasher]

​@@nekkowealternate take: with every ticket sold, the hotel "sold" for around 3.7 million. That mightve been a steal, if someone had wanted to buy it out. They really did get lucky.

[@The2wanderers]

I have to imagine that anyone buying a ticket was looking for this. Even if 1/25,000 odds want enough for him to mentally prepared to actually win.

[@pleasejustletmebeanonymous6510]

​@@nekkowe Maybe, but it's common for people to like the idea of something more than the real thing. Most people would like the idea of sitting back on an island paradise counting the stacks of cash from their successful business, but of course it wouldn't actually be paradise for most people and it would probably be a lot less "sitting back" than they imagined.

[@shasbucks]

I went to high school with Josh. He was always a nice guy. Honestly didnt see this coming in his life. He looked like he was going to be an accountant. I remember him going from class to class hunched back with a backpack too heavy for him. Dead set characterisation of a dude destined to be an accountant.😅 When I found out he won, I surprised and so happy for him. My mother in law is still a family friend of his, so I get to hear occasionally that he's doing great but to see this in video is fantastic. Thanks for this.

[@HercadosP]

He is still doing accounting, it is just for his own resort

[@kabu506]

My man got the closest thing to getting isekai'd

[@Zestrayswede]

True, it made me think of Amphibia

[@Kieroshark]

Comment of the year right here.

[@danialshamshuddin]

"I Won A Pokemon Quiz, Now I Own An Old Resort In Micronesia And Restored It To Great Success" would be the title.

[@Zestrayswede]

@@danialshamshuddin Nah, nah. The title gotta be shorter than that. _The longer the title, the worse the show._

[@philcollins5457]

This was such a cozy piece; completely uprooting your life to embark on a big adventure is definitely not something just anyone could do. He might be camera shy, but that's a brave man.

[@christianweibrecht6555]

Now, all the shows about a random guy randomly getting a hotel are not implausible

[@jounalehtio2317]

"He loved Games, board, video, of Thrones." nice one

[@SIC647]

It sounds like a paperback you'd pick up at the airport: A grey man in a cubicle, his life seeping away. He wins a resort, grows with the challenge, and saves it from bankrupcy. [ In real life, it seems solid, though]. During the struggle, he learns to appreciate the important things in life, such as friendship, nature, community, and finding peace with yourself. He then marries the main housekeeper or head chef (who has half of her/his family also working there), who was instrumental in helping him - maybe against some evil banker. The book ends with them walking at the beach in the sunset, their kids playing in the sand.

[@NjniaVanDerWald]

Alright. It's time for another stardew valley run.

[@lainiwakura1776]

He should write a book.

[@brianperkins2527]

There is a book called Trustee From the Toolroom by Nevil Shute about a quiet man thrust on an adventure and realizing he wasn't so small as he thought.

[@Jebbis]

It's the real world version of "Magic Kingdom for Sale" by Terry Brooks.

[@nicholastrawinski]

Or the lifetime movie equivalent. White woman inherits thing she doesnt really want. But moves there with her last dollar and noone accepts her, but after she gives it one last shot, she winds up making real connections amd dancing all night with the locals. Shes finally found "her family"

[@nevar108]

The last three weekends have made me realize how much i missed Rare Earth. Thanks for not giving up on this Evan... You are doing something incredible with it.

[@nitehawk86]

I would rather have a season of absolutely fantastic episodes once every year or so instead of forced stuff every week. Even Tom Scott is ending the weekly videos soon because he is just running out of content.

[@nevar108]

@@nitehawk86 I fully agree with you. Quality over quantity is a rarity on KZbin and i appreciate those that practice it. Didnt stop me from missing Rare Earth videos though in the space between seasons.

[@xavierarial24]

What a fun little story. Great comedic video timing when discussing Josh's neurodiversity, he couldn't appear less of a neurotypical person if he tried. Looks like he took a big leap, especially for someone like him, and it seems to have worked out very well!

[@boldCactuslad]

His confident stride is inspiring. I wonder if he always walked in that way.

[@lainiwakura1776]

He's a giant introverted nerd and it's awesome. I'm jealous he got to leave his old life for pretty much paradise.

[@savage.4.24]

This is a dream!

[@luke_fabis]

Man, the world is full of just the weirdest little stories, waiting for someone to document them. If Rare Earth were to ever be remade as an atlas or encyclopedia, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

[@KristenRowenPliske]

Oh my god, that is an EXCELLENT idea! Can you imagine the pictures they could put in it??

[@liz5100]

Being a midwestern American my whole life just hearing you repeat 'a place in a society' started to get to me. I'm practically in tears now at the end of the video. I have a small nest egg, just enough to leave this endless concrete strip mall. I leave next year when the saving and prep is done and I hope I find a society out here with a place for a person like me. Because right now I don't live in a society much less have a place in one. If you're from the midwest then you know.

[@ruiloureiro3167]

Good luck with your new life! Wish you the best!

[@GiveMeCoffee]

You've got this!

[@skie6282]

Australia man, theres a place there for every kind of person. But that could be said for alot of countries i guess

[@RareEarthSeries]

Find a small region, create or develop a niche, take your community seriously, and I promise you that you'll thrive virtually anywhere on this planet.

[@foxpopuli6982]

Well, if it gives you any confidence, there's an old man out in Georgia that believes in you. It took me a long time to find/create my place in this world. Still working on it, really. Now go find (or make) your happy place.

[@scpatl4now]

I was watching the Geography Now channel and he was talking about what he wanted to do after he finished the last country (he has done a video about all of them). He said he wanted to go around the world and tell stories about the locals that dont get told. I left a comment on the video that said Oh, you want to be like the channel Rare Earth

[@BuenoSuertes]

Rare Earth was definitely one of the channels that popped to my mind when I saw that vid.

[@BrendenTurtle]

Considering how Geography Now has treated some of the locations he has already visited, it's probably best to leave that kind of content to Rare Earth.

[@Gougar]

I love how the people in your B-roll are almost always smiling or laughing.

[@EdgarVerona]

"he won a life. A place in society." That struck me in the gut, what a well put statement.

[@stevec7923]

Our "advanced civilation" is filled with people struggling to find a meaningful life in the world. This story will be an inspiration to many such souls. Well done.

[@dopaminecloud]

It is advanced. More advanced than the souls within it that's for sure. The supposed deep meaning and community we look for is just security, stability and a little bit of being paraded about on big metaphorical thrones. And the only origin for needs like those 3 is fear. The fear of nature being the biggest. The more scared you are, the more this deep spiritual quest for meaning will seem to manifest itself.

[@ChrisS1mp]

Evan's innate ability to find a dog and become best friends with it wherever he goes tells me as much about him as any biography could

[@Mrnevertalks]

I like this. Reminds me of the video about your old friend in Okinawa with the bar. It's cool to see how improving someone's environment can make them a completely different person.

[@surrog]

Laid-back people just trying to do the right thing for everyone are the pillar of our world, doesn't matter whether you're neurotypical or not.

[@em945]

Sounds like some excellent Islanders committed too. He must be just the right fit. What an amazing story. Thanks!

[@chelldwar]

I love that you are doing a series on these Pacific islands. Chuuk and Kosrae, I'm a flight dispatcher and I plan the Asia Pacific Airlines flights into these places and have for years from Calgary and I always wanted to learn about what were to me random runways in the ocean. Wonder if you gonna head to Pago Pago or Tonga

[@bunnydango]

Woah! Thanks for your work for cgy :D

[@davecgriffith]

Cool story! I hope Josh writes an autobiography one day (or that a biographer does so). I'm sure there are many more interesting stories about his experience. Bet it would be a fascinating read.

[@sagewaterdragon]

I feel like, eventually, Josh's story is going to make for a hell of a movie. Talk about a story built for Hollywood. They'll spice it up a bit, tell some lies about how happy he was before and after, maybe - but it'll happen.

[@sortius_]

I'm actually really jealous. I grew up in Tonga, and it was the best childhood I could have had. I'd love for something like this for myself and my kids.

[@IRosamelia]

That's some awesome and well deserved publicity for the Nautilus in Kosrae. It's most certainly on my map now.

[@asynchrony]

It’s always a pleasant surprise when one of the best storytellers on KZbin has a new one to share. Your talent in uncovering and narrating captivating stories from diverse corners around the globe is very highly appreciated. Thank you once again.

[@derPetunientopf]

In part the 'trick' is that he is not alone. He tells the story, true. But there is also a team at his side. The same is true for most good media productions.

[@emilynelson5985]

He sailed the wide accountancy.

[@301cal]

I stayed there with my family in 2015. We were the only tourists on the whole island. That place is magical. It changed me

[@alstclair]

Somehow, even though a Rare Earth video is so very satisfying. I am always left with a craving for more.

[@NateBostian]

I love the repetition of the mantra “He won a life, a place in a community”. I see what you did there.

[@PFBM86]

What did he do there? Is there a reference I'm missing? I thought it was strange that he said it twice.

[@SoniComi]

I've grown up in Hotels since I was 4, and eventually made it my career the day I turned 18. I've worked so many soul sucking hours for Marriott trying to balance budget and room rates and the only reason I kept working were for my regular guests and friendly employees. Hospitality is a work culture like no other, and I'm so glad for Josh to dive in to that world. Even with my background I wouldn't even be brave enough to do what he did.

[@jessig9721]

Thank you for more content 🥰❤️

[@RareEarthSeries]

You're more than welcome. Thank you for watching our little series.

[@physetermacrocephalus2209]

You and your people produce quality media superior to most established television or movie organizations. Thats not hyperbole, exaguration, ass kissing or cap. Oh and your Dad is is legitimate Hero of not just Canada but in actuality; the entire human race.

[@MrFriiy]

Good for you Josh! Sounds like you deserve it. A very happy story!

[@7996hobguy]

I remember this raffle. My wife and i had very little money at the time, but we bought 4 tickets. We had stars in our eyes, but it never came to be.

[@DMSP]

Another awesome story. Thank you for sharing

[@FoggyMcFogFace]

"not neurotypically prepared" was a great line

[@etiennesauvageau8779]

Josh is now a real-life isekai hero.

[@xntumrfo9ivrnwf]

Man, you really know how to tell a good story

[@CharlesConover]

Nobody could have imagined he would rename the Island "Sneedville" and turned the island into a Tomacco plantation shortly after this video was made.

[@frequencymanipulator]

An absolute banger. Josh, you legend.

[@rsd477]

Man's living a rom com back story

[@treasurechest1993]

I would imagine that just getting to Kosrae would be an adventure on its own. I'm glad the locals got lucky with their new big boss.

[@jeffnichols5841]

Thank you. These videos are so well written. Are so well filmed. Its a real treat to experience them.

[@bluestarfishmurphy6372]

Youv'e made my day, this early morning. I love this clip, I love the Pacific. And I hope I can visit , one day. Josh is in Heaven.

[@kennyhagan5781]

So glad that I subscribed, these stories are not being told by anyone else, and that's a shame. I envy the makers, they are doing something that is actually interesting. Rare Earth is a top drawer channel, and I'll be watching it for the foreseeable future.

[@Weisz]

I LOVE rare earth. Thank you for bringing stories like this.

[@jacobusstrydom7017]

I loved that story.

[@scpatl4now]

What a cool story. Glad he is succeeding!

[@ThorPalsson]

That view at 1:50sec... i'm so glad your father shared your channel

[@TheDanorte]

What an incredible story. Really loved this one. Picking yourself up, leaving behind your old life and starting a new life somewhere new is something I really relate with.

[@Miguelitojones1]

boy got that autistic gait LOL my radar went off before you even mentioned. I'm still learning to walk as I want instead of masking when accompanied. great to see a spectrum buddy doing this well in such unique circumstances, a wholesome story indeed

[@fabioz6621]

Oh man you can make a compelling story out of thin air, can't you? Outstanding. Thanks a lot for this beautiful work.

[@Chuck59ish]

He's got the paradise most people would love to have.

[@melissamiller2696]

Great story. The one thing I missed was hearing from Josh himself.

[@AynenMakino]

I'd really love to see a follow-up on this, and more about HOW he's running it. It's a fastinating person in a fascinating situation. Please, tell me more!

[@nigelcarter3186]

You know how to tell a story. Inspiring stuff.

[@Venturello]

This was such a good one! Thanks!! As often well written and intriguing. And would give so much for an opportunity like this!!!!

[@Pwnopolis]

It's nice to see a more positive video. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I love your content. It's just nice lol

[@lucbloom]

Such a treat, these videos. A good measure above the pulp I usually watch

[@JennyBesserit]

I'm so happy these episodes are back

[@Doctessa]

What an incredibly unique story, thanks for sharing!

[@kakusei3672]

Sounds awesome. Knowing your neighbors, Beautiful views, living slower.... lucky guy. Let me know if he needs help. I want in!

[@LordBummingtonThe3rd]

Started playing Pokemon now he's playing Animal Crossing, it all comes back to Nintendo.

[@brewski535]

Good on him! Sometimes we all need to step out of our comfort zones to find our purpose.

[@geridannels1701]

Yet another wonderful doc THANKS DUDE!

[@hullinstruments]

8:30 "This is rare earth" To which I responded out loud "God damn right it is". I find that to be my reaction to most of your episodes. 😁🤘

[@therogue1542]

This is cool and all but it wouldve been nice if the hotel workers were given collective ownership instead of a literal raffle on new ownership

[@RareEarthSeries]

Utopian visions of the world tend to sound better than how things are. I agree. In reality, by holding a raffle they gave the hotel workers a chance at ownership, which could not have been the case without it. What you're suggesting is that they hand over their retirement fund as they were retiring, which is not something people tend to do.

[@therogue1542]

@@RareEarthSeries yeah true, it’s still scary though just leaving it all to luck

[@niaomi6]

@@therogue1542I’m glad I’m not the only one who found something off with the story. Instead of handing the resort to the locals, they raffled it off and some random guy won? What were really the chances of a worker winning the resort? Wouldn’t have been easier to just give the cash bonus, the house, the cars and the dog to a local that knows the land, the people and how to run the hotel right of the bat.

[@RareEarthSeries]

​@@niaomi6are you going to give away 100% of your life savings the day you retire? If not I can think you'll see why they raffled their business rather than gave it away. The workers had an identical chance to everyone else in the lottery. It was a raffle.

[@krystle1695]

This is a wonderful video. Josh seems like a genuinely lovely guy. The Nautilus looks awesome.

[@dandeliondreamer3365]

Love it! Awesome story ❤😊

[@matthewstewart5113]

Great work, Thank you.

[@migs7220]

"Big Boss" Love it. The tropical moons are definitely a change from seasonal civilization.

[@TheHewoks]

Man this is such a cool story. The stars really alligned well for everyone there too. good luck to Josh for the future

[@rey_nemaattori]

The best and most successful leaders are often those who desire not to lead or be in the public eye, but are forced to by cirumcstance.

[@chriscoralAloha]

The reluctant hero of paradise.

[@ianbanares7386]

Im calling it now, Josh is gonna have a movie after him

[@whyjnot420]

This was far more wholesome than I thought it would be based on the title.

[@dylangreen6075]

What an incredible, heartwarming story. He does Pokemon Masters the world-over proud!

[@carnsoaks1]

Such a cool story, I teared up.

[@YaMumsSpecialFriend]

I needed to see that story, thanks 🖖🏼

[@vilvero]

You always find such interesting islands.

[@cl4ud1us43]

It's even better than winning the lottery IMO. Dude won life lottery

[@joe82076]

Please make more videos. You are the only one you tells tells stories like these.

[@user-hb5nj8zk3f]

I am old enough to remember the draw. I am glad it went to a good person. I was ready to move if I won but it was not in the cards.

[@joshsalwen]

And this is why I love your videos

[@SmolAdventure]

Fantastic video!

[@actua99]

Don't know about you, dear reader, but I'm glad this was more than five sentences. Interesting story, good points, nice imagery!

[@arkboy3]

Great story, well told.

[@kidmohair8151]

as always. these stories you tell reinforce the quantum nature of life. "spooky action at a distance" as they say in physics.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

That is a spectacular little island ! 😲 Great story 👍

[@cherier152]

I think winning the resort and all of the wonderful people there is better than a lottery! What a lucky guy and I'll be he deserves it!

[@jamesonpace726]

Wow! What a fabulous story! Think I'll book a room....

[@ZebraActual]

Great video!

[@somedood9989]

I love this story, it sounds like the plot of a comedy show yet it's so much more.

[@rickb1973]

Well, it happens again....Rare Earth pops up. I click and am entranced. After the first minute I realize...again....that I must stop and wait for someone else to get home. Because we watch this together.

[@RealBradMiller]

I'm so happy to report the last few videos have shown up at the top of my homepage! Woot woot!!

[@Harvist]

Evan 'Fan of Josh' Hadfield... aww, here comes the tears. So freaking wholesome. 8:55

[@DasIllu]

Sometimes Life decides to write a big story. I wonder if he ever played Stardew Valley :D

[@RealBradMiller]

Awesome, awesome story!!! 👍👍

[@Wordsnwood]

you keep showing me places that I now want to visit, but probably can't... 🙏

[@searchpei470]

super cool man! really great story....