Winning a Multi-Million Dollar Resort in Paradise

[@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 :)

[@theunknownunknowns256]

Have you considered visiting Rēkohu (Chatham Islands)?

[@theunknownunknowns256]

You can research a little on...

[@theunknownunknowns256]

The Aotearoa History Show at rnz or YT.

[@theunknownunknowns256]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@nitehawk86]

I can see a lot of people saying "the ticket was only $50, lets just forget about it"

[@Ddub1083]

prob didnt luck out, prob went through several winners before they found soemone willing to seriously take it.

[@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

[@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

[@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._

[@jxun4l3ht10]

"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"

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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??

[@Gougar]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@EdgarVerona]

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

[@em945]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@IRosamelia]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@robertgold2643]

You’re reports are so good in so many ways. Love them all 🙏

[@RareEarthSeries]

Thank you Robert I really appreciate that

[@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.

[@Harvist]

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

[@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.

[@alstclair]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Weisz]

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

[@emilynelson5985]

He sailed the wide accountancy.

[@xntumrfo9ivrnwf]

Man, you really know how to tell a good story

[@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.

[@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

[@ThorPalsson]

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

[@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.

[@frequencymanipulator]

An absolute banger. Josh, you legend.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@nigelcarter3186]

You know how to tell a story. Inspiring stuff.

[@fabioz6621]

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

[@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.

[@scpatl4now]

What a cool story. Glad he is succeeding!

[@jacobusstrydom7017]

I loved that story.

[@etiennesauvageau8779]

Josh is now a real-life isekai hero.

[@kakusei3672]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@LordBummingtonThe3rd]

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

[@MrFriiy]

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

[@JennyBesserit]

I'm so happy these episodes are back

[@krystle1695]

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

[@rsd477]

Man's living a rom com back story

[@lucbloom]

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

[@Doctessa]

What an incredibly unique story, thanks for sharing!

[@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

[@jeffnichols5841]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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. 😁🤘

[@jamesonpace726]

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

[@cl4ud1us43]

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

[@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.

[@Venturello]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@RealBradMiller]

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

[@actua99]

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

[@ianbanares7386]

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

[@dandeliondreamer3365]

Love it! Awesome story ❤😊

[@chriscoralAloha]

The reluctant hero of paradise.

[@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!

[@thermitebanana]

Is this still the Rare Earth channel? Not even a single genocide in this one

[@RareEarthSeries]

Calm before the storm

[@allocater2]

How about turning it into a trust with a council of natives or something. Otherwise they will have to gamble on a successor again, when he wants to retire.

[@RareEarthSeries]

I think you're confusing a private business with a public resource. I don't know a lot of people who'd give away their entire retirement fund just as they are retiring.

[@JustAnotherMetalhead]

I'm so amazed he took that job. Thinking about i'm sure i would have chickened out. What a brave man

[@somedood9989]

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

[@matthewstewart5113]

Great work, Thank you.

[@DasIllu]

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

[@vilvero]

You always find such interesting islands.

[@kidmohair8151]

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

[@carnsoaks1]

Such a cool story, I teared up.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

That is a spectacular little island ! 😲 Great story 👍

[@GermanTopGameTV]

This is so goddamn cool. A roll of the dice and it became a natural 20.

[@Chuck59ish]

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

[@stellaofnine]

Rare Earth is the ultimate pick-me-up. _Dermatologically tested, 9/10 dentists recommend._

[@purrfekt]

That resort is intriguing and full of personality; more so than those owned by soulless multinational chains. Would love to see it firsthand some day.

[@BaalFridge]

Josh is a pearl of a human being and I'm glad he won over anyone else

[@beskamir5977]

What a brilliant selection process for taking over such an important role while still getting a payout. The only thing better would have been handing it over to some local or group of locals but that wouldn't come with a paycheck for them to retire on.

[@jamesgillis5429]

I want to go to there! My dad loves the pacific, maybe he would love this place

[@RareEarthSeries]

You should. It is a peaceful, calm, wonderful place. Hard to get to, which makes it even that much nicer.