I LOVE THE PEEPS IN MY JEEP!!!
There, I said it.
I’ve spent the last few years curating the group of people I spend the most time with. Some I have intentionally added, some I have removed, and others I have moved around.
But now, the epic adventure of life has the peeps in the Jeep I need for joy, contentment, fulfillment, challenge, and all the other things I am looking for out of this adventure.
Who is riding shotgun in your life?
We often treat our inner circle like a crowded bus, letting anyone hop on just because they’re standing at the stop. But life isn’t a bus route; it’s an off-road expedition. The people you share your “Jeep” with determine how you handle the breakdowns, which trails you’re brave enough to take, and how loud you sing when the sun is out.
The right “peeps” don’t just enjoy the ride; they help you navigate. They are the ones who:
- Fuel your fire when you’re running on empty
- Check your blind spots when you’re moving too fast
- Grab a shovel when you’re stuck in the mud
It’s time for a spring clean for your inner circle.
Spring is the season of new growth, and I want to challenge you to look at your passenger list. Are the people around you adding to your “adventure,” or are they just taking up space?
If life gets bumpy tomorrow, who do you want sitting next to you? Who challenges you to “Level Up” and who makes you laugh until it hurts?
Speaking Adventures
This philosophy of “curating the Jeep” is exactly why my recent trip to Cambridge, Minnesota, was so special.
I got to partner with my great friends Shawn (“The Happy Trucker”), Emma, and Jarah Sullivan at their incredible venue, “The Listening Room.”
We did a “Laugh and Level Up” program for a group of county health workers, and then a ticketed public option (which sold out quickly). The program included my message around embracing the adventure and comedian Tim Harmston.

It was an absolute blast!!
I also had a chance to do a couple of escape rooms; one was a fail, and the other was a success, but both were awesome. Plus, I snuck in a dinner and Wild game with a dude I am a huge fan of, Elian Alvarado.
Give a shout out to the peeps in your jeep!


Spring is the perfect time to roll down the windows and invite the right energy into your life. Don’t be afraid to be intentional about who gets a seat.
To follow more of my speaking journey, let’s connect on social media! Follow me on LinkedIn or YouTube, or join the conversation on Facebook or TikTok.
Until next time,
Maisha ni safari
(Swahili… Life is a Safari)
Sincerely,
Steve Fredlund
You’ve Got This!Keynotes | Breakouts | Workshops | Retreats
(651) 587-5435 — SteveFredlund.com
About The Author
Steve Fredlund is an award-winning keynote speaker, two-time TEDx presenter, and bestselling author of Do the Unright Thing: Memoir of a People Pleaser. After decades as an actuary, executive, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder—including leading humanitarian efforts in East Africa—Steve discovered that doing everything “right” doesn’t always lead to fulfillment or impact.
Drawing from that journey, he developed The Courage Advantage™ philosophy—centered on the everyday courage to move beyond expectation, lead with authenticity, and live in alignment with what truly matters. Through his engaging stories, humor, and practical insights, Steve inspires audiences to find greater clarity, connection, and fulfillment in both life and leadership.