When Chef Thomas Curran’s much-hyped, Costa Mesa restaurant didn’t pan out, he found himself at a fork in life’s road. Fifty, spent, and yearning to rediscover meaning – after years “head down” in the restaurant industry – he was ripe for a change. So, he shuttered Taco Brat, boxed up his stuff, and flew to the East Coast to embark on a journey few would have the courage or fortitude to take: walk across the country.

231 days, countless footsteps – and lots of insights, new friendships and stories later – Thomas Curran completed his walk across the continental United States and has returned to Costa Mesa. Listen in as he shares his story of courage, self-discovery and grit on this beautiful and inspiring episode of the I Heart Costa Mesa podcast.

Connect With Thomas Curran:

Online: https://www.movingonwest.com/

Instagram: @movingonwest

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/movingonwest/

On This Episode We Discuss:

Taco Brat: https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-dpt-me-taco-brat-20170616-story.html

‘How To Walk Across America And Not Be An A**hole’: https://www.amazon.com/How-Walk-Across-America-Hole/dp/0985611936/

Pacific Crest Trail: https://www.backpacker.com/trips/long-trails/pacific-crest-trail

Appalachian Trail: https://www.backpacker.com/trips/long-trails/appalachian-trail

Lander’s Liquor Bar: https://www.landersliquorbar.com/

Chris McCandless: https://allthatsinteresting.com/chris-mccandless

Holden Beach, North Carolina: http://www.hbtownhall.com/

Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation: https://pcrf-kids.org/

Eat Chow: https://www.eatchow.com/

Arc Restaurant: https://www.arcrestaurant.com/

Costa Mesa Bark Park: https://www.costamesabarkpark.com/

The Harp Inn: http://www.harpinn.com/

The Hood Kitchen Space: https://www.thehoodkitchen.com/

Valenza Chocolatier: https://www.valenzachocolatier.com/

‘Ai Pono Cafe: https://www.instagram.com/aiponocafe/

Thank You To Our Wonderful Podcast Sponsors:

Music Factory School of Music

Orange Coast College

Please tell your friends about the podcast – and don’t forget to leave your rating and review wherever you listen!

Find Us On…

Facebook: www.facebook.com/iheartcostamesa/

Join the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/iheartcostamesa/

Instagram: @iheartcostamesa

Twitter: @iheartcostamesa

Shop the store! https://www.iheartcostamesa.com/shop/

Big thanks to everyone who helped make this podcast possible!

Producer: Danny Thompson (danny@themusicfactoryoc.com)

Intro / Outro Voiceover: Brian Kazarian

Music: Eddie “DJ Kaboom” Iniestra