I’m Trevor Carlson. I grew up in Ida Grove, Iowa, a small town of about 2,000 people with actual castles (seriously). My parents, Greg and Doreen, taught me the value of hard work by living it every day. My mom ran a massage therapy business, and my dad worked his way up from the factory floor to production manager.

Family is a big part of who I am. My Grandma Nola documented our family history. My grandpas, Mervin and Glen, were steady, hardworking men, and my Grandma Donna always made people feel welcome. My brother Jordan is a bit of a genius, and my sister Brittany is a dedicated teacher and mom of four.

I started out studying psychology, thinking I’d figure out why people do what they do. But I had a website business going, and real life pulled harder than lectures. I dropped out and jumped in. I learned early that there’s no single “right” path.

Eventually I became an entrepreneur in residence at Geonetric, where I helped launch CareDrop and organized cleanup days for caregivers. That experience inspired me to start Fresh Fuel Marketing, helping online businesses grow through paid ads and strategy.

I also started The Formula Podcast, where I’ve interviewed people like Maggie Doyne, Lila Javan, and John—cancer survivors who shared powerful stories of resilience. The podcast became a way to explore what it means to build a meaningful life.

Travel shifted my perspective. A solo trip to Boulder, Colorado, where I stayed at a hippie commune, got me journaling and reading The Alchemist. That led to storytelling. During COVID, I took a video course and made my first real project on a Utah trip. It sparked Lost & Lore, my YouTube channel, now with over 40,000 subscribers. I’ve since filmed in India, Thailand, Portugal, Peru, and more.

I met my wife, Richa, in Oaxaca, Mexico. She’s been my creative partner and biggest support.

Here’s the truth: I’m not an overnight success or polished guru. I get impatient, doubt myself, and feel behind more often than I like. But I keep showing up, because I believe being a little lost is part of the process.

I’m writing my first book now. Most of my best ideas come when I’m walking without my phone—still working on making that a habit.

If you’re here to see what it looks like to live honestly, mess and all, welcome. This is me.