
A discussion with off-grid specialist Eric Youngren, one part adventurer and one part alternative energy expert. Eric is the perfect person to talk about off-grid technology for Viva Tropical readers and listeners. With extensive experience in remote and third world locations we set out to learn some practical advice from a qualified person. Eric can install systems anywhere in the world which makes him a potential candidate for any project you might have.
Tune in and find out if off-grid living is worth it for you.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How do you know how much energy you need?
- What system is right for you?
- Is living off-grid hard?
- What do I need to know before considering getting off the grid?
And much more.
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- Click here to download the mp3
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The Show Notes

In this episode Josh calls up his friend Rich Lipner, owner of Dos Jefes coffee farm in Boquete, Panama. Rich has been diligently producing his own coffee called Cafe De La Luna as well as giving coffee tours on his private farm. His knowledge is very high when it comes to the world of coffee.
Think of this show as your introduction to coffee growing as you hear from two passionate coffee drinkers.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Where is the best area on the globe to grow coffee.
- Perfect French Press, The exact time to wait before you press.
- What are the best ways to prepare coffee.
- Where the most expensive coffee in the world is grown, up to $300 a pound.
- Why you should ask where the beans come from at your local coffee shop.
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
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The Show Notes

New York Times best selling author Patrick Vlaskovits joins Josh for a Spunky Conversation. Their discussion touches on subjects from what you should really be thinking before you start a business to a broken board leash and a harrowing at-sea rescue. The latter occurred the last time they stand-up paddled in a secret location in Panama. Enjoy!
In this episode, we discuss:
- How to start a reliable business in an expat town.
- How to avoid dumb mistakes most people make.
- Why you should use Lean Business philosophy to make your next venture profitable.
- How the biggest obstacles to your success can be dealt with before you even start.
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
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We appreciate your reaction to episodes of Viva Radio and feedback about how we’re doing.
Send us your thoughts any time in an email or comment below.
The Show Notes
- The Lean Entrepreneur by Patrick Vlaskovits and Brant Cooper
- Follow Patrick on Twitter
- Eric Ries the inventor of Lean Philosophy
- Boca Chica Panama – an article by Viva Tropical
- Boca Chica Island– Our adventure colony project in Panama.

Phil and his wife Meg came to Panama to meet Josh and Park on their island (Boca Chica Island) about a year ago. At that time Phil and Meg had never been to Central America. Meeting the guys was his first stop on a multi-stop tour of the region.
Since then he has traveled all over Central America from Panama to Mexico, at which point Josh caught up with him to discuss what has happened since their island meeting.
In this episode Phil and Josh discuss why he left the NFL and what led him to consider the Latin Tropics for living. After he traveled all over the region to find the perfect place to reside, Phil talks about why he wanted to leave the U.S. and look for greener pastures.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why Phil and his wife traveled all over Central America by bus.
- What places they liked and why.
- Why he isn’t very excited about the current direction of the U.S. and why you might need to protect yourself in the future.
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
React to the Show
We appreciate your reaction to episodes of Viva Radio and feedback about how we’re doing.
Send us your thoughts any time in an email or comment below.
The Show Notes
- Chris Martenson Website
- Crash Course Book
- Boca Chica Panama – an article by Viva Tropical
- Boca Chica Island– Our adventure colony project in Panama.

As comfortable in a dug out canoe as as a yacht, Josh’s adventures take him and his business partner into uncharted regions all over Central America.
Viva Tropical Radio is about the people, places and ideas discovered on those journeys.
On its surface the show is about the Latin Tropics, but Josh’s multitude of interests take the show much deeper.
From strange local myths and unique plants, to how to retire to the region. From offshore investment strategy to how to build a sailboat.
We welcome you to an eclectic mix of subjects as diverse as the region.
In the inaugural episode Josh has a discussion with Park Wilson about what you should know before you invest in Central America.
In this episode, Park and I discuss the following:
- Why Market Stages are a must understand when buying property in the tropics.
- How to approach different regions in Central America
- Common mistakes most folks make when buying real estate in Central America
- If you only have 72 hours to buy how you should prepare for quick trip.
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3 | 72.6MB | 45:12
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
React to the Show
We appreciate your reaction to episodes of Viva Radio and feedback about how we’re doing.
Send us your thoughts any time in an email or comment below.
The Show Notes
- Market Stages Chart that Defines the Stages – by Viva Tropical
- Map of Market Stages in Panama – by Viva Tropical
- Understanding Market Stages: The Key to Profiting on Central American Real Estate – by Josh Linnes for Escape Artist
The Transcript
Transcript coming soon!







