My name is Vincent Russell Van Patten.

I’m an author, travel photographer, and host of The Dare to Dream Podcast, exploring what lights my soul on fire day-in and day-out.

Rarely does a meaningful experience escape the ink of my pen — I love to write about it all.

Most of all, I write to inspire. I publish my work here on my website and on Medium.

I’m currently based in Osaka, Japan, where I work as an English teacher for the ECC Foreign Language Institute.

I graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. After four years of studying journalism, one thing was for sure — I didn’t want to be a news reporter.

I dreaded each interview and contemplated switching majors countless times. In retrospect, I’m thankful this was near impossible to do at Cal Poly, as I know my time in journalism was for a reason. I wouldn’t be the individual that I am today without that experience.

In 2022, I completed my master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Denver.

I simply want to learn; be it through travel, reading, writing, and most importantly, by getting out there to connect with other human beings. That I’ll never stop doing.

My Insatiable Passion for Travel

I fervently believe travel changes us.

We’re exposed to new people, fresh ideas, and foreign landscapes that excite our senses and make us come alive.

Nothing brings me more joy than seeking the beating heart of any location. This essence comes from the people, culture, and history of any place.

When I was young, my favorite shows were on the Travel Channel. Andrew Zimmern, Adam Richman, and Anthony Bourdain were my guys!

Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations made me believe that it’s an art form to uncover the essence of a city.

The solution is simple: do as the locals do, walk, ask questions, observe, live. This often means staying in one place, watching the world go by, and simply being present.

I wouldn’t be who I am without Bourdain’s influence. Bourdain’s life has emboldened me to be an explorer of this planet.

Dare to Dream

I live to inspire others through my words and actions by living life on purpose, day in and day out. That’s why one of my best friends and I created The Dare to Dream Podcast.

The Dare to Dream Podcast is where my co-host, Gregory Russell Benedikt, and I inspire listeners to embark on the adventure of their lives. We draw wisdom from weekly guests who exemplify what is possible when you have the courage to live a life that is truly yours.

We believe every human deserves to live a life that lights their soul on fire.

My Vision

When you think of Vincent Van Patten, I hope you think of discovery, adventure, connection, and learning. Through my projects, I dream of instilling the world with the same enthusiasm and sheer joy I feel on the first morning waking up in a foreign city.

In 2021 I released my debut nonfiction novel, Arrows of Youth: A Young Man’s Inspiring Journey to Find What Lights His Soul On Fire. The book is part memoir, part travel story, part spiritual exploration, all a quest to find what lights my soul on fire. On this quest, I strive to help you do the same.

Join my lifelong journey through my newsletter, Citoyens du Monde. I’m just getting started.