"I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately

I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life. To put to rout all that was not life; and not, when I had come to die, discover that I had not lived."

-Henry David Thoreau

The Wilderness Experience

Is a multi-day rite of passage for healthcare entrepreneurs seeking clarity, courage, and renewal. Through physical challenge, wilderness immersion, and guided reflection rooted in the Hero’s Journey, we help men step out of the monotony of practice and back into purposeful leadership.

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Our process is simple and thoughtful.

Surrounded by like-minded practice owners, participants enter the “dark wood” together—disconnecting from noise, confronting what no longer serves them, and reclaiming the deeper vision behind why they began. They return home physically invigorated, spiritually grounded, and equipped with a renewed commitment to build practices—and lives—aligned with strength, integrity, and meaning.

Wilderness Experiences

Sample Schedule

Pre-Trip Sample Reading

A Hero’s Journey by Joseph Campbell

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Arrive

Thurs - Distillery Tour, Steakhouse Dinner and Hotel Night

Friday - Hike/Kayak 10 miles to Remote Camp

Saturday - Day Hike 10+ miles to Mountain Top/Water Fall

Sunday - Hike back to cars and head home.

Minimal Lightweight Gear Checklist

  • Lightweight backpack

  • Tent, bivy, or hammock setup

  • Lightweight sleeping bag

  • Sleeping pad

  • Broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes

  • 2 pairs of wool socks

  • 1 hiking outfit

  • 1 warm layer

  • Lightweight rain jacket

  • Hat

  • Headlamp

  • Water bottle or hydration bladder

  • Small personal toiletries

  • Phone charger or battery pack

  • Fishing pole and small tackle setup

  • Trail snacks

  • Food, water and libations will be provided.

Meet the Team

  • James Tickel

    FOUNDER

    James Tickel is a second-generation chiropractor, entrepreneur, and outdoorsman with more than 20 years of experience building practices, communities, and meaningful connections. Having owned three chiropractic practices and successfully sold two of them, James has dedicated his career to serving people, leading with vision, and creating lasting impact both inside and outside the profession.

    While in chiropractic school, he founded the Philosophy Society, a reflection of his lifelong commitment to principle, leadership, and bringing people together. Known by many as the glue that connects practices, families, and chiropractors alike, James combines professional excellence with a deep love for adventure, integrity, and authentic living. Whether camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, or sharing stories with others in the wilderness, he believes life is meant to be lived fully and in connection with something greater.

  • Lee Matthis

    LEAD STOIC

    Lee Matthis is a leader, stoic, devoted husband, and father of three who has spent his life building both family and purpose with intention. Madly in love with his wife and married for many years, Lee successfully grew a chiropractic business in Southwest Virginia to a peak of 18 clinics, reflecting both vision and grit. A graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), he once spent 90 days in the woods living simply and eating what he still claims was the best peanut butter pad thai imaginable. An avid reader, philosopher, and woodsman, Lee loves deep thought, a full life, and late nights with his lady whenever possible.

  • Chris Alberts

    THE “GOOD TIMES” DIRECTOR

    Dr. Chris “Stof” Alberts was born in South Africa and came to America with his family while he was in junior high, bringing with him a toughness, drive, and competitive spirit that still define him today. An avid rugby player, he competed on a developmental national team and later became a CrossFit regional champion, reflecting both his discipline and relentless work ethic. Hardheaded but full of heart, he is the kind of man who is always ready to fight for you and expects the very best in all things—whether it is steak, whiskey, hotels, or the way life ought to be lived.

  • James Whillans

    INTERNATIONAL LIASON
    James Whillans moves through life like water—always loving, always accepting, and always meeting people where they are. A former collegiate soccer player at Queens College, he continues to carry that passion forward, adding to his long soccer experience with Old Boys championships in Kelowna, Canada. A philosopher and teacher at heart, James is one of the most open-minded souls you could meet, always willing to listen, share, and love people exactly as they are.

  • Pete Haggenjos

    PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR

    Pete's fascination with the human body, optimal performance and function started at a young age. In 6th grade he led the neighborhood boys in a 'plyometric' training program he devised to help build bigger vertical jumps for basketball. Through his journey, chiropractic has been a steadfast tool to help inspire people to live with greater health and vitality.  He enjoys time with his wife and three kids, hiking and camping, coaching youth sports, preparing meals and a variety of exercise. ChiroWyld offers a unique break and opportunity to reset and remember the values that guide our journey while communing with like minded brothers.

  • Brandon Livingood

    THE HUNTER

    Livingood is a former collegiate wrestler from the University of Northern Iowa who has been steeped deeply in the chiropractic experience, shaped in part by time spent hunting with Galen Price. An avid hunter and dedicated chiropractor, he has risen to become the the leader of one of the largest chiropractic companies in the United States. Above all, he is a devoted family man who loves his wife and their three children—two boys and a girl—and is the kind of man who will go to the mat for anything he truly believes in.

  • "Life gets chaotic fast. Chiro Wild reminded me that simple is strong. Fire. Food. Brotherhood. No fluff. Just clarity and reset."

    —James

  • "Chiro Wild stripped away the noise and reminded me who I am. No titles. No distractions. Just miles, firelight, and real conversations. Somewhere out there, I came home more grounded — and more like the man I want to be."

    —Kevin

  • "Hard days on the trail. Strong pours by the fire. Incredible food and wine. Chiro Wild is grit by day, brotherhood by night — and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything."

    —Brandon

  • "The city had me numb. Chiro Wild pulled me out of the rat race and dropped me into silence, sweat, and cold water. When the noise stopped, I could finally hear myself again. That alone was worth it."

    —Jesse

The Wilderness is Calling

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