Becoming Human

In this episode of the Becoming Human podcast, I’m excited to introduce you to JP, a world traveler hailing from Switzerland and an avid skateboarder, surfer, and snowboarder. JP fell in love with surfing as a young adult and has been chasing waves ever since. After studying to become an Environmental Engineer, he found office life unsatisfying and began traveling the world in search of a state of mind.Despite struggling with excess free time, JP eventually found a balance between work and play, ebbing and flowing between working and traveling. Along the way, he stumbled upon a DIY skateboarding community in France, where he met the people of wondersaroundtheworld.org. JP would later volunteer with Wonders Around The World as a project manager, culminating in his last project: building a skate park in Engabao, Ecuador. Tune in to hear JP's inspiring journey of finding purpose and balance in life.In sports where tricks are a large part of the focus, I’m driven to learn why people are so motivated to learn challenging maneuvers. There are stages of learning in trick-based sports. There’s being able to efficiently navigate an obstacle, then there is being able to do more challenging maneuvers on an obstacle. This creates an endless cycle on the same obstacles, It makes obstacles infinitely challenging. There are more people learning tricks for self-satisfaction than there are for competition. You can look at the numbers of competitors and skaters as an example. Why are some people so obsessed with learning tricks? Talking with JP was a look into a person who loves learning tricks on surfboards, skateboards, and snowboards. It’s deep in his marrow, he lives for it. I’ve come to realize that I love it too. This conversation was fun, informative, and made me long for travel. Checkout @wondersaroundtheworldorg on social media and on their website: wondersaroundtheworld.orgHere’s a documentary about JP’s last project with Wonder’s Around The World in Engabao, Ecuador: WAW Ecuador Puerto EngabaoThis episode features the song, “Seperation of Church and Skate” but NOFX

Fletcher Jordan is an adventurer who is passionate about Peakbagging. Peakbagging is where you set out to reach the summit of mountains and there are a ton of lists that people have made that call people to accomplish them. Beyond lists, people are captivated by the challenge and exposure of aiming for a peak. Years ago Fletcher had caught the bug and he was chomping at the bit by spending an increasing amount of time out in the wilderness gaining lofty heights on varied terrain. On his third year of cataloged peakbagging, he had a 288% increase in peaks attained which sustained for the next 7 years before jumping again another 256%! When peakbagging, a lot of the time the route to the summit has no direct or defined trail. Along the way you have several obstacles that you have to figure out how to get around. To name a few you’ll have to navigate: raging or wimpy creeks, cliff bands, thick brush(slide alder is the prison bars of nature), glaciers, scree slopes(steep kitty-litter), ridgelines, gulleys, and snow fields. There are often GPS tracks from previous parties that can help navigate the terrain but that isn’t always reliable. It appears that a unique kind of fun and learning can be had when you try to navigate using your own judgment and while in the environment rather than relying on a predefined track to get you to your goal. There is a visual element to peak bagging precipitous peaks. When you’re ascending and descending your view of the ground and sky is dramatic. On the ascent all you see is ground, there is no horizon line. When descending you see almost entirely air. I believe that this is a profound yet subtle effect on our state of mind.Fletcher has walked the path to specializing in a niche that he obviously loves dearly. In this episode, we dive into what that life is like and what draws him so intensely into these wild perches; atop the mountains. Fletcher has a youtube channel where he records his peakbagging adventures. I love that he uses subtle music, his transitions, and the fact that it’s mostly video. Featured Song: INZO - OverthinkerPeakbagger: Fletcher JordanClimbing Videos: Fletcher Jordan - YouTubeSpider Mountain: Spider Mountain ~ June 25, 2022Instagram: www.instagram.com/fletcher79/

Karl Hyder is a loving father who had struggled to make healthy choices for himself and his family. When Karl had found weight lifting, he found a pathway to self-improvement, discipline, and a love for the experience of physical exercise over consumption and entertainment.Karl and I attended the same high school. We were all looking for our own way in life. We were working with challenging adversity and our personal flavor of self-defeat. We both didn’t thrive in the traditional school system. Since I last saw Karl in school, years ago, he’s become a father and stoked a passion for weight lifting that has enriched his ability and desire to bear responsibility, manage his feelings, and connect with his family; his community.  Weightlifting has shaped Karl as incidentally as the waves polish a rock. An experience forces you in a certain way. Every time the wave thrashes the rock, the rock can only do certain things. Every time you lift weights, there are constant and variable experiences that you encounter. Over time it might guide you somewhere else for better and for worse. It isn’t inevitable that these things will improve you, but it is possible; maybe even likely…You can find Karl on Facebook and Instagram @drbigdee

Katie Hanke used to weigh 380 pounds, had 26 medical diagnoses, took 50 prescriptions, had chronic depression/anxiety and struggled with addictive eating, opoid, and alcohol use. Katie has a 1300 page medical file 20 years in the making. She has perservered and overcome her illnesses through self exploration, self-experimentation, consistency, and discipline. Katie’s crux in rewinding her degeneration lie in her chosen habits and coping mechanisms. She had found using food/drugs/entertainment as coping mechanisms was driving her further and further down the path of degeneration and addiction. In Katie’s youth, she lived in a small town and was an avid soccer player. She was given a scholarship to compete in college level soccer. Immersed in the potential of college life, she had plunged into the depths of the party lifestyle. Her commitment to soccer had waned but her attachment to entertainment and drug use expanded. Katie was inspired to change when she hit her form of rock bottom: having to serve jail time for a car accident. After years of trial and error, Katie rose from her deluge of illness and found her path to wellness. While the jail time lit the fuse, she had her largest obstacle to climb as of yet; Katie had to find her own way. Katie is now a health & wellness coach, a personal trainer, and she coaches youth sports. Talk about a person coming full circle! We’re constantly seeking “the way” but often we’re confronted with the need to find our own way. A helpful comparison is posture. Most people believe that sitting-up straight is “good posture.” People likely believe this because most people suffer with consequences from slouching all day. They’ll even label slouching as bad. The truth is that this posture is bad because it’s the only shape a person holds while sitting all day which causes deficiencies in posture. So what’s a good posture for you? Whatever is different from what you’re doing. Everyone does something in particular that is problematic. What’s a problem for one person is not always a problem for the other person. Beyond all perspectives and opinions what is essential is that no matter what you do, doing something causes something. If you pay attention, you will perceive what happens.LinksThe Real Slim Katie On YoutubeKatiehankewellness.comAlphafemalesnw

Saulius Braciulis is an ultrarunner, bike commuter, and mountaineer who has fallen in love with long-distance running/hiking. Saulius has accomplished incredible feats of endurance from biking 86 miles to Rainier, running around the volcano completely self-supported, and biking the remaining 86 miles back to his house in Seattle. Saulius has intense stories of exploring the Cascade mountain range in Washington state. If you were to go hike with Saulius, it’s likely that he’s either running/cycling to meet you at the trailhead or he’s already done several loops. All this to say that Saulius is not an egotistical man as far as I can tell. His abilities are a reflection of his interests and ultimately his lifestyle. Saulius is a reminder that we’re more capable than we can imagine. While it pains Saulius to be desk-bound, it frees him to be able to ramble terrain for hours at a time. Saul is a representation of the beautiful phsycos within all of us; those who ritually take on jaw-dropping circumstances of their own free will.Checkout Saulius at @sbraciulis on Instagram and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Saulius-Bra%C4%8Diulis-Adventures-106303141310055/https://hikingwithhadland.com/2021/08/28/mount-washington-ellinor-traverse-08-27-2021/Featured MusicForgive Me For My Synapsis - Eyedea, and AbilitiesBecome a Patron of the show on Patreon.

William Stein is the Founder and CEO of Sage Math, a former Professor at the University of Washington, a Research Mathmetician, a Vert Skateboarder for decades, the co-founder of Seattle Vert Ramp, and he’s Bella’s companion: a dog that’s a heeler with a love for outdoor travel.In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to splitboard, backpack, and mountaineer with a dog. William shares his tips, tactics, and drive for adventuring with his dog, Bella. We talk about the relationship of Mountaineering, Mathematics, and Vert Skateboarding to our quality of life. William is nearly twice my age with a mountain more of experience. Getting to hear his perspective as a dog owner, adventurer, risk mitigator, mathematician and animal has deepened my understanding of such broad topics. William has extensive recreational skills that led to some interesting stories.You can find out more about William’s work in mathematics at cocalc.com and sagemath.org.To learn more about the Seattle Vert Ramp and other vert ramps around the world go to vertramp.org. You can follow along with William’s adventures on wstein.org.Thrasher recently released a documentary about Mark Hubbard, the deceased founder of Grindline: A skatepark building company. Check it out on youtube.

Nathan spent an amount of his childhood running from one foster home to the next. He had attempted to outrun bullies, his housing, community, the world. The furthest he’d gone was 140 miles to North Wales hoping to never be found again. Nathan luckily found his way back to the community by way of an unknown train conductor. He was once again back into another foster care. As a teenager, he found salvation in an MMA gym where his only training partners were large adults. He was inflamed with rage and frustration towards the bullies that hurt him throughout his youth. What was originally a desire to learn to hurt people became a calm and loving yet firm resolve that emanated within as Nathan practiced martial arts. He didn’t desire to cause harm to make himself feel safe, dominant, or satisfied. Nathan found community, trust, and direction in that martial arts gym. He gleaned something from martial arts, Jiu-Jitsu specifically, that affected his perspective; his whole life. Was it a panacea, the answer to all of his problems? No, it was only the beginning… Nathan would spend his time aiming, missing his mark, and repeating this cycle until a looming pressure had appeared. From training to serve in the Armed Forces Of The United Kingdom to competing professionally in Mixed Martial Arts, he had felt like his life was void of value, meaning, and purpose. Nathan sought a counselor and doubled down on his love for Martial Arts by changing professions from a medical engineer to a Jiu-Jitsu Instructor. Nathan is finding meaning in training his feet to walk barefoot year-round on all terrains. Nathan has committed to walking barefoot from Scottland to Land’s End in the southernmost point of The United Kingdom. That’s 1,350 miles!!! He’s using the adventure as a means to raise funds for charity for mental health.Here’s a thought experiment: “You have practiced diligently in Jiu-Jitsu. You’ve worked on your fitness and technique. You realize that if you continue on this pathway you’ll become a master and you can dominate your opponents. Your friend in a larger weight class is on the exact same track. You start to notice that your and your friend’s values are different. He values Jiu-Jitsu more than you not through his words but his actions. If you kept training at this frequency then you would progress but your emotions start to spiral. You long for outdoors, to be alone a little more often, maybe to paint a little more than you get to now, etc.. When you take breaks, you realize that you long for Jiu-Jitsu. You’re at a conflict, what do you listen to? When I’m away from Jiu-Jitsu for (Blank) hours, I crave to train. When I’m training for more than (blank) hours, I crave to do (insert alternative activity). If I choose to train less then I will progress less in Jiu-Jitsu. If it’s my goal to become the best at Jiu-Jitsu and not be a loser, I will pursue mastery with all of my heart. If I put Jiu-Jitsu lower on my value hierarchy then my friend will surpass me and I will squander my potential. “This thought experiment is inspecting how we define success. We often define success as becoming the best at something. While we’re all capable of becoming a master of our disciplines, there is always a hierarchy. You can’t do Jiu-Jitsu instead of eating dinner, sleeping, or taking a dump. Those are essential activities that you plan Jiu-Jitsu around. If getting 4 hours of sleep is better than 6, I would question your values for consideration of your health. However, I would also question the choice to sleep 15 hours a day. It’s a helpful thing to define your values, set a temporary aim, and experiment with life.

In this episode, I talk with a parent in Western Washington who has school-aged children. Lindy Loo has been trying for months to communicate with her local school board regarding how she feels about coronavirus mandates in schools. Lindy and other parents in the school district feel unrepresented. In my perspective, civil servants and civilians are mutually responsible for the erosion of government and institutional representation. During coronavirus, many parents’ attention was turned to how our officials would handle schooling. In the final hour, people realized that they wanted to participate in determining how and what their children were taught more than they originally thought. When people disagreed with the decision of government officials, they were compelled to participate in institutional politics. People reconciled that they are at the behest of officials that they voted for. Some of us have voted blindly, maybe with little research into officials, or we didn’t vote at all. I realized quickly that my child’s education was determined by an organization that I felt disconnected from. I have values and experiences that are important to me to impart when raising my son. How do I impart my style of teaching when it is beyond my control? When it comes to: if my son can wear a hat in school, if he’s taught math in an alternative way, if he has to follow a certain schedule he isn’t pleased with - I have no objection. We have to compromise with each other at some point. But we as people have the right and responsibility to provide our input, our perspective, our intelligence, and our styling to the public institution of schooling. Most people haven’t been doing this until things got so divergent from their values that Washington Public schools have lost 3.5% of students since corona-virus; nearly doubling registered homeschool students in Washington state. Parents have an array of concerns on both sides of the table with Coronavirus. In corporate media, I don’t see perspectives like Lindy’s: a parent who doesn’t want their child to be subjugated to medical mandates that prevent a child from accessing public education or force them to follow institutional protocol due to the inability to care for the child all day, every day. 

In episode 168 of the Becoming Human Podcast, I talk to my son - Joey Nelsen about what life looks like from the perspective of a 9-year-old. Joey has started skateboarding consistently and passionately 6 months ago. Skateboarding and scootering are difficult skillsets to master. The side-effects of practicing demanding and highly consequential skills are important to me when I think of how to ready someone for the rigors of life. When someone is engaged voluntarily with something, inspired even, they can reach unbelievable potential. They might just experience the most important thing which is to live a life well-lived. A life well-lived isn’t constantly chasing increasing highs until our inevitable death. A life well-lived is being aware of this very moment. Think of how we take our lives for granted. We get accustomed to pleasantries like a hot shower, a comfortable bed, etc… Practicing having fewer pleasantries or taking a break from sugar will increase your sensitivity or appreciation of these experiences. A problem with teaching these practices is that when it’s delivered with an authoritarian vessel or even factually then it’s often seen as a chore or doing so just to be seen as virtuous. There’s a ton of recreation and utility experiences that demand us to act medicinally or therapeutically. Skateboarding and Scootering have certainly become that for my son.

Kyle is a martial arts instructor and law enforcement professional. He is a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and he’s been training in a wide array of martial arts disciplines for decades. Kyle is the owner and head instructor of Kindred JJ. He specializes in training and defensive tactics for his department.Kyle has been teaching people martial arts from disparate backgrounds such as counselors, law enforcement, artists, businessmen, and more. Learning a recreation in gross motor coordination or in a sport can provide vitality, character development, and bonding with yourself and your community. The Jiu-Jitsu mats or any sport can provide the opportunity to confront yourself, your opponent, and the world. During a time when conflict resolution tactics, self-care, and self-worth are directly in our culture’s attention what better form of play is there than Jiu-Jitsu: a martial art of leverage, pure effort, and human contact? Our current cultural landscape is straining with gender roles, sexual identity, violence, homeless, policing, and responsibility. The Jiu-Jitsu scene in western Washington is wild- brimming with martial artists from all walks of life biting at the bit to win their next tournament, Kumite, or just put it all down at the weekend open mat. I see Kyle and other martial artists as practitioners of violence and responsibility through their chosen martial arts. They express love through their practice with their training partners that build very deep bonds. Jiu-Jitsu requires a high level of trust amongst training partners. It also demands appropriate reactions so your partner is ready for a real competition or self-defense scenario. This creates an environment where honesty, trust, and respect for the other person are integral. Without that level of comradery, the environment loses its community. All of us accommodate people to help them through a scenario like holding a door for someone, going easy on them in a basketball game, inflating their ego with nice-isms like you don’t look fat, or you’re just having an off day, etc… When does this kindness go unbalanced with… reality? In games, the truth is much easier to come by. Jiu-Jitsu is a game where the skillset is very applicable to everyday human life and interaction. Jiu-Jitsu is a game where you take care of each other so you can practice bringing them an inch away from injury or unconsciousness. The fact that Kyle is in a cultural hotspot for progressive ideology, he specializes in training and defensive tactics for a police department, and teaches/trains Jiu-Jitsu is a beautiful coming together of conflicts and resolutions.Research study on Predicting law enforcement confidence in going ‘hands-on’: the impact of martial arts training,use-of-force self-efficacy, motivation, and apprehensiveness“ Results indicate that MAT(Martial Arts Training) and high perceived UOF(Use Of Force) self-efficacy safely predict confidence in going hands-on, even after accounting for perceived motivation and apprehensiveness. Nonetheless, apprehensiveness, but not motivation, remains a strong predictor of not being confident in going hands-on. ” Link To StudyYou can learn more about Alfy at his youtube channel, pooh.Jitsu. You can learn more about Kyle and Kindred Jiu-Jitsu at Kindredjj.com

Ian Ramsey is an educator, musician, adventurer who has been deeply inspired by outdoor writers and students of spirituality. Ian’s largest inspiration is Gary Snyder. He was introduced to Gary Snyder through reading about his related character in Jack Kerouac’s book, The Dharma Bums. Ian has a rich history of experiences from ultra running, sea kayaking, ski touring, bikepacking, teaching adults & youth, and more. Ian has had his writting published with several organizations, he’s pursued professional certifications and/or publications in his areas of interest including sea kayaking, teaching, music, and he’s led multi-day expeditions internationally. He is an impressive leader and educator with a burning passion.In this episode we talk about developing the self-control to make choices and not be chosen by someone or something. Sometimes we go through life waiting for things to persuade us into action. Other times we go through life ruminating on an aim, setting our sights, and performing a process to hit our target. When you determine what you want and work your way towards making it a reality then you get to participate in influencing reality; your reality. The most finite resource that you have is time. How you spend your time directly affects your experience. It’s a canvas where every brushstroke cannot be erased. That creates a powerful valuation. In this life, we have many things trying to persuade us for their own survival. The consequences they have for the individual affected are good, bad, or neutral based on your aim and values. It is perhaps the most pertinent skill in the modern world to identify your aim and learn to manage your desires.To learn more about Ian Ramsey, go to his website IanRamsey.net and on instagram @ian.ramsey Checkout some of the writers that Ian mentioned in the podcast below.Richard Nelson - www.rionmagazine.org/2020/08/ravens-witness/John Hayes - https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-HaySam Hamill - www.poets.org/poem/after-morning-rainGary Snyder - https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47178/riprapCheckout Ian Ramsey’s Poem, Letter To America, on Terrain.orgNorth Yarmouth AcademyAspire Adventure Running

Steven Sashen is the Co-Founder and CEO of Xero Shoes, a serial entrepreneur, . Steven and his wife, Lena Phoenix, started Xero Shoes after being inspired by Christopher Mcdougall’s book, “Born To Run.”When Steve was 45, he returned to sprinting. Steve loved sprinting in his youth, but he experienced constant injuries in his return. He was introduced to barefoot running through his friend and he gave Steve a copy of, “Born To Run.” Steve experienced elation when he felt the ground on his bare feet and upon realizing his gait was changing. Steve made some sandals for him and his wife, Lena from Vibram soles and lace. While running, Steve would get compliments on his sandals and they’d ask for a pair for themselves. Since the first iteration, Xero Shoes and crew have come a long way. From minimalist sandals to making closed-toed minimalist shoes. They’re making shoes that fit a wide range of lifestyles while delivering on shoes that are minimalist, with a wide toe box and retaining as much ground feel as possible.I love Xero shoes because they combine quality while delivering a very specific product for those that want to feel the ground while having just enough protection from foot punctures. Steve has a love for solving problems and helping bring ideas to life. His success in Xero shoes is a representation of finding a problem that wants to be solved; an alleviation of tension. Entrepreneurs are fascinating when you apply the axiom that it’s the journey and not the destination that matters. I believe as an entrepreneur, it applies to focusing on not pursuing riches but alleviating tension through business.Check out his podcast, The MOVEMENT Movement, on youtubeSong featured on this episode: Oliver Hart - Step By Step

Have you ever been in a flow state?What does it make you feel?Logan Tyler is an entrepreneur who uses rock climbing to tap into his flow state and gain perspective. There are experiences in life that are very impactful. Think of the most cherished experiences you’ve had. Most children think of Disneyland with glee. There are experiences out there, within your reach, that will take your breath away and make you feel alive. Logan dreamed of being a professional rock climber. In 2016, his opportunity was transmuted by a tragic accident. Logan’s accident changed his life substantially. He was no longer the fit, confident, and physically able man he once was. He had his jaw wired shut for 6 months and drank his calories through smoothies. The experience gave him the opportunity to learn new life lessons of listening and stillness. The fixed dilemma that he had to face made him soften his heart and polish his mind. The incident changed his perspective forever. He went from a capable and confident person (who rock climbs, skateboards, etc) to being talked down to by others because of how they interpret his condition. That experience was a mirror where Logan saw the human tendency in himself to not pay attention to what’s in front of him and default to his mental model. We often live within our mental models and the longer we go without a novel experience, these models seem to diverge from objective reality. I found it beautiful the way that Logan took his accident and saw a story in it that helped himself and others around him. Logan is a guide for children and adults, founder of Base Camp Ouray, and he dry tools and rock climbs. He’s been climbing since he was 7 years old!Checkout Steven Kotler’s book, “The Art Of The Impossible.”Steven is a well-studied student of flow with a wealth of resources on the subject.Scott Rowely has helped Logan with his mental health and pursueing his goals. Logan looks up to Scott and holds his company, Peak Prosper, in high esteem. Checkout Scott’s episode here.

From rock bottom to the top of the world Scott Rowley helps men by empowering them with the tools and resources needed to master their emotions, their minds, and create the life of their dreams. It was Scott’s trials and tribulations that called him to help other men find their way in life. Scott is an author, coach, and adventurer. In his past he dealt with alcohol abuse and fixating on work to his detriment. When Scott was a kid, he was a scout and he graduated from the program as an Eagle Scout. He has lived a life with adventure, strife, and a deep love for introspection. Check out Scott’s life coaching services with the company he co-founded at Peakprosper.com

Peter Peak is a hip-hop artist under the moniker knw.1ne, a paraprofessional for disabled youth, and pursuing a career as a music teacher. I went to an alternative high school in North Idaho with Peter. The kids at the high school faced a variety of adversities that made accessing education difficult. I find it beautiful when people can find a way to overcome their hardships and find the lifestyle that fits them best. Peter started with hip-hop and skating in high school. He has now spent over a decade developing his skillset. Developing a recreational skillset in adulthood is a fulfilling way to pursue learning. Peter found another passion along the way, helping teach youth with disabilities. Check out Peter on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/user-548928830You can find him on Instagram @knw.1ne

Mahting Putelis is a hunter, entrepreneur, former outdoor sports guide, teacher, photographer and CEO of Hunt To Eat.Hunt To Eat is a hunting media and apparel company with the focus on gathering wild foods and conservation. Hunt To Eat hosts hunting camps where they teach people the skills to hunt a specific species of animal, field dressing, meat care, and firearm safety. They use the experience as a platform to teach ethics, conservation, and tactics. These experiences are a way for people to connect in their values, personality, and character in a shared experience.Mahting had a teacher that introduced him to his passions and a way he can thrive in service to himself and his community. After struggling with purpose in school, Mahting found a direction in mountain guiding and education. As a guide he learned about communication, perspective, and managing groups during adventures in nature. His interest in the outdoors blossomed into exploring his creativity when he pivoted to being an adventure photographer. He was thrust into entrepreneurial and creative challenges in the environment that meant the most to him. In his adulthood, he circled back to his family’s tradition of hunting. Mahting’s love for the outdoors, helping people and connecting with their spirit shows in this conversation and his work through Hunt To Eat. In this episode, we talk about how Mahting became an entrepreneur, found his context where he can thrive, discovered his sense of purpose, Hunt To Eat, hunting camps, and how his character has unfolded over time.Checkout the rad shirts and their latest magazine at Hunttoeat.com

Joshua Cedar Larsen is a Whitewater Raft Guide at Triad River Tours and Conservationist with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science. Josh has over 8 years of guiding experience and he’s kayaked up to class 5 rivers. In his youth, he was tenaciously trying to get on the river as often as possible. He graduated high school from the World Class Kayak Academy where he learned general education through traveling the world, immersing themselves in culture, and kayaking rivers along the way.Josh spends his year paddling rivers in rafts and kayaks. From his perspective, he sees a river change over time with high resolution. He sees beyond the superficial nature of the landscape and has an intimate knowledge of its contents. The nature of the guide is intimate and educational. Josh takes the array of people down rivers, managing hazards, and their client’s experience. It’s a unique thing to see so many kinds of archetypes on display during an intense moment; a moment that commands presence. Every one of us likely has a river within an hour or two from where you live. Rivers, creaks, lakes, and oceans play a fundamental role in all of our lives. They provide sustenance, life, potential hazard, and the opportunity to challenge yourself. These rivers are not without their threat as well. If you were to find a guide and learn skills to paddle, fish or recreate in another way on your local rivers, you would discover something very pleasurable. This sense of satisfaction and anticipation to experience your local river gives it a deeper level of meaning and value. With that relationship, we become advocates for healthy waterways and water access. Find Joshua Cedar Larsen on Instagram @joshuacedar

Taylor Spike is an Ultrarunner who has completed over ten 50 mile ultramarathons and he’s raced in ultramarthons that are 100 miles and even 200+ miles long! Taylor wrestled with substance abuse from the time he was a teenager into his adulthood. Taylor has a history of struggling with obsessive tendencies with alcohol and prescribed pain medication. I have met people who have been prescribed medication for an injury and some will eventually develop an attachment to taking the medication and will seek to take it recreationally. In my anecdotal experience, this is a minority, however I find it fascinating like I find the difference between recreational drug users and addicts. I was raised in a family where my siblings and parents struggled with substance abuse. I would blame the substances and I would fear myself; I was deeply afraid of falling in love with a feeling or material thing so much that I would hurt myself for it. Ironically, I would do that with relationships, food, etc.. It seemed a fundamental problem to being a person, at least for me, and for some other people I have met in life. Taylor has a history of Ultrarunning, completing these very tough experiences and he has pulled himself from the depths of his cycle of addiction. Taylor talks about his challenges with Ultrarunning in ways that are reminiscent of his proclivity to use alcohol excessively, however, the result in running is more fitness, greater reward for tackling large challenges, delayed gratification, community, character insights for everyday life, non-standard states of consciousness, etc.. When you make mistakes in your training as an ultrarunner you still have the same internal problems as you carried with you in your other habits, but the structure of training makes those internal problems the main focus. If you make mistakes in this environment, the damages are not as costly. I relate with Taylor Spike in that I love intense experiences. That feeling, without a constructive outlet, wreaks havoc on my life. Within the right context, my proclivities are helpful and give me a sense of meaning and confidence. As Taylor would put it, “Smile, life’s worth it!”

“ Oh, the Places You’ll Go!You’ll be on your way up!You’ll be seeing great sights!You’ll join the high flierswho soar to high heights.You’re off to Great Places!Today is your day!Your mountain is waiting.So...get on your way! “-Dr. SeussMost people fear heights, but what compels them to face their fears?Them is you, even if you haven’t experienced it before.A 300lb weight would be impossible or injurious to lift to the unpracticed.By defining your baseline and incrementally pursuing discomfort, you will grow; you will improve. You might even achieve what was once impossible. So to with fear, but what else?Selena Eon is an avid explorer of the impenetrable Cascade Mountains and a Naturopathic Doctor practicing at Origin Holistic. There’s a list called the Bulger list which is a list of 100 summits in Washington that are mostly the highest peaks with a lot of prominence. Basically, really tall stuff that’s dramatic. However, not all of the peaks follow that theme. In addition to that, there’s a ton of other lists that inspire people to push themselves or explore the unknown. Selena is an exemplary figure of a modern day adventurer. Without specializing in adventure sports professionally, she has to find her own balance of adventuring in the wilds and working in her community as a Doctor. In this episode, we discuss her entry into mountaineering, peak bagging, and trail running. I wish I could take you to these places and experience the challenges and rewards of the landscape. At the least, I hope you get to hear it through Selena. You can follow her adventures on instagram @drselenaeon

Harbert Egberts is a personal trainer and founder of Functional Harbeats, a platform and community that offers rotational strength and conditioning, kettlebell exercises, and other forms of training protocol. Harbert is a Mace specialist. He traveled around the world to study with experts in the craft. Harbert began traveling to India to document the culture and explore the cultural history of gadas, their name and version of a mace. The culture has been using it for 3,000 years and they’ve been using it for strength in Kushti wrestling, a specific kind of wrestling in India. The Flowing Dutchman has wonderful stories of riding his motorbike across india. One in particular was really adventurous. You can watch his documentaries on his youtube channel The Flowing DutchmanThe Flowing Dutchmanhttps://www.blabbermouf.com/music/