the Adventure Activist: Recent Episodes
Terry O'Connor
This is a place for meaningful conversations with accomplished athletes, inspiring adventurers, and influential activists. Through their journeys, stories and life discoveries we deconstruct how our guests add more meaningful value to the world and do some good with their passion for adventure.
Feeling like we are in a bind with current public lands policy? Well, there may still be hope at the end of the tunnel. We bring you another activist toolkit episode for your edification: a conversation on the climate of public lands policy.
About a year ago, president Trump shrank two national monuments in Utah by nearly 2 million acres with the simple stroke of a pen. As he stood before the crowd in Salt Lake City, Trump said he was taking power away from “very distant bureaucrats.”
But who was he giving power to? If the land was indeed public, why did it appear as though the public opinion was ignored? How does this public land leasing system work? Is the system equitable or is it a fixed game?
Today, activist and Patagonia ambassador Luke Nelson joins me as we ask Chase Huntley of the Wilderness Society these questions and more. We wanted to do a deep dive on how we’ve gotten to this place, and if there is any hope that we can still serve to preserve our public space.
As Energy & Climate Program Director, for the Wilderness Society in Washington DC, Chase works with staff in the public policy and public lands departments to develop and evaluate policy options for sustainably managing energy production on the nation's public lands in the face of global warming. Chase has significant policy analysis experience, including more than six years’ service at the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of the U.S. Congress, evaluating the stewardship of public resources and the implementation of natural resource law and regulation. He holds two Masters Degrees from the University of Michigan with a focus on resource policy and ecosystem management, and a BA from Claremont McKenna College in Government and Philosophy. Most importantly he’s a kind guy with a brilliant mind and was a true pleasure to connect with again.
more info: www.wilderness.org
Theme Music: Broke for Free, “Night Owl" Free Music Archive Background Music: Evan Phillips Courtesy Evan Phillips. evanphillips.bandcamp.com
Are you worried about where our country is heading? Do you want to make a difference but aren’t sure where to start? This election is a great place to begin.
We just put this Voters edition together to motivate you to learn more about the companies and organizations that are responding to the issues we face. These are the influential activists urging us to show up to the polls, educating us on how our vote can help save the planet, and putting people in office who will help us protect it.
Tune in to be inspired and educated by some of the most powerful voices in support of our environment in the upcoming election. We'll chat with:
Chase Huntley, of the Climate and Energy program at the Wilderness Society Corley Kenna, Senior Director of Communications at Patagonia Alex Boian, VP of government affairs at the Outdoor Industry Association Lindsay Bourgoine, manager of Advocacy and Campaigns at Protect Our Winters, Ahmed Gaya, field director for 1631, the initiative in Washington state that’s on the brink of radically changing the way we consume carbon.
We know you, like us, love the adventures we’ve had here on this planet. We also know you need some positive news about the upcoming election to get you motivated. We hope these guests and this podcast does just that for you. Its almost time for the votes to be counted, and we want to make sure that yours is one of them.
Elections matter and it is critical you get involved and vote on outdoor issues. We are on the verge of a dawn for a new day. Let's not miss our chance!
more info: www.wilderness.org www. patagonia.com https://outdoorindustry.org/advocacy/scorecard powactionfund.org https://yeson1631.org/
Theme Music: Broke for Free, “Night Owl" Free Music Archive Background Music: Evan Phillips Courtesy Evan Phillips. evanphillips.bandcamp.com
Welcome to a conversation with endurance athlete, activist and Patagonia ambassador, Luke Nelson. Like many of the athletes featured in this podcast, Luke has found many different ways to enjoy the wild places over the span of his life. These days, as a trail running ambassador for Patagonia, he channels his athleticism into trail running exploits all around the world. Today we’ll recap his latest race and dive into the deep end of the pain cave and talk tools of resilience. from there we’ll push a little deeper and talk finding inspiration and balance in his roles of athlete, father, husband, physicians assistant, and now a passionate activist. In this episode, we’ll take you from the high summits of the Alps, down to the wild rivers of Idaho, and into a pristine corner of Patagonia. Hope you enjoy!
This episode is for you if you are a runner, endurance athlete, an adventurer, a father, an activist or just someone trying to find balance amongst all your passions in life.
to learn more about Luke: http://challengeofbalance.com/
Photo: Luke Nelson Theme Music: Broke for Free, “Night Owl" Free Music Archive Background Music: Evan Phillips Courtesy Evan Phillips. evanphillips.bandcamp.com
The Juneau Icefield Research Program is an eight-week immersion classroom in the wilderness of the Juneau Icefield, during which participants (undergraduate, graduate, and high school juniors and seniors) traverse from Juneau, Alaska to Atlin, British Columbia. The Juneau Icefield covers an area the size of Rhode Island, and includes some 50 outlet glaciers. In this wild classroom, students are guided by faculty mentors and immerse themselves in a number of projects investigating ice mass, glacier movement, climatic changes , but also learn the art of communicating science to the masses. It’s a place and a classroom unlike any other you've seen.
Here at the adventure activist, we believe in the transformative nature of exploration. It struck me in my time away, hearing the excitement in the student’s voices and watching their wide eyes take in the vast expanse of ice for the first time, that adventure is also a potent fuel, something that can stoke the fire for learning about a place and understanding our world. I think you’ll find in the voices ahead that this experience strikes an emotional chord in the students and faculty that resonates into their lives ahead. I hope it resonates with you.
To learn more about the Juneau Icefield Research Program: http://juneauicefield.org/
Photo: Andrew Opila, www.andrewopila.com Theme Music: Broke for Free, “Night Owl" Free Music Archive Background Music: Evan Phillips Courtesy Evan Phillips. evanphillips.bandcamp.com
Have you ever fallen in love with place and people while traveling and felt compelled to give back- but didn’t know where to start? Or had an idea to do something at home, but were afraid your idea may not translate into something that would serve those members of your community? Maybe giving back isn’t on your radar screen quite yet, but keep this podcast in mind when you are ready because there are some real valuable insights in here.
A needs assessment is the foundation for effective, long lasting, positive impact with your future projects. We will discuss how to perform a needs assessment in today's episode.
In the first episode of the Adventure Activist I sat down with Conrad Anker and Jenni Lowe Anker to hear about the legacy of Alex Lowe and the mission of the Khumbu Climbing Center. After that conversation I was honored to be asked by Jenni to travel to Nepal, help with the program, and investigate how their foundation could best support healthcare in the village of Phortse.
To help address that mission, I reached out to friend and Adventure Activist board member Pia Saengswang Moffit.
Building off her foundation as a public interest law fellow at Harvard Law school, Pia has over 25 years of experience within the non-profit and private sectors. She has a special focus on venture philanthropy, education policy, social entrepreneurship, non- profit management and film. In the early 1990’s, Pia helped launch the first social entrepreneur-focused venture philanthropy fund in the United States – The Echoing Green Foundation (EGF) - with leading NYC-based venture capital firm General Atlantic Partners. EGF has funded 300+ non-profit start-ups worldwide in the environment, education, public health, and youth service. As an independent strategy consultant with a focus on education, non-profit and social change initiatives, Pia’s long-term clients have included: The Broad Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The College Board, Inc., and The Prudential Foundation. In addition, Pia has produced documentary films and public education campaigns for the J.Paul Getty Trust, the Getty Conservation and the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art.
Using the context of my upcoming trip to Nepal last winter, Pia and I caught up on a cold January day so I could pick up some pearls from her expertise.
You will learn: What a Needs Assessment is Who should be involved How to develop your questions How to cultivate stakeholders for your idea . . and more!
To learn more about Pia and her projects: www.thunderdragonfund.org
Sign up for our newsletter to get an outline of this toolkit episode: www.theadventureactivist.org
Theme Music: Broke for Free, “Night Owl" Free Music Archive Background Music: Evan Phillips Courtesy Evan Phillips. http://evanphillips.bandcamp.com
RC Cone took his midwest roots to Montana at 18 . . . found rivers and never looked back. Taking a degree in environmental studies and a concentration in photojournalism he sought to share the impact the west had on him but discovered in the stories that he unveiled, the true beauty lies in the peoples' connection to the outdoor world. That task has taken him to rivers around the world, talking to people who cherish and defend the tributaries that connect us all in the end.
We will hear the story of the good people of the paradise river valley in Montana bound together in their fight for the Yellowstone River. RC invites us to join a third generation Paradise Valley Montanan, BBQ and bakery owners freshly transplanted from Georgia, a lodge owner, a naturalist, a fly fishing guide, a sitting U.S. senator, and an iconic musician as they come together to protect the Yellowstone River ecosystem from a proposed gold mine. In the end, we finish with the curious but inspirational predicament of a miner finding his path in protecting his sacred refuge.
To learn more about the fight for the Yellowstone: https://www.lastcallyellowstone.com/
To learn more about RC's work: https://tributariesdigitalcinema.com/
Thanks to our partners at the Wilderness Society www.wilderness.org
Theme Music: Broke for Free, “Night Owl" Free Music Archive Background Music: Evan Phillips Courtesy Evan Phillips. http://evanphillips.bandcamp.com
In his work as a physician, geologist, and professional mountaineer, Steve has traveled extensively on every continent. He’s participated on eight Himalayan and four polar expeditions and brought his skill as an emergency physician to K2, Annapurna, and Everest. In times of crisis, Steve has responded to Darfur and the Democratic Republic of Congo and most recently has partnered to help build schools in Afghanistan.
Steve has had a remarkable life and we cover a lot of ground in this episode, challenge some notions you may have of the Taliban, and finish with some interesting reflections on preparation, opportunity, the value of embracing risk
to learn more about Steve's work in Afghanistan: http://www.greenvillageschools.com/
photo credit: Steve Boyer
Theme Music: Broke for Free, “Night Owl" Free Music Archive Background Music: Evan Phillips Courtesy Evan Phillips. evanphillips.bandcamp.com
in 2007 Julie Kennedy approached outdoor icon Yvon Chouinard and pitched an idea for an adventure film festival built around the power of story. Now a decade later the festival doesn’t just share the adventure stories but empowers participants through film, through workshops, panels, and seminars to live a life aligned with its foundational five points: commitment . . respect . . humility . . purpose . . .balance. The good people at 5 point have a vision to develop a network of educated and engaged communities inspired by story to take action in their lives . . .to give back . . so to honor that we bring you interviews with those who are inspired by the festival and taking action in their lives.
We’ll hear from: 1. Educator and watershed activist, Sarah Johnson https://www.wildroseeducation.com/
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Wilderness society marketing director Lulu Gephart https://wilderness.org/
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Natives Outdoors founder, Len Necefer https://www.natives-outdoors.org/
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Bub and Hal from the Winter Wildlands Alliance https://winterwildlands.org/
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Professional photographer Carl Zoch http://carlzoch.com/
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5point dream award winner, Chloe Gonzales.
photo credit: Carl Zoch
Theme Music: Broke for Free, “Night Owl" Free Music Archive Background Music: Evan Phillips Courtesy Evan Phillips. http://evanphillips.bandcamp.com
This is episode 9 with Lili and Mike Libecki.
“ in a world where we can be and do anything, be kind and do good”.
This is the pithy, poignant, timely, purpose-driven motto of our amazing young guest Lili Libecki. at just 14 years old she has climbed a peak on every continent, and with every expedition, she has given back to the people and places she visits. her mission is embodied in her own nonprofit, the Joyineering fund. If it sounds like Joy and adventure are in her DNA look no farther than her father to understand why.
Mike Libecki has a passion to seek and explore the remote, the untouched and unexplored corners of the earth. his specialty craft of planning and executing first ascents all over the globe has led to exploring diverse ecosystems: from the polar arctic to the south pacific. he’s seen nearly 100 countries, climbed on every continent, and has been honored as a national geographic explorer of the year
In the hour ahead we talk about their path: starting from a love of saying yes to adventure together to their natural instincts to give back in gratitude to the places they go. in our conversation we visit Antarctica, Nepal, Peru, Tanzania. We visit schools orphanages and we hear about their work: the gifts of solar power, of light, of computers, of education. how it all has left a lasting impact on the places they’ve been and on their own calling in life.
This is a podcast for those with an insatiable spirit for exploration for fathers, and their daughters, . . . and really for anyone who wants be witness an impassioned call to action. Get ready, you are going to be inspired to do some good in the world with your passion for adventure.
Theme Music: Broke for Free, “Night Owl" Free Music Archive Background Music: Evan Phillips Courtesy Evan Phillips. http://evanphillips.bandcamp.com
This is episode 8 with Hayley Stuart. Hayley developed a passion for rivers as a whitewater kayaker at the age of sixteen. Kayaking in three continents exposed her to the sobering realities of mega-hydroelectric projects and their impacts on people and ecosystems. Inspired by the communities who campaigned against the Alto Maipo Hydroelectric Project in Chile, Hayley subsequently pursued studies in Environmental Science, Spanish, and Anthropology at the University of Denver. Her thesis focused on the impact of social and environmental campaigns on Chile’s hydro-development. Hayley has worked throughout Latin America with local communities and environmental campaign leaders to address and document the threats posed by mega-dams in an increasingly globalized and power-hungry world. Using film to create awareness, her videos are currently used in graduate and undergraduate Environmental Science classes. Her insights were recently featured on TEDx.
In the hour ahead we talk about her path: starting from a love of running rivers to developing a curiosity about the impact of dams not only on rivers but also the land and its people. in our conversation, we visit Uganda, Bolivia, and Chile and recount some of the stories she would tell in her studies and films. We expand on her plans to embark on another important project in Bolivia and in the end, she provides some insightful reflections and advice from her life so far running some of the biggest water in the world.
To learn more about her latest project: http://www.theadventureactivist.org/campaigns/still-river-silent-jungle/
Theme Music: Broke for Free, “Night Owl" Free Music Archive Background Music: Evan Phillips Courtesy Evan Phillips. http://evanphillips.bandcamp.com
This is episode 7 with Jake Norton. As a climber and guide, Jake has set foot on many of the highest points on earth as and a filmmaker he has made some insightful films about mountain culture and environment, recently culminating his in Banff award-winning film holy (un) holy river, a collaboration with National Geographic ’s Pete McBride about the unique culture and predicament of India’s sacred Ganges.
In the hour ahead we talk about his path, from finding a life of adventure climbing in the mountains to then using his expeditions as a means to get back to the people places and cultures he loved and wanted to interact with. In our conversation, we visit Uganda, Nepal, Rwanda, Kenya, and India and touch on the inspiration for stories he would tell in photo and film. We find time to talk culture and have an engaging discussion of what it is to live a meaningful life from a south Asian perspective and how that can inform our own life choices. In the end, Jake offers some advice for the next generation of adventure storytellers out there. enjoy!!
To learn more about Jake Norton: http://mountainworldproductions.com/
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Join us for episode 6, an adventure dispatch from Nepal. Host, Terry O’Connor is back, doing his part to help with the admirable work of the Khumbu Climbing Center and recounts the impact of his first adventures on Everest.
Background Music: Evan Phillips, “Guess I was just young” Courtesy Evan Phillips. evanphillips.bandcamp.com
This is episode 5 with Brody Leven. You may know Brody as a professional skier, athlete, explorer and storyteller. He has built a reputation on his penchant for pushing the envelope and his whole hearted embrace of humbling tests of endurance. From bike powered ski expeditions in the arctic to arduous treks to ski the last remaining snows of Uganda, to watch a film by Brody is always an entertaining insight into the well . . . absurd, replete with the self effacing humor you’d expect on such an endeavor.
In the hour ahead, for sure, we talk some adventures, but really aim to highlight how Brody uses his platform to advocate for the preservation of public lands and educate the masses on the threats of climate change. . . and he’s not afraid to step out of the ski boots and put on a suit and tie to step in front of congress to show up for the cause. We talk about keeping your cool in the politicized and heated social media arena. He challenges the criticism that just liking posts is not a form of activism, and in the end shares some insightful stories on how we can all show up for what is right without necessarily being in the spotlight. Enjoy!
Theme Music: Broke for Free, “Night Owl" Free Music Archive Background Music: Evan Phillips, “Falling Down” and “Learning to Climb” Courtesy Evan Phillips. http://evanphillips.bandcamp.com
This is episode 4 with Dr. Peter Hackett. If you’ve ever wondered how to plan and acclimatize on an adventure at altitude, you can thank Dr. Hackett for starting the conversation. For those doctors and even some of the high altitude guides out there, Dr. Hackett is well recognized as THE expert when it comes to high altitude medicine. As a climber, emergency physician and researcher he has refined his expertise over the decades. What is less well known is how a passion for adventure and a willingness to chase an opportunity on a shoestring budget led to over six formative years with the people and mountains of Nepal, which set the stage for the indelible mark he has left on mountain medicine today. Sure there will be some talk about medicine, but I encourage you all to have a listen to the end. This is a story about the courage to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way and a testament to positive impact that can come not only to you but to others by saying yes to adventure.
This is episode 3 with international guide, photographer and athlete David Morton. We’ll discover how David found his calling in the mountains and the characteristics that contributed to his successful career as a guide on the highest peaks of the world. In the setting of the high Himalaya, Our focus will shift to the discovery of a unmet need and the calling for a different journey. We will recount the mountain tragedies and the ensuing insights that led him and partners to start the successful non profit, the Juniper Fund, a non-profit whose mission is to provide assistance to individuals, families and communities adversely Impacted by their work for the mountain-based adventure industry. Some of their successes have included: the provision of funds to cover living expenses for families left behind by the death of a mountain workers in the Himalaya, supporting vocational programs to help the widowed move on with a viable income, and increasing overall awareness of the adverse impact of the dangerous but growing mountain tourism industry on indigenous culture. Listen, be inspired, and enjoy!!
To learn about the organization: http://www.thejuniperfund.org/
PC: theJuniperFund
music: courtesy of freemusicarchive "Night Owl" by Broke For Free is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.
A native of Washington state, Paul Charlton's interest in the mountains of the world led to his first visit to Pakistan in 2001. Since that time his interest in the country has blossomed both into international development and humanitarian relief. He started with a health education project funded by the American Alpine Club, to then managing a large disaster relief program for Save the Children after the devastating earthquake of 2005. In this episode we learn how he helped establish a Pakistani NGO, Khurpa care, which focuses on safety training for mountaineering and expedition porters.
Paul’s experiences in Pakistan fostered a particular interest in global health activities in conflict-affected settings. He has found that health is a powerful tool for promoting peace and lens for examining the detrimental effects of conflict. Motivated by these discoveries, he completed a master’s degree in Conflict Resolution from Georgetown University, then became a physician at the Dartmouth School of medicine, and now is completing his residency in emergency medicine at the university of washington. His future aims are to work as a physician and to engage actively on the political dimensions of health.
I hope you enjoy our conversation!
To learn how to support the cause, check out more info at: http://www.theadventureactivist.org/episode-2-paul-charlton/
In 1999, world-renowned alpinist and adventurer Conrad Anker helped solve one of the most intriguing mysteries in the history of exploration, by discovering George Mallory’s body on Mt Everest. tragically, later that same year, he was involved in an avalanche accident where he lost one of his best friends and climbing partner, Alex Lowe. Alex was widely considered one of our greatest mountaineers. Alex was also a devoted father to 3 young sons and loving husband to artist Jenni Lowe. Conrad and Jenni would in time find solace in one another, and growing together from this tragedy would found the Alex Lowe Charitable fund to honor the spirit of a man who was not just blessed with the gifts of an alpinist, but a passion to connect with the people he met in the remote mountain regions of the world. Join us today as we talk about Alex and his legacy. Conrad and Jenni will discuss the inspiration for the Khumbu Climbing Center, the KCC, a vocational climbing skills center for the indigenous people of the Everest Region. We will hear the success stories of some of their students, and their plans to build a new center and community building for the Local Nepali people in the village of Phortse. Finally, Conrad finishes with some poignant, timely and insightful advice on how we can all best make a positive impact on our time here on the planet. Enjoy!
To learn how to support the cause, check out more info at : http://www.theadventureactivist.org/episode-1-conrad-anker-and-jenni-lowe-anker/
Theme Music: Broke for Free, “Night Owl" Free Music Archive Background Music: Evan Phillips, “Through the Clouds" Courtesy Evan Phillips. http://evanphillips.bandcamp.com
Today is episode 0, a prologue, a welcome of sorts. It’s my story, but it’s also the story of how we here at the adventure activist came to be and why we were inspired to interview the amazing adventurers you’ll find in the weeks to come. Enjoy!.