Episode 31: Turning Tragedy Into Purpose - An Adventurous Journey with Clay Sanders

On Adventure

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, I sit down with Clay Sanders, a man whose life is marked by profound adventures, resilience, and purpose. Clay shares stories of his adventurous spirit, from crossing the country on an Elliptigo to running the Leadville 100 ultra marathon, all while balancing a successful career as a dentist. But beyond the adventures, Clay opens up about the tragic loss of his son, Joel, to opioid addiction, and how that event spurred him into action, continuing his son's legacy by raising awareness about addiction stigma.

We dive into Clay's perspective on how adventure can be both structured and unpredictable, and how his journey to honor his son led him to discover even deeper connections with others, both in the U.S. and across the globe. You won’t want to miss Clay's powerful reflection on the process of navigating life's challenges and the wisdom he has gained along the way.

Timeline Summary:

[2:22] - Clay shares his move from Western North Carolina to Colorado and how he adjusted to life at higher altitudes. [6:17] - Adventures in ultra-running and what led Clay to tackle the notorious Leadville 100. [14:30] - The impact of high altitude on ultra-endurance races and how Clay trained for the Leadville 100 while living at sea level. [28:19] - Tragedy strikes: Clay discusses the loss of his son Joel and how that transformed his life and purpose. [32:00] - The journey across the U.S. on an elliptical bike to raise awareness about addiction stigma. [43:10] - Clay’s global adventure: how traveling to 20 countries opened his eyes to the shared humanity across cultures. [56:23] - The metaphor of the Great Barrier Reef: how diversity and unity coexist harmoniously in nature and in life. [1:05:34] - Reflections on the power of the journey versus the destination.

Links & Resources:

• In Joel's Steps - Learn more about Clay’s mission to raise awareness for addiction stigma.
• Leadville 100 Ultra Marathon: Official Website

Closing Remarks:

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share it with others who might be inspired by Clay's story. Your support helps spread these powerful messages. See you next time as we continue to explore life’s greatest adventures!