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…

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 …

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 w…

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 …

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 intens…

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,…

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 i…

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 ar…

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 ski…

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 …

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 ka…

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 introdu…

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…

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 …

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 …

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, mea…

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 …

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 medicatio…

“ Oh, the Places You’ll Go! You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights! You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights. You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way! “ -Dr. Seuss Most people fear heights, but what compels them to face their fears? Them is you, even if you haven’t e…

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 t…

In this episode, I talk about my history with developing vices and habits. It’s a lot like my body in my experience; neutral is a balance between two extremes. I can improve my poise at neutral by experiencing the extremes. If I became fixated on a single state of being, then it would be to the detriment of my well being. My spine can flex forward,…

Episode 155 of The Becoming Human Podcast features Daniel Rama, a Yogi, Teacher, and entrepreneur. He co-founded the app Becoming Balance which teaches techniques for self-improvement by poses, mindfulness, and more. Daniel was a restless youth who pointed himself toward Olympic weight lifting. After an injury, he found himself without his recreati…

Fabiola Chipoco is an entrepreneur and chef at Tita’s Kitchen, a peruvian food truck at The Portland Mercado. Fabiola and her sister Fabiana Chipoco are the heart and soul behind Tita’s Kitchen. The Chipoco sisters were born in Peru. They showcase their culture and love of communing with others through their peruvian fare. Fabiola named her restaur…

Episode 153 of the becoming human podcast features Derek Notman, he is a teacher of physical culture specializing in XinYi, Thai Chi, Club Swinging, and a wide breadth of other healing practices. In this episode, we talk about the ways our minds and emotions manifest physically and vise versa. There’s a lot of powerful experiences awaiting all of u…

Every misbehavior in a child is an unmet need. Instead of focusing on why the child won’t do what you want them to do, think of what needs aren’t being met and how you can help them meet those needs. Hermetic stress in exercise is learning embodied. The process and physical growth of deadlifting 500 lbs(enter any physical goal here) is an example o…

Davy Crockett is an Author, Historian, and long-distance runner who hosts the Ultrarunning History Podcast. In the span of 17 years, he’s finished 105 100 mile ultra races. Davey started backpacking at a casual pace with little to no fitness. He was self motivated to learn how to adapt and improve his speed and ease while walking and running. This …

Adventurers of The Cascade Pete Doorish and Bryan Burdo have set many First Ascents in the mountains of the Cascades in Washington. Pete is known for obscure and big wall first ascents along with some epic adventures that’ll leave your heart leaping for comfort. He has been climbing for over 50 years starting before the emergence of sport climbing …

Shirlz Rox Jocelyn is the host of The Canyons Are Calling Podcast, she’s a canyoneer and she works at Imlay Canyon Gear. Her podcast focuses on canyoneers’ adventures, beta, tips, tactics, gear, and even some misadventure. My favorite episode on the podcast is her recent one with Scott Swany who’s a Death Valley First Descent Legend. You can find i…

How do you find your niche, set your aim, and express yourself? Do you prefer more of an intuitive approach to learning or do you like more structure? Chris Benchetler is an artist and professional skier. His art ranges from filmmaking to graphics, murals, and more. Chris has worked with GoPro, Atomic Ski company, Dakine, among others. You can chec…

Movement is a way to express yourself and bond with other people. Pola and Lamonte are the authors of the book, “Neosutras: Yoga for Love and Intimacy.” The book features 50 asanas(poses) designed to strengthen the connection between partners. There are infinite ways to play in life and each way you have the opportunity to garner new knowledge and …

Peter Butler builds custom skis, using art and engineering to create a medium to experience skiing. When you build something that people use to have an experience your work, your art, your point of view directly affects their experience doing what they love.. It’s art embodied. Peter Butler is a Ski mountaineer, Ski Builder, and Carpenter. Peter ha…

Play is a powerful experience that connects us to another and teaches us about ourselves. Rafe Kelley has combined his experience with meta-learning, self-development, and physical recreation to create classes, workshops, retreats, and a community that facilitates the space for self-discovery, joy, and a sense of belonging. As people, we crave some…

Bruce MacLachlan is a writer, rock climber, and interior designer who has launched a Kickstarter for his rock-climbing book, Let’s Rock: Washington which is a book about rock climbing routes, how to access the routes and camp nearby, local activities, and beta of the routes. The routes in Bruce’s book are centered around climbing and living in Seat…

The secret to living well and longer is: eat half, walk double, laugh triple, and love without measure. Jodi Kuhn is a Physical Therapist at Physiocare with over 20 years of experience. I’ve been looking forward to this conversation because of my mental and physical growth through exercise. Jodi has studied and treated patients for decades which ha…

Ray Zahab is an explorer, ultra-runner, and the founder of the non-profit impossible2possible which is an organization that leverages powerful adventures as a platform for interactive learning. Ray has been recognized as one of Canada’s top explorers, he has done a solo expedition across the Arctic, an expedition in Baffin island, Trans Namibia, an…

Stefan Strauch is the owner of Chakraw coffee, a personal trainer, a massage therapist, and a brown belt under the tutelage of Nathan orchard and Phil Schwartz. In this episode, we talk about Stefan’s stories of traveling abroad, working as head of security on a foreign island, growing your comfort zone through confronting discomfort, Stefan’s proc…

Jake Keenom is a wood craftsman and entrepreneur who specializes in making crossbows and recurve bows. Jake owns the company Other Worlds Archery where he sells custom recurve bows. Jake has applied his innovative ideas and eye for beauty to create one of a kind crossbows, some that have magazines and a high fire rate! Jake’s recurve bows are very …

Juggling kettlebells unfolds Tania’s relationship with failure and pulls her into a flow state. Your mind automatically fixates on the here and now of catching and releasing the kettlebell. She learns about failure through the inevitable dropping of the kettlebell then trying again and again and again... Episode 139 features Tania George, a kettleb…

Dusty Gold is a canyoneer and caving guide. He has extensive knowledge of working with ropes, navigating terrain, exploring caves, mitigating risk, and leadership. Dusty has been rappelling and adventuring since he was very young. It was beautiful to see how his interests and coping skills have evolved over the decades. We talk about working with p…

Lola (@zoozitsu) is a Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and she works at Cageside MMA and Toro BJJ Lola has spent years practicing Jiu-Jitsu, improving her technique, and competing against other Jiu-Jitsu players. It’s fascinating and inspiring to see someone get into Jiu-Jitsu as a parent and fall so deeply in love with the sport. Let’s zoom out and reflect o…

In 4 days Jeff List circumnavigated Mount Olympus by himself. He bushwhacked valleys, navigated primordial forests, forded rivers, and climbed ridges along the way. Jeff spent 7 years piecing the route together to go around Mount Olympus without moving on technical terrain, glaciers, or snow.By Wil Nelsen

Eric Tomczak is a custom bike frame builder working out of his shop in Durango, Colorado. Eric is a craftsman who shapes and reinforces metal tubes in a unique geometry to provide the best experience for the bicyclist and their environment. In this episode we discuss how the shape of a bike frame affects your riding experience, working with your pa…

Alicia Jenkins ran a DIY 200-mile ultra marathon around and between sleeping volcanoes. When covid-19 had caused many disruptions in people's lives. For Alicia, it meant the ultra running goal of her year, the bigfoot 200, was no longer being out on by destination trail - despite all of Candice's efforts to make it happen in 2020. Some people decid…

Setting your aim might be an effective way to pull yourself out of the depths of your suffering and into the heights of something rewarding. Cindy Hales is an entrepreneur, the lead teacher at Sleeper Jiu-Jitsu, part of the Women’s Dirty Dozen(the first 12 female black belts outside of Brazil.), and host of The Cindy Hales Show. She has recently wo…

Episode 132 features Mike Mcknight an ultra-runner who has won the Destination Trail’s Triple Crown(3 200 mile trail races in 2 months), ran 100 miles without calories in 18 hours and 40 minutes, ran 300 miles through the Bear River and Wasatch mountain ranges to support his friend and parathlete Austin Patten, and he has recently achieved the fast…

This is episode 131 of the Becoming Human Podcast featuring Mike Curiak: a legendary mountain biker, long-distance, multi-sport athlete, and a craftsman specializing in custom bike rims. Mike has led the lifestyle of a dedicated mountain bike racer for 17 years. In 2009, Mike was nominated for the Mountain Bike Hall Of Fame. After many years of rac…

Welcome to episode 130 of the Becoming Human Podcast. How do you facilitate a learning environment where people can discover their potential? What drives people to commit to the simple but daunting task of walking hundredths and thousands of miles? I love the trick of through hiking or long-distance adventures. The magnitude of what you’re committi…

Alden and I talked about bodybuilding, climbing mountains in the Cascades, nuclear energy and, how Alden’s passions have affected his character. Alden is trying to climb the Washington Bulger’s list, a list of the 100 highest elevation peaks in Washington. The Cascades is a land filled with epic adventure with crumbly rock, glaciers, hanging valley…

Christopher Poulos is a lawyer, writer, mountain climber, and the executive director of the Washington Statewide Reentry Council which aims to improve public safety and outcomes for individuals reentering the community in Washington state. Chris has an epic story of overcoming drug abuse and self-destructive behavior. Chris had served 3 years in fe…

Episode 127 of the Becoming Human Podcast features Sol Wertkin, a rock climber and nurse. Sol Balances his recreation and job with raising his two little girls. Sol tells of his epic First Ascent of King Kong on Mt. Stuart in the Cascades where he, Jens Holsten, and Blake Herrington battled an angry mountain, with wet weather and an unplanned bivy.…