In this episode of Gateways to Awakening, I speak with my friend Shelby Stanger — award-winning podcast host, journalist, author of Will to Wild, and creator of REI Co-op’s hit show Wild Ideas Worth Living. Shelby has built a life around one simple but powerful idea: that adventure, in all its forms, has the power to change us from the inside out.
“Adventure doesn’t have to mean climbing Everest. It can be as simple as watching the sunset, taking a walk with a friend, or putting your toes in the ocean.” - Shelby Stanger
We explore how courageous moments in nature can spark deep personal transformation, why taking the first step is often scarier than the adventure itself, and how to navigate the emotional highs and lows that come with going off-script in life.
Shelby shares stories from surfing in Costa Rica to paddling the Amazon, as well as her unexpected adventures in a Buddhist monastery and teaching entrepreneurship in prisons.
You’ll learn:
How to shift from fear into courage, and why small adventures can create big life change
Practical “starter wild ideas” you can try anywhere in the world
The healing connection between nature, awe, and well-being
How to integrate the spirit of adventure into your daily life and relationships
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