In this episode, I sit down with Mark Synnott—climber, writer, explorer—for a wide-ranging conversation about the Franklin Expedition and the deeper human drive to venture into the unknown. This may be the greatest survival tale never told. We talk about Mark’s journey through the Northwest Passage in search of clues, the myth of the open polar sea…

Ted sits down with Kris Tompkins, longtime CEO of Patagonia and one of the world’s most influential conservationists. Kris shares her journey from building Patagonia with Yvon Chouinard to her transformative conservation work, rewilding millions of acres in Chile and Argentina alongside her late husband, Doug Tompkins. Discover her insights into th…

In this episode, Jim McKelvey, cofounder of Block Inc, delves into the critical role timing plays in both business and life, offers an insider’s look at Federal Reserve decision-making during economic crises, and unveils his plan to accelerate life-saving treatments through more efficient clinical trials. From entrepreneurial insights on leveraging…

This episode is with Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a leading authority on the science of happiness and positive psychology. Drawing on decades of pioneering research and personal experiences, Dr. Lyubomirsky reveals how cultural influences, gratitude, and kindness shape our well-being—even at the genetic level. Discover her strategies for setting authenti…

In this episode, I sit down with Tara Palmeri, a senior political correspondent for Puck News, who shares her experiences from the campaign trail and insights into the intense world of presidential politics. We discuss the gladiatorial nature of modern politics, the pressures on political journalists, the impact of environmental and public health i…

This episode is with Davis Guggenheim, the Oscar-winning director known for 'An Inconvenient Truth' and 'Waiting for Superman.' We dive into Davis's storied career, his insights into Hollywood, the art of storytelling, and the personal and professional challenges he's faced along the way. 02:10 Early Career and Influences11:43 Navigating Hollywood …

In this episode, I sit down with Chet Pipkin, the visionary founder behind Belkin International, a company that grew from humble beginnings in a garage to become a global, multi-billion dollar brand.Chet shares his extraordinary journey—how he turned a passion for solving connectivity issues in the early days of personal computing into global succe…

Ted sits down with world class futurist and microbiologist Andrew Hessel in this episode, to discuss the future of Bioengineering, and programming life from its most fundamental unit, DNA. They discuss the architecture of DNA, its parallels with computer systems, and the potential of writing DNA from scratch. Key topics include synthetic viruses, a…

In this episode Ted sits down with Leslie Odom Jr., the world-famous Broadway star known for his role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton. Leslie shares untold stories about his career choices, including walking away from a lucrative TV deal to be part of Hamilton's original cast. The conversation delves into his reflections on fatherhood, the meaning of lov…

I sat down with Nedjip Tozun, co-founder and CEO of D.light Design, the world's most impactful solar company. They have powered over 170 million people, at the base of the world's economic pyramid, with solar electricity and lighting products. Nedjip and I discuss the trials and tribulations of D.light, we talk about his fascinating views on religi…

This episode was a real treat. Ben Lamm is the founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, the world's first de-extinction company. They are legitimately en route to bringing back extinct species, like the wooly mammoth, the thylacine and the dodo. We talk about all of that on this episode, along with broader observations of what these new age synthet…

Cory Richards, a renowned National Geographic adventure photographer, has lived a life full of highs and lows. He reached the pinnacle of the outdoor industry only to step back after a series of mental health challenges.I consider Cory to be a friend, a mentor, and a guide to healing from trauma in the modern world. This episode aims to share Cory'…

Peter Dering, founder and CEO of Peak Design, discusses his views on conscious capitalism. For the environment, for employees, and for customers. This is a case study in ethics, and successful brand building, in business. 00:00 Intro04:08 Peak Design's History & Office Space07:07 From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader14:27 Navigating Business Wi…

Chris Burkard is a close friend, a mentor, and a legendary adventure photographer. He is also a devout latter-day saint. This episode is an exercise in podcast portraiture, a deep and insightful look into Chris's inner life. 01:33 Past Adventures. Journey to the Kurils. 10:44 Faith21:26 Psilocybin. Protector and Caretaker Psychology. 45:06 Capitali…

In this episode, I sit down with renowned science writer David Quammen. We discuss the age of synthetic biology, tempered by ethical and practical considerations, and what it may mean for viruses, cancer & species conservation.David’s insightful, measured outlook is grounded in five decades of science writing, across dozens of books and hundreds of…

This episode delves into the complex interplay of skepticism and conviction in modern science, a theme vividly illustrated by Jacobson's career. Check out the podcast as we explore the dynamic and often contentious world of climate policy through the lens of Mark Jacobson's remarkable life.Mark Jacobson is a towering figure in the realm of climate …

Miranda Oakley is many things deserving of high praise. An AMGA Rock Guide, Wilderness First Responder, traditional free climbing expert and elite big wall climber.Her first ascents all over the world and incredible technical feats in Yosemite are absolutely awe-inspire.Recently she has added the role of mother to this list, and today we get to hea…

Ted Hesser sits down with Wade Davis, a luminary in the world of ethnobotany, exploration, and cultural preservation. Wade shares his captivating journey from his early days at Harvard amidst the giants of botanical and psychedelic discovery to his deep dives into the Amazon and the mysteries of ancient plants. They discuss the profound impact of p…

Mike Finkel is one of the most successful contemporary authors in the non-fiction genre. He has written three books, all of them New York Times Best Sellers, with two being sold as movie rights to big Hollywood studios and one made into a major motion picture by Brad Pitt's Production company.Mike is a raconteur who has worked for the world's top j…

Victor Vescovo is an extraordinary explorer and former Navy intelligence officer. He's the only human in the history of our civilization to go to the bottom of every ocean (in a custom-made submersible), to the top of the tallest peaks on each continent, to the poles, and into Outer Space. He is, arguably, the most prolific explorer of our age.🌍 Hi…

As a young professional athlete, photographer and route setter, Caleb carries a world view that many around him may never experience in the same way he does.His thoughtful examination of the world, his place within it, and how he might positively impact it for others going forward is worthy of high admiration.This conversation looks at the state of…

With a long family history of mental health challenges informing his world view, Ted began to notice a lot of people around him in quiet struggles of their own.As a filmmaker, and someone who lives within the dimension of clinical depression, Ted grabbed his camera and created a documentary of self-discovery. This conversation looks at mental healt…

After qualifying for the 2020 Olympics, the global pandemic threatened to risk Kyra's dream. But instead, she persevered, building a home climbing wall and continuing to train for an additional year. No outdoor climbing, no “just for fun” days with friends–just repetitive, intense days getting stronger and fortifying all-around skill.Yet, after all…

A notification crossed my phone screen. It was from a dear friend, a cis white woman (whose name will go unmentioned to protect the identity of her and her family). The message was about her younger sister, a cis Black girl, not even a teenager and questions she was asking about #Blacklivesmatter.I quickly picked up the phone and called her. Over a…

Courtney and I recorded this episode as part of the process for a film that we were shooting for one of her sponsors, Sufferfest Beer Company. Over the course of the following days not only did her and our production crew have an absolute blast, we witnessed her never ending support of the community. Everyone that passed by on the trail or the side…