Season 2 Episode 01
"Conquering Oceans and Fears: A Voyage with Karlis Bardelis" PART 2

In the heart-pounding second part of Season 2, Episode 1, we continue our riveting conversation with host Michael Devous and guest, the intrepid Karlis Bardelis.  Having ignited the spark of adventure within us last time, Karlis is now poised to take the helm and guide us through the perilous yet exhilarating process of preparing for an epic ocean row.  Will his unwavering spirit conquer the anxieties of the unknown?  Will his meticulous planning be enough to tame the fury of the Atlantic?  Hold tight as we witness the raw determination it takes to transform a dream into a breathtaking odyssey.  This is The Fearless Road, and Karlis Bardelis is about to show us the true meaning of courage in the face of the vast unknown.

Inspired by Thor Heyerdahl's quote about the non-existence of borders in his mind, Karlis reflects on the limitations he's encountered in his own life and how he navigates them. He discusses his fear of certain activities, such as ski jumping, despite his fascination with them. Karlis emphasizes the importance of following one's excitement rather than succumbing to fear, sharing his philosophy of taking small steps toward goals rather than leaping into the unknown. He and the host, Michael, discuss the significance of celebrating small victories on the journey to personal growth and achievement.

Karlis then shares details of his first rowing adventure, which took him from Namibia to Brazil across the Atlantic Ocean. Despite minimal testing of the boat beforehand, Karlis and his team embarked on the journey, prepared with basic safety training and navigation skills. He reflects on the support of friends and family, who sometimes questioned his decisions but ultimately stood by him. Karlis emphasizes the importance of following curiosity and excitement, which has led him to unexpected opportunities such as public speaking about his adventures. As they wrap up part two, Karlis and Michael preview the next installment, where Karlis will share more about his first ocean rowing expedition. Stay tuned for part three to hear about Karlis's journey across the Atlantic.

Key Takeaways:

1. Follow your excitement: Karlis emphasizes the importance of pursuing activities that excite you rather than succumbing to fear or limitations.
2. Celebrate small victories: Karlis highlights the significance of acknowledging and celebrating the small steps taken towards personal growth and achievement.
3. Preparation is key: Despite minimal testing of his boat, Karlis embarked on his first rowing adventure with basic safety training and navigation skills, showcasing the importance of preparation.

Quotes:

1. "Borders. I have never seen one, but I have heard that they exist in the minds of some people." - Thor Heyerdahl (quoted by Karlis Bardelis), highlighting the concept of mental borders and limitations.
2. "I was following this curiosity, where this excitement of doing the things that I really kind of feel connected." - Karlis Bardelis, emphasizing the importance of following one's excitement and curiosity.
3. "One kilometer, one hour, one meter is the same for me. I'm human being. So it's the same for me. So it's the same for you, listener, for you who watches, this is the same." - Karlis Bardelis, emphasizing the equality of time and opportunities for personal growth.
4. "Have a backup for your backup, 'cause that could save you." - Karlis Bardelis, highlighting the importance of preparation and contingency planning in challenging endeavors.
5. "I was following this excitement, and I saw that, 'Oh yes, I like to speak. I like to share my story.'" - Karlis Bardelis, reflecting on how following his excitement led him to unexpected opportunities like public speaking about his adventures.