Summary-
In our very first episode of The Workspace Podcast, we sit down with Wes Harper—entrepreneur, outdoorsman, and survivalist best known for his appearances on Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid. Wes shares his journey from starting an IT company in Raleigh to testing his limits in some of the world’s harshest environments. We talk about risk, resilience, and what it takes to push past fear—whether in the wild or in business.

Takeaways

• Wes Harper's journey from fan to survivalist on 'Naked and Afraid'.
• The importance of mental fortitude in survival situations.
• Wes's experiences in the wilderness and the challenges faced.
• The role of planning and adaptability in survival.
• Wes's business, Lightwire, and its focus on IT solutions.
• The impact of being on camera for the first time.
• Wes's partnership with Jessie on the show.
• The significance of failure as a learning tool.
• Wes's nickname 'The Assassin' and its origin.
• The physical and mental recovery process after survival challenges.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction to Wes Harper
• 00:03:00 Journey to 'Naked and Afraid'
• 00:09:00 Survival Skills and Challenges
• 00:18:00 The Business Side: Lightwire
• 00:24:00 Lessons Learned and Future Plans