Dive into the extraordinary life of underwater photographer Patrick "Pat" Webster as he speaks to us from the remote coast of Greenland while on assignment for National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions. This captivating conversation takes us from his childhood as a missionary kid in Europe to his profound spiritual awakening in the kelp forests of Monterey Bay.

Pat shares how a five-year-old's fascination with sea otters eventually led him to UC Santa Cruz, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and ultimately to becoming a cold-water diving specialist documenting marine life in Earth's most extreme environments. Now diving at 79 degrees north and preparing for an Antarctic expedition, he offers a unique perspective on our changing planet through his intimate connection with underwater ecosystems.

The conversation deepens as Pat explores the transformative power of nature immersion in our increasingly artificial world. "My first time ever going to church was going into a kelp forest," he reveals, describing moments where he feels "nothing and everything all at once" beneath the waves. These experiences have shaped his understanding of humanity's place in Earth's history and informed his approach to environmental communication.

What makes this episode particularly compelling is Pat's ability to weave together scientific knowledge, indigenous wisdom, and philosophical insight. He introduces us to the "cryosphere" – Earth's ice realms – explaining how they function as planetary thermostats now changing faster than anywhere else. Through his encounters with Inuit communities and gelatinous creatures he calls "water getting to know itself," Pat offers a holistic view of our interconnected world.

Perhaps most valuable is Pat's perspective on resilience in the face of environmental change. Drawing from Steinbeck, Ricketts, and his own global experiences, he emphasizes the crucial importance of community connections and local knowledge. "The only thing that gets us through the hardest times is resilient communities," he reminds us, encouraging listeners to "tend to your garden" by focusing on what they can directly influence.

Connect with Pat's underwater adventures on Instagram @UnderwaterPat or explore his photography at divemola.com. Join us for this deep dive into what it means to find your purpose, build meaningful connections, and stay grounded in reality during uncertain times.