Today we are kicking off Season 6 of the Cracking Open podcast with a powerful message from legendary explorer, writer, photographer, filmmaker, and storyteller, Wade Davis.

Wade's incredible journey takes us from the Amazon and The Andes, where he spent over three years as a plant explorer among 15 indigenous groups, to Haiti, where he investigated folk preparations tied to the creation of zombies and authored The Serpent and the Rainbow. His explorations have taken him to numerous destinations, including East Africa, Borneo, Nepal, Peru, Polynesia, Tibet, and beyond. We delve into his upbringing and how it influenced his career choices, including anthropology, rituals, and psychedelic experiences with renowned figures like Richard Schulte and Andrew Weil.

Wade Davis's list of achievements is extensive, from being a Professor of Anthropology and holding the BC Leadership Chair in Cultures and Ecosystems at the University of British Columbia to serving as Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society. With degrees in anthropology and biology, including a Ph.D. in ethnobotany from Harvard University, he has authored 25 books, including One River, The Wayfinders, Into the Silence, and Magdalena. His photography has graced the pages of National Geographic, and he has been involved in various documentaries, including Light at the Edge of the World and El Sendero de la Anaconda.

As a professional speaker for 35 years, Wade has delivered captivating lectures at universities, corporations, and professional associations worldwide. He's a TED veteran with talks viewed by millions, and his books have made a global impact. Davis's remarkable contributions have earned him recognition, including honorary memberships and awards like the Gold Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the prestigious Explorers Medal.

In today's episode, Wade encourages us to follow his example, be leap-takers, and explore our destinies in 2024, reminding us that life is here to lift us if we are willing to take the risk and trust the journey.

He reminds us that taking a leap in life is crucial, and he shares the wisdom of his friend, Terence McKenna, who once said, "Jump off the cliff, the world doesn't exist to put you down. It exists to lift you up." This episode serves as a reminder that we are the architects of our own lives, with the agency to shape our decisions and habits in the direction we choose.

Love,
Molly



Learn more about Wade Davis and his work here
Peruse Wade's bibliography & purchase one of his books here
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