Dean Hall was dying. Weakened by two types of cancer and emotionally gutted by grief, he found himself at the end of what medicine and mindset could offer. But in the depths of despair, Dean rediscovered a childhood dream—and made a radical decision to live, not just survive. In this deeply moving episode, Ginny Yurich talks with Dean about the healing power of purpose, the wildness of adventure, and the surprising ways nature showed up as an unexpected partner in his return to life.

Dean's story—captured in his book The Wild Cure—isn’t just about beating cancer or swimming 187 miles of Oregon’s Willamette River. It’s about waking up, finding meaning, and remembering that nature is not just scenery—it’s a lifeline. With wisdom forged through suffering and triumph, Dean shares how rivers, forests, and even cold water became allies in healing both his body and spirit. This episode is a profound reminder that it’s never too late to reclaim joy, pursue a long-forgotten dream, and let the outdoors lead the way home.

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