Thomas R. Howell is a thoughtful content creator, avid reader, and the voice behind his self-titled YouTube channel, Thomas R. Howell, where he fosters a community built around slow reading, personal connection, and intentional storytelling. Known for his grounded approach to content creation, Thomas invites his audience to savor literature, embrace creativity, and engage deeply with stories. With a background in filmmaking and a love for fantasy, coffee, and Dungeons & Dragons, he brings a unique blend of warmth, curiosity, and emotional intelligence to the modern book community.

In this episode, Thomas and I dive into the layered world of creativity, podcasting, and mindful media consumption. We explore the role of outdoor adventure, nostalgia, and personal memory in shaping our connection to stories—both written and lived. From navigating the pressures of social media and TBR lists to discussing the emotional challenges of writing and content creation, the conversation offers a heartfelt, wide-ranging look at what it means to live authentically in the digital age. It’s an episode about slowing down, building honest communities, and rediscovering joy in the creative process.

Jason De León is a distinguished anthropologist, author, and researcher specializing in migration, border policy, and the socio-political forces shaping human mobility. As the director of the Undocumented Migration Project, he has spent years documenting the harrowing realities faced by migrants traveling from Central America to the United States, shedding light on the economic collapse, gang violence, political corruption, and climate change that force individuals to leave their homelands. His work, deeply informed by cultural relativism and class consciousness, challenges mainstream narratives about immigration, emphasizing the human stories behind migration rather than viewing migrants as statistics. Through books like The Land of Open Graves and Soldiers and Kings, Jason explores the shadow economies, exploitation, and systemic failures that perpetuate migration cycles. His research highlights the intersections of capitalism, corruption, and U.S. policy, making him a leading voice in the fight for a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of migration.

https://www.jasonpatrickdeleon.com

#MigrationRealities

#CorruptionExposed

#ClassConsciousness

James Benson-King—often known by his moniker “The Biking Viking”—is a resilient adventurer, motivational speaker, and content creator who left a career at JP Morgan to pursue his passion for ultra-endurance cycling. Growing up with a heart condition, he embraced grit and determination through rugby and American football, ultimately channeling that spirit into a 32,000km ride from Alaska to Argentina in aid of Cardiac Risk in the Young. Since completing that epic journey, Benson has focused on inspiring others to push past limits in both personal and professional realms, sharing his stories through keynote talks, social media, and an unwavering commitment to the next big goal—becoming the first person to cycle across Antarctica.

Mark and Jen Lewis are dynamic content creators from the UK, known for their engaging YouTube channels that blend fitness, outdoor lifestyle, and a refreshingly honest take on modern living. After moving from the city to a rural countryside home, they’ve embraced a simpler, more intentional lifestyle centered around physical activity, off-grid projects, and exploring the balance between health and fitness. Mark’s channel focuses on fitness challenges and endurance sports, while Jen’s newer channel highlights their journey in rural living, DIY projects, and sustainable living. Together, they share their thoughts on topics ranging from social media’s impact on wellness to the evolving definitions of fitness, all with wit, self-awareness, and a willingness to dive deep into the mental and physical aspects of health.

Dr. Joe Tafur is a family physician, author, and expert in integrative medicine, specializing in the intersection of traditional healing practices and Western medical science. With a background in family medicine and a deep exploration of Amazonian plant medicine, Dr. Tafur brings a unique perspective to the growing field of psychedelic therapy. On this episode of the Trailmark Podcast, he explores the science and spirituality behind plant medicines like ayahuasca, the role of psychedelics in healing trauma and promoting neuroplasticity, and the challenges of integrating these practices into mainstream medicine. Dr. Tafur also shares his insights on breaking the stigma surrounding psychedelics, the importance of emotional healing, and how these ancient practices are reshaping our understanding of mental and physical health.

https://www.drjoetafur.com

#DrJoeTafur #EmotionalHealing #PlantMedicine #HolisticHealth

Dr. WaiFung Tsang is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in addiction, neurodevelopmental disorders, trauma, and the therapeutic use of psychedelics within traditional settings. Based at the Maudsley Hospital, King’s College London, he has been actively involved in research exploring the potential of ayahuasca—a traditional Amazonian psychedelic brew—in treating mental health conditions. On this episode of the Trailmark Podcast, Dr. Tsang discusses the fascinating intersection of science and tradition in psychedelic research, delving into topics such as the epigenetic and neurological effects of ayahuasca, the importance of set and setting, and the integration of indigenous wisdom in modern studies. He also explores how preparation and integration shape psychedelic experiences, the role of gut microbiomes, and the broader cultural and spiritual impacts of these substances on individuals and society.

Dominick Menard is an endurance cyclist, adventurer, and content creator known for his remarkable long-distance bikepacking journeys, including cycling from Victoria to Patagonia and from Vancouver to Montreal. With a background in mountain biking and downhill racing, Dominick has seamlessly transitioned into endurance cycling, pushing his physical and mental limits while capturing stunning moments through photography, video, and storytelling. His adventures explore the transformative power of movement, mindfulness, and self-discovery. In addition to his cycling achievements, Dominick is working on a documentary and a book, aiming to inspire others through his experiences while balancing the challenges of content creation and maintaining a deep connection to nature and the road.

Beau Miles is an Australian adventurer, filmmaker, author, and former outdoor education lecturer known for his unique blend of outdoor exploration and storytelling. With a background in sea kayaking and long-range expeditions, Beau has traveled the world, tackling extreme challenges and documenting them through engaging films and books. Over time, he has shifted from large-scale, death-defying adventures to more local, meaningful "backyard" explorations, often filled with humor and insightful reflections on life. Beau’s work, including his book 'The Backyard Adventurer' and numerous YouTube films, emphasizes resilience, problem-solving, and the importance of finding joy in simple, everyday experiences. Despite his success, Beau remains down-to-earth, driven by curiosity and a desire to inspire others through authentic storytelling.

Ryan Van Duzer is an adventure storyteller, cyclist, and YouTube creator known for his infectious energy and passion for exploring the world by bike. With a background in broadcast journalism and a stint in the Peace Corps, Ryan's journey began when he rode his bike from Honduras to Boulder, Colorado, sparking a lifelong love for epic cycling trips. Over the years, he has inspired countless people to get outside and experience the world through his YouTube channel, where he shares his experiences traveling through countries like Nepal, Mexico, and across the U.S. His focus on human connections and pushing personal limits defines his approach to life, whether he's riding the Great Divide or participating in the Tour Divide. Ryan's stories are a testament to the power of perseverance, kindness, and the unbreakable bond between people and nature.

Charlie Walker is a British adventurer and author known for his extensive self-initiated journeys, including cycling across vast regions such as Africa, Asia, and Europe. His travels, often on a modest budget, emphasize exploration over speed, favoring slow, immersive experiences in remote and challenging environments. Charlie's adventures have spanned continents and included paddling through crocodile-infested rivers, skiing across Russia, and climbing unclimbed peaks. He is also an accomplished storyteller, having written several books about his travels, with more in the works, including one on his time in Arctic Siberia. Charlie’s approach to adventure highlights resilience, adaptability, and a love for the unexplored.

Connect with Charlie

📷 https://www.instagram.com/cwexplore/?hl=en

🌲 https://linktr.ee/cwexplore

Connect with the Trailmark Podcast

📷 https://www.instagram.com/gotrailmark/

🐦 https://twitter.com/GoTrailmark

🌐 https://www.gotrailmark.com

🎙️ Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts (links in bio)

#AdventureTravel #SurvivalStories #ExtremeExploration #BikepackingAdventures