Episode 140: The Experience of Wildland Trekking with Scott Cundy

“To see the impact and how powerful wilderness and the natural world can be for so many people...I’m as passionate about it as I’ve ever been.”

— Scott Cundy

In this week’s episode, we’re going to find out how a love of hiking goes from three guys in a garage to one of the world’s largest guide companies that in just over 20 years has served over 75,000 guests, grown to a team of 200 staff, and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for conservation. Joining us is one of those three guys, Scott Cundy, one of the founders of Wildland Trekking which has grown like wild all fueled by a passion for the outdoors and something they call relentless improvement.

A simple question changed the course of his life and the three founders began the journey that became Wildland Trekking. Today, we get to hear that story.

Scott also discusses:

1:50 - The question that changed the trajectory of his life
3:30 - His thought process for making his decision to travel and how he handled doubt
5:00 - Meditation and Buddhism
6:30 - Connecting with his heart
9:35 - What is Wildland Trekking
11:00 - Their founder's story
13:00 - Their first guided trip
14:35 - How their growth happened over time
17:10 - Where his adventure spirit came from
20:10 - His trek from central Wyoming to Glacier National Park
21:15 - Hiking out of the wilderness on 9/11
23:00 - His grizzly encounter
26:50 - Wildland Trekking trips
29:15 - Has his business life affected his love of the outdoors?
30:00 - His favorite trips
32:30 - Who is his typical customer
33:35 - Witnessing transformations in guests
35:20 - Relentless improvement
38:15 - Their conservation efforts
40:15 - Experience level of guests
41:35 - Advice for people interested in a trip who are concerned about not being physically ready
44:15 - How to book your next adventure
45:00 - Who is going to play him in a Hollywood movie about his life