Episode 168: Perseverance in the Subarctic Wild with Stephan Kesting
“Life is short, and the question isn’t ‘Can I do this?’—it’s ‘What do I need to change to make it happen?’”
This week, we’re honored to welcome Stephan Kesting, adventurer, firefighter, jiujitsu practitioner, and author of the new book Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subarctic.
Stephan shares the gripping story of his thousand-mile solo canoe expedition through the Canadian Subarctic—a journey he undertook after recovering from a life-threatening illness and a kidney transplant.
Stephan recounts how a near-death experience reshaped his perspective on life, inspiring him to finally pursue a decades-long dream of exploring one of the most remote and unforgiving regions of the world. From battling treacherous rapids and harsh weather to a chilling encounter with a bear, Stephan’s story is one of courage, resilience, and calculated risk-taking. He reflects on the lessons he learned about perseverance, risk management, and the fleeting nature of time.
Join us for an inspiring and raw conversation about chasing your dreams, overcoming adversity, and finding meaning in the wilderness.
Stephan also discusses:
01:52 - Stephan's Battle with Kidney Disease
04:58 - The Thousand Mile Canoe Voyage
09:01 - Challenges and Adversities on the Journey
12:15 - Equipment and Preparation for the Expedition
18:48 - Bear Encounter at the Abandoned Lodge
25:53 - Reflections on a Lifelong Dream
28:21 - Grieving in the Wilderness
29:10 - Life's Interruptions and Responsibilities
29:55 - The Long-Awaited Journey
32:18 - Skills for Wilderness Survival
35:06 - Planned vs. Unplanned Adversity
43:04 - Moments of Awe and Satisfaction
48:31 - Lessons from the Journey
53:16 - Final Thoughts and Reflections
You can learn more about Stephan by following his YouTube and checking out his book or by visiting his website StephanKesting.com.
See below for photos Stephan shared from his adventures.
Watch the Full Behind The Scenes Episode
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