Man sitting on rock, holding lightweight travel 12 gauge shot gun in polar bear country

PK Podcast 59: Stephan Kesting on Life and Death in the Subarctic

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In this episode of the Paul Kirtley Podcast, I’m joined by Stephan Kesting – a man many will know from the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts education, but who also brings decades of experience in firefighting, biology and wilderness travel to the table. His latest book, Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subarctic, is a gripping account of a solo canoe expedition through one of the most remote parts of Canada, a journey that was not only physically demanding but deeply personal.

In our conversation, Stephan shares the story behind the journey – a trip he’d been planning for decades – and how recovering from a kidney transplant finally spurred him into action. We talk through the route he took across the “Land of the Little Sticks” to the shores of Hudson Bay, the early mishap that almost ended the trip before it truly began, and the challenges of travelling alone in bear country. We also dive into the mindset required for such an undertaking, including his mental approach to risk, resilience, and solo travel.

This episode explores not only a true-life wilderness adventure, but also the reflections that come from confronting nature alone, and what it takes to return and write about it with clarity and humility. Whether you’re a seasoned backcountry paddler, a student of wilderness survival, or simply interested in the intersection of outdoor life and inner growth, you’ll find this a compelling listen.

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