Lessons from working closely with elephants

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“If you don't own your life, if you don't create it, if you're not the one that says yes and no, if you're not the one that is willing to take risk, push the edges, make mistakes, take your wins and celebrate, then who's going to do it? Nobody is. And you're going to end up one day waking up and going, what happened to my life?” says Tim Corcoran, founder of Headwaters Outdoor School and author of The Earth Caretaker Way, on this episode of The King Within.

From surviving a bull elephant’s test to training the Star Wars bantha, Tim Corcoran has woven his life around the wild, and spent the past three decades guiding men and youth through wilderness rites of passage. On The King Within, he shares the wisdom drawn from sweat lodges with Flathead elders, and explains why nature must remain our greatest teacher. Tim Corcoran unpacks the importance of community, mentorship, and living by a personal code of honor—even as modern society loses touch with these core values.

With stories that span from animal bonds to heroic personal risks, Tim Corcoran reveals the defining moments that challenged him to commit, persist, and create a life well-lived in service to others and the Earth. He offers actionable insights for men seeking purpose, connection, and the courage to reclaim their role as earth caretakers.

Tune in to The King Within for an inspiring discussion about the hero’s journey, wilderness as initiation, and how we must risk comfort to truly live—and to wake up with no regrets.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Build a code of honor—define the values you want to live by and revisit them daily. Make integrity, kindness, and commitment your non-negotiables.
2. Spend deep time in nature—create a sit spot, commit to regular walks, and let the Earth be your teacher. Turn off devices, slow down, and receive.
3. Seek out elders and mentors—learn from those who listen deeply and live authentically. Share your struggles, ask for guidance, and prioritize real connection.
4. Step into risk—stop shrinking back from your edge. Whether in relationships or adventure, go all in, make mistakes, and celebrate your courage.
5. Lead with service—every day, ask how you can help someone or something beyond yourself. A life well-lived is measured by the difference you make for others and for the Earth.

Memorable Quotes

"If you don't own your life, if you don't create it, if you're not the one that says yes and no, if you're not the one willing to take risks, push the edges, make mistakes, take your wins and celebrate, then who's going to do it? Nobody is. And you're going to end up one day waking up and going, what happened to my life?"

"Nature teaches through experience. It's not at all even close to being all intellectual. So you've got to just be there. And if you go out in the woods in nature or your yard or wherever nature is, open yourself up to being as present as possible, letting it in. That's what you have to do."

"The Earth caretaker way is about developing that deep, deep relationship with the earth and then putting it into action, being involved with the Earth, doing good for the Earth. And hence that comes back to doing good for ourselves and we all win."

Connect with Tim

Tim Corcoran Photography - https://www.facebook.com/p/Tim-Corcoran-Photography-100063064219334/

The Earth Caretaker Way - https://www.earthcaretakerway.org/

The Earth Caretaker Way by Tim Corcoran, Julie Boettler - https://amzn.to/3LD1y3q

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/earthcaretakerway/

Resources Mentioned

Headwaters Outdoor School - https://www.hwos.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeadwatersOutdoorSchool

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfFq-ZLKFaagIAzK1i89MUQ/featured

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/headwatersoutdoor/

Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/1NxWI4W28tvnk2Op32r54i

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