Andy Torbet, a stuntman and ex-soldier, shares his breathtaking experiences from working on James Bond films to diving in extreme conditions. He discusses the balance between fear and hope in adventure, revealing the psychological aspects of technical diving. Andy reflects on family ties and the evolving idea of adventure, emphasizing its purpose beyond personal thrill. With humor and candid insights about fatherhood and success, listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of adventure and introspection, making for an engaging listen.
01:17:07
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Highland Beginnings
Andy Torbet grew up in the Scottish Highlands, where his father worked as a forester.
His brother joined the army, inspiring Andy to consider the same path.
question_answer ANECDOTE
University and Military
Andy initially planned to enlist as a soldier but was encouraged to pursue higher education.
He studied zoology and archaeology at university, later joining the forces.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Adventures
Andy joined a dive club at 12, using money from his paper round to pay for it.
His P.E. teacher, a skilled climber, introduced him to rock climbing.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging', Sebastian Junger delves into the human desire for community and belonging. Drawing from history, psychology, and anthropology, Junger examines why many individuals, including combat veterans, often feel a stronger sense of belonging in tribal or wartime environments than in modern society. He argues that the lack of community in affluent societies can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, while disasters and wars can paradoxically bring people together and foster a sense of unity. The book challenges the notion that modern society is superior to tribal societies, highlighting the benefits of egalitarianism and community found in the latter. Junger also discusses how the absence of these communal bonds can affect veterans returning from war and suggests that societal changes could help reintegrate them and improve overall societal well-being.
Episode 195 of The Adventure Podcast features stuntman, cave diver, ex soldier and parachutist, Andy Torbet. For reasons you’ll understand when you listen to this episode, if James Bond exists then he looks a lot like Andy Torbet. So much so, in fact, that Andy has quite literally doubled Daniel Craig and been a stuntman on a Bond film. In this episode, Andy talks to Matt about his life experiences, diving, why he assumes if he can't guarantee, and how he resets his 'appreciation button'. We get to meet the real Andy; an honest, funny, self-deprecating man who knows what he likes, knows who he is, and is unapologetic about living life on his own terms. With rip roaring stories, some deeper moments about fatherhood, and risk, this episode takes us on a journey into worlds most of us rarely, if ever, get a chance to see.
For extra insights from the worlds of adventure, exploration and the natural world, you can find The Adventure Podcast+ community on Substack. You can also follow along and join in on Instagram @theadventurepodcast.