Levison Wood | The Discipline To Take Big Risk: Life in Adventure, Serendipity, Writing & Photography
Nov 12, 2024
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Levison Wood, a renowned author, journalist, and former British Army officer, shares his incredible journey of adventure and storytelling. He discusses the transformative power of serendipity and the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone. Wood reflects on the balance between adventure and family, the rise of independent content creators, and the evolution of travel shaped by technology. He also highlights how experiences like his trek along the Nile have profoundly impacted his work and perspective on exploration.
Levison Wood credits much of his success to the serendipitous moments that have shaped his journey as an adventurer and storyteller.
He emphasizes the importance of connecting deeply with local cultures and the spontaneity of travel, contrasting it with technology-driven, curated experiences.
Through storytelling, Wood seeks to bridge cultural gaps and foster empathy, enriching the understanding of diverse regions and traditions.
Wood advocates for environmental awareness and sustainable practices, highlighting the relationship between humans and nature in his upcoming projects.
Deep dives
Leveson Wood's Journey from Military to Adventure
Leveson Wood transitioned from a distinguished military career in the British Army's Parachute Regiment into a celebrated life as an adventure author and filmmaker. Leading troops at a young age, he faced significant challenges after leaving the army, including a period of homelessness in London, which fueled his resilience and resourcefulness. His diverse career has spanned across writing, photography, and media production, culminating in his notable work, 'Walking the Nile', bringing him international acclaim. The profound experiences he accumulated during his military service have shaped his perspective on exploration and storytelling.
The Significance of Luck and Serendipity
Wood emphasizes the role of luck and serendipity in his life, often attributing his extraordinary experiences to fortunate twists of fate. He believes that recognizing these moments allows individuals to embrace opportunities, whether they're good or seemingly bad, knowing these decisions will contribute to their personal narrative. By reflecting on his past, he recognizes how every situation has led to meaningful connections and growth, reinforcing the idea of living in the present. This perspective serves as an encouragement for others to approach life with openness and receptivity to new experiences.
Travel & Exploration in the Modern Context
Discussing the evolution of travel and exploration, Wood highlights the transformative impact of technology and social media on cultural engagement. He laments the way constant connectivity through smartphones detracts from authentic travel experiences, making individuals less inclined to engage with local cultures and serendipitous encounters. Reflecting on his early backpacking adventures, he cherishes the spontaneity of those trips, contrasting them with the more curated experiences of contemporary travelers. By advocating for deeper connections with places and people, he seeks to inspire a return to the fundamentals of travel.
The Role of Storytelling in Adventure
Leveson Wood demonstrates how storytelling is integral to his adventures, using his narrative skills to convey the essence of the places he visits. He aims to cultivate a deeper understanding among audiences about the realities faced in different cultures and regions by blending personal experiences with local traditions and insights. This approach not only enhances the impact of his documentaries but also elevates the travel literature space, prompting readers and viewers to appreciate the nuances of each location. Ultimately, Wood believes that storytelling can serve as a powerful bridge between cultures, fostering empathy and awareness.
Exploring Environmental Advocacy Through Adventure
In recent years, Wood has focused on environmental themes, recognizing the urgency of climate change and the need for sustainable practices. His upcoming book, 'The Great Tree Story', aims to explore tree communication and the intricate relationship between humans and nature, emphasizing the importance of protecting natural heritage. By profiling indigenous communities and their environmental stewardship, Wood highlights the wisdom and practices embedded in these cultures. He advocates for greater awareness and encourages others to connect with nature, both as explorers and environmental advocates.
The Influence of Historical Explorers
Wood draws inspiration from historical figures like explorers Richard Burton and Marco Polo, referencing their contributions to understanding the world during their respective eras. He expresses admiration for their courage, curiosity, and the sacrifices they made during their journeys, which paved the way for modern exploration. He believes that exploring the forgotten stories of ancient humans, including trade routes and intercontinental travel, contributes to a richer understanding of our collective history. This fascination drives him to continue his own explorations while respecting the legacy of those who came before him.
Personal Growth through Adventure and Challenge
The discourse also covers Wood's own journey with personal development through daring challenges and environments that push boundaries. He explains that enduring hardship can foster growth, a perspective honed during his experiences in service as well as on exploratory endeavors. Wood suggests that confronting adversity is essential to uncover one's potential and offers teachings that resonate with stoic philosophies. By embracing uncomfortable situations, he believes individuals can achieve deeper insights into themselves and foster a sense of resilience and fulfillment.
Navigating the Future of Exploration
As Wood looks forward to future projects and ventures, he's excited about the evolving landscape of adventure and exploration in a post-pandemic world. He sees opportunities arising from heightened interest in responsible and sustainable travel as more people seek meaningful experiences. Wood aims to leverage new formats, including digital platforms, to reach broader audiences and share the stories that matter from his journeys. He remains committed to integrating storytelling with environmental advocacy, hoping to inspire the next generation of explorers to tread lightly and make a positive impact on the world.
Levison Wood is an author, journalist, tv star, photographer, film producer, script writer, fellow of the Royal Geographic Society and as well to top it all off… former Officer in the British Army’s Parachute Regiment.
If you’ve never heard of Levison Wood, he’s written books that have taken us all across the world. He was propelled into fame with his debut 'Walking The Nile' back in 2015 which serendipitously parlayed into a documentary, and then the momentum took and he’s never looked back.
Lev is for me the archetypal guest that I look for with this podcast. That delicate combination of writer and adventurer. The discipline to take a big risk, and then return with clean prose.
00:00 - Levison Wood 01:040 - Jocko Willink 04:25 - All Explorers Seem British? 06:08 - Luck & Serendipity 21:43 - The Surprise Success & Big Decade 33:00 - Rough Times For Lev 38:08 - Opportunity Cost: Family Vs Career 44:40 - Lev's Mount Rushmore Of GOAT Explorers 55:40 - Romanticising Indiana Jones & Thoughts On Graham Hancock 59:20 - Rory Stewart 1:02:23 - Great Current Explorers 1:10:30 - Lev Having An Incredible Decade 1:14:10 - Thinking About Risk 1:22:55 - Milling - Wild Hazing In Parachute Regiment 1:30:10 - How Has The Nature Of Travel Changed? 1:43:25 - What Great Expedition From History Would Lev Join?
