In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, guest Jon Turk joins to discuss his life as an adventurer and author. Turk, who holds a PhD in organic chemistry, has been recognized as a top adventurer and has published numerous books. The conversation covers his extensive travels and expeditions, including transformative experiences influenced by a Siberian shaman named Moolynaut. Turk shares his journey of integrating science and spirituality, recounting stories of survival, healing, and the mystical connections he discovered. Turk emphasizes the magic of the universe, resilience, and the wisdom imparted by indigenous cultures. The dialogue also explores the role of art and community in human development, encouraging listeners to appreciate and honor the magic in their lives.

Jon's Bio and Contact Information

Jon Turk earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry in 1971 and was nominated by National Geographic as one of the Top Ten Adventurers of the Year in 2012. Between these bookends, Jon co-authored the first college level environmental science textbook in North America, followed by 30 additional texts in environmental, physical, and earth sciences. At the same time, he kayaked around Cape Horn and across the North Pacific from Japan to Alaska, mountain biked across the northern Gobi in Mongolia, and made numerous first ski descents and first rock climbing ascents around the globe. During extended travel in northeast Siberia, Jon’s worldview was altered by Moolynaut, a Siberian shaman, and his later books reflect these spiritual journeys. Jon has published four trade books: Cold Oceans (HarperCollins), In the Wake of the Jomon (McGraw Hill), The Raven’s Gift (St Martin’s Press) and Crocodiles and Ice (Oolichan Press). His newest project, Tracking Lions, Myth, and Wilderness in Samburu (To be published by Rocky Mountain Books in September 2021) delves more deeply into a “mind-body-spirit” theme, supported by adventure storytelling, integrated with an anthropological view of the role of art and mythology in human development.

For more information, see: www.jonturk.net

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