Adventure Diaries Podcast S2 Episode 06 – With David Abel

Watch On YouTube

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Listen To Audio Only Version

In this compelling episode of the Adventure Diaries, host Chris Watson sits down with award-winning journalist and filmmaker David Abel to explore the profound impact of storytelling, resilience, and environmental advocacy.

David Abel shares his journey from covering human rights in Cuba to documenting the resilience of Boston after the marathon bombing, demonstrating how stories can serve as both a tool for healing and a catalyst for change.

His reflections on journalism’s democratic role and the emotional power of narratives offer rich insights into the art of connecting with audiences.

The episode delves deeply into Abel’s environmental work, including his award-winning documentary Entangled, which highlights the precarious plight of the North Atlantic right whale and the complex intersection of conservation and commerce.

Through his experiences, Abel emphasizes the urgency of climate action and the importance of public pressure in driving meaningful change.

From his love of swimming in waterfalls to his efforts in creating a children’s book about sea turtle rescue, Abel’s passion for nature and advocacy shines through, offering inspiration for listeners to reconnect with the natural world and take action.

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Key Episode Takeaways

• Storytelling is a bridge to understanding, connecting facts with human emotions to inspire action.
• Resilience is forged through tragedy, as seen in Boston’s recovery post-marathon bombing.
• Conservation and commerce often collide, reflecting global challenges such as whale preservation.
• Immersive experiences in nature, like swimming in waterfalls, foster deeper connections with the environment.
• Public awareness and advocacy are pivotal in driving governmental and societal change.

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Quotes

• “A question is like a bridge to understanding.”
• “The most beautiful places are where you can feel the beauty, not just see it.”
• “We must stop the damage to great whales—our ecosystem depends on their survival.”
• “Storytelling helps us process trauma, turning personal pain into collective understanding.”

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Call to Adventure

One of my favorite things in the world to do is to swim in waterfalls.

Whenever I’m traveling, I love finding a hike that ends with a waterfall and a pool. There’s nothing better than immersing yourself in the cold water, letting it shower over you as a refreshing end to your hike.

Consider exploring waterfalls globally, such as the serene Salto Baiguate in the Dominican Republic or the cascading falls near Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Each offers a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world while experiencing its raw beauty firsthand. For those in Scotland, the abundance of waterfalls and cold water opportunities is unparalleled.

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Pay It Forward

My wife runs this wonderful organization Sole Train where she brings together kids from all over Boston and gets them to do something that they never thought they could do, which is to complete this race. She just brings together community and gets people to dream of things that they never thought they could do.

Also, let’s not become complacent about climate change.

This summer, we’ve seen the stark impacts of pumping fossil fuels into the atmosphere, from fires in Hawaii to floods in Libya and Greece. Radical changes are needed, and every effort counts.

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References

• Entangled: David Abel’s award-winning documentary on the plight of North Atlantic right whales.
• Undaunted: A film exploring resilience after the Boston Marathon bombing.
• Inundation District: A documentary examining Boston’s urban planning in the face of rising sea levels.
• The Whale: A feature film on the extraordinary story of Michael Packard being engulfed by a humpback whale.
• “Lost and Found”: A children’s book on rescuing sea turtles, inspired by David Abel’s son’s experience.
• Milan Kundera’s novel, discussing journalism’s pivotal role in democracies.
• Jackson Wild Award: Recognizing excellence in natural world storytelling.
• Sole Train: a community mentoring program that uses running as a vehicle for setting and achieving seemingly impossible goals

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