Bert terHart sailed around the world, solo, non-stop, using only a sextant- no GPS, no electronic navigation, just the sun, stars, and an unbreakable will. He is 1 of only 9 people in history to have done that. And if that wasn’t enough, he later paddled across Canada by canoe, from the west coast near Vancouver to the east coast in New Brunswick, retracing the routes of early explorers. He did all this in his early 60s. He is an adventurer, navigator, and a man who has taken on some of the most grueling challenges the world has to offer.

In this conversation, we dive into his motivations, his upbringing, background in the Canadian military, and the lessons he’s learned about resilience, fear, and the power of simply saying ‘yes’ to a challenge. What I find most inspiring about Bert is that, despite his incredible achievements, he remains humble. It was a true privilege to interview him.

Bert's website: https://bertterhart.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadbrainai

Chapters

00:00 The Whys Behind the Journey

06:41 Lessons from the Ocean and Life Perspectives

14:20 Navigating Fear and Taking Action

19:40 The Art of Navigation: Lessons from History

32:15 The Journey: Challenges and Unexpected Delays

41:43 Loneliness vs. Solitude: Finding Connection at Sea

48:10 Family Roots: A Journey from the Sea to the Prairies

53:00 The Journey of a Surveyor

59:13 The Mirror of the World

01:05:01 Returning to the West Coast

01:11:31 Understanding Portaging

01:18:01 Interactions on the Road

01:26:09 Moments of Profound Connection

01:32:06 The Calm Amidst Chaos

01:43:03 Pursuing Dreams and Authenticity

01:48:47 Legacy and Family Connections

01:56:01 Future Adventures and Life Lessons