In this episode of Life's Tough, Explorers are Tougher, host Richard Wiese talks with J.R. Harris, veteran solo trekker and author of Way Out There. J.R. shares how a kid from Queens, New York, became a lifelong wilderness explorer, shaped by early Boy Scout experiences and a desire to live life on his own terms.

They discuss the allure of solo travel, the emotional impact of nature, and how J.R.’s solo hiking began long before diversity in outdoor spaces was common. He reflects on how wilderness shaped his identity, gave him confidence, and taught him timeless lessons about people, respect, and empathy. With humor and honesty, J.R. unpacks why nature is not just a destination—but a mindset and a way of life.

This is Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, with your host, Richard Weiss. Scratch the surface of an explorer and you'll find an adventure and a great story. This show is about their tales.

This podcast is a proud supporter of the Explorers Club and the EC50 Initiative. 50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about. For more information, go to explorers.org.

In this episode of Life’s Tough, Explorers Are Tougher!, host Richard Wiese welcomes Chrissy Tracey—vegan chef, forager, sustainability advocate, and author of Forage & Feast. Chrissy shares her journey from exploring wild plants as a child in Connecticut to developing a deep connection with food through her Jamaican heritage and plant-based lifestyle.

Listeners will hear how a life-changing visit to her grandmother in Jamaica opened her eyes to living off the land, and how that experience eventually led to her career in foraging and sustainable cooking. Chrissy offers practical insights on flavor, technique, and the cultural significance of food. She also reflects on her recent recognition as part of The Explorers Club 50 and her mission to inspire underrepresented voices in the world of exploration.

This is Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, with your host, Richard Weiss. Scratch the surface of an explorer and you'll find an adventure and a great story. This show is about their tales.

This podcast is a proud supporter of the Explorers Club and the EC50 Initiative. 50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about. For more information, go to explorers.org.

Dr. Birute Galdikas has dedicated over 50 years of her life to studying and protecting orangutans in the rainforests of Borneo. As one of the legendary “Trimates” chosen by Louis Leakey — alongside Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey — Birute helped pioneer the field of primatology and conservation.

In this episode of Life's Tough, Explorers are Tougher, she reflects on her journey from graduate student to global conservationist. She shares deeply personal stories about bonding with wild orangutans, the challenges of navigating foreign cultures, and the evolution of orangutan behavior under environmental stress. Birute also opens up about the sacrifices she's made, her unique role in Indonesian society, and her enduring hope for change.

Hosted by Richard Wiese, this conversation is a tribute to endurance, compassion, and what it truly means to dedicate your life to a cause greater than yourself.

This is Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, with your host, Richard Weiss. Scratch the surface of an explorer and you'll find an adventure and a great story. This show is about their tales.

This podcast is a proud supporter of the Explorers Club and the EC50 Initiative. 50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about. For more information, go to explorers.org.