In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes back Jon Turk, an adventurer and author with a PhD in Organic Chemistry. Jon shares his journey from academia to exploring the wilderness, detailing his interactions with a Siberian shaman and the significant impact it had on his worldview and subsequent writings. The discussion covers Turk's latest book, 'Tracking Lions, Myth, and Wilderness in Samburu,' where he delves into the anthropological and symbolic importance of art in human evolution, tribalism, and mythology. They explore the role of storytelling in human development and its capacity to foster both unity and division in modern society. They also discuss the significance of presence and adaptability, reflecting on the teachings that can be derived from nature and wildlife. Jon answers questions on his perspectives and promotes his work, encouraging listeners to engage with his writings and thoughts via platforms like Substack.

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

Subscribe to Jon Turk on Substack for more of his writings.

To find out more about Dave, please go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page, psychologyprofessorandminister.com