Would you take a job that has you stand in a fiery pit that’s been burning for decades in the Turkmenistan desert, rig a rope across a boiling lake, and put yourself in the middle of Tornado Alley?

George didn’t take the job– he made it, and he took his camera with him.

George Kourounis is a National Geographic Explorer, storm chaser, science communicator, and host of the Angry Planet TV series. He's been to all seven continents and over 80 countries to photograph some of Mother Nature's most elusive and dangerous phenomena.

We talk about:

-The logistics of being ready to cross the world at a moment’s notice

-Funding big adventures and relying on Mother Nature to make a living

-How George broke into media and started the Angry Planet TV series

-Why George hates the words “influencer” and “content” and the impact of technology on the news cycle and media

-Identifying as a nature junkie but not an adrenaline junkie

-The Gateway to Hell expedition with a Guinness World Record of being the first person to set foot at the bottom of this burning pit of gas

-Capturing disasters that blur the line between natural and human influence

-The FOMO of missing a big storm or event and the pressure to create media for others to enjoy or learn from

-When your work is less of a job and more of a lifestyle

-A scary bat experience where George’s inner organs could’ve turned to Jello (oopsie)

-The essence of exploration in 3 words

PSST! If you like this episode, you’ll love this one: How to be an Imperfect Advocate and Pursue Outdoor Adventures in a Changing Climate with Alpinist Graham Zimmerman

Connect with George:

-George on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/george_kourounis

-George's website: http://www.stormchaser.ca/

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Shout-Outs:

-Music: The King of Sandwich Island by Shut-ins

-Thank you to The Ruins, the best wedding venue in Oregon, for supporting the show.

For full show notes and more: https://fortheloveofpod.com

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