{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 64: Adventure, Spirituality, and the Search for Something Bigger with Reed Dunn","description":"In today\u2019s episode\u2014the first in a brand-new series exploring the deeper meaning behind our outdoor experiences\u2014I sit down with my longtime friend, pastor, everyday explorer, and deep thinker, Reed Dunn, for one of the most meaningful conversations I\u2019ve had on this podcast. This first installment leans less on adrenaline and more on the why\u2014why we\u2019re drawn to the outdoors, why hardship shapes us, and why so many of us pursue experiences that push us into awe, wonder, and transcendence. Reed and I dig into the spiritual side of adventure\u2014what it means to connect with something beyond ourselves, whether you call that God or a higher power. We unpack the way wilderness confronts our limits, how beauty can shake us awake, and why disciplines of \u201cno\u201d might be more important today than ever. And of course, we talk about Reed\u2019s years of backpacking, his favorite place in the world, and the moments that have stayed with him long after the trip ended.  \u23f1\ufe0f Timeline Summary Here are the top moments from the episode: [00:16:00] \u2013 Kicking off the conversation: why I wanted Reed on the show and how his story fits into \u201cthe meaning side\u201d of adventure. [00:26:00] \u2013 Reed\u2019s early backpacking years\u2014Colorado, Arkansas, the Buffalo River Trail, and how those experiences shaped him. [00:35:00] \u2013 The memory of his favorite place on earth: a glacial lake, seven waterfalls, and the power of remembering without a camera. [00:36:00] \u2013 A deep dive into spirituality: what it means to connect with transcendence, how nature becomes a pathway, and why anyone\u2014regardless of belief\u2014can access it. [00:46:00] \u2013 Religion vs. spirituality: Reed breaks down the difference between learning about God and meeting God\u2014and why both matter. [01:13:00] \u2013 Exploring hardship, asceticism, and the spiritual importance of limitation. Why \u201ctelling yourself no\u201d opens doors to meaning. [01:22:00] \u2013 The connection between ancient spiritual practices, desert monks, and modern adventurers who push themselves to the edge in search of something more.  \ud83d\udd17 Links &amp;amp; Resources   Reed\u2019s book, When You Don't Have Words: Praying the Psalms \u2014 available wherever you buy books   Reed Dunn on social media:&amp;nbsp;  Instagram LinkedIn   Locations discussed: Colorado trail systems, Buffalo River Trail (AR), Wind River Range (WY), Appalachian Trail (ME\/NH section) Find us on our new On Adventure Podcast YouTube channel where you can see the full interviews.&amp;nbsp; Also give us a like and a review while you're at it!   \ud83d\ude4c Closing Remark If this conversation stirred something in you, inspired you, or made you think differently about why we chase adventure in the first place, I\u2019d love for you to rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. It helps more everyday explorers find these stories\u2014and it keeps great conversations like this one coming. Thanks for listening, and keep living your adventure on purpose. ","author_name":"On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/432426","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39416805\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/196588810"}