Ep 17 - Harley Rustad - Lost in the Valley of Death

Mountain Whispers

Harley Rustad is the author of the new book Lost in the Valley of Death: A Story of Obsession and Danger in the Himalayas. It tells the story of Justin Alexander Shetler, American adventurer and influencer who disappeared in the foothills of the Himalayas in 2016.

While the circumstances surrounding Justin's disappearance grip you like a true crime story, Harley and I explore Justin's spiritual pursuit of adventure, and the forces that drove him to take increasing risks in pursuit of spiritual breakthrough and enlightenment. This includes:

• Justin's unique upbringing and how it shaped how he sought adventure and meaning
• The mysterious circumstances surrounding his disappearance
• How sharing adventures with the world on social media can warp intentions and risk-profile
• The magnetism of the spiritual mountain top and how it can draw you into taking increased risks

Links mentioned in the conversation:

• Justin's Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube channels that are still live
• Harley's article on Justin in Outside Magazine that inspired the book
• Mike Spencer Bown, the world's most travelled man, who Justin consulted about long-term wilderness survival right before his final adventure
• The contemplative practice of Sit Spotting that is taught at Washington's Wilderness Awareness School

You can find more of Harley at his website, on twitter, or on Instragram

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