S3E9 - Isaac Kenyon: Seeking Connection, Finding Purpose

Isaac Kenyon just set his third ultra-distance world record on the Concept2 indoor rower. This follows on the heels of other huge achievements, like rowing the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, and swimming the English Channel. We dive into the philosophy and motivation that helped him break free of the lure of screen time, and the coping mechanisms necessary to take on audacious challenges. Through it all, Isaac's advocated for the environment and Autism awareness.

TIME STAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

01:53 - Rapid Fire Q&A

04:04 - Rowing Week: Scale of 0-10 

04:54 - World record for C2 tandem longest continual row (2 person) Male 20-29 LTWT to raise awareness of Autism

06:40 - Tandem partner Jordan Williams: From novice to world record holder in 5 months. Training, self-care, technique triggers

11:24 - Finding motivation, getting out of dark places, the importance of a support network, coping mechanisms

17:44 - An invitation to row the Atlantic was Isaac's introduction to rowing

22:25 - The tipping point from “outdoorsy guy” to seeking audacious challenges, exploring, and honing new skills

24:35 - The way into adventuring: start small

26:55 - 2018 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge: training, nutrition and communications, losing sight of shore, and swimming with whales

36:55 - 2019 Ted Talk: Seeking a balance between outdoor time and screen time; how the Atlantic row changed his relationship with technology

39:45 - Regulating brain chemicals, substituting outdoor time for technology

45:24 - Being a part of the first digital generation, FOMO, and never seeing people again

50:50 - Up next: Setting a speed record for swimming the 7 biggest seas in one year

53:25 - Flying the flag for the outdoor time in exchange for screen time

58:15 - Letterboxing

See the full show notes at www.steadystatenetwork.com/podcast