Surprise Cast #98 Oli Steadman- Part 2

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Surprise Cast! Today we have the pleasure of diving into an inspiring conversation with Oli Steadman, a talented musician and a member of the band Stornoway.

We kick off the episode by catching up with Oli about his summer adventures. He shares his travels across Canada and the US, from hiking in the Rockies and encountering elk to learning to surf in California. He also introduces us to his unique concept of a "trail dance," which combines music, mental health, nature exploration, and sport. (“I’ve really enjoyed doing in the past couple of months”).

As we navigate through the episode, we explore his deep connection with nature. He passionately discusses his favorite hikes (“very dramatic elevation”), the importance of responsible wildlife management, and his admiration for specific trees. We also touch on the impact of natural disasters, such as the Jasper fires, and how they shape our understanding of nature and conservation. (“we sing about this in Stornoway’s music”).

In a heartfelt segment, he opens up about his personal life, sharing stories of how he met his wife (“I should stay away from her because she would undoubtedly be too cool for me”), their travels, and the epiphanies they experienced along the way. He also reflects on his role as a new father, discussing the joys and challenges of parenthood. We delve into the concept of vulnerability, drawing insights from Brene Brown's book "Braving the Wilderness," and explore how these principles apply to his life as a musician, a man (if everyone’s blagging, no one is held to account...”), and a father (“it’s brilliant”).

We then shift our focus to Stornoway's music, particularly their upcoming "Unplucked" album. He gives us an inside look at the creative process behind their acoustic renditions of popular songs, including a hauntingly beautiful cover of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence." He also shares his excitement about their future projects and potential tours. (It’s the track we’ve been hiding for a few months now...it sounds up close and personal”).

This episode is a treasure trove of insights into the life of a passionate musician who finds harmony between his art and the natural world. Join us as we journey through Oli’s experiences, his love for nature, and his reflections on vulnerability and growth. He’s the real diver!

Follow Oli Steadman:
https://www.stornowayband.com/

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