The Explorer's Gene: Alex Hutchinson On Humanity’s Drive To Seek The Unknown, The Science Of Uncertainty, & Why Effort Creates Meaning
03/24/25 • 144 min
Alex Hutchinson is a National Magazine Award-winning journalist, Cambridge-trained physicist, and bestselling author of “Endure” and “The Explorer’s Gene.”
This conversation explores Alex’s transcendent perspective on our primordial drive to seek the unknown. We unpack his fascinating evolution from elite runner and NSA researcher to becoming the voice on endurance science, and now, the cartographer of humanity’s exploratory impulse.
We dive into the genetic and neurological drivers of uncertainty-seeking, the importance of embracing difficulty, the role of play, and finding meaning through effort in adventure and everyday life.
Note: In celebration of Alex’s appearance on the podcast, we’re giving away five signed copies of his transformative book. Subscribe to the newsletter at richroll.com/subscribe for a chance to win.
Alex’s work doesn’t merely inform—it transforms. This dialogue is an expedition worth taking. Enjoy!
Today’s Sponsors:
AG1: Get a FREE bottle of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs 👉drinkAG1.com/richroll
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp: Get 10% OFF the first month👉BetterHelp.com/richroll
Check out all of the amazing discounts from our Sponsors 👉 richroll.com/sponsors
Find out more about Voicing Change Media at voicingchange.media and follow us @voicingchange
Alex Hutchinson is a National Magazine Award-winning journalist, Cambridge-trained physicist, and bestselling author of “Endure” and “The Explorer’s Gene.”
This conversation explores Alex’s transcendent perspective on our primordial drive to seek the unknown. We unpack his fascinating evolution from elite runner and NSA researcher to becoming the voice on endurance science, and now, the cartographer of humanity’s exploratory impulse.
We dive into the genetic and neurological drivers of uncertainty-seeking, the importance of embracing difficulty, the role of play, and finding meaning through effort in adventure and everyday life.
Note: In celebration of Alex’s appearance on the podcast, we’re giving away five signed copies of his transformative book. Subscribe to the newsletter at richroll.com/subscribe for a chance to win.
Alex’s work doesn’t merely inform—it transforms. This dialogue is an expedition worth taking. Enjoy!
Today’s Sponsors:
AG1: Get a FREE bottle of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs 👉drinkAG1.com/richroll
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp: Get 10% OFF the first month👉BetterHelp.com/richroll
Check out all of the amazing discounts from our Sponsors 👉 richroll.com/sponsors
Find out more about Voicing Change Media at voicingchange.media and follow us @voicingchange
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