The Modern Eco-Explorer | Mario Rigby

09/15/21 • 54 min

In 2018, Mario Rigby completed his two-year trek walking and kayaking the length of Africa—from Cape Town, South Africa to Cairo, Egypt—and adventure that for many would seem wild and impossible. This expedition allowed him to connect with communities and share their message and stories with the world with a mission of bridging the gap between humanity. His goal was to inspire people locally and globally to get out, be brave, and see the world. Today, Mario continues his adventures as an eco-explorer—heading to all corners of the globe as sustainably as possible, many times just by walking on his own two feet. He is an advocate for the inclusion of diversity in the outdoors and encourages people to explore the outdoors through sustainable forms of travel. In a world that’s rapidly changing, Mario believes his life lessons are worth sharing and hopes to inspire others to have more courage and address global issues that affect us all. Mario is currently living in Toronto working on his memoir, 'Crossing Africa,' and preparing for his next expeditions. Topics covered in this episode: • What it means to be an eco-explorer and the importance of protecting our environment. • Mario’s trek across Africa, as well as other expeditions. • How travel can bridge gaps and teach us about other cultures. • The importance of representation in the outdoor industry. To learn more about Mario Rigby and his work, visit www.mariorigby.com IG @mariorigby We hope you enjoyed this episode. Come check us out at www.UnlikelyStoriesPodcast.com & Instagram @UnlikelyStoriesPodcast

Previous Episode

Black Explorers of History Part II | J.R. Harris

J.R. Harris has been backpacking long distances for more than 50 years in some of the most remote wilderness areas in the world, unsupported and mostly alone. He is on the Board of Directors for the 116-year-old Explorers Club, and is the Chairman for the Club’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. He is also a keynote speaker. J.R. believes diversity, equity, and inclusion will increase the number of people who will spend time in nature and therefore appreciate and protect our public lands and open spaces. His objective is to share his experiences to hopefully motivate others to pursue a healthy outdoors lifestyle. He has written numerous articles about his experiences in the outdoors, as well as the book, Way Out There: Adventures of a Wilderness Trekker. Topics covered in this episode: James Pierson Beckwourth (1798 or 1800 – 1866 or 1867). He was an American fur trapper, explorer, mountain man, innkeeper, author, storyteller, scout, guide, and more. He’s known for being one of the few African American mountain men, on the American Western Frontier. Matthew Alexander Henson (1866 – 1955) was an American explorer who accompanied Robert Peary on seven voyages to the Arctic over a period of nearly 23 years. He is best known for his participation in the 1908 –1909 expedition that reached the geographic North Pole on April 6, 1909. Henson was the first of their party to reach the pole. To learn more about J.R. Harris and his work, head over to their www.jrinthewilderness.com & Instagram @jrinthewilderness This episode is supported by LEKI, makers of the world’s best poles since 1948. www.Leki.com & Instagram @lekiusa We hope you enjoyed this episode. Come check us out at www.UnlikelyStoriesPodcast.com & Instagram @UnlikelyStoriesPodcast

Next Episode

Running with the ‘Mirnavator’ | Mirna Valerio

Fans of ultrarunning might be familiar with athlete, speaker, and author of the best-selling book ‘A Beautiful Work in Progress,’ Mirna Valerio. Also known as ‘The Mirnavator,’ Valerio promotes body positivity, health awareness, and diversity in the running and outdoor industry as she runs marathons and ultramarathons around the country and advocates for inclusion for people of all shapes, sizes, race, gender, and background. Her story has inspired a movement encouraging people everywhere to be whoever they want to be and do whatever makes them happy. In 2018, she was named a National Geographic "Adventurer of the Year.” Topics covered in this episode: • Mirna’s first introduction to the outdoors. • The ups and downs of running long distance—and why she loves it. • How she addresses and fights back against negativity. • The role she plays in the outdoor industry and how she motivates others to do what they want. • Her new book, ‘A Beautiful Work in Progress.’ • Her favorite piece of gear to bring on the trail. To learn more about Mirna Valerio, visit her website at themirnavator.com. IG: @themirnavator This episode is supported by LEKI, makers of the world’s best poles since 1948. www.Leki.com & Instagram @lekiusa We hope you enjoyed this episode. Come check us out at www.UnlikelyStoriesPodcast.com & Instagram @UnlikelyStoriesPodcast