Approaching End of Life through the Lens of Vitality with Adventure Filmmaker John Waller
What does it mean to uncage your own soul and find vitality, even in challenging periods of life?
John Waller is an award-winning filmmaker, speaker, and adventurer. After founding the video production company Uncage the Soul in 2004, he dedicated his career to capturing wild and serene landscapes, as well as the stories of the people who call them home.
In 2020, John was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. This inspired him to pursue a life filled with purpose, vitality, and a deeper appreciation for the natural spaces he has long admired.
We talk about...
How award-winning Uncage the Soul productions came to life
Traveling the world after college and gaining comfort in the unknown and getting a “social education”
Dedicating 16 years of life to his company while wearing all the hats
The decision to end Uncage the Soul towards the start of COVID-19 pandemic and trying to personally separate himself from his business
Going to a doctor after 10 years and learning he has terminal cancer
The emotions and shifts that come with a life-changing diagnosis and how John’s experience as a producer helped him find support
Releasing an aversion to accepting help from others
Using psychedelics as a way to access a deeper side of himself
Learning to swim with instead of against the current of life
What John is afraid of as he approaches the end of his life
Mending the Line: Uncage’s film about fly-fisher Frank Moore
PSST! If you like this episode, did you know we have over 30 other conversations with people who have lived big lives and made trade-offs to pursue their passions?
We've spoken with a former Hollywood star who moved to Kentucky to open a preschool, an adventurer who lost a toe while guiding on Mount Rainier, a drag queen who found empowerment by embracing an alter ego, and a pro ice climber who continues to adventure as a mom of twins. Find all episodes at www.fortheloveofpod.com/episodes.
How to connect with John:
Like the show? Share the stoke!:
Connect with Angie on Instagram and Jeni on Instagram.
Follow @for.the.love.of.podcast and tag us in a post or Story!
Tell one friend who would like For The Love Of (send ‘em a link to this very page!).
Your 5-star ratings and reviews make a huge difference, both for the future of the show and the smiles on our faces!
Pretty please, subscribe, rate, and review For The Love Of:
Music: The King of Sandwich Island by Shut-ins
Thank you to The Ruins, the best wedding venue in Oregon, for supporting the show.