179. Perseverance in the Wilderness: Stephan Kesting’s Journey of Survival and Healing

In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Stephan Kesting, a man whose story of survival, resilience, and self-discovery will leave you deeply inspired. Stephan, known for his expertise in martial arts and his popular online presence as a BJJ instructor, shares a side of his life that many haven’t heard—his journey of loss, a life-saving kidney transplant, and a 42-day solo expedition through the unforgiving Canadian Subarctic.

Stephan's story is not just about the physical challenges of navigating a thousand miles of wilderness; it's about confronting grief, mortality, and the profound lessons that come from time spent alone with one's thoughts. His upcoming book, Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subarctic, documents this life-changing adventure and the mental, emotional, and spiritual transformation it brought.

A Journey Born from Loss and Survival

Stephan opens up about the heartbreaking loss of his two younger brothers, a tragedy that left an unfillable void in his heart. As if that weren't enough, he was also diagnosed with a genetic kidney condition that ultimately led to a transplant—a gift of life from his brother. This life-altering experience, paired with his grief, prompted Stephan to embark on a solo canoe trip through the remote Northern wilderness in 2019.

For 42 days, Stephan battled unpredictable rapids, bear encounters, forest fires, and the overwhelming solitude of isolation. But this wasn’t just an outdoor adventure—it was a journey inward. With every paddle stroke upriver and every storm he weathered, Stephan processed his trauma, came to terms with his near-death experience, and found a deeper sense of peace and purpose.

The Mental Battle of Solitude

In the silence of the wilderness, there are no distractions—just you and your thoughts. Stephan describes the mental challenges of being entirely cut off from the world, with no phone, no social media, and no human contact. He shares how, at times, the loneliness felt unbearable, but those moments also gave him clarity.

He realized that grief doesn’t go away—it becomes part of us. But rather than allowing it to weigh him down, Stephan chose to let it fuel his journey of growth and self-discovery. Through the lens of his wilderness experience, he encourages listeners to embrace life's challenges rather than run from them, reminding us that the hardest moments often bring the greatest growth.

Lessons from the Wilderness

Stephan's expedition taught him powerful lessons that apply far beyond the wilderness:

• Resilience is built through action: You don’t need to feel strong to take the next step—just take it.

• Solitude reveals clarity: Time alone can help us process emotions we often suppress.

• Nature is a powerful healer: Stephan found that the vastness of the wilderness helped put his grief and life's struggles into perspective.

• Life is fragile and precious: His near-death experience and the loss of his brothers served as stark reminders that life can change in an instant.

A New Purpose Through Pain

Today, Stephan continues to teach martial arts, inspire others through his storytelling, and share the lessons he’s learned about resilience and mental health. His upcoming book, Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subarctic, dives deeper into his expedition and the life lessons he hopes will help others navigate their own storms.

He reminds us all that we don’t have to face life’s challenges alone—and that sometimes, stepping away from the noise of the world can help us reconnect with what truly matters.

Listen to the full episode for more of Stephan’s incredible journey, his practical insights on resilience, and the lessons he learned from his time alone in the wilderness.

 

GUEST LINKS:

• Get The Book:  https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting
• Martial Arts/BJJ site: grapplearts.com
• IG @‌stephan_kesting: Instagram (@stephan_kesting)
• YT @‌stephankesting: Stephan Kesting
• Outdoors site: www.essentialwilderness.com
• IG @‌essentialwilderness: Instagram (@essentialwilderness)
• YT @‌essentialwilderness: Essential Wilderness - Stephan Kesting

 

LINKS:

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com
• www.warriorsunmasked.com 
• Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966

 

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Trauma, Triumph, and Today’s Guest, Stephan Kesting
• 02:22 – Stephan shares his lifelong connection to the wilderness
• 04:50 – The devastating loss of two brothers and how it shaped his path
• 07:30 – Discovering a genetic kidney condition and the journey to transplant
• 09:45 – The mental and emotional toll of watching his health decline
• 12:15 – The life-saving gift: a kidney donation from his brother
• 14:30 – Processing grief through wilderness trips and solo adventures
• 17:00 – Navigating fear, risk, and self-doubt in the Canadian Subarctic
• 20:30 – Insights on mortality and the importance of living with urgency
• 25:45 – The 42-day, 1,000-mile solo expedition: challenges and lessons
• 30:10 – Wrestling with mental exhaustion, joy, and the extremes of emotion
• 35:20 – Practical insights on resilience and perseverance from the journey
• 40:15 – The impact of wilderness solitude on mental health
• 44:00 – Stephan’s new book Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subarctic
• 48:00 – Final thoughts on trauma, time, and how nature can help us heal
• 53:00 – Chuck’s Challenge: Detaching decisions from outcomes and living with purpose