#1162 - Valentine Thomas

Podcast Summary

• From Lawyer to Spearfisher: Following Your Passion Despite Financial Sacrifice: Following your passion can lead to a fulfilling career change, even if it requires significant financial investment in education or other means.

  Following your passion and making a bold career change is possible, even if it means investing significantly in your education first. This was the path taken by Valentin, who went from being a lawyer to a full-time spearfisher. His journey involved a costly law degree in Montreal and a subsequent move to London, where he transitioned into finance before ultimately deciding that law wasn't for him. Inspired by a friend, Valentin discovered spearfishing and pursued it wholeheartedly. Despite the financial investment in his legal education and the potential disappointment of his family, Valentin's passion for spearfishing drove him to make the leap. His story serves as a reminder that it's never too late to follow your dreams, even if the road to getting there involves some financial sacrifice.

• Overcoming Fear for New Experiences: Fear can prevent us from trying new things, but pushing through it can lead to unexpected discoveries and enjoyment.

  Fear can hold us back from new experiences, but pushing through that fear can lead to unexpected discoveries and enjoyment. The speaker shared his personal experience of overcoming a fear of the water after a traumatic incident. He eventually tried freediving and spearfishing, which took him to an elite destination in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The journey to get there was unusual, involving a military flight, and the experience of freediving and spearfishing was unlike anything he had imagined. Despite initial apprehension and difficulty, he found joy in the new experience and even succeeded in killing a fish on his first try. Though the fish was not a popular choice for consumption, the experience itself was valuable and memorable.

• Discovering the importance of respecting nature: Experiencing the natural world can lead to a newfound appreciation for the ecosystem and the impact of human actions. Be aware of invasive species and make conscious choices to minimize harm.

  Experiencing the natural world and connecting with it can lead to a newfound appreciation for the ecosystem and the impact of human actions on it. The speaker, who initially had no interest in the outdoors, found himself in Africa, catching his own food and living off the land. He discovered the importance of respecting the environment and understanding the consequences of human actions. One specific example he gave was the lionfish, which is not only delicious but also invasive and harmful to native ecosystems. The speaker emphasized the importance of being aware of these impacts and making conscious choices to minimize harm. He also mentioned the thrill and adventure of living in harmony with nature, which he found to be a primal and humbling experience.

• Following personal convictions despite criticism: Staying true to beliefs and values, even when met with opposition, can lead to meaningful life changes.

  Passion and personal conviction can lead to significant life changes, even if others may not understand or approve. The speaker, who fell in love with sustainable food sourcing while filming a documentary, gave up her possessions and moved away to live a more connected life with nature. Despite criticism and concerns over her lifestyle's impact on ocean preservation, she believed her personal actions were negligible compared to larger contributors. The Wall Street Journal's decision to withdraw their sponsorship of a conference where she was scheduled to speak due to her perceived misalignment with their values was a superficial argument, and the speaker remained unapologetic for her choices. Her experiences highlight the importance of staying true to one's beliefs and values, even in the face of opposition.

• Unregulated Commercial Fishing Harms Marine Ecosystems: Commercial fishing practices like trawling and using large nets harm marine ecosystems, causing damage to the ocean floor and marine life, including coral. It's crucial to advocate for sustainable fishing practices.

  While there are regulations in place for the treatment of wild mammals and birds in North America, the commercial fishing industry, particularly practices like trawling and using large nets, is largely unregulated and destructive to marine ecosystems. These methods, which are used to keep fish prices low, are causing significant damage to the ocean floor and marine life, including the destruction of coral. The disparity in representation and advocacy between commercial fishermen, anglers, and spearfishers also contributes to the continuation of these harmful practices. It's important to consider the impact of our food choices and advocate for sustainable fishing practices.

• The Mammalian Dive Reflex and Our Aquatic Past: The mammalian dive reflex, a shared trait between humans and certain aquatic mammals, may be a remnant of our ancient aquatic past as proposed by the Aquatic Ape Theory, but its origins remain debated among scientists.

  Humans and certain aquatic mammals share a reflex called the mammalian dive reflex, which slows down heart rate when the face is submerged in water. This reflex may have evolved due to our ancient aquatic past, as suggested by the controversial Aquatic Ape Theory. According to this theory, early humans lived near water and developed traits such as hairlessness, upright walking, and insulating fat to adapt to an aquatic lifestyle. However, this theory has been largely dismissed by scientists, who propose alternative explanations for these traits. Regardless, the dive reflex is a fascinating example of the physiological connections we share with other aquatic animals.

• Relaxation and Preparation for Freediving: Through training, freedivers learn to control their body's response to holding their breath, allowing them to relax and dive deeper. The human body is designed to withstand deep diving pressures, enabling a unique perspective on life.

  Freediving, a practice involving holding your breath while swimming underwater, requires a high level of relaxation and preparation. The body responds to the absence of oxygen by constricting blood vessels and sending blood to vital organs. With training, divers learn to control this response and relax, allowing them to hold their breath longer. Contrary to earlier beliefs, the human body is designed to withstand the pressure of deep diving, thanks to the dive reflex and the protection of the lungs. Freediving can provide a new perspective on life, offering an opportunity to connect with nature and let go of material possessions.

• The importance of human connection: Prioritizing relationships leads to true happiness and fulfillment, while isolation hinders it.

  Living in isolation and focusing solely on personal comfort can hinder our ability to experience true happiness and fulfillment. The speaker's experience in Cape Verde, where they had to live self-sufficiently and rely on their community, opened their eyes to the importance of human connection and the necessity of being part of a group. This way of living, where people share resources and build strong relationships, has been the norm for most of human history. However, in modern society, with its focus on individualism and isolation, many people feel disconnected and unhappy despite living in densely populated areas. The speaker believes that to be truly happy, we need to prioritize building and maintaining relationships with those around us.

• Values Clash Between Modern Society and Sustainable Lifestyles: Sustainable practices can face rejection from modern society, even from organizations promoting environmental sustainability. Cruise ships, which dump garbage in the ocean, are more harmful to marine life than individual sustainable fishing practices.

  Modern society can be incompatible with certain lifestyles, and the individual's values and means of survival can clash with established organizations, even those promoting environmental sustainability. The speaker, who values self-sufficiency and catching her own food, faced rejection from a cruise ship company due to their partnership with the World Wildlife Fund, which deemed her practice of spitting fish as harmful to the ocean. However, the speaker pointed out the irony of the situation, as cruise ships, which are allowed to dump garbage in the ocean, are far more detrimental to marine life than her sustainable fishing practices. The conversation also touched upon the speaker's experiences living in communities where everyone knows each other and her current work on a cookbook and TV show. Despite the challenges, she continues to advocate for sustainable living and practices.

• Salmon population disrupted by river construction: Construction disrupted salmon migration, causing mass deaths and emphasizing the importance of self-sourced food despite challenges

  The salmon population faced mass deaths when a river was shut down during construction, leading to a significant disruption in their natural migration pattern. This resulted in their rotting to death before they could complete their breeding cycle. The speaker also touched upon the taboo surrounding catching food and the power dynamics between consumers and lobbyists in the fishing industry. He emphasized the growing trend of people opting for self-sourced food, including spearfishing, despite the challenges and misconceptions surrounding it. The speaker's personal experiences and anecdotes added depth to the conversation, highlighting the importance of understanding the natural world and the complexities of the food industry.

• Encountering aggressive sharks while fishing: Respect sharks and their territory, be aware of risks, and prepare for unexpected encounters. Changing perceptions of sharks impact their protection.

  Encountering sharks while fishing, especially in shallow waters, can be a dangerous and potentially life-threatening experience. Sharks, even young ones, can exhibit aggressive behavior and curious bites, putting swimmers and fishermen at risk. The speaker shared a harrowing experience in Tampa Bay where he encountered a juvenile tiger shark while spearfishing. Despite trying to fend off the shark with his gun, it continued to charge and circle him. The situation became more dire when the speaker realized he was alone and had to rely on his own resources to protect himself. The incident highlights the importance of respecting sharks and their territory, being aware of the risks involved in fishing in their habitats, and being prepared for unexpected encounters. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the changing public perception of sharks, with their role in the food industry and the impact of practices like shark finning contributing to their increased protection and awareness.

• Perception vs. Reality in Wildlife: Despite common misconceptions, shark populations are sustainable and bear hunting helps maintain ecosystem balance

  There is a disconnect between people's perception of animals and the reality of their populations and behaviors. The discussion touched upon the controversial topic of shark fishing and the outrage it sparks online, despite the sustainability of certain shark populations. The conversation also covered the issue of bear hunting and the misconceptions surrounding it. Both sharks and bears are often portrayed as endangered or innocent creatures in the media, but in reality, their populations are thriving and need to be controlled to prevent negative impacts on other species. It's essential to consider the facts and understand the complexities of wildlife management rather than being swayed by emotions and misconceptions.

• The Impact of Our Fish Consumption Habits: Buying fish from grocery stores supports the fishing industry, disconnects us from the source, and can lead to overfishing, impacting fish populations and communities.

  Our consumption habits, particularly when it comes to food like fish, have a direct impact on the environment and the living beings in it. The speaker argues that by buying fish from grocery stores, we are supporting the fishing industry and the killing of these animals. The fish we buy in supermarkets often come from large commercial boats that distribute them across long distances, disconnecting us from the source of our food. The speaker also highlights the issue of overfishing and the significant decrease in fish populations within the last 40 years. The industry's worth and the dependence of certain communities on fishing for their survival make it challenging to implement stricter regulations on fishing. The speaker suggests that if we were willing to live with seasonal restrictions on certain fish, it could help sustain fish populations. However, the financial gains and necessity for many fishermen make this a complex issue.

• The Overfishing Crisis: A Complex Issue Requiring International Cooperation: Unchecked exploitation of ocean resources can lead to the extinction of fish populations. International cooperation is necessary to regulate fishing practices and prevent depletion.

  The overfishing crisis in the ocean is a complex issue that requires international cooperation to regulate fishing practices and prevent the depletion of fish populations. The sheer size of the ocean can be misleading, as the quantity of fish taken out by commercial boats is significant. Historical examples, such as market hunting in North America, show that the extinction of wildlife can occur in a short time without regulation. While efforts are being made to regulate fishing in the U.S., the lack of international regulation poses a challenge. Additionally, the issue of enforcing regulations on foreign fishing vessels in international waters adds to the complexity of the problem. The extinction of animals like buffalo, elk, and deer in North America serves as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked exploitation of natural resources. Conservation efforts and regulations have helped bring back populations of these animals, but the lesson remains that action must be taken to prevent the same fate for ocean wildlife.

• Hunting contributes to wildlife conservation: Billions in hunting funds preserve habitats, reintroduce species, and promote responsible hunting. Ocean conservation faces challenges due to boundaries and cooperation.

  Hunting supplies and gear sales in the United States contribute significantly to wildlife conservation efforts, totaling billions of dollars. These funds are used to preserve habitats, reintroduce extinct species, and promote responsible hunting practices. However, the same level of conservation efforts for the ocean, which is facing overfishing and exploitation, would be challenging due to international boundaries and differing levels of cooperation among countries. The commercial fishing industry, particularly in areas with high demand and minimal regulation, contributes to the depletion of fish stocks. The solution could involve sustainable fishing practices, such as those being explored in the Marshall Islands, or a shift towards aquaculture to supplement wild fish populations. Ultimately, raising awareness and implementing stricter regulations may be necessary to ensure the long-term survival of marine life.

• Being careful with certain fish and farms: Some fish carry diseases harmful to humans, so it's crucial to consume sustainably sourced fish from reputable farms or wild sources, and cook or freeze properly to kill potential parasites.

  It's important to be cautious when consuming or interacting with certain types of fish, particularly those from unsustainable farms, as they can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans. These diseases can include parasites and zoonotic diseases, which can make the jump from fish to humans. Some of these diseases, like trichinosis, require freezing or cooking at high temperatures to be killed. It's also important to consider the potential environmental impact of fish farms and the potential for contamination of the surrounding water and fish populations. Additionally, engaging in physical activities like freediving can be an effective way to burn calories and potentially aid in weight loss. However, it's important to note that this activity also involves consuming a significant amount of calories through the food sourced during the activity. It's always important to prioritize sustainability and responsible consumption practices when it comes to fish and other food sources.

• Debating the sustainability of fishing practices and fish farming: Consider the long-term consequences of fishing practices and explore sustainable alternatives like fish farming, while being mindful of potential issues and engaging in open discussions.

  There is ongoing debate about the sustainability of fishing practices and the potential for alternative methods, such as fish farming, to help mitigate overfishing and potential extinction of certain species. Some concerns include the potential for farmed fish to adapt to their captive environment and survive in the wild, as well as the optics and potential backlash against companies or individuals who engage in these practices. Ultimately, it's important for individuals and organizations to consider the long-term consequences of their actions and to engage in open and rational discussions about sustainable solutions to the issue of overfishing. Additionally, it's crucial to distinguish between real racism and the cancel culture mentality that can lead to unjustified actions against individuals or companies.

• The struggle to reduce plastic waste and the tension between personal choices and environmental responsibility: People feel overwhelmed by the constant criticism of their consumer habits and may make small efforts to appear eco-friendly while deflecting blame. Technologies to mitigate plastic waste offer a potential solution, but individual responsibility is key.

  People are struggling to adapt to the constant stream of information and criticism about the negative impact of their consumer habits on the environment. This struggle is exemplified by the debate surrounding plastic straws and the actions taken by companies like Starbucks. People feel overwhelmed by the constant criticism and may make small efforts to appear environmentally conscious while deflecting blame onto others. The invention of technologies to help mitigate plastic waste offers a potential solution, but it's not a silver bullet. Ultimately, individuals must grapple with the tension between their desire to live their lives as they choose and the responsibility to reduce their environmental footprint. This process can be particularly challenging for those in their 30s, who are often pressured to have their lives in order and may feel the weight of societal expectations.

• Following passions and values despite financial instability: Discovering who you truly are and living a life aligned with your values is worth the financial risk.

  Following your passions and values, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone and potentially facing financial instability, can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life. The speaker shares her experience of making this decision at a young age, which involved quitting a job she didn't enjoy and living in her car for a while. Despite the challenges, she never regretted her choice and encourages others to consider doing the same, even if it goes against societal expectations or logic. Ultimately, the speaker believes that discovering who you truly are and living a life aligned with your values is worth the risk.

• Following dreams and passions: An ambitious woman shares her journey of leaving her job to travel and pursue her passions, starting a business and filming a documentary, despite criticism and challenges, and emphasizes the importance of authenticity and real experiences.

  The speaker is an ambitious and adventurous person who left her job to travel the world and pursue her passions, including starting a bathing suit company with her sister and filming a documentary. She emphasizes that she's not a hippie or aimlessly traveling, but rather living her life in a way that makes her proud and happy. Despite facing criticism and challenges, she has never regretted her decision and has discovered new aspects of herself along the way. She also values authenticity and real experiences, and is not interested in scripted or fake reality shows. Instead, she wants to share the raw and real moments of her travels with the world.

• Bridging the Gap in Hunting Debates: Respectful dialogue and education are key to bridging the gap in hunting debates, minimizing controversy and focusing on positive conservation efforts.

  Hunting is a complex issue with deep-rooted beliefs and misconceptions on both sides. For those who participate in it, there's a deep respect for nature and the food chain, as well as a desire to ensure the preservation of wildlife and their habitats. However, many people hold opposing views, seeing hunting as cruel and disrespectful to animals. The speaker acknowledges the difficulty in bridging this gap and the importance of understanding each other's perspectives. He also emphasizes the need to avoid outrage and expression without consideration, as it only serves to further polarize the issue. Instead, open dialogue and education can help bring about positive change. The speaker has learned to adapt to the changing societal norms and has adjusted his social media presence accordingly to minimize controversy and focus on the positive aspects of hunting and conservation.

• Understanding the natural process of animal death for food: Recognizing the transformation of animals into food and the importance of respecting their lives during the process

  While the outrage against the killing and consumption of animals, such as tuna, may seem loud and prominent, it is a small minority compared to the larger community of people who understand the natural process of animal death for food. The speaker, who has experienced hunting and fishing, acknowledges the emotional response to taking a life but also recognizes the transformation of the animal into food and the subsequent loss of guilt. The speaker also acknowledges the anthropomorphic tendencies humans have towards animals, particularly those with human-like features, and the fear or shock experienced by animals when removed from their natural environment. Despite the methods used to kill the animals, such as guns or clubs, the speaker emphasizes the importance of respecting the animal and ensuring a quick and humane death. Overall, the speaker encourages understanding and empathy towards the natural process of animal death for food while acknowledging the emotional response and respecting the animal's life.

• Fresh catch: Proper handling and preparation for delicious fish dishes: Immediate bleeding and cleaning, milk soaking, and passion for fresh ingredients are key to delicious fish dishes

  The way we handle and prepare fish significantly impacts its taste and freshness. The speaker shared his experience of bleeding and cleaning fish immediately after catching them to prevent a fishy taste. He also mentioned the practice of soaking fish in milk to eliminate harmful bacteria and improve the flavor. The speaker's passion for cooking led him to spearfishing to obtain the freshest ingredients possible. He emphasized the importance of proper handling and preparation to create delicious dishes. Additionally, the speaker shared the story of chef Hank Shaw, who also got into hunting for the same reason - to have access to the freshest wild game ingredients for cooking.

• Overcoming fears and discovering new experiences: Personal experiences, even those filled with fear and danger, can lead to unexpected discoveries and growth. Prepare and stay calm to overcome challenges.

  Personal experiences, even those filled with fear and danger, can lead to unexpected discoveries and growth. The speaker shared her fear of spearfishing, which took her a long time to overcome. She also recounted a terrifying experience of getting lost at sea, where she and her friend were stranded for hours before being rescued. Despite the harrowing ordeal, the speaker found humor in the absurdity of the situation and the actions of the people involved. Through these experiences, she learned to appreciate the beauty of the ocean and the importance of being prepared and calm in the face of danger.

• Dangers of Spearfishing: Shallow Water Blackouts: Spearfishing involves risks of shallow water blackouts, which can cause loss of motor control and consciousness. Safety practices like diving in pairs and proper oxygen management are crucial to prevent these dangerous situations.

  Spearfishing can be dangerous due to the risk of blackouts, which is a more common hazard than encounters with sharks. During a dive, if a spearfisher stays underwater for too long and doesn't properly manage their oxygen levels, they can experience a loss of motor control and eventually pass out. This is known as a shallow water blackout and can occur even at the surface. It's crucial for spearfishers to dive in pairs, with one person watching the other to ensure safety. If both divers pass out, they could sink and be in danger. The good diving practice is for one person to dive down and the other to watch from the surface, then switch roles. In the case of a blackout, the diver can regain consciousness by taking off their mask, keeping their head underwater, and blowing air into their eyes. They should also be called by name and not be allowed to inhale water. The experience of a blackout can be disorienting, and the diver may feel like they're in a dream-like state before coming to. It's essential for spearfishers to prioritize safety and proper oxygen management to avoid these dangerous situations.

• Cratum is an opiate that can cause unexpected high experiences: Cratum, though considered a mild stimulant, is actually an opiate that can lead to unexpected high experiences, potentially causing addiction and raising legal concerns.

  Cratum, despite being considered a mild stimulant, is actually an opiate that operates on the opiate receptors in the brain. The speaker discovered this after taking a large dose and experiencing being high while still being functional. He was surprised by the experience and the lack of negative side effects, such as uncoordination or impaired judgment. However, he also noted the potential dangers of the substance, particularly the risk of addiction and the argument against its legality due to its opiate properties. The speaker shared his past experiences with prescription painkillers, which he found to be less enjoyable and less functional than Cratum. Overall, the conversation highlighted the complex nature of Cratum and the importance of understanding its true effects.

• Unexpected discoveries from open conversations: Be open-minded, curious about the world, and not afraid to explore new perspectives to discover unexpected opportunities and experiences.

  Open conversations and being curious about the world around us can lead to new discoveries and experiences. The speaker shared how he stumbled upon this podcast while relaxing at the beach and was pleasantly surprised to find the host following him on Instagram. This chance encounter led to this interview, and the speaker expressed hope that it might open up new opportunities. He also encouraged listeners to be open-minded and curious about the origins of their food and not be afraid to explore new perspectives. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone to truly discover who we are and live the life we want.