Craig Foster of My Octopus Teacher — How to Find the Wild in a Tame World

Added: May 2, 2024

Intimate Connection with Nature

Foster's deep connection to the ocean began at a young age when his parents dunked him in the Atlantic Ocean right after he was born. He has always been drawn to the wild and has had many extreme experiences, such as diving with crocodiles, to get closer to nature. He emphasizes the importance of intimacy with nature, even in urban environments, by observing small animals and their behaviors to develop a deeper connection to the natural world.

The Tracking Abilities of the San Bushmen

Foster discusses the incredible tracking abilities of the San Bushmen in the Kalahari, whom he has spent time with. These hunters can sense predators from long distances by listening to the sounds of birds, showcasing their deep connection to the land and its inhabitants. Foster encourages people to develop their awareness of nature by observing and documenting the changes in a small area over time.

Marine Biologist's Breath-Holding Routine

In addition to his work as a marine biologist, Foster practices breath-holding and cold exposure daily. He listens to podcasts, while holding his breath for several minutes as part of his routine. He emphasizes the importance of being cautious with breath-holding techniques, especially before diving, to avoid shallow water blackouts. He has acclimatized himself to cold water through years of diving, which has benefits for his immune system and mental clarity.

The Amphibious Soul: Finding Balance in Nature

Foster delves into the concept of the "amphibious soul," which he describes as the balance between his wild, primal self and the comforts of the modern, tame world. He reflects on the profound impact of his interactions with wild animals, which have taught him valuable lessons and deepened his connection to nature. He emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between the wild and the tame aspects of life, acknowledging the calming and centering effect that nature has on his psyche.

The Power of Ancestral Knowledge

The conversation shifts to the transfer of ancestral knowledge and the activation of deep instincts when immersed in nature. Foster and Ferriss discuss the mysterious ways in which the unconscious mind processes sensory information and memories to guide intuitive actions. Foster shares a personal experience of uncovering the whereabouts of a rare heart urchin by tapping into his unconscious knowledge and connecting the dots based on subtle clues.

The Power of Nature's Reflection

Foster and Ferriss explore the idea of nature as a mirror, reflecting back aspects of ourselves that may be hidden or overlooked in the modern world. They discuss the profound impact of pristine wilderness on the human psyche, evoking feelings of ease, connection, and ancestral memory. Foster highlights the importance of immersing oneself in natural environments to experience a sense of calm and reconnection with our primal roots.

The Joy of Play and Song Catching

The conversation touches on the concept of play and song catching, where Foster describes the joy and creativity that arise from interacting with the natural world. He shares stories of intimate encounters with animals like Cape clawless otters, highlighting the deep emotional connections that can form between humans and wildlife. He reflects on the symbiotic relationships between different species in the wild, drawing parallels to interspecies cooperation observed in other ecosystems.

The Connection Between Nature and the Human Psyche

Foster also talks about his deep connection to nature and how the natural world seems to mirror the human psyche. He mentions the discovery of new species of shrimp, including one that lives inside octopus dens. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on and caring for the natural world, as it can lead to incredible discoveries and insights.

Finding Home in Nature and Family

The conversation shifts to the meaning of "home" for Foster, who reflects on losing his home in a fire and finding solace in the ocean and the natural world. He discusses the profound impact of his great-grandmother and grandmother, who showed him love and attentiveness, shaping his view of parenting and relationships.

Facing Challenges After Success

Foster opens up about the challenges he faced after the success of his documentary "My Octopus Teacher," which gained global recognition on Netflix. He describes the overwhelming attention and pressure that came with the sudden fame, leading to sleepless nights and a shattered nervous system. He shares how he used nature and ancestral practices to rebuild his mental and physical well-being, eventually finding peace and gratitude in the connections he made with people touched by his film.

Exploring Nature and Self

The conversation touches on Foster's new book, "Amphibious Soul," which explores his experiences in the wild and offers insights into building a deeper relationship with nature and oneself. Foster discusses the transformative potential of the book for readers seeking a deeper connection with the natural world and a better understanding of their place in the universe.

The Power of Storytelling in Conservation

Ferriss and Foster discuss the power of storytelling in conveying important messages about conservation and reconnecting with nature. They highlight the need to find common ground and avoid divisive language when discussing environmental issues. Foster shares a story about an octopus that stole his camera during a dive, leading to a unique perspective shift as they viewed the world through the octopus's eyes. This experience reinforced the idea that humans are not separate from nature but are deeply connected to it.

Gratitude for Earth's Resilience

Foster encourages listeners to appreciate and care for the planet as a way of honoring the natural world that sustains us. He emphasizes the fragility of human existence compared to the resilience of the Earth and urges people to cultivate a sense of gratitude and responsibility towards the environment.