Sebastian Copeland — polar explorer, photographer, filmmaker, and environmental advocate. With 27 polar expeditions behind him, Sebastian takes us deep into the Arctic and Antarctic, sharing what it truly means to survive, document, and bear witness at the most hostile edges of our planet.
The conversation moves from harrowing encounters with polar bears and brutal storms on sea ice to the internal journeys shaped by solitude, endurance, and responsibility. Beyond the adventure, Sebastian reflects on climate science, human resilience, and why storytelling from the extremes matters more than ever.
Key Takeaways
- Extreme environments strip humans down before building them back up
- Preparation and discipline are the difference between survival and failure
- Polar bears are apex predators. Not symbols, but realities
- The greatest dangers in the Arctic are often weather and terrain, not wildlife
- Endurance is as much mental as it is physical
- Photography can turn suffering into meaning and advocacy
- Climate change is visible, measurable, and accelerating at the poles
- Hope requires action, not distance or denial
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Creative Outsiders
01:11 Meet Sebastian Copeland
02:24 27 Polar Expeditions & Life at the Poles
02:52 Arctic Sea Ice & Internal Breaking Points
03:42 Polar Bear Encounters Explained
08:08 Sleeping on the Ice & Bear Safety Systems
11:28 Charged by a Polar Bear — A Near-Fatal Moment
17:34 Following the Bear & Power Dynamics
20:12 What Really Kills You in the Arctic
21:39 Storms, Wind & Living Inside a Tent
25:10 Childhood, Books & Becoming a Polar Explorer
29:04 Science, Photography & Purpose
32:15 Preparation, Endurance & Mental Strength
36:12 Failure, Frostbite & Aborting a Mission
38:51 Falling Through Sea Ice
43:29 Risk, Loss & Perspective Over Time
45:14 Addiction to Extremes & Reflection
47:16 Photography as Memory & Meaning
49:28 Climate Change, Hope & Human Responsibility
55:29 Quickfire Questions & What’s Next
Follow Sebastian Copeland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copelandadventures/
Website: https://www.sebastiancopeland.com
Fine Art: https://www.scopelandfineart.com
Vallerret | Gloves & Apparel for Creators Behind the Lens
Website: https://www.photographygloves.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vallerret
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vallerret
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vallerret
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vallerret
X: https://twitter.com/vallerret
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vallerret
Newsletter: https://www.photographygloves.com
Celebrating endurance, responsibility, and creative work at the edge of human limits. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who believes stories from the extremes can change how we see our planet.
Stay sharp. Stay curious. Stay out longer. 🧤🔥