Jan 14, 2025
What does it mean to live a life of adventure, and how do the challenges we face shape our purpose? In this episode, we sit down with Wells Jones, author of the gripping novel A Line in the Sand and a man whose life has been anything but ordinary. Wells shares his journey from his days as a Navy Air Rescue team member to his experiences as a producer, actor, and adventurer.
Our conversation touches on his transformative treks through the Middle East, retracing the steps of T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), and how those experiences inspired his new novel. Wells also opens up about the lessons learned from turning back in precarious situations, the importance of having a purpose in every endeavor, and how human connection can transcend cultural divides. Tune in for a captivating discussion that will leave you reflecting on your own definition of adventure.
[2:15] - Wells reflects on his upbringing, family dynamics, and
the early loss of his father that shaped his adventurous
spirit.
[6:50] - Navy Air Rescue: From parachuting to mountain rescues in
Antarctica, Wells recalls life-changing experiences and how they
prepared him for life's challenges.
[12:30] - The philosophy of adventure: What George Mallory and
Winston Churchill taught Wells about conquering oneself.
[20:15] - Facing danger: Wells shares harrowing stories, including
a near-death moment during a precision skydive practice.
[38:00] - Trekking the Middle East: Retracing T.E. Lawrence’s
journey during the Arab Revolt and the human connections that
inspired A Line in the Sand.
[50:30] - The heart of the book: How historical fiction blends
real-life events with storytelling to shed light on the
complexities of the modern Middle East.
[1:00:15] - Wells’ hopes for readers of his book: The lessons of
history and the importance of seeing humanity in everyone.
Thank you for joining me on this deep dive into Wells Jones’ incredible life story. If you found inspiration in this episode, please rate, review, and share the podcast with your fellow adventurers. Don’t forget to hit the follow button so you never miss an episode. Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and as always, live your great adventure.