Cape Horn Tequila, Combat Rescue, and Veteran Grit – From PTSD to Purpose

🔴 In this powerful episode of the North Idaho Experience, we sit down with Taylor Grieger and Adam Calusa—combat veterans, rescue swimmers, and co-founders of Cape Horn Tequila. You’ll hear Taylor’s gripping story of sailing around the treacherous Cape Horn, a two-year journey documented in the film Hell or High Seas, as he battled PTSD and rediscovered purpose.

We cover combat rescue missions, adrenaline addiction, mental health, the science of PTSD, how outdoor adventure therapy is saving lives, and the founding of a veteran-owned tequila company that's now helping others heal.

📍 Filmed in North Idaho | 🎙 Veteran-Owned Podcast
👉 Watch the film “Hell or High Seas” on Amazon or Hulu
🌐 Learn more: skeletoncrewadventures.org

🎯 Top 3 Things You’ll Learn
How sailing Cape Horn became a metaphor and mission for PTSD recovery.

Why real outdoor adventure therapy works—and how other countries are doing it better.

What goes into making real, clean tequila (and how to test it).

00:00:00 Intro: Cape Horn Tequila & Veteran Rescue Swimmers 
00:02:42 Military Backstories: From Troubled Youth to Navy Heroes
00:06:56 What Rescue Swimmers Really Do
00:10:48 Intense Rescue Missions in Guam  
00:16:34 Understanding PTSD: Why It Happens & How It Feels  
00:20:23 The Science Behind PTSD and Recovery
00:28:11 Humor, Trauma & Coping Mechanisms  
00:32:06 The Origin of “Hell or High Seas” Documentary 
00:38:18 Panama Canal Rescue & UK Adventure Therapy  
00:46:29 Why the U.S. Needs Adventure Therapy for Veterans
00:56:05 From Survival to Tequila: Founding Cape Horn 
01:01:03 Tequila Tasting Tips & The Additive Test
01:04:54 Skeleton Crew Adventures: How to Get Involved

📍 Visit our website for more resources, real estate listings, and local content:
https://northidahoexperience.com

👤 Connect on IG with Hell or High Seas
https://www.instagram.com/hellorhighseas?igsh=MW12dm81ZW5vZGxmdA==

Check out Cape Horn Tequila: 
https://www.capehorntequila.com/

💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us?
Email us at [e-mail] 

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us at [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]

Grab our Relocation Guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/homebuyer-guide/

Your Ultimate Selling Game Plan guide: https://northidahoexperience.com/seller-guide/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northidahoexperience/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northidahoexperience
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHz9XczupyJ93VRtqfQEW-g

💼 Interested in sponsoring a future episode or collaborating with us?
Email us at [e-mail]

🛠 For Real Estate Services or Questions:
Contact us at [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]


Brokered by:
The Experience Northwest
Equal housing opportunity
======