Healing Through Adventure: A Conversation with Andrew Taylor

In this episode, Andrew Taylor shares his journey from guiding rivers in the Wasatch Mountains to founding transformative programs for young adults and families struggling with anxiety, depression, and disconnection. As the founder of Pure Life Adventure, a therapeutic gap program in Costa Rica, and Octagon Mentoring, Andrew uses the outdoors and experiential learning to guide individuals toward growth, healing, and purpose.

Together, Jake and Andrew explore the challenges facing today’s younger generations, the healing power of nature, and how mentorship creates lasting change.

00:00 - Managing Expectations
Andrew discusses the importance of detaching from client outcomes to avoid burnout, offering a candid perspective on the emotional work behind mentoring and coaching.

00:17 - Welcome to the Enclave Podcast
Jake introduces the show and highlights the focus of the episode: using adventure and mentorship as tools for healing and personal growth.

01:05 - Andrew’s Path to Adventure Therapy
From growing up skiing in Utah to guiding rivers in Costa Rica, Andrew shares how his passion for the outdoors inspired his career in therapeutic and developmental programs.

05:12 - Challenges of Today’s Young Adults
Andrew outlines the issues facing young people today, from the rise of anxiety and depression to the impact of technology, isolation, and societal pressures. He emphasizes the need for purpose-driven interventions to combat apathy and disconnection.

08:30 - The Power of Discomfort
Jake and Andrew explore how embracing discomfort in the outdoors helps individuals build resilience, overcome emotional challenges, and foster growth.

11:00 - Healing Families Together
Andrew emphasizes the importance of involving the entire family in the healing process, sharing how parental and sibling participation amplifies success for everyone involved.

15:00 - Nature as a Silent Partner
Discussing the science behind nature’s therapeutic benefits, Andrew explains how outdoor experiences improve physical and mental health, reset bio-rhythms, and support emotional breakthroughs.

18:00 - Unique Challenges for Rising Gens
Andrew delves into the additional challenges faced by children of wealthy families, from trust issues in relationships to the burden of living up to a high-achieving legacy.

25:00 - Introducing Octagon Mentoring
Andrew describes how Octagon Mentoring evolved as a bridge for individuals transitioning from therapy or seeking proactive personal development. He introduces the Octagon framework, focusing on holistic self-awareness through mindset, relationships, habits, and purpose.

34:00 - The Messy Journey of Growth
Jake and Andrew reflect on the non-linear nature of personal growth, emphasizing persistence, patience, and the beauty of transformation through trial and error.

45:00 - Defining Success
Andrew vulnerably shares his evolving definition of success: balancing financial stability with appreciating life’s present joys and building meaningful relationships.

Memorable Quotes

• “We recreate when we go into the outdoors. It’s a holistic approach that resets the mind and body, opening the door for healing.” – Andrew Taylor
• “We want what you want—as long as it’s healthy. Our role is to help you create a path and break old patterns to reach your goals.” – Andrew Taylor
• “The growth process is messy. It’s not linear, and it requires persistence and grace—for yourself and others.” – Jake Knight

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