Content warning - this episode contains discussions around suicide and also his diagnosis which may be a spoiler if you haven't read his new book 'The Search'
This episode explores resilience in the face of a life-shortening illness, as well as mountain rescue teams, search dog companion and being a casualty on a mountain too.
“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” ― Marcus Aurelius
Paul Besley is a writer, outdoor enthusiast, and former Mountain Rescue team member whose new book, The Search, is out now with Vertebrate Publishing. The book focusses on his training and work with his search dog Scout, but ultimately is about so much more.
Paul began exploring the British countryside as a schoolboy in the 1970s, developing a lifelong fascination with the interaction between humans and the land. His writing delves into how the physical environment shapes us and how we, in turn, respond. Through his books, including Day Walks in the South Pennines, 1001 Walking Tips, and his new book The Search, Paul has inspired countless people to embrace the simplicity and joy of walking—whether in national parks, the urban landscape, or the countryside right outside their door.
But Paul’s story is about far more than walking. Diagnosed with a lifelong condition, he has faced significant personal challenges with remarkable strength. He’s also seen firsthand the fragility of life through his work in Mountain Rescue, encountering tragedies, while finding resilience in himself and his team.
---
You can find out more about Paul Besley and his work
Website: https://paulbesley.uk
Instagram: @paulbesleywrite and @tricolourscout
Twitter: @paulbesleywrite
Buy his Book: The Search
---
If you'd like to support the work that goes into making this podcast and get a weekly newsletter plus loads more content including behind the scenes of the podcast, please consider subscribing to the Substack page - Find out more at https://jenscotney1.substack.com
Resilience Rising Podcast is hosted by Jen Scotney @jenscotney
Find us at:
Instagram: @resiliencerisingpodcast
Website: www.jenscotney.com
Twitter: @ResilienceRPod
Facebook: Resilience Rising Podcast
Email: theresiliencerisingpodcast@gmail.com
Popular Podcasts
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.