In this special episode, Jen and Dyana take a deep dive into the life of Retired U.S. Navy Captain Paul Pampuro who served as a submarine commanding officer of the USS Asheville (SSN 758). After 38 years of service, Paul transitioned to thru-hiking, completing iconic trails such as the Appalachian Trail, the Colorado Trail, Machu Picchu, and Kilimanjaro. The episode explores his remarkable underwater career and highlights the grit, determination, mental toughness, patience, tolerance, and positivity that have shaped his journey.
NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:
5:32How Jen (oddly) knows Paul
9:0538 years in the military to...freedom
11:02What drew Paul to the military and to serve on nuclear submarines
18:18What it's like going underwater in a submarine for the first time
21:30Paul's first time at sea as a commanding officer
31:17Biggest challenges of being underwater for months at a time and how it can shape a personality
34:40The mental challenges of being out to sea
41:04The shift from military to thru-hiking
46:24The 3 things everyone should do daily
48:31Why Paul chose to hike the Appalachian Trail
54:54Comparing the military community vs trail community
1:01:31Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro
1:06:00Advice for veterans (and others) who suffer from PTSD using the wilderness to help heal
1:12:45Paul's mantra
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