EPISODES

In this episode of the Explorer Albert podcast, host Albert Lin sits down with Mark T. Bertolini, the CEO of Oscar Health and a former leader of Aetna, to explore an extraordinary journey through unimaginable pain and resilience.

Journey into the mystical world of Icelandic and Nordic folklore with The Explorer Albert podcast, as Albert sits down with renowned expert Prof. Terry Gunnell. From the gripping origins of Iceland's mythical tales to the enchanting whispers of ancient gods, discover how these stories helped early settlers make sense of their new, sulfur-scented land. Uncover the cosmic connections between time, space, and rebirth, and see how these timeless themes resonate across cultures.

In this episode of the podcast, Albert and his guest, Dr. Richard Davidson, explore the fascinating boundary between the brain and the body. Dr. Davidson holds the prestigious titles of William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is the Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds. A close friend and confidante of the Dalai Lama, he is a highly esteemed expert and speaker. Albert and Dr. Davidson discuss some of his research on death and dying, including the Tibetan Buddhist practice of "thukdam," a meditative state that advanced practitioners can enter at the time of death. Dr. Davidson also shares his view that the brain does not die at the same time as the body and offers Albert valuable advice as he copes with the impending death of a close friend.

From tagging giant rhinos in Africa to surfing perfect barrels at Kelly Slater's ranch, on this episode of the podcast, Albert is joined by a guest who is continuously pushing the boundaries in everything she does. At just 17 years of age, Liv Stone won her first International Surfing Association (ISA) World Para Surfing Championship Gold Medal. A congenital, bilateral, above- the-elbow amputee with two fingers on each of her small hands, Liv is a powerful advocate for her community of people with disabilities, partnering with Lego, Toyota, Adobe, and many more. In her conversation with Albert, the two discuss how the water is Liv’s happy place where she can disconnect from school and life. Liv speaks about her use of “aquatic prosthetics” for paddling out when she is surfing, and Albert and Liv chew on just what keeps them going out to chase crazy waves day after day. Liz also highlights her passion for animal advocacy and conservation, sharing the various career paths she is considering after graduating from college.

It’s a psychedelic episode of the podcast as Albert is joined by the legendary Wade Davis. Davis is an ethnographer, writer, photographer, filmmaker and speaker that has spent over three years in the Amazon and Andes as a plant explorer, living among 15 indigenous groups while making some 6000 botanical collections. In their conversation, Albert and Wade talk about the psychedelic effects and potential benefits of the many different plants and substances Wade has experimented with, specifically Wade’s favorite, a cactus called San Pedro. Wade also tells Albert a few incredible stories from his extensive travels, including lighting himself on fire to prove his worth to a secret society, and uncovering real life zombies. Throughout the conversation the two remind listeners that showing up with an open mind is the key to seeing into the soul of another culture.

On this episode of the Explorer Albert Podcast we welcome Mike Coots, a true champion whose remarkable journey from surviving a tiger shark attack to becoming a leading advocate for shark conservation is nothing short of inspiring. Not only has Mike demonstrated incredible resilience and passion in his advocacy work, but he has also defied the odds as an exceptional surfer despite losing part of his leg in the attack. His story serves as a beacon of hope and determination for all. Through his recent book "Shark" and his stunning photography, Mike challenges us to rethink our perceptions of sharks and to recognize their beauty and importance in our ecosystem. His courage and determination have left a profound impact, inspiring not only our listeners but also our host, Albert, who was motivated by Mike's example to pursue surfing. Don't miss this captivating episode as we explore Mike's extraordinary journey and celebrate the profound impact of his unwavering spirit.

On this episode of the Explorer Albert podcast, join us for an adventurous journey from the peaks of the highest mountains to the depths of the deepest caves with archaeologist, rock climber, storyteller, and teacher, Arcelia Garcia. Since 2004, Arcelia has adeptly combined her rock climbing and alpine skills to explore some of Mexico's most inaccessible archaeological sites, including high mountains where the Mexica made offerings, deep caves of the Maya, and vertical cliffs where the ancient Zoque people dwelled. In a fascinating conversation with host Albert Lin, Arcelia delves into our relationship with caves and the intrinsic connection between nature and humanity. They share insights from their exploration of the ancient Maya world, highlighting the significance of stalactites as indicators of nearby symbolic offerings. Arcelia also reflects on her "flow state" reconstructing experiences from 700 years ago, and advocates for slowing down to deeply connect with nature.

Embark on a thrilling journey with host Albert Lin and his guest as they venture back 30,000 years into a remote Bornean cave on the latest episode of the Explorer Albert podcast. Joining him is esteemed bioarchaeologist and palaeopathologist, Dr. Melandri Vlok, whose groundbreaking research in prehistoric Asia-Pacific has unveiled astonishing insights into our ancient past. Delving into the mysteries of a remarkable skeleton and some of the world's oldest rock art, Dr. Vlok shares her captivating journey inspired by the TV show "Bones" to her profound exploration of ancient civilizations. Together, they unravel the secrets of a primitive amputation, revealing the remarkable evolutionary trait of kindness amidst injury within ancient tribes. From the collective knowledge and care within these communities to Dr. Vlok's poignant reflections on piecing back humanity through bones, prepare for a riveting conversation that transcends time.

On this episode of the Explorer Albert podcast, host Dr. Albert Lin sits down with Joe Steel and Duncan Lees from Visualskies. Joe and Duncan are some of the world's leading experts in spatial media and Albert’s go-to LiDAR crew. Recognizable from their adventures on Lost Cities, where they've accompanied Albert in uncovering ancient pyramids and uncharted civilizations around the globe, the trio shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes and highlights from their collaborative journey. Discover the cutting-edge advancements in LiDAR technology and stay tuned for an exciting reveal of the team’s more groundbreaking discoveries, some of which have never graced television screens before.

Dive into the mysterious world of the Picts with Kelly Kilpatrick, a linguist and explorer, on the second episode of the "Explorer Albert" series. Unravel the enigmatic story of the Picts, ancient inhabitants of Northern Scotland, known for their fierce resistance against the Romans and their cryptic stone carvings. In this episode, Kelly shares her groundbreaking work decoding the Pictish language, revealing insights into a civilization that has long captivated historians and archaeologists alike. Join us for an intriguing conversation that spans Celtic history, archaeological adventures, and the unlocking of ancient secrets that could rewrite our understanding of early European cultures.

In this first episode of the "Explorer Albert" podcast, host Albert delves into the fascinating world of archaeology and exploration with his guest, Dr. Tom Garrison, a pioneer in the use of LIDAR technology in uncovering ancient Maya civilizations. Dr. Garrison shares his experiences and groundbreaking discoveries in Guatemala, highlighting the significant impact of LIDAR in archaeology. This episode offers insights into the challenges and thrills of exploration, the collaborative nature of archaeological work, and the profound connections between past and present.