Welcome back to another episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast! Today I have Ann Bancroft with me on the show, one of the world's preeminent polar explorers and an internationally recognized leader who is dedicated to inspiring women and girls around the world to unleash the power of their dreams. Ann was the first woman to participate in and successfully finish expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. She shares her journey to becoming an explorer and how she followed her passion to find her purpose in life. Ann recalls some wonderful stories about her experience traveling across both North and South Poles and what she learned about life along the way. At the end of the episode, listen to a short story written by Parker James about a woman who takes her life in her hands and embarks on a dangerous expedition in the Swiss Alps named, The Haul Bag. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

[1:36] Ann tells us about her travels across the Antarctic.

[3:23] How did Ann’s desire to explore and travel come about?

[5:30] What drove Ann’s desire to explore the poles? What was Ann’s purpose for those trips?

[8:30] What did being the first woman at the top of the world feel like? What did it awake inside of Ann?

[10:22] What does Ann learn and teach about while out on expeditions? 

[14:22] Ann tells us a story that puts her expeditions and experience into context. 

[21:11] A short story, The Haul Bag, written and read by Parker James.


KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Following your passion and purpose allows you to discover what’s out there and there is the potential of falling into living by design.

Stories draw us together as humans, the common elements to our story will bring stories back from others and we can receive that connection. 

The journey’s we take in life are about no one other than ourselves. So much self discovery can come from the experience. Added bonus when you come back from the life changing experience and can share the story and learnings with others. 


Fiction Credits:
Short story written and read by: Parker James

BIO:
Ann Bancroft is one of the world's preeminent polar explorers and an internationally recognized leader who is dedicated to inspiring women and girls around the world to unleash the power of their dreams. Through her various roles as an explorer, educator, sought-after speaker and philanthropist, Ann believes that by sharing stories related to her dreams of outdoor adventure, she can help inspire a global audience to pursue their individual dreams.
Ann's teamwork and leadership skills have undergone severe tests during her polar expeditions and provided her with opportunities to shatter female stereotypes. The tenacity and courage that define her character have earned Ann worldwide recognition as one of today's most influential role models for women and girls. She has been named among Glamour magazine's "Women of the Year" (2001); featured in the book Remarkable Women of the Twentieth Century (1998); inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame (1995); named Ms. magazine's "Woman of the Year" (1987); and honored with numerous other awards for her accomplishments.
Ann Bancroft Foundation 
Bancroft Arnesen Explore Website
Bancroft Arnesen Explore Facebook