Why'd You Think You Could Do That?
Why'd You Think You Could Do That?
Podcast Description
They’ve swum oceans, scaled mountains, launched empires, and shattered expectations. But before they did any of it, someone, maybe even themselves, thought: “You can’t do that.”
Hosted by Sam Penny, Why’d You Think You Could Do That? dives into the minds of people who said “screw it” and went for it anyway. From adventurers and elite athletes to wildcard entrepreneurs and creative renegades, each episode unpacks the one question they all have in common:
“What made you think you could do that?”
If you’re wired for more, haunted by big ideas, or just sick of playing it safe, this is your show.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes such as personal bravery, endurance, and pushing human limits, exemplified by episodes featuring individuals like blind adventurer Gerrard Gosens who shares about overcoming barriers and competing at the Paralympics, and Lazarus Lake, who discusses the psychological aspects of endurance events. It aims to challenge listeners’ perceptions of bravery and human potential through rich narratives and profound discussions.
They’ve swum oceans, scaled mountains, launched empires, and shattered expectations. But before they did any of it, someone, maybe even themselves, thought: “You can’t do that.”
Hosted by Sam Penny, Why’d You Think You Could Do That? dives into the minds of people who said “screw it” and went for it anyway. From adventurers and elite athletes to wildcard entrepreneurs and creative renegades, each episode unpacks the one question they all have in common:
“Why’d you think you could do that?”
If you’re wired for more, haunted by big ideas, or just sick of playing it safe, this is your show.
What makes an ordinary person attempt extraordinary things?
In this episode of Why’d You Think You Could Do That?, Sam Penny sits down with adventurer, filmmaker and Chartered Accountant Ian Evans. Ian has spent decades pushing beyond conventional limits, from climbing some of the world’s highest mountains and cycling across Australia to skiing 900 kilometres to the South Pole at nearly 60 years of age.
But Ian’s story isn’t about records, fame or elite athleticism.
It’s about curiosity, resilience and discovering what happens when you stop asking “Can I?” and start asking “Why not?”
Ian shares the lessons learned from mountaineering disasters, solo expeditions, rebuilding his life after losing almost everything, and creating the Elora Adventure Film Festival, a festival designed to inspire ordinary people to pursue extraordinary lives.
If you’ve ever felt the pull of adventure, wondered whether you’re capable of more, or needed a reminder that it’s never too late to start, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.
In This Episode
- Growing up in England and the early signs of a lifelong explorer
- Why Ian left school early and became a Chartered Accountant
- The childhood fascination with Shackleton, Scott and Antarctica
- Climbing Kilimanjaro and discovering a passion for adventure
- Pursuing the Seven Summits and lessons from high-altitude mountaineering
- Facing death, risk and fear on some of the world’s toughest mountains
- The terrifying fall on Mount Elbrus that changed everything
- Cycling solo across Australia and crossing the Nullarbor
- Why solitude can be one of life’s greatest teachers
- The power of stepping outside your comfort zone
- Skiing to the South Pole at nearly 60 years old
- The hidden mental cost of extreme expeditions
- Losing his marriage, career and nearly his life within 60 days
- Rebuilding from rock bottom using a simple whiteboard
- Creating the Elora Adventure Film Festival
- How storytelling inspires ordinary people to do extraordinary things
- Why adventure has nothing to do with age
- The difference between quitting and moving on
- What bravery really means
Memorable Quotes
“I choose something that I want to do, not that I can do.”
“The more you’re outside your comfort zone, the richer your life will be.”
“Anything’s possible. You don’t have to be talented. You just have to work on it.”
“The best expedition is the next one.””It’s never too late. It’s only too late if you decide it is.”
About Ian Evans
Ian Evans is a Canadian adventurer, speaker, filmmaker and former Chartered Accountant who has spent decades pursuing ambitious expeditions around the world.
His adventures have included climbing major peaks across multiple continents, cycling across Australia, skiing to the South Pole, flying aircraft, and producing the documentary Lunatic, which chronicles his Antarctic journey.
Today, Ian channels his passion for exploration into the Elora Adventure Film Festival, where he showcases inspiring stories of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things and encourages audiences to embrace adventure in their own lives.
Resources & Links
Ian Evans
- Website: ianevans.ca
- Elora Adventure Film Festival: eloraadventurefilmfestival.ca
Listen If You Want To Learn
- How to build confidence through action
- Why adventure is accessible to ordinary people
- How to overcome fear and self-doubt
- The role of discomfort in personal growth
- What extreme expeditions teach about life and business
- How storytelling can spark life-changing decisions
- Why it’s never too late to pursue a bold dream
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who needs a reminder that their next adventure might be closer than they think.
Disclaimer
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