Mike BledsoeCanadian-born Valentine Thomas is a trained lawyer who worked in finance in London for six years before leaving it all to travel the world and spread the word about eating and fishing responsibly. She’s a Freediving Instructor with PADI, professional traveller, accomplished chef, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur and soon-to-be cookbook author.
Learn why a trained lawyer left her cushy job and life in London to live in her car before becoming a free-diver, spear-fisher, chef, and sustainable fishing and eating advocate. We discuss the risks and joys of working in the ocean; the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated profession; how she got over a near-drowning and subsequent fear of the water by becoming a freediving instructor; tips on how to hunt, shop, and eat sustainably and ethically; and why it’s important to spend your time doing what you love (even if it’s risky).
Episode Breakdown:
4-16 Why Valentine quit her lucrative career to become a spearfisher and free diver, and what it takes to learn these challenging and dangerous skills
17–25: Why hunting is a primal, and deeply respectful, part of human nature, and how to get people to care more about ethical eating– whether you’re vegan, carnivore, or anywhere in between
25-36: We talk about the realities and challenges of her life (despite the glamorous Instagram account), including sleeping in her car, having a voice in a male-dominated world, and maintaining relationships when you’re never in one place
36–54: All about risks: how Valentine overcame near -drowning and a deathly fear of the water (including severe anxiety and agoraphobia) to enjoy a life spent almost entirely in the water; a discussion on the inherent risks and rewards of stepping outside the box of what’s expected of you and doing what truly makes you happy
54: Helpful tips on the best and worst fish to eat as well as how we can all make the best food choices for ourselves and the planet
The Bledsoe Show
The Bledsoe Show (Mike’s personal show) is back! Check out new episodes and the new website at TheBledsoeShow.com
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Train smart,
Mike, Doug and Anders
Anders Varner
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