National Geographic Explorer and professional truant.
WHAT’S YOUR MOTTO?
This is the best day of my life.
WHAT’S ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND?
A 25 year old Bose clock radio with LED display.
WHAT GIVES YOU GOOSE BUMPS?
Winter open-water swimming in Minnesota.
WHAT IS YOUR BAD DAY BACKUP PLAN?
I have 5 friends (my Moai) who I can talk to about anything. I’ll go down the list.
WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR?
I’ve invented a cool life and now I get to live it.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
Doing what you love most days and having it benefit others.
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
George Plimpton told me the secret to a good party is beautiful women and glassware. I’ve found that to be true.
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER GIVEN?
Not to give it but rather advise by example.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW THAT YOU ARE EXCITED ABOUT?
Blue Zones of Happiness. I found the happiest places on earth and I’m distilling their secrets.
HOW DO YOU PRESS PAUSE?
When it’s after midnight and another shot of tequila appears.
WHAT DID YOUR 8-YEAR-OLD SELF LOVE DOING?
I led mini expeditions to Kitty Woods (a large overgrown vacant lot) where we believed a witch lived.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE MAGIC POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
To travel back and forth in time.
WHAT MAKES YOU FORGET TO EAT?
Malaria.
WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU GRAB IN A FIRE?
Depends where I am. Probably the person next to me.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE – YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE?
Cycled across the Sahara without sunscreen.
FAVORITE WORD?
Splendiferous. I like the way it sounds.
FAVORITE WORK OF ART?
“Espiru” an aquatint done inspired by a Catalan poet and done by Joan Miro. I used my college loan to buy it when I was 19
FAVORITE BOOK?
Herman Hesse’s Journey to the East It’s a short, engaging fable about the hidden power of service.
To learn more about Dan, visit Blue Zones and follow him on:
