In this conversation, we delve into the extraordinary life of Dr. Craig Venter, a pioneering scientist renowned for his groundbreaking work sequencing the human genome and his inclusion among the world's most influential people in 2010. Dr. Venter's journey from nearly failing high school to serving as a medical corpsman in the Vietnam War underscores his early exposure to life's precariousness, igniting his fervor for meaningful scientific exploration. His passion for surfing mirrors his approach to life and science—a relentless pursuit of the next wave of discovery characterized by a willingness to embrace risks. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Venter candidly shares how his near-death experiences have profoundly shaped his outlook and professional trajectory. From navigating the challenges of his youth and serving in Vietnam to embodying an adventurous spirit as a surfer, his life story is a poignant testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact of taking risks in pursuing knowledge. Dr. Venter's narrative underscores the importance of perseverance and highlights how individual journeys can catalyze significant advancements in our understanding of the natural world. Books by Robert Edward Grant https://bit.ly/3MvlXVJ Connect with Craig Venter Website: https://www.jcvi.org/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3TVYG3Z Connect with Robert Grant: YouTube - https://bit.ly/3XLP3U6 Instagram - http://bit.ly/3WvjXPD Facebook - https://bit.ly/3kI0tKt Website - http://bit.ly/40173M3 Subscribe to the Robert Edward Grant Podcast: Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3DdnMSv Apple Podcast - https://apple.co/3iYjt6X YouTube - http://bit.ly/40dm2Tt