J.R. Harris has been backpacking long distances for more than 50 years in some of the most remote wilderness areas in the world, unsupported and mostly alone. He is on the Board of Directors for the 116-year-old Explorers Club, and is the Chairman for the Club’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. He is also a keynote speaker. J.R. believes diversity, equity, and inclusion will increase the number of people who will spend time in nature and therefore appreciate and protect our public lands and open spaces. His objective is to share his experiences to hopefully motivate others to pursue a healthy outdoors lifestyle. He has written numerous articles about his experiences in the outdoors, as well as the book, Way Out There: Adventures of a Wilderness Trekker. Topics covered in this episode: James Pierson Beckwourth (1798 or 1800 – 1866 or 1867). He was an American fur trapper, explorer, mountain man, innkeeper, author, storyteller, scout, guide, and more. He’s known for being one of the few African American mountain men, on the American Western Frontier. Matthew Alexander Henson (1866 – 1955) was an American explorer who accompanied Robert Peary on seven voyages to the Arctic over a period of nearly 23 years. He is best known for his participation in the 1908 –1909 expedition that reached the geographic North Pole on April 6, 1909. Henson was the first of their party to reach the pole. To learn more about J.R. Harris and his work, head over to their www.jrinthewilderness.com & Instagram @jrinthewilderness This episode is supported by LEKI, makers of the world’s best poles since 1948.  www.Leki.com & Instagram @lekiusa We hope you enjoyed this episode. Come check us out at www.UnlikelyStoriesPodcast.com & Instagram @UnlikelyStoriesPodcast