What happens when you're addicted to violence itself? John Graham shipped out on a freighter at 16, made the first ascent of Denali's North Wall at 20 (never repeated), and faced death dozens times—loving every minute. By 28, nothing mattered except his next dangerous adventure. Then came Vietnam. Setting up a firing squad during the 1971 Easter Offensive in Hue, ordering deaths of teenagers, John broke down weeping. Through encounter groups, he discovered the compassionate man beneath his "John Wayne image." At the UN, he used those warrior qualities for good—risking his career to help end apartheid. For 40 years with the Giraffe Heroes Project, he's inspired courage worldwide. "Pick up the corner of the rug you can pick up."John Graham is a leader of the Giraffe Heroes Project, inspiring courage globally for 40 years. A former US Foreign Service Officer for 15 years, he risked his career at the UN to help end apartheid in South Africa. From shipping out on a freighter at 16 to the first ascent of Denali's North Wall at 20, John transformed from adrenaline-addicted adventurer to global peacebuilder—negotiating with the Khmer Rouge, working on Israel/Palestine peace efforts, and saving the Everglades. Author of four books including the memoir "QUEST." Harvard and Stanford graduate.About The Show: The Life in Transition, hosted by Art Blanchford focuses on making the most of the changes we’re given every week. Art has been through hundreds of transitions in his life. Many have been difficult, but all have led to a depth and richness he could never have imagined. On the podcast Art explores how to create more love and joy in life, no matter what transitions we go through. Art is married to his lifelong partner, a proud father of three and a long-time adventurer and global business executive. He is the founder and leader of the Midlife Transition Mastery Community. Learn more about the MLTM Community here: www.lifeintransition.online.In This Episode: (00:00) The Firing Squad That Changed Everything(03:11) Vietnam: City of Hue and the Easter Offensive(08:55) Encounter Groups and Finding the Nice Guy(15:21) From Violent Adventurer to UN Peacemaker(19:39) MidLife Transition Mastery Ad(21:39) Double-Crossing the Government to End Apartheid(32:15) Listen to Your Heart—Walk in the Woods(37:20) Meeting Ann Medlock and the Giraffe Heroes Project(41:02) Transition Mastery Coaching Ad(42:47) Who is the Giraffe Project for?(51:17) Breaking Free From False Identity(56:04) Connect With John GrahamLike, subscribe, and send us your comments and feedback.Resources:Personal Website: johngraham.orgGiraffe Heroes Project: giraffe.orgSocial Media: "Badass Granddad" on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube (search "badass granddad" with two D's)Books by John Graham:"QUEST: Risk, Adventure, and the Search for Meaning" (memoir, also available as audiobook)"Stick Your Neck Out: A Street-smart Guide to Creating Change in Your Community and Beyond""Denali Diary" (first-person account of the first ascent of Denali's North Wall)"Outdoor Leadership"Email Art BlanchfordLife in Transition WebsiteLife in Transition on IGLife in Transition on FBJoin Our Community: https://www.lifeintransition.online/My new book PURPOSEFUL LIVING is out now. Order it now: https://www.amazon.com/PURPOSEFUL-LIVING-Wisdom-Coming-Complex/dp/1963913922Explore our website https://lifeintransitionpodcast.com/ for more in-depth information and resources, and to download the 8-step guide to mastering mid-life transitions.The views and opinions expressed on the Life In Transition podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Life In Transition Podcast, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2025.

Ver todos los episodios