Coming soon: Those Who Wander
A newsletter for readers who want to learn about travel, why we seek adventure, and how to incorporate more of it into our lives.
Greetings! I am Justin, an anthropologist and archaeologist. I’m currently in the midst of publishing my first book An Anthropology of Wandering: How Adventure Can Alleviate a Fearful Culture.
In 2014, my partner (now wife) Hilary and I backpacked the Appalachian Trail. We wrote a blog titled Those Who Wander, documenting our journey, thoughts on travel and adventure, and reflections from many of those we encountered on the trail. What emerged from our experiences was a years-long project to better understand a central question: why do we humans yearn for travel and adventure and how does society and culture either restrict or encourage us to travel and explore? Furthermore, what is the relationship between our fears and our lack of adventure and how do we learn to better structure adventure into our lives? I’ve wanted to revive that blog for some time and have finally found the time to do that here on Substack.
I’m launching this newsletter to promote my forthcoming book and other writing on topics of anthropology, archaeology, travel, and adventure. But more importantly, I am doing this because I am seeking a community of readers, writers, and fellow travelers who know how vital “seeing the world” is to our individual and societal well-being. I believe adventure is not simply a luxurious vacation or recreation only a few well-to-do people get to experience, but something far more accessible, consequential, and valuable than we realize.
Here’s what you can expect: new blog posts in short and long forms that explore a range of topics from the meaning of travel and adventure in society to the history and relevance of anthropology and archaeology in today’s world. Additional content will include excerpts from my upcoming book. I also want Those Who Wander to be a resource for readers to further explore these topics on their own, so I will provide plenty of links to essential scholars, authors, ideas, and books I believe are worth reading. Quick disclaimer: while many of the books mentioned in posts link directly to purchasable products, I do not receive any commission from their sale.
I will be sending a free weekly newsletter to all subscribers every Friday morning, but if you like what you are reading and want access to additional content that will include extra posts, all excerpts from my upcoming book, and access to the full archive of content, please consider upgrading to the full subscription. Additionally, paid subscriptions will grant you the ability to comment, engage in group discussions, and provide the opportunity for ‘Ask Me Anything’ posts and open submissions for ideas from readers for future content.
In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for my launch post, Motives of Those Who Wander: Starting With Why. Once subscribed, all future posts and updates will arrive in your email inbox.
Please stay tuned for updates and consider supporting this project in whatever way seems fair. Moreover, spread the word about Those Who Wander to others who might enjoy some introspection on travel and adventure.
Cheers! -JSB