![]() ![]() Jungle environments bring out my inner Tarzan and I feel quite at home, but I get challenged with the number of insects and creatures that like to make a meal out of your skin. In expansive desert environments I often get pushed with lack of water and endurance needed to make long stretches without food or water. ![]() When I surrender to any environment or place myself in a survival challenge, I get pushed in different ways. In order to stay for long periods alone in the wild, you must feel a sense of belonging.ĪSG: Of all the environments that you have been exposed to, which pushed you to the furthest limits physically and mentally? The logical mind says, “I need lots of gear to survive long term.“ For some this may be the case, however an excess of technology will make you feel like a foreign visitor in the wild, like an alien on another planet. For me, I had to feel a deep connection with the land to spend long periods of time alone in it. Primitive hunting weapons have always fascinated Matt, and he uses them regularly when spending long stretches of time alone in the wilderness.ĪSG: On that same subject, how would you recommend to a normal Joe how to prepare for long-term isolation from other people? Rewinding humanity in an advancing technological existence is a process that needs gentle massaging. I feel most alive when I’m raw with the land, and I’d love others to see their connection with the earth too. Even though I’ve spent up to six months at a time alone in the wilderness, I had always felt like it was a short amount of time in the grand spectrum of my life. I’m very social as well, and I also thrive when pushing myself, and immersing deep into the land. MG: Truth is, it’s a bit of a conundrum at times for me. Was it a challenge for you to spend long amounts of time without interacting with other people? He carries a minimal amount of gear, so his bond with the surroundings is true and authentic.ĪSG: Humans are naturally social animals. ![]() However, the experience of having a group work cohesively together in a wilderness environment may be one of the best feelings ever! Matt feels most alive when immersed in nature. They have all taught me many things along my journey to becoming a teacher myself and have become good friends since.ĪSG: What, for you, is ideal while living under survival conditions? To be alone, with a partner, or in a small group? Immediately I fell in love with the land and met several mentors-to name a few: Breck Crystal, Dave Wescott, David Holiday. Nonetheless, I tied a few things to my bicycle and peddled over from California. I saw an ad in a magazine for Boulder Outdoor Survival School, but it was in Utah! I had never been there and didn’t own a car. In my early 20s, I was searching for a bigger community of people engaged in connected outdoor living. I spent the next few years wandering the Sierras on foot and practicing these skills. He also made beautiful sinew-backed juniper Ishi-style bows, processed acorns, and would make elaborate carrying nets from milkweed or dogbane fiber! I was a climber and mountain runner at the time, but this exposure had me take a deeper look at my interaction with nature. ![]() The curator taught me how to make my first friction fire. I would often sit for hours watching the Miwok woman - I believe her name was Lucy - making baskets and long beautiful cordage from milkweed fibers. I had moved to the valley to climb when I was 17. The first two people that really gave me some insight and inspiration to native skills were a curator at a museum in Yosemite National Park and a native Miwok woman living there. Some in major ways, and some more subtle. MATT GRAHAM: If I look back, there have probably been many people that have influenced my path with nature. In our exclusive interview, Matt opened up to ASG about his survival philosophy, what pushes him to his uppermost limits, and why he always has that never-fail, big smile on his face.ĪMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE: Who influenced you to explore the wide world of nature in general and survival specifically? Because of this, he is in demand on screen and as a consultant behind the scenes of such notable television shows such as “Dual Survival,” “Living Wild,” “Dude, You’re Screwed,” “Survivorman” and “The Amazing Race.” Matt’s minimalistic style is found in his skills and techniques and is even reflected in his clothing. With such specialized skills and outside-the-box mindset, Matt has become one of today’s leading primitive survival experts. “WE NEVER KNOW WHAT HAND WE’LL BE DEALT AND SHOULD BE PREPARED TO CONFRONT ALL POSSIBILITIES.” ![]()
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