Joel’s Journey: A Life Shaped by the Wild and Spirituality
Joel’s deep connection to the outdoors began in his childhood, growing up on the wild, untamed coastlines of South Africa and Tanzania. Living off the grid in remote, tropical locations, he was surrounded by a rich diversity of wildlife and natural landscapes—experiences that ignited a lifelong passion for survival and self-sufficiency.
For over a decade, Joel has traveled the world, exploring more than 40 countries and crossing oceans as a professional crew member. His journey took him to some of the most isolated corners of the Earth, where he hiked, camped, and paddled through deserts, jungles, alpine peaks, and temperate forests. Joel has trained in the most extreme survival conditions and tested himself in the wild with little more than a knife, a water bottle, and the clothes on his back. For him, there is no substitute for real-world experience—this is the foundation of his approach to teaching.
Joel’s life has also been marked by a deep spiritual journey, focusing on ancestral wisdom and personal transformation. Over the years, he has completed many vision quests, seeking guidance and clarity through solitude, nature, and his connection to God. These transformative experiences have shaped his worldview and approach to survival, teaching him the importance of balance between mind, body, and spirit.
In 2015, Joel began sharing his expertise by training people in survival skills on the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation in San Diego, California. He then relocated the school to Central Oregon. His students have come from all walks of life—military personnel, firefighters, Boy Scouts, school children, celebrities, physically disabled individuals, and contestants from popular survival shows. His teachings emphasize practical, hands-on knowledge, as well as the spiritual wisdom he has gained, always encouraging students to approach the wild with an open mind and heart.
Joel’s survival expertise has been showcased on Discovery Channel’s Bushcraft Build-Off (Episode 3), History Channel’s Alone Season 7, and Alone: The Skills Challenge. He is also the co-host of the In the Bush podcast with his good friend Cole Wilks, where they explore the skills, stories, and philosophies behind living in harmony with nature.