From Antarctic Pararescue to Middle East Treks: A Life of Extreme Adventure & Purpose

Episode #0046

Alright, folks, if you've just listened to the latest episode with the absolutely phenomenal Wells Jones, or maybe you're just diving in after reading this, let me tell you: what a ride! I mean, we covered so much ground in that conversation, and even then, I felt like we barely scratched the surface of the incredible life Wells has lived. It got me thinking, and as I often do after these conversations, I just had to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, as it were) and share some more of my reflections with you.

From Humble Beginnings to "You Can Do This"

Wells started out talking about his childhood, born on an army base, and then moving to Vermont. His father, an army officer, sadly passed away when Wells was just 11. Can you imagine? Six kids, and suddenly, his mother was a single parent. This isn't just a story of hardship; it's a testament to incredible resilience, especially his mother's. Wells recounted how they literally had to "figure it out." Money was scarce, and he even mentioned growing up hungry, with his mother feeding a family of eight on ten dollars a week! Unbelievable, right?

This part of his story really struck me, especially when I brought up the contrast with living in Germany, where the social safety net is so extensive. We talked about "citizens' money" and how the government covers everything from rent to food, sometimes inadvertently reducing the incentive for people to re-enter the workforce. It’s a completely different world from the one Wells grew up in.

But here’s the kicker: his mother didn't just survive; she instilled an incredible sense of self-reliance in her children. Wells shared that pivotal moment when she told him, "I think you can do this," and handed him a coffee tin full of bent nails to build a barn door at age 11. No YouTube tutorials back then, no Google for "how to build a barn door." Just a boy, some bent nails, and an unwavering belief from his mother. That simple phrase – "I think you can do this" – became a guiding principle for him. It's not about being told what to do, but being empowered to figure it out yourself. And let me tell you, that barn door was so heavy, it took three guys to hang it! Laughter aside, that's where the foundation for his future adventures was laid.

A Leap of Faith into the Unknown: Antarctica and Beyond

Wells's journey isn't a linear path, not by a long shot. After high school, instead of going to college, he joined the Navy. Why? Because he needed an adventure, a way to see the world beyond rural Vermont. And boy, did he get one! He ended up in Antarctica as part of the Antarctic Paraskew team. Yes, you heard that right – skydiving over the South Pole!

He described jumping out of a C-130 into a minus 59-degree airstream, free-falling, and learning to control his life in the most extreme conditions. The focus, the responsibility, the sheer exhilaration of it all – it was mind-blowing. He talked about the relentless cold, the challenge of navigating whiteouts, and the primitive communication methods of the time. Imagine calling home via a ham radio operator, having to say "over" after every sentence just to say hello to your mom! It makes our instant messaging and video calls feel like something out of a sci-fi movie.

What's wild is how these extreme experiences fueled his later transitions. From the ice to the stage! His mother, again, played a pivotal role, suggesting he try acting. He even chuckled recalling her saying, "You were wonderful in that play," when he had no lines! But she saw something in him – a presence, a natural ability. And it wasn't about being a "white bread" actor (a term his agent used, which he found "disgusting" at the time, but was a compliment for his typecasting back then!). It was about learning to be truly present and yourself in the moment, a lesson he learned the hard way from an instructor who constantly challenged him. His acting career, funded by commercial gigs (he was "always having a beer commercial running," he told me!), allowed him to explore the craft he loved for 15 years.

The "Taps on the Shoulder" and Embracing Flow

Wells's life is a living embodiment of what he calls "taps on the shoulder" – opportunities that come your way, often unexpectedly. He quoted Churchill, and it's so profound: "To each that comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing unique to them and fitting to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour."

This philosophy resonates deeply with me, and it's something I often talk about on the show. It's about being open, prepared, and ready to say "yes" when those moments arrive. His shift from acting to directing major productions, including a Jazz Nativity at Lincoln Center and a show at the Kennedy Center with legendary figures like James Earl Jones and Dionne Warwick, wasn't something he aggressively pursued. It was a tap, an invitation to apply his unique skills in a new context.

He found "flow" in this work – that state of complete engagement where time disappears. It's about being instinctively led, learning constantly, and not being afraid to admit "mistakes" (which he rightly reframes as "lessons"). This flow guided him through running a high-profile foundation in D.C. (working with Alma Powell!), and even a PBS show called "Money Hunt" which, like many during the dot-com bust, had some valuable "on paper" assets vanish overnight!

Connecting the Past to the Future: The Reflekta Project

This dedication to being present, learning, and flowing has led him to his current, incredibly fascinating venture: Reflekta, with his long-time friend Miles. Wells is excited about leveraging AI (ChatGPT-5, no less!) for good, and not, as some of his friends fear, for job destruction. He sees it as having "1,000 interns at my disposal."

The core idea of Reflekta is brilliant: connecting the past with the present. Imagine being able to upload a loved one's photos, stories, and even their voice, and then have a conversation with them. Wells shared a deeply moving example of talking to Miles's deceased father, Art, and hearing his voice, his nuanced responses. It's a way to preserve legacies, to pass down stories, and to feel connected across time. I always thought an "online obituary" was a good idea, but this takes it to a whole new level. It truly feels like the closest we've come to moving a consciousness into the cloud. It's not just technology; it's deeply human.

The Unthinkable Trek: The Middle East Adventure

And finally, how could I not dedicate a moment to his Middle East trek? Inspired by a play about T.E. Lawrence and the complexities of the region, Wells and Miles decided they had to walk the path. They prepared for eight months, studying Arabic, planning routes, and getting kidnap and ransom insurance. Yes, you heard that right – kidnap and ransom insurance!

They were confronted with the news that a hotel they planned to stay in had been bombed by terrorists just days before their departure. A wedding party, no less. Did they back out? Not a chance. Wells said, "We were always going." That conviction, that unwavering commitment in the face of such profound danger, speaks volumes about his character. This wasn't just a physical journey; it was a journey of understanding, following Lawrence's path from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Damascus, Syria, to deepen their comprehension for the play they were developing.

What’s Your Tap?

Listening to Wells, it’s impossible not to be inspired by his spirit of adventure, his resilience, and his openness to life's unexpected turns. He embodies the idea that life isn't about meticulously planning every step, but about being prepared, listening for those "taps on the shoulder," and having the courage to lean into the flow.

What about you? What "taps" have you received in your life? Did you hop on that train, or did it pass you by? Wells's story is a powerful reminder that every challenge, every unexpected detour, can be a lesson, a stepping stone to your next great adventure.

I truly hope you'll take the time to listen to the full episode if you haven't already. Wells Jones is a true force of nature, and his insights are invaluable.

Until next time, keep listening, keep learning, and keep an ear out for those taps on your shoulder!

🎙️ Listen to the full conversation on Whereabouts Tales — available on Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.