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Risk, Purpose, Legacy: John Graham on Living a Brave Life
Episode 114

Risk, Purpose, Legacy: John Graham on Living a Brave Life

The Running Wine Mom · Samantha Cieslinski, John Graham

September 9, 202556m 24s

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Show Notes

In this unforgettable episode of The Running Wine Mom, host Samantha Cieslinski sits down with John Graham—former U.S. diplomat, mountaineer, author, and Executive Director of the Giraffe Heroes Project.

John’s life is part Indiana Jones, part spiritual guide. From navigating revolutionary Libya and surviving a near-death battle in Vietnam, to climbing the perilous, never-again-attempted North Wall of Denali, his stories are gripping. But it’s the transformation—from thrill-seeking adrenaline junkie to global changemaker—that takes this conversation to another level.

We explore what real courage looks like, how to live a meaningful life, why service matters, and how sharing stories can move people more than lectures ever will. Oh, and yes—he has a TikTok channel called Badass Granddad, and it’s exactly what you think.

Whether you're facing a big life decision or just need a reminder of your own strength, this episode is for you.

🔗 LINKS

John Graham
🌍 Website: https://www.johngraham.org

📘 Book: Quest: Risk, Karma, and the Search for Meaning 
🦒 Giraffe Heroes Project: https://www.giraffe.org

🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@badassgranddad
📸 Instagram (Giraffe Heroes): https://www.instagram.com/giraffeheroes/

🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/giraffeheroes

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngrahamgiraffe

📧 Email: [email protected]

The Running Wine Mom – Samantha Cieslinski
🎙️ Website: https://www.therunningwinemom.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningwinemom_

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therunningwinemom

🎧 Subscribe: The Running Wine Mom

Topics

John GrahamGiraffe Heroes Projectcouragesticking your neck outreal-life heroesmountain climbingDenali north wallU.S. diplomatleadership under pressurefacing fearpurpose-driven livingheroismrisk and resiliencequiet braverypersonal growthpeace and conflictoutdoor leadershipliving with purposeglobal change agentsThe Running Wine MomSamantha Cieslinski podcastwomen in podcastinginterviews with changemakersinspirational podcast episodeDenali expedition story