JRE #566 – Sue Aikens

10/23/2014




This Joe Rogan podcast featuring Sue Aikens provides a fascinating glimpse into a life of extreme isolation and adventure in the Alaskan wilderness. It highlights the challenges and rewards of living a remote and independent lifestyle, where self-reliance and resilience are paramount. Aikens’ tales of encounters with bears, wolves, and wolverines offer a thrilling account of nature’s raw power and the human spirit’s ability to adapt.

Provocative topics include Aikens’ unique approach to wildlife, including her bear hunting practices, her unconventional method for disposing of human waste, and her controversial position on property ownership in the Arctic. Underlying themes explore the allure of extreme isolation, the importance of self-reliance, and the need to push the boundaries of human endurance.

1. Life 197 Miles North of the Arctic Circle:

  • Sue Aikens lives in Kavik, Alaska, 197 miles north of the Arctic Circle, in extreme isolation.
  • Her closest city with a Walmart is 500 miles south, and her camp is the most remote location featured on the “Life Below Zero” TV series.
  • Aikens’ motto is “If it hurts, don’t think about it,” reflecting her attitude toward overcoming challenges and embracing the unpredictability of her environment.
  • She describes her lifestyle as an extension of her early childhood desire for extreme isolation, and she thrives on the constant challenges and risks of living in such a remote and harsh location.

2. The Wildlife of the Alaskan Wilderness:

  • Aikens shares thrilling accounts of wildlife encounters, including witnessing a pack of wolves take down a grizzly bear and her own experience of being attacked by a bear.
  • She describes the wolverines that inhabit her area as persistent and aggressive, and she explains how she has to take measures to discourage them from damaging her property.
  • Aikens highlights the importance of understanding the behavior of predators in order to coexist with them, and she acknowledges that living in such a remote location requires an acceptance of the risk of death.
  • She shares anecdotes about the mating habits of wolves and bears, including the unfortunate fact that bears are cannibalistic and will often eat their own cubs.

3. The Challenges of Property Ownership in the Arctic:

  • Aikens is not allowed to own property on the North Slope as a Caucasian, a fact that she accepts as a challenge inherent to her lifestyle.
  • She leases land from the state and operates a profitable business in order to continue living there.
  • Her camp is made up of temporary structures, such as tents and trailers, to ensure that everything is mobile in case her lease is terminated.
  • This unique set of rules highlights the complex and sometimes conflicting relationship between human settlement and the environment in the Arctic.

4. Navigating the Harsh Alaskan Climate:

  • Aikens describes the extreme cold and wind of the Arctic, explaining how she copes with temperatures that can drop below -100 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • She shares her strategies for staying warm, including wearing multiple layers of fur clothing and using battery-powered fans to circulate heat in her tent.
  • She also discusses the challenges of maintaining a camp in such a harsh environment, including clearing snow from her runway and preparing for flooding in the spring.
  • Aikens demonstrates her knowledge of the natural world, explaining how she can predict weather patterns by observing the behavior of plants and animals.

5. Running a Sustainable Business in the Oilfield:

  • Aikens operates a “twisted bed and breakfast” at Kavik, which is located in the middle of an oilfield.
  • She is committed to making her camp 100% green, utilizing solar panels, wind turbines, and a battery bank to reduce her reliance on fossil fuels.
  • She has significantly reduced her fuel consumption through efficiency measures, such as improving her electrical system and minimizing the use of extension cords.
  • Aikens’ commitment to sustainability highlights the importance of finding innovative solutions to balance human needs with environmental preservation.

6. The Importance of Communication in Isolation:

  • Aikens recognizes the importance of communication, even while embracing isolation.
  • She installed an Internet system at her camp, using a satellite dish and a geological technique to bounce the signal off bedrock to ensure reliable connectivity.
  • She maintains a strong connection with her children and grandchildren through social media and a unique system of communication using finger counts.
  • This highlights that isolation does not mean complete disconnection, and that maintaining relationships is crucial, even for those who seek solitude.

7. The Allure of Isolation and the Power of Self-Reliance:

  • Aikens explains that her isolation is not a result of running away from something but rather a choice to embrace a lifestyle that she enjoys.
  • She describes the sense of pride and achievement that comes from overcoming the challenges of her lifestyle.
  • Aikens emphasizes the importance of knowing yourself, your limitations, and working within those boundaries.
  • She argues that living in isolation requires a level of self-reliance and a willingness to face your fears.

8. The Impact of the “Life Below Zero” TV Show:

  • Aikens reveals that she was initially hesitant to participate in the “Life Below Zero” TV show, preferring to keep her lifestyle un-scripted.
  • She embraced the opportunity to share her life story, hoping to give her descendants a better understanding of who she was.
  • She acknowledges that being on the show has brought her some unwanted attention from people who are critical of her lifestyle but also highlights the positive interactions she has had with fans who are inspired by her story.
  • Aikens’ journey on “Life Below Zero” illustrates the complex and sometimes conflicting relationship between reality television and authentic living.

9. The Value of a Subsistence Lifestyle:

  • Aikens argues that the subsistence lifestyle offers a sense of purpose and connection that is often lacking in modern society.
  • She contrasts her own lifestyle with the more conventional ways of life of people who work in offices and live in cities, highlighting the benefits of being connected to nature and being your own boss.
  • She suggests that the subsistence lifestyle can offer a sense of freedom and autonomy that is difficult to find in a society that is increasingly driven by consumerism and technology.
  • Aikens’ experiences highlight the ongoing debate about the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life, and the potential for a return to a more simple and sustainable way of living.

10. The Power of Perspective:

  • Aikens emphasizes the importance of perspective, both in terms of her own lifestyle and her interactions with others.
  • She acknowledges that what may seem extreme or unconventional to some people is simply normal to her.
  • She encourages listeners to be mindful of their own biases and to be open to different ways of living.
  • Aikens’ perspective highlights the importance of understanding and appreciating the diversity of human experience.

5 Memorable Quotes:

  • “For me, as a human being being there, you know, I’ve got guns. I’ve got other things. But, you know, left to your own devices, I mean, we are nowhere near top predator.” – Aikens highlights the vulnerability of humans in the face of powerful predators.
  • “If you go to hell, I’m going home.” – Aikens illustrates her strong will and commitment to her chosen lifestyle despite facing hardship.
  • “My body is getting older. I’ve beat the hell out of it. I’m probably not gonna stop doing that.” – Aikens demonstrates her unwavering spirit and determination to continue living her adventurous life.
  • “You don’t connect with a wolverine. I mean, they’re…” – Aikens’ dry humor and blunt honesty make her a refreshing and entertaining storyteller.
  • “Life finds a way.” – Aikens’ final statement encapsulates her awe at the persistence of life in even the most inhospitable environments.


 

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