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- Planet Walker
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- James Mills
In 1971 John Francis witnessed a catastrophic oil spill in San Francisco Bay. The greasy black sludge that coated resident sea life and stained nearby beaches left an indelible impression him as well. As a young man at the dawn of the environmental movement he felt compelled to act. But what can one person do to change a society bent on its own destruction?
Left with little to do that would make a difference in world Francis abandoned all forms of motorized transport. He started walking. But still hoping to make an impact on his community and himself Francis took his devotion a step future and swore a vow of silence. For 17 years he did not utter a word. And yet he still managed to earn college and graduate degrees in science and environmental studies.
Dr. John Francis went on to become the United Nation’s goodwill ambassador to the world’s grassroots communities and the U.S. Government hired him to help establish policies for the management of oil spills.Also in the The Joy Trip Project series
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An interview with veterinarian photographer and his wife travel writer Maria Coffey on their work in elephant preservation
Sacred Headwaters
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An interview with Paul Colangelo a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers, an organization that aims to document the destruction of endangered ecosystems
127 Hours
(19:33)
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An interview with adventurer and public speaker Aron Ralston who is the subject of the film 127 Hours
Chicks Rock
(10:38)
From: James Mills
In the world of adventure women are busting out on their own. They’re leaving husbands, boyfriends and children at home to discover their strengths and celebrate the feminine ...
The Canterbury Trail
(12:29)
From: James Mills
In this interview author Angie Abdou brings to her latest book themes from an ancient English text first made popular in the middle ages to put a modern twist on the last ...
How to become a National Geographic Explorer
(05:59)
From: James Mills
Editors at National Geographic Magazine detail the requirements for young explorers to qualify for expedition grants
'Cold' An interview with climber photographer Cory Richards
(14:30)
From: James Mills
A conversation with professional climber and photographer Cory Richards on his film that depicts his climb of Gasherbrum II in winter.
Freedom Climbers
(14:21)
From: James Mills
An interview with writer and former director of the Banff Mountain Film Festival Bernadette McDonald on her new book that details the lives of Soviet-era Himalayan climbers ...
Coffee Story Ethiopia
(09:59)
From: James Mills
An interview with writer and climber Majka Burhardt on her new book about the stories behind the rich cultural history of Ethiopian coffee
The Last Man on the Mountain
(15:39)
From: James Mills
An interview with writer and climber Jennifer Jordan on her book that recounts the events surrounding the first American to die on K2 the second highest mountain in the world
Related Pieces
Piece Description
In 1971 John Francis witnessed a catastrophic oil spill in San Francisco Bay. The greasy black sludge that coated resident sea life and stained nearby beaches left an indelible impression him as well. As a young man at the dawn of the environmental movement he felt compelled to act. But what can one person do to change a society bent on its own destruction?
Left with little to do that would make a difference in world Francis abandoned all forms of motorized transport. He started walking. But still hoping to make an impact on his community and himself Francis took his devotion a step future and swore a vow of silence. For 17 years he did not utter a word. And yet he still managed to earn college and graduate degrees in science and environmental studies.
Dr. John Francis went on to become the United Nation’s goodwill ambassador to the world’s grassroots communities and the U.S. Government hired him to help establish policies for the management of oil spills.
