In episode 173 of Journey with Jake I had the profound privilege of speaking with Thom Barrett, a man who exemplifies what it truly means to live with intention while facing mortality head-on. Thom, a former corporate accountant who retired at 55 to pursue adventure, received a stage four cancer diagnosis in 2024 – yet instead of retreating, he has expanded his horizons in remarkable ways.
Photos Courtesy of Thom Barrett
Thom’s philosophy about adventure struck me deeply: “Adventure doesn’t start until you have a problem where you’re challenged to figure something out.” This perspective has shaped his entire approach to both travel and his cancer journey. Rather than viewing obstacles as reasons to turn back, Thom sees them as the beginning of the real expedition – the point where growth occurs and memories form. This mindset has served him well as he navigates the unpredictable terrain of terminal illness while still kayaking in Antarctica, hiking Patagonia, and planning future expeditions.
What’s particularly inspiring about Thom’s story is his evolution toward appreciating the present moment. He described a transformative experience in the North Cascade mountains when, stranded by snowfall for three days, he was forced to slow down. Sitting quietly under a pine tree, he witnessed wildlife – a snow hare and coyote – that would have remained hidden had he been moving at his usual pace. This lesson in stillness became even more valuable after his cancer diagnosis, teaching him that “slowing down wasn’t a bad thing, it was a great thing.”
The interview revealed how Thom’s relationship with adventure has shifted over time. Where once it was about “the feats, the miles, the accomplishment,” now it focuses on “the experience, about in-depth learning something about the area.” This transformation mirrors his approach to life with cancer – understanding that the quality of time matters more than quantity, and that being fully present in each moment creates richness even when future moments are uncertain.
Thom has channeled his experiences into several books, including “Living While Dying,” “Chasing My Northern Lights,” “Embracing the Cold,” “The Strength of Surrender,” and “The Edge of Now.” Writing became therapeutic for him, a way to process emotions and leave a legacy. As he poignantly shared: “I don’t want to be remembered as the guy that had cancer… Yeah, he had cancer, but he’s still doing shit.”
Perhaps most touching was Thom’s revelation about learning to accept help – a significant challenge for someone who identified as a provider and protector. “What I learned is that asking for help is not a weakness, it’s a strength,” he reflected. This vulnerability has created deeper connections with others, showing that emotional openness can transform our relationships even in our final chapters.
When asked what advice he would give to those hesitant to pursue their own adventures, Thom offered wisdom applicable to everyone, regardless of circumstance: “It doesn’t need to be grand… be a birdwalker, go slow, look around you, enjoy the moment.” This simple counsel encapsulates his entire philosophy – that living fully isn’t about grand expeditions or conquering mountains, but about how present we are in whatever time we have. 
Thom’s story reminds us that even in the face of terminal illness, we can choose how we meet each day – with fear and retreat, or with intention and embrace. His journey continues, with blood tests showing positive signs and new adventures on the horizon to Africa or Australia. In Tom’s own poetic words: “Where once it stretched as far as you could see, now counts each breath with stark urgency. A river that once roared wild and free flows gently toward the end’s decree.”
