Reflections off the Grid Episode 1 – Tom McGuire of The Arctic Cowboys

I never considered myself a podcaster or even creating a YouTube channel. However, when you run with true explorers, those men and women that have done extraordinary feats, there are stories that need to be told. For my first podcast, I wanted to share a story that was unique, a story about a team contributor that most people are unaware of. This is such a story.

By now, most of my readers have heard the story of The Arctic Cowboys and their epic expedition through the Northwest Passage. In the field and back at home were two support people. One of them, Tom McGuire gave it his all and almost died supporting the team. Tom ventured into the arctic with the paddlers. He was their technologist, meteorologist, marketing guru, fund raiser, and as he refers to it, the team quartermaster.

Listen to Tom’s story and you will be amazed at this little-known but vital addition to expeditions that directly contribute to the success of the journey.

Tom put it eloquently in his blog post (https://tom-mcguire.com/the-role-of-an-expedition-tech-quartermaster/) summarizing his contribution to the team. “The imprint of this expedition will be forever etched upon my soul. The gravitas of nearly losing everything in those icy depths, the logistical complexities that threatened our progress, the moments where miscalculation could have meant calamity – each instance was a sobering reminder of nature’s uncompromising force. Yet our perseverance prevailed, fortified by the quick-witted kayakers, steadfast support team, and family members.”