THE CLEARING WITH KATHERINE MAY
Sarah Wilson’s nomadic, desert dream
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Hello,
A friend of Sarah Wilson’s once told her she was always ‘looking for trouble’. It is clear from this episode that the best-selling Australian author, podcaster and TV presenter is hard-wired for restlessness. A self-confessed ‘edge-seeker’, constantly pushing boundaries in a flirtation with life, she was a fascinating guest to discuss ideas of rest with.
Finding the pressures of a small cabin or ‘being good at rest’ too claustrophobic and restrictive, Sarah instead finds ultimate peace being out in the ancient, Australian desert. The dry heat, crunchy dirt underfoot and minimal distractions in a monotonous landscape are where she feels truly alive. It’s the great equaliser. A place to feel what Oliver Burkeman calls ‘cosmic insignificance’. It’s also just one of the many extraordinary and often surprising places she has perfected the ultimate tent-life; much to my horror - you can practically hear me shuddering at just the word tent!
In fact, I’d love to hear from you about your love or loathing of nights under canvas. Let me know in the comments if your happiest times have been in a tent, or whether camping is not part of your DNA.
Links from the episode:
Sarah’s website
Sarah’s book I Eat the Stars
Sarah’s podcast Wild with Sarah Wilson
Sarah’s Substack
Production Credits
Guest Booker and Admin Support - Meghan Hutchins
Substack Manager - Rebecca Armstrong
Producer - Alice Lloyd
Music - The Leaf Library theleaflibrary
Click here to listen in your favourite app, or paid subscribers can listen to an ad-free version here in this post.
Transcript:
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