405: What Can Standing in Awe of the Natural World Teach Us?

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Cerro Torre, Patagonia

Guest

Tom Reed studied photography at Rutgers while studying Geography.  Ansel Adams, Edgar Payne, and the Hudson River School are major influencers. Zen sensibilities profoundly influence his compositions and writings, as he is a student of Japanese martial arts and aesthetics (chado).  His photographs and writing center on the experience of awe at the sight of a landscape. He hopes this leads to the consideration that nature itself is divine and sacred, and that stewardship, rather than the dominant utilitarian view, is the only sane attitude. 

Summary

In this episode, Jeff speaks with photographer, writer, adventurer, and wellness coach Tom Reed about a life shaped not by financial ambition, but by a deep desire for experience, nature, and meaning. Reed traces this orientation back to formative childhood moments that helped him value independence and authenticity over conventional success. His path led him through geography studies, wilderness work in Alaska, whitewater guiding, sailing, martial arts, and ultimately photography.

Reed’s artistic philosophy blends influences from Ansel Adams with Japanese aesthetic traditions. His black-and-white landscape photography—especially from Patagonia—aims not to comfort but to evoke awe: the kind of beauty that shocks us into awareness of something greater than ourselves.

The conversation explores how skill and serendipity intersect in creative work, the role of mindfulness in perceiving opportunities, and the thread of vitality that connects Reed’s diverse pursuits. The discussion also turns to climate change and environmental degradation, with Reed emphasizing acceptance without apathy—a stance rooted in spiritual maturity and non-judgment.

Ultimately, Reed’s work invites us to reconsider why certain landscapes move us so profoundly—and what that says about our relationship to the natural world.

Murmoz and Guillaumet — Portlock — Redwood Forest

A key reflection

Awe is a powerful emotional and spiritual experience that can dissolve ego and reconnect us to something greater.

Show Credits

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"Getting Unstuck" theme music: Original composition of "Allegro ben ritmato e deciso" by George Gershwin. Arrangement and recording courtesy of Bruno Lecoeur.

Jeff Ikler