Journey into the Wild with Mike Corey

Hey there, Pod Syndrome family! Ready for another wild ride? This week, we’re diving into the untamed world of the Hadza tribe with our fearless guest, Mike Corey. From thrilling baboon chases to the enigmatic woman who cuts foreheads, we've got stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

About the Guest: Mike Corey

Meet Mike Corey, a modern-day explorer who has turned his passion for adventure into a captivating journey for all. From scaling ancient walls to diving with sharks, Mike’s fearless spirit knows no bounds. On his YouTube channel, “Fearless & Far,” Mike shares jaw-dropping travel videos, inviting viewers to join him on adrenaline-pumping escapades like sleeping on the Great Wall of China or immersing himself in Amazonian jungle rituals. In 2023, he clinched an Emmy for “Outstanding Daytime Program Host” for his show “Uncharted Adventure” on The Weather Channel, where his storytelling prowess and genuine enthusiasm make each episode a thrilling experience. His podcast, “Against the Odds,” introduces us to remarkable individuals who’ve triumphed over adversity, echoing Mike’s own journey of courage and resilience. Regularly, he sends out the Epic Adventure Newsletter, a treasure trove of travel tips, hidden gems, and personal insights, giving subscribers a front-row seat to his explorations. Mike’s adventures span the globe, from exploring volcano churches and getting Sak Yant tattoos to riding Bangladesh trains, and his zest for life is truly contagious.

About the Host: Mark Gagnon

Mark Gagnon is a comedy maverick whose talents transcend the stage. As the opening act for Andrew Schulz’s “Infamous Tour,” he brings laughter to audiences worldwide, from New York to Nairobi, with his relatable and razor-sharp punchlines. Mark’s comedic genius extends beyond live performances; he co-created the Netflix series “Schulz Saves America,” where his wit and creativity tackle pressing issues with a humorous twist. As a co-host of the “Flagrant 2” podcast alongside Schulz, Akaash Singh, and AlexxMedia, Mark engages in unfiltered discussions that span pop culture and life's absurdities. On his YouTube channel, Camp Gagnon, he dives into captivating conversations with a diverse range of guests, from former mob associates to tribal adventurers, unveiling intriguing stories, true crime tales, and survival wisdom. Whether he's cracking jokes on stage or unraveling mysteries on air, Mark Gagnon keeps us laughing and thinking.

Baboon Battles: A War Like No Other

Imagine sprinting through a thorny Tanzanian forest, bow in hand, dogs by your side, and a pack of cunning baboons as your target. Mike’s adventures with the Hadza tribe are nothing short of legendary. These hunters are so precise with their homemade bows and poison-tipped arrows that they can hit a target from 100 yards away.

In one thrilling episode, Mike recounts a particular chase where the hunters, armed with nothing but their bows and unparalleled agility, managed to corner a group of baboons. The air was thick with tension, every step calculated, every movement measured. The dogs, trained for this very moment, dashed ahead, fearless and relentless. The Hadza see hunting baboons not just as a hunt but as a war, with strategic maneuvers and a deep respect for their prey. The Price of Precision

The Price of Precision

Creating their own archery gear isn’t just about survival; it’s an art form. The Hadza tribe’s dedication to their craft means they rarely miss their mark, and their weaponry is both effective and symbolic. Each bow and arrow is handcrafted with meticulous care, using materials sourced from their environment.

The wood is often heated and straightened, the string made from animal tendons. The arrows are tipped with poison derived from local plants, ensuring that even a glancing blow can be lethal. The cost? Countless hours of meticulous work, but the payoff is a hunting tool that’s as reliable as it is deadly.

Dogs and Humans: A Different Bond

In the Hadza tribe, dogs aren’t just pets; they’re warriors. These fearless canines charge into the fray, often returning with battle scars. Unlike the pampered pooches of the West, Hadza dogs thrive on the thrill of the hunt, embodying a raw, primal bond with their human companions that’s as old as time.

Mike observed that the relationship between the Hadza and their dogs is built on mutual respect and necessity. These dogs are bred and trained to be resilient, often going days without food, relying on their keen senses and agility to survive. It’s a stark contrast to the Western view of dogs as companions or status symbols, highlighting a bond forged in the crucible of survival.

Trade, Honey, and Newspaper Joints

Trade in Hadza culture is as unique as it is practical. They swap game and foraged goods, but one surprising currency? Honey! This sweet treat is highly prized, often traded with other tribes or used to barter for essentials. Honey gathering is a risky endeavor, involving climbing tall trees and enduring painful bee stings, but the reward is well worth the effort.

And speaking of unconventional uses, those newspapers left behind by missionaries? Perfect for rolling up a good joint. The Hadza’s resourcefulness shines through in their ability to repurpose and adapt, turning even the most mundane items into something useful. The sight of elders sitting around a fire, sharing stories while rolling joints in old newspaper, paints a vivid picture of a culture that values community and ingenuity.

Language: A Dance of Expressions

The Hadza language is a symphony of clicks and gestures, reminiscent of the expressive flair of Italians. Communication here isn’t just about words; it’s about feeling, context, and an unspoken understanding that adds depth to every conversation. Mike describes how even a simple greeting can turn into a performance, with hand movements and facial expressions conveying as much as the words themselves.

This rich tapestry of communication creates a strong sense of community and belonging. The Hadza’s language, filled with melodic clicks and rhythmic patterns, reflects their deep connection to the land and to each other. It’s a language that, much like Italian, is as beautiful to hear as it is complex to understand.

Women and Their Roles: A Different Perspective

Contrary to Western perceptions, Hadza women hold a unique and respected place in their society, much like the women of the Himba tribe. While the men hunt, women gather and prepare food, their colorful attire and vital roles painting a vibrant picture of balance and respect.

Hadza women are seen as the backbone of the community, their contributions essential to the tribe’s survival. They are skilled gatherers, knowing exactly where to find the best berries, tubers, and other edible plants. Their knowledge of the land and its resources is passed down through generations, ensuring that the tribe remains well-fed and healthy.

Hygiene and Body Odor: Natural and Unapologetic

In the heart of the Tanzanian wilderness, the Hadza embrace a natural approach to hygiene. Body odor isn’t masked but rather accepted as a part of life. It’s a stark contrast to Western norms, reminding us of the diverse ways cultures approach cleanliness and scent.

Mike notes that this natural approach to hygiene is rooted in practicality and environment. With limited access to water and no commercial hygiene products, the Hadza rely on natural methods to stay clean. They bathe in streams, use plant extracts for cleaning, and embrace their natural scents as a part of their identity. This acceptance of natural body odor fosters a sense of authenticity and closeness within the tribe.

Weed Culture and Psychedelic Adventures

The Hadza’s use of marijuana, often rolled in newspaper joints, isn’t just recreational. It’s a spiritual journey. Mike’s own experiences with psychedelics, including a profound Ayahuasca trip in Central America, echo this sentiment. He describes meeting God, feeling an overwhelming sense of connection and understanding—a feeling he found mirrored in the Hadza’s rituals.

Marijuana is used by the Hadza to enhance their spiritual experiences, deepen their connection to nature, and foster a sense of community. It’s not uncommon for members of the tribe to gather around a fire, share a joint, and engage in deep, meaningful conversations about life, the universe, and everything in between. This communal use of marijuana highlights its role as a catalyst for bonding and introspection.

Fear, Tribes, and Snakes

Fear is a universal language, and among the Hadza, it’s often tied to the dangers of their environment. Whether it’s venomous snakes or the constant threat of predators, these fears are faced with a blend of caution and respect, woven into the fabric of their daily lives.

Mike recounts a night spent in the Hadza camp, where the sounds of the wild—howling hyenas, rustling leaves—created an atmosphere of constant vigilance. The Hadza’s knowledge of their environment and the creatures within it is unparalleled. They navigate these dangers with a mix of ancestral wisdom and acute awareness, teaching their young to respect and understand the world around them.

The Mystery of the Crystal Skull

One of Mike’s more mysterious tales involves the crystal skull of the Mayans. While exploring this artifact, he delves into the importance of intentions over appearances—a philosophy that resonates deeply with both him and his hosts.

The crystal skull, shrouded in myth and legend, serves as a reminder of the power of belief and the mysteries that still elude us. Mike’s encounter with the skull becomes a metaphor for the Hadza’s way of life, where the unseen and the unspoken hold as much weight as the tangible and the visible. It’s a lesson in looking beyond the surface to understand the true essence of things.

Life Philosophies: Intentions Over Appearances

For Mike and his Hadza friends, life isn’t about what you see but what you mean. Intentions hold more weight than appearances, a lesson we could all stand to learn in our image-obsessed world.

This philosophy is reflected in the Hadza’s interactions with one another and with nature. Their actions are driven by necessity, respect, and a deep understanding of their environment. Mike emphasizes that in a world where image often trumps substance, the Hadza’s focus on intentions offers a refreshing perspective on what truly matters.

Human Theory vs. Germ Theory

In a fascinating twist, Mike touches on the Hadza’s view of health and illness, which aligns more with human theory—focusing on the interconnectedness of body and spirit—than the Western germ theory. It’s a holistic approach that’s both ancient and refreshingly modern.

The Hadza believe that health is influenced by a balance between the physical and spiritual realms. Illness is often seen as a disruption of this balance, requiring not just physical remedies but also spiritual healing. This approach contrasts sharply with the Western focus on germs and pathogens, offering a more integrated view of health and well-being.

The Woman Who Cuts Foreheads

A surreal encounter with a woman known for cutting crosses into foreheads adds an eerie yet captivating element to Mike’s journey. It’s a stark reminder of the diverse and often mysterious practices that define different cultures.

Mike describes the woman’s ritualistic cutting as both a form of spiritual protection and a rite of passage. The scars, worn proudly by those who receive them, serve as symbols of strength, resilience, and connection to their ancestors. This practice, while alien to many, underscores the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions that shape the Hadza’s world.

Tourists and Local Sentiments

Finally, the Hadza’s views on tourists are complex. While they’re curious and sometimes welcoming, there’s a noticeable wariness—a protective instinct over their land and way of life that’s both understandable and poignant.

Mike notes that while the Hadza are open to sharing their culture, they are also acutely aware of the impact that outsiders can have on their fragile ecosystem and traditional ways. This cautious approach highlights a broader theme of preservation and respect for their heritage, a sentiment that resonates deeply in today’s world of rapid change and cultural homogenization.

See you soon on another adventurous Journey!

Team The Pod Syndome

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mike Corey for providing such inspiring and captivating content. The stunning visuals and engaging narratives have enriched our work and allowed us to share these unique experiences with our audience.

Your dedication to capturing and presenting these beautiful moments is truly appreciated. Thank you for your invaluable contribution and for helping us bring a piece of the world closer to our readers.