Ben Bressler, founder and president of Natural Habitat Adventures (NHA), joins the podcast. 

Ben had the epiphany for what would become NHA as a teacher during a ski trip. Soonafter, he launched the responsible nature travel company in 1985 with a core idea: create life-enhancing travel experiences by taking people to some of the world’s most remote places– while also getting as close as possible to the wildlife. 

Fueled by a passion for travel, nature, and the outdoors, Ben and Natural Habitat Adventures are still finding new ways to enhance their adventures and impact on the environment 38 years later. NHA, the conservation travel partner of the World Wildlife Fund, was the first 100% carbon-neutral travel company. But who better to tell the full story than Ben himself?

Whether it’s a close-up encounter with polar bears, talking about the restorative power of nature, or how to launch and lead a company for almost 4 decades (and still going), this episode has something for everyone. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

More:

Visit www.NatHab.com to learn more about Natural Habitat Adventures. 

Follow CiC host Conor Gaughan on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and more. 

Episode Timestamps:

(0:03) - Ben’s cold open 

(0:52) - Intro on Ben Bressler and Natural Habitat Adventures

(2:54) - Background, passion for nature, and college 

(8:11) - Early career, teaching, and the epiphany for a travel company

(11:01) - Origin and early days of Natural Habitat 

(19:16) - First big sale and International Fund for Animal Welfare

(25:18) - Memorable moments and what Nat Hab is up to today 

(29:56) - Reflecting on the experience of nature and travel

(35:41) - Economic benefits, biodiversity, and community 

(40:30) - Sustainability-based initiatives

(43:03) - The future, new trips, and leaving a legacy 

(46:51) - Where to learn more about Natural Habitat Adventures

(47:54) - Conclusion

(48:40) - End credits