In this episode of Life’s Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, host Richard Wiese sits down with U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum—former Governor of North Dakota, entrepreneur, and advocate for resilience in exploration and leadership.

Doug shares how the rugged landscapes of North Dakota shaped his values and why Teddy Roosevelt’s time in the Badlands serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership is forged in adversity. Much like Roosevelt, who sought refuge and renewal in the untamed wilderness, Doug has embraced the pioneer mindset—whether in business, politics, or conservation.

From growing up in a small town to taking bold risks in entrepreneurship, Doug reflects on the spirit of exploration, the power of self-reliance, and the importance of preserving our natural frontiers for future generations. His journey is a testament to how embracing uncertainty can lead to unexpected frontiers—both in life and leadership.

🚀 Tune in for a conversation on grit, vision, and why the lessons of the past still guide today’s explorers.

This is Life's Tough, Explorers Are Tougher, with your host, Richard Weiss. Scratch the surface of an explorer and you'll find an adventure and a great story. This show is about their tales.

This podcast is a proud supporter of the Explorers Club and the EC50 Initiative. 50 people changing the world that the world needs to know about. For more information, go to explorers.org.