Merlin Tuttle's Most Dangerous Adventures in the Venezuelan Jungle

Taken from JRE #1932 w/Merlin Tuttle:

[TheParallelSound]

We need more older people like him to be interviewed before that generation no longer is living.

[huggablecat]

This guy was battling bandits and jaguars in the jungle and I’m over here eating salad from a vending machine in a cubicle. He’s lived a far more adventurous life. What a badass.

[topgallant]

I went to school with Merlin and his brother and sister. His Dad was a world renowned naturalist. Changed my life knowing them. It got me into my profession.

[jalandreth]

This is what I like about Joe. He adapts to his guest. This guy has seen more danger than 90% of his guests, but hes an old man. The stuff hes talking about is crazy and exciting, but its being told in a somber way like a grandpa would. Joes just sitting there patiently listening and asking questions like a grandchild would.

[speedbagboxer]

There’s few things more entertaining than listening to a story from some adventurous old timers. I could listen all day

[jasmijnvenner]

I think when your parents name you Merlin, they foresee you doing awesome things. I love his work with bats. This man is beyond amazing

[stri]

I worked for the Smithsonian years ago in Panama and I remember him coming through Barro Colorado. He was celebrity, even amongst the preeminent Tropical Biologists in the world. I now live in Venezuela and get to explore some of the places he’s talking about here. He’s a legend

[tombystander]

Buzz Aldrin is 93. Get him on before he passes or Jack Schmitt or Charlie Duke! A couple of the 12 moon walkers are still alive. It be awesome to hear Joe

[pcmlc]

More old-timers, please. We pass them in the street and even get annoyed with them, but they always have the best stories to tell.

Think twice before you get frustrated with an old person. They've been through a lot.

[wheelmanstan]

these explorers have the greatest stories, especially the guys from back in the day marching through places like Africa in search of the source of the Nile for example...the stuff they went through..imagine having malaria, dysentery, smallpox...all while marching through unmapped jungle and encountered soldiers, thieves, angry natives and apex predators, trading beads for food...they'd rather die than return defeated, mail took months, travel took years, expeditions took many lives, but plenty of opportunity to become a badass and remain forever young

[Jermtheworm]

I love how every drug to an older person is "dope"🤣🤣

[MateoKupstysChica]

What a legend! I was so happy to join the Bat Conservation International (the ONG he founded) when I was a kid, 30 years ago, because I was so happy to know that I was not the only weirdo who loved bats. One cannot exaggerate the work this dude has done for wildlife and the environment. Thank you Joe for giving him the space and notoriety he deserves!

[strangetheology]

Merlin is an actual legend, I hope people don’t overlook this episode.

[menace]

What a legend. To anyone in their 20’s or younger, I can’t wait until you understand the value of listening to elders like this. They’ve been through it all and can put a lot into perspective for you. I adore listening to my elders these days, incredible stories and advice.

[wastede]

When I see older guys I always wonder what they've been through and experienced. There are a lot of real bad asses walking among us, but totally unassuming. Fascinating stories.

[JonesySurvived]

This is like an alternative universe where Grandpa Simpson had a wild life and his late life rambling is actually interesting to hear.

[sjoncb]

Imagine a group of armed Venezuelan explorers studying American Alligators in the Florida Everglades and they encounter the 'locals'?

[shewill]

Goes to show, life happens the most in the journey. He just wanted to see & explore into the unknown while his endgame goal was stuff for the Smithsonian. This man was fully immersed and in the Zone. Accompanied by others, well prepared and with common sense and good instincts. I really like this man.

[anthony-ikc]

Joe immediately perks up "oooo a new drug to try"😂

[twentyfifth]

Listing to his stories is like reading an Indiana Jones book, absolutely amazing