The Journey On Podcast: Episode Featuring Caleb Degen
Released on November 22, 2024
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Journey On Podcast, host Warwick Schiller welcomes Caleb Degen, the lead performer of the renowned Australian Outback Spectacular. Recorded live at Aquatana in Melbourne, Australia’s premier horse expo, the conversation delves deep into Caleb’s journey with horses, personal development, overcoming adversity, and the profound lessons learned through his role in the spectacular show.
Caleb Degen’s Role at Australian Outback Spectacular
Caleb Degen serves as one of the lead performers in the Australian Outback Spectacular, an expansive live arena dinner show owned by Village Roadshow. The show, held in a 1,000-seat indoor arena, features approximately 80 horses, 20 cattle, dogs, and even an eagle, performing intricate acts that depict the tale of droughts and farm hardships in the Australian bush.
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Caleb explains his role: “In the show itself, this current show, I play one of the lead roles. His name is Jimmy. And I get to work with a liberty horse, an eagle. I ride a few different talented stock horses...”
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Notable Quote: [02:07] Caleb Degen: “Correct. Yeah. So it's owned by Village Roadshow…”
The Magic Behind the Spectacular
Warwick and Caleb discuss the technical marvels that bring the show to life. From transforming the arena into various landscapes using advanced projection technology to simulating weather phenomena like rain and snow, the production team ensures an immersive experience for the audience.
- Notable Quote: [03:56] Caleb Degen: “Yeah, it's pretty incredible what our tech team do. They can transform the arena into all sorts of different landscapes...”
Warwick adds his awe at witnessing an ocean scene with a swimming whale, enhanced by hidden water pipes that create realistic water effects, further showcasing the show's innovative approach.
Caleb’s Journey into Outback Spectacular
Caleb shares his nine-year journey with the Outback Spectacular, highlighting how he transitioned from being a polo groom in the UK to securing a lead role in the show without any prior acting or singing background.
- Notable Quote: [07:08] Warwick Schiller: “…but I want to know, why did you apply for that? Because you're a polo groom in England, so obviously you're around horses. Did you have an acting background or acting aspirations or singing aspirations?”
Caleb candidly discusses his lack of initial aspirations in acting or singing, emphasizing his passion for horses as the primary motivator for his career shift.
Overcoming Public Speaking and Personal Insecurities
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Caleb’s struggle with public speaking and personal insecurities. Despite starting with severe anxiety and physical symptoms like sweating and clammy hands, Caleb has learned to manage these fears through his role in the show.
- Notable Quote: [14:49] Caleb Degen: “…public speaking...I am a little bit more confident being able to portray how I feel in those situations…”
Warwick further explores the commonality of public speaking fears, likening it to existential fears, and praises Caleb’s growth towards a "calm confidence" that positively impacts both his personal and professional life.
The Therapeutic Role of Horses
Caleb elucidates how his bond with horses has been instrumental in personal healing and growth. From using horses as a non-judgmental sounding board during his tumultuous childhood to enhancing his ability to communicate and connect with others, horses have been central to his journey.
- Notable Quote: [19:45] Caleb Degen: “Horses have taught me how to communicate and like, and not just with other horses, but with people as a whole...”
Warwick echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the often-overlooked sensitivity and sentience of horses, and how interactions with them can translate into improved human relationships.
Navigating Grief and Personal Loss
The conversation takes a poignant turn as Caleb shares the harrowing experience of losing his mother and stepfather in a tragic boating accident. This profound loss occurred just before a show, forcing Caleb to perform despite his grief.
- Notable Quote: [32:52] Caleb Degen: “…there is nothing that is more true than that. However, at some point it has to come out…”
Warwick relates this to his personal experience with grief, reinforcing the universal nature of loss and the importance of processing emotions to prevent them from manifesting unexpectedly.
Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity
Caleb discusses the importance of embracing vulnerability, both in his personal life and in his interactions with horses. By allowing himself to feel and express his true emotions, Caleb has cultivated deeper connections and a more authentic self.
- Notable Quote: [38:37] Caleb Degen: “…the building blocks of the connection that I have with them is feeling those emotions and understanding them more rather than that age old saying of leaving them at the gate.”
Warwick underscores the myth that one must suppress emotions to perform, highlighting that authenticity fosters genuine connections and inner peace.
Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Caleb remains open to new opportunities while maintaining his dream of owning a piece of land with horses. His philosophy centers on embracing the present, choosing happiness, and remaining adaptable to life's unpredictable journey.
- Notable Quote: [54:17] Caleb Degen: “I've never been huge on funneling. I like, I have goals, of course, but I don't. I'm open…”
Warwick encourages Caleb to prepare for future engagements, hinting at a potential 20-minute talk at an upcoming podcast summit in Australia, reflecting Caleb’s continual growth and willingness to share his experiences.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Warwick and Caleb reflecting on the transformative power of horses and the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional regulation. Caleb’s journey from a polo groom to a lead performer embodies the essence of embracing the journey as the destination, aligning perfectly with the podcast’s overarching theme.
- Notable Quote: [50:54] Caleb Degen: “…happiness is a choice. It truly is. You can be happy in the worst situation or you can be sad in the best situation…”
Warwick expresses his admiration for Caleb’s openness and resilience, leaving listeners with a sense of inspiration and the understanding that personal growth is an ongoing, multifaceted journey.
Follow Caleb Degen
Connect with Caleb on social media:
- Instagram: @CalebDeegan
- Facebook: Caleb Degen
Explore more about the Australian Outback Spectacular:
- Instagram: @OutbackSpectacular
- Facebook: Australian Outback Spectacular
Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Journey On Podcast. Stay connected for more inspiring stories and transformative conversations.