Podcast Summary: Episode 119 - Devon Lévesque: What Facing Death on Everest Taught Me about Living

Release Date: December 3, 2024

Introduction and Guest Background

In Episode 119 of The Ultimate Human podcast, host Gary Brecka welcomes Devon Lévesque, a resilient adventurer, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate. Devon shares his transformative experiences, including surviving extreme physical challenges and overcoming personal tragedy. His mission is to help people live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives by fostering strong communities and promoting mental well-being.

Devon’s Personal Journey and Motivation

Devon's journey into mental health advocacy was profoundly shaped by a personal tragedy. At [00:00], he recounts the devastating loss of his father to suicide:

Devon Lévesque ([00:00]): "I saw my dad struggling with some mental health and he didn't have an outlet... he killed himself. And then when I saw what happened, my goal was to help people wake up happier."

This pivotal moment drove Devon to dedicate his life to preventing similar tragedies and promoting mental health awareness. He emphasizes the importance of community support in navigating life's transitions:

Devon Lévesque ([00:20]): "Everyone on this earth is going to go through transitions. The best way I've found for people to transition is to have a good community around them."

Building Communities and Sweet Honey Farm

Devon believes that strong communities are essential for individual well-being. He has established several initiatives aimed at creating supportive environments:

• Pro Mix: A company focused on farm-to-table supplements and vitamins, promoting gut health as the foundation for overall wellness.
• Sweet Honey Farm: A regenerative farm designed to reconnect people with nature and provide a space for relaxation and mental clarity.

Devon Lévesque ([12:50]): "Whether it's with Pro Mix, you know, farm to table supplements and vitamins, whether it's with Sweet Honey Farm, making an area a real space where people are welcomed in and not welcomed in for expensive fees... I’m saying affordable ways that everyone can have access, health, mental clarity."

The Everest Experience: Challenges and Lessons

One of the most gripping segments of the episode is Devon's recounting of his solo climb up Mount Everest. This harrowing journey taught him invaluable lessons about life and resilience.

Devon Lévesque ([00:45]): "When you sat down, you were telling me, I saved my Everest story for this podcast. Tell me about that."

Facing Extreme Conditions

Devon describes the terrifying conditions during a blizzard at Camp 4:

Devon Lévesque ([45:08]): "You're in this blizzard. You're like, holy, I might actually die right now."

Despite the life-threatening circumstances, Devon remained calm and focused, a testament to his mental fortitude:

Devon Lévesque ([10:41]): "The closer you and I can come to that calm mind, I believe that's real strength."

Encountering Tragedy on the Mountain

During his descent, Devon witnessed the aftermath of another climber's demise:

Devon Lévesque ([50:16]): "So then we proceed past these bodies. It's starting to get scary. You're approaching 29,032ft."

This experience underscored the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

Philosophy of Doing Hard: Type 1, 2, 3 Fun

Devon introduces a unique framework for understanding challenges, categorizing them into three types of fun:

1. Type 1 Fun: Immediate enjoyment, such as socializing or light activities.
2. Type 2 Fun: Activities that are challenging in the moment but rewarding afterward, like cold plunges.
3. Type 3 Fun: Extremely difficult and potentially dangerous activities that leave lasting impressions, like climbing Everest.

Devon Lévesque ([25:10]): "Type three is when I was coming off the summit of Everest... That's type three fun."

He advocates for incorporating Type 2 challenges into daily life to foster personal growth and resilience:

Devon Lévesque ([26:37]): "Everyone should add a type 2 fun into their life."

Impact on Personal Growth and Relationships

Devon emphasizes that facing and overcoming difficult challenges can lead to profound personal growth and stronger relationships:

Devon Lévesque ([28:24]): "You feel good. You've too many of us and too much. Social media... how can you wake up content?"

He believes that real, authentic connections and a sense of normalcy are essential for happiness:

Devon Lévesque ([30:07]): "That's how good normal is supposed to feel, dude. That's how God wants us to feel."

Defining the Ultimate Human

Towards the end of the episode, Devon shares his vision of what it means to be an "ultimate human":

Devon Lévesque ([77:01]): "To be an ultimate human, it is to develop my own patterns... understanding what values you live by."

He highlights the importance of kindness, authenticity, and maximizing personal time to live a fulfilling life:

Devon Lévesque ([78:08]): "I spend every second of my time on earth worth putting out positive energy and putting out my values."

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Devon Lévesque's insights offer a powerful guide to living a meaningful life. His experiences, from personal loss to surviving Everest, illustrate the importance of resilience, community, and pushing beyond comfort zones. Key takeaways from this episode include:

• The Power of Community: Building strong, supportive communities is crucial for navigating life's transitions and maintaining mental health.
• Embracing Challenges: Engaging in difficult activities fosters personal growth, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for life.
• Living Authentically: Understanding and adhering to personal values leads to a more fulfilling and content existence.
• Mind-Body Connection: Prioritizing physical health through proper nutrition and exercise enhances mental well-being.

Devon's journey exemplifies the essence of being the ultimate human—living with purpose, fostering connections, and continuously striving for personal betterment.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Devon Lévesque ([00:00]): "I saw my dad struggling with some mental health and he didn't have an outlet... he killed himself. And then when I saw what happened, my goal was to help people wake up happier."
• Devon Lévesque ([25:10]): "Type three is when I was coming off the summit of Everest... That's type three fun."
• Devon Lévesque ([28:24]): "You feel good... how can you wake up content?"
• Devon Lévesque ([77:01]): "To be an ultimate human, it is to develop my own patterns... understanding what values you live by."
• Devon Lévesque ([78:08]): "I spend every second of my time on earth worth putting out positive energy and putting out my values."

Final Thoughts

Devon Lévesque's episode is a compelling exploration of human resilience, the importance of community, and the relentless pursuit of a fulfilling life. His unique perspectives and experiences provide listeners with practical insights and inspiration to become their own ultimate humans.