He was the captain of the Wallabies, the only Australian player to be included in World Rugby's team of the decade, but - wildly – retired at the height of his career to devote his life to climate activist projects here in Australia and in Africa.
I recorded this interview shortly after David quit rugby and several months before he decided to run as an independent Senator in the Australian Parliament. He won the ticket and has gone on to become an extremely powerful and highly regarded political voice in this country and a bit of a figure of intrigue…how did such an introverted, considered WEAPON OF A FOOTBALL player wind up here? It seemingly makes no sense. This is why I figured many of you would love to listen to this chat (perhaps for a second time) in which he wrestles with how he can best make an impact. It provides some wonderful insight into the thinking that preceded his decision to enter politics.
Dave and I became friends talking about activism, Jungian psychology and the meaning of life over Instagram some time back. In this chat, he talks with me about grief, why Australian men aren't waking up, the sadness of facing the climate reality, and – yeah – how to make a wild decision.
Dave promised to send a list of the books that have shaped his wildness. He's a man of his word;
Living Between Worlds - James Hollis
Finding Resilience - Brian Walker
Everything is Spiritual - Rob Bell
The Will to Change - bell hooks
A Life on Our Planet - David Attenborough
Call of the Reed Warbler - Charles Massy
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