What happens when you confront the darkness within?
Journey with the Bear is a raw and deeply personal podcast that follows filmmaker and former police officer Ken Matheson as he embarks on a solo kayak expedition through the Great Bear Rainforest. Haunted by memories of loss, violence, and inner turmoil, Ken confronts his shadow self — the part of him shaped by trauma, grief, and fear.
In this journey, the bear becomes more than a symbol — it’s a guide. In Indigenous traditions, the bear embodies strength, introspection, and healing. Like the bear emerging from hibernation, Ken’s path is one of awakening — facing his buried pain, embracing his capacity for both great violence and profound compassion, and learning to walk forward with that duality in balance.
Through powerful storytelling, Ken weaves together his past experiences — the death of a child in his arms, the tragic aftermath of a life taken too soon, and the adrenaline-fueled clarity that once defined him. As he navigates the wild coast, he faces the challenge of embracing his inner darkness — not to suppress it, but to learn from it and find strength in the process.
Journey with the Bear explores themes of resilience, healing, and self-discovery. It’s a testament to finding balance between strength and vulnerability, rage and compassion, shadow and light.
Join Ken as he paddles into the unknown, seeking peace with his past — and himself. my very interesting podcast
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