Exploring the Impossible: An Interview with Johan Ernst Nilson

In an inspiring interview for Longevity Magazine, we sat down with Johan Ernst Nilson, a man whose extraordinary life journey began with a simple bet made decades ago in Sweden. A talented piano player travelling across Europe, Johan found himself in a friendly debate, culminating in a challenge that would change his life forever: could a person with the lowest grade in gymnastics bicycle to Africa? That fateful day on May 16, 1994, marked the beginning of a 30-year adventure that would see Johan become a world-renowned explorer, completing over 70 expeditions in 196 countries.

From kayaking from Sweden to Morocco to conducting research in Antarctica, Johan’s relentless pursuit of adventure has pushed him to the ends of the Earth and beyond. He holds the remarkable title of the first person to achieve the “Ultimate Adventure Grand Slam,” which includes climbing the Seven Summits and traversing the North and South Poles. Yet, it is his unwavering commitment to philanthropy, scientific research, and wildlife conservation that defines his mission today.

As a motivational speaker and coach, he inspires audiences to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the belief that everything is possible. Join us as we delve into Johan’s remarkable life, his philosophy on exploration, and his insights on longevity and well-being.

Your journey began with a bet that sparked your adventurous spirit. Can you share more about that pivotal moment and how it shaped your career?

In the beginning of the ’90s, I was working as a piano player in Stockholm. One day, I made a bet with a friend of mine that I could bicycle from the piano bar to the Sahara in Africa. Fifty-two days later, I reached Africa, and I realized that everything is possible—the impossible just takes more time. This was the start of a 30-year-long journey, and I’m still going…

You’ve completed over 70 expeditions in 196 countries. Which adventure stands out the most to you, and why?

The adventure that stands out the most is Mount McKinley in Alaska, and the reason for that is that it was my first big expedition. This is when I realized how much work I needed to put in to reach my goals and how important teamwork is. This was also the expedition that led me to climb the Seven Summits, the highest point on all seven continents.

As an ambassador for several NGOs and charities, how do you choose which causes to support, and what impact do you hope to make?

I was once asked if I had $1 billion to put toward charity; where would I allocate the money? One thing I’ve learned over the years is that it’s not a question of a certain area or problem; it’s more about an overall change in the way that we think. I would put the money into three things: communication, education, and teamwork.

Your work emphasizes environmental awareness and philanthropy. How do you balance adventure and exploration with your commitment to these important issues?

It’s all under an umbrella where all of these things are equally important. We must educate people, and we must communicate between cultures, religions, and political views to be able to achieve possible results. After being to every country on the planet, I realize that there is so much beauty that needs to be saved, and no one will do it for us. We must be the ones to effect change.

You’ve achieved the “Ultimate Adventure Grand Slam.” What motivated you to pursue such ambitious goals, and what advice would you give to aspiring adventurers?

People often call me an Adventure Activist, and that is based on my adventures around the world while trying to find problems to solve and share an environment that needs to be saved. I organize adventures for people who like to go to places where nobody else goes, allowing them to see the last white spots on the map and to be part of a change to make this world a better place.

As a motivational speaker, what key message do you hope to convey to your audience, especially the younger generation?

When I give my speeches and my keynotes around the world, my key message is that everything is possible. I actually don’t believe that the word “impossible” exists. It’s a word that humans have invented because we need a term for things that we don’t understand. We need an explanation when we run out of options to solve a problem, so we use the word “impossible” to feel comfortable with not solving the issue since it was “impossible.” But I don’t believe that; I believe that everything is possible—the impossible just takes more time. Nature has shown us that the most incredible and seemingly impossible things become possible. “Impossible” doesn’t exist in the universe. We have created the word, and that must change.

You’ve produced documentaries and published books on climate change and wildlife. What role do you believe storytelling plays in raising awareness about environmental issues?

I filmed and produced my first documentary about climate change in 1997. I spent four months in Antarctica, interviewing professors and scientists to understand global warming and the change in the climate. Storytelling is extremely important because people need to understand, and not just have facts and figures; that’s why the adventures are so important. I’m not a politician. I cannot change laws. I’m not a scientist. I cannot prove the numbers, but I am a window. I go to places where no one else goes, and I help leaders and politicians see what needs to be changed.

In your experiences travelling to remote locations, what lifestyle habits or practices have you observed among different cultures that contribute to longevity?

During my journeys around the world, I meet a lot of local tribes and indigenous people. I find it interesting that we are so highly developed when it comes to technology and construction, but we are still very new in terms of spirituality, healthcare, and well-being. The tribes around the world live with nature while we look at it from the outside. Not until we understand that we are nature will we be in balance with the ecological system.

You’ve spent a significant amount of time in nature during your expeditions. How do you believe a connection to the outdoors impacts overall health and longevity?

I feel an incredible difference in my skin, my hair, and my overall well-being when I’ve been on adventures for a long time. I think it’s a mix of being outside the electric field, without fumes or dirt around me, and without stress. When I’m out in nature, I live with nature and let the sun and the moon be my only guides—not Google.

As someone who has achieved remarkable physical feats, what advice would you offer on maintaining physical health and vitality as one ages?

To be a healthy person and to maintain physical health and vitality is actually very easy. Everybody knows it, but nobody does it. If you were to ask anyone on the street, they all know the answers. You need to eat healthy, drink a lot of water, sleep well, exercise, avoid stress, and find a way to be happy in life. I believe that there are three important cornerstones on the route to happiness:

1. Have something meaningful to do in life.
2. Have something to look forward to.
3. Have someone to share your happiness and problems with.

I also believe that sharing is our responsibility—not only to the people around us, but to our planet. And don’t worry about giving too little; nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something!