“You don’t need to know how—just know that it lights you up.”
What happens when a creative rebel says yes to a fluke invite to Antarctica? In this episode, I talk with Heather Thorkelson about wild pivots, polar travel, and building a business with impact.
This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.
In This Episode
In this episode, Michael Dargie speaks with Heather Thorkelson—entrepreneur, polar expedition guide, and founder of PolarTracks Expeditions. From growing up as a third-culture kid to building a pair of polar travel businesses, Heather’s story is a blend of adventure, business smarts, and deeply human moments.
Heather shares how a chance Facebook connection from a trip years earlier led to her first job in Antarctica—kicking off a career she never imagined. Today, she runs PolarTracks Expeditions, a boutique travel agency for Arctic and Antarctic cruises, and Minimal Impact Cruises, which is launching a cutting-edge, wind- and solar-powered expedition ship called the Captain Arctic.
She talks about the magic of cold-water diving, the thrill of standing among 100,000 penguins, and the humbling vastness of the polar regions. Heather opens up about her unusual path, how growing up in a pilot’s family shaped her curiosity, and the moment she received a mysterious “download” at the Penguin Post Office that told her she’d be back.
The conversation covers everything from Swedish food and volcano hikes to near-death skydives and jellyfish orbs. At its heart, Heather’s story is about saying yes, pivoting often, and trusting that the universe knows what it’s doing—even when you don’t.
Her advice to rebels in waiting? If it lights you up, say yes. Don’t cling to things that no longer serve you. Pivot often, stay curious, and go touch some damn grass.
Quoteable Quotes
“Nobody ever died from pivoting.” — Heather Thorkelson
“Kindness is everything. Not nice—kind.” — Heather Thorkelson
“Plot twist. Thanks, universe.” — Michael Dargie
“You don’t need to know how—just know that it lights you up.” — Heather Thorkelson
“Touch grass. It’s medicine.” — Heather Thorkelson
Episode Highlights
The Arctic Life | Living near Gothenburg and chasing concerts in Copenhagen
PolarTracks Expeditions | Building a polar travel company from scratch
Captain Arctic | A silent, solar- and wind-powered ship for Arctic cruises
Penguin Post Office | A download from the universe
Saying Yes | Why her career was a total fluke
Growing Up Abroad | Costa Rica, Japan, South Africa, and more
Cow Sharks & Kelp Forests | Cold water scuba and surprise jellyfish
Creative Curiosity | Pancakes, storytelling, and forest walks
Rebel Advice | Pivot often, don’t cling to what doesn’t work
What the World Should Know | Be kind and go outside
Links From Episode
Website (http://www.minimalimpactcruises.com/)
Heather on Facebook (https://www.instagram.com/polartracksexpeditions/)
Heather on Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/minimalimpactcruises/)
Get Your Copy of Michael’s Book:
“BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From ‘Meh’ To Memorable”
Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com
About the Author: Alexia Aube
