Deon Barrett: True North Project, Overcoming Adversity & Making Adventure Accessible in Schools

Adventure Diaries

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From a turbulent childhood to nearly facing prison, Deon Barrett found purpose through outdoor adventure, the military, and the True North Project—his initiative to bring outdoor education into schools and make adventure accessible to all. In this episode, Dion shares his powerful journey, the impact of adventure on mental health, and his ambitious plans to summit Everest and ski solo across Antarctica.

We explore:
✔️ How adventure helped Deon overcome trauma and find purpose.
✔️ The True North Project and its mission to transform outdoor education.
✔️ Barriers preventing young people from accessing adventure.
✔️ The mental and physical challenges of preparing for Everest & Antarctica.
✔️ How outdoor learning builds resilience, confidence, and leadership.

Deon’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and paying it forward. If you're passionate about adventure, outdoor education, or personal growth, this episode is for you.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Deon Barrett is the founder of the True North Project, an advocate for youth outdoor education, and an aspiring high-altitude mountaineer. His journey from a troubled youth to a champion for adventure education is as inspiring as it is impactful.

Follow Dion & The True North Project:
🌍 Website: TrueNorthProject.co.uk
📸 Instagram: @TrueNorthProject

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🔹 True North Project – Outdoor education initiative
🔹 Everest & Antarctica Expeditions – Deon’s upcoming challenges
🔹 Youth Outdoor Education Reform – Advocating for adventure in schools
🔹 Black Girls Hike – Encouraging diversity in the outdoors
🔹 National Outdoor Expo – Where Dion and Chris first met

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Chapters

1. A Troubled Beginning (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to Adventure Diaries (00:00:40)

3. Upcoming Expeditions and Training (00:01:01)

4. Introducing Deon Barrett (00:01:03)

5. Deon's Early Life and Struggles (00:03:06)

6. The Impact of Bullying (00:05:36)

7. Turning Point: Military Aspirations (00:18:12)

8. Joining the Military (00:21:10)

9. Skills and Lessons from the Army (00:28:15)

10. The True North Project (00:33:39)

11. Youth Expeditions and Future Goals (00:33:52)

12. Changing the Education System (00:36:36)

13. Inspiring the Next Generation (00:40:22)

14. Challenges and Opportunities in Outdoor Education (00:43:57)

15. Advocacy and Personal Adventures (00:48:30)

16. Representation in the Adventure Community (00:56:40)

17. Upcoming Expeditions and Training (01:02:11)

18. Final Thoughts and Call to Adventure (01:09:31)