Per Mare, Per Terram
A conversation with Chris Pavlak about "embracing the suck"
Hi, I’m Charlie. This is where I write about my salty adventures on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Subscribe for trip reports and notes from a cottage by the sea.
Shortly after coming ashore from my solo circumnavigation of Ireland by sea kayak, in May 2025, I sat down to interview my buddy Chris Pavlak.
Chris is the author of From Lawyer to Warrior, a book (which I edited) about failing the Bar exam and joining the Marine Corps, where he found his true calling leading scout snipers.
Chris interviews me about my trip for the first 45 minutes of the podcast. We talk about:
A hike we did a couple of years ago, which I wrote about in one of my first posts.
The danger of self-pity, “going internal,” and how to snap out of it.
“Comfort-based decisions” and how to tell the difference between needed rest and just being lazy.
The margins of safety and decision-making on a solo trip vs. with a team vs. in the military.
The importance of always having a little snack handy. Apparently, Marines love chocolate-covered espresso beans.
If you enjoy this podcast, be sure to subscribe to Notes from a Ghostwriter 👻, where I interview authors, fellow ghostwriters, and epic people like Chris.
Thank you to everyone who donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research! The trip may be over, but you can still donate. Anything helps.
P.S. When I’m not having adventures, I’m helping other people write about theirs. If you or someone in your circle has an amazing story to tell, I’d love to hear it.
— Charlie
Kokatat is the official gear sponsor of The Lap.
The lap is fueled by Resilient Nutrition’s Long Range Fuel and bars.
CH Marine provided a VHF radio and other safety equipment.
Camp kit and cooking gas provided by Paddle & Pitch. Wool baselayers by Aclima. Trolley by KCS. REAL Field Meals at a discount from Adventure.ie. Discounts from GreatOutdoors.ie. Expedition coffee by 3fe.