Quality Time With Matt Graham

SELF-RELIANCE ADVICE FROM THE MAN WHO MAKES MINIMALISM LOOK EASY!

- Michael D’Angona

Survival expert, check! Primitive skills instructor, check! Rock climber and triathlete, check! These are all true statements without a doubt, but what truly exemplifies Matt Graham as “exceptional” is his ability to make even the most difficult challenges when deep within the wild appear as a Sunday stroll through a neighborhood park. While some outdoorsmen perceive their time out in nature as a challenge or a virtual “Mother Nature against me,” Matt’s philosophy is quite different. Since a very young age, he has developed a bond — or even more accurately, a relationship — with the outdoors that few people can emulate, let alone, fully understand.

Matt’s unique approach to surviving in diverse environments originates from his love of primitive skills, ancient weapon making and proficiency, and his ability to use little or no modern gear when immersed alone in the heart of nature.

With such specialized skills and outside-the-box mindset, Matt has become one of today’s leading primitive survival experts. Because of this, he is in demand on-screen and as a consultant behind the scenes of such notable television shows such as “Dual Survival,” “Living Wild,” “Dude, You’re Screwed,” “Survivorman” and “The Amazing Race.”

In our exclusive interview, Matt opened up to ASG about his survival philosophy, what pushes him to his uppermost limits, and why he always has that never-fail, big smile on his face.

AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE Who influenced you to explore the wide world of nature in general and survival specifically?