#100 - Dave Salmoni on Living With Lions, Life Threatening Fear, Fatherhood, and Staying Calm Under Pressure

In this episode, I sit down with Dave Salmoni, zoologist, producer, Animal Planet large predator expert, and one of the most fascinating men I've had the chance to speak with. Dave has spent decades working with lions, tigers, bears, sharks, and other dangerous animals in extreme environments around the world. But this conversation is about much more than wildlife. It is about fear, calm, courage, preparation, fatherhood, spirituality, and what it means to transform as a human being. We talk about how Dave learned to stay focused under pressure, what it feels like to face real life-or-death fear, the brutal lion attack that changed him, and how those experiences compare to the fears that come with marriage, parenting, and building a meaningful life. We also discuss his return to academia later in life, his pursuit of a PhD, the role of mindfulness and community, and what he has learned about happiness, purpose, and growth. This is a conversation about predators, yes, but it is also a conversation about the human nervous system, resilience, reinvention, and how to live with more courage, clarity, and compassion. Learn more about Dave here: https://x.com/davesalmoni https://www.youtube.com/@TheDaveSalmoni In this episode, we discuss: Dave Salmoni's path into wildlife and television Working with lions, tigers, bears, and sharks The difference between real fear and everyday anxiety How preparation builds calm under pressure The lion attack that changed his life Fatherhood, family, and shifting priorities Spirituality, mindfulness, and inner growth Going back to school later in life Why curiosity and passion still matter What animals can teach us about being human Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:33 Dave Salmoni's life today 08:24 How he got started with animals 13:40 Building a wildlife TV career 22:32 What real fear actually feels like 27:18 The lion attack that changed his life 40:06 Fear in the wild vs fear as a parent 41:53 Faith, mindfulness, and inner calm 43:53 Retirement, family, and identity 53:53 Why he went back for a PhD 1:09:04 Parenting, passion, and life now Please Subscribe to my YouTube - YouTube Subscription Link  Free 1-month of the Meditation App - Waking Up 1 Free Month Waking Up App If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might find it helpful. #DaveSalmoni #Fear #Courage #Parenting #Psychology #AnimalPlanet #MentalHealth #Resilience #Fatherhood #Mindfulness Disclaimer Professional medical care and psychotherapeutic services are not offered on this Youtube channel. It is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such condition Seeking professional support is encouraged if you think you have an issue and that you want help.