Dave Gallagher

Business: Cognitv Explorer

Email: cognitvexplorer@gmail.com

I am Dave, also known as the CognitvExplorer! I live near Chester, and spend a lot of time in North Wales in the mountains and at sea in my kayak. I've a passion for mountain activities, sea-voyaging and extreme sports - both as a practitioner, but also as scientist looking at the basis behind how people perform in adventurous and extreme situations. To this end I am a Chartered Psychologist and advocate for 'Adventure Neuroscience' - understanding how the brain thrives on adventure. I am a freelance Mountain Leader working with charities who use the outdoors to help those from troubled backgrounds, including with mental health issues. Through CognitvExplorer, my 'brand', I give talks, university lectures, workshops and corporate talks. I have set up a research foundation called the Adventure Neuroscience Collective to further the science and application of insights pertaining to how the adventure can benefit brain health, mental fitness and general wellbeing. I am also a published writer and adventure photographer. It's a busy but fulfilling and adventurous life!

What is your interest or experience of adventure for mental health or wellbeing?

I have been writing a book this past year on the neuroscience and neuropsychology of adventure and how this impacts on wellbeing and performance. I have a very longstanding interest in how the brain operates under stress, and how conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD undermine the brain's capacity to function to its best. Yet there is increasing evidence as to how adventure interventions benefit those suffering from these conditions. I am a passionate advocate for exploring this area further, as detailed in my book. I have my own personal struggles with mental health since childhood anxiety, seeking adventurous challenges and pursuits as an antidote to this. Adventure has transformed my life and become a hallmark of my approach to blending psychology and neuroscience with outdoor pursuits and as a philosophy to help others. I work with charity organisations, be that in the mountains or out at sea, helping folks overcome their own personal challenges and mental health concerns.

How can you help us spread the word about AdventureMind’s mission?

I post on linkedin on the subject of adventure and wellbeing (and the underpinning neuropsychology of this) and frequently refer to Adventure Mind, at which I have been invited twice to host adventure-challenge workshops. I also refer to Adventure Mind whenever I appear on podcasts (increasingly often). I have been writing a book on the neuroscience of adventure and also refer to Adventure Mind in that, and when it is published and marketed this is ample opportunity to also leverage in some publicity for the community and campaign.