By: Madison Clarke
Exploration has long been the realm of pioneers, scientists, and adventurers, but Richard Wiese is helping to show that discovery can be for everyone. As the president of The Explorers Club, Wiese is working to break down barriers and aiming to make exploration more inclusive and accessible than ever before. Through initiatives like the Explorers Club 50 (EC50), he is recognizing trailblazers from all walks of life, contributing to a redefinition of what it means to be an explorer in the modern era.
Wiese’s passion for discovery was instilled in him from an early age. His father, Richard Wiese Sr., was the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean, and this legacy of adventure helped inspire the younger Wiese to forge his own path. At just 11 years old, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, marking the beginning of a life devoted to uncovering the wonders of the world. But Wiese is clear that exploration isn’t just about reaching new places—it’s about gaining new insights. “Exploration isn’t just about where you go,” Wiese explains. “It’s about what you learn and how you share that knowledge with the world.”
One of Wiese’s impactful contributions has been launching the Explorers Club 50 (EC50), which recognizes individuals who are making significant contributions to science, conservation, and cultural preservation. “The world doesn’t just need more explorers; it needs more recognized explorers,” he says. By spotlighting a diverse group of thinkers and adventurers, Wiese is helping to ensure that exploration isn’t reserved for a privileged few but is an endeavor that anyone with passion and purpose might pursue.
His leadership at The Explorers Club has played a key role in modernizing the organization’s approach to adventure and discovery. Wiese sees exploration as a collaborative effort that blends scientific research, storytelling, and technology. “We’re in a time where exploration is as much about data and collaboration as it is about travel,” he notes. By encouraging partnerships between scientists, researchers, and storytellers, Wiese is fostering a new era of exploration that is as innovative as it is inclusive.
Beyond his work with The Explorers Club, Wiese has reached millions through his Emmy-winning television series Born to Explore. His ability to connect with audiences and make complex discoveries engaging has played a significant role in bringing the spirit of adventure to the mainstream. “If we want to inspire the next generation of explorers, we have to make discovery exciting and relatable,” Wiese says. His show has introduced viewers to cultures, scientific breakthroughs, and conservation efforts, helping to make exploration accessible to those who may never leave their hometowns.
Wiese’s efforts have had a notable impact on those who have been recognized by EC50. “Being named an EC50 honoree truly turned my world upside down in the best way,” says Dr. Britney Schmidt, a polar explorer. “Before that, I was more of a silent member of The Explorers Club, but this recognition connected me with an incredible community of like-minded explorers who see the world in unique ways.”
A firm believer in the power of collaboration, Wiese champions the idea that exploration is a shared effort. “No one explores alone,” he states. “Discoveries often happen when we work together, share ideas, and build on each other’s knowledge.” This philosophy has guided his leadership in creating opportunities for underrepresented voices in exploration, aiming to ensure that new generations have the resources and recognition they need to make meaningful discoveries.
Looking ahead, Wiese envisions a future where exploration is more than just adventure—it’s a tool for addressing the world’s greatest challenges. From tackling climate change to preserving indigenous knowledge, he sees exploration as an important component of progress. “I want people to see exploration as something bigger than a single moment of adventure,” Wiese says. “It’s about the ongoing journey of understanding our world, its people, and our place in it.”
Through his work, Richard Wiese is helping to ensure that the spirit of discovery is alive and well in the modern world. By expanding opportunities, amplifying diverse voices, and striving to make exploration more accessible, he is inspiring a new generation of adventurers, scientists, and storytellers. Whether through his work at The Explorers Club, his television career, or his advocacy for science and conservation, Wiese continues to demonstrate that exploration isn’t just about discovery—it’s about making a difference.
Published by Drake M.
