Unveiling the Faces of behind the Audacity

Founder, Chief Executive Officer & 

Captain

Red, a native of Ontario, Canada, emerged into the world with both a creative engineering mind and an insatiable appetite for wanderlust. His upbringing in Ontario provided the foundation for a life rich with diverse experiences. Having traversed 16 different cities across North America, Europe, Oceania, and the Caribbean, Red became a seasoned traveler and often found himself leading tour groups into even more exotic locales.

From the early days, sailing and travel were embedded in Red's passions. He spent his summers as a crew member on the Brigs Youth Sail Training, fostering a deep connection with the sea. During his college years, he transitioned into the role of an Expedition Guide in the Rocky Mountains, further expanding his horizons.

Red's initial career path led him into the realms of Paramedics, Crisis Management, and Public Safety. However, an unfortunate accident in 2011 altered the course of his professional journey. Returning to his roots in the film industry, Red sought solace and purpose. Certified in various categories within the profession, he emerged as a specialist in Film Production, driven by a profound desire to capture the raw beauty of wildlife and craft compelling documentaries.

Presently, Red resides year-round on his meticulously restored 45-foot hulled steel trawler—a testament to his passion for maritime adventures and his commitment to a life anchored in the exploration of the natural world. With a camera in hand and a heart attuned to the rhythms of the sea, Red continues to weave his narrative through the lens, capturing the essence of the untamed and sharing it with the world.

Co-Founder & 

Chief Operations Officer

 Colin Bettis is an American ocean explorer, scuba diver, photographer, mechanical engineer, and Air Force officer with twelve years of developmental engineering experience working on the most complex aerospace and space engineering challenges in the fields of autonomous aircraft, space launch, and satellite systems.

Today, Colin works for the U.S. government on the forefront of integrating emerging commercial satellite systems into government remote-sensing architectures. In this role, Colin leads a technical outreach team focused on building close relationships across U.S. government users of remote sensing data, to include the Department of Defense, Air Force Research Lab, Navy Research Lab, Office of Naval Research, NASA, NOAA, and USGS, as well as commercial space industry partners.

As an ocean conservationist, Colin is passionate about how emerging technologies can be applied to aid the solution to our global climate and biodiversity crisis, with emphasis on supporting hard-hit remote and island communities, as well as the education of the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and explorers to bring novel ideas and creative approaches to solving these challenges.

As a member of The Explorers Club, Colin is committed to mentoring and empowering others to discover the strengths within themselves, and uniting teams and communities across cultures to share their stories and help build a sustainable world for future generations. 

 Chief Scientist

Natalie is an esteemed ecologist, conservation geneticist, and documentary director/presenter, driven by an unwavering passion for safeguarding biodiversity through the harmonious integration of western and Indigenous science, public education, and community empowerment. Recognized one of the distinguished Explorers Club 50 individuals actively changing the world, she serves as a dedicated ambassador for the Earth Foundation. 

Her groundbreaking work involves the study of elusive and endangered species, such as the snow leopard and Antarctic whales, where she has played a pivotal role in fostering grassroots conservation efforts. Natalie's influence extends beyond the field, contributing to policy education and management enhancements on a global scale, notably within the International Whaling Commission.

At the forefront of innovation, Natalie is spearheading the development of cutting-edge technology capable of real-time DNA detection from biological samples. This portable, cost-effective, and user-friendly technology stands as a testament to her commitment to advancing scientific methodologies. Leading a dynamic and synergistic team comprising geneticists, conservationists, communicators, business partners, and institutions, she is the driving force behind WildTechDNA.

WildTechDNA, her visionary venture, aspires to revolutionize global practices in customs, law enforcement, field monitoring, citizen science, and locally-based conservation. Natalie's pursuit of excellence exemplifies her dedication to transforming the landscape of conservation efforts worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the way we understand and protect our planet's diverse ecosystems 

Educational Outreach Officer

Carina is an educator, explorer, and marine scientist. Her interdisciplinary career is driven by a commitment to understanding and protecting marine ecosystems. She has worked with organizations such as the School for International Training and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to engage students of all ages. Carina has coordinated field-based courses on sustainable resource use in Iceland, developed marine science curriculum and educational programs in Hawaiʻi, and contributed to numerous STEAM and environmental education projects in Florida.

Her work in education is deeply informed by her scientific expertise. Carina’s research focuses on understanding social and ecological changes in marine systems, with the goal of informing management and identifying ways education can be used as a tool for conservation. Her research experience spans a wide range of topics, from water quality to seagrass recovery, and her master's thesis examined decadal changes in tourism and coral reef health in the Central Mexican Pacific. Carina is also passionate about scuba diving as a tool for research and education, and has logged hundreds of hours as a scientific diver on diverse monitoring and restoration efforts. She is a 2024 Women Divers Hall of Fame grantee and associate.

Carina is deeply concerned about the impacts of climate change in the Arctic and sub-Arctic remote communities. Her work has taken her to Iceland, Sweden, and Greenland, where she has collaborated on sustainability and innovation projects and engaged with the next generation on these issues. She received a Rannís Innovation Grant for SeaGirls, a photography and youth engagement program she co-founded in Iceland, and served on Nordregio’s Nordic Youth Council, developing policy recommendations for remote communities. 

Recently, Carina has served as a West Coast Ocean Alliance Fellow with NOAA. She holds a Master’s in Coastal and Marine Resource Management from the University Centre of the Westfjords and a Bachelor’s in Ecosystem Science and Policy and Marine Affairs from the University of Miami. Passionate about inspiring future explorers and scientists, Carina believes that education is essential to shaping a more sustainable future for our planet.

Social Media & Camera Intern

Emily doesn't do normal. While most people dream about escaping the 9-to-5, she actually managed to turn her passion for exploration into a way of life. After spending a decade climbing the corporate ladder in program management — mastering everything from business development to supply chain logistics — she chose to rewrite her own story.

Armed with three bachelor's degrees (International Relations, Finance, and Economics) and an MBA, Emily brings the same ambition to her adventures that she once brought to boardroom strategies. She's traveled to over 92 countries across all seven continents, but it was a life-changing month-long expedition through Antarctica that stole her heart. Sailing from New Zealand to Argentina through the Ross Sea, Emily discovered a world few ever see. However, surface-level exploration wasn't enough. She became a scuba instructor, specializing in polar diving, where waters dip below 10°C. Now the beauty she chases isn't just above the horizon - it's in the mysterious depths of our planet's last true frontier.

After the pandemic shut down the world, Emily saw an opportunity. When she wasn't documenting nature's most remote corners through her photography, she balanced a full-time remote career alongside her travel consulting business. Every photo she takes tells a story of places most people only see in documentaries. Now, she's turned her passion for marine exploration into a full-time pursuit, combining her social media savvy with her love for the ocean. Beyond personal adventure, she shares Earth's hidden corners with aspiring explorers brave enough to follow. 

Expedition Operations & Research Intern

Hailing from the vast landscapes of Texas, Jordan Joplin’s adventurous spirit matches the grandeur of her home state. With a deep passion for the wild and a drive to explore the unknown, she has built a life steeped in adventure and discovery.

Jordan is an accomplished photographer, capturing the beauty of the natural world through her lens. She is also a skilled wildlife tracker and diver, bringing her closer to the earth’s most elusive and fascinating creatures. Her pursuits extend to ice climbing, fishing, and full-time travel, embracing the ruggedness and unpredictability of life in the great outdoors.

As a dedicated outdoorswoman, Jordan’s love for exploration has led her to the seas, where she joins Expedition Audacity in pursuit of maritime knowledge and adventure. Whether navigating remote waters, contributing to marine conservation efforts, or experiencing the vast expanse of the world’s oceans, Jordan thrives in challenging environments that push her physical and mental limits.

Her versatility and resilience make her a vital member of any expedition team, embodying a commitment to preserving and understanding the natural world while inspiring others to chase their dreams and embrace the wild.

Documentary Officer & Cinematographer 

Rhodri, a photographer and filmmaker from the rugged coastlines of Cornwall, UK, grew up with salt in his veins and a deep connection to the sea. His fascination with the natural world led him to pursue a degree in Marine Science, where he discovered scuba diving and fell under the spell of the underwater realm. Camera in hand, he transformed his passion into a career capturing the planet’s most extraordinary wildlife.

From tracking endangered Blue-Headed Macaws in the depths of the Peruvian Amazon to filming the vibrant birdlife of the Falkland Islands, Rhodri’s lens has revealed countless wonders. His adventures have even included the rediscovery of a species thought lost to time—a presumed-extinct gecko on a remote island in Cape Verde.

A master of his craft, Rhodri is skilled in the latest techniques of modern cinematography, from underwater and macro filming to gyro-stabilized shots and time-lapse magic. As a CAA-licensed drone pilot, he adds a bird’s-eye view to his breathtaking work.

Driven by a desire to inspire others, Rhodri captures the secret moments of the wild—the ones only revealed through patience, skill, and respect for the natural world. His mission is to connect people to the beauty of wildlife, igniting a passion for conservation by showing what’s at stake in the fight to protect our planet’s irreplaceable treasures. 

The Viking Chef

Born during the frosty Danish winter of 1991, Casper Larsen has carved a global reputation as a world-class chef. His culinary journey spans some of the finest restaurants across the globe, from New Zealand and Australia to China, Sweden, Mexico, the UK, and France. Closer to home, his career includes time at renowned establishments, including the legendary Noma in Copenhagen.

Focusing on healthy, flavorful, and nutritious cuisine, Casper’s expertise spans Nordic, Italian, and French culinary traditions, complemented by exceptional skills in pastry-making. Beyond the kitchen, he is the proud owner of Wolfgang Catering, a catering and event company that blends his creativity and passion for delivering extraordinary dining experiences.

Affectionately dubbed "The Viking Chef," “Sugar Prince,” or even “The Mountain” (a nod to his imposing stature), Casper is not only a culinary virtuoso but also an active and adventurous spirit. A seasoned runner, he has completed several half-marathons and participated in the Oslo Marathon in 2023. He balances his love for fitness with his fondness for salsa dancing and swimming.

With a warm and approachable demeanor, Casper's passion for meeting new people and exploring cultures shines through in both his cooking and conversations. His ability to connect over food and life’s shared stories makes him as personable as he is talented.

Lead VR Educational Programs

Meet Kathy Ho, a beacon of inspiration in the realm of education, serving as a dedicated classroom teacher at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital School at Stanford in Palo Alto, California. Kathy's passion extends beyond the conventional boundaries of education; she is on a mission to provide a stable and enriching school experience to pediatric patients, seamlessly connecting them with the vast world outside their hospital walls.

In her role, Kathy is not just a teacher; she is a visionary who strives to infuse her classroom with interdisciplinary richness, fostering a global perspective that transcends traditional boundaries. Drawing inspiration from her immersive experiences, including a transformative journey to the Arctic Svalbard as a 2016 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow and exploration in India through the Fulbright-Hays program, Kathy weaves real-world narratives into her curriculum.

Kathy's commitment to science education is profound and far-reaching. She played a pivotal role in initiating the LABScI Project, a groundbreaking endeavor that brings laboratory activities to non-traditional educational settings, expanding the horizons of scientific exploration. Currently, her focus is on the Imagine Project, an innovative venture that leverages virtual reality (VR) technology to create 'virtual' field trips, seamlessly bringing the outside world into her classroom.

Beyond the confines of traditional teaching, Kathy Ho emerges as a trailblazer, shaping the future of education by embracing technology and cultivating a passion for learning that extends far beyond textbooks. Her dedication to providing immersive and transformative educational experiences marks her as a visionary educator, making a lasting impact on the lives of her students and pushing the boundaries of what education can achieve. 

Cinematographer & Editor 

 Julian Victor better known as J.V. at the Explorers Club is a Wildlife Filmmaker from Toronto. Has worked on projects for National Geographic, Smithsonian, as well as with legendary Wildlife Filmmaker’s Dereck and Beverly Joubert.

Currently working for Canada’s top morning show Breakfast Television, where he has produced content on wildlife conservation and hosts a monthly segment called On the Wild Side. 

His mission is to educate people from all walks of life about our planet, its inhabitants, and how to preserve them. J.V. is always on the lookout for diverse conservation stories to raise awareness for our natural world. 

Julian is particularly fond of wildlife thriving in our bustling urban environments. From the largest colony of double-crested cormorants that nest along Toronto's waterfront to turkey vultures that perch on a building just below our busy downtown core. 

Wildlife is everywhere, but you just have to look.

 Think globally, act locally!

Editor 

 Filip Plaskota is a talented cinematographer and editor based in Toronto, known for his visually captivating and innovative work in film, television, and advertising. With a strong reputation for blending technical precision with a creative eye for composition and lighting, Filip has become a sought-after cinematographer in the industry.

His diverse body of work includes narrative films, commercials, and music videos, where his ability to craft striking visuals and enhance storytelling through imagery has earned him widespread recognition. Filip is celebrated for his collaborative spirit and adaptability on set, working closely with directors and production teams to bring their creative visions to life.

A passionate experimenter with new techniques and technologies, Filip continually pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling. As his career continues to evolve, he stands out as a rising talent and a key figure in modern cinematography.

Editor 

Lorimer Macandrew is a filmmaker and sailor based in Glasgow, Scotland. As an embedded camera operator and editor, Lorimer has been fortunate to work abroad on documentary projects with global conservation project Darwin200 in Tenerife, Canary Islands, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as well as corporate promotional work in Grenada, Caribbean. Back in Scotland, Lorimer currently runs the video team at the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and undertakes freelance video production work for a variety of clients.

Lorimer is also a keen sailor, racing dinghies and teaching dinghy sailing whilst at university, then founding Summer Yachting upon graduating, which runs an annual week-long yachting trip in the Mediterranean. During the COVID pandemic, Lorimer circumnavigated the UK as part of the voyage crew onboard the tall ship Pelican of London, and now volunteers with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland.

Having graduated from the University of Manchester in 2018 with a BEng in Mechanical Engineering, Lorimer also has a passionate interest in microelectronics and programming. Despite losing a drone recently in the Brazilian rainforest, Lorimer promises he is also an experienced and qualified drone pilot. 

Fleet Admiral

Whiskey, a spirited canine hailing from the hills of Kentucky, brings a blend of Boxer and Feist Terrier heritage to his adventurous tale. Transplanted to Canada as a frisky young pup, Whiskey, now at the age of two, is poised for his next grand escapade. He's bidding farewell to the comforts of the Trawler he calls home in Toronto, eagerly embracing a sailing expedition that promises to whisk him away to the farthest reaches of the globe.

This four-legged explorer has a zest for life and a penchant for play, with a particular fondness for his chew toys. Always game for a leisurely stroll or a cozy cuddle, Whiskey finds joy in the simple pleasures of companionship. Yet, his heart truly belongs to the open sea, where he delights in cruising along the deck, entranced by the rhythmic dance of the waves.

As Whiskey sets sail on this extraordinary journey, he embodies the spirit of canine wanderlust, bringing a dash of warmth and companionship to the expansive horizons that unfold before him. His presence on deck serves as a reminder that, even in the most remote corners of the world, the bond between humans and their faithful animal companions adds a touch of familiarity to the grandeur of exploration.

Director of Rubbies

As the venerable matriarch of the Expedition, Penny embraces the prospect of a more leisurely pace in life, yet her adventurous spirit remains indomitable—especially when surrounded by a devoted crew of belly-rub enthusiasts. Originating from the scenic banks of the Cumberland River in Tennessee, Penny's early days were marked by stardom in music videos as a lively pup. She even made an unplanned cameo appearance in the renowned Nashville TV series.

Transitioning to the sun-kissed shores of San Diego, Penny cultivated a profound love for the ocean, frolicking on Dog Beach in OB. In more recent times, she gracefully retired to her yacht on Lake Ontario, where the gentle lull of the waves provides the backdrop for her serene naps on the bow.

In a poignant turn of events, Penny bid farewell to her earthly voyages in early November 2023. The unwelcome return of cancer prompted her journey to the big dog park in the sky, where she reunites with her cherished brothers Bentley, Oscar, and Dexter. While Penny's earthly adventures have come to an end, her spirit lives on, leaving behind a trail of fond memories and the enduring legacy of a beloved companion.