STORIES TOLD OUT LOUD

Stories a little off the usual path.

From solo journeys through places shaped by conflict to a rather unlikely route from struggling in school to a PhD in physics. Two very different stories, both driven by the same curiosity.

Olivia Fjord Sloth travelling in the mountains

ADVENTURE & OUTDOORS

Hiking in the Shadows

What happens when you walk through places we mostly hear about because of war and conflict?

I travel slowly, often alone and preferably on foot. Some of those journeys have taken me through Central Asia, Iran, Lebanon, Iraqi Kurdistan and Syria, places we mostly hear about when something goes wrong.

In this talk, I share stories from mountains, caves, border areas and long days on foot. About being invited into the homes of people I have just met, getting caught near demonstrations, navigating military checkpoints and ending up in situations I could never have planned.

But travelling this way also raises questions. How much should you trust other people? When does curiosity become irresponsibility? And what does it mean to be a guest in a place shaped by conflict?

It is a talk about hospitality, risk, vulnerability and the people you meet when you lower your guard and slow down enough to let the journey change along the way.

Good for: libraries, outdoor clubs, folk high schools, associations, cultural venues and companies.

SCHOOLS & YOUNG PEOPLE

Choosing Curiosity Over the Fear of Failure

From “not suited for high school” to circus school, back to the classroom and eventually a PhD in physics.

I’m dyslexic and struggled in school. At the time, I definitely didn’t imagine that I would one day end up with a PhD in physics from DTU.

My way there wasn’t particularly straight. I went to circus school, took a few detours and eventually found my way back to the classroom.

This talk is about that slightly messy road, but also about adventure, travelling and what can happen when curiosity becomes more important than the fear of failure.

Whether that means going back to school, travelling alone somewhere unfamiliar or simply trying something you are not sure you can do, it is not about no longer being afraid to fail. It is about being curious enough to try anyway.

The talk can be adapted to the age of the students and the setting.

Good for: schools, youth programmes, universities, folk high schools and other educational settings.

EXPERIENCE

I’ve spoken to audiences ranging from efterskole students to PhD students, as well as at libraries and public events.

FORMAT

Talk, break and Q&A

LANGUAGE

Danish or English

CUSTOM

Both talks can be adapted to the audience and event.

BOOK A TALK

Interested in booking a talk?

Send me a message with a little about the audience, the event and which talk you are interested in.

Get in touch →