James Michael Dorsey with Hadza Hunters.
What happens when you travel to the far corners of the earth to document vanishing cultures before they disappear? If you are world traveler, fellow of the Explorers Club, and author James Michael Dorsey, you might end up as baboon bait in Tanzania or rely on a feral cat to save your host’s dinner party in China!
In this thrilling episode of Big Blend Radio’s Before They Vanish podcast, host Lisa D. Smith sits down with James to talk about his captivating essay collection, “Baboons for Lunch and Other Sordid Adventures.” James pulls back the curtain on his raw, humorous, and profoundly human experiences—from passing three grueling initiation tests with the nomadic Hadza people, to navigating the spiritual connections, storytelling, and wisdom of remote tribal communities across the globe.
Learn more about James Michael Dorsey’s books, upcoming speaking engagements, and global expeditions at JamesMichaelDorseyAuthor.com.
Enjoy the Big Blend Radio “Before They Vanish” Podcast Episode Below, or Download/Listen to the Audio Version on Podbean:
Episode Highlights
The Hadza Baboon Hunt: How James tracked down the Hadza people—considered among the last true hunter-gatherers in Africa—and passed their three initiation tests (fire-making, potent ganja, and archery) before unknowingly being used as human bait during a wild baboon hunt.
The Feral Cats of Xinjiang: A hilarious account of delivering medical supplies in remote northwestern China, dining at a high-security military airbase, and secretly feeding a feral cat beneath the table to clean a plate.
Deep Ancestral Roots: Exploring the Hadza's ancient connection as cousins to the San people, their shared Khosian click language, and their genetic legacy dating back to the cradle of humankind.
Exorcisms & Spiritual Journeys: Why James views his travels as a spiritual quest, including his experience undergoing an ancestral exorcism ceremony in Benin.
Living in the Moment: Lessons learned from remote societies about living fully in the present, respecting nature, and keeping humor alive through the art of storytelling.
What’s Next? A sneak peek into James’s upcoming expedition to the Altai Mountains in Mongolia to ride ponies, stay in yurts, and document nomadic eagle hunters.