Next Gen North
Join Stuart Cook on the new Next Gen North Podcast, where we discuss big ideas for the Northern Territory. With a range of guests from locals, business owners, political figures and more.
Next Gen North
Adventures Beneath the Surface: The Untold Story of a Modern-Day Pearl Diver
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Our Host: Stuart Cook
Today’s Guest: Will Hanigan
The Journey of Will Hanigan, Modern-Day Pearl Diver
In this episode of Next Gen North, we sit down with Will Hanigan, a pearl diver with roots in a Northern Australian pearling family. Will shares his experiences, from facing the dangers of the ocean’s depths to making his mark in the international jewellery design world. His story is one of adventure, discovery, and creativity.
Will speaks candidly about the life-threatening risks involved in pearl diving and the deep connection he feels to this centuries-old family tradition. Beyond the ocean, his journey takes him from Australia to Native American communities, shaping his personal and artistic worldview.
This conversation is for anyone who loves stories of adventure, the art of jewellery design, or the intersection of culture and creativity. Join us as we explore survival, craftsmanship, and the power of honouring tradition.
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Timestamps and Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction: Meet Will Hanigan
02:00 - Pearling Legacy: Family Heritage
10:00 - Cultural Connection: Aboriginal Roots
15:00 - Pearl Diving Dangers: Risks and Rewards
20:00 - Growth Abroad: Expanding Horizons
25:00 - From Diver to Designer: Crafting Pearls into Art
30:00 - Environmental Impact: Sustainability in Pearling
35:00 - Creative Processes: Pearls in Fashion
40:00 - Pearling Challenges: Economic and Ecological
45:00 - Giving Back: Mentorship for New Divers
50:00 - Future of Pearling: Innovation Meets Tradition
01:10:00 - Personal Reflections: Life Lessons
01:20:00 - Outro: Preserving Tradition Through Pearling
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