What would it take to completely change the course of your life?
For Off the Map Travel founder Jonny Cooper, the answer was a journey to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles: the Northern Lights.
In a recent episode of The Maverick Show with Matt Bowles, Jonny shares the remarkable story of how a trip to Arctic Sweden inspired him to leave behind life in England and build a new future for himself and his family in Swedish Lapland. The conversation explores not only the practical realities of living in the Arctic, but also the profound ways travel can reshape our perspectives, priorities and lives.
A Life-Changing Encounter with the Arctic
Many travellers visit the Arctic and leave with unforgettable memories. Jonny’s experience went much further.
Captivated by the region’s landscapes, culture and way of life, he made the bold decision to relocate permanently to northern Sweden. Today, he lives in Swedish Lapland with his family, immersed in a community where nature is not something to visit occasionally but a constant presence that shapes daily life.
During the podcast, Jonny reflects on the contrasts between life in the UK and life above the Arctic Circle. From the endless daylight of summer’s midnight sun to the long, dark winters illuminated by the Aurora Borealis, the rhythms of the Arctic create a unique lifestyle that many outsiders struggle to imagine.
Raising a Family in the Far North
One of the most fascinating parts of the discussion centres on family life in Arctic Sweden.
Jonny talks about raising bilingual children and embracing a culture that places a strong emphasis on outdoor living, self-sufficiency and connection with the natural world. In a region where children grow up skiing, exploring forests and spending time outdoors regardless of the weather, there is a refreshing perspective on work-life balance and wellbeing.
The conversation highlights how living in the Arctic has influenced not only Jonny’s own outlook but also the experiences and opportunities available to his family.
Learning from Indigenous Arctic Cultures
Travel at its best creates opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange, and throughout the episode Jonny discusses what he has learned from Indigenous communities across the Arctic.
Particularly influential have been his experiences with the Sámi people, the Indigenous inhabitants of northern Scandinavia. Their deep understanding of the land, seasonal cycles and sustainable living offers valuable lessons about humanity’s relationship with nature.
These insights have helped shape Jonny’s approach to travel and continue to influence the experiences Off the Map Travel creates for guests seeking authentic and responsible Arctic adventures.
Extraordinary Adventures Across the Nordic Arctic
The podcast also takes listeners on a journey across some of the most remote and spectacular destinations in the world.
Jonny shares stories from Greenland, where dog sledding remains an important part of life in Inuit communities. He discusses the unique environment of Svalbard, an Arctic archipelago where polar bears outnumber people and where visitors must always be aware of the realities of living in true wilderness.
Other highlights include visits to world-famous ice hotels, encounters with Arctic wildlife and countless experiences beneath the dancing colours of the Northern Lights.
These stories offer a glimpse into the extraordinary destinations that continue to inspire travellers from around the globe.
The Transformative Power of Travel
At its heart, this episode is about more than the Arctic.
It is a story about curiosity, adventure and the transformative power of travel. Jonny’s journey demonstrates how stepping outside familiar surroundings can lead to unexpected opportunities, deeper understanding and even entirely new ways of life.
For anyone fascinated by Arctic travel, Nordic culture, Indigenous knowledge or simply the idea of creating a life shaped by adventure, this episode offers plenty of inspiration.
Tune in to hear Jonny’s remarkable story and discover why the Arctic continues to capture the imagination of travellers seeking experiences that go far beyond the ordinary.
