Picture a California-born journalist who dove into the ocean’s depths and unlocked the secrets of human breathing—meet James Nestor! With a knack for blending adventure and science, Nestor has captivated millions through his bestselling books Deep and Breath. His work, translated into over 35 languages, invites readers to explore the hidden potential of the human body and mind, all with a storyteller’s charm.
From surfing Arctic waves to decoding whale songs, Nestor’s curiosity has taken him to the edges of human experience. His ability to make complex science feel like a thrilling journey has earned him spots on NPR, TED stages, and even Joe Rogan’s podcast. Ready to dive into his world?
The Making of James Nestor
Born in Tustin, California, in the 1970s, James Nestor grew up in a 'lower-upper-middle-class' suburb, far from the hippie vibes of coastal lore. His father, a former Air Force pilot turned engineer, and his homemaker mother shaped a practical upbringing. As a teen, Nestor rocked a punk edge, playing bass in a straight-edge band called Care Unit, inspired by Orange County’s 1980s music scene. This rebellious streak hinted at his future as a boundary-pushing writer.
After a stint as a copywriter in a soul-crushing nonprofit job, Nestor found his calling in journalism. His first break came with a San Francisco Chronicle piece on the Esperanto subculture, sparking a career writing for outlets like Outside, Dwell, and The New York Times. By 2008, he joined the San Francisco Writers’ Grotto, surrounded by literary stars like Mary Roach, which fueled his leap into full-time freelancing.
James Nestor’s Unforgettable Stories
Nestor’s books are where science meets adventure, each a deep dive into human potential. His 2014 debut, Deep: Freediving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us About Ourselves, explores the world of freediving, where athletes plunge hundreds of feet on a single breath. Nestor embedded with divers and researchers, uncovering how humans can tap into abilities like echolocation. The book, a finalist for the PEN/ESPN Award, became an Amazon Best Science Book of 2014.
In 2020, Nestor released Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, a global phenomenon that spent 18 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and sold over three million copies. It reveals how modern humans have forgotten how to breathe properly—shifting to mouth breathing due to processed diets—leading to ailments like sleep apnea and asthma. Collaborating with Stanford scientists, Nestor champions nasal breathing and slow, rhythmic breaths to boost health. The book won the Best General Nonfiction Book of 2020 from the American Society of Journalists and Authors.
Nestor also penned Half-Safe, a 2012 longform piece about Ben Carlin’s wild quest to circle the globe in an amphibious jeep. His 2009 booklet, Get High Now (Without Drugs), a quirky blend of science and meditation, reflects his early playful style, though he later regretted its misleading title. His writing weaves curiosity, humor, and rigorous research, making science feel like a grand adventure.
Why James Nestor Matters
Nestor’s work has reshaped how we view everyday acts like breathing and diving, turning them into gateways to better health and self-discovery. Breath sparked a global movement, with readers adopting nasal breathing to combat stress and illness. His involvement in Project CETI, a TED Audacious Project using AI to decode whale communication, shows his commitment to pushing scientific boundaries. Nestor’s talks at Stanford Medical School and the United Nations inspire audiences to rethink human potential.
By making science accessible and thrilling, Nestor has influenced athletes, health enthusiasts, and curious minds alike. His legacy lies in empowering people to reclaim lost abilities, proving that small changes—like how we breathe—can transform lives.
- Born: 1970s, Tustin, California
- Key Works: Deep (2014), Breath (2020), Half-Safe (2012)
- Awards: Best General Nonfiction Book 2020 (ASJA), Finalist for Royal Society Science Book Prize
- Fun Fact: Ran a 1978 Mercedes-Benz on used cooking oil!
Snag Breath or Deep and dive into James Nestor’s world of science and wonder—you’ll never breathe the same way again!