You might not expect a polar explorer to hold the secret to true love. But that’s because you haven’t met Jerry Kobalenko.

According to Jerry Kobalenko, there are two kinds of people: “those of us who live our lives very logically and methodically, and those who are victims of our obsessions.” By his reckoning, he falls in the latter category.

Recipient of Canada’s esteemed Polar Medal, Kobalenko has fallen prey to an Arctic obsession. But in tandem with his numerous multiday subzero expeditions, he has honed his skills as a raconteur and scribe.

He’s worked to retrace some of the most iconic polar routes in history. Along the way, he’s stumbled onto some of the most interesting stories north of the 66th parallel (like how polar explorers helped broker a deal to get McDonald’s into Moscow).

Kobalenko has also spearheaded outstanding journalism in the world of altitude mountaineering — like news of the first winter ascent of K2.

His opinions on gear, travel, and adventure have been the subject of an array of books, and he now oversees GearJunkie’s sister site, Explorersweb.

Oh — and his devotion to Arctic adventure may just hold the keys to finding true love.