IAN
Our cover boy this month is a Nebraskan, a Buddhist, and an adrenaline junkie. Profile by Mike Hitch.
Family… they’re the people who come into your life and stay in your life.
DNA: Congratulations on making the cover of DNA’s Family issue.
Ian Utterback: Thank you so much. I never thought I would be on the cover of DNA.
How do you define family?
Family are the people who enter your life and will always remain in your life. Yes, life takes us in different directions and time may pass, but these people will always be there. Distance and time will not change your relationship. There’s a part of them that will always be with you, which makes reuniting with them so special. During lockdown, what’s the best movie you’ve seen from your living room in 2020? The Invisible Man. I love suspense movies. You’ve been reading The Essence Of Buddha; what’s the best thing you’ve learned from the book and how have you applied it to your life? The Essence Of Buddha talks about the eightfold path, which is having the right view, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. These are some things I’ve started being mindful of in my daily life.
Going from hair styling to physical therapy is quite the career jump – what inspired you to make this switch?
I’m glad I tried being a hairstylist. I really enjoyed it, but I enjoy learning about the body more and have more passion for trying to nurture someone back to health.
Your heritage is Filipino, Swedish and German; are there any dishes from these cultures that you love to cook?
I wish I knew how to cook Filipino. Most time, unfortunately, I just cook the basics like chicken, beef, fish and rice with some veggies.
At the beach, boardshorts, briefs (like the Bang! swimwear on the cover) or naked?
Speedos.
You’re an adrenaline junkie. What do you enjoy about jumping from high places?
I love being scared. I love that moment right before jumping off something high. Feeling that intense fear and letting it go by jumping off a waterfall, out of a plane or whatever it may be. It’s so freeing. How have you been coping with the lack-of-adventure during COVID-19? There isn’t much anyone can do during this pandemic. A lot of people were going stir crazy at first but I’ve noticed that driving somewhere out into nature is something a lot of people do, including myself. There isn’t really anywhere else to go.
What words, whispered in your ear, are an immediate turn on?
If a guy I’m into says something playful and commanding, it’s an instant turn on.
I love the moment right before jumping off something high. Feeling that intense fear and just letting go…
If a guy I’m into says something playful and commanding, it’s an instant turn on.