Pioneer Pauly

Pioneer Pauly, born Paul LaRouche on March 6, 1991, is a Canadian YouTuber, gold prospector, adventurer, and former actor recognized for his contributions to the popularization of gold prospecting and gem hunting on social media. LaRouche parlayed his early life challenges into a creative outlet that eventually blossomed into a career that combines his love for adventure with educational and entertaining content creation.
==Early Life==
Paul LaRouche was born on March 6, 1991, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. At the age of 14, he struggled with an eating disorder, severe anxiety, and PTSD due to a traumatic upbringing. Home-schooled and in therapy, he found solace in filmmaking with a camera gifted by his mother. His early interest in entertainment led him to acting classes, and he pursued a career as an actor and stuntman in Vancouver post-high school.
==Career==
LaRouche's career in entertainment began with acting and stunt work. He has made several appearances in film and television, often in uncredited roles. His true passion emerged when he turned to gold prospecting, which he showcases on his YouTube channel, "PioneerPauly."
LaRouche has been actively involved with the gold prospecting community beyond his YouTube channel. As an authority in the field, he has authored articles for respected publications within the community. He wrote an article for the Gold Prospectors Magazine, published by the Gold Prospectors Association of America (GPAA), where he shared his insights and experiences. This article, appearing in the May/June 2020 issue, volume 46, number 3, pages 22-27, also highlighted his perspectives on gold prospecting during the time of social distancing. The same article was featured on the GPAA's website, offering guidance and encouragement to prospectors during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Paul's journey as a gold prospector gained significant attention when his story was featured on CTV News. In an article published on November 18, 2020, his pursuit of gold in the Sooke River was not just about the treasure but also a mental health breakthrough. His experiences with anxiety and the therapeutic effect of gold prospecting were highlighted, emphasizing the positive impact of his activities on his well-being. The "PioneerPauly" YouTube channel has attracted a substantial following, with over 634,000 subscribers and more than 185 million views, a testament to his engaging content and personal connection with his audience. Beyond gold prospecting, Paul uses his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues and environmental conservation, including cleaning up litter and removing toxic materials like lead and mercury from the rivers he explores.
Paul Larouche's passion for treasure hunting has garnered him not only a significant online following but also recognition in local media. In October 2020, Vic News published an article on Larouche, detailing his journey from a security worker to a full-time gold prospector and YouTube content creator. The article highlights his struggles with anxiety and depression, his rediscovery of purpose through gold panning, and his aspirations for the future. Larouche's endeavors have led to notable finds, such as Spanish coins and obsidian arrowheads, and have taken him across North America and as far as Australia in search of gold. With plans to expand his adventures to Alaska and potentially Africa, Larouche continues to dream big, sharing his experiences with a growing audience and even hosting celebrities on his channel.
Beyond his prospecting endeavors, LaRouche's journey has also been therapeutic. Beginning in 2016 with a trip to the Sooke Potholes on Vancouver Island, gold hunting provided him a reprieve from personal challenges, such as panic attacks and anxiety. His discovery of gold and the subsequent sharing of his experiences via YouTube gave him a newfound purpose, transforming his pastime into a calling.
==Personal Philosophy==
LaRouche's prospecting philosophy emphasizes patience and persistence, comparing the activity to fishing, where the reward often comes after considerable effort. He encourages newcomers to the hobby by dispelling the myth that all the gold has already been found, highlighting the continual replenishment of gold deposits through natural processes like floods.
Category:Canadian YouTubers
Category:Gold prospecting
Category:People from Victoria, British Columbia
Category:Canadian male actors
Category:1991 births