The Adventure Podcast

Terra Incognita

About

An ongoing series of long-form conversations with individuals at the forefront of exploration and adventure in which filmmaker Matt Pycroft speaks to the most knowledgeable, accomplished and respected voices in the field. From mountaineers to wildlife cinematographers, environmental activists to polar photographers, The Adventure Podcast brings you up close and personal with those who live extraordinary lives.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast.



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190 episodes

Explore 011: Telling The Story

Episode eleven of our specialist series, Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, focuses on storytelling. In this episode, Matt speaks with Leon McCarron about the need for stories, the nuances between journalism and storytelling, and how to get your story out there. They also discuss if everyone has the capacity to be a storyteller.   Leon McCarron is an explorer, award-winning author, and a broadcaster. Known for his long-distance expeditions and immersive multimedia storytelling, in the past decade Leon has travelled over 50,000km by human power sharing stories to help us better understand the world. You can find out more about the Royal Geographical Society and access advice and support for field research and scientific expeditions by visiting www.rgs.org/in-the-field http://www.rgs.org/in-the-field or follow them on @rgs_ibg on socials. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

40m
Mar 28
Episode 176: Hanli Prinsloo, Hold Your Breath

Episode 176 of The Adventure Podcast features freediver, speaker, writer and ocean conservationist, Hanli Prinsloo. Hanli is the founder and executive director of I Am Water, an ocean conservation trust dedicated to conserving and protecting the world's oceans through human experience. In this episode, Matt talks with Hanli about her early life growing up on a rural South African farm, how she got into free diving, and what draws her to the ocean. They discuss why she left the competition circuit, motherhood, and conservation. Hanli also teaches us about the physiological effects of freediving, and why you can probably hold your breath for a lot longer than you think. Photo credit: Peter Marshall Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 4m
Mar 22
Explore 010: Camp Life, Mountains

Episode ten of our specialist series, Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, continues our Camp Life mini series, where we speak to a single individual about a specific type of expedition environment. In this Mountains episode, our guest is Jon Gupta. We talk about navigation, food and water, coping with altitude sickness, and whether or not to use a guide. We also discuss the value in taking a couple of luxuries onto the peaks - after all, any fool can suffer. Jon Gupta is a mountaineering and climbing instructor, and high altitude expedition guide. He has organised and led over 100+ major expeditions around the world, including to Everest (4 times), K2, a winter ascent of Denali and the seven summits. You can find out more about the Royal Geographical Society and access advice and support for field research and scientific expeditions by visiting www.rgs.org/in-the-field https://clicktime.symantec.com/15siFByDu56VxVWeZP4WK?h=SmVwEzzFwYb5p2skqXIflJjUVh4QbMlBS7IC07r1-sQ=&u=http://www.rgs.org/in-the-field or follow them on @rgs_ibg on socials. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

43m
Mar 14
Episode 175: Mark Agnew, An Adventurous Mind

Episode 175 of The Adventure Podcast features journalist and adventurer, Mark Agnew. Mark has recently become well-known for his crossing of the Northwest Passage, as part of a kayak-based team, which we believe is the first recorded crossing of its kind. In this episode, Mark talks to Matt about his early life in Scotland and his decision to move to Hong Kong. They discuss Mark's ancestry and the pressure of living up to his adventurous roots, and intrinsic vs extrinsic motivations. He also speaks about two failed ocean rowing attempts and what that meant to him. This is a broad and far-reaching conversation which explores the psychology and head space of an adventurous mind. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 18m
Mar 12
Episode 174: Eight First Ascents

Episode 174 of The Adventure Podcast features alpinist, mountaineer and climber, Fay Manners. Fay is from the UK but is now based in Chamonix and spends all of her time in the mountains. Last year she put up eight first ascents. In this episode, Matt talks to Fay about her route into alpinism, and how it was defined by a lack of mentors, instead focusing on getting better in partnership with others of similar ability. They also talk about how her expedition to Pakistan was devastated by the news of one of her closest friends losing her life in an avalanche. They talk about how that affected Fay, how it changed her, and how she dealt with happened. It’s an honest and open chat, and a brilliant example of how you don’t have to be surrounded by superheroes to get good at the things you love. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 19m
Mar 06
Explore 009: Health & Safety

Episode nine of our specialist series, Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, focuses on Health and Safety. In this episode, Matt speaks with Megan Hine, Waldo Etherington and Aldo Kane. They demystify the 'risk assessment' process, and go through in detail how to research and write one. They also discuss how to manage risk effectively in the field, medical preparation, emergency evacuation plans, and comms. It's not only an informative episode, but a pretty exciting one too. Megan Hine is a survival consultant, wilderness guide and expedition leader. She has been a health and safety advisor on some of the biggest adventure and survival shows on TV, and has led multiple adventures to remote wilderness environments. She has lived and learned from indigenous communities across the world. Waldo Etherington is a remote location climbing specialist. He has over 15 years of experience in remote-location rigging, and has been a health and safety advisor for countless expeditions and field-research projects. He also features in our Camp Life, Jungles episode.  Aldo Kane is a former Royal Marines Commando and TV adventurer. He has been, both on and off screen, in some of the most extreme, high-risk environments on earth. His company, Vertical Planet, provides safety, security medical and risk management services to the film industry. You can find out more about the Royal Geographical Society and access advice and support for field research and scientific expeditions by visiting www.rgs.org/in-the-field http://www.rgs.org/in-the-field or follow them on @rgs_ibg on socials. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 7m
Feb 29
The Far Reaches: Matt James, De-extinction

After a lot of thought and taking note of audience feedback, we've decided to categorise some of our features a little differently. Most of our episodes will be unchanged, but occasionally we feature guests who are definitely relevant to the worlds of adventure and exploration, but don't necessarily have rip-roaring tales of adventure and aren't adventurers in the truest sense of the word. Intro, The Far Reaches. In this new long-term series we'll speak to guests about subjects related to our planet and our place on it. These episodes will dig a little deeper, perhaps enter the realm of armchair philosophy, and will tackle some more existential questions surrounding adventure and exploration. In the first episode of The Far Reaches, our guest is Matt James. Matt is the Chief Animal Officer at Colossal, a start-up focused on de-extinction. Their goal is to use cutting-edge science to bring back lost species, and secure the health and biodiversity of our planet's future. Matt's job is, in part, to work out what to do with these species once they're back in the world. In this episode, they discuss in detail the meaning and realities of 'conservation', and what de-extinction actually means; the practicalities, methods, reasons, issues, ethics and controversies. It's a fully transparent conversation, and Matt doesn't shy away from the hard questions one bit. No doubt you'll hit play feeling a little skeptical, but hopefully this conversation will teach you about the potential positive impacts these initiatives could have on planet earth. As Matt James puts it, it's not if we can do this, but when. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 4m
Feb 28
Episode 173: Alex Honnold, The Next Pitch

Episode 173 of The Adventure Podcast features climbing legend, Alex Honnold. Alex needs little introduction. He's arguably one of the best rock climbers in history, and is known for his solo ascent of El Capitan, documented in the Oscar-winning film 'Free Solo'. Matt has worked with Alex on two National Geographic documentaries, and has spent endless hours chatting with him at basecamps and on the mountains. In this episode, they briefly speak about Alex's background, but gloss over the more obvious questions that have been asked numerous times in podcasts and movies before. Instead they focus on Alex's transition to fatherhood, redefining adventure, and his partnership with Tommy Caldwell. They also discuss the Honnold Foundation, how he became an environmentalist, and his thoughts on the term 'activist'. They also tackle the question...is Alex Honnold turning soft? Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 17m
Feb 16
Explore 008: Camp Life, Jungles

Episode eight of our specialist series, Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, continues our Camp Life mini series, where we speak to a single individual about a specific type of expedition environment. In this Jungles episode, our guest is Waldo Etherington. We talk about the challenges of undertaking rainforest expeditions, and how to up-skill. Waldo goes into detail on navigational limitations, water, wet dry systems, recommendations for camping under the canopy, wildlife considerations, and jungle-specific prevention and emergency medical planning.   Waldo is a remote location climbing specialist. He has over 15 years experience in remote-location rigging for TV and film. The main focus of his career has been in tropical rainforests, where he started as a tree climber supporting research conservation projects.   You can find out more about the Royal Geographical Society and access advice and support for field research and scientific expeditions by visiting www.rgs.org/in-the-field https://clicktime.symantec.com/15siFBtFVGgv6aBSzofL9?h=1emynQaNDFzCSSXOGQFNJhR6Qq9MuZy3-puojThFoNo=&u=https://www.rgs.org/in-the-field or follow them on @rgs_ibg on socials. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 0m
Feb 15
Episode 172: Jason Pickles, The Climber's Climber

Episode 172 of The Adventure Podcast features climber, route setter, and 'Britain's Manliest Man', Jason Pickles. Jason is a proper underdog and a climber’s climber. He's proudly northern, and grew up climbing in Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cumbria before the climbing scene really exploded and turned into what it is now. In this episode, Jason explores his life as a climber, and how we went from young weekend warrior to full time, talented dirt bagger. He speaks to Matt in detail about first major expedition to climb Mount Agsard on Baffin Island, and his partnership with his best mate, Leo Houlding. They speak about ego and imposter syndrome, and how he’s more than comfortable being surrounded by people who are better at their sport than him. They also look closely at the transition from full time lifer climber to stay at home dad, and the realities of this new life Jason has built for himself. It’s an open conversation with a man who knows exactly who he is, who he isn’t and what he wants from life. Photographer: Adam Long Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 1m
Feb 09
Explore 007: Ethical Fieldwork

Episode seven of our specialist series, Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, focuses on Ethical Fieldwork. In this episode, Matt speaks with Dr Alasdair Harris about getting started in field research and expeditions, the moral dilemma around travelling for fieldwork, and the critical need to forge meaningful partnerships with host communities and countries. Al also speaks passionately and thoughtfully about the impacts of environmental conservation on communities who depend on nature. Alasdair is a marine conservationist working at the interface of ocean protection and social justice. His organisation Blue Ventures grew out of his first RGS-funded expeditions in 2001, and focuses on developing locally led approaches to marine conservation that benefit people and nature. Blue Ventures is now helping many hundreds of thousands of people address overfishing and safeguard ocean life in fourteen countries across southeast Asia, Africa and the Indian Ocean. Alasdair holds a PhD in marine ecology and an honorary doctorate of science from the University of Edinburgh. He has spent more than two decades working with coastal communities to rebuild small-scale fisheries across the tropical Indo-Pacific. You can find out more about the Royal Geographical Society and access advice and support for field research and scientific expeditions by visiting www.rgs.org/in-the-field http://www.rgs.org/in-the-field or follow them on @rgs_ibg on socials. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

33m
Feb 01
Episode 171: Andrew Bisharat, We Need A Voice

Episode 171 of The Adventure Podcast features journalist, writer and climber, Andrew Bisharat. Much of Andrew's career has been focussed on writing about climbing, mountains and adventure. He is a leader in adventure journalism. Andrew is of Palestinian heritage, and was the subject of the film 'Resistance Climbing', which documented his first visit to Palestine in 2020 and a local climbing programme there. The focus of this episode is Palestine, and it's not a bright and breezy episode. It's raw, it's real and it's personal. This conversation purposefully does not shy away from the reality of things. We hope you can enjoy it in some way, that it teaches you something, and that it gives you a personal insight into the conflict, the people, and the place. At the time this episode is released, 'Resistance Climbing' is free to watch on Reel Rock's website: https://watch.reelrocktour.com/videos/rr17-resistanceclimbing. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 5m
Jan 30
Episode 170: Lee Craigie, Other Ways To Win

Episode 170 of The Adventure Podcast features a legend of the mountain biking world, Lee Craigie. Lee is a bike adventurer, director of The Adventure Syndicate, outdoor therapist and storyteller. In this episode, Lee talks to Matt about her champion-winning mountain biking career, competing in the Commonwealth Games, and the pro's and con's of winning. She goes into detail on her role as Scotland's Active Nation Commissioner, and the challenges she faced in this position. She also covers what happiness means to her now, community, and finding balance by changing her motivations. It's an honest and thought-provoking conversation which gives a gentle reminder on the importance of perspective and not trying too hard. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

58m
Jan 26
Explore 006: Camp Life, Polar

The sixth episode of our specialist series, Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, continues our Camp Life mini series, where we speak to a single individual about a specific type of expedition terrain. In this Polar episode, our guest is Felicity Aston. You may recognise her from our Five P's episode. In this episode, Matt talks to Felicity about polar accessibility, navigation, managing water, avoiding injuries, and her tips and tricks for dealing with extreme temperatures.  Felicity is a British polar explorer, author, speaker and student research scientist. In 2012 she became the first woman to ski alone across Antarctica. Starting out as a Meteorologist with the British Antarctic Survey, her expeditions have included the first British Women’s crossing of Greenland, a 6000km drive to the South Pole, a 36,000km drive to the Pole of Cold, and leading international teams of women on ski expeditions to both the North and South Poles. In 2015 she was awarded The Queen’s Polar Medal and was appointed an MBE for services to polar exploration. You can find out more about the Royal Geographical Society and access advice and support for field research and scientific expeditions by visiting www.rgs.org/in-the-field http://www.rgs.org/in-the-field or follow them on @rgs_ibg. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

46m
Jan 19
Episode 169: Taran Khan, Shadow City

Episode 169 of The Adventure Podcast features journalist and author, Taran Khan. Taran's work covers intricate themes of conflict, identity, displacement and belonging. The focus of this episode is her book, 'Shadow City: A Woman Walks Kabul'; over a series of long visits, Taran documents Kabul's changes as it begins to heal from conflict, before the Taliban regained control and she observed the cycle of transformation all over again. Her book shares intimate experiences and keen observations of Kabul, in its fragile yet hopeful state. Taran talks about her family connection to Afghanistan, why she chose to travel there, and what it means to walk in Kabul. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 10m
Jan 16
Episode 168: Laura Massey-Pugh, In Tandem

Episode 168 of The Adventure Podcast features long-distance cyclist, and 'back-half' of SteLa tandem, Laura Massey-Pugh. Alongside her husband Stevie, Laura holds the record for riding a tandem bicycle around the world. Niche but impressive. Together they've also completed several ultra-cycling events, like All Points North and the Mille Pennines Audax. In this episode, Matt talks to Laura about and how she transitioned from being a commuter cyclist to a long-distance tandem cyclist, how the world record ride played out, and why they ride a tandem bike. They cover her and Stevie's roles on the bike, how taking on these challenges as a couple affects their relationship, and if the ride was for enjoyment or for the record. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 0m
Jan 08
Explore 005: Leadership, Teamwork and Competence

The fifth episode of our specialist series, Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, focuses on leadership, teamwork, and competence. In this episode, Matt speaks with Lucy Shepherd, James Dyer, and Emily Penn about different leadership styles, what being a 'leader' involves, and the responsibilities that come with it. They also discuss female leadership, teamwork, the importance of showcasing vulnerability, and ultimately, if you have to be born a leader or if you can learn to become one. LUCY SHEPHERD HAS OVER 10 YEARS OF EXPLORATION, ADVENTURE AND EXPEDITION EXPERIENCE. IN 2020, SHE LED A TEAM OF INDIGENOUS AMERINDIANS ACROSS THE KANUKU MOUNTAINS IN THE AMAZON JUNGLE FROM SOUTH TO NORTH, AND THEN WENT BACK THE FOLLOWING YEAR WITH THEM TO CROSS FROM EAST TO WEST. SHE REGULARLY GUIDES EXPEDITIONS TO THE ARCTIC, AND HAS CLIMBED SUMMITS IN TAJIKISTAN, ALASKA, AND CHILE. James Dyer is an adventurer, expedition leader, safety advisor and outdoor education practitioner. With a career spanning over 20 years, he has participated in and led expeditions all over the globe, covering all environments from the highest mountains, to the frozen arctic, spending time with indigenous peoples in the jungles of Borneo and the bush of Tanzania, climbing into the canopy of the Peruvian Amazon, canoeing rivers deep in Northern Canada and trekking across the deserts of the Middle East. Emily Penn is a skipper and ocean advocate. Emily founded eXXpedition - a non-profit organisation which runs pioneering all-female sailing research expeditions at sea and virtual voyages on land to investigate the causes of, and solutions to, ocean plastic pollution. She's sailed the Northwest Passage, been aboard Earthrace for 923 days, and is also the youngest and only female recipient of both the Yachtmaster of the Year and the Seamaster of the Year award. You can find out more about the Royal Geographical Society and access advice and support for field research and scientific expeditions by visiting www.rgs.org/in-the-field https://www.rgs.org/in-the-field or follow them on @rgs_ibg on socials. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 21m
Jan 04
Episode 167: Karen & Mark Bennett, SaltPot

Episode 167 of The Adventure Podcast features animal and wildlife photographer, sailor, and grandparents, Karen and Mark Bennett. They recently sailed from their home in the South of England, up past the Hebrides, through Northern Scotland and on to the Faroe Islands, all in pursuit of free-roaming wild ponies. In this episode, Karen and Mark talk about combining their two individual passions together, and integrating Karen's photography into their sailing adventures. They discuss how the journey came about, what happened when they were sailing, why they're so driven by their individual passions and what it was like bringing them together. It's a broad and far-reaching conversation with an under the radar couple who are quietly doing the things they love. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 12m
Jan 01
Explore 004: Camp Life, Deserts

The fourth episode of our specialist series, Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, focuses on Camp Life, and specifically Deserts. Camp Life is a mini series within our series, and will feature five different experts on the subjects of deserts, oceans, mountains, rainforests and polar regions. In this episode, Matt speaks with Mark Evans MBE on the nuances of desert travel, how you navigate, source and carry water, mitigate against heat, as well as discussingMark's top tips for camp craft, vehicle travel, emergency evacuations, cultural considerations and wildlife concerns. It's a fascinating insight into desert travel. Mark Evans is Executive Director of Outward Bound Oman, the first Outward Bound school to be established in an Arabic speaking country. He has spent 22 years living and travelling extensively in Arabia, backed up by 80 day camel expeditions, a 49 day crossing of the Rub Al Khali, a 55 day 1,700 km solo kayak journey from UAE to Yemen, and remote 4×4 journeys throughout Saudi Arabia and Oman. He's also an author, lecturer, and fundraiser. You can find out more about the Royal Geographical Society and access advice and support for field research and scientific expeditions by visiting www.rgs.org/in-the-field https://www.rgs.org/in-the-field or follow them on @rgs_ibg on socials. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

54m
Dec 21, 2023
Episode 166: James Mark Hayden, Nothing Left Unfinished

Episode 166 of The Adventure Podcast features ultra-endurance cyclist, James Mark Hayden. James started by riding fixie bikes around London, before finding deep purpose in athleticism and training. He shifted his focus from road racing to unsupported ultra-endurance racing, and after two failed attempts, won back-to back wins in The Transcontinental Race. Pushing his limits again, he now focuses on off-road ultra-endurance racing, and events like the Silk Road Mountain Race in Kyrgyzstan. What makes this episode stand out is the more nuanced conversations Matt and James have around subjects like the transition to fatherhood, mental health, autism, personal ethics and living a life on your own terms. It's moving and motivating, and one of our favourite episodes of the year. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 51m
Dec 18, 2023
Episode 165: A Wild Life, Miriam Lancewood

Episode 165 of The Adventure Podcast features adventurer and author, Miriam Lancewood. Miriam grew up in Holland and travelled around Africa and India, before meeting her now husband, Peter. Peter was a 'modern nomad' and they spent the next few years hiking across mountain ranges, before ending up back in Peter's home country of New Zealand. After questioning the life they were living and the life they wanted to live, they gave up their possessions and moved into the wilderness with a tent and bow and arrow. One year turned into seven. In this episode, Matt and Miriam discuss how to survive in high mountains, what happens to the body and mind in wild spaces, and what it's like to go from a vegetarian to a hunter. Miriam is not a purist - she doesn't live by anyone else's rules or codes. This is a truly fascinating story and insight into a life that is very very rarely lived. Photo credit: Murdo MacLeod Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

46m
Dec 11, 2023
Explore 003: Who's paying, the reality of funding

The third episode of our specialist series, Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, focuses on the reality of funding, and who's paying. Money is one of the least favoured things to talk about when it comes to expedition planning but it's unavoidably essential, as without it, your grand plan is very little more than an idea. In this episode, Matt speaks with Dr Eleanor Drinkwater, Ben Saunders, Tom Allen, and Shane Winser. They go deep into grant applications - how to write them, what to include, and how to review them. They also cover crowdfunding, corporate commercial funding, and even self-funding. They discuss how competitive it can be, how to stand out, and what work remains even when the expedition is over.  Dr Eleanor Drinkwater is an entomologist, expedition leader, lecturer and science communicator. Having completed her PhD on invertebrate personality, she is fascinated by both invertebrate behaviour, as well as understanding how humans can work with and cultivate invertebrates in a sustainable and ethical way. She has worked both in the UK and further afield in Peru, Australia, Honduras and French Guiana. She is committed to science communication, and has also co-founded an entomophagy science festival group. Ben Saunders is a pioneering polar athlete and a record-breaking long-distance skier, who has covered more than 6,000km on foot in the Polar Regions. He's broken the record for the longest human-powered polar journey in history, and holds the record for the longest solo Arctic journey by a Briton. He has shared his story with a huge range of people, businesses and organisations, and his focus is now on climate technology investment. Tom Allen has been a full-time traveller, writer and filmmaker for over 15 years. He has undertaken adventurous journeys on 5 continents, runs a long-established adventure cycling website, and now describes himself reluctantly on his social media profiles as a 'self-unemployed creative explorer'. In 2016 he led the RGS-supported Land Rover Bursary expedition to explore and map the first long-distance hiking trail across the Caucasus. The Transcaucasian Trail, as it is now known, has since evolved into a massive international development project which he estimates will take a good decade or so to complete. Shane Winser works for the Royal Geographical Society where she curates the annual Explore symposium and Festival. A zoology graduate, she assisted in the planning and organisation of the RGS's own research programmes to the tropical forests of Sarawak and Brunei, the mountains of the Karakoram, and the drylands of western Australia, Kenya and Oman. She chairs the technical panel for BS 8848: the British Standard for organisers of a wide variety of ventures, including university and academic fieldwork, gap year experiences, adventure holidays, charity challenges and research expeditions. You can find out more about the RGS and use the Explore digital resources by visiting rgs.org/explore, or @rgs_ibg on socials. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 9m
Dec 07, 2023
Episode 164: Kendal Mountain Festival Live 23, The Power of Storytelling - New Perspectives

Episode 164 of The Adventure Podcast is a special live episode recorded at Kendal Mountain Festival 2023. This is a definite deviation from our standard episode format, and instead of focussing on a single individual, this is the recording of a live panel discussion in front of a crowd. Matt co-hosted this discussion alongside Matt Barr, who runs the Looking Sideways podcast, and is joined by guests Adam Raja, Soraya Abdel-Hadi and Lauren MacCallum. The theme of this roundtable was The Power of Storytelling - New Perspectives, and covers vulnerability in storytelling, how to take climate storytelling out of the echo chamber, and is long-form content dying? This podcast gets a bit full on, and is emotional, deep and perhaps a little controversial. In a good way. There’s some regular fruity language as well, so consider that a warning... Photo credit: Joe Kershaw Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 0m
Dec 04, 2023
Episode 163: Bruce Luyendyk, The Eighth Continent

Episode 163 of The Adventure Podcast features world-class geologist and polar explorer, Bruce Luyendyk. A marine scientist, Bruce expanded his interests over four decades into the geology of California, New Zealand, and primarily, Antarctica. In this episode, Matt and Bruce talk about his background and early inspirations, various field expeditions, and the global significance of geology. They also go into detail on the exploration efforts of Bruce and his team of geologists, which revealed important discoveries of an 'eight continent', Zealandia. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

44m
Nov 27, 2023
Explore 002: Five P's: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance

The second episode of our new specialist series, Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, focuses on The Five P's - Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. In this episode, Matt speaks with Nigel Winser, Felicity Aston, and Stephen Jones about the importance of proper planning. The vast majority of the time, expeditions are won or lost in the planning stage, and often, the moment you step into the field isn't the start of your expedition, it's half way. Matt, Nigel, Felicity and Steve discuss common pitfalls in planning, methods of team selection, and advice and resources out there. Nigel Winser needs little introduction; his career directing interdisciplinary research and learning programmes in Africa, the Middle East and Asia spans decades. He was Deputy Director of the RGS, responsible for developing and managing 11 major field programmes, and Executive Director at Earthwatch leading its ‘citizen science’ programmes to support conservation and sustainable development priorities worldwide. Felicity Aston MBE is a British polar explorer, author, speaker and student research scientist. In 2012 she became the first woman to ski alone across Antarctica. Starting out as a Meteorologist with the British Antarctic Survey, Felicity has since been involved in many ground-breaking expeditions. She is currently undertaking research investigating airborne microplastic deposited on Arctic Ocean sea ice. Steve Jones is an Expeditions Manager for Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions. He also works as a speaker, and advises on safety management and crisis management to projects around the world. Steve is also a contributor to the Oxford Handbook of Expedition and Wilderness Medicine, and Vice-President for Expeditions and Fieldwork on the RGS Council. You can find out more about the RGS and use the Explore digital resources by visiting rgs.org/explore, or @rgs_ibg on socials. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

59m
Nov 23, 2023
Episode 162: Kimber Cross, How Not Can

Episode 162 of The Adventure Podcast features alpinist, climber, adaptive athlete, and kindergarten teacher, Kimber Cross. Kimber is an adaptive climber who was born with one hand, and now uses a custom prosthetic ice tool. She is compassionate, resilient, witty, and candid. In this episode, Kimber talks to Matt about her early life; when did she realise she was different, and how did that impact her? They go on to discuss how she got into ice climbing and alpinism, and the importance of belaying anyone and everyone she can. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 1m
Nov 20, 2023
Episode 161: Rupert Grey, Homage To Bangladesh

Episode 161 of The Adventure Podcast features lawyer and photographer, Rupert Grey. Rupert is, by his own admission, of a world that has now disappeared. His father and grandfather were both colonial governors overseas, and in this episode Matt and Rupert discuss his lineage and how his upbringing and that world impacted him. They travel through a number of Rupert's careers, and explore how his origins and travels shaped him. Rupert also explains how and why he fell in love with Bangladesh, and his work as a lawyer there. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 1m
Nov 13, 2023
Explore 001: Designing A Successful Field Research Project

The first episode of our new specialist series, Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, focuses on Designing A Successful Field Research Project. In this episode, Matt speaks with Dr James Borrell and Professor Katie Willis about how to plan a field research project. They go into detail about their own experience getting into the world of field science, as well as explore and explain what makes a good research project. They also touch on the associated ethics and responsibilities. Dr James Borrell is a conservation biologist with research interests ranging from tropical ecology to evolutionary genomics. He’s been involved with expeditions and fieldwork in a diverse range of environments, including Lapland, Botswana, Borneo, Peru, and Madagascar. Katie Willis is Professor of Human Geography at Royal Holloway, and is a social and development geographer. Katie has conducted research in Latin America, East and South-East Asia, and the UK, and has taught field classes across the globe. You can find out more about the RGS and use the Explore digital resources by visiting rgs.org/explore, or @rgs_ibg on socials. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

43m
Nov 09, 2023
Explore 000: Introduction

Welcome to our new specialist series; Explore: How To Plan An Expedition. This series has been created for the Royal Geographical Society and, at its core, is an introduction to how to plan an expedition and fieldwork project, and how to get involved in these worlds. Our hope is that it will encourage you to undertake your own expeditions - be it big or small in scope, long or short in duration, and personal or altruistic by nature.  In this introductory episode, Matt gives an overview on what an 'expedition' is, the RGS' role in adventure and exploration, and what to expect from this series. You can find out more about the RGS and use the Explore digital resources by visiting rgs.org/explore, or @rgs_ibg on socials. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

5m
Nov 09, 2023
Episode 160: Al Humphreys, What Adventure Means

Episode 160 of The Adventure Podcast features adventurer and writer, Al Humphreys. For those of you who have been around for a while, you'll recognise Al as our first ever guest on the podcast. He was the originator of the 'micro-adventures' movement, and after many years adventuring further afield, now focuses on pursuing journeys a little closer to home. In this episode, Al talks about his Seven Summits (but not as we know it) expedition, his latest challenge involving an Ordnance Survey map, and what freeing up the definition of 'adventure' has meant. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

1h 12m
Nov 06, 2023