The Wild Podcast

Mike King is a professional forager and founder of Finders Eaters. He's on a mission to discover the unique and unusual flavours of New Zealand's native plants. Some of his discoveries will open your mind to a new world of edible goodness that's all around us.If you are interested in learning more about edible plants that you can find in the bush, at the beach and even in your own backyard, you'll get a lot out of this episode.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Check out the Finders Eaters website here (you can book foraging tours in Kāpiti and Wellington)Follow Finders Eaters on Facebook and InstagramCheck out the episode of Country Calendar featuring Mike here//EPISODE SPONSOR//This episode of The Wild Podcast is brought to you by Water To Go. Water To Go has created a drink bottle with a unique 3 stage water filtration system, using 1 traditional and 2 nanotechnology methods to filter your water. The filter is lightweight, lasts for ages and is easy to use.For us, using the Water To Go bottle means we don’t have to boil or chemically treat water and we can fill it anywhere - even a dirty, stagnant tarn - and know we're drinking clean clear water. It's perfect for hunting, tramping, international travel, bike packing or everyday use. The active bottle is the only filtration bottle designed for biking on the market.Check out the Water To Go website at watertogo.co.nz and use the code THEWILD at checkout to get 15% off your order.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonny

Eleanor Arnst and Katie Wright are two New Zealand based ultra running legends. Having recently completed the first known non-stop traverse of the Ruahine Range they speak to Andy about all things ultra, FKT and other extreme exploits. //EPISODE EXTRAS//Katie's InstagramEleanor's  InstagramThis episode of The Wild Podcast is brought to you by Water To Go. Water To Go has created a drink bottle with unique 3 stage water filtration system. using 1 traditional and 2 nano technology methods to filter your water. The filter is lightweight, lasts for ages and easy to use.For us, using the Water To Gobottle means we don’t have to boil or chemically treat water and we can fill it anywhere and know we're drinking clean clear water. Its perfect for hunting, tramping, international travel, bike packing or every day use. Their active bottle is the only filtration bottle designed for biking on the market.Check out the Water To Go website at watertogo.co.nz and use the code THEWILD at checkout to get 15% off your order.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

In this breaking news episode we speak to an anonymous Conversation Board member about the Department of Conservation's Options Development Group.  We talk about the group's controversial leaked draft recommendations and the potential implications for New Zealand's environment and native species. The Options Development Group was established in late 2020 to make sure the partial reviews of the general policies are guided by perspectives and insights from te ao Māori at a national level. Our anonymous source is now alleging that the group is working outside of their remit and that the process has largely been kept behind closed doors.The Department of Conservation was invited to appear on the show but declined our offer.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

In 1998 Alistair Matthew  found himself with a bike high up in the Bolivian Andes. He explored the mountains surrounding La Paz and found a ride he knew people would love - The World’s Most Dangerous Road. He found a couple more bikes and offered the ride to anyone who would listen, and soon enough it became the bike ride to do in South America. In this episode Alistair and Andy chat about pioneering adventure tourism in Bolivia, life and the importance of growing your skills on a bike. //EPISODE EXTRAS//Gravity Nelson WebsiteGravity Nelson InstagramThis episode of The Wild Podcast is brought to you by Water To Go. Water To Go has created a drink bottle with unique 3 stage water filtration system. using 1 traditional and 2 nano technology methods to filter your water. The filter is lightweight, lasts for ages and easy to use.For us, using the Water To Gobottle means we don’t have to boil or chemically treat water and we can fill it anywhere and know we're drinking clean clear water. Its perfect for hunting, tramping, international travel, bike packing or every day use. Their active bottle is the only filtration bottle designed for biking on the market.Check out the Water To Go website at watertogo.co.nz and use the code THEWILD at checkout to get 15% off your order.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

Ray is a tramper, photographer and graphic designer based in Nelson, New Zealand. His relatives were the first europeans to find and explore the Tableland area behind Mt Arthur in what is now Kahurangi National Park. After years of researching and photographing he released the book Tableland - The History Behind Mt Arthur. Andy chatted to him about the process of researching and writing the book, his family history and some epic adventures he's had in his many years tramping around New Zealand.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Rays WebsiteTableland website//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

Nathan Dahlberg is a mountaineer, explorer and former professional mountain biker. In this episode Nathan talks about what it's like to ride in the Tour De France and his latest adventures in Pakistan and China. Opting for the ultra simple and ultra practical approach to mountaineering, Nathan runs us through adventuring in some of the worlds most inaccessible locations. //EPISODE EXTRAS//Nathans WebsiteTumble Home Visions on Youtube//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

Robert Mads Andreson is a mountaineer, author and former managing director in the advertising industry. In this episode we talk to Robert about his latest book Nine Lives which details his adventures on Mt Everest. The beautifully written book features a foreword from Peter Hillary and talks about his nine lives on the tallest mountain in the world. Recorded on Christmas Eve and intended to be a Christmas day episode this is our belated Christmas present to our listeners.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Follow Robert on Instagram Roberts website / blog//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

Dick Vietch is one of New Zealand’s conservation icons. In this episode Andy and Dick chat about everything from saving the South Island Saddleback from extinction on Big South Cape Island in 1964, discovering a new species of bird on Campbell Island through to helping eradicate cats off Hauturu / Little Barrier Island in the 1970's.They also discuss the incredible book Hauturu which features a complete survey of the flora and fauna of Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island which Dick co-edited along with Lyn Wade.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonny

Dave Shaw is the founder, creator and cameraman behind The Hunters Club TV show and he's just released a new book called 'Off the Beaten Track: Hunting Tales from the New Zealand Backcountry'. In this episode, Andy talks with Dave about his background in zoology, the origin of The Hunters Club TV show, his new book, and, of course, all things hunting in New Zealand.Whether or not you're into hunting yourself or not, Dave's story will resonate with anyone who's into the outdoors. //EPISODE EXTRAS//Follow The Hunters Club on Facebook and Instagram.Watch the latest episodes of The Hunters Club on Prime here.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

David Cary is the founder of Empty Packs, a new brand of ultra-light tramping packs custom-made in a shed in Te Anau, New Zealand.David's story is similar to many of the great outdoor brands of today. Patagonia started with Yvon Chouinard creating hand-forged mountain climbing gear in the 1950s.  Macpac started with Bruce McIntyre making backpacks in his Christchurch garage in the 1970s.Empty Packs has started with David teaching himself how to sew ultra-light tramping gear in a small workshop in Te Anau. In this episode, we talk about how Empty Packs got started, why David thinks heavyweight, factory-made tramping packs are unnecessary for most outdoors people, and putting Empty Packs to the test on some epic adventures.The remarkable thing about David is that he's not driven by profit, rather he wants to do as much good in the world as possible. If Empty Packs becomes the next big thing in tramping gear - which we think it could - you heard it here first.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Check out the Empty Packs website here. Follow Empty Packs on Instagram here.Follow David on Instagram here.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

Alec Milne is a conservationist and amateur ornithologist (a person who studies birds).He's is a member of Friends of Cobb, a conservation group that does pest control and trapping in the Cobb Valley in Kahurangi National Park - one of the most geologically diverse places in New Zealand.Friends of the Cobb has been achieving amazing results in the valley and surrounding areas and the group's helping to protect many of our endangered native species.Alec's work in the Cobb Valley means he gets a close-up view of New Zealand's conservation issues.Andy talks to Alec about rock wren, New Zealand's only true alpine bird, and the newly-discovered threat it faces from climate change (scary stuff!). They also talk about discovering a new species of lizard and Alec's search for the Grey Ghost, the South Island kōkako that was presumed extinct. Alec claims to have seen the Grey Ghost in the Cobb Valley in 2005 and there have been other sightings since. The search for the Grey Ghost has captivated many conservationists and ornithologists over the years, but the elusive bird remains a mystery.Alec's one of many volunteers across who New Zealand who are doing incredibly important work that flies under the radar.These are the types of people we love to celebrate on The Wild Podcast and it was great to have Alec on the show.This was an incredibly illuminating conversation that's sure to awaken the conservationist within all of us.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Follow Friends of Cobb on Facebook.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

In this special Election 2020 episode of The Wild Podcast, we asked the five political parties that are currently sitting in parliament - Labour, National, The Green Party, ACT, and NZ First - the same five questions so we could get an idea of who they are, what they stand for, and why we should vote for them or not.The only party that didn't respond is NZ First so they aren't included in the episode.The party spokespeople are:ACT - Nicole McKee (#3 on the party list)National - Jacqui Dean (opposition spokesperson for Conservation and on the Environment Select Committee)Labour - Rachel Boyack (Nelson candidate)The Green Party - Chlöe Swarbrick (current MP)The questions are focussed on conservation, the environment and the outdoors - the stuff our listeners are typically most interested in.The five questions we asked are: 1. Tell me about the best outdoors experience you've had in New Zealand. 2. What is New Zealand doing really well regarding conservation and the environment. 3. What do you see as the biggest issues facing conservation and the environment right now? 4. What do you see as the biggest opportunities? 5. Why should an outdoors enthusiast vote for you?Dabbling in politics is a bit outside our wheelhouse but we think it's important to know how our vote might influence New Zealand's environment, the places we love to explore, and the future of our wild places and the flora and fauna that inhabit them.For our international listeners, this episode won't be particularly interesting or useful. But for our New Zealand listeners, we hope this helps to provide a better understanding of where the main parties stand on conservation and the environment.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.comThe Wild Podcast is produced by The Content Lab, content marketing, copywriting, and brand storytelling services for New Zealand businesses that want to build audiences and authority online. Visit contentlab.co.nz

The Whanganui River in New Zealand is the first river in the world to be granted the status of a legal person. But what does that really mean?In this episode, Andy talks with Jonny about the short documentary he produced on the Whanganui River, called Ko Au Te Awa (I Am The River). The film explores the concept of legal personhood from a Māori worldview.When the legislation passed in 2017 there was a lot of confusion around how a river could be seen as a living entity. In this conversation, we talk about how legal personhood isn't a Māori concept at all, the 150-year struggle by iwi to have their relationship to the river recognised at law, and what this potentially means for the health and conservation of the river going forward.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Watch the documentary Ko Au Te Awa here.Follow Jonathan on Instagram.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.comThe Wild Podcast is produced by The Content Lab, content marketing, copywriting, and brand storytelling services for New Zealand businesses that want to build audiences and authority online. Visit contentlab.co.nz

Levi Harrison is a modern day hunter-gatherer who lives in a tipi in the forest somewhere at the Top of the South Island of New Zealand. After living most of his life in a big city, Levi felt the call of the wild and decided to unplug himself from society.Levi hunts, fishes and forages for 90 per cent of his food, he bathes in a stream, and experiences a deep connection to nature.However, in his own words, he lives between worlds. Despite his hunter-gatherer lifestyle, he still lives in close contact with the modern world.He works as a freelance voice actor for major companies and has to leave the wild to spend time with his children.In this episode, Jonny talks with Levi about how he came to be living this way, how he balances work and family life with living in the wild, and the way that he’s come to see himself as part of nature not apart from it.While living like a hunter-gatherer is not for everyone, Levi says there a simple steps we can all take to live a life that's more simple and connected to nature.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Watch the short documentary about Levi, Becoming a Wild Man, on Youtube.Visit Levi's website Living Wild to learn more about the workshops he leads.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.comThe Wild Podcast is produced by The Content Lab, content marketing, copywriting, and brand storytelling services for New Zealand businesses that want to build audiences and authority online. Visit contentlab.co.nz

Gavin Lang is a New Zealand mountain guide and photographer who combines self-development with nature and adventure to help people overcome the mountains within themselves.In this episode, Jonny talks with Gavin about how he developed a passion for mountaineering, despite growing up in Ireland where the highest mountain is about 1000m.They also talk about his Seeking the Light project, in which Gavin is climbing the 24 New Zealand mountains higher than 3000m to tell the story of the mental health benefits of adventure, challenge and the outdoors.It's a really inspiring conversation that goes deep into the healing power of nature and the mind.One quick note, the neck injury that Gavin talks about that led to some of his darkest days happened while he was rock climbing and he twisted his neck in an awkward way - they don't actually cover that back story in the conversation, so it's helpful to have that context going in.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Follow Gavin on Facebook and Instagram.Check out his guiding company First Light Guiding.Find more information on Gavin's Seeking the Light project here.Watch the video of the Peru expedition Gavin led with Penny Brothers (mentioned in the podcast starting at 27:50).Get a glimpse of what Gavin's Self Mastery Through Mountaineering course is like here.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.comThe Wild Podcast is produced by The Content Lab, content marketing, copywriting, and brand storytelling services for New Zealand businesses that want to build audiences and authority online. Visit contentlab.co.nz

Dylan van Winkel is a renowned Kiwi wildlife ecologist and herpetologist, which means he studies reptiles and amphibians like lizards and frogs. He literally wrote the book on reptiles and amphibians in New Zealand. In this episode, Andy talks with Dylan about how his interest in lizards from a young age developed into a life devoted to research and conservation. His conservation work has led to the recognition of new species, including an endemic gecko, and his career has seen him undertake projects in New Zealand, Tasmania, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea.New Zealand has at least 123 different species of reptiles and amphibians and yet they aren't nearly as recognised as our native birds. The work Dylan is doing is helping to change that and he says there's been a surge of interest in the reptile world in recent years.We're sure you'll come away from this episode with a new appreciation for the many wonderful creatures of the reptile world.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Buy Dylan's excellent book Reptiles and Amphibians of New Zealand: A Field Guide here.Read Dylan's adventure blog //SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

Crystal Brindle is a nature photographer, a community ranger at the Department of Conservation in New Zealand, and a keen adventurer.She grew up in the United States where she worked for the National Park Service (following in her parents' footsteps) before moving to New Zealand. A talented landscape photographer, Crystal uses her creativity to try and foster deeper connections between people and the land.In this episode, Andy and Crystal cover a lot of ground, including her photography, thoughts on social media influencers, what it's really like working for DOC, encountering bears in the parks of Alaska, and a few of her favourite adventure stories.Crystal's energy and love for nature is infectious, so be prepared for a sudden urge to get into the outdoors after listening to this episode.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Follow Crystal on Facebook and Instagram. Check out her photography and blog here//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

Kate Uwins aka Naked Kate is a skinny dipping enthusiast and a body positivity advocate who's working on New Zealand's first guidebook for skinny dipping, called Newd Zealand.To most people, skinny dipping is simply swimming in the nude. But in this episode, Kate shares her personal story of how skinny dipping has given her more confidence and helped her to feel comfortable in her own skin.Through this deeper connection with the environment, Kate says nature has taught her that there is great beauty in imperfection, helping her to break free from the expectations and limits placed on her - and all of us - by society.We also talk about why New Zealand is such a great place for skinny dipping, given the wealth of stunning, secluded swimming spots, and her recent challenge of skinny dipping for 30 days straight in the Queenstown Lakes area in the middle of winter (Wim Hof style!). It was a fascinating conversation that really opened our eyes to the stigma around the human body and we're sure Kate will get you thinking about stripping your kit off the next time you take a dip in nature.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Follow Kate Uwins on InstagramCheck out Kate's blog//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.comThe Wild Podcast is produced by The Content Lab, content marketing, copywriting, and brand storytelling services for New Zealand businesses that want to build audiences and authority online. Visit contentlab.co.nz

Billy Stairmind is a record-holding 7x New Zealand surfing champion, future Olympian, and a competitor on the World Qualifying Series.Growing up in Raglan, the surfing capital of New Zealand, Billy got introduced to the ocean at a young age. Since turning pro, he's won seven New Zealand titles and recently qualified for the 2020 Olympic Games, which have been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.In this episode, we talk about his backstory, turning pro, qualifying for the Olympics, the time he beat Kelly Slater, the greatest surfer of all time, in a heat, and his love for the ocean.Billy also opens up about a particularly difficult period in his life a few years back and how he's built himself back up to achieve some of the best results of his career.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Follow Billy Stairmind on Instagram and Facebook.Check out the video of Billy beating Kelly Slater in a heat in 2011. It's epic!Watch a short clip of Billy talking about making the New Zealand Olympic team.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.comThe Wild Podcast is produced by The Content Lab, content marketing, copywriting, and brand storytelling services for New Zealand businesses that want to build audiences and authority online. Visit contentlab.co.nz

Geoff Reid is a passionate environmentalist, talented photographer and reluctant social media influencer from New Zealand.He uses activism and storytelling to campaign for fresh water, healthy marine reserves, protecting forests and to help deepen environmental awareness and the need for biodiversity restoration.In this episode we talk about everything from dirty dairying to invasive weeds, his campaign to save the world's last giant rātā forest, and the power of social media to create change. Geoff is extremely passionate about being a voice for nature and helping to build a more sustainable future for people and wildlife.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Follow Geoff on Facebook and Instagram.Watch the video from TVNZ News about Geoff's campaign to save the Akatarawa Giant Rātā Forest. Sign the petition here.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com