Wild Chats with Ben Southall

<p>Join host Ben Southall for Wild Chats, a series that dives deep into the world of adventure. We bring you trail runners, hikers, travelers, and explorers sharing their most inspiring and wildest stories from around the globe.</p><p>Whether you're chasing ultra-running dreams, planning your next big trek, or simply looking for a spark of adventure, Wild Chats delivers firsthand insights from those who live and breathe the outdoors.</p><p>🎙 <b>New episodes every other Friday!</b></p><p>Presented by Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia</p>

From the Te Araroa to the PCT: Cam Bostock on Adventure, Content Creation & Community

In this episode, Ben Southall sits down with Cam Bostock, an outdoor adventurer and content creator, to dive deep into his journey from a childhood spent exploring the outdoors in Perth, Australia, to rediscovering his passion for nature after years of gaming and introversion. Cam shares how hiking became a transformative force in his life, improving his mental and physical well-being. He takes us through his experiences on some of the world’s most iconic trails, including New Zealand’s Te Ar...

02-21
01:10:44

From Pilot to Survivalist: Outback Mike's Story

In this episode, Ben Southall sits down with “Outback Mike” from Alone Australia to unpack how a kid obsessed with adventure became a survival instructor, and why he always planned to trade jets for the bush. Mike shares what he has learned from First Nations people about living with Country rather than on it, and how that wisdom guided his solo expeditions through the Australian Outback and along the Great Barrier Reef. He talks us through the 14 month grind of building a dugout canoe by han...

12-11
01:17:35

Coree Woltering: The Trials of the Trail

In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with ultra runner Coree Woltering, whose athletic journey has taken him from the world of triathlons to the heart of the ultra running community. Coree shares how his passion for the trails led him to pursue Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempts and endurance challenges that push both body and mind. He opens up about his Ice Age Trail FKT—the obstacles he faced, the lessons learned about resilience, and the powerful role of community support t...

10-14
59:24

From Local to Global: Buha Bali’s Ultra Running Journey

In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with ultra runner Buha Bali, whose journey has taken her from local races in Australia to competing on the world stage at the prestigious UTMB in Chamonix. Buha opens up about the highs and lows of ultra running—how training, community support, and sheer determination play a role in preparing for some of the toughest endurance events on the planet. They dive into the mental and physical challenges of racing in the Alps, the importanc...

10-02
01:16:15

Karla Pound - Challenges & Rewards of Reality TV Survival Shows

Join Ben Southall as he delves into the exhilarating world of reality TV survival shows with adventurer Karla Pound. Discover the intense challenges and unexpected rewards of participating in shows like "Alone" and "Million Dollar Island." From battling hunger and isolation to forming lifelong friendships, Karla shares her unique insights and experiences. Tune in to explore the raw authenticity and personal growth that come with surviving in the wild. Don't miss this captivating episode of Wi...

08-07
01:03:08

Walking the World with Alex Campbell

In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with long-distance adventurer Alex Campbell, who’s been walking around the world for over two years. From the steppes of Central Asia to the roads of South America, Alex opens up about the mindset needed for such an epic journey and why packing light is more than just a gear decision. They dive into the mental and physical challenges of life on foot, the kindness of strangers, and how choosing the right season can be a lifesaver. Alex shar...

08-06
01:01:52

Lone Rider: Elspeth Beard’s Motorcycle Ride Around the World

Before sat-nav, internet, and mobile phones, there was Elspeth Beard, a 23-year-old architecture student who set off to ride her motorcycle around the world. In this episode of Wild Chats, Elspeth shares the highs and lows of her pioneering solo journey across continents in the early 1980s. Host Ben Southall dives deep into Elspeth’s story: the spark that ignited her adventure, the obstacles she faced as a woman on the road, and the transformative encounters that shaped her perspective on lif...

07-25
01:09:44

The Spirit of the Rainforest: Dr. Rosa VĂĄsquez Espinoza on Microbes, Medicine & Indigenous Wisdom

From learning plant medicine in her grandmother’s garden in Peru to exploring the boiling rivers of the Amazon, Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza is redefining what it means to protect and understand our planet. In this episode of Wild Chats, Rosa shares how traditional knowledge and cutting-edge science can work together to unlock new solutions for health and conservation. We dive into the world of microbes, stingless bees, citizen science, and how storytelling can inspire real action for the Amazon...

07-08
01:03:20

The Making of a Mountaineer: Oliver Foran’s Journey from Brisbane to the Himalayas

In this episode of Wild Chats, host Ben Southall sits down with Australian mountaineer Oliver Foran to explore his powerful journey from the footy fields of Brisbane to the world’s highest peaks. Ollie opens up about the personal loss that changed his life, how he discovered a love for the mountains, and the mental and physical challenges of high-altitude expeditions. From summiting Island Peak to taking on the technical terrain of Ama Dablam, Ollie shares raw stories of resilience, fear, and...

06-20
58:05

Exploring Project Zero: A Carbon Neutral Adventure - Svalbard Edition.

In this powerful episode of Wild Chats, host Ben Southall sits down with explorer and climate advocate Geoff Wilson to talk all things adventure, sustainability, and the future of our planet. Geoff shares the highs and lows of his Project Zero expedition, a groundbreaking mission to complete carbon-neutral exploration through some of the planet's harshest environments. From navigating the globe aboard the Nanook to riding horses across Icelandic glaciers, Geoff opens up about the physical and...

05-23
45:20

The Art of Adventure with Beau Miles

Join host Ben Southall in this unforgettable episode of Wild Chats as he sits down with adventurer, filmmaker, and storyteller Beau Miles. Known for his offbeat adventures and DIY ethos, Beau shares how a life of kayaking, running, filmmaking, and fatherhood has shaped his creative journey. This episode dives into Beau's love for craftsmanship, his commitment to sustainability, and how solitude fuels his storytelling. From building boats and running marathons in his backyard to navigating the...

05-18
01:03:07

Gut Health, Grit & the Great Outdoors with Kirsty Wirth

Join host Ben Southall as he chats with gut health expert and outdoor enthusiast Kirsty Wirth. Kirsty opens up about her transformative journey from curiosity-driven explorer to passionate advocate for gut health and holistic wellness. Together, they dive into the powerful connections between gut health, outdoor adventures, and overall well-being. Discover how Kirsty's personal experiences, particularly navigating her son's health challenges, led her to establish Kultured Wellness and become ...

05-09
01:07:34

The Crossing: A memoir of love, adventure and finding your own path with Sophie Matterson

In this episode, Ben Southall sits down with Sophie Matterson, an adventurer who took on the ultimate solo challenge—trekking 5,000km across Australia, from Shark Bay (WA) to Byron Bay (NSW), with only camels for company. Sophie shares how she went from a novice hiker to a seasoned trekker, navigating the harsh realities of the Australian outback. She reflects on her deep bond with her camels & the lessons they taught her. The mental & physical challenges of long-distance solo travel....

02-14
01:26:10

Exploring the World Without Flying: Thor Pedersen's Epic 10 Year Journey

In this episode of Wild Chats, host Ben Southall speaks with Thor Pedersen, the first person EVER to visit every country in the world without flying. Thor shares his unique journey, starting from his early life in Denmark, through military service, and into his ambitious project called 'Once Upon a Saga.' He discusses the challenges he faced while traveling across continents, the importance of cultural exchange, and the lessons learned from his experiences. The conversation highlights the bea...

02-06
01:05:19

Sarah West on Outback Living and Ultra-Running

This week Sarah shares some serious ultra-running inspiration from her one-million-acre station in far North West Queensland! We apologise for the tech issues as this one did drop in and out a few times but hang in there it’s worth it! Sarah is a Wild Earth Ambassador and Athlete. Follow her on Instagram at @sarahloufoster14

08-22
57:27

Diaries of the Wild Ones on the Art of Adventure Travel

#WildChats with Aaron Shanks from Diaries of the Wild Ones podcast. This week Aaron shares some serious travel inspiration and wild adventures from trekking South America, a close call mountaineering and surfing in the arctic of Iceland to hitchhiking on a Yacht with Sage Jeffries in the Percy Islands. You can find his podcast Diaries Of The Wild Ones on @spotify and his recent adventures on YouTube www.youtube.com/c/TheMerTheMan

08-09
01:02:33

Henk Morgans on How to Get Started Going On Wild Adventures

Adventurer Henk Morgans joins Ben Southall to share his passion for the outdoors and how to get started taking wild adventures off the beaten path. Henk is an adventure athlete who loves to suffer & push the limits of endurance! He’s into climbing, mountaineering, kayaking, bike packing & long-distance running - you name it.⁠ ⁠ “I just love being outside, exploring new and uncharted territory. The sense of freedom, risk and the challenges is what drives me to explore or do more! Makin...

08-03
01:04:38

Polar Explorer Geoff Wilson tunes in from above the arctic circle.

Episode 1 of Wild Chats with Polar Explorer Geoff Wilson tuning in from above the arctic circle in the Lofoten Islands, Norway! Geoff shares his story about how he got into outdoor exploration, his knowledge on how to survive and much more! Follow Geoff on Instagram at @drgeoffwilson

07-12
01:02:13

46,000 km, six continents and 38 countries on foot. Tom Turcich's World Walk

In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with world walker Tom Turcich to unpack what it really takes to walk around the planet. After the sudden loss of a close friend as a teenager, Tom made a decision that would reshape his entire life: step out his front door and keep walking. Over seven years, Tom covered roughly 46,000 km across six continents and 38 countries, with an unexpected sidekick joining along the way, his rescue dog Savannah. Together they moved through deserts, ...

12-24
01:11:10

Geoff Wilson from Project Zero recap the first leg of their net-carbon neutral expedition

Dr Geoff Wilson and his crew at @projectzero_earth have voyaged across oceans on their first leg of Project Zero - a carbon-neutral expedition to explore the impacts of climate change in the most remote corners of the planet. Listen to Geoff recount the rough seas, polar hurricanes, crossing the Southern Icefields of Patagonia and the wonders of Antarctica. Find out more about Project Zero here: https://www.projectzero.earth/

02-02
58:09

Recommend Channels