The Adventure Podcast

Episode 191 of The Adventure Podcast was recorded live at Kendal Mountain Festival 2024 and features ultra-marathon runner and alpinist, Hillary Gerardi. Hillary recently broke the women's Mont Blanc fastest known time, setting a new record of seven hours, 25 minutes and 28 seconds. In the episode, Matt talks to Hillary about her skyrunning journey, what it took to break the FKT, and the importance of savouring that experience rather than immediately moving onto the next big thing. Hillary also discusses how to safely build individual pillars for alpinism and skyrunning before attempting to bridge the two. They talk about a lesser known project Hillary embarked on this year, imperfect activism, and how she approaches sustainable living as a competitive athlete. It's a broad-ranging, energetic, and inspiring conversation which will leave you wanting to dust off your running shoes and hit the hills. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 190 of The Adventure Podcast features conservationist and National Geographic Explorer, Dr Steve Boyes. Steve is the driving force behind the Okavango Wilderness Project, working to protect Africa's wild rivers and wetlands. He’s spent years uncovering new species, exploring uncharted ecosystems, and partnering with local communities to keep these landscapes thriving. Steve is also a cancer survivor, a devoted dad, and a natural storyteller. In this episode, Steve gives an insight into his life as an explorer and his approach to conservation. He talks about uncovering new species and massive ecological systems, and how to work closely with local communities to drive real, lasting conservation. He opens up to Matt about how nature shaped him, and how surviving cancer changed his perspective. Through it all, Steve champions the idea of reconnecting with nature, using storytelling to make science matter, and staying hopeful about humanity’s ability to turn things around for the planet.Photographer credit: Karabo MoilwaSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 189 of The Adventure Podcast features marine scientist, sailor, communicator, and freediver, Charlotte Young. Charlotte is now living aboard and travelling the world on a boat she renovated with her partner. In this episode, Charlotte describes her transition to living a life of adventure - moving onto a sailboat and restoring a 40-foot catamaran to use as her "adventure vessel." She talks about the lessons learned from living at sea, and her project "Voyage to the World". Charlotte also reflects on the challenges and rewards of using social media to amplify these stories, emphasizing the need to drive tangible action rather than just producing content. It's a fascinating, inspiring and fiercely passionate conversation, with plenty of stories of adventure and exploration too.For extra insights from the worlds of adventure, exploration and the natural world, you can find The Adventure Podcast+ community on Substack. You can also follow along and join in on Instagram @‌theadventurepodcast.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 187 of The Adventure Podcast features ex-Special Forces operator, Jason Fox (aka. Foxy). Foxy is known for his work on TV shows like 'SAS: Who Dares Wins' and 'Inside The Real Narcos'. In this episode, Matt tries to cover new ground with him. The result is not a rip-roaring tale of misadventure, instead it's the honest life story of a man who's achieved a huge amount, but also made mistakes along the way. Foxy talks about his time in the military, being medically discharged, and his personal life and challenges throughout this time. He discusses getting into TV presenting and how this was received by his military colleagues, and what life looks like now. It is an open, honest, and vulnerable conversation which goes deep into the 'tough man' we see on screen.This episode is available in-vision on our substack channel, The Adventure Podcast+ ; www.theadventurepodcast.substack.com. You can also follow along and join in on Instagram @‌theadventurepodcast.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 187 of The Adventure Podcast features scallop diver, seaweed farmer, author, writer, and father, Guy Grieve. Guy spent a year off-grid living in a cabin he built in the Alaskan wilderness. In this episode, Guy talks to Matt about his past and what made him the man he is now. He tells stories of his time in the Alaskan wilderness, why he left his family behind in the UK, and what happened while out there. It's an emotional episode, and Guy is one of the most gracious, genuine, and grounded guests we've ever had on. Fair to say it's one of our favourite episodes ever recorded.This episode is available in-vision on our substack channel, The Adventure Podcast+ ; www.theadventurepodcast.substack.com.This episode is brought to you by Chimney Fire Coffee; a Certified B Corp™️, committed to the highest social and environmental standards. What sets Chimney Fire Coffee apart is their dedication to ethical sourcing. They pay their producers on average double Fairtrade prices, building direct, personal relationships. Plus, they give back by supporting Re-Cycle, donating to refurbish and send bikes to rural Africa.They have 10 responsibly sourced house coffees from around the world, so there's definitely something to suit your taste and your brew method. And if you’re extra keen you can head out to Surrey to join their weekend tours and experiences to learn more about the journey from farm to cup. Head to chimneyfirecoffee.com/tap and 15% off your first order will be automatically applied. Photographer credit: Glenn DearingSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of our new series The Far Reaches, our guest is Emma Linford. Emma is an outdoor professional with a number of different strings to her bow. She’s a mountain instructor, international mountain leader, outdoor education and is heavily involved in the Right To Roam movement in the UK, as well as the Stars Are For Everyone movement that is campaigning to defend the right to wild camp on Dartmoor. This conversation is far reaching. Matt talks to Emma about her early life and inspirations, how she became an outdoor facilitator and why she started travelling overseas. She also speaks about her social and political views and their relevance to the outdoors, before discussing the right to roam movement in a little more detail.The Far Reaches is a new long-term series where we 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.This episode is brought to you by Chimney Fire Coffee; a Certified B Corp™️, committed to the highest social and environmental standards. What sets Chimney Fire Coffee apart is their dedication to ethical sourcing. They pay their producers on average double Fairtrade prices, building direct, personal relationships. Plus, they give back by supporting Re-Cycle, donating to refurbish and send bikes to rural Africa. They have 10 responsibly sourced house coffees from around the world, so there's definitely something to suit your taste and your brew method. And if you’re extra keen you can head out to Surrey to join their weekend tours and experiences to learn more about the journey from farm to cup. Head to chimneyfirecoffee.com/tap and 15% off your first order will be automatically applied. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 186 of The Adventure Podcast features rower and sports advocate, Victoria Monk. Victoria is Captain and one quarter of 'There She Rows', an all-female team who recently rowed across the Atlantic. In this episode, Matt and Victoria discuss the crossing in detail, including her motivation and inspiration, as well as why she picked this specific challenge given her limited experience of big adventures and expeditions. They go into the realities of life on the water, and also get into the nitty gritty of picking a team and training. They also touch on a subject Victoria is incredibly passionate about - why so many teenage girls give up sport - why Victoria thinks this may be happening, and what we can do about it.This episode is brought to you by Chimney Fire Coffee; a Certified B Corp™️, committed to the highest social and environmental standards. What sets Chimney Fire Coffee apart is their dedication to ethical sourcing. They pay their producers on average double Fairtrade prices, building direct, personal relationships. Plus, they give back by supporting Re-Cycle, donating to refurbish and send bikes to rural Africa.They have 10 responsibly sourced house coffees from around the world, so there's definitely something to suit your taste and your brew method. And if you’re extra keen you can head out to Surrey to join their weekend tours and experiences to learn more about the journey from farm to cup. Head to chimneyfirecoffee.com/tap and 15% off your first order will be automatically applied. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 185 of The Adventure Podcast features award-winning author, naturalist, and eco-philosopher, Lyanda Haupt. Lyanda's work bridges the gap between scientific observation and poetic exploration. In this episode, Matt and Lyanda discuss her journey in a lot of detail. They talk about her unique perspective on urban ecology, and the profound lessons she draws from her close encounters with animals. They spend some time talking about her early inspirations and travels around the world, before speaking about the much more personal details of her life, including the end of her marriage. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, a casual nature lover, or simply curious about the hidden wonders in your own backyard, Lyanda is fascinating.This episode is brought to you by Chimney Fire Coffee; a Certified B Corp™️, committed to the highest social and environmental standards. What sets Chimney Fire Coffee apart is their dedication to ethical sourcing. They pay their producers on average double Fairtrade prices, building direct, personal relationships. Plus, they give back by supporting Re-Cycle, donating to refurbish and send bikes to rural Africa.They have 10 responsibly sourced house coffees from around the world, so there's definitely something to suit your taste and your brew method. And if you’re extra keen you can head out to Surrey to join their weekend tours and experiences to learn more about the journey from farm to cup. Head to chimneyfirecoffee.com/tap and 15% off your first order will be automatically applied. Photo credit: Tom FurtwanglerSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 184 of The Adventure Podcast features expedition leader, citizen scientist, and polar expert, Sunniva Sorby. Sunniva was part of the first all-female team to reach the South Pole, and has worked in Antarctica over 100 times. She recently spent 19 months living in a cabin in Svalbard. In large parts, this is a conversation about Sunniva’s life; where she comes from, where she went, how these expeditions came about and ultimately what motivated her. But Matt and Sunniva also discuss the deeper meaning of what it is she does - the purpose, the intention, and how these have changed over the decades she’s worked in the polar world.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 183 of The Adventure Podcast features alpinist, skier, outdoor instructor, and climber, Matt Pavitt. Matt recently broke the fastest known time record for the winter Cuillin Ridge traverse. The ridge is a coveted prize and the previous record was impressive, so to see Matt break it was somewhat of a shock. In this episode, they discuss Matt's early life and what led him to move to Scotland rather than Chamonix or Canada. He talks about his career progression, and what it is that makes Scottish winter climbing so hard but so special, before detailing his Cuillin Ridge winter traverse - what happened on the route, regrets, and how the community responded to his record.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 182 of The Adventure Podcast features mountaineer, writer, historian and poet, John Porter. John is arguably one of the most accomplished but understated mountaineers of his generation. He made pioneering ascents of the North Face of Bandaka and the South Buttress of Changabang. Neither route has been repeated. In this episode, John talks to Matt about his early life and how he managed to avoid the Vietnam war draft, how he landed on his feet as part of blossoming British climbing scene and ultimately went on to climb with some of the very best mountaineers in the world on a string of world class expeditions. They touch on John’s approach to ethics, his views on modern mountaineering and expeditions, and what he’s doing with his days now that he’s, by his own admission, slowing down. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 181 of The Adventure Podcast features one of the most accomplished rock climbers in the world, Hazel Findlay. Hazel featured on the podcast before, back when it first started for episode 19, and is good pals with Matt. A lot has changed for Hazel since then. She bought a house, got married and is now expecting a baby. In this episode, Hazel talks to Matt about giving up the dirtbag life, or more so about how she actually hasn’t given it up entirely. They talk about realities of life on the road as a pro athlete, as well as exploring the idea of settling down and becoming 'grown ups'. Hazel is a leading coach, with a real focus on the mind rather than the body, and they get quite deep into the psychology of things - intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation, bravery, real vs perceived risk, and flow state. It's a fascinating conversation which will no doubt make you question the way your brain works.Photographer: Jonny BakerSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 180 of The Adventure Podcast features adventurer and Parkinson's campaigner, Guy Deacon CBE. Guy is a retired army officer who, towards the end of his career, was diagnosed with Parkinson's. In 2019, Guy embarked on a solo overland expedition from his home in Dorset to Cape Town in South Africa. He wanted to use the journey as a platform to raise awareness and understanding of Parkinson’s disease in the UK and throughout Africa, and to expose the prejudice and stigma associated with this illness in Africa. Guy’s journey was wracked with issues and problems, not limited to breakdowns, visa issues and a small thing call Covid-19. But despite all this, and living with the reality of Parkinson's disease, Guy just kept going. In this episode, Matt talks to Guy about his early life and military career, before moving onto understanding Parkinson's, what it really is and how it affects people. Guy then talks in detail about his overland expedition and the highs, lows, trips and stumbles that came with it. Guy's book, Running On Empty: 18,000 Miles Down Africa with Parkinson’s, is out now.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode fourteen, the final episode of our specialist series, Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, focuses on the future of exploration. This is actually a live recording taken in 2022 from the opening event for the RGS' annual expedition gathering, Explore, held each November. This is a panel discussion with Sophie Roberts, Oliver Steeds, Leo Houlding, and Dr Heidi Sevestre, on the topic of what it means to be an explorer in the 21st century. They talk about the myriad of global challenges facing exploration today, as well as the responsibilities and tasks facing travellers, adventurers and field scientists, and where they overlap or differ. They also discuss if there's anything left to explore (spoiler alert, there's a lot). Sophie Roberts is an author and journalist who focuses on travel stories in remote parts of the world, with a special interest in literature and history. She is the author of 'The Lost Pianos Of Siberia'. Oliver Steeds is an international investigative journalist and broadcaster. He also founded Nekton; a not-for-profit research institute which commits to scientific exploration and protection of the world's oceans.Leo Houlding is a world-class rock climber, mountaineer and adventurer. He's arguably one of the greatest expedition climbers in history. Dr Heidi Sevestre is a glaciologist, working at the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme and teaches at The University Centre in Svalbard. She is an avid science communicator and has led numerous field research expeditions from tropical glaciers to the depth of the polar regions. She also features in episode twelve of this series. 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 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 for more information.

Episode 179 of The Adventure Podcast features one of the world's best rock climbers, Tommy Caldwell. Tommy has set endless climbing records, made the first free ascents of several major routes on El Cap, and is the subject of multiple feature films and books. In this episode, Tommy talks to Matt about how he initially fell in love with climbing, and his motivations and propulsion to rock climbing celebrity. He also opens up about his fateful expedition to Kyrgyzstan, where he was kidnapped by rebel militia, and the lasting impact that had on him. He speaks about balancing family life with adventure, his involvement with the brand Patagonia, and how environmentalism and activism have been a side of his life just as important to him as rock climbing. Matt worked closely with Tommy on an expedition to Alaska in 2023, building up a rapport and trust with each other. This episode is a real personal insight into one of the climbing worlds' major names.Photo: Bret LowellSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode thirteen of our specialist series, Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, focuses on an often overlooked part of expeditions, coming home. In this episode, Matt chats to Dr Sophie Redlin about the importance of decompression as you transition back from your expedition to everyday life, how to re-engage when you get home, and how to find and give support post-expedition. They also discuss how to answer the 'how was your trip' question.  Sophie Redlin FRGS is a Medical Doctor, Mental Health Researcher and Trainer. Her clinical focus is General Practice with a special expertise in Mental Health and Wellbeing. She also has extensive experience in Expedition and Remote Medicine, supporting predominantly young people in wilderness settings. 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 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 for more information.

Episode 178 of The Adventure Podcast features wildlife pilot, Denise Joi. Denise is one of four pilots for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, where she flies a small Cessna aircraft in rugged terrain conducting wildlife surveys and carrying out fish drops. In this episode, Matt talks to Denise about her life as pilot. She lets us into her past, and explains how she was drawn to flying as a means to escape early trauma. Denise talks about her life outside of work, and her love of trekking to the lakes she’s stocked from the air to actually go and fish them. They also discuss what a wildlife pilot does, and the challenges involved. This is a raw and sometimes difficult conversation to hear, but one that is full of meaning and purpose. It also gives a fascinating insight into a whole different style of adventurous life in the air.You can watch Denise's documentary here: https://www.gnarlybay.com/fight-or-flight.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode twelve of our specialist series Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, focuses on communicating scientific discoveries. In this episode, Matt speaks with Dr Heidi Sevestre about why science needs communicators, what science communication can look like, how to select your audience, and ideas for teaming up with other specialist communicators. They also talk about the importance of understanding your own science in order to communicate your findings effectively.Dr Heidi Sevestre is a glaciologist, working at the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme and teaches at The University Centre in Svalbard. She is an avid science communicator and has led numerous field research expeditions from tropical glaciers to the depth of the polar regions. Her focus is on science policy and outreach. Heidi recently featured in the National Geographic series, Arctic Ascent, where she collected crucial climate data whilst on a climbing expedition. 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 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 for more information.

Episode 177 of The Adventure Podcast features general outdoorsman, climber and skier, Robert Lester. In 2023, Rob canoed 1300 miles down the Columbia River. He had very little knowledge of canoeing prior to leaving for this expedition. He also decided to take his completely inexperienced cousin, Braxton, along for the ride. In this conversation, Matt talks to Rob about the whole process. Why do this? What was the motivation? How did they plan it, and of course what actually happened. They speak about some bigger picture stuff too, like Rob’s fascination with the changing landscape around them, and the fascinating environmental and conservation elements of their expedition. Rob also talks about why Braxton decided to join the expedition, the impact it had on Braxton's mental and physical resilience, and how he hopes he's given a gift to his cousin.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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 for more information.