Explorer Charlie Walker spent a month in a Russian prison cell with no idea if he’d be there for days, weeks, months, or years.

What kept him going?

The same mindset that carried him 43,000 miles by bicycle through 60+ countries, across frozen Siberian tundras, and through moments of crushing loneliness that tested him more than any physical challenge ever could.

In this raw conversation, Charlie reveals what he learned about human kindness in the world’s most remote places, the shocking reality of Russian propaganda during the Ukraine invasion, and why the biggest frontier we face is not geographical—it’s our willingness to push beyond comfort and embrace the unknown. From surviving a bite from the world’s deadliest snake to finding unexpected hospitality in Iran, Charlie’s stories challenge everything we think we know about courage, vulnerability, and what it means to truly explore.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Charlie Walker is a British explorer, author, and adventure travel writer who has cycled over 43,000 miles through more than 60 countries. His journeys have taken him to some of Earth’s most extreme environments—from camping in -50°C Siberian winters to trekking Papua New Guinea’s highlands. Praised by Sir Ranulph Fiennes for his grit, Charlie has spent 15 years seeking out the limits of both the map and the human spirit. His writing focuses on the intersection of adventure, culture, and the unspoken truths that emerge when you stand far outside your comfort zone.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Trailer
00:59 Intro
01:37 Meet Charlie Walker
02:31 Charlie’s Early Adventures
05:27 The 43,000 Mile Bike Journey
09:57 Facing Fears and Overcoming Challenges
11:55 Lessons from the World’s Fringes
22:00 Faith and Family
31:05 The Impact of Technology on Exploration
35:57 Charlie’s Time in a Russian Prison
36:33 The Uncertainty of Imprisonment
38:14 Journey to the Coldest Place on Earth
41:28 Arrest and Charges in Russia
47:00 Surviving Solitary Confinement
48:14 Insights on Russian Propaganda
52:04 Facing Danger Beyond Prison
55:04 Reflections on Adventure and Exploration
01:07:23 Rapid Fire Questions

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ElevenLabs: Thanks to ElevenLabs (https://elevenlabs.io) for supporting this episode and powering Tim’s voice.

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