The Adventure Podcast

At the point at which this episode is published, Matt is on an expedition in Alaska directing a film for National Geographic. Instead of taking a break from weekly releases, we thought we’d share some of his favourite episodes from early on in the life of the podcast. Episode 151 of The Adventure Podcast is From The Archives, and revisits George Monbiot's first episode which was originally release...

Episode 150 of The Adventure Podcast features Nat Geo explorer, biologist, and conservationist, Dr Rosa Vásquez Espinoza. Rosa is of Peruvian-Andean and Amazonian descent, and grew up learning about traditional medicine from her grandmother in their backyard’s "natural pharmacy". She now travels to the most extreme environments, from the Amazon Rainforest to Yellowstone’s acidic, bo...

Episode 149 of The Adventure Podcast features motorcycle racer and 4x4 rally driver, Vanessa Ruck. Vanessa was a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, but in 2014 she was hit by a car. It left her with a series of life-changing injuries and long-term chronic pain. In this episode Matt talks to Vanessa about her recovery and the mindset that forged who she is today, and how she eventually became a mot...

Episode 148 of The Adventure Podcast features adventurous zoologist, author and environmental campaigner, Sophie Pavelle. Sophie is known for putting a fresh twist on contemporary Natural History content. She's a first-class communicator, with a natural ability to break data-heavy, and often overwhelming science, into digestible truths. Matt and Sophie chat about her new book 'Forget Me Not', whic...

Episode 147 of The Adventure Podcast features overlander, Patty Upton. Patty is on a mission to share and tell stories of her husband, Loren's, adventures. Together they embarked on a number of sensational overland journeys. In 1966 Patty and her husband Loren, on their 4th attempt, completed the first overland crossing of one of the world's most dangerous, remote and roadless border crossings - t...

Episode 146 of The Adventure Podcast features endurance cyclist and adventurer, Leigh Timmis. Leigh holds the world record for the fastest cycle across Europe, breaking the previous record by an incredible eight days. He also recently set a new world record for the greatest distance cycled in seven days. As well as covering his background and early career, they discuss what motivated Leigh to set...

Episode 145 of The Adventure Podcast features polar traveller, historian and environmental scientist, Tim Jarvis. Tim is clearly a polymath. From his work dealing directly with governments and policy makers as a climate change specialist, through to his expeditions tracing the journeys of Shackleton and Mawson using the same kit and clothing as them, this episode travels through a lot. Tim de...

Episode 144 of The Adventure Podcast features polar explorer and adventurer, Eric Larsen. Eric is one of the most accomplished polar travellers and guides in the world. In this episode, Matt and Eric discuss the world of ice and snow, or as Eric refers to it, '1000km of white nothingness'. He speaks about his time as a dog sled musher, as well as getting value from different kinds of adventures. E...

Episode 143 of The Adventure Podcast features climber, mountaineer, cyclist and endurance athlete, Jerry Gore. Jerry is also a Type 1 diabetic. He has been on an incredible list of expeditions alongside some titans of the game, was a Royal Marine, has broken his neck twice, was caught in an avalanche and even struck by lightning... then in 2001 he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Jerry refuses...

Episode 142 of The Adventure Podcast features adventure coach and author, Anna Levesque. Anna has been named 'one of the most inspirational paddlers alive' by Canoe & Kayak magazine. She is a leading kayak instructor, and a champion for women accessing paddle sports. Anna is also a specialist yoga instructor for paddling. Matt talks to Anna about her journey to becoming a river guide, as well...

Episode 141 of The Adventure Podcast features Zoologist and wildlife TV presenter, Megan McCubbin. Megan travelled the world from a young age and quickly became familiar with living in remote areas whilst searching for incredible wildlife. She found her passion and her cause early on, and went on to study Zoology. Despite the heavy themes this is an immensely hopeful conversation, and in many ways...

Episode 140 of The Adventure Podcast features cyclist, writer, environmentalist and academic, Kate Rawles. Kate has a pretty expansive background. She spent a decade working as a lecturer in Outdoor Studies, teaching big picture environmental issues, as well as being a freelance outdoor philosopher, writer, and environmental campaigner. In 2006 she set out to complete the first of her 'Adventure P...

Episode 139 of The Adventure Podcast features the return of award-winning writer, broadcaster and explorer, Leon McCarron. Leon is likely best known for his long distance expeditions; over the past decade he’s travelled over 50,000km on foot. Matt has spoken with Leon in a previous episode, however he's come back to talk about his new book which details his latest major expedition - in 2021, Leon...

Episode 138 of The Adventure Podcast features alpinist, cinematographer and photographer, Mikey Schaefer. Mikey is a big name in the climbing world, and is renowned for his world class ascents and commitment to the vertical life. You might also know him as part of the crew behind the Oscar-winning Free Solo. Matt met Mikey on a Nat Geo expedition last summer and they spent 6 weeks together navigat...

Episode 137 of The Adventure Podcast features photographer, Chris Burkard. Chris is an icon in the adventure world. His images showcasing untamed, powerful landscapes, have gone on to define a corner of the adventure photography genre. In this episode Matt talks to Chris about his humble background and his journey into surfing, adventure and photography. They drift into armchair philosophy mo...

Episode 136 of The Adventure Podcast features para-alpinist, Tim Howell. Tim is an extremely accomplished base jumper and wingsuit pilot, as well as an expert rock, ice and alpine climber, and an ex-marine. In this episode, Tim speaks to Matt about becoming the first person to climb and jump from the six classic north faces of the Alps. They also discuss Tim's decision to head to the frontline of...

Episode 135 of The Adventure Podcast features adventurer, charity founder, filmmaker, and singer songwriter, Sam Branson. Sam was born into a life of privilege, but as you will come to hear, is acutely aware of who he is and where he comes from. Matt was only willing to have this conversation if Sam was willing to go deep and be challenged with a few tougher questions. He is clearly comfortable wi...

Episode 134 of The Adventure Podcast features ocean activist, conservationist, and surfer, Hugo Tagholm. Hugo spent over a decade leading Surfers Against Sewage, and is now Executive Director and Vice President of Oceana UK. He is knowledgable, accomplished, passionate and exceptionally committed. In this episode, Matt and Hugo discuss the state of our oceans, the issues which face them, and what...

Episode 133 of The Adventure Podcast features climber, photographer, and activist, Adam Raja. Adam also works as a marketeer for Protect Our Winters UK. He first spoke to Matt almost a year ago but that episode was never released. After spending more time together, they became good friends and Adam opened up to Matt, resulting in this re-record. In this episode, Adam speaks honestly about what it...

Episode 132 of The Adventure Podcast features photographer Mike Guest. Mike has a particular passion for the ocean, waves and surfing. In this episode, Matt and Mike chat about the creative journey, and the impossible pursuit of perfection. Despite the deep and personal topics also covered, it's an incredibly uplifting conversation. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcas...

Episode 131 of The Adventure Podcast features Natural History Director of Photography, Gail Jenkinson. Gail is a seasoned specialist, having filmed on all seven continents. She gives a humble insight into her journey from a drama camera trainee to filming while free-diving with sperm whales, and going behind the door 'marked private'. Matt and Gail really dive into what it was and is like to be a...

Episode 130 of The Adventure Podcast features author, broadcaster and correspondent, Jon Gower. Jon has published over forty books, and his passion for the Welsh language and landscape is contagious. This episode is a little different in the sense that it is not full of action-packed tales of exploration, but instead gives an insight into the importance of language, and how understanding the names...

Episode 129 of The Adventure Podcast features the Irish big wave surfing legend, Seamus McGoldrick. Seamus is a bodyboarder, surfer and surf coach, and was part of the crew that defined Irish big wave surfing. He was an early pioneer, seeking out some of the biggest waves in the world. This is a fluid informal conversation which spans many topics, from risk-taking, to surfing for locals, and the r...

Episode 128 of The Adventure Podcast features mountaineer, teacher and mountain instructor, Alex Moran. He is the son of the late Martin Moran, who was killed in 2019 whilst climbing the unnamed, unclimbed peak 6477m in the Nanda Devi region in India. The Martin Moran foundation is our full-time charitable partner, and is founded in memory of Martin. This is a deeply honest, personal, and ultimate...

Episode 127 of The Adventure Podcast features The Natural Navigator, Tristan Gooley. Tristan is an award-winning author and has spent decades hunting for clues and signs in nature across the globe. He has been nicknamed 'the Sherlock Holmes of nature' by the BBC. This conversation is an honest, humbling insight into the life of a man who has found his place outdoors, and the path that led him ther...