Adventure Audio

Mitch Hutchcraft is a British adventurer and former Royal Marine known for undertaking some extreme endurance challenges. In September 2024, he embarked on an ambitious expedition aiming to complete what he has dubbed "the world's longest triathlon," which involves swimming across the English Channel, cycling from France to India, and then trekking from the Bay of Bengal to Kathmandu, Nepal and onward to Mount Everest.

Mitch is using his expedition to raise awareness and money for SAVSIM an organization promoting wildlife conservation and unique animal assisted therapy courses to help veterans and first responders in the treatment of mental health issues and PTS. You can learn more and donate at givestar.io/gs/limitless

So, what is Afghanistan like now? St. Germain helps peel back some of the layers of that onion as he travels to Mt. Noshaq, talking and travelling with locals from the capital, Kabul, in the

centre to the north of the country near the Tajikistan border.

As St. Germain confirms, the Taliban deserves its record as having one of the worst human rights

records of any government in the world, largely because of its brutal treatment of women.

Hunger also remains an issue, with one in four people needing food aid, according to the UN. And as St. Germain notes, that is not as dire as many had predicted. We also get into the debate

about the pluses, minuses and dangers of travelling in a pariah state. As much as he's an extreme adventurer, doing amazing things like climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents or rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean, what I love about St. Germain is that he is also a student of history, geography and current events, and he brings all of that to his expeditions.

Buck Miller is a Canadian cyclist and adventurer known for his extensive experience in

road racing and his contributions to fat biking expeditions in Northern Ontario.

Professional Cycling Career:

Miller began racing in 1995 and advanced to the elite level when he joined Canada’s

sole professional cycling team, competing across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Post-Racing Endeavours:

After retiring from professional racing, Miller developed an interest in fat biking on winter

roads along James and Hudson Bay. This passion led to organizing expeditions that

combined adventure with fundraising for northern communities.

Community Involvement:

In 2018, Miller co-founded the Huntsville Mountain Bike Association (HMBA) in

Huntsville, Ontario. The association manages the trail system at Echo Valley and

promotes mountain biking in the region.

Recent Activities:

In 2024, Miller collaborated with Steve Evans on a unique project to ride rail bikes to

James Bay. They designed a rail bike attachment to traverse unused railways through

the wilderness, culminating in a 200 km journey from Fraserdale to James Bay.

Miller continues to inspire through his adventurous spirit and dedication to promoting

cycling and outdoor exploration in Canada.

On Episode 174 of the show, we have the extraordinary Dianne Whelan joining us—a filmmaker, author, adventurer, and storyteller who embodies the spirit of exploration and resilience. Known for her award-winning documentaries like This Land and 40 Days at Base Camp, Dianne’s work takes us to some of the planet’s most remote and awe-inspiring places.

In 2015, she began a solo journey on the Trans Canada Trail, the longest recreational trail in the world, covering an epic 24,000 kilometers. What started as a physical challenge evolved into a deeply personal and spiritual odyssey, culminating in her acclaimed documentary, 500 Days in the Wild. Her stories intertwine adventure, nature, and Indigenous wisdom, shedding light on the human connection to the environment and each other.

Whether she’s trekking through the Arctic, paddling a remote Canadian river, or bushwhacking thru black fly infested muskeg swamps, Dianne Whelan’s unique perspective invites us to see the world—and ourselves—in a new way.

This was remarkable conversation with a remarkable Canadian.

Before we listen to my conversation with Dianne, please take a moment to give us a review…hopefully 5 star, wherever you listen to podcasts.

Jillian Brown is a Canadian adventure photographer, long-distance canoeist, and mental health advocate. She has undertaken significant expeditions, including a 6,500 kilometer journey across the contiguous United States from Oregon to Louisiana, paddling the Colorado river in a tandem sea kayak and a 50 day paddling and mountaineering expedition thru Alaska and Yukon.

Beyond her canoeing endeavours, Brown is recognized for her work in mental health education, particularly concerning post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She has served as the lead guide for an outdoor activity based organization dedicated to supporting first responders, at-risk youth, and their families affected by PTSD.

Through this role, she shared tools and strategies for healing through nature, fitness, and goal setting.

As a photographer, Brown captures compelling images of her adventures and the natural world, contributing to publications such as Sidetracked Magazine, Gripped Magazine, Canoe Kayak Magazine, Paddling Magazine, and Canadian Geographic.Her work emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of connecting with nature and overcoming personal challenges.

In this special episode of the Adventure Audio Podcast, co-host Laval St. Germain takes us on an extraordinary journey to Afghanistan. Laval dives deep into the heart of this enigmatic country, sharing his experiences and the challenges he faced along the way. Join Laval as he navigates the rugged landscapes, meets the resilient people, and uncovers the rich history and culture of Afghanistan. From the bustling streets of Kabul to the serene beauty of the remote mountains, Laval’s adventure is filled with unexpected twists and inspiring moments.

Tune in to hear about the preparation and planning that went into this ambitious trip, encounters with local communities and their stories of hope and perseverance, the breathtaking natural beauty and the stark realities of traveling in a conflict zone.

Whether you’re an avid traveler or an armchair explorer, Laval’s Afghan adventure will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the world’s hidden gems and the indomitable human spirit.

Louis Margot is a Swiss adventurer and athlete known for his extraordinary endurance challenges. Margot is currently engaged in an ambitious project called "Human Impulse," @human_impulse which involves a series of extreme adventures aimed at pushing human limits. His goal is to complete a solo human-powered journey around the world. Cycling on land and rowing across the oceans. With the objective to beat the current world record of 5 years and 11 days.

Mark Sky is a Canadian endurance athlete and adventurer know n for his participation in extreme outdoor activities and races. He has competed in the Adventure Racing World Series, Eco Challenge, the ‘Sea to Sky Infinity Loop’ and is the co-founder of the Outdoor Adventures Club, which uses adventure sports to raise funds for charitable causes and environmental protection.

Mark is currently on an ambitious, human powered expedition from Squamish, British Columbia to Aconcagua, Argentina, covering approximately 24,000 kilometres over 22 months. In case this wasn’t enough, Mark’s journey also includes climbing the highest peak in each country he travels through.