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In this thought-provoking episode of Adventure Diaries, I’m joined by conservationist, academic, and author Jonny Hanson to explore one of the most complex and emotional topics in modern conservation: how humans and apex predators can share the land.

Jonny is the author of Living with Lynx: Sharing Landscape with Big Cats, Wolves and Bears, a compelling blend of field research, personal story, and social insight. From the mountains of Malawi to the peaks of Nepal, and from Scottish farmlands to the Snow Leopard Conservancy, Jonny has spent his life navigating the thin line between wild nature and domestic life.

We go deep on the ecological, emotional, and political dimensions of rewilding. What does it really mean to reintroduce predators like lynx and wolves to Britain and Ireland? What do they offer our ecosystems—and at what cost to farmers and communities?

Jonny speaks candidly about his own conflicted identity as both a farmer and a conservationist, the damage done by illegal predator releases in Scotland, and the urgent need to build long-term trust and governance if we’re to truly live with wild nature once again.

This episode is a journey into big landscapes, difficult questions, and the wild edges of our own imagination.

🔍 What You’ll Learn

• Why apex predators matter—and what they do that humans can’t replicate
• The surprising story behind illegal lynx releases in Scotland
• How rewilding taps into both our deepest fears and wildest hopes
• Lessons from Malawi, the Himalayas, and Swiss lynx coexistence projects
• Why conflict over predators is often really conflict between people

🌍 Resources & Mentions

• 📘 Living with Lynx by Jonny Hanson
  https://www.jonnyhanson.com
• 🐆 Snow Leopard Conservancy
   https://snowleopardconservancy.org
• 🎞️ Snow Leopard Trail – Jonny’s new documentary (screenings in 2025)
  Teaser: https://www.jonnyhanson.com
• 📚 Feral by George Monbiot – rewilding inspiration
  https://www.monbiot.com/2013/05/27/feral/
• 🎥 Gordon Buchanan – wildlife filmmaker (referenced story: grizzly bear in Scotland)

🧭 Whether you're a farmer, naturalist, or nature-curious listener, this one will challenge your views and expand your sense of what wild really means.

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What happens when you stop chasing life... and start walking through it—one step at a time?

In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, I sit down with Tom Turcich, the tenth person ever to walk around the world—and the first to do it with a dog. Over the course of seven years, six continents, and nearly 30,000 kilometers, Tom and his rescue pup Savannah navigated deserts, war zones, snowfields, mountains, and megacities. But what they really explored was the human condition—mortality, solitude, fear, love, and how to find peace in just existing.

What began as a response to the sudden death of a close friend transformed into a global odyssey—one that asked more questions than it answered. We talk about:

• The real reason he chose to walk the world
• What fear actually feels like in the middle of Central America
• Training Savannah into the perfect walking companion
• Living through exhaustion, sickness, and uncertainty—and what it teaches you
• Why photography became his gateway to connection
• Letting go of social media, letting go of ego, and letting life just be
• What he thinks about adventure now, in his post-walk life

From the wilds of the Atacama to the stillness of Antarctica, from dusty roads to TEDx stages, this is a reflection on what it means to live intentionally, with humility and grace.

If you’ve ever questioned your path—or wondered what lies on the other side of fear—this one is for you.

🔗 Resources & Mentions

• 📖 The World Walk by Tom Turcich – Buy it here
• 🐶 Savannah, the dog who walked the world – @theworldwalk
• 📹 Tom’s TEDx Talk – Watch on YouTube
• 
  

✨ Key Themes

Adventure & Fear – Walking into the unknown with no backup plan
Solitude & Resilience – What it means to be your own best company
The Bond with Savannah – How a dog can become your home
Slow Travel & Privilege – Seeing the world at human pace
Letting Go – Of productivity, ambition, and becoming “more”

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What drives someone to venture deep into Arctic Finland—alone, for a month—armed with just a packraft, backpack, and wilderness grit?

In this episode, I sit down with Finnish adventurer and political scientist Albert Weckman—also known for his YouTube and Instagram project Wilderness Bastards—to unpack his epic 300km solo expedition through the wild heart of Finnish Lapland.

We cover Albert’s early connection to Finland’s vast archipelagos and forests, his formal survival training in harsh Arctic conditions, and the mindset shifts required for long solo adventures.

Albert shares the highs and lows of his month-long trek through four remote regions:

• The Vatsari Wilderness, Finland’s wildest terrain bordering Russia and Norway
• The daunting Lake Inari, Finland’s third-largest lake, known for brutal winds
• The swampy and mountainous Hammastunturi Wilderness
• The tranquil Lemmenjoki National Park, where his journey concludes

We dive into the unexpected moments—like a chance meeting with Bosnian fishermen who offered him beer and a Snickers—and explore deeper themes: mental resilience, the myth of needing expensive gear, and how solitude in the wild transforms your perspective.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be totally alone in the Arctic, this episode delivers.

What You’ll Learn:

• How growing up in Finland’s archipelago shaped Albert’s adventurous mindset
• The brutal reality of survival training in minus 20°C with no food or shelter
• Why planning safety in remote solo expeditions is absolutely non-negotiable
• Packrafting lessons from crossing Lake Inari with 40kg of gear
• How adventure isn't about fancy equipment—but simple, deliberate experiences

Resources & Mentions:

• Wilderness Bastards (Instagram & YouTube): Instagram | YouTube
• A Life on Our Planet by David Attenborough
• BioSur Foundation, Costa Rica (Rainforest Conservation): Website
• Lake Inari: More Info
• Lemmenjoki National Park: More Info

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What if your next adventure wasn’t just a hike—but a journey into ancient traditions, mountain culture, and deep human connection?

In this episode, I sit down with Gilbert Moukheiber—Lebanese adventurer, wilderness guide, and founder of 33 North—to explore one of the world’s most unexpected adventure destinations: Lebanon.

From snow-covered peaks to ancient shepherd migration routes, Gilbert reveals how Lebanon’s dramatic geography lets you ski in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean by afternoon.

We dive into the Boukaat Loubnan Trails, a 400km network winding through forgotten Roman temples, Phoenician trade routes, and remote shepherd communities. But this is far more than a trek—it’s a cultural expedition where you walk alongside shepherds, share their meals, and even help tend their goats.

Gilbert also shares his vision for sustainable, community-driven tourism through his Wilderness and Adventure Academy, which trains guides and outdoor lovers in safe, respectful adventure practices—protecting both nature and heritage.

What You’ll Learn:

• How human-powered adventure helps preserve Lebanon’s culture and landscapes
• The magic of transhumance: shepherds’ seasonal migrations through the mountains
• Why Lebanon remains an underrated but world-class adventure destination
• How adventure tourism uplifts and sustains remote mountain communities
• Practical ways to explore Lebanon responsibly, beyond mass tourism

Expect campfire stories, fresh-baked bread, and unforgettable moments of connection—this one is a true hidden gem.

Please Check Out

Boukaat Loubnan Trails | 33North

https://www.instagram.com/33northleb/

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In this raw and riveting episode of Adventure Diaries, I’m joined by expedition leader Chaz Powell—a man who walked into some of the most extreme wildernesses on Earth and returned with stories of survival, connection, and purpose. From dehydration in Zambia’s 50°C heat to being kidnapped in Mozambique, Chaz’s journey isn’t just about distance—it’s about transformation.

We cover his treks along Africa’s wildest rivers—the Zambezi, Gambia, and Mangoky—where he faced wild animals, dodged bandits, and survived by intuition, diplomacy, and grit. But this isn’t just a story about adventure. It’s about how walking saved his life, pulled him out of a troubled past, and became his way of giving back—to people, to rivers, and to the wild.

You’ll also hear about his off-grid plans in Scotland, reflections on fatherhood, bushcraft, and how a simple walk along the River Tay became a form of healing and tribute after losing his dad.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

IDEAS – How adventure can become a personal and societal turning point.
INSIGHTS – What wild rivers teach us about life, growth, and human endurance.
QUOTES – “Walking saved me. I’d just go—bag on back—and keep moving forward.”
FACTS – The Zambezi River trek covered 3,000km over 137 days in 50°C heat.
RECOMMENDATIONS – Walk your local river from source to sea. See what it teaches you.

🔗 Resources & Mentions

• The Wildest Journey – Chaz Powell’s website
• Chaz Powell on Instagram
• African Wildlife Foundation
• Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer – book inspiration
• Sidetracked Magazine – Chaz’s Madagascar article

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Louisa Hendry, aka The Scottish Geologist, joins me for a raw, funny, and unexpectedly mind-expanding chat about rocks, identity, tectonic plates, Instagram fame, and the untold beauty of Scotland’s ancient landscapes.

From her early days smashing stones on the beach in Largs to running geology tours across the Highlands, Louisa’s story is a brilliant mix of passion, science, humour, and community. We get into everything from the geology of Loch Lomond, granite vs. magma, ancient oceans, volcanoes, climate change, and how she’s built a wildly successful brand by being unapologetically herself.

Whether you think geology is dry or exciting..., this episode will open your eyes to the rocks beneath your feet—and make you think differently about stories they hold.

🎥🎙️ Watch & Listen Here

What You’ll Learn:

IDEAS

• How Scotland’s rocks tell a billion-year-old story
• Why volcanic eruptions and climate shifts go hand in hand
• How geology helps explain the tech in your pocket
• What Mount Everest’s summit reveals about the ancient ocean
• The unexpected connection between social media, geology, and dogs

INSIGHTS

• You don’t need a polished accent to educate and inspire
• Geological time reframes how we view climate, resilience, and human impact
• The best way to spark curiosity is to lead with honesty and humour

QUOTES

"You could walk your dog across 3-billion-year-old rocks and never know it."
 "Geology’s not just rocks. It’s climate, tech, history—it’s everything."
 "I’m just being me, talking about rocks. Turns out, people love that."

Episode Takeaway

Scotland’s landscapes aren’t just beautiful—they’re alive with stories, and Louisa is the guide we didn’t know we needed.

Resources & Mentions

• 🌍 Scott Rock Walks – Louisa’s geology tour company
• 📱 @ScottishGeologist on Instagram

🎙️ Follow the show here to catch all episodes exploring the natural world, adventure, and human potential.

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In this emotional and unfiltered episode of Adventure Diaries, we welcome back Paul Harris, aka The Warrior Walker, for Part Two of his astonishing journey: walking over 20,000 kilometers around the UK—twice. From sleeping in graveyards and castles to withstanding minus 16°C winters alone in the Highlands, Paul opens up about solitude, near-death moments, mental health, kindness from strangers, and the aftershock of completing an adventure of this scale.

🦌 Ever been stared down by a wild stag while sleeping under the stars?

🥾 What does walking 135km on 90 minutes of sleep really do to your body and mind?

💬 Why did people across the UK start calling Paul a brother, son, and friend—without ever knowing him?

In this conversation, we go deep into:

What You’ll Learn

IDEAS
• How a solo walk turned into a national movement of kindness and reconnection.
• Why adventure isn’t about the destination—it’s the coffee stops, the hugs, and the small talk.
• The reality of post-expedition burnout and how to find purpose again.

INSIGHTS
• You don’t need a plan, you need to start.
• Community isn’t built on followers—it’s built on honest moments.
• Letting go of baggage—literal and emotional—is freedom.

QUOTES

“The more you walk, the more you talk, the less you carry.”“One day, I won’t be able to hug these people or drink that coffee—so I just start walking.”

Resources & Mentions

• 📚 Book coming Autumn 2025 – Stay tuned!
• 💪 Rock to Recovery – Veteran mental health support
• 🌍 Doctors Without Borders – Global medical humanitarian aid
• 🧭 Follow Paul: https://www.instagram.com/thewarriorwalker
• 🗺️ Try the Local Adventure Tool (by Chris): Hiking Routes - Adventure Diaries

Episode Takeaway

Hardship doesn’t define us—how we share it does. Start walking. Start talking. And don’t carry it alone.

🎙️ Watch & Listen Here or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Today on Adventure Diaries, we welcome Nina Helen Watson—a bright, inquisitive young explorer who turned a school assignment into a beautifully told podcast on one of the world’s greatest rivers: the Amazon.

At almost ten years old, Nina guides us through the source of the Amazon near Mount Quehuisha in Peru, its astonishing biodiversity, and a few facts you may not believe—like how it once flowed in the opposite direction. She talks jaguars and giant otters, pink river dolphins and capybaras (her personal favorite), all while threading it together with the clarity and confidence of someone twice her age.

What starts as a geography lesson quickly unfolds into something bigger: a celebration of curiosity, family support, storytelling, and the way learning can become magical when it’s shared.

We talk about:

• Where the Amazon River really begins—and how close it is to the Pacific
• The complex ecosystems that sustain some of Earth’s rarest wildlife
• How the river flows through nine countries and multiple indigenous cultures
• Nina’s personal favorites: from capybaras to rain-soaked camping trips
• Why local river cleanups matter—and how you can take part

Her ‘Call to Adventure’ is a gentle one: go camping, reconnect with nature, and bring good snacks. And her ‘Pay it Forward’ is equally grounded—help clean up a local river and notice what grows around it.

This episode is packed with joy, insight, and the reminder that wonder doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes, it sounds like a capybara pencil case and a story well told.

📚 Resources & Mentions

• 📍 Apacheta Valley & Mount Quehuisha, Peru – Source of the Amazon
• 🐬 Pink River Dolphin – A unique Amazonian species
• 🐊 Black Caiman – Apex predator of the Amazon
• 🐒 Capybara – The world’s largest rodent
• 🐍 Green Anaconda – One of the world’s biggest snakes
• 🧭 Francisco de Orellana – Spanish explorer who named the river
• 🌿 Indigenous river names like Riomar Tama
• 📖 Dork Diaries – Nina’s favourite book
• 🎬 The Lion King – Her favourite film
• 🌍 Local River Cleanup – Nina’s Pay it Forward suggestion
• 🏕️ Go Camping – Her Call to Adventure

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating, share it with a curious soul, or ask a young person what they love about nature. You might be surprised by the answer.

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Paul Harris: The Warrior Walker joins me for an unforgettable two-part conversation that begins in trauma and ends in transformation. A man who’s walked over 24,000 miles around the UK coastline—twice—Paul wasn’t chasing a record. He was trying to survive.

From his early years as a shy, lost kid to becoming a Royal Marine, then a private security contractor in Kabul, Paul’s life has veered from extreme danger to deep reflection. He’s witnessed war, grief, and collapse. But it was a moment of breakdown back home, in the wake of losing a dream life in Thailand, that led to a message from a friend: “You should walk around the UK and write a book about it.” Paul did more than that. With no plan, no tent, and just £300, he started walking. And never stopped.

In this episode, we go deep into:

• Walking as a tool for mental recovery and reconnection
• Life in Afghanistan: the beauty, the trauma, and the wild stories
• How teaching kids in Thailand gave him more peace than war zones
• The power of vulnerability and why Instagram became his support network
• Finding purpose through simplicity, grief, and cold nights under the stars

Whether he was being watched by a wild stag in the middle of the night, dodging Taliban checkpoints, or sipping overpriced espresso in Kabul’s “Secret Garden” café—Paul’s story is one of radical honesty, resilience, and the healing magic of walking forward, one step at a time.

Resources & References Mentioned
  📷 The Warrior Walker on Instagram
 
🌟 What You’ll Learn
IDEAS: How walking becomes a metaphor for rebuilding a broken life
INSIGHTS: Grief can be fuel. Walking can be a spiritual act.
QUOTES: “Be careful what you say to yourself. The warrior within you is listening.”
FACTS: Paul walked more than the circumference of the Earth—twice.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Don’t wait. Just take the first step. 

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What does it take to survive the extremes—not just of the wild, nature, but of pressure, fatigue, and the unpredictable?

In this episode, I sit down with Megan Hine, one of the most trusted survival consultants, expedition leaders, and adventure safety producers on the planet. 

From guiding A-list celebrities across jungle gorges and desert canyons to building trust with tribes, cartels, and government fixers in far-flung corners of the world—Megan’s story is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and reading the wild.

We dig into Megan's roots—from muddy childhoods in Snowdonia to cycling the Malvern Hills, her ADHD diagnosis, and how early outdoor exposure lit a lifelong fire. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from Man vs. Wild, talks about the psychology of rigging fake-peril challenges, and explains how STOP and the Survival Rule of 3 can help you avoid panic and poor decisions in the wild—or modern life.

There’s grit, humour, and wisdom throughout this one. Whether you're leading a team or just need a push to step outdoors, Megan's stories might change how you view risk, trust, and what it means to truly be alive.

🎥🎙️ Watch Here

👉 YouTube
 

What You’ll Learn

🧠 IDEAS
• Why perception of risk often matters more than the actual danger
• How wilderness lessons apply to leadership, TV, and life
• The role of empathy and autonomy in high-stress team dynamics

🪖 INSIGHTS
• “Luck opens the door, but graft keeps it open.”
• Good fixers are the unsung heroes of global adventure filmmaking
• Burnout isn’t just physical—it’s emotional backlog catching up once the mission ends

📚 REFERENCES
• Land of the Long White Cloud (book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39345619
• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Cliffhanger (film)
• STOP Framework: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan
• UK Scouting: https://www.scouts.org.uk
• PSYCH Media Solutions (Megan's company): https://www.psychmediasolutions.com
• Megan Hine Instagram: @megan_hine

🌍 FACTS
• Megan once lowered a Jeep Wrangler on a single rope
• She’s led safety for shows involving 400+ crew in remote terrain
• Lyme disease, caught in the UK, changed her approach to adventure health

🎒 Episode Takeaway

You don’t need a passport or a plan—adventure begins the moment you step outside your front door

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