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In this episode of The Adventure Diaries, host Chris Watson chats with renowned adventure photographer and expedition guide, Ian Finch. Ian shares his journey from Royal Marines commando to celebrated adventure photographer, known for his respect for diverse cultures and commitment to environmental awareness.

Topics Covered:

• Ian’s early influences and love for the outdoors
• Transition from the Royal Marines to adventure photography
• Breakthrough moments in Ian’s photography career
• The importance of capturing authentic cultural stories
• Significant expeditions including the Cherokee Trail of Tears
• Environmental projects like moose conservation with the Grand Portage Band of the Chippewa
• Ian’s company, Walk Wild, and its mission to connect people with nature
• Practical advice on finding adventure close to home

Key Takeaways:

• Ian Finch’s love for the outdoors started with early fishing and hunting trips with his father.
• His creative side—art, writing, and photography—shaped his career.
• Time in the Marines equipped him with valuable expedition skills.
• A chance encounter with a Brooklyn photographer was pivotal for his photography career.
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• Recent projects focus on environmental awareness and the impact of climate change on wildlife.
• Walk Wild offers guided walks and workshops to help people connect with nature.

Call to Adventure:

• “Adventure doesn't need to be grand. Doesn't have to be over months and it doesn't have to be over weeks. I think it's all about immersion. I think it's about going into an environment that maybe you don't know so much about, something where you can go and you can learn.”
• “It could be the Lake District, could be the Peak District, could be, the wilds of the West Highlands and stuff like that, or a foreign country. But it's going to a place where you can maybe spend a few days out in the wilderness or out in the countryside or wherever it may be.”
• “Aiming to making the kind of the concept of that experience about trying to keep your phone away from the experience unless you need it for navigation or you want, you get an epic sunset or see something, but to just with the goal of being as present as you can.”

Pay It Forward:
“I like a lot of stuff that people are doing out there, the BMC doing incredible things. But one of the, I think one of the things is true to my heart other than the Royal Marines Association that help veterans and ex Royal Marines dealing with mental health issues and stuff like that.”

One of my friends, a guy called Andy Jones, he passed away recently. He was an ex-army guy and he died of a brain tumor. So I think t

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In this episode of Adventure Diaries, Chris Watson sits down with renowned adventurer Graham Zimmerman to explore the true essence of adventure. Graham shares his insights on embracing challenges, the importance of meaningful experiences, and how to build adventures that resonate deeply with our personal values. He also highlights his involvement with Protect Our Winters (POW) and the vital role this organization plays in driving systemic environmental change. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or someone looking for inspiration, this episode promises to ignite your sense of adventure and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Adventure is about challenges, beautiful places, and beloved companions.
• Focus on the building blocks of meaningful experiences.
• Protect Our Winters (POW) is a vital organization for systemic environmental change.
• Support POW by engaging with local chapters and contributing time or money.

Call to Adventure:

• Go to the mountains to challenge yourself.
• Engage in beautiful places with people you adore.
• Focus on meaningful goals beyond achievements or social media posts.
• Build adventures based on the essential experiences you seek.
• Pursue activities for the right reasons, whether climbing or playing chess outdoors.

Quote from Graham Zimmerman: "Think about the building blocks that are crucial to creating the spirit, the experience that is going to get you what you need and utilize that as the foundation that you build from in terms of how and where and why you build adventure in your life. And I'm not going to tell you to go climbing if your goal is to go and play chess outside with somebody that you love. Great. Do it. But just make sure that you're doing it for the right reasons."

Pay It Forward:

• Protect Our Winters (POW) is a key organization for systemic change.
• Engage with international and local chapters.
• Support POW with donations or volunteer time.
• Use available resources to drive impactful changes for the environment.

Quote from Graham Zimmerman: "Support them with money, support them with time. And think about how you can leverage the levers that are available to you in your life in order to drive the impact that we need in order to take on systemic change so that we can deal with our climate and have clean water and clean air for everybody around us."

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In this episode of the Adventure Diaries, host Chris Watson sits down with acclaimed climber and author Graham Zimmerman. From his early days, climbing in The Cascade, New Zealand and to conquering the mighty peaks of the Karakoram range, Graham shares his incredible journey, balancing life on the edge, and his passionate advocacy for climate action. Discover the philosophy behind his "100-year plan" and how quiet moments in the mountains have shaped his biggest life decisions.

A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains by Graham Zimmerman

Protect Our Winters

Key Takeaways:

• Graham's first challenging yet transformative climbing experience.
• Insights from his book, A Fine Line, on balancing climbing with life.
• Harrowing yet exhilarating climb of Mount Bradley.
• Strategic and technical journey to Link Sar in the Karakoram range.
• The importance of the "100-year plan" for sustainable, long-term decision-making.
• The role of quiet moments in the mountains for clarity and major life decisions.
• Graham's commitment to climate advocacy through Protect Our Winters.

Call to Adventure:

• "Do something that challenges you, that is in a beautiful place, and where you are going with people that you adore."
• "Think about the building blocks that are crucial to creating the spirit of the experience that is going to get you what you need."
• "If your goal is to go and play chess outside with somebody that you love, great. Do it. But just make sure that you're doing it for the right reasons."

Pay It Forward:

• "Protect Our Winters. I'm going to say it's really easy."
• "In many ways, it's an organization that has been a key part of my journey."

"Support them with money, support them with time, and think about how you can leverage the levers that are available to you in your life in order to drive the impact that we need."

Episode Highlights:

1. Finding His Path:
   • Graham shares how his life has been a blend of adventure and serendipity, starting with his parents' move to New Zealand.

1. Balancing Acts:
   • Discussion around Graham's book, A Fine Line, and how it frames the balancing act of climbing with life’s other important aspects.

Climbing the Unclimbed:

1. • The story of the Mount Bradley climb and how it tested Graham’s limits.
   • Insights into the strategic planning and technical climbing involved in the Link Sar expedition.
2. Reflections and Philosophy

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Bonus Episode Summary:  Host Chris Watson sits down with renowned National Geographic photographer Jonathan Kingston. They dive deep into Jonathan’s adventures, discussing the importance of following one's curiosity, his passion for maritime archaeology, and his dedication to ocean preservation. Jonathan shares captivating stories from his explorations and offers insightful advice for aspiring adventurers.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Jonathan Kingston:
  • Learn about Jonathan’s background and his journey to becoming a National Geographic photographer.
• Call to Adventure:
  • Jonathan shares his philosophy: “Follow your curiosity, follow your excitement.”
  • Discussion on how excitement and curiosity guide his adventures.
• Memorable Adventures:
  • Jonathan recounts some of his most thrilling experiences, from maritime archaeology assignments to cliffside stories.
• Pay It Forward:
  • Highlight of the Submerged Archaeological Conservancy International (SACI) and how listeners can get involved.
  • Jonathan's advocacy for ocean preservation and maritime archaeology.
• Future Plans:
  • Upcoming trip to the Solomon Islands for a diving expedition.
  • Jonathan’s excitement about new adventures and what’s next on his agenda.
• Staying Connected:
  • Where to follow Jonathan Kingston: Instagram @JonathanKingston.
  • Jonathan's approach to sharing his work and stories on social media.

Quotes from the Episode:

• “Ask yourself what’s exciting you right now. There’s a reason when I feel that tingle of excitement, there’s something calling me to that.”
• “Don’t say no. Don’t find an excuse to not do it. Find an excuse to say yes to that curiosity.”

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Submerged Archaeological Conservancy International (SACI): saci.org

Connect with Jonathan Kingston:

• Instagram: @JonathanKingston

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Exploring the World Through the Lens of Jonathan Kingston's, a long standing contributing photographer for National Geographic

In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary life of Jonathan Kingston, a celebrated National Geographic photographer. From his high school beginnings to underwater adventures and cultural storytelling, Jonathan's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we explore his path, challenges, and the passion that drives him.

Key Takeaways:

• Jonathan Kingston's passion for photography started in high school.
• He took a gap year on the Crow Indian Reservation, which ignited his love for storytelling.
• A pivotal moment in his career was meeting the editor-in-chief of National Geographic in Hawaii.
• Jonathan has balanced diverse interests, including rock climbing and underwater photography.
• He emphasizes following one's curiosity and excitement as a path to success.

Call to Adventure:

• "Follow your curiosity, follow your excitement, you know, ask yourself, what's exciting you right now."
• "There's a reason when I feel that tingle of excitement, there's something calling me to that."
• "To honor that, to listen to that, to give that excitement time to really speak to you and say yes to it."
• "Don't say no. Don't find an excuse to not do it. Find an excuse to say yes to that curiosity."

Pay It Forward:

• "I would love if anyone does have excitement for ocean preservation for maritime archaeology. Go to the SACI website, the Submerged Archaeological Conservancy International. It's saci.org."
• "All the information is there about how to get involved with the projects that I'm involved with."

Follow Jonathan Kingston:

• Instagram: @JonathanKingston

Links Mentioned:

• Submerged Archaeological Conservancy International (SACI): saci.org

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Exploring Local Adventures and Environmental Responsibility

In this episode, the Alastair Humphreys encourages listeners to embark on a local exploration challenge dubbed the 'Local Seven Summits' - climbing the seven highest points near their homes. The discussion moves on to highlight organizations like Right to Roam, Trash Free Trails, and Take the Jump, each promoting environmental responsibility and greater access to nature. The guest stresses the importance of responsible roaming to ensure the preservation of natural spaces. Lastly, ways to follow the guest's adventures and access their resources are provided.

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In this episode of the Adventure Diaries, host Chris Watson welcomes renowned adventurer and author Alastair Humphreys. Alastair shares his incredible journey from a conventional teaching career to embarking on some of the world's most thrilling adventures. From cycling around the world to rowing across the Atlantic, Alastair's stories are filled with inspiration and insight. He also discusses his latest book "Local," which encourages finding adventure close to home. Join us as we dive into Alastair's grand expeditions and the wonder of local exploration.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to Alastair Humphreys:
   • Alastair's background and transition from teaching to adventuring.
   • The inspiration behind his global adventures.
2. Cycling Around the World:
   • Alastair's journey through 60 countries over nearly five years.
   • The challenges of navigating without modern technology.
3. The Mental Challenges of Adventure:
   • Coping with loneliness and finding solace in human connections.
   • The unexpected twists and serendipity in his travels.
4. Rowing the Atlantic and Walking Through India:
   • The physical and mental challenges of rowing across the Atlantic.
   • Walking along the Kaveri River in India and the simplicity of slow travel.
5. The Violin Adventure in Spain:
   • Inspired by Laurie Lee, Alastair busked his way across Spain with a violin.
   • The unique experiences and challenges of this adventure.
6. Microadventures:
   • Making adventure accessible with short, local trips.
   • The impact of Alastair's book "Microadventures."
7. Exploring Locally with "Local":
   • Alastair's project of exploring one grid square of his local map each week.
   • The richness and discoveries found close to home.
8. A Call to Adventure:
   • Encouraging listeners to embark on their own local adventures.
   • The concept of finding and exploring the highest points in local areas.

Quotes from the Episode:

• "While training to be a teacher, I was daydreaming about adventure, reading books, and thinking, 'Oh, I'd love to be off doing that.'"
• "Once you start an adventure, you realize it's not that complicated. Just ride your bike, find food, find somewhere to sleep, and repeat."
• "The adventure here was to stand up in little village squares in Spain with no money, only the violin. It was terrifying but thrilling."

Call to Action:

• Local Seven Summits Challenge: Find the seven highest points in your local area and explore them. Share your adventures with the hashtag #local7summits.

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David's Call to Adventure and Commitment to Change

In this episode, David shares his enthusiasm for adventure, particularly swimming in waterfalls, and suggests taking hikes that end at beautiful waterfalls as a way to connect with nature. He highlights memorable waterfall experiences in the Dominican Republic and Thailand. For his 'pay it forward' segment, David brings attention to his wife's inspiring organization, which encourages children in Boston to complete a race, as well as the urgent need to address climate change, citing recent extreme weather events around the globe. The conversation spans various aspects of David's life, journalism, and documentaries, providing inspiration and valuable insights.

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Adventure Diaries Season 2 Episode 6 with David Abel, award-winning journalist and filmmaker

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Adventure Diaries, host Chris Watson interviews David Abel, a celebrated journalist and filmmaker known for his in-depth storytelling. David shares his journey from studying philosophy and political science to becoming an award-winning journalist. He discusses his early career covering protests in Mexico City, his dramatic experiences in Cuba, and his impactful work on the Boston Marathon bombing. David also delves into his environmental documentaries, including the award-winning "Entangled," and his latest projects, "In the Whale" and "Inundation District." This episode offers a deep dive into the world of storytelling, journalism, and environmental advocacy.

Key Takeaways:

• David Abel is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker with a diverse body of work.
• He began his journalism career after a pivotal moment inspired by a journalist's incisive questioning.
• Abel's early career included covering major protests in Mexico City and reporting under challenging conditions in Cuba, which led to his deportation.
• One of his significant works includes covering the Boston Marathon bombing, focusing on the Richard family, which earned him the Ernie Pyle Award.
• Abel is known for his environmental advocacy through his films, particularly "Entangled," which highlights the plight of the North Atlantic right whales.
• His latest projects include "In the Whale," about a lobster diver swallowed by a humpback whale, and "Inundation District," addressing climate change impacts on Boston.

Call to Adventure:

• "One of my favorite things in the world to do is to swim in waterfalls. And I love whenever I'm traveling to find a hike that ends with a waterfall and a pool and just hang out with the cold water, sort of giving you a nice shower. It's the best way to end the hike."
• "There's one that I guess I'm thinking of, which is in the Dominican Republic... there was this waterfall called Salto Baiguate... it was just this green, tropical green water, and the water was really warm."
• "I also remember going to one in Thailand, where there was like a series, it was a hike near Chiang Mai... there's like a series of seven or so waterfalls."

Pay It Forward:

• "My wife runs this wonderful organization where she brings together kids from all over Boston and gets them to do something that they never thought they could do, which is to complete this race. And in a couple of weeks, her annual 5K is coming up."
• "Not become complacent and recognize that our... many, many years now of pumping fossil fuels into our atmosphere is radically changing our environment. And we've seen e

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Danny Bent Inspiring Adventures and Transformative Charities

Welcome back to another episode of Adventure Diaries with your host, Chris Watson. In today’s engaging conversation, our guest shared some incredible insights on both embarking on everyday adventures and supporting life-changing charities. Let's dive into the highlights from this episode.

A Call to Adventure

Chris Watson always concludes his episodes with a “call to adventure,” urging listeners to get inspired and explore. Today’s guest emphasized that adventures don't have to be extravagant or expensive. Here are some simple yet impactful activities you can do:

• Go for a Walk or Run: Embrace the outdoors, find a local park, and just walk or run. The greenery and fresh air have a calming effect on the mind.
• Rock Climbing: Whether indoors or out, rock climbing is an excellent way to challenge yourself physically and mentally.
• Cold Water Dipping: This might sound intense, but our guest swears by the benefits of cold water dips. “At this time of year when we're breaking the ice and getting in it, you have to just remain calm,” they shared. This practice can leave you feeling refreshed and focused for the day ahead.

These small adventures can fit into your daily routine and provide significant mental and physical health benefits.

Look Within

Our guest stressed the importance of introspection during these activities. “Really look in yourself and feel what these things are doing,” they advised. Whether it's a small adventure or a more substantial one, understanding its impact on your well-being is crucial.

Pay It Forward: Supporting Worthy Causes

Another cherished tradition on the show is the “pay it forward” suggestion, where guests recommend charities or projects close to their hearts. Today’s guest had some touching recommendations:

• Rock2Recovery: This charity supports service and ex-service personnel dealing with PTSD. In August, our guest will be running across Iceland to raise awareness and funds for this cause.
• The Running Charity: Predominantly based in London, this organization uses running to help homeless people, gang members, and refugees. “For the smallest amounts of money, they can revolutionize an individual's life,” our guest shared emotionally, highlighting the profound impact of this charity. They’ve personally raised funds for this cause and witnessed its transformative effects.

A Heartfelt Conclusion

Chris and the guest wrapped up the episode with a heartwarming exchange, appreciating the positive energy and meaningful conversation. “It's just nice speaking to someone that smiles constantly,” Chris remarked, reflecting the uplifting tone of the interview.

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