Please click here to 'Follow' the show - it really helps get the show to a wider audience (which I really thank you for!).

🚨 Don't FORGET to Join the Adventure Newsletter Here 🚨😎


And get ALL the SEASON 3 insights before they are publicly released.
Guest List | Release Schedule | Clips | Subscriber ONLY Content

It's FREE

Best
Chris

Send a text

Support the show

Thanks For Listening.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content.

Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates.

Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected].

AdventureDiaries.com

#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Please click here to 'Follow' the show - it really helps get the show to a wider audience (which I really thank you for!).

It will bring more people, greater stories and more adventures for everyone.
In this clip from Season 2 episode 15 of The Adventure Diaries, host Chris Watson is joined by wilderness survival expert and former Alone contestant, Karie Lee Knoke. Together, they dive deep into Karie's journey of founding Sacred Cedars Wilderness School, her profound experiences living off the land, and her passion for teaching both practical survival skills and the art of sacred living. Karie shares the mental fortitude needed to survive in the wild, the importance of living authentically, and how her experiences in nature can help others reconnect with their true selves.

From setting up a wilderness school in Northern Idaho to offering energy exchange programs, Karie is on a mission to help people shed the distractions of modern life and experience deep connection through nature. Whether you're a survival enthusiast or someone seeking personal transformation, Karie’s insights will inspire you to follow your dreams and live with purpose.

Key Discussion Points:

• Karie’s experience creating Sacred Cedars Wilderness School and the work-trade programs that help the school grow.
• Lessons learned from her time on Alone and how they shaped her wilderness teachings.
• The balance between teaching hard survival skills and the softer, spiritual elements of sacred living.
• The importance of mental fortitude and maintaining a positive mindset in both survival situations and life.
• Karie's vision for her upcoming book, The Art of Sacred Living, and the year-long program she plans to offer at her school.

Memorable Quotes:

• “It’s a lot of work for a single older woman to do this all by myself... But I’m creating opportunities for community, where people can learn survival skills while helping me build the school.”
• “You have to have faith... Who cares how you pray, but you have to have faith. Even in the wilderness, that’s a crucial survival skill.”
• “Do your dream. It might be crazy, and nobody will understand it, but it’s your dream. When you live from the heart, the universe will back you up.”

Call to Adventure:
Karie’s message is clear—get outside, follow your passion, and disconnect from the distractions of modern life. Whether it’s through wilderness adventures or daily micro-adventures, nature offers profound healing and personal growth.

Pay It Forward:
Karie emphasizes the importance of supporting others in their journey, whether it’s through scholarships, volunteering, or contributing to small, wilderness-based schools like Sacred Cedars Wilderness School.

Where to Find Karie Lee Knoke:
Website: KarieLeeKnoke.com
Instagram: @karieleeknoke
Wilderness School: Sacred Cedars Wilderness School (available through her website

Send a text

Support the show

Thanks For Listening.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content.

Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates.

Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected].

AdventureDiaries.com

#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Please click here to 'Follow' the show - it really helps get the show to a wider audience (which I really thank you for!).

🚨 Don't FORGET to Join the Adventure Newsletter Here 🚨😎

In this episode of The Adventure Diaries, host Chris Watson sits down with wilderness expert and Alone Season Nine finalist, Karie Lee Knoke. Karie takes us on a journey from her suburban childhood to living off-grid in a 30-foot yurt in Northern Idaho. She shares her incredible transformation from a corporate IT professional to a wilderness survivalist and teacher, offering insights into her time on Alone and her deep spiritual connection with nature. Discover how Karie’s passion for the wilderness led her to create the Sacred Cedars Wilderness School, where she teaches the art of sacred living and survival skills.

Key Takeaways:

• Childhood Roots: Karie’s love for the outdoors began in her suburban neighborhood, where she spent afternoons exploring green spaces and playing in tree forts.
• Career Shift: Despite a successful career in IT, Karie felt drawn to the wilderness, leading her to leave the corporate world and pursue her passion for nature and survival skills.
• Wilderness Survival: Karie’s experience on Alone was both a survival challenge and a spiritual journey, where she connected deeply with the land and tested her skills.
• Sacred Cedars Wilderness School: Karie founded this school to teach others wilderness skills and the “art of sacred living,” blending physical survival techniques with spiritual practices.
• Positive Mindset: Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial for survival, as it helps manage energy and resilience, something Karie practiced throughout her time in the wild.

Call to Adventure:

• “Do your dream. Follow your heart. You might have some crazy dream that nobody understands, but if it’s your passion, the universe will back you up.”
• “Get out of your mind, because that’s when the universe is going to back you up.”
• “If you’re living from the heart and living your dream, your passion, which is all about the heart, everything around you will support you.”

Pay It Forward:

• Support Scholarship Funds: Help others pursue their dreams by contributing to scholarship funds.
• Support Nonprofit Schools: Many nonprofit wilderness schools operate on minimal funds; supporting them helps children and others find their passion.

Featured Guest:

Karie Lee Knoke is a wilderness survival expert, energy medicine practitioner, and founder of Sacred Cedars Wilderness School. She gained national recognition as a finalist on Alone Season Nine, where she survived 75 days in the harsh wilderness of Labrador, Canada. Karie’s deep connection with nature and her passion for teaching others to live in harmony with the land is at the core of her work.

Connect with Karie Lee Knoke:

• Website:

Send a text

Support the show

Thanks For Listening.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content.

Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates.

Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected].

AdventureDiaries.com

#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Please click here to 'Follow' the show - it really helps get the show to a wider audience (which I really thank you for!).

🚨 Don't FORGET to Join the Adventure Newsletter Here 🚨😎

In this enlightening recap episode of The Adventure Diaries, Chris Watson sits revisits the Call to Adventure & Pay It Forward segments with Hazen Audel, the charismatic explorer and host of Primal Survivor. Hazen shares his passion for rewilding, the importance of ecotourism, and his experiences in some of the world's most unique natural environments. From his backyard to the vast landscapes of Ecuador and the Great Rift Valley, Hazen offers listeners a fresh perspective on how we can all contribute to conservation and reconnect with nature.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Rewilding: Hazen introduces the concept of rewilding, emphasizing the importance of restoring natural habitats even in our own backyards. He shares personal anecdotes about creating safe spaces for wildlife and how this practice has shaped his children's understanding of nature.
• Ecotourism: Hazen encourages travelers to explore beyond the popular destinations like Costa Rica, advocating for visits to lesser-known regions in South and Central America. He highlights the positive impact ecotourism can have on local communities and wildlife conservation.
• Safe Wildlife Corridors: Reflecting on his time in Africa, Hazen discusses the critical need for safe migration routes for animals, particularly elephants, and the efforts of organizations like Space for Giants to protect these corridors.
• Supporting Conservation: Hazen expresses his support for the Jane Goodall Foundation and other organizations focused on education and conservation, particularly in regions rich in biodiversity.

Memorable Quotes:

• "We have the same power to make the world better than how we found it... It’s about creating spaces where wildlife can thrive, even in our own backyards."
• "Go to Ecuador, go to these other places in South and Central America outside of Costa Rica... Show the local people that we care about their natural resources."
• "These animals don't have a place to migrate to because their places are being turned into highways and things like this."

Where to Find Hazen Audel:

• Instagram: @HazenAudel
• Website: HazenAudel.com
• Shows: Available on the Discovery Channel and Disney+ (Primal Survivor featured on National Geographic).

Call to Action:

Go listen to the FULL episode of The Adventure Diaries S2 Episode 14for an inspiring conversation with Hazen Audel. Learn how you can contribute to rewilding efforts, support ecotourism, and make a difference in the conservation of our planet’s wildlife. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow adventurers!

Send a text

Support the show

Thanks For Listening.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content.

Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates.

Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected].

AdventureDiaries.com

#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Please click here to 'Follow' the show - it really helps get the show to a wider audience (which I really thank you for!).

🚨 Don't FORGET to Join the Adventure Newsletter Here 🚨😎

In another thrilling episode of The Adventure Diaries, host Chris Watson is joined by Hazen Audel, a biologist, survival expert, and star of National Geographic's Primal Survivor. Hazen takes us deep into the Amazon jungle, sharing incredible stories of his time living with indigenous tribes, his passion for rewilding nature, and how he transformed his wild dream into a successful television career. From catching a seven-foot rainbow boa to encountering giant armadillos, Hazen's journey is filled with jaw-dropping moments that will leave you inspired and in awe of the natural world.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Hazen's lifelong passion for nature and wildlife
• The adventure that changed his life: an eight-month immersion in the Amazon
• Living with indigenous tribes and learning their languages and customs
• The journey from the Amazon to becoming the star of Primal Survivor
• The importance of rewilding and connecting with nature
• Lessons learned from the wild and indigenous cultures
• Hazen's thoughts on community, solitude, and the modern world
• The unforgettable moments and challenges faced during the filming of Primal Survivor

Key Takeaways:

• Hazen's childhood love for nature led him to explore the Amazon at just 19 years old.
• His time with indigenous tribes taught him invaluable lessons about nature and community.
• Sharing his experiences online eventually led to his breakthrough in television.
• Hazen emphasizes the importance of rewilding and preserving natural habitats.
• He believes that true adventure lies in reconnecting with the natural world.

Call to Adventure:

• "Rewild your surroundings."
• "Put up bird houses."
• "Plant plants that are going to bring in the kind of bugs that I don't, yeah, bees are awesome, but I like bugs, like I like biodiversity cause I know how important they are."
• "Invite more wildlife and wildflowers into your life."
• "Learn and interact and be a part of nature."

Pay It Forward:

• Ecotourism: "If you're going to do some eco excursions, go to Ecuador, go to these other places in South and Central America outside of Costa Rica."
• Space for Giants: "It's an organization that's trying to give a lot of education to the locals so elephants can have a place that they can continue their migrations without being shot or beat to death by farmers."
• Jane Goodall Foundation: "Because they're so set, they're so organized, the funds go directly towards education, educating, getting into the schools, getting these kids to acknowledge that where they live, if they live in Madagascar that they have, they live with lemurs, they live with all this wildlife and they can have an amazing life and protect the wildlif

Send a text

Support the show

Thanks For Listening.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content.

Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates.

Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected].

AdventureDiaries.com

#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Please click here to 'Follow' the show - it really helps get the show to a wider audience (which I really thank you for!).

🚨 Don't FORGET to Join the Adventure Newsletter Here 🚨😎

It will bring more people, greater stories and more adventures for everyone.
Adventure Diaries S2 Episode 134 Recap; Host Chris Watson sits down with Timothy Santel , a retired investigator turned passionate conservationist. Tim shares captivating stories from his 32-year career, where he transitioned from law enforcement to wildlife protection. The episode delves into Tim’s dedication to mentoring the next generation of conservationists, his remarkable experiences in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park, and his ongoing work with Focus Conservation—a nonprofit organization fighting wildlife trafficking in Africa.

Key Takeaways:

• Mentorship Matters: Tim emphasizes the importance of paying it forward. He shares how his mentors shaped his career and why he continues to guide and support emerging conservationists through his work with Focus Conservation.
• Adventure in Nepal: Tim recounts his incredible journey to Chitwan National Park, where he encountered rare species like the one-horned rhino and sloth bears. His story highlights the beauty and biodiversity of Nepal, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
• Wildlife Protection: Tim discusses his role at Focus Conservation, a unique nonprofit composed of former law enforcement professionals. The organization works with African countries to combat wildlife trafficking and rehabilitate animals like baby gorillas and chimpanzees.
• Conservation Challenges: Tim sheds light on the harsh realities of wildlife trafficking, sharing a poignant story about a baby gorilla rescued from poachers. He explains the crucial role that organizations like Focus Conservation play in protecting endangered species and preserving their habitats.

Quotes from the Episode:

• “If you’ve got a skill and you’ve got experience, help somebody that might need a hand.”
• “Nepal would be a place that I would recommend... It’s home to some of the coolest and most diverse species in the world.”
• “We’re all cops... Our group works with countries in Africa to help them build crime units and mentor those crime units.”
• “What a cool story it would be to reintroduce [a rescued baby gorilla] back to his family.”

Call to Action:

• Visit Focus Conservation: Learn more about the vital work being done by Tim and his colleagues by visiting Focus Conservation. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
• Support Wildlife Protection: Consider supporting organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation and mentoring future conservationists.
• Explore Nepal: If you’re seeking adventure, look into visiting Chitwan National Park in Nepal to witness the incredible wildlife and immerse yourself in local cult

Send a text

Support the show

Thanks For Listening.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content.

Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates.

Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected].

AdventureDiaries.com

#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Please click here to 'Follow' the show - it really helps get the show to a wider audience (which I really thank you for!).

🚨 Don't FORGET to Join the Adventure Newsletter Here 🚨😎

It will bring more people, greater stories and more adventures for everyone.
In this thrilling episode of Adventure Diaries, host Chris Watson sits down with Timothy Santel.  From Tim's humble beginnings in the Midwest to leading some of the most impactful wildlife conservation operations in history, Tim shares his incredible journey over 32 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Discover the secrets behind Operation Crash—a groundbreaking investigation that dismantled global rhino horn trafficking networks—and Operation Snowplow, which exposed the dark underworld of big cat poaching in the United States. Tim's stories are not just about catching the bad guys but also about the deep passion and commitment it takes to protect the world's most vulnerable species.

Tim also shares insights into his post-retirement work with Focus Conservation, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring and supporting wildlife crime units across Africa. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about wildlife, conservation, and the relentless fight against poaching.

Key Takeaways:

• Timothy Santel dedicated over 32 years to wildlife conservation and law enforcement.
• He led major operations like Operation Snowplow and Operation Crash, targeting illegal wildlife trade.
• Operation Crash was a landmark case that led to numerous arrests and global legislative changes.
• Tim continues his work through Focus Conservation, mentoring wildlife rangers on the front lines.

Call to Adventure:

• Visit Chitwan National Park in Nepal:
  • Witness one-horned rhinos, tigers, and diverse wildlife.
  • Immerse yourself in local culture by staying in a nearby village.
  • Experience Nepal's first national park and its rich biodiversity.

Pay It Forward:

• Volunteer and gain experience in wildlife conservation.
• Be passionate and committed, even in unpaid roles.
• Mentorship is crucial—help guide the next generation of conservationists.
• Get involved with nonprofits like Focus Conservation to support wildlife crime units and rangers.

Links & Resources:
https://focusedconservation.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-santel-798206242/

Send a text

Support the show

Thanks For Listening.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content.

Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates.

Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected].

AdventureDiaries.com

#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Please click here to 'Follow' the show - it really helps get the show to a wider audience (which I really thank you for!).

🚨 Don't FORGET to Join the Adventure Newsletter Here 🚨😎

It will bring more people, greater stories and more adventures for everyone.
Protecting Antarctica and Embracing Adventure with Ash Routen

In this episode, the show follows its closing traditions of a 'pay it forward' suggestion and a 'call to adventure.' 

Ash Routen, highlights the need to raise awareness about the Antarctic Treaty, which is set to expire in 2041. 
He emphasizes the importance of renewing this treaty to protect Antarctica from exploitation. 

For the call to adventure, Ash encourages listeners to adopt a 'just do it' mindset, seek mentorship, 
and pursue their adventurous dreams regardless of financial or physical limitations. 
He also shares where to find more about him and his work online.

00:00 Closing Traditions and Pay It Forward
00:22 The Antarctic Treaty Awareness
01:42 Call to Adventure: Just Do It!
02:50 Connect with Ash Routen
03:31 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Follow Ash 
Instagram;  https://www.instagram.com/ashrouten/
Website:  https://www.ashrouten.com/

Send a text

Support the show

Thanks For Listening.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content.

Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates.

Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected].

AdventureDiaries.com

#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Please click here to 'Follow' the show - it really helps get the show to a wider audience (which I really thank you for!).

🚨 Don't FORGET to Join the Adventure Newsletter Here 🚨😎

It will bring more people, greater stories and more adventures for everyone.
Welcome to another episode of The Adventure Diaries. Today, we’re diving into the story of Ash Routen. Ash is a remarkable adventure writer who balances a conventional career in academia with a passion for outdoor exploration. Growing up in the New Forest National Park and later inspired by the book "Alone on the Ice," Ash's adventurous spirit was ignited, leading him to extraordinary feats like crossing Lake Baikal and traversing the challenging Finnmark Plateau.

In this episode, we uncover Ash's unique blend of scientific rigor and adventurous spirit, the profound experiences that shaped his journey, and his insightful thoughts on preserving the untouched wilderness of Antarctica. We’ll also hear his inspiring "Call to Adventure" and his meaningful "Pay it Forward" suggestion to champion the Antarctic Treaty.

Key Highlights:

• Ash Routen's Background: Learn about Ash’s early life in the New Forest National Park and how the scouting movement influenced his love for the outdoors.
• Inspiration to Adventure: Discover the pivotal moment in 2015 when Ash was gifted the book "Alone on the Ice," reigniting his passion for exploration.
• Remarkable Expeditions: Hear about Ash’s extraordinary adventures, including crossing Lake Baikal and the Finnmark Plateau.
• Balancing Academia and Adventure: Insight into how Ash manages to straddle a conventional profession in academia with his adventurous pursuits.
• Preservation Efforts: Ash's advocacy for the Antarctic Treaty and the importance of protecting this untouched wilderness.
• Call to Adventure: Ash’s motivational message encouraging listeners to embark on their own adventures, with practical advice on getting started.
• Pay it Forward: Highlighting the importance of supporting the renewal of the Antarctic Treaty in 2041 to prevent exploitation of this pristine environment.

Quotes:

• "Growing up in the New Forest National Park, I learned to put up a tent, navigate, pack a rucksack, and cook outdoors from a young age."
• "The book 'Alone on the Ice' reignited long-held teenage dreams of going on expeditions and doing hard things."
• "Crossing Lake Baikal was an incredible experience, walking 634 kilometers on frozen water, living on the ice for 19 days."
• "Balancing a conventional career in academia with a passion for adventure is challenging but deeply rewarding."
• "We must champion the Antarctic Treaty to ensure the last great untouched wilderness remains protected for future generations."

Connect with Ash Routen:

• Instagram: @ashrouten
• Website: ashrouten.co

Send a text

Support the show

Thanks For Listening.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content.

Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates.

Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected].

AdventureDiaries.com

#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Please click here to 'Follow' the show - it really helps get the show to a wider audience (which I really thank you for!).

🚨 Don't FORGET to Join the Adventure Newsletter Here 🚨😎

It will bring more people, greater stories and more adventures for everyone.
Adventure Diaries Season 2 episode 11 Clip;

In this bonus clip host Chris Watson sits down with Olly Pemberton. They discuss Olly's remarkable adventures, his passion for foraging, and his involvement in various charitable projects. From the thrill of nature exploration to the heartwarming efforts to give back, this episode is packed with inspiration and wonder.

Key Topics Discussed

• Pay It Forward Initiatives:
  • The 10 Percent Fence Plan: Collaborating with Salvo Trust and Tafouti, Ollie emphasizes the tangible impact of supporting this cause.
  • Wings for Life: Olly's friend Darren Edwards is attempting to break a sit ski distance record in support of this incredible charity. Olly highlights the significance of Darren's mission and the charity's work.
• Call to Adventure:
  • Foraging and Nature Exploration: Olly shares his personal goal of spending more time foraging along local coasts and hills. He encourages listeners to connect with nature and understand the changing seasons through foraging.
• Culinary Adventures:
  • Cooking with Foraged Ingredients: Olly talks about the joy of preparing meals with foraged items like mackerel, samphire, and sea beet, and how it enhances his connection to nature.
• Staying Connected:
  • Follow Ollie Pemberton on Instagram: Olly recommends following him on Instagram (@Olly_Pemberton) to stay updated on his latest adventures and projects.

Links:
https://www.wingsforlife.com/uk/

Tsavo Trust - 10% Fence Plan
https://tsavotrust.org/10-fence-plan/

NGUMU- Women Of Kilimanjaro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iginCYmCK84

Polers Of The Okavango
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvBnwy7z9to

Send a text

Support the show

Thanks For Listening.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content.

Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates.

Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected].

AdventureDiaries.com

#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld