Elspeth Beard: architect, author, and the woman who rode a motorbike around the world in the early 1980s, long before “content” was a thing, and when being genuinely off the map was just … well, normal.

But here’s the twist: we’re not doing a neat little recap of the famous trip. We’re talking about what stayed with her.

What happens when you come home and nobody really gets it. How travel rewires your tolerance for boredom. How a dyslexic kid, written off at school, builds a life fuelled by grit, problem-solving, and a refusal to be boxed in.

We also go deep into her second life: the architecture, converting water towers, lighthouses, windmills, listed buildings … the projects other architects wouldn’t touch. And you’ll hear how the skills you learn on the road (persuasion, resilience, improvisation) translate straight into real-world battles with rules, regulations, planners, and the slow grind of “normal life.”

And then we get into the modern world: GPS, social media, fear-driven news cycles, and why Elspeth still believes you should get lost on purpose.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to travel, or you’ve come back and wondered why home feels strange, this conversation makes sense.

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Some conversations don’t need steering. They unfold on their own, carried by memory, curiosity, and a lifetime spent saying yes to the road.

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Manicom—traveller, writer, and quiet instigator of adventure—to talk about what really sits behind long journeys. Not routes or gear lists, but perspective. The slow accumulation of moments. The people met by chance. The mistakes that turn into stories worth keeping.

We talk about learning to travel without fear, why books still matter in a world of endless video, how little you actually need to go far, and why the best plans leave room for serendipity. Sam reflects on decades of overland travel by motorcycle, the bikes that became companions, and the idea that journeys don’t repeat themselves—because no traveller ever does.

It’s a thoughtful, generous conversation. Less about ticking destinations off a map, more about paying attention while you’re there.

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A brand new show is looming on the horizon: Overland Discovery Expo, or ODX. Joining me in this episode is one of the ODX founders Jasmine Wheelhouse (Jazz). We talk about the whys and hows surrounding the show and also a bit about Jazz's background.

Important links:

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This episode is sponsored by Sunware Solar

Martina and Dylan Wickrama have embarked on a new round the world tour. Not on a motorcycle, not in their van, but in a Fiat Panda 4x4. Even so, with the rear seats removed and some smart handywork by Dylan, Martina still calls this tiniest of houses on wheels a van.

RIDE2EXPLORE

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This episode is sponsored by Sunware Solar

In this episode, I am joined by Sherri Jo Wilkins.

Born in the US, moved to Australia, travelled the world for three and a half years on a motorbike, then went back to Australia and moved into her Toyota before exchanging that for a van in Europe.

Now she’s swapped four wheels for three and is about to continue her round the world tour on a recently acquired BMW together with Cody, her dog, in the sidecar.

Follow Sherri Jo

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This episode is sponsored by Sunware Solar

Today I’m joined by Thérèse-Marie Becker who, after several years of living in self-converted vans, eventually found her way into the fascinating world of Land Rover ownership … more precisely, she bought herself a P38, Range Rover’s ugly duckling.

Since then she hasn’t looked back. She’s built her own custom interior for solo travel, acquired the inevitable skills of a field mechanic, and embarked on expeditions across Europe and beyond.

Join us as we talk about her experiences, whisky, cigars, Land Rovers and Campfires.

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Land Rovers & Campfires

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This episode is sponsored by Sunware Solar

In this episode, I am honoured to be joined by one of the most imaginative and daring adventurers of our time: Dylan Wickrama.

Dylan is know for his globe-spanning motorcycle odyssey, including a legendary crossing of the Darién Gap on a self-built raft powered by his bike. He then embraced a vanlife existence, travelling slowly and purposefully. And now, he's preparing to embark on a new, audacious journey: a Fiat Panda 4x4 world tour, beginning just weeks away.

During our conversation we explore the meaning of life, the mindset behind choosing small vehicles for big journeys and lessons learned from past extremes.

RIDE2EXPLORE

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This episode is sponsored by Sunware Solar

Anton Poplett is back on the show — humanitarian, Land Rover enthusiast, conservationist, and open-fire cook. Our friendship has long been built on a shared passion for Land Rovers and the adventures they enable. But whether you drive a Defender, a Toyota, or something entirely different, one truth remains: we rely on our vehicles to take us into the wild and bring us home again.

In this episode, we talk about the tools that keep those vehicles alive when the inevitable breakdowns happen — whether it’s deep in the bush or in the middle of a French supermarket car park. From essential kit to hard-earned lessons, Anton and I share stories, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way.

If you’re into overlanding, expedition travel, or just want to be better prepared when the unexpected strikes, this conversation is for you.

Not everybody in Europe has heard of Big Agnes, the outdoor specialist whose products span tents, sleeping bags and pads, furniture, backpacks, clothing and accessories.

They proudly call themselves The Mother of Comfort, with a mission to get us outside and help us share their love of the backcountry.

Based in Steamboat Springs, deep in Colorado’s Mount Zirkel Wilderness, the company takes its name from one of the area’s highest peaks—Big Agnes.

Today my guest is co-founder Bill Gamber. We’re about to dive into what drives him and his team, and how they’ve built a brand whose pioneering gear has become some of the most sought-after in its field.

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This episode is sponsored by Sunware Solar

The intrepid explorer Mikael Strandberg has countless expeditions behind him. In recent years, he’s often travelled with his two daughters. Right now, they’re preparing for their next foot march into the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan.

We cover a lot in this conversation—so much that I think we’d have gone on endlessly if technology hadn’t cut us short. A sudden power cut in Sweden ended things mid-sentence.

One of the highlights is Mikael’s kit list. It’s everything he and his daughters are packing for the Tien Shan. In fact, it’s a great starting point for anyone planning to backpack remotely while filming along the way. You can download his list here:

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Follow Mikael Strandberg:

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This episode is sponsored by Sunware Solar