Simon Reeve returned to the stage for a third time – are we good to you or what? – to talk to Paul Goldstein about his latest series Sacred Rivers and lots more. Listen to the talk in full below:

Frank Gardner and Kate Adie are united not only by their illustrious careers as two of the BBC’s top journalists, but also by their love of travel and the Middle East in particular. Today’s lunchtime event was a rare chance to hear them discuss their careers, travel stories and the truth behind our perceived views of the … Continue reading Frank Gardner and Kate Adie in Conversation

Pioneer of the renascent natural navigation movement, Tristan Gooley was on hand to start Saturday’s show. In his talk, Tristan to explained how keeping your head when all others are losing theirs in maps can help you find the clues and signs to get you back on track. Learn to forecast weather with rainbows, how nettles can tell you when … Continue reading Tristan Gooley shares the Walker’s Guide to Outdoor Clues and Signs

Bradt Guides MD Adrian Phillips interviews his boss – the wonderful Hilary Bradt – about a life of travel and adventure.  In a wonderfully candid and entertaining talk, Hilary Bradt shares her thoughts on the evolution of travel and travel writing – and makes the odd confession of her days as a slightly irresponsible traveller… Listen to … Continue reading Hilary Bradt talks to Adrian Phillips

Merde is a dirty word, and Stephen Clarke knows it. Well, all French people and most GCSE French students know it. But Clarke has emerged from the merde a bestselling author and graduated to 1000 Years of Annoying the French. Listen to him talk about his books, including his latest one Dirty Bertie, and his life in France. … Continue reading Stephen Clarke’s Merde Factor

Kenton Cool ascended the Stanfords Travel Writers Festival Stage to talk about his (presumably far more difficult) ascents of Everest. He’s climbed it eleven times, so for him it’s got to be pretty easy by now. Kenton’s passion for and eloquence on the subject of mountaineering was palpable to the packed audience this afternoon as he … Continue reading Kenton Cool speaks to Paul Blezard

Simon Reeve talked to Paul Blezard about his adventures – past and future – and explained why we shouldn’t fear the world beyond the channel. He’s come a long way from growing up in Acton – or rather gone a long way. Explorer and TV presenter Simon Reeve is still full of enthusiasm for the world and doesn’t … Continue reading Simon Reeve and Paul Blezard "It’s a very safe world!"

Bora da! Despite his name and being born in Cardiff, Griff Rhys Jones is worried he’s Insufficiently Welsh, having grown up in the home counties. He took us on a journey through “the land of my aunties” on a mission to rediscover his Welshness. You can hear a full recording of Griff’s talk below – apologies for … Continue reading Is Griff Rhys Jones Insufficiently Welsh?

Historical novelist Ben Kane opened up Thursday’s proceedings with a talk about his walk from Capua to Rome – in full Roman uniform – for the charities Combat Stress and Médecins Sans Frontières. Listen to Ben’s talk in full below: http://stanfords.s3.amazonaws.com/Audio-files/Podcast/Ben-Kane.m4a   He also shared footage of the fantastic documentary filmed along the way – with commentary … Continue reading Ben Kane walks the Roman walk

Stephen Moss, producer and author, shared a tweet or two from the popular series Tweet of the Day with us this afternoon and lets us in on a few secrets he and the team learned about the songs, calls and habits of some of our favourite birds. Features lots of birdsong, including some greatest hits from the chiffchaff, … Continue reading Tweet of the Day with Stephen Moss