Summary

In this episode of Adventure Habits, David Overton interviews Lieutenant Colonel Mitch Utterback, a retired Special Forces officer, who shares his insights on adventure and the importance of purpose, planning, preparation, communication, and connection in outdoor activities. Mitch discusses his military background, his adventures, and the five key habits that can enhance any adventure experience. The conversation emphasizes the significance of having a higher purpose, thorough planning, effective communication, and connecting with oneself and the environment during adventures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adventure Habits and Mitch Utterback
02:59 Connecting History and Adventure: The Heroes of Telemark
06:01 The Importance of Purpose in Adventure
09:01 Planning for Adventure: The Key to Success
11:50 Preparation: The Foundation of Adventure
14:56 The Role of Teamwork in Adventure
18:13 Honoring the Past Through Adventure
20:53 Reflections on the Cockle Shell Heroes
23:44 Commemorating History and Personal Challenges
24:30 Lessons from World War II: Endurance and Motivation
25:49 Preparation: Learning from Others' Experiences
28:03 The Importance of Purpose in Adventure
29:51 Communication: Keeping Loved Ones Informed
32:18 Connecting with Nature and Self
35:04 Spiritual Connections in Adventure
39:26 Recap of Adventure Habits
40:12 Emergency Management and Continued Service
43:02 Shout Outs: Organizations to Explore
45:17 Looking Ahead: Future Adventures

Summary

In this engaging conversation, David Overton, founder of Splash Maps, shares his journey from a passion for the outdoors and maps to creating innovative fabric maps that enhance outdoor adventures. He discusses the inspiration behind Splash Maps, the technology involved, and the historical significance of fabric maps during World War II. David emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices and community engagement in promoting adventure habits. He also hints at future innovations, including electronic fabric maps, while providing valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Splash Maps and David Overton
03:07 David's Early Career and Journey to Ordnance Survey
05:54 The Birth of Splash Maps: Inspiration and Innovation
09:14 The Technology Behind Fabric Maps
12:06 The Historical Significance of Fabric Maps
14:50 The Unique Features of Splash Maps
18:01 Adventure Habits: Encouraging Outdoor Exploration
20:57 Future Innovations and E-Textiles
23:06 Innovative Mapping Technology
29:21 The Journey to Splash Maps
32:02 From Passion to Profession
35:14 The Birth of Splash Maps
39:12 Inspiration from History
42:02 The Practicality of Fabric Maps
44:58 Sustainable Innovations in Mapping

Welcome to the second in our mini series where we've scoured the summer's Adventure Festivals for the best advice and - of course the habits - that will help YOU 🫵 adventure more frequently.

First-up Geraldine McFaul who, in support of dementia awareness, stepped out one day from her home, embarking on a 2000 mile Odysea to arrive in Rome. What made her different? She did it all on foot 🦶! 

Then Simon and Lisa Thomas, aka 2RideTheWorld, pick up with the attitudes needed - not just to survive the neck-breaking lows and the Andean highs - but to discover your new purpose while out exploring.

In this episode, David Overton interviews various adventurers at the Armchair Adventure Festival, discussing their experiences and insights on adventure habits. From comfortable footwear to multi-purpose gear, the conversation highlights essential tips for adventurers. The guests share their unique stories, including military backgrounds and exploration expeditions, emphasizing the importance of preparation and adaptability in outdoor activities.

Takeaways:

Always wear comfortable shoes on long adventures.

Look after your feet; they are crucial for adventuring.

Choose good boots for difficult conditions.

Everything should have a multi-purpose in the mountains.

Adventure habits can significantly impact your experience.

The Congo Expedition was a remarkable adventure.

Maps made of fabric are incredibly useful for navigation.

Festival season is a great time for adventurers to connect.

Exploration is a lifelong journey filled with learning.

Packing light is essential for successful adventures.

Summary

In this episode of the Adventure Habits podcast, host David Overton interviews Dave Coleman, a former Royal Marine and founder of C2C (Civvy to Commando). They discuss the importance of preparation for outdoor adventures, the evolution of military tactics, and the mindset required for success in both military and civilian life. Dave shares his insights on how to prepare for outdoor activities, the significance of community building through shared experiences, and the five essential adventure habits that everyone should adopt to enhance their outdoor experiences.

Takeaways

Preparation is key to success in outdoor adventures.
There is a growing interest in outdoor activities among civilians.
Mindset and resilience are crucial for overcoming challenges.
The military is evolving towards smaller, more autonomous teams.
Shared experiences in the outdoors foster community and friendship.
Fitness levels can vary, and activities can be tailored to different abilities.
Learning the basics of navigation and survival is essential.
Adventuring outside your comfort zone leads to personal growth.
Proper clothing and equipment can make a significant difference in safety.
Just getting started is often the hardest part of any adventure.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adventure Habits
02:45 C2C: Preparing for Adventure
06:03 Upcoming Adventures and Community Building
08:50 Fitness Requirements and Group Dynamics
11:54 Mindset and Resilience
15:03 Evolution of Military Tactics
18:06 Adventure Habits: Preparing for the Outdoors

Summary

In this episode of the Adventure Habit podcast, David Overton speaks with Steve Martindale from Cockleshell Heroes CS22 about their mission to honor military history through adventurous activities. They discuss the origins of the charity, the historical significance of the Cockleshell Heroes, and the impact of their documentary. Steve shares valuable adventure habits, emphasizing simplicity, daily actions for personal growth, continuous learning, and the importance of community connections. The conversation highlights the beauty of local adventures and the power of communication in fostering connections.

Takeaways

Adventure habits should be simple and achievable.
Daily actions contribute to personal growth and well-being.
Continuous learning enhances outdoor skills and knowledge.
Building community connections can start with simple activities like coffee in the woods.
Local adventures can be just as fulfilling as grand expeditions.
Communication is key to fostering connections and community.
Outdoor activities can improve mental health and clarity.
Don't overlook the beauty of your local environment.
Engaging with local organizations can lead to meaningful experiences.
The military community can bridge gaps and foster connections through shared experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adventure Habits
01:40 The Birth of Cockleshell Heroes CS22
03:33 The Historical Context of the Cockleshell Heroes
07:58 Recreating History: The Documentary Experience
10:29 Future Endeavors and Upcoming Projects
15:30 Adventure Habits: Keeping It Simple
17:29 Daily Actions for Personal Growth
22:23 The Importance of Continuous Learning
25:54 Building Community Through Simple Connections
28:05 Exploring Local Adventures

In this episode of Adventure Habits, host David Overton speaks with Steve Dredge, co-founder of Status Code 14, about his journey from a military and police background to advocating for mental health awareness through adventure. Steve shares his personal struggles with anxiety and PTSD, the importance of asking for help, and how he turned his experiences into a mission to support others. The conversation highlights five key adventure habits that can help individuals navigate life's challenges and promote personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
00:00 Exploring Key Themes and Ideas
00:01 Introduction to Adventure Habits
01:43 Understanding Status Code 14
04:49 The Journey Through PTSD
09:27 Seeking Help and Breaking Stigma
13:37 The Birth of Status Code 14
18:31 The Atlantic Rowing Challenge
19:47 Adventures in Iceland: The Great North Run
26:08 The Power of Perseverance
27:55 The Importance of Honesty
30:30 Listening to Your Inner Voice
32:24 Controlling the Controllables
34:52 Encouraging Others to Adventure