The Adventure Habits Podcast

David Overton joins Nick for a special on-the-trail episode of Adventure Habits, recorded while walking the Camino Inglés in Galicia, Spain.

From planning with a map to carrying something meaningful, taking life a little slower, staying practical on the trail, and letting go of a fixed outcome, David shares five habits that make adventure more rewarding.

Along the way, they talk Camino culture, the medieval town of Betanzos, water-carrying mishaps, and why the best part of a journey is often what you never planned for.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about adventure, walking, and making the most of the journey, like, subscribe, and share your own adventure habits in the comments.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:35 Walking the Camino Inglés

02:17 Are you using a Splash Map?

04:31 Habit 1: Walk somewhere you have a map of

06:16 Meeting people along the Camino

07:22 Habit 2: Bring something of significance

09:28 Habit 3: Despacito — slow down and enjoy it

11:41 Discovering Betanzos, Galicia

14:19 Recap: the first three habits

14:51 Habit 4: Make your water solution sustainable

17:47 Habit 5: Release the need for a fixed outcome

18:51 Don’t attach happiness to the outcome

20:33 The unexpected joy of adventure

21:40 Wrapping up the episode

David Overton of Splash Maps speaks with Suresh Paul, founder of Equal Adventure, academic, and Royal Geographical Society contributor, about how inclusive outdoor experiences are designed and why they matter. The conversation also gets into a deeply human story about a custom map turned tablecloth, and how that small object helped create ownership, belonging, and even a hug.

In this episode, they discuss:

• How Equal Adventure combines not-for-profit product design with charity-led community programmes
• Why tactile, personalised maps can help young people feel safe and connected to place
• The importance of inclusivity in fieldwork and geography
• Suresh’s five adventure habits for better planning, teamwork, and journeys
• The role of surprise, constraint, and patience in meaningful adventure

Key topics

• Equal Adventure’s two-part model
  
  Suresh explains that Equal Adventure is split between a not-for-profit side that designs adventure sports equipment with disabled people and delivers inclusion training, and a charity side that runs community programmes.
• Why ownership of place matters
  
  A custom Splash Maps tablecloth for the Spey Valley became part of an outdoor programme, helping young people feel they belonged to the space they were exploring.
• Inclusive outdoor work is about access and understanding
  
  Suresh argues that if people cannot understand the world, they cannot look after it, so fieldwork should include more people, not fewer.
• Adventure habit 1: Start early
  
  Plan early, and keep planning late so experiences can be tailored to people rather than designed for them.
• Adventure habit 2: Allow for the unexpected
  
  Suresh emphasizes flexibility in planning and relationships, especially when working with people who may have been excluded before.
• Adventure habit 3: Value your surprises
  
  He shares an Okavango story where an unexpected repair led to an invitation, a hotel stay, and a sunrise on a veranda.
• Adventure habit 4: Carry just one bag
  
  Constraint helps reduce distractions and forces better choices, even when managing lots of adaptive equipment for others.
• Adventure habit 5: Don’t rush away
  
  Let the journey finish properly before moving on, so the experience can fully land before the next one begins.
• Heinz Wolff’s influence
  
  Suresh reflects on his late mentor, describing him as an inspirational taskmaster who always asked the question you did not expect.
• A long relationship with the Royal Geographical Society
  
  Suresh says Equal Adventure has worked with Explore and the RGS for decades, with a shared interest in making expeditions more accessible.

Timestamps

(00:00) Introducing Suresh Paul and the idea behind five adventure habits

(00:30) Equal Adventure, inclusion, and the story behind the custom map

(01:27) How Equal Adventure supports community programmes in the north of Scotland

(04:12) A young person feels safe enough to give a hug

(05:36) The Spey Valley tablecloth map and why tactile maps matter

(08:07) Suresh’s background as an engineer and product maker

(09:42) From tea boy to a not-for-profit factory with 500 products

(10:25) Remembering Heinz Wolff and his influence as a mentor

(12:08) Why inclusivity in fieldwork matters for geography and conservation

(14:09) Equal Adventure’s long connection to Explore and the RGS

(15:53) Adventure habit 1: Start early and give yourself time to arrive

(17:38) Adventure habit 2: Allow for the unexpected in plans and people

(19:19) Adventure habit 3: Value surprises, even the unexpected luxury of them

(20:58) Adventure habit 4: Carry just one bag and keep the kit simple

(23:49) Adventure habit 5: Don’t rush away when the journey seems finished

(25:37) Thanks to the trustees and workshop team behind Equal Adventure

(26:05) Recap of all five adventure habits

(27:29) Closing thanks and goodbye

In this episode of Adventure Habits, David Overton is joined by adventurer, veteran, author, and TV hunter Jordan Wylie MBE for a powerful conversation about purpose, resilience, and living fully.

Jordan opens up about the life-changing moment that shaped his path, how adversity pushed him toward helping others, and why adventure is about far more than risk or extreme environments. From military service and humanitarian work to Antarctica, the South Pole, and the upcoming Dead Sea to Everest challenge, this episode is packed with hard-won lessons and inspiration.

00:00 — Introduction: Jordan Wylie joins the show

01:42 — The life-changing incident in combat

04:21 — Turning trauma into purpose and helping build a school

06:33 — Marathon in Afghanistan and the reality of travel in conflict zones

09:19 — Writing as therapy and the power of reflection

10:28 — Adventure with purpose

11:11 — Celebrity Hunted and raising money for Stand Up To Cancer

13:00 — How hunters track celebrities

15:18 — Rowing dangerously and operating in complex parts of the world

18:18 — Climbing unexplored peaks in Antarctica and reaching the South Pole

21:44 — The Dead Sea to Everest challenge and bringing cadets along

25:26 — What makes a real adventure

28:14 — Adventure habit #1: Choose discomfort on purpose

30:20 — Adventure habit #2: Put adventure in the diary

31:56 — Adventure habit #3: Get outside every day

32:51 — Adventure habit #4: Stay curious and explore the unknown

35:05 — Adventure habit #5: Give adventure purpose

37:27 — Final thoughts: adventure is for living, not just surviving

This episode of Adventure Habits features Ken Fowler, an ordinary person who has taken on extraordinary sailing challenges in a tiny dinghy. Ken shares how he sailed around the Isle of Wight, circumnavigated the islands of England and Wales, and navigated the mental and physical demands of solo adventure. He also opens up about his prostate cancer diagnosis, the importance of early testing, and why his adventures are driven by raising money for cancer research and Oak Haven Hospice.

0:01 — Introduction to Ken Fowler and the nautical/Cowes Week theme
0:28 — Ken’s background and early inspiration for adventure
1:24 — Sailing around the Isle of Wight in a tiny dinghy for charity
2:39 — The boat’s bigger journeys: Land’s End to John O’Groats and around England and Wales
3:09 — What it’s like sailing so close to the water
4:03 — Discovering there were 262 islands to sail around
5:29 — Why adventure doesn’t require travelling far from home
7:01 — Childhood inspiration and the magic of the Lake District islands
8:57 — Solo adventure: the mental challenge and emotional side
10:12 — Why involving others makes solo adventure stronger
13:00 — Ken’s prostate cancer diagnosis and the importance of PSA testing
15:29 — The importance of Oak Haven Hospice and cancer support
17:49 — Habit 1: Motivation
21:02 — Habit 2: Risk
27:21 — Habit 3: Preparation
29:21 — Habit 4: Involve others
32:45 — Habit 5: Choose the right adventure
37:41 — Final message: cancer doesn’t change who you are

 In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life and adventures of John Blashford Snell, a true adventurer with over 90 years of experience, who has pioneered projects from expeditions on the Blue Nile to environmental innovations in plastic waste.
Gain insight into the core principles of adventure and leadership, including team selection, choosing remote and meaningful areas, safety considerations, and maintaining affordability.
John shares stories from his encounters with wild animals, interactions with global leaders like Haile Selassie, and lessons learned about courage and fear.
Discover how his military experience evolved into inspiring young generations through Operation Drake, Rally International, and ongoing expeditions for environmental and social impact.
Learn about practical tools like splash maps that aid exploration, and how to develop a mindset focused on adventure with purpose.
Find inspiration in John’s five adventure habits: thoughtful team selection, choosing interesting areas, engaging meaningful tasks, prioritizing safety, and managing costs.
Upcoming events: the 50th anniversary celebration of Operation Drake and Rally, and opportunities to meet John at the Armchair Adventure Festival 2026.
Final takeaway: adventure is about exploration with a purpose—shaping resilient, compassionate individuals and contributing positively to the planet.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introducing John Blashford Snell and his adventuring legacy
00:36 - Early influences: family and scouting in New Zealand
01:21 - How adventuring became a career: military service and expeditions
02:22 - The transition from military expeditions to inspiring youth initiatives
03:14 - Stories of adventurous school runs by horseback in New Zealand
04:05 - John's military career and adventures in active service
05:26 - Leading overseas expeditions and inspiring future leaders
06:49 - From military expeditions to global environmental projects
07:29 - Operation Drake and Rally: empowering young explorers around the world
08:14 - The scale and impact of Operation Rally and its continuation
09:44 - Developing leadership and environmental awareness through expeditions
11:29 - Reflecting on John's legacy and his books—'Upmost East to Upmost West'
12:27 - Upcoming appearances and the Armchair Adventure Festival
14:21 - Recent projects in Costa Rica involving recycled plastic for environmental conservation
15:39 - Continuing adventures and upcoming expeditions
16:01 - Opportunities to join and support explorations through the Scientific Exploration Society
17:07 - Funding and grants for expeditions and the importance of exploration with purpose
18:16 - The Ecological focus of John’s expeditions and community involvement
19:16 - The importance of team selection, area choice, and adventure safety
20:22 - Handling the costs of expeditions and sponsorship considerations
21:00 - Recruitment: testing and selecting team members with adventurous qualities
23:00 - Developing courage through controlled exposure to fear and wild animals
24:51 - Fascinating animal encounters: snakes, gorillas, and lions
27:32 - The role of fear and courage in adventure – working with challenging situations
29:23 - Memorable stories from Ethiopia and interactions with royalty and wild animals
30:56 - Coming to the Armchair Adventure Festival and encouraging participation
31:39 - Summary of John’s five core adventure habits
32:00 - Using splash maps for exploration and environmental surveys
33:14 - John’s ongoing conservation work and how products like maps assist exploration
33:32 - Final farewell and encouragement for adventurers with purpose​ 

In this episode of Adventure Habits, David Overton sits down with open water swimmer, community leader, and ocean advocate Nicky Chisholm, better known as Pink Nicky.

As the organiser of Brighton's Big Swim and a passionate campaigner for cleaner seas, Nicky shares how open water swimming has shaped her life, built powerful communities, and inspired thousands of people to embrace adventure while protecting the natural world.

Together, they discuss cold water swimming, ocean safety, mental resilience, environmental activism, Surfers Against Sewage, and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone. Nicky also reveals her five personal adventure habits- from building the right adventure community to developing the mindset needed to overcome challenges in some of the world's most extreme environments.

Whether you're an experienced swimmer, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for inspiration to start your own adventure, this conversation is packed with practical advice, unforgettable stories, and a genuine passion for the water and the wild places that connect us all.


Nicky’s essential Links!

Prefer your water without turd? Sign Surfers Against Sewage Petition   https://www.sas.org.uk/water-quality/our-water-quality-campaigns/dirty-business-petition/

Educate yourself on the scandal of our Water Industry, Watch Dirty Business Channel 4 

The Big Swim Impact Report 

The Big Swim Collective 

Walking Through History: Jonathan Thomas's Journey to Hadrian’s Wall and Beyond
In this episode, Jonathan Thomas shares his decade-long fascination with British history and his upcoming adventure walking the legendary Hadrian’s Wall. Discover how meticulous planning, training, and a genuine interest in history can turn a dream into a transformative experience and how preparation and mindset are key to every adventure.

Key insights:
✔ The origin story of Angletopia and its role in connecting Americans with British culture
✔ Why long-distance walks like Hadrian’s Wall draw enthusiasts and how they prepare physically and mentally
✔ The importance of choosing engaging, meaningful projects to stay motivated
✔ Practical tips for adventure preparation, including mapping, gear, and footwear
✔ The positive health impacts of long-distance training and walking
✔ The role of accountability, social pressure, and non-negotiables in sticking with goals

How history, landscape, and personal interest fuel the passion for adventure
Insights into UK trail infrastructure and how American adventurers can navigate and plan their journeys
The significance of proper gear, especially footwear, and the value of detailed mapping

Jonathan’s links

• Anglotopia
• Anglotopia Podcast
• Ordnance Survey SplashMaps 
• Hadrian’s Wall + SplashMaps’ NEW Challenge Series of Long Distance Trails 

In this episode of Adventure Habits, David Overton from Splash Maps sits down with renowned fell running author, coach, and historian Steve Chilton for a deep and inspiring conversation about endurance, resilience, adventure, and the spirit of the hills. From the origins of fell running in Northern England to legendary challenges such as the Bob Graham Round, the Three Peaks Race, and the Cuillin Ridge, Steve shares decades of experience exploring some of the toughest and most iconic landscapes in the UK. Together, they discuss: 

• What makes fell running unique 
• The culture and history behind the sport 
• The importance of navigation, self-reliance, and community 
• Stories from legendary runners and mountain athletes 
• The evolution of women’s participation in endurance sports 
• Adventure habits that apply far beyond running

Steve also reflects on his journey as an author, researcher, and coach revealing the lessons learned through success, failure, ambition, and stepping outside of comfort zones. Whether you’re a runner, outdoor enthusiast, adventurer, or simply someone looking for motivation to pursue your own challenges, this conversation offers valuable insights and unforgettable stories from a lifetime spent exploring the hills.

Resources & Links

• Article in Cumbria magazine
• Lake District Map- Bob Graham Round
• 3 Peaks Yorkshire Dales OS Map

In this episode, David Overton sits down with Nick Goldsmith former Royal Marine, author of Rewild Your Mind, founder of the Woodland Warrior programme, and a man whose journey has taken him from military operations and trauma to helping others rebuild resilience and purpose.

Nick shares his path into the Royal Marines, his experiences in Afghanistan, the realities of living with PTSD, and how reconnecting with nature became a powerful tool for recovery and personal growth.

The conversation explores leadership, resilience, adventure, mental health, and Nick’s five key “Adventure Habits” that can help anyone bring more purpose and challenge into everyday life.

Resources & Links:

• Hidden Valley Bushcraft
• Woodland Warrior Programme
• Nick demonstrates essential navigation skills
• Chew Valley & Mendips SplashMap

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary world of ultra running, featuring Lee Plank, who has run the furthest in the Dartmoor prison break challenge. Discover tactical insights, inspiring habits, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the top ultra marathoners. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just curious about pushing limits, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to elevate your adventure game.

00:00 - Introduction to Dartmoor Prison Break ultramarathon and episode overview

00:35 - Explaining the race concept: running from inside the prison walls and geography challenges

02:05 - Lee Plank's record-breaking 102 miles in 24 hours and route planning strategies

03:45 - Inside the prison setup and race dynamics, including the theme and logistics

04:50 - Strategies for route selection, terrain analysis, and staying on track

06:15 - Training the gut with real food like rice pudding and varied fueling methods

07:45 - Control what you can: gear testing, weather considerations, and kit preparation

09:10 - The importance of maps and navigation skills in ultra races

10:15 - Memorable moments on the route: support from strangers and overcoming low points

11:50 - Inspiration from top ultra athletes and reading adventure books

13:10 - Doing something that scares you, like upcoming 10k or new adventures

14:25 - Treats and rewards as motivation, with examples like McDonald's and milkshakes

15:50 - The importance of continuous mental and physical preparation and coaching

17:15 - Final thoughts: pushing limits, embracing the adventure, and race sign-up info

Resources & Links

• Discount Code (15%!!) for ALL participants
• Dartmoor Prison Break (Take Part! Entries close 15th May, Challenge 30-31st May)
• Lee’s Ultra Instagram
• Shout-out to Gemma Barnett, Lee’s supportive wife
• Wroughton Whippetshttps running group
• Nathan Montague at The Running Klub