Episode 148 of The Adventure Podcast features adventurous zoologist, author and environmental campaigner, Sophie Pavelle. Sophie is known for putting a fresh twist on contemporary Natural History content. She's a first-class communicator, with a natural ability to break data-heavy, and often overwhelming science, into digestible truths. Matt and Sophie chat about her new book 'Forget Me Not', which recently won the People’s Book Prize for Non-Fiction, and took Sophie on a low-carbon journey across Britain in-search of ten rare native species threatened by climate change in the UK. They also discuss her work as a campaigner and activist, and delve deep into the benefits and challenges of beaver re-introduction.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 147 of The Adventure Podcast features overlander, Patty Upton. Patty is on a mission to share and tell stories of her husband, Loren's, adventures. Together they embarked on a number of sensational overland journeys. In 1966 Patty and her husband Loren, on their 4th attempt, completed the first overland crossing of one of the world's most dangerous, remote and roadless border crossings - the Darien Gap in Panama. Ultimately this turned into a bigger global journey which took decades to complete. This episode shows what partnership, companionship and love can bring to an adventurous life. It's a tale of loyalty, commitment and bravery.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 146 of The Adventure Podcast features endurance cyclist and adventurer, Leigh Timmis. Leigh holds the world record for the fastest cycle across Europe, breaking the previous record by an incredible eight days. He also recently set a new world record for the greatest distance cycled in seven days. As well as covering his background and early career, they discuss what motivated Leigh to set off on his bike in 2010 and travel 44,000 miles across 51 countries. He speaks openly and thoughtfully about his past struggles with mental health - what he was running away from, and if really, he was just carrying his problems around the world with him.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 145 of The Adventure Podcast features polar traveller, historian and environmental scientist, Tim Jarvis. Tim is clearly a polymath. From his work dealing directly with governments and policy makers as a climate change specialist, through to his expeditions tracing the journeys of Shackleton and Mawson using the same kit and clothing as them, this episode travels through a lot. Tim describes himself as a pragmatic optimist, and drops some note-worthy pithy one-line pearls of wisdom throughout.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 144 of The Adventure Podcast features polar explorer and adventurer, Eric Larsen. Eric is one of the most accomplished polar travellers and guides in the world. In this episode, Matt and Eric discuss the world of ice and snow, or as Eric refers to it, '1000km of white nothingness'. He speaks about his time as a dog sled musher, as well as getting value from different kinds of adventures. Eric also opens up about his cancer diagnosis, the effect that had on his life, and how it has changed his perspective and mentality.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 143 of The Adventure Podcast features climber, mountaineer, cyclist and endurance athlete, Jerry Gore. Jerry is also a Type 1 diabetic. He has been on an incredible list of expeditions alongside some titans of the game, was a Royal Marine, has broken his neck twice, was caught in an avalanche and even struck by lightning... then in 2001 he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Jerry refuses to let diabetes be an excuse, and instead uses it as a motivator. This episode is a long one as there's so much to cover. As well as Jerry's early life and diagnosis, they touch on life and loss in the mountains, and disagree agreeably on a few more philosophical points.

Jerry's charity, Action4Diabetes, provides free access to life-saving medical supplies and healthcare services to young people suffering from Type 1 Diabetes in South-East Asia. To support or find out more, head to: action4diabetes.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 142 of The Adventure Podcast features adventure coach and author, Anna Levesque. Anna has been named 'one of the most inspirational paddlers alive' by Canoe & Kayak magazine. She is a leading kayak instructor, and a champion for women accessing paddle sports. Anna is also a specialist yoga instructor for paddling. Matt talks to Anna about her journey to becoming a river guide, as well as touching on themes of mental resilience, grit and emotion. They discuss competition kayaking vs. kayaking white water in wilder places, and how to manage, control and overcome fear.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 141 of The Adventure Podcast features Zoologist and wildlife TV presenter, Megan McCubbin. Megan travelled the world from a young age and quickly became familiar with living in remote areas whilst searching for incredible wildlife. She found her passion and her cause early on, and went on to study Zoology. Despite the heavy themes this is an immensely hopeful conversation, and in many ways is a call to arms. Matt and Megan talk about the state of nature in the UK, our right to protest (including reclaiming the word 'activist'), and how IVF in animals might be able to bring lost and extinct species back to life...and the blurry ethical debate surrounding this.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 140 of The Adventure Podcast features cyclist, writer, environmentalist and academic, Kate Rawles. Kate has a pretty expansive background. She spent a decade working as a lecturer in Outdoor Studies, teaching big picture environmental issues, as well as being a freelance outdoor philosopher, writer, and environmental campaigner. In 2006 she set out to complete the first of her 'Adventure Plus' journeys, The Carbon Cycle, where she cycled from Texas to Alaska, following the spine of the Rockies and exploring North American attitudes to climate change. Matt and Kate also talk about her more recent 'Adventure Plus' journey, where she cycled from Colombia to Cape Horn on a self-built bamboo bike. Kate's determination, passion, and positive outlook on sustainability and finding suitably radical solutions comes across clearly. It's a thought-provoking, and at times, challenging conversation.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 139 of The Adventure Podcast features the return of award-winning writer, broadcaster and explorer, Leon McCarron. Leon is likely best known for his long distance expeditions; over the past decade he’s travelled over 50,000km on foot. Matt has spoken with Leon in a previous episode, however he's come back to talk about his new book which details his latest major expedition - in 2021, Leon journeyed the full length of the Tigris River, taking him through Turkey, Syria and Iraq. The river was the lifeblood of ancient Mesopotamia, and is now under serious threat. This episode is longer than normal, as there's so much to cover - from Leon’s personal views on modern day Iraq and why he chooses to live there, through to the intricate details of the journey and what he experienced and discovered on that river.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.