In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with ultra runner Coree Woltering, whose athletic journey has taken him from the world of triathlons to the heart of the ultra running community.

Coree shares how his passion for the trails led him to pursue Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempts and endurance challenges that push both body and mind. He opens up about his Ice Age Trail FKT—the obstacles he faced, the lessons learned about resilience, and the powerful role of community support throughout the journey.

They dive into the mental and physical preparation behind ultra events, the balance between competition and enjoyment, and the deeper meaning Coree finds in running for a cause. He also reflects on the simplicity and beauty of trail running, his close collaboration with sponsors, and his excitement for his upcoming race, the Blackhall 100.

Looking ahead, Coree shares his plans to return to shorter distances to sharpen his performance, all while staying grounded in the sense of connection that fuels his love for the sport.

This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and the unbreakable spirit of the ultra running community.

🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia.

In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with ultra runner Buha Bali, whose journey has taken her from local races in Australia to competing on the world stage at the prestigious UTMB in Chamonix. 

Buha opens up about the highs and lows of ultra running—how training, community support, and sheer determination play a role in preparing for some of the toughest endurance events on the planet. They dive into the mental and physical challenges of racing in the Alps, the importance of gear and technique, and the transformative moments found on the trails of the Pyrenees and beyond. 

She reflects on the pre-race atmosphere, the nerves before the start line, and the resilience needed to overcome both physical and mental hurdles mid-race. Buha also shares her aspirations for future adventures and the lessons she’s carrying forward from Chamonix. 

This is a conversation about perseverance, growth, and the love of pushing limits in the wild. 

 Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia. 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the World of Ultra Running

02:43 The Journey to UTMB: From Local to Global

05:44 The Competitive Mindset: Embracing Opportunities

08:22 Preparing for the UTMB: Training and Challenges

11:30 The Role of Community in Trail Running

14:20 Training for the Alps: Overcoming Elevation Challenges

17:11 The Importance of Technique: Using Poles Effectively

20:01 Building a Support Network: The Role of Mentors

22:44 Choosing the Right Race: Finding Your Sweet Spot

25:44 Experiencing the UTMB: The Atmosphere and Community

28:52 Reality Check: Training in the Pyrenees

32:46 Facing the Challenges of Altitude

36:09 Understanding the Mountain's Power

38:02 Experiencing the Terrain and Conditions

39:45 Arrival in Chamonix: The Calm Before the Race

42:15 The Build-Up to the Race Day

47:07 Nerves and Pre-Race Rituals

50:41 The Journey to the Start Line

52:23 Imposter Syndrome and Personal Growth

55:33 The Emotional Journey of Racing

59:27 Overcoming Adversity in Extreme Conditions

01:05:04 The Finish Line: Triumph and Reflection

01:09:16 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Training

Join Ben Southall as he delves into the exhilarating world of reality TV survival shows with adventurer Karla Pound. Discover the intense challenges and unexpected rewards of participating in shows like "Alone" and "Million Dollar Island." From battling hunger and isolation to forming lifelong friendships, Karla shares her unique insights and experiences. Tune in to explore the raw authenticity and personal growth that come with surviving in the wild. Don't miss this captivating episode of Wild Earth Australia's Wild Chats!

In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with long-distance adventurer Alex Campbell, who’s been walking around the world for over two years. From the steppes of Central Asia to the roads of South America, Alex opens up about the mindset needed for such an epic journey and why packing light is more than just a gear decision.

They dive into the mental and physical challenges of life on foot, the kindness of strangers, and how choosing the right season can be a lifesaver. Alex shares how documenting his walk on social media has helped build community and amplify his mission: raising funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation to end avoidable blindness.

This is a conversation about exploration, personal growth, and the power of saying yes to the unknown.

Connect with Alex on Instagram @alexander_campbell 

Donate to his Fred Hollows fund.

Find out more about his adventures www.worldwalkexpedition.com

Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adventure Walking

05:27 The Call of the Wild: Early Influences and Experiences

11:11 Inspiration from Other Adventurers

16:41 Gear Essentials for Long-Distance Walking

22:03 Planning the Journey: A Walk Through Australia

31:20 Cultural Experiences: Hospitality on the Road

40:07 Giving Back: The Fred Hollows Foundation

46:10 Balancing Work and Travel

50:46 The Pamir Highway Experience

57:11 Defining the Traveler's Identity

Before sat-nav, internet, and mobile phones, there was Elspeth Beard, a 23-year-old architecture student who set off to ride her motorcycle around the world. In this episode of Wild Chats, Elspeth shares the highs and lows of her pioneering solo journey across continents in the early 1980s.

Host Ben Southall dives deep into Elspeth’s story: the spark that ignited her adventure, the obstacles she faced as a woman on the road, and the transformative encounters that shaped her perspective on life. From mechanical failures and border crossings to life lessons and cultural insights, Elspeth’s tales are equal parts grit and grace.

She also reflects on how travel has changed over the decades, why embracing the unknown is vital, and how her epic ride influenced her work as an award-winning architect.

If you’ve ever dreamt of hitting the road less traveled, this episode is your permission slip.

Connect with Elspeth on Instagram @elspethbeard

Check out Elspeth's website. 

Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Adventure and Exploration
06:35 The Spirit of Spontaneity in Travel
14:09 The Catalyst for a Global Journey
21:21 The Journey Begins: Setting Off on the Road
26:28 Encounters and Conversations on the Road
31:51 Challenges of the Outback Adventure
37:48 Navigating Through Australia and Beyond
45:48 Cultural Encounters: Riding Through India and Beyond
51:53 Navigating Iran: A Journey Through a Closed Country
01:00:37 Life After the Journey: New Beginnings and Challenges
01:07:01 The Evolution of Storytelling: From Diaries to Social Media

From learning plant medicine in her grandmother’s garden in Peru to exploring the boiling rivers of the Amazon, Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza is redefining what it means to protect and understand our planet.

In this episode of Wild Chats, Rosa shares how traditional knowledge and cutting-edge science can work together to unlock new solutions for health and conservation. We dive into the world of microbes, stingless bees, citizen science, and how storytelling can inspire real action for the Amazon.

If you’re passionate about sustainability, culture, and the wild magic of the natural world, this conversation will light a fire in you. 🌿

Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia.

Follow Dr. Rosa on Instagram at @rosavespinoza & www.rosavespinoza.com

In this episode of Wild Chats, host Ben Southall sits down with Australian mountaineer Oliver Foran to explore his powerful journey from the footy fields of Brisbane to the world’s highest peaks. Ollie opens up about the personal loss that changed his life, how he discovered a love for the mountains, and the mental and physical challenges of high-altitude expeditions.

From summiting Island Peak to taking on the technical terrain of Ama Dablam, Ollie shares raw stories of resilience, fear, and triumph and how the mountains have become both a calling and a cause. With Everest on the horizon, he reflects on his deeper mission: raising awareness and funds for brain cancer research in honour of his late uncle.

If you’re drawn to big goals, personal transformation, and the mindset it takes to push beyond your limits, this episode is a must-listen.

Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia.

Follow Oliver on Instagram at @oliverforan

Connect with Wild Earth at @wildearthaustralia and explore the gear Ollie uses at wildearth.com.au.

In this powerful episode of Wild Chats, host Ben Southall sits down with explorer and climate advocate Geoff Wilson to talk all things adventure, sustainability, and the future of our planet. Geoff shares the highs and lows of his Project Zero expedition, a groundbreaking mission to complete carbon-neutral exploration through some of the planet's harshest environments.

From navigating the globe aboard the Nanook to riding horses across Icelandic glaciers, Geoff opens up about the physical and emotional challenges of the journey, including the unique experience of working with his son Kit. This episode explores the importance of responsible exploration, crew dynamics, and storytelling as a tool to raise awareness about the realities of climate change.

If you're passionate about sustainability, adventure, and protecting wild places, this conversation is filled with honest insights, incredible stories, and a call to action to fall back in love with our natural world.

🎧 Listen now

Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia.

Follow Project Zero on Instagram and track their progress on their website.

Connect with Geoff on Instagram.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Project Zero

03:01 The Journey of Nanook

06:02 Svalbard Expedition Overview

08:52 The Challenges of Arctic Exploration

11:56 The Iceland Journey

14:56 Navigating Customs and Politics

17:59 The Concept of Project Zero

21:09 Crew Dynamics and Challenges

24:02 Father-Son Relationship on the Journey

24:52 The Impact of Climate Change

27:25 Individual Responsibility in Climate Action

30:36 Gear and Equipment for Harsh Environments

35:08 Nutrition and Sustenance on Expeditions

36:34 Future of Exploration and Storytelling

38:33 Safety Measures in Polar Regions

41:22 Human Impact on Oceans

42:46 Tracking the Expedition

Join host Ben Southall in this unforgettable episode of Wild Chats as he sits down with adventurer, filmmaker, and storyteller Beau Miles. Known for his offbeat adventures and DIY ethos, Beau shares how a life of kayaking, running, filmmaking, and fatherhood has shaped his creative journey.

This episode dives into Beau's love for craftsmanship, his commitment to sustainability, and how solitude fuels his storytelling. From building boats and running marathons in his backyard to navigating the chaos of parenthood, Beau reflects on how embracing the unknown leads to the most meaningful experiences.

Whether you're a filmmaker, weekend adventurer, or just craving more creativity in your life, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humour, and inspiration to live life a little differently.

🎧 Listen now.

Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia

Connect with Beau Miles on YouTube & Instagram

Buy his book The Backyard Adventurer.

Join host Ben Southall as he chats with gut health expert and outdoor enthusiast Kirsty Wirth. Kirsty opens up about her transformative journey from curiosity-driven explorer to passionate advocate for gut health and holistic wellness. Together, they dive into the powerful connections between gut health, outdoor adventures, and overall well-being.

Discover how Kirsty's personal experiences, particularly navigating her son's health challenges, led her to establish Kultured Wellness and become an expert on the vital role gut health plays in resilience, endurance, and athletic performance. This episode is packed with practical tips on integrating nutritious fermented foods into your adventure routines and managing wellness on the trail.

From parenting and solo travel to preparing physically and mentally for the challenges of outdoor adventures, this conversation offers valuable insights, inspiring personal stories, and actionable advice for anyone looking to elevate their health and embrace a life of adventure.

Follow Kirsty Wirth on Instagram and keep up to date with Kultured Wellness. 

Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth.