The world's greatest adventurers tell their best story from the road. Each episode is cut documentary style and set to music and cinematic effects to create an immersive storytelling experience. 'Best travel podcasts 2020'- The Guardian, 'Thrilling Stuff'-Sunday Times, 'Ear Candy for Listeners' - Washington Post
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Radiolab
Radiolab is on a curiosity bender. We ask deep questions and use investigative journalism to get the answers. A given episode might whirl you through science, legal history, and into the home of someone halfway across the world. The show is known for innovative sound design, smashing information into music. It is hosted by Jad Abumrad, Lulu Miller, and Latif Nasser.
Hechos Reales
“Hechos Reales” es un lugar para las historias. Nuestras favoritas tienen unos protagonistas fascinantes a los que les han pasado cosas que parecen sacadas de la ficción pero que son reales, películas que te contaremos al oído: universales, emocionantes y en español. En “Hechos Reales” trabajan periodistas, diseñadores de sonido, músicos y grafistas, liderados por Álvaro de Cózar, ganador de tres Premios Ondas. Este podcast lo produce TrueStory, responsable de títulos como “Misterio en la Moraleja”, “Los Papeles de Bárcenas” o “El país de los Demonios”.
Не могу уснуть
очень часто я долго не могу уснуть, поэтому каждый эпизод подкаста — размышления перед сном о жизни, чувствах, книгах, мире и людях.в общем, подкаст обо всём и ни о чём.мой телеграм-канал: https://maniribo.t.me
The Ghosts of Gunslingers: Black Hills and Deadwood
“Nobody's down here except for us ghost people and the hotel staff. And some of the hotel staff in the past wouldn't come down here by themselves. Things happen in here. Things have happened to me.” – Kate, Ghost Tour Guide at the Bullock Hotel, Deadwood Tales of the Wild West and lawless frontiers are ingrained in American culture - and in Deadwood, the discovery of riches in the southern Black Hills in 1874 kicked off one of the largest gold rushes in America. Not long after, Deadwood became a rough-and-ready boomtown that steadily lured bands of outlaws, gamblers, and gunslingers. Join us as we mosey down Deadwood’s streets in search of famed tales and legendary residents from this wild frontier. We begin our adventure in Saloon No 10, where we join a local gunslinger (or an actor who plays a gunslinger - in daily gunfights in the streets of Deadwood) for a game of poker at the table where Wild Bill Hickok was shot dead. We then head down into the dark basement bar of the Bullock Hotel chasing ghosts and getting well and truly spooked. Lastly, we end up, as many locals have ended up, at Moriah Cemetery. There we make the pilgrimage to Wild Bill’s grave where visitors have left flowers, bullets, and small bottles of Jack Daniels. Through it all, we discover that Deadwood is truly alive. Well, besides the ghosts. It’s a place where the wild west spirit lives on. You can feel it – and the former coarse and cavorting town is now a lot less rough, but just as much fun. - Brian Thacker, presenter Thank you to everyone who featured on this show: - Andy Mosher, Deadwood Alive - Kate McGraw, Bullock Hotel Ghost tours We’d like to thank our gunslinging Andy Mosher and our ghostly guide Kate McGraw who gave us their time and stories. Recorded on-location, this audio adventure is designed to do more than just let you hear what it’s like to be there; it’s designed to let you feel what it’s like for real. Find out more at www.travelsouthdakota.com where you'll find lots of inspiration, ideas and everything else you need to know to plan your great South Dakota adventure. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @armchairexplorerpodcast. Want travel tips and advice? Questions about this episode? Message me! Sign up for the monthly newsletter at armchair-explorer.com Produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry www.armchair-productions.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pacific Surfliner: Taking the Slow Track Down the So-Cal Coast
Imagine a road trip up the southern Californian coast stopping off at cool little beach towns along the way. But instead of doing it in a car, on the highway, getting stuck in traffic, with nothing to do or see … you surf it instead. The Pacific Surfliner train travels 351 miles from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, through Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and more … and for much of that journey you are literally hugging the coast so closely you can almost smell the ocean.In today’s episode, recorded on location, host Aaron Millar, and producers Jason Paton and Ally Nisbet, head out on a long weekend ‘track trip’ down the So-Cal coast. “This is one of my favorite trips of the year so far. A lot of the episodes we make are about proper adventures, and deep stories about culture and history. This was just pure fun. I love southern California, and hope this episode captures that spirit and special vibe of the west coast. Kerouac had it wrong, the open tack beats the open road any day for me … especially when there’s surfing at the end of the line.” - AaronHighlights include:· Kayaking with sea lions in Santa Barbara· Spotting dolphins in Channel Islands National Park, off the coast of Ventura· Catching waves with pro-surfer John Daniels in Oceanside· Riding one of the most beautiful stretches of the Pacific Surfliner: gorgeous headlands, mist covered mountains, and ocean waves crashing on the shoreThanks to Pacific Surfliner for helping to make this trip possible. If you like what you hear and fancy taking the scenic route yourself, you can book your tickets at pacificsurfliner.com. Students under 25 get a 15% discountThanks also to santabarbaraca.com, visitventuraca.com, visitoceanside.org, Andre from Cal Coast Adventures, all the crew at Island Packers, Jim Kempton from the California Surf Museum, and John Daniels from Learn to Rip Surf LessonsFollow the show on Instagram @armchairexplorerpodcastThis episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Brian Thacker did our pre-production, Jason Paton and Ally Nisbet did the field recording and audio production, Aaron Millar wrote and presented it.
Pacific Surfliner: Taking the Slow Track Down the So-Cal Coast
Imagine a road trip up the southern Californian coast stopping off at cool little beach towns along the way. But instead of doing it in a car, on the highway, getting stuck in traffic, with nothing to do or see … you surf it instead. The Pacific Surfliner train travels 351 miles from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, through Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and more … and for much of that journey you are literally hugging the coast so closely you can almost smell the ocean. In today’s episode, recorded on location, host Aaron Millar, and producers Jason Paton and Ally Nisbet, head out on a long weekend ‘track trip’ down the So-Cal coast. “This is one of my favorite trips of the year so far. A lot of the episodes we make are about proper adventures, and deep stories about culture and history. This was just pure fun. I love southern California, and hope this episode captures that spirit and special vibe of the west coast. Kerouac had it wrong, the open tack beats the open road any day for me … especially when there’s surfing at the end of the line.” - Aaron Highlights include: · Kayaking with sea lions in Santa Barbara · Spotting dolphins in Channel Islands National Park, off the coast of Ventura · Catching waves with pro-surfer John Daniels in Oceanside · Riding one of the most beautiful stretches of the Pacific Surfliner: gorgeous headlands, mist covered mountains, and ocean waves crashing on the shore Thanks to Pacific Surfliner for helping to make this trip possible. If you like what you hear and fancy taking the scenic route yourself, you can book your tickets at pacificsurfliner.com. Students under 25 get a 15% discount Thanks also to santabarbaraca.com, visitventuraca.com, visitoceanside.org, Andre from Cal Coast Adventures, all the crew at Island Packers, Jim Kempton from the California Surf Museum, and John Daniels from Learn to Rip Surf Lessons Follow the show on Instagram @armchairexplorerpodcast This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Brian Thacker did our pre-production, Jason Paton and Ally Nisbet did the field recording and audio production, Aaron Millar wrote and presented it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fireside dances, ancient ruins and the beauty of Hózhó (balance): Native Connections on Location in Utah
Maiku. Yá'át'ééh. And hello! You can't really know a place without hearing from the people who have always been there. Utah is the sacred and ancestral home of eight different tribal nations, including the Paiute, Navajo (Diné), Shoshone, Goshute, and more. And today, we're learning as much about their histories and cultures as we can. Join us as we listen to Southern Paiute music under the stars, see a traditional Diné fireside dance, sample fry bread with a unique twist, step inside a traditional hogan in Monument Valley, and learn about what being Native American means in 2024. Thank you to everyone who featured in this episode: -Daniel Bullets of the Southern Paiute Tribe -The Adventure Tour Company of Kanab -Louis Williams of Ancient Wayves Tours in Bears Ears National Monument -Harold Simpson and Cody of Simpson's Trailhandler Tours, as well as Marilyn, all of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park -David Libbert of Black Sheep Cafe in Provo -Larry Holliday of Goulding's Lodge PLAN YOUR UTAH TRIP If you want to learn more about experiencing the sights and attractions featured in this episode, go to VisitUtah.com or follow along on social media @VisitUtah. International listeners can also book this itinerary directly as a package, with lots of other bonus experiences too -- just visit AmericanSky.co.uk/Utah-Holidays or learn more about all the incredible destinations around the state at VisitTheUSA.com or on social media @VisitTheUSA.SOCIALFollow us on Instagram and Facebook @armchairexplorerpodcast. Want travel tips and advice? Questions about this episode? Message me! Sign up for the monthly newsletter at armchair-explorer.com.CREDITSThis show was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Brian Thacker managed pre-production. Jenny Allison was the in-field producer and wrote the episode. Jason Paton did the recording, mix and sound design. Aaron Millar hosted and served as executive producer.
Fireside dances, ancient ruins and the beauty of Hózhó (balance): Native Connections on Location in Utah
Maiku. Yá'át'ééh. And hello! You can't really know a place without hearing from the people who have always been there. Utah is the sacred and ancestral home of eight different tribal nations, including the Paiute, Navajo (Diné), Shoshone, Goshute, and more. And today, we're learning as much about their histories and cultures as we can. Join us as we listen to Southern Paiute music under the stars, see a traditional Diné fireside dance, sample fry bread with a unique twist, step inside a traditional hogan in Monument Valley, and learn about what being Native American means in 2024. Thank you to everyone who featured in this episode: -Daniel Bullets of the Southern Paiute Tribe -The Adventure Tour Company of Kanab -Louis Williams of Ancient Wayves Tours in Bears Ears National Monument -Harold Simpson and Cody of Simpson's Trailhandler Tours, as well as Marilyn, all of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park -David Libbert of Black Sheep Cafe in Provo -Larry Holliday of Goulding's Lodge PLAN YOUR UTAH TRIP If you want to learn more about experiencing the sights and attractions featured in this episode, go to VisitUtah.com or follow along on social media @VisitUtah. International listeners can also book this itinerary directly as a package, with lots of other bonus experiences too -- just visit AmericanSky.co.uk/Utah-Holidays or learn more about all the incredible destinations around the state at VisitTheUSA.com or on social media @VisitTheUSA. SOCIAL Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @armchairexplorerpodcast. Want travel tips and advice? Questions about this episode? Message me! Sign up for the monthly newsletter at armchair-explorer.com. CREDITS This show was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Brian Thacker managed pre-production. Jenny Allison was the in-field producer and wrote the episode. Jason Paton did the recording, mix and sound design. Aaron Millar hosted and served as executive producer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Best of Explorer: Voyage of the Finmen: Kayaking from Greenland to Scotland with Explorer George Bullard
Follow world-record breaking explorer George Bullard on a world-first kayak fromGreenland to Scotland across one of the most dangerous stretches of water on the planet.No one thought they could do it. Most people assumed they would die trying – and theynearly did, more than once. But, despite the odds, over six weeks, George and hisexpedition partner Ollie Hicks, crossed 1,200-miles of open ocean from the edge of theGreenland Ice Cap to Iceland, then on to the Faroe Islands, and from there to the northScottish shore. Paddling through the night, sleeping out in the sinister dark of the polarocean, battling storms, exhaustion and raging seas – this is the story of the most dangerouskayak expedition ever undertaken.But it’s more than that too. Three hundred years ago a mysterious figure in a strangeshaped canoe washed up on the coast of Aberdeen, in northeast Scotland. He was alive,barely. No one knew who he was, where he came from, what language he spoke, and hedied a few days later before anyone could find out. Since then, the myth of the ‘Finmen’ hascontinued to grow. The historical records describe his clothing as similar to what we nowknow as hailing from Inuit culture. But it seemed impossible. Did a Greenlandic fishermancross the North Atlantic Ocean, 300 years ago, on nothing more than a seal-skin canoe? Byundertaking this journey, George and Ollie set out to unearth the truth behind the mystery.If they could do it, perhaps the myth was true. Get ready for the Voyage of the Finmen.Highlights include:Kayak across one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the world, a section ofthe North Atlantic between Iceland and Scotland, known as the ‘Devil’s Dancefloor’because of the size of the waves and stormsPaddle through the midnight sun from Greenland to Iceland, and then 450-milesaround the crocodile teeth of the rugged fjords and soaring cliffs of North Icelandiccoastline, camping out on wild beaches along the way Listen to one of the craziest rescue and survival stories you will ever hear Find out what happens when George and Ollie are hit by an enormous hurricane 60- miles off the Scottish coastBe inspired by George’s love and enthusiasm for the outdoors and adventure. He isone of the UK’s most sought-after motivational speakers and will fire you up to embark on your next adventure wherever that may be.Who’s the Guest?George Bullard is a world record-breaking explorer, endurance athlete and motivationalspeaker. He is on a mission to rewild humans. He believes that through the outdoors we canchange lives. To date he has covered more than 2,000 miles on foot in the polar regions(including the longest unsupported polar journey in history, at just age 19) and completedcountless extraordinary expeditions around the world. George is passionate aboutencouraging others to climb their own Everest physically, mentally and emotionally. Followhim on Instagram and Facebook @georgebullardexplorer. Book him for motivational talks atwww.georgebullard.co.ukLooking for inspiration for your next trip? George’s adventure travel companywww.igoadventures.com curates one-of-a-kind adventures with purpose, for those lookingfor exceptional in nature. They are affordable, amazing and hand-crafted by one of theworld’s greatest adventurers.Thank you to Juggernaut Wines for sponsoring this episode. This is the adventurer’s wine ofchoice, harnessing the power of nature to infuse every drop with the gritty spirit of the wildCalifornian coast. Follow them on Instagram @juggernautwines www.juggernautwines.comThe Armchair Explorer podcast is produced and hosted by award-winning travel writerAaron Millar. Follow the show on Instagram & Facebook @armchairexplorerpodcast.www.armchair-explorer.com
Best of Explorer: Voyage of the Finmen: Kayaking from Greenland to Scotland with Explorer George Bullard
Follow world-record breaking explorer George Bullard on a world-first kayak from Greenland to Scotland across one of the most dangerous stretches of water on the planet. No one thought they could do it. Most people assumed they would die trying – and they nearly did, more than once. But, despite the odds, over six weeks, George and his expedition partner Ollie Hicks, crossed 1,200-miles of open ocean from the edge of the Greenland Ice Cap to Iceland, then on to the Faroe Islands, and from there to the north Scottish shore. Paddling through the night, sleeping out in the sinister dark of the polar ocean, battling storms, exhaustion and raging seas – this is the story of the most dangerous kayak expedition ever undertaken. But it’s more than that too. Three hundred years ago a mysterious figure in a strange shaped canoe washed up on the coast of Aberdeen, in northeast Scotland. He was alive, barely. No one knew who he was, where he came from, what language he spoke, and he died a few days later before anyone could find out. Since then, the myth of the ‘Finmen’ has continued to grow. The historical records describe his clothing as similar to what we now know as hailing from Inuit culture. But it seemed impossible. Did a Greenlandic fisherman cross the North Atlantic Ocean, 300 years ago, on nothing more than a seal-skin canoe? By undertaking this journey, George and Ollie set out to unearth the truth behind the mystery. If they could do it, perhaps the myth was true. Get ready for the Voyage of the Finmen. Highlights include: Kayak across one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the world, a section of the North Atlantic between Iceland and Scotland, known as the ‘Devil’s Dancefloor’ because of the size of the waves and storms Paddle through the midnight sun from Greenland to Iceland, and then 450-miles around the crocodile teeth of the rugged fjords and soaring cliffs of North Icelandic coastline, camping out on wild beaches along the way Listen to one of the craziest rescue and survival stories you will ever hear Find out what happens when George and Ollie are hit by an enormous hurricane 60- miles off the Scottish coast Be inspired by George’s love and enthusiasm for the outdoors and adventure. He is one of the UK’s most sought-after motivational speakers and will fire you up to embark on your next adventure wherever that may be. Who’s the Guest? George Bullard is a world record-breaking explorer, endurance athlete and motivational speaker. He is on a mission to rewild humans. He believes that through the outdoors we can change lives. To date he has covered more than 2,000 miles on foot in the polar regions (including the longest unsupported polar journey in history, at just age 19) and completed countless extraordinary expeditions around the world. George is passionate about encouraging others to climb their own Everest physically, mentally and emotionally. Follow him on Instagram and Facebook @georgebullardexplorer. Book him for motivational talks at www.georgebullard.co.uk Looking for inspiration for your next trip? George’s adventure travel company www.igoadventures.com curates one-of-a-kind adventures with purpose, for those looking for exceptional in nature. They are affordable, amazing and hand-crafted by one of the world’s greatest adventurers. Thank you to Juggernaut Wines for sponsoring this episode. This is the adventurer’s wine of choice, harnessing the power of nature to infuse every drop with the gritty spirit of the wild Californian coast. Follow them on Instagram @juggernautwines www.juggernautwines.com The Armchair Explorer podcast is produced and hosted by award-winning travel writer Aaron Millar. Follow the show on Instagram & Facebook @armchairexplorerpodcast. www.armchair-explorer.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Living On the Ice: A Year in Antarctica with Matty Jordan
In Antarctica, time is measured in ice. Entire worlds form and dissolve in the marbled blue sheets and shimmering peaks, which rise and return from glacial seas. Half of the year is soaked in eternal sunlight; the other, cloaked in perpetual darkness. And throughout this cycle of melting and freezing, sunsets and vibrant auroras, there is a group of people who are living and working in an unassuming group of buildings on Ross Island.Matty Jordan is one of those people. He has been to and from Antarctica eight times, and he's amassed hundreds of days working on this quiet, contemplative continent. And in a place that has drawn some of the world's most fearless adventurers, he's discovered not just what it means to live in the planet's last truly wild place, but how that wilderness has changed him as a person.CONNECTFollow Matty and his many adventures on his website, mattykjordan.com, where you can also find the free ebook he wrote about living and working in Antarctica. You can find him on social media @mattykjordan and listen to his podcast, The Everything Antarctica Podcast, wherever you stream this one.SOCIALFollow us on Instagram and Facebook @armchairexplorerpodcast. Want travel tips and advice? Questions about this episode? Message me! Sign up for the monthly newsletter at armchair-explorer.com.CREDITSThis episode was produced by Armchair Productions. Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com. Jenny Allison did the guest booking and wrote this episode, along with host and producer Aaron Millar. Charles Tyrie did the audio editing and sound design. Theme music written by the artist Sweet Chap (on IG @the_sweet_chap).
Living On the Ice: A Year in Antarctica with Matty Jordan
In Antarctica, time is measured in ice. Entire worlds form and dissolve in the marbled blue sheets and shimmering peaks, which rise and return from glacial seas. Half of the year is soaked in eternal sunlight; the other, cloaked in perpetual darkness. And throughout this cycle of melting and freezing, sunsets and vibrant auroras, there is a group of people who are living and working in an unassuming group of buildings on Ross Island. Matty Jordan is one of those people. He has been to and from Antarctica eight times, and he's amassed hundreds of days working on this quiet, contemplative continent. And in a place that has drawn some of the world's most fearless adventurers, he's discovered not just what it means to live in the planet's last truly wild place, but how that wilderness has changed him as a person. CONNECT Follow Matty and his many adventures on his website, mattykjordan.com, where you can also find the free ebook he wrote about living and working in Antarctica. You can find him on social media @mattykjordan and listen to his podcast, The Everything Antarctica Podcast, wherever you stream this one. SOCIAL Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @armchairexplorerpodcast. Want travel tips and advice? Questions about this episode? Message me! Sign up for the monthly newsletter at armchair-explorer.com. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions. Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com. Jenny Allison did the guest booking and wrote this episode, along with host and producer Aaron Millar. Charles Tyrie did the audio editing and sound design. Theme music written by the artist Sweet Chap (on IG @the_sweet_chap). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Soundtrack of America: The Story of the Blues On Location in Tennessee
Follow award-winning Aaron Millar on a road trip across the Tennessee Music Pathways from the graveside of Sonny Boy Williamson, the grandfather of The Blues harmonica, to Chattanooga, home of the Big 9, and one of the original breeding grounds of The Blues. Along the way we will hear how The Blues became, perhaps, the most influential genre in all of music, inspiring everything from rock n’ roll to hip hop, R&B, and everything in between. But more than that, we’ll discover how The Blues became the soundtrack to America itself. From the field hollers of slaves who gave birth to its signature structure and style, to Ninth Street on Chattanooga, where musicians were first given a voice and platform to express themselves. We’re going to be singing with a gospel choir, watching jazz on the streets, making a blues pilgrimage to the backwoods of Jackson, Tennessee, and listening to some of the finest blues musicians in the state … get ready for the story of the blues in TennesseeFollow @armchairexplorer podcast on Instagram and Facebook or head over to www.armchair-explorer.com to find out more information about this episode.
Soundtrack of America: The Story of the Blues On Location in Tennessee
Follow award-winning Aaron Millar on a road trip across the Tennessee Music Pathways from the graveside of Sonny Boy Williamson, the grandfather of The Blues harmonica, to Chattanooga, home of the Big 9, and one of the original breeding grounds of The Blues. Along the way we will hear how The Blues became, perhaps, the most influential genre in all of music, inspiring everything from rock n’ roll to hip hop, R&B, and everything in between. But more than that, we’ll discover how The Blues became the soundtrack to America itself. From the field hollers of slaves who gave birth to its signature structure and style, to Ninth Street on Chattanooga, where musicians were first given a voice and platform to express themselves. We’re going to be singing with a gospel choir, watching jazz on the streets, making a blues pilgrimage to the backwoods of Jackson, Tennessee, and listening to some of the finest blues musicians in the state … get ready for the story of the blues in Tennessee Follow @armchairexplorer podcast on Instagram and Facebook or head over to www.armchair-explorer.com to find out more information about this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Best of Explorer - Silk Road Mountain Race: Riding the Toughest Mountain Bike Race in the World with Extreme Bikepacker Cat Jaffee
Follow extreme bikepacker Cat Jaffee as she competes in the Silk Road Mountain Race - the toughest mountain bike race on the planet. 1,200-miles long, with over 115,000-feet elevation gain, athletes traverse the high mountain passes and remote valleys of Kyrgyzstan for 14 grueling days. Traveling completely unsupported, wild camping along the way, only a handful of riders attempt it and a fraction of those reach the end. But the racing is only part of the appeal. For centuries, The Silk Road operated as a network of trading routes connecting China and the Far East with the Middle east and Europe. It was responsible for spreading some of the most important ideas, culture and economics throughout the world and its effects still resonate across the world today. The mountains of Kyrgyzstan, which the race passes through, traces one of the central routes of the Silk Road, used by traders and wanderers throughout the Middle Ages, and the nomadic culture which still grazes their sheep in these high alpine pastures today has remained largely since those days. It had always been Cat’s dream to bikepack the Silk Road. But on the cusp of that dream coming true she came back from an assignment in Africa to the news that she had contracted malaria, dengue fever and had ovarian cancer. It was devastating news. She spent a year undergoing chemotherapy and Stage 4 cancer treatment. Most of us would have given up on the race. Most of us would have struggled to even get out of bed. But Cat kept training throughout it, riding 100s miles each weekend all day and through the night. Then a year later, despite her illness, she found herself on the start line of the toughest mountain bike race in the world. This is a story about that adventure, but it’s also a story about the power of determination to beat the odds and follow your dreams no matter what stands in your way. Get ready to ride the Silk Road.Highlights:· Find out what it takes to compete in the toughest mountain bike race in the world· Explore the spectacular mountains and ancient culture of Kyrgyzstan’s high mountains· Be inspired by Cat’s story of determination and survival in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.Cat is also an award-winning podcast producer. Her latest series, Guardians of the River about the Okavango Delta Wilderness Project, which was recorded on location in Angola and Botswana over four months, won the Tribeca Film Festival’s prestigious Best Podcast award. Find out more here: https://www.houseofpod.org/featured-productions/guardians-of-the-river ... Connect directly with Cat on Instagram: @naturevertThanks to Wondrium for sponsoring this episode. Wondrium is the new name for The Great Courses Plus, now expanded with more content: documentaries, world-cinema, tv shows and lots of new courses. You can check it all out for free for one month by heading over to www.wondrium.com/armchairTo find out more about the Silk Road Mountain Race go to www.silkroadmountainrace.cc / cover image courtesy @silkroadmountainraceFollow @armchairexplorer podcast on Instagram and Facebook or head over to www.armchair-explorer.com to find more background information on this episode.
Best of Explorer: Silk Road Mountain Race: Riding the Toughest Mountain Bike Race in the World with Extreme Bikepacker Cat Jaffee
Follow extreme bikepacker Cat Jaffee as she competes in the Silk Road Mountain Race - the toughest mountain bike race on the planet. 1,200-miles long, with over 115,000-feet elevation gain, athletes traverse the high mountain passes and remote valleys of Kyrgyzstan for 14 grueling days. Traveling completely unsupported, wild camping along the way, only a handful of riders attempt it and a fraction of those reach the end. But the racing is only part of the appeal. For centuries, The Silk Road operated as a network of trading routes connecting China and the Far East with the Middle east and Europe. It was responsible for spreading some of the most important ideas, culture and economics throughout the world and its effects still resonate across the world today. The mountains of Kyrgyzstan, which the race passes through, traces one of the central routes of the Silk Road, used by traders and wanderers throughout the Middle Ages, and the nomadic culture which still grazes their sheep in these high alpine pastures today has remained largely since those days. It had always been Cat’s dream to bikepack the Silk Road. But on the cusp of that dream coming true she came back from an assignment in Africa to the news that she had contracted malaria, dengue fever and had ovarian cancer. It was devastating news. She spent a year undergoing chemotherapy and Stage 4 cancer treatment. Most of us would have given up on the race. Most of us would have struggled to even get out of bed. But Cat kept training throughout it, riding 100s miles each weekend all day and through the night. Then a year later, despite her illness, she found herself on the start line of the toughest mountain bike race in the world. This is a story about that adventure, but it’s also a story about the power of determination to beat the odds and follow your dreams no matter what stands in your way. Get ready to ride the Silk Road. Highlights: · Find out what it takes to compete in the toughest mountain bike race in the world · Explore the spectacular mountains and ancient culture of Kyrgyzstan’s high mountains · Be inspired by Cat’s story of determination and survival in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Cat is also an award-winning podcast producer. Her latest series, Guardians of the River about the Okavango Delta Wilderness Project, which was recorded on location in Angola and Botswana over four months, won the Tribeca Film Festival’s prestigious Best Podcast award. Find out more here: https://www.houseofpod.org/featured-productions/guardians-of-the-river ... Connect directly with Cat on Instagram: @naturevert Thanks to Wondrium for sponsoring this episode. Wondrium is the new name for The Great Courses Plus, now expanded with more content: documentaries, world-cinema, tv shows and lots of new courses. You can check it all out for free for one month by heading over to www.wondrium.com/armchair To find out more about the Silk Road Mountain Race go to www.silkroadmountainrace.cc / cover image courtesy @silkroadmountainrace Follow @armchairexplorer podcast on Instagram and Facebook or head over to www.armchair-explorer.com to find more background information on this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Route of Parks: Rewilding Chile with Groundbreaking Conservationist and former Patagonia CEO Kris Tompkins
“These are the days in our lives that we remember. It's not all the days that went so well. It's the days when you're miserable, when you think you can't go one more step, and then you swear at somebody, and then you keep going. Those are the days that form our spines. They have formed my spine.” - Kris TompkinsKris Tompkins has spent a lifetime fighting tooth and nail to protect wild lands. In1993, she stepped down as CEO of outdoor apparel brand Patagonia, and movedto the edge of a windswept road-less fjord in the northern end of Patagonian Chile with her late husband Doug Tompkins (the founder of North Face).There, they began to dream up one of the most audacious conservation visions ever conceived. It would culminate, more than 25 years later, in the largest private land donation in history, the creation of one of the most spectacular national parksin the world and the launch of the wildest road trip on the planet: the Route of Parks. This story is about the realization of that vision. But it’s also a story about wild nature, and living a wild life. Bruce Chatwin called Patagonia: “The furthest place to which Man has walked from his place of Origin.” Patagonia is one of the world’s last frontiers, a place where your fantasies ofadventure are dwarfed by the staggering immensity on every bend. Kris’s story will inspire you connect more deeply with the planet, fight for what you believe in, and explore the jagged spires and turquoise rivers of the Route of Parks for yourself."There is no question that when you put yourself out into these very extreme circumstances, or places on earth, you are changed for the rest of your life. And half the time, you can't explain in any language, what's happened to you. AndI think that's actually a good sign, because you're seeing things through a lens that's so raw that it brings out genes in us that are most ancient, the most fundamental. And that's why I like it so much, because I don't really want to have a simple life. I'm not interested in going on vacations and sitting by the sea … I like to go to places that make you feel unbelievably tiny.”CONNECTLearn more about Kris and her work at Tompkins Conservation on their website,TompkinsConservation.org. Patagonia recently released a beautiful book,called Patagonia National Park: Chile, and it includes essays and photos from Kris, the former Chilean president, Patagonia's founder, and more. Find it wherever books are sold or at patagonia.com.SOCIALFollow us on Instagram and Facebook @armchairexplorerpodcast. Want travel tips and advice? Questions about this episode? Message me! Sign up for the monthly newsletter at armchair-explorer.com.CREDITSThis episode was produced by Armchair Productions. Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com. Jenny Allison did the guest booking and wrote this episode, along with host and producer Aaron Millar. Charles Tyrie did the audio editing and sound design. Theme music written by the artist Sweet Chap (on IG @the_sweet_chap).
Route of Parks: Rewilding Chile with Groundbreaking Conservationist and former Patagonia CEO Kris Tompkins
“These are the days in our lives that we remember. It's not all the days that went so well. It's the days when you're miserable, when you think you can't go one more step, and then you swear at somebody, and then you keep going. Those are the days that form our spines. They have formed my spine.” - Kris Tompkins Kris Tompkins has spent a lifetime fighting tooth and nail to protect wild lands. In 1993, she stepped down as CEO of outdoor apparel brand Patagonia, and moved to the edge of a windswept road-less fjord in the northern end of Patagonian Chile with her late husband Doug Tompkins (the founder of North Face). There, they began to dream up one of the most audacious conservation visions ever conceived. It would culminate, more than 25 years later, in the largest private land donation in history, the creation of one of the most spectacular national parks in the world and the launch of the wildest road trip on the planet: the Route of Parks. This story is about the realization of that vision. But it’s also a story about wild nature, and living a wild life. Bruce Chatwin called Patagonia: “The furthest place to which Man has walked from his place of Origin.” Patagonia is one of the world’s last frontiers, a place where your fantasies of adventure are dwarfed by the staggering immensity on every bend. Kris’s story will inspire you connect more deeply with the planet, fight for what you believe in, and explore the jagged spires and turquoise rivers of the Route of Parks for yourself. "There is no question that when you put yourself out into these very extreme circumstances, or places on earth, you are changed for the rest of your life. And half the time, you can't explain in any language, what's happened to you. And I think that's actually a good sign, because you're seeing things through a lens that's so raw that it brings out genes in us that are most ancient, the most fundamental. And that's why I like it so much, because I don't really want to have a simple life. I'm not interested in going on vacations and sitting by the sea … I like to go to places that make you feel unbelievably tiny.” CONNECT Learn more about Kris and her work at Tompkins Conservation on their website, TompkinsConservation.org. Patagonia recently released a beautiful book, called Patagonia National Park: Chile, and it includes essays and photos from Kris, the former Chilean president, Patagonia's founder, and more. Find it wherever books are sold or at patagonia.com. SOCIAL Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @armchairexplorerpodcast. Want travel tips and advice? Questions about this episode? Message me! Sign up for the monthly newsletter at armchair-explorer.com. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions. Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com. Jenny Allison did the guest booking and wrote this episode, along with host and producer Aaron Millar. Charles Tyrie did the audio editing and sound design. Theme music written by the artist Sweet Chap (on IG @the_sweet_chap). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices