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The Adventure Podcast
Episode 149: Vanessa Ruck, The Girl On A Bike
Ep. 149
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Episode 149 of The Adventure Podcast features motorcycle racer and 4x4 rally driver, Vanessa Ruck. Vanessa was a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, but in 2014 she was hit by a car. It left her with a series of life-changing injuries and long-term chronic pain. In this episode Matt talks to Vanessa about her recovery and the mindset that forged who she is today, and how she eventually became a motorcyclist competing in some of the world's toughest Enduro events. It’s a frank, real and humbling exposé on what it’s like to live with chronic pain and long-term injuries, but it's also an exhilarating insight into what it takes to ride motorcycles in extreme and harsh environments.
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187. Episode 187: Guy Grieve, All The Wealth In The World
01:22:23||Ep. 187Episode 187 of The Adventure Podcast features scallop diver, seaweed farmer, author, writer, and father, Guy Grieve. Guy spent a year off-grid living in a cabin he built in the Alaskan wilderness. In this episode, Guy talks to Matt about his past and what made him the man he is now. He tells stories of his time in the Alaskan wilderness, why he left his family behind in the UK, and what happened while out there. It's an emotional episode, and Guy is one of the most gracious, genuine, and grounded guests we've ever had on. Fair to say it's one of our favourite episodes ever recorded.This episode is available in-vision on our substack channel, The Adventure Podcast+ ; www.theadventurepodcast.substack.com.This episode is brought to you by Chimney Fire Coffee; a Certified B Corp™️, committed to the highest social and environmental standards. What sets Chimney Fire Coffee apart is their dedication to ethical sourcing. They pay their producers on average double Fairtrade prices, building direct, personal relationships. Plus, they give back by supporting Re-Cycle, donating to refurbish and send bikes to rural Africa.They have 10 responsibly sourced house coffees from around the world, so there's definitely something to suit your taste and your brew method. And if you’re extra keen you can head out to Surrey to join their weekend tours and experiences to learn more about the journey from farm to cup. Head to chimneyfirecoffee.com/tap and 15% off your first order will be automatically applied. Photographer credit: Glenn Dearing2. The Far Reaches: Emma Linford, Wild Service
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01:08:22||Ep. 185Episode 185 of The Adventure Podcast features award-winning author, naturalist, and eco-philosopher, Lyanda Haupt. Lyanda's work bridges the gap between scientific observation and poetic exploration. In this episode, Matt and Lyanda discuss her journey in a lot of detail. They talk about her unique perspective on urban ecology, and the profound lessons she draws from her close encounters with animals. They spend some time talking about her early inspirations and travels around the world, before speaking about the much more personal details of her life, including the end of her marriage. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, a casual nature lover, or simply curious about the hidden wonders in your own backyard, Lyanda is fascinating.This episode is brought to you by Chimney Fire Coffee; a Certified B Corp™️, committed to the highest social and environmental standards. What sets Chimney Fire Coffee apart is their dedication to ethical sourcing. They pay their producers on average double Fairtrade prices, building direct, personal relationships. Plus, they give back by supporting Re-Cycle, donating to refurbish and send bikes to rural Africa.They have 10 responsibly sourced house coffees from around the world, so there's definitely something to suit your taste and your brew method. And if you’re extra keen you can head out to Surrey to join their weekend tours and experiences to learn more about the journey from farm to cup. Head to chimneyfirecoffee.com/tap and 15% off your first order will be automatically applied. Photo credit: Tom Furtwangler184. Episode 184: Sunniva Sorby, Minor To Major
01:31:53||Ep. 184Episode 184 of The Adventure Podcast features expedition leader, citizen scientist, and polar expert, Sunniva Sorby. Sunniva was part of the first all-female team to reach the South Pole, and has worked in Antarctica over 100 times. She recently spent 19 months living in a cabin in Svalbard. In large parts, this is a conversation about Sunniva’s life; where she comes from, where she went, how these expeditions came about and ultimately what motivated her. But Matt and Sunniva also discuss the deeper meaning of what it is she does - the purpose, the intention, and how these have changed over the decades she’s worked in the polar world.183. Episode 183: Matt Pavitt, Maybe Masochistic
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01:13:12||Ep. 182Episode 182 of The Adventure Podcast features mountaineer, writer, historian and poet, John Porter. John is arguably one of the most accomplished but understated mountaineers of his generation. He made pioneering ascents of the North Face of Bandaka and the South Buttress of Changabang. Neither route has been repeated. In this episode, John talks to Matt about his early life and how he managed to avoid the Vietnam war draft, how he landed on his feet as part of blossoming British climbing scene and ultimately went on to climb with some of the very best mountaineers in the world on a string of world class expeditions. They touch on John’s approach to ethics, his views on modern mountaineering and expeditions, and what he’s doing with his days now that he’s, by his own admission, slowing down.181. Episode 181: Hazel Findlay, State of Mind
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01:10:45||Ep. 180Episode 180 of The Adventure Podcast features adventurer and Parkinson's campaigner, Guy Deacon CBE. Guy is a retired army officer who, towards the end of his career, was diagnosed with Parkinson's. In 2019, Guy embarked on a solo overland expedition from his home in Dorset to Cape Town in South Africa. He wanted to use the journey as a platform to raise awareness and understanding of Parkinson’s disease in the UK and throughout Africa, and to expose the prejudice and stigma associated with this illness in Africa. Guy’s journey was wracked with issues and problems, not limited to breakdowns, visa issues and a small thing call Covid-19. But despite all this, and living with the reality of Parkinson's disease, Guy just kept going. In this episode, Matt talks to Guy about his early life and military career, before moving onto understanding Parkinson's, what it really is and how it affects people. Guy then talks in detail about his overland expedition and the highs, lows, trips and stumbles that came with it. Guy's book, Running On Empty: 18,000 Miles Down Africa with Parkinson’s, is out now.