We Are Explorers Podcast

Join We Are Explorers hosts Tim Ashelford and Amy Fairall as they take you on a walk through Sydney Harbour. Find out what the hosts do at We Are Explorers, hear some of their tales from past adventures and what they both have coming up.

In this chat we cover: 

Follow Tim Ashelford:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim_ashelford/

Follow Amy Fairall:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.eloise/ 

Ready for an adventure of your own?
Follow We Are Explorers:
Website: https://weareexplorers.co/
Instagram: @we_are_explorers

Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us to continue bringing you epic adventure content!

Hosts: Tim Ashelford and Amy Fairall

Alone Australia Season 2 will premiere on Wednesday 27th of March at 7:30pm on SBS and SBS On Demand.

We Are Explorers host Tim Ashelford talks with Alone Australia contestant Rick J Petersen on how he developed his survival skills from a young age, his preparedness for undertaking Alone in the New Zealand climate and terrain, and his popularity on TikTok.

In this chat we cover: 

Follow Rick J Petersen:
Website: https://rickjpetersen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickjpetersen/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-A7IpFyyBw_QFTgdXYRbEA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickjohnpetersen
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickjpetersen?lang=en

Ready for an adventure of your own?
Follow We Are Explorers:
Website: https://weareexplorers.co/
Instagram: @we_are_explorers

Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us to continue bringing you epic adventure content!

Host: Tim Ashelford

Buckle up for some good old fashioned campfire storytelling of adventures gone awry.

These stories were first heard at The North Face’s inaugural Adventure Story Slam event in Hobart.

The winners (and our guests today) Jack, Sam and James chucked their names in a hat, threw caution to the wind and got up on stage in front of a crowd to tell their tales in 5 minutes.

The theme of the night was Misadventure in Wild Places, and misadventure there was. 

Show Notes

Ready for an adventure of your own?
Follow We Are Explorers:
Website: https://weareexplorers.co/
Instagram: @we_are_explorers

Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us to continue bringing you epic adventure content!

Host: Tim Ashelford
Producer:Sian Brain 

Amellia Formby is a zoologist, pilot, artist and adventurer extraordinaire. She flew around Australia in a tiny open cockpit aircraft to experience what it was like to be a migratory shorebird, share how amazing they are and promote stewardship of their wetland habitats across the country.

In this chat we cover: 

Follow Milly Formby:
Website: https://wingthreads.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingthreads/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDt3XOvAwPCsSjuOoEbFizg
Book: https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/8006/#forteachers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wingthreads/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wingthreads

Other Show Notes:
Toondah Harbour development Moreton Bay
Milly's favourite bird, the Terek Sandpiper

Ready for an adventure of your own?
Follow We Are Explorers:
Website: https://weareexplorers.co/
Instagram: @we_are_explorers

Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us to continue bringing you epic adventure content!

Host: Tim Ashelford
Producer:Sian Brain 

**Spolier Alert** This episode discusses the results of Alone Australia Season 1.

Michael Atkinson, better know as Outback Mike, starred in the inaugural season of Alone Australia. Long before the lenses of Alone showcased his remarkable bushcraft prowess, Mike had been producing his own adventure films. He sailed the Great Barrier Reef in a dugout canoe he made himself and escaped from the remote Kimberley relying on nothing but his survival skills and primitive tools.

 In this chat we cover: 

Follow Outback Mike:
Website: https://outbackmike.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outback_mike/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OutbackMike
Podcast: https://outbackmike.com/podcast/
Book: https://outbackmike.com/product/modern-day-castaway-book/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/Outbackmike/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@outbackmike
X: https://twitter.com/Outback_Mike

Other Show Notes:
Alone Australia: https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/alone-australia
Zoleo satelite tracker:  https://www.zoleo.com/en-au/satellite-communicator
Longest recorded case of survival without food and water:  https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/67607-longest-survival-without-food-and-water
Bushcraft Survival Australia: https://bushcraftsurvivalaustralia.com.au/

Ready for an adventure of your own?
Follow We Are Explorers:
Website: https://weareexplorers.co/
Instagram: @we_are_explorers

Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us to continue bringing you epic adventure content!

Host: Tim Ashelford
Producer:Sian Brain 

Nat Gallant (aka the Trail Run Physio) is a physiotherapist and running specialist with a tonne of personal experience to inform her practice. From running the 3000km Te Araroa trail to competing in the gruelling Godzone adventure race, she's physically and mentally prepared for massive running expeditions and nursed herself back from (the inevitable) injury. 

 In this chat we cover: 

Follow Nat Gallant:
Instagram:
@trailrun_physio
Website:
https://trailrunphysio.com/aboutme

Show Notes:
Vibram Fivefingers: https://www.wildearth.com.au/brand/Vibram?utm_source=WeAreExplorers&utm_medium=Referrals&utm_campaign=WeAreExplorers
BPrimal: https://bprimal.com.au
Joe Nimble: https://bprimal.com.au/collections/joe-nimble
Pics Peanut Butter: https://www.picspeanutbutter.com/

Ready for an adventure of your own?
Follow We Are Explorers:
Website: https://weareexplorers.co/
Instagram: @we_are_explorers

Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us to continue bringing you epic adventure content!

Host: Tim Ashelford
Producer:Sian Brain 

Back in 2009 Ben Southall won ‘The Best Job in the World’ and became the Caretaker of the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Essentially becoming one of the first influencers - He saw hundreds of Queensland destinations, kayaked the length of the Reef and even had an interview with Oprah Winfrey. 

Since then he’s continued to make adventure his life and share his enthusiasm and wonder for the world with others

 In this chat we cover: 

Follow Ben Southall:
Instagram:
@bestlifeadventures
@bensouthall

Ready for an adventure of your own?
Follow We Are Explorers:
Website: https://weareexplorers.co/
Instagram: @we_are_explorers

Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us to continue bringing you epic adventure content!

Host: Henry Brydon
Producer:Sian Brain 

Australia has some of the most unique (and dare we say it darn cutest) wildlife on earth from koalas, emus and long-nosed potoroos (extra points if you've seen that elusive little creature!), but our most well known inhabitant is certainly the kangaroo.

Hailey Sullivan spent her time in Australia getting to know and care for these rambunctious marsupials as a volunteer wildlife carer. We find out what it's really like to live and work at a wildlife sanctuary deep in the The Kimberley in Australia's Western State. 
 
 In this chat we cover: 

Follow Hailey Sullivan:
Instagram: @straysulli
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@straysulli?lang=en

We Are Explorers Article: A Day in the Life of a Kangaroo Rehab Volunteer in the Kimberley

Ready for an adventure of your own?
Follow We Are Explorers:
Website: https://weareexplorers.co/
Instagram: @we_are_explorers

Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us to continue bringing you epic adventure content! 

Host: Amy Fairall
Producer:Sian Brain 

Jared Anderson is not your average adventure photographer. His passion lays in wild and dangerous photoshoots capturing rock climbing and living on the edge. While his social media has amassed a large following, Jared keeps things local and is adamant that he wants to keep his hobby just that, a hobby.

This chat will inspire you to find adventure and creativity in your own way, and not let your skill (or lack thereof) get in the way of participating.

 In this chat we cover: 

If you'd like to contribute to the upkeep of rock climbing in the greater Sydney area check out the Sydney Rockclimbing Club rebolting program that Jared recommends and help keep adventuring fun and safe for everyone.

Ready for an adventure of your own? Check out the We Are Explorer's Adventure Map to discover trails, wild swimming, campsites, National Parks and more.  Follow @we_are_explorers on Instagram for your daily dose of travel inspiration. 

Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us to continue bringing you epic adventure content!  

Thanks to We Are Explorer's Publisher Tim Ashelford for hosting this week 

Produced by Sian Brain 

This week we turn inward and throw the host in the hot seat to find out why Henry Brydon started We Are Explorers.

In 2010 Henry quit his corporate job in search of something more. That something more ended up being a two year cycling trip across the globe, some 35,000 km from London to Sydney.

After the journey of a lifetime Henry found himself rather unsettled sitting once again in an office chair, right back where he started, yearning for some adventure.

 In this chat we cover: 

Ready for an adventure of your own? Check out the We Are Explorer's Adventure Map to discover trails, wild swimming, campsites, National Parks and more.  Follow @we_are_explorers on Instagram for your daily dose of travel inspiration. 

Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us to continue bringing you epic adventure content!  

Thanks to We Are Explorer's Publisher Tim Ashelford for chatting with the big cheese. 

Last year Alysse and Oscar Gallagher packed it all in for a life on the road with their two kids. They sold their house and all their possessions, and headed off on a lap of Australia. If you’re feeling the pressures of life and looking to make a change this episode might just inspire you to do it. Warning, after listening you may follow your dreams, get outside, and challenge the path you've been told to follow. 

*This podcast episode mentions suicide. If you or somebody you know needs help please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

 In this chat we cover: 

Follow along with this travelling family over on their Instagram @onefinevan and website. 

Ready for an adventure of your own? Check out the We Are Explorer's Adventure Map to discover trails, wild swimming, campsites, National Parks and more.  Follow @we_are_explorers on Instagram for your daily dose of travel inspiration. 

Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us to continue bringing you epic adventure content!  

Thanks to We Are Explorer's Founder Henry Brydon for hosting this week.

Produced by Sian Brain. 

Lucy Barnard is halfway to her goal of walking the length of the world. Whether you want to plan your own adventure overseas and need logistics advice from a seasoned pro, or are looking for inspiration to follow your dreams - this chat will have you questioning what you thought was possible for yourself. 

 In this chat we cover: 

You can follow along Lucy and Wombat's adventure over on her Instagram @tanglesandtail and on YouTube for the complete cinematic experience. 

Ready for an adventure of your own? Check out the We Are Explorer's Adventure Map to discover trails, wild swimming, campsites, National Parks and more.  Follow @we_are_explorers on Instagram for your daily dose of travel inspiration. 

Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us to continue bringing you epic adventure content!  

Thanks to We Are Explorer's News and Features Editor Amy Fairall for hosting this week.

Produced by Sian Brain. 

Sarah Pendergrass is a Swiss army knife with her hand in illustration, podcasting, writing, and of course all kinds of adventure pursuits. In this episode, We Are Explorers Publisher Tim chats to Sarah about adventure identity, passion projects and bringing to life those big goals we dream of. 

 In this chat we cover: 

You can follow along Sarah's adventures on her Instagram @allthegearnaeidea and check out her unique gear and outdoor illustrations at @allthegear.illustrated. If you love the We Are Explorers podcast, then you'll absolutely love Into The Wee Hours Podcast where Sarah and co-host Kristen Vautin share the stories of everyday adventurers. 

Support Sarah as she runs the length of Scotland (including the islands!) while fundraising for Free to Run, an incredible NGO whose mission is to enable women and girls to safely and boldly engage in outdoor activity in conflict-affected regions like Iraq and Afghanistan. Donate to her campaign here. 

Ready for an adventure of your own? Check out the We Are Explorer's Adventure Map to discover trails, wild swimming, campsites, National Parks and more.  Follow @we_are_explorers on Instagram for your daily dose of travel inspiration. 

Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us to continue bringing you epic adventure content!  

Thanks to We Are Explorer's Publisher Tim Ashelford for hosting this week.

Produced by Sian Brain. 

Paul Watkins races in marathons, but not just any old marathons. He battles it out for over a week, across 600kms of the frozen terrain in the Arctic Circle. This gruelling race is self supported in conditions that reach below -40 degrees celsius, with lack of sleep and little food, we had to find out what keeps driving Paul to go back and do it all over again. 

 In this chat we cover: 

You can keep up to date with what wild adventure Paul is up to next on his website and his Instagram @the.rogue.scholar. Paul also wrote a book about his journey called Lost & Found, it's a great winter read, tucked in by a raging fire while you marvel over the gruelling experience. 

Ready for an adventure of your own? Check out the We Are Explorer's Adventure Map to discover trails, wild swimming, campsites, National Parks and more.  Follow @we_are_explorers on Instagram for your daily dose of travel inspiration. 

Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us continue to bring you epic adventure content!  

Thanks to We Are Explorer's Founder Henry Brydon for hosting this week.

Produced by Sian Brain. 

Ever wanted to give up all your possessions, quit your job and go and live in the wilderness? That's what Miriam Lancewood planned to do for a year with her husband in New Zealand, and then 7 years went by.

 In this chat we cover: 

Miriam's Books
2023 - Wilder Journeys
2020 - Wild at Heart
2017 - Woman in the Wilderness

Ready for an adventure of your own? Check out the We Are Explorer's Adventure Map to discover trails, wild swimming, campsites, National Parks and more.  Follow @we_are_explorers on Instagram for your daily dose of travel inspiration. 

Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us continue to bring you epic adventure content!  

Thanks to We Are Explorer's News and Features Editor Amy Fairall for hosting this week.

Produced by Sian Brain. 

Calumn Hockey is a self-taught adventure photographer who has embarked on a path as a conservation advocate. 

From humble beginnings using a compact digital camera (that broke after it got too dusty, RIP), he now captures compelling images showing devastating deforestation, climate change, and the plight of protest groups.

In this chat we cover: 

See Calumn’s striking imagery on his website and Instagram and get inspired to do good and follow your passions.

Make sure to follow @we_are_explorers on Instagram for your daily dose of adventure. Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It helps us continue to bring you epic adventure content!  

Thanks to We Are Explorers Publisher Tim Ashelford for hosting this week.

Producer - Sian Brain

After cycling 5,000kms off road from Canada to Mexico along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route Richelle Olsen discovered that women around her lacked self confidence and belief in their ability to go on adventures of their own. She decided to do something about it.

Richelle started Escaping Your Comfort Zone, a body positive adventure and hiking club for women and non binary people, to make adventure more accessible and to be a cheerleader for people who underestimate themselves. No one gets left behind and everyone feels seen.

In this chat we cover: 

 
Want to join in on the fun? Head to Escaping Your Comfort Zone to join an event, follow along on Instagram @escapingyourcomfortzone and keep tabs on what Richelle is up to @richelleridesbikesandwaves.

Follow @we_are_explorers on Instagram for your daily dose of adventure and check out our websiteweareexplorers.co for destination guides, road trip itineraries and adventures from all over the country. 

Thanks to Amy Fairall our News and Features Editor for hosting this week. 

Producer - Sian Brain

Tim chats with full time explorer and travel writer Elisha Donkin on her experience hiking the Heysen Trail. 

The Heysen trail is a 1200km Thru Hike in South Australia stretching from Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges in the north to Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula in the south. 


In this chat we cover: 

Check out Elishas adventures on her blog Beyond Wild Places or on Instagram @beyondwildplaces. 

Make sure to follow @we_are_explorers on Instagram for your daily dose of adventure. Enjoying the podcast? Why not subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an ep. It help us continue to bring you epic adventure content!  

Thanks to We Are Explorers Publisher Tim Ashelford for hosting this week.

Producer - Sian Brain

In this episode Henry has a yarn with survival instructor Alex Mileham and asked him a burning question - what  do you do in a survival situation in the depths of a Tasmanian winter?

After years of solo adventuring and training from some of the world's most renowned survival experts, Alex began to share his knowledge with others through wilderness survival courses. From bushcraft to mindset, Alex's whole philosophy can be summed up into these three words - Never give up.
 
In this chat we cover: 

Follow @we_are_explorers on Instagram for your daily dose of adventure.

Ready to take on some survival training? Check out Survival Courses Tasmania here.

Thanks to We Are Explorers Founder Henry Brydon for hosting this week.

Producer - Sian Brain

In this episode we chat with Dr Kate Grarock, a contestant on Alone Australia. She fills us in on how her background as an ecologist and avid solo hiker prepared her for the show and influenced her decisions while out there.
 
Do you have what it takes to go on Alone? Kate says yes... you do!   
 
In this chat we cover: 

Follow @we_are_explorers on Instagram for your daily dose of adventure.

Make sure to watch Alone Australia at 7.30pm Wednesdays on SBS and SBS On Demand and check out our websiteweareexplorers.co for weekly recaps on what went down.

You can follow Kate on her socials on YouTube and Instagram.   
 
Thanks to Tim Ashelford our Publisher for hosting this week. 

Producer - Sian Brain

In this episode we chat with Eva Davis-Boermans about what it's like to do a road trip around Australia, the highs, the challenges, and all the nitty gritty details in between.
 
In this chat we cover: 

You're in for a treat - Eva has shared her partner Adam's spreadsheet that tracked every cent they spent on the trip . Take a peek at this Excel masterpiece.

Follow @we_are_explorers on Instagram for your daily dose of adventure and check out our websiteweareexplorers.co for destination guides, road trip itineraries and adventures from all over the country. Head to our Adventure Mapfor inspiration to start planning your own trip around Aus! 

Check out Eva on Instagram @evadavisboermans for her trip highlights. 
 
Thanks to Amy Fairall our News and Features Editor for hosting this week. 

Producer - Sian Brain

In our final episode of our Inside Out  podcast series brought to you by Arc'teryx, we're riding with Evan from Terra Rosa Gear and chatting in his gear loft all things adventure, gear and sustainability.

Evan is the first design ambassador in Australia for Arc’teryx’s ReBird program, bringing new life to old gear by cutting up and stitching mishmash fabrics back together to create one-of-a-kind, recycled products. 

In Part Three of our Inside Out  podcast series brought to you by Arc'teryx, we're shredding mountain faces and huddling in the back of a van to chat to the folk at Mountain Safety Collective.

MSC is a non-profit community making backcountry travel safer in Australia. Listen up as we learn about alpine hazards and ski some fresh powder in the process!

Show Notes
Check out Mountain Safety Collective hazard reports - LINK
28:30 -
Rohan Kennedy Images of slides on The Sentinel Ridge - LINK
Mountain Safety Collective analysis of The Sentinel Ridge slides - LINK

43:50 -
Mountain Safety Collective hazard reports - LINK

In Part Two of our Inside Out  podcast series brought to you by Arc'teryx, we're scaling a cliff, mic in hand, to chat to Riley Edwards.

Riley’s a queer non-binary rock climber, outdoor enthusiast, LGBTQ+ advocate and educator. They are one of the founding members of Climbing QTs, a LGBTQ+ friendly social club on a mission to give everyone the opportunity to get outdoors and feel welcomed to the world of adventure – i.e a certified legend. 

The We Are Explorers podcast is back with a little help from our friends at Arc’teryx, and this time, we’re bringing you an extra special four-part series we like to call, Inside Out.

In Part One: Hike, Henry finds himself in the wilds of the Blue Mountains, chit-chatting away with hiking tour guide Dan Jee, better known as @hikeandseek.

Beau Miles is back with another super local short film that redefines adventure. Instead of running laps of his block, this time Beau’s turned his head skywards, towards the Big Gums.

The special episode was recorded up a gum tree and is hosted by our trusty friend and long-time contributor to We Are Explorers Pat Corden.

WATCH BIG GUMS HERE -->
https://weareexplorers.co/big-gums/
https://beaumiles.com/

In 2016 Neil launched an initiative to take immigrant and refugee youth on their maiden voyage into the bush. This volunteer-run community has since grown across the country, helping countless kids integrate, make friends and understand the importance of the bush within Australian culture.

This is such a wonderful story and I feel privileged to share it.

https://firsthikeproject.org.au/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTib4WQofCk

Simon French is a Tasmanian who’s committed his life to creating MTB and hiking trails around the world with his company Dirt Art. He also created the Maydena Bike Park in the Derwent Valley which is an adventure playground for anyone into riding. The number of people who have enjoyed the fruits of Simon’s labour and passion must number in the millions, and it seems like he’s just getting started. I really enjoyed chatting to this visionary man about his story, his approach to trail design and building a life around what you love.

https://www.dirtart.com.au/
https://www.maydenabikepark.com/

Athena and Leon Morton created the Port Fairy Adventure Film Festival - Australia’s first standalone international adventure film competition.

With absolutely zero event experience they decided to launch the 3 day event in 2019 and not only did they make it happen; they also absolutely nailed it.

I hope you enjoy listening to their story - you’ll hear about why they did this, their highs, their lows and also how important Google is when learning how to start a festival.

https://www.portfairyfilmfest.com/

Monique Farmer is an adventure guide who founded an outdoor adventure community called Women Want Adventure, running epic trips across Australia and New Zealand for like-minded female frothers who want to hike, kayak or canyon. Covid threw a fairly sizeable spanner in the works for Mon, but she’s bouncing back! I love what she’s doing with her company and enjoyed chatting about how and why she built this movement and where we’re at with equality in the outdoor industry.
https://www.womenwantadventure.com.au/

Andy's a psychologist who has dedicated his life to helping young people struggling with mental health, childhood trauma or drug and alcohol problems. He does this through Adventure Therapy. Based in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, his not-for-profit 'Human Nature Adventure Therapy' takes at-risk youth (around 14-19 years old) on 10 day wilderness expeditions. Using the power of nature, adventure and therapeutic practice these programs have been transformative for young people.
Human Nature Website // https://www.humannature.org.au
Ellie's Article // https://weareexplorers.co/at-risk-teens-go-bush-i-tag-along/

This week's guest is Fuchsia Sims, a woman on a mission to change the future of adventure travel. She’s the co-founder of the Adventure Junky app - earth’s sustainable travel game - and she’s spoken at events all over the world about all things sustainable travel. We discuss the future of travel, protecting the places we explore, her fascinating upbringing and saving your mate’s old dreadlock.

https://adventurejunky.earth/

Welcome to the Explorer Podcast.

Hosted by We Are Explorers founder Henry Brydon, this first episode delves into the mind of pro adventurer and all round ledge-bag Justin Jones. Jonesy's best known for kayaking to New Zealand unsupported, skiing to the South Pole (and back again) and trekking nearly 2000km across the outback with his wife and 18-month old daughter. We discuss how to face fear, the daily need for 'adventure thinking', the adventure-dad life and lots, lots more.

Justin Jones
http://justinjonesy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/justinrjonesy/

We Are Explorers
https://weareexplorers.co/
https://www.instagram.com/we_are_explorers/
https://www.facebook.com/weareexplorersANZ/