Valerie Gagne: My Path to Wild Adventures, Expeditions & Self-Discovery

Send us a textn this fascinating episode of Adventure Diaries, we welcome legendary explorer Benedict Allen, whose remarkable journeys span decades and continents. From surviving ambushes by Pablo Escobar’s men to undergoing the brutal crocodile initiation ceremony with the Niara tribe in Papua New Guinea, Benedict’s stories are nothing short of extraordinary.We delve into his heartfelt reunion with the Yaifo tribe after 27 years, a moment of celebration and resilience that symbolized hope amidst the challenges of gold mining and environmental destruction. Benedict shares his unique philosophy on exploration—emphasizing vulnerability, trust, and learning from indigenous cultures over conquest or adrenaline-fueled escapades.Discover how Benedict balances the ethical dilemmas of documenting endangered cultures, the impact of modern media on his work, and the lessons he’s learned from tribes thriving against all odds. He also shares practical advice for anyone seeking adventure, including the importance of dedicating sacred time to explore and reconnect with the world around you.This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration, wisdom, and stories that will ignite your passion for adventure and humanity.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The transformative power of vulnerability in connecting with remote tribes.How the Yaifo thrived by isolating themselves from the chaos of gold mining.Insights into the brutal yet life-altering Niara crocodile initiation ceremony.The ethics and challenges of documenting uncontacted tribes.Why Benedict believes adventure is more relevant than ever in today’s interconnected world.Episode Highlights:Benedict's near-death encounters and how they shaped his view of exploration.The Yaifo’s extraordinary resilience and how their culture has adapted over decades.Reflections on the media’s distortion of exploration narratives.The importance of balancing risk with ethical responsibility in modern adventuring.Benedict’s advice to set aside sacred time for personal adventures.Call to Action:Inspired by Benedict’s stories? Plan your own adventure, big or small! Start by dedicating a weekend to explore something new in your area.Resources & Mentions:Visit Benedict Allen’s website for books and updates.Support the Environmental Justice Foundation and Save the Rhino Trust, two causes close to Benedict’s heart.Learn more about this episode and others at AdventureDiaries.com/podcast.Let’s Connect:Follow Adventure Diaries on Instagram: @adventurediariespodcastShare your thoughts on this episode and leave a review!Until next time, embrace the adventure and pay it forward. 🌍✨ Support the showThanks For Listening.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates. Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]. AdventureDiaries.com#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Send us a textIn this episode of Adventure Diaries, we’re joined by the remarkable Alice Morrison, Scottish adventurer, writer, and BBC presenter. From her childhood in Uganda to her current life in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, Alice’s story is one of curiosity, resilience, and fearless exploration. We dive into her transformative experiences, from tackling the grueling Marathon des Sables and cycling 12,500 km from Cairo to Cape Town, to trekking across deserts and climbing mountains.Alice shares how she immersed herself in Arabic culture, navigated challenges like near-death encounters with elephants, and developed a deep respect for Morocco’s rich traditions. She also discusses her upcoming BBC series, Arabian Adventures: Secrets of the Nabataeans, and her ambitious plans for a Saudi Arabian expedition. Along the way, Alice offers powerful insights on pursuing adventure, embracing cultural differences, and facing challenges with courage and humor.This episode will inspire you to tackle the "niggling" goals in your life and embrace the unknown, whether it’s climbing a mountain, running a race, or simply stepping out of your comfort zone.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The cultural and historical richness of Morocco and Timbuktu.How Alice overcame physical and mental limits in extreme adventures.The profound lessons learned from living among the Amazigh (Berber) community.Insights on respecting cultural differences and challenging personal biases.How to turn small steps into big adventures.Notable Adventures Discussed:Marathon des Sables: Six marathons in six days across the Moroccan desert.Cycling Cairo to Cape Town: A 12,500-km race through diverse African landscapes.Exploring Timbuktu: Navigating the cultural and political challenges of this historic city.Alice’s journey into the heart of Morocco’s tannery craftsmanship.Call to Action:Pay It Forward: Support Salve Uganda, an organization transforming the lives of street children through education and care.Call to Adventure: Pursue the one goal that’s been on your mind—don’t wait for the perfect time, start now!Connect with Alice Morrison:Website: alicemorrison.co.ukInstagram: @AliceOutThere1Watch her new BBC series Arabian Adventures: Secrets of the Nabataeans in June 2024.Tune in and let Alice Morrison’s incredible stories inspire your next adventure! Support the showThanks For Listening.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates. Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]. AdventureDiaries.com#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Send us a textIn this episode i sit down with Mark Agnew, an accomplished adventurer and a member of the Arctic Cowboys, to explore his extraordinary journey kayaking the Northwest Passage. Mark recounts the challenges, wildlife encounters, and transformative experiences during the 1,600-mile expedition through Canada’s Arctic. From narrowly escaping crushing ice to awe-inspiring moments with narwhals and polar bears, this conversation dives into the essence of adventure and personal growth.Mark shares how failure in earlier expeditions reshaped his approach to exploration, focusing on performance, discovery, and relationships. Listeners will learn about the immense physical and mental challenges of Arctic expeditions, the camaraderie among teammates, and the profound beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or someone seeking inspiration for your first outdoor journey, this episode offers invaluable insights into the spirit of exploration and resilience.What You'll Learn:The challenges of navigating Arctic ice and subzero conditions.Mark’s personal growth after failing twice to row the Atlantic.How camaraderie and shared goals define the adventure experience.Fascinating wildlife encounters, including narwhals, bowhead whales, and polar bears.Tips for starting your own adventures, whether local or grand in scale.Highlights from the Episode:Hydration Challenges: Frozen water and meal replacements tested their resourcefulness in extreme conditions.Wildlife Encounters: Mark shares incredible stories of narwhals’ synchronized movements and close calls with polar bears.Reframing Success: Mark shifted from external validation to intrinsic goals like camaraderie and immersion in nature.Contentment After Adventure: Achieving the Northwest Passage brought not just pride but lasting satisfaction.Practical Advice: Start small, embrace simplicity, and don’t let logistics deter your sense of adventure.About Mark Agnew:Mark Agnew is a European Adventurer of the Year and author of the upcoming book There Will Be Headwinds (June 2025). Follow Mark’s adventures on Instagram and Twitter (@AdventureAgnew) or visit his website adventureagnew.com.Call to Action:Ready to embark on your own adventure? Whether it’s hiking local trails or planning a grand expedition, the journey starts with one step. Check out the Wilderness Foundation UK to support mental health through nature and visit adventurediaries.com/podcast for more inspiring stories.Follow Adventure Diaries:Stay connected with us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for updates, tips, and exclusive content. Let’s inspire your next adventure! Support the showThanks For Listening.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates. Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]. AdventureDiaries.com#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Send us a textPlease Visit AdventureDiaries.com/StartWelcome to another episode of Adventure Diaries! Today, Chris sits down with Valerie Gagne, aka The Running Panda, an elite athlete turned seasoned adventurer. Valerie’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the transformative power of exploration. From competing at a national level in cross-country skiing and rowing to undertaking solo expeditions in some of the harshest environments, Valerie shares her story of pushing personal limits and embracing adventure as a way of life.In this episode, Valerie opens up about her early love for sports, her Olympic dreams, and the pivotal moments that shifted her focus from competition to adventure. She recounts the life-changing experience of participating in an Impossible to Possible (I2P) expedition through the Atacama Desert, where she learned to embrace teamwork, vulnerability, and collaboration. Valerie also takes us through her solo ski expedition around the Eye of Quebec, an incredible 190-kilometer journey through challenging winter conditions, where she built confidence by mastering essential survival skills.We explore:Valerie’s early life in an athletic family and her passion for outdoor sports.How setbacks in competitive sports led to her transition into adventure.The role of I2P in teaching resilience, teamwork, and leadership.Mentorship from adventurer Ray Zahab and its impact on her journey.The challenges of solo expeditions, including battling slush, injury, and solitude.How adventures cultivate mental strength, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills.Valerie’s plans for future Arctic explorations and her love for local “backyard” adventures.Valerie’s story is an inspiring call to embrace both small, local adventures and bold, life-changing expeditions. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or seeking motivation to step outside your comfort zone, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.Links and Resources:Follow Valerie: Instagram and TikTok - @_therunningpandaLearn about Impossible to Possible: Impossible2Possible.comExplore Valerie’s Adventures: Eye of Quebec, Lake Baikal, Baffin IslandCall to Action:Feeling inspired? Start your own adventure—whether it’s a backyard hike or a polar expedition. Sometimes, the biggest rewards come from simply taking that first step.For more episodes and show notes, visit AdventureDiaries.com. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform! Support the showThanks For Listening.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates. Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]. AdventureDiaries.com#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Send us a textIn this episode of Adventure Diaries, host Chris Watson sits down with Anders Andersen, the founder of Wild Tales Inc., who shares his journey from Denmark to the unchartered jungles of Guyana. Known for leading transformative jungle survival expeditions, Anders provides an insider’s look into the unique adventures he facilitates, guiding participants through some of South America’s most remote and wildlife-rich areas.As a pioneer of jungle survival courses, Anders trains adventurers in essential wilderness skills like fishing, foraging, and shelter-building. His courses culminate in an isolation phase where each participant is left alone in the jungle to test their abilities, confronting both nature and themselves. This experience, Anders says, teaches resilience, respect for the environment, and the mental strength to thrive in an unfamiliar world. His “Stop, Think, Organize, Plan” method helps survivalists manage the jungle’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of caution, planning, and respect for nature.Throughout his expeditions, Anders works closely with Indigenous communities, integrating their knowledge, customs, and sustainable practices into each journey. He explains how these partnerships foster economic support for local villages, with tourism revenue directly benefiting communities. Anders’ approach to conservation tourism not only helps preserve the Amazon’s rich biodiversity but also ensures that every adventure positively impacts the environment and Indigenous cultures.Key Highlights:Survival Training: Anders’ courses are intensive, guiding participants through skills like fishing, foraging, and shelter-building, ending with a challenging jungle isolation phase.Wild Encounters: From jaguars and black caimans to bullet ants and piranhas, Anders’ expeditions provide unmatched wildlife encounters, offering a true wilderness experience.Conservation and Community Impact: Wild Tales Inc. promotes ethical tourism by working with Indigenous communities, ensuring direct benefits and preserving traditional knowledge and natural resources.Reflection and Resilience: The isolation phase allows adventurers to face their fears, build resilience, and foster a deep connection to nature.For anyone looking to experience a raw, unfiltered connection with nature, Anders’ Wild Tales expeditions offer the chance to test oneself, support local communities, and gain a profound respect for the Amazon’s wonders. This episode is a must-listen for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.Visit: Jungle Exploration and Adventures | The Wildtales Inc.Follow Anders: TheJungleBlog Support the showThanks For Listening.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates. Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]. AdventureDiaries.com#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Send us a text In this episode of Adventure Diaries, Chris Watson interviews Mitch Hutchcraft, an adventurer on an awe-inspiring mission called Project Limitless. Mitch plans to journey from Dover to Everest’s summit, breaking boundaries by swimming the English Channel, cycling across Europe and Asia, and finally trekking to the top of the world. He shares the personal experiences that inspired this ambitious journey, from his early solo climb of Kilimanjaro at 16, to rowing the Atlantic and serving with the Royal Marines. Mitch dives into his intense training, mental resilience, and commitment to conservation, making this episode a must-listen for anyone ready to push their limits. Topics Covered in This EpisodeProject Limitless: Mitch’s 12,000 km journey from Dover to Everest, combining cycling, swimming, trekking, and climbing.The Call to Adventure: How climbing Kilimanjaro at 16 ignited Mitch’s passion for extreme exploration.Endurance Challenges: Mitch’s Atlantic row and cross-America cycle as preparation for Project Limitless.Training and Preparation: Inside Mitch’s endurance workouts, including open-water swimming and long-distance cycling.The Marine Mindset: Lessons from the Royal Marines that built Mitch’s resilience.Mental Fortitude: Mitch’s techniques for breaking down complex challenges to stay focused.Adventure for a Cause: Partnering with SAVSIM to support wildlife conservation and veteran mental health.Cultural Exploration: Mitch’s anticipation of meeting people across Iran, Pakistan, and Nepal.Logistics of a World-First Expedition: The intricate planning required for this unsupported journey.Inspiring Others: Mitch’s goal to show others how to push their own boundaries.Key Quotes"Adventure isn’t about the finish line; it’s about the countless steps and people you meet.""The Marines taught me to be cheerful in the face of adversity; that’s crucial for Limitless.""Focus on why you’re doing it when things get tough—my dad, the cause, the people.""Project Limitless is my personal Everest, a test of physical and mental endurance across continents."What You’ll LearnMitch’s plan to reach Everest’s summit by swimming, cycling, and trekking.Mental techniques for maintaining focus through complex, long-term goals.How adventure can support mental health and foster personal resilience.The importance of connecting with diverse cultures and landscapes.Mitch’s insights on building purpose, adaptability, and endurance.Adventure Recommendations: Mitch encourages listeners to embrace adventure by stepping outside their comfort zones. Start small—explore local national parks, try wild camping, or take a cold-water dip. Connect with Mitch Hutchcraft:Follow Mitch’sInstagram: @_mithchutchWebsite: 12,000 km to Support the showThanks For Listening.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates. Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]. AdventureDiaries.com#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Send us a textReady for even more from the Adventure Diaries Podcast? Join us adventurediaries.com/patreonA special announcement introducing our Patreon Community with exciting new segments and exclusive content just for our Patreon! This introduces a whole new layer to the Adventure Diaries experience, offering you an up-close, personal, and entertaining look into the lives of our incredible guests.What’s Inside:Exclusive Segments: Curious about our guests’ hidden talents, craziest moments, and all-time favorite books or movies? what SCARES them? Now’s your chance to dive deeper into the personalities behind the adventures.Candid Conversations: Get the inside scoop on guests’ funniest and most awkward moments, revealing their most relatable sides.Interactive Perks: Submit your own questions for future episodes, vote on upcoming show topics, and influence our content direction.Video Highlights: Patreon subscribers get exclusive visual highlights from episodes, adding a whole new dimension to the Adventure Diaries!Why Join Us on Patreon? Our Patreon community allows you to support the Adventure Diaries podcast while enjoying content tailored and entertaining content just for you. This isn’t just about listening—it’s about becoming part of the story. Your support will help us continue producing high-quality episodes, while you enjoy special perks and even more insights into the adventurous and personable world of our guests.Patreon Perks Include:Access to exclusive entertainment segments with behind-the-scenes content.Opportunity to submit questions for future guest interviews.Voting power to help shape future podcast episodes.Video highlights and Patreon-only specials (episodes, events).Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with Adventure Diaries. Head over to adventurediaries.com/patreon or check the show notes for more details.Join us today at adventurediaries.com/patreon and get closer to the adventure!Support the showThanks For Listening.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates. Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]. AdventureDiaries.com#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Send us a textJoin Chris Watson as he interviews filmmaker, adventurer, and podcast host Matt Pycroft, known for his captivating adventure films and insights on The Adventure Podcast. In this episode, Matt shares his journey from a curious, troubled youth to a leading voice in adventure storytelling. Exploring pivotal moments that shaped his career, we dive into Matt’s groundbreaking expeditions with Cold House Collective, his evolving philosophy, and why he believes adventure is a transformative state of mind. Covering topics like ego, masculinity, and the balance between bravery and vulnerability, Matt’s reflections offer a new perspective on exploration.Episode Highlights:Early Years: From bullied teen to outdoor advocate through education in the Lake District.Cold House Collective Origins: Building a brand on authentic adventure storytelling and high-stakes filmmaking.Redefining Adventure: Matt’s view that adventure is a state of mind, accessible to everyone.Behind the Lens with Nat Geo: Filming Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold and navigating high-pressure shoots.Mental Health & Authenticity: Overcoming imposter syndrome, therapy, and staying real in a competitive industry.Inspiring Legacy: The lasting impact of his work on others, reflections on fatherhood, and living with purpose.Call to Adventure & Advocacy: Encouraging local adventure and support for environmental initiatives, including the Right to Roam.Key Quotes:"Adventure is a mindset, not an activity. You can find it in your backyard.""The real purpose of adventure storytelling is to help people love and protect the natural world."Matt encourages listeners to embrace a mindset of adventure, whether by exploring a familiar neighborhood with new eyes or immersing themselves in nature without any planned agenda. His advice: Find five things you haven’t noticed before and let curiosity guide you.Pay It Forward:Matt recommends supporting 1% for the Planet, an organization dedicated to environmental stewardship, and advocates for the Right to Roam movement, encouraging listeners to experience the freedom of nature and support access to land for all.Resources Mentioned:Cold House Collective – Matt’s film production company known for its authentic and adventurous storytelling.The Adventure Podcast – Matt’s own podcast where he interviews explorers, filmmakers, and thought leaders.1% for the Planet – A global movement inspiring businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions.Book of Trespass by Nick Hayes – A deep dive into the Right to Roam campaign and the barriers that limit access to nature.Where to Find Matt Pycroft:Instagram | Cold House Collective | The Adventure Podcast Support the showThanks For Listening.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates. Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]. AdventureDiaries.com#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Send us a textIn this opening episode of season 3, we embark on a journey with Oli France, an adventurer whose expeditions span some of the most inhospitable places on Earth. Born in a quiet town in England, Oli’s curiosity about the world and the love for the outdoors has seem him to pursue a life of adventure, experiences and exploration that few can match. From the cycling the lowest point in Death Valley to the climbing the summit of Denali, he seeks out the planet’s extremes, driven by a desire to push human limits and connect with the world’s remote landscapes.Oli’s adventures have taken him to places most of us only read about—cycling solo through bear country, navigating glaciers riddled with crevasses, and being detained in authoritarian Uzbekistan. His ambition is to complete the Ultimate 7, a global expedition traversing the lowest to highest points on every continent. In this candid conversation, Oli shares not just the details of his treks, but the deeper truths of what it means to explore, endure, and thrive in the wilderness.What You'll Learn in this Episode:How a childhood fascination with world maps laid the foundation for a life of adventure.The tale of Oli’s arrest in Uzbekistan & his escape from one of the world’s strictest regimes.The physical and mental toll of cycling over 3,000 miles from Death Valley to Denali.Close encounters with grizzly bears in the wilds of North America and how Oli faced those fears.Navigating the glaciers of Alaska, where one wrong step could mean a deadly fall into a crevasse.The psychological and physical challenges of summiting Denali, North America's tallest and coldest peak.How teamwork, leadership, and risk management are crucial for survival in extreme environments.The next phases of the Ultimate 7 project, including Everest and Antarctica.Memorable Quotes:“There’s something about the wilderness that calls to me—it’s where I feel most alive.”“Being detained as a drug trafficker in Uzbekistan was the last thing I expected on my expedition.”“Denali doesn’t just test your physical strength, it wears you down mentally, day by day.”“Cycling through bear country was nerve-wracking—I knew they were out there, watching.”“The Ultimate 7 has been a decade in the making, and I’ve only just begun to scratch the surface.”Call to Adventure: Take a page from Oli’s Ultimate 7 project: Challenge yourself to discover the highest and lowest points in your own region. Whether by bike, on foot, or any other means, find a way to traverse the distance and reconnect with the wild places close to home. Pay It Forward: Oli encourages all adventurers to think carefully about where they spend their money when traveling. Supporting local guides, small businesses, and communities in remote areas is essential for sustaining these cultures.Connect with Oli France:Instagram: @Oli_FranceWebsite: https://www.wildedge.co/YouTube: Support the showThanks For Listening.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates. Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]. AdventureDiaries.com#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld

Send us a textPlease Visit: AdventureDiaries.com/highlightsAs we gear up for the launch of Season 3 of the Adventure Diaries podcast, I've got something special to share with you. I've created an exclusive video highlights package for Season 1!  …and season 2’s highlights are being created So, if you missed any episodes from our first season or just want to relive some of the most incredible stories and adventures, now is the perfect time to catch up.Head over to AdventureDiaries.com/highlights, and it will take you to our new Patreon page—where all of these highlight episodes are completely free!Yes free!    Each 10-minute, bite-sized video brings stories of  Trekking through the wilds of Madagascar and MongoliaClose encounters with polar bears in the ArcticSurviving 74 days in the Canadian wilderness on Grizzly MountainBehind-the-scenes of National Geographic's "Biggest & Baddest"Thrilling tales from US Navy SEAL and CIA missions200 days aboard the ISS with NASA astronauts An inspiring Atlantic crossing by a disabled sailorA journey through the majestic Pamirs in TajikistanGeological discoveries on Antarctica, an 8th continentAdventures in Morocco and harrowing experiences in Pakistani prisonsAn epic expedition to the South Pole in -58 degreesEndurance journeys across the Sahara and Baffin Island48-hour bite-sized adventure travels – all from DubaiExploring the roads less travelled with the Amateur Traveler The adventure diaries podcast is all about bring you authentic stories of adventure, exploration and the natural world are curated to inspire your next adventureSo why not come want the highlights and whet your appetite for the full length experienceVisit AdventureDiaries.com/highlights to access all the free highlight episodes. Plus, you'll get access to our community chat channel—to connect and network with me and othersSo help support the podcast and come visit us over on AdventureDiaries.com/highlightsSupport the showThanks For Listening.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates. Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected]. AdventureDiaries.com#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld