Adventure Pro Podcast

Today's podcast guest is Tom Smith, an adventure medic who's turned his love of the outdoors into a career that spans mountain fences, film sets, ski patrols and remote expeditions. Through his story we'll explore the moments that shape a path, the unexpected turns that force us to rethink "what's possible," and the quiet lessons that come from daring to stay curious. Tune in to hear a calm, candid conversation that invites you to reflect on your own journey—without spilling the secrets just yet. 🌲✨ I hope you enjoy this conversation with Tom as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one. If you'd prefer to watch the interview, you can find it on our Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@adventurepropodcast/  In this episode we discuss: How Tom's rural Welsh upbringing and early jobs shaped his "never sit still" mindset The life‑changing bout of septic peritonitis and how it redirected his path into film and medicine Building a career on the front line: rope rigging for a Vogue shoot, stunt‑register medics, and founding Remote Horizon Key resources for aspiring outdoor professionals – Aldo Kane's book, RedMed courses, and Shackleton's South Tom's vision for the adventure industry: less ego, more humility, and a return to genuine wanderlust If you'd like to find out more about Tom and get in touch you can do so here:  Remote Horizon: https://www.instagram.com/remote_horizon_ltd/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-smith-adventurefilm/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomandrewsmith/?hl=en    Here are links to the resources mentioned in the conversation: Tom Smith Showreel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlxRxy4W2oo  RedMed - https://redmed.education/  Lessons from the Edge, Aldo Kane - https://amzn.to/46kHTNl  South, Ernest Shackleton - https://amzn.to/4c64twR  About the Adventure Pro Podcast The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.  I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career, business or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email [email protected] and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one. If you'd like to support the podcast you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/adventurepropod  You can also find the podcast here:  https://www.instagram.com/adventurepropod  https://www.facebook.com/adventurepropod  https://twitter.com/adventurepropod 

Today we're joined by Ben Keen – the intrepid founder of The Adventure Element, a 13‑year‑old company that runs Duke of Edinburgh school expeditions and large‑scale multi‑activity challenge events for charities and corporates. Ben's also fresh from an epic solo bike‑tour of Vietnam – nearly 1,000 miles of gravel, rain‑soaked mountain passes, all of which we discuss in this episode. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Ben as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one. If you'd prefer to watch the interview, you can find it on our Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@adventurepropodcast/    In this episode we discuss: What his business Adventure Element actually does The challenges and benefits of having two very different products in a business The single biggest piece of advice Ben would give his younger self Ben's call to action for the wider outdoor industry Several valuable resources for outdoor entrepreneurs  The importance of a tight‑knit, high‑performing team Some practical ways of closing the pay gap for freelance staff How Ben cycled nearly 1000 miles across Vietnam solo and dealt with weather challenges. The simple, low‑cost way he shipped his bike in a cardboard box and got it re‑boxed in Hanoi. If you'd like to find out more about Ben and get in touch you can do so here:  WEBSITE: https://www.theadventureelement.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-keen-4b72a829a/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_adventure_element/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theadventureelement/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjOtaYQttpa_tr-2pmkpIKw  Here are links to the resources mentioned in the conversation: High Performance Podcast - https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/  About the Adventure Pro Podcast The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.  I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career, business or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email [email protected] and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one. If you'd like to support the podcast you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/adventurepropod  You can also find the podcast here:  https://www.instagram.com/adventurepropod  https://www.facebook.com/adventurepropod  https://twitter.com/adventurepropod   

Today's podcast guest is Alex Mortimer, an outdoor instructor and Compliance Director at Land & Wave, a hugely successful adventure business based in Dorset. We chat about how he got started, careers advice that counted, outdoor instructor training courses and how to balance homelife with a love of all things adventure.   I hope you enjoy this conversation with Alex as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one. If you'd prefer to watch the interview, you can find it on our Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@adventurepropodcast/    In this episode we discuss: - How to get started as an outdoor instructor - When to listen and when to ignore careers advice - The pros and cons of outdoor instructor training schemes - Promoting inclusion and diversity in the adventure industry - Starting with the end in mind - Feeling and living the weight of adventurous activities   If you'd like to find out more about Alex and get in touch you can do so here:  WEBSITE: https://landandwave.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-mortimer-307b25b4/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landandwave/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.mortimer3    Here are links to the resources mentioned in the conversation: Land & Wave Instructor Training: https://landandwave.co.uk/OutdoorInstructorTraining  Beach Lifeguard Qualifications: https://www.rlss.org.uk/national-vocational-beach-lifeguard-qualification  Raleigh International: https://raleighinternational.org/  Duchy College: https://duchy.ac.uk/  About the Adventure Pro Podcast The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.    I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career, business or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email [email protected] and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.   If you'd like to support the podcast you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/adventurepropod    You can also find the podcast here:  https://www.instagram.com/adventurepropod  https://www.facebook.com/adventurepropod  https://twitter.com/adventurepropod   

Today's podcast guest is Kate Capelli, founder of adventuressinthewild.com. After spending six years travelling the world she's built a fantastic business providing adventures throughout the world for women. In this episode we discuss: - How to empower women through adventure - The importance of a good website and online presence - Build a community first, business second - Tackling the lack of diversity in the outdoors - Managing cashflow in a travel company - Less booze, more hiking! I hope you enjoy this conversation with Kate as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one. If you'd prefer to watch the interview, you can find it on our Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@adventurepropodcast/  If you'd like to find out more about Kate and get in touch you can do so here:  WEBSITE: https://adventuressinthewild.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-capelli/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventuressinthewild/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuressinthewild    Here are links to the resources mentioned in the conversation: Meetup - https://www.meetup.com/adventuressinthewild/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/adventuressinthewild  National Navigation Award Scheme - https://nnas.org.uk/   F**k Work, Let's Play: Do What You Love and Get Paid for It book - https://amzn.to/3whFyUJ  Resilient Minds Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/7C4V1vfFfcDw9wlAMbN6vp    About the Adventure Pro Podcast The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.    I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career, business or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email [email protected] and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.   If you'd like to support the podcast you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/adventurepropod    You can also find the podcast here:  https://www.instagram.com/adventurepropod  https://www.facebook.com/adventurepropod  https://twitter.com/adventurepropod

Today's podcast guest is Chris Whittaker, a semi-nomadic outdoors guide and leader who has combined his passion for adventure and travel to create his own travel brand, Global Shenanigans. He has been paid to travel the world for over a decade, from kayaking in New Zealand to snowboarding in Canada, he has created an exciting life that many would envy. In this conversation we delve into how it all started, mistakes he's made along the way and what's next.   Before we chat to Chris, I wanted to let you know about my new course Become a Freelance Outdoor Instructor. It's a self-led online course that gives you practical advice, tips and resources about taking the leap to create a career in the outdoor industry. It's a course I basically wish I had access to when I started out, a sort of distillation of 15 plus years in the industry. Visit tomshooter.co.uk/courses to find out more.   I hope you enjoy this conversation with Chris as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one. If you'd prefer to watch the interview, you can find it on our Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@adventurepropodcast/    Right, onto the podcast with Chris Whittaker of Global Shenigans.   In this episode we discuss: - Gaining universally recognised qualifications - Spending nine months a year being paid to travel - Seeking career advice from a range of sources - Starting early with your own brand - The importance of building and maintaining your network   If you'd like to find out more about Nick and get in touch you can do so here:  WEBSITE: https://global-shenanigans.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-whittaker-418a9bab/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/global_shenanigans/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globalshenanigans  Twitter: https://twitter.com/G_Shenanigans_  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@global_shenanigans    Here are links to the resources mentioned in the conversation: Chris' books - https://globalshenanigans.gumroad.com/  Cornish Rock Tors - https://www.cornishrocktors.com/  Become a Freelance Instructor Course - www.tomshooter.co.uk/courses   About the Adventure Pro Podcast The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.    I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career, business or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email [email protected] and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.   If you'd like to support the podcast you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/adventurepropod    You can also find the podcast here:  https://www.instagram.com/adventurepropod  https://www.facebook.com/adventurepropod  https://twitter.com/adventurepropod

Today's podcast guest is Keith Crockford, founder of The Bucket List Company and Rock & Rapid Adventure. Based in North Devon, Keith spends around three months each year leading adventures globally in addition to running two very successful adventure businesses. He is also the host of BucketLister Podcast, a weekly podcast about travel and adventure around the world.   I hope you enjoy this conversation with Keith as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one. If you'd prefer to watch the interview, you can find it on our Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@adventurepropodcast/    In this episode we discuss: - How to find your first customer - The one skill that every adventure business owner should learn - Marketing with zero budget - Running a podcast about travel and adventure - Keith's bucket list   If you'd like to find out more about Keith and get in touch you can do so here:  WEBSITE: www.thebucketlistcompany.co.uk  https://rockandrapidadventures.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebucketlistcompany/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithcrockford/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_bucketlist_co/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bucketlistcompany  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bucket_ListCo  About the Adventure Pro Podcast The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.    I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career, business or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email [email protected] and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.   If you'd like to support the podcast you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/adventurepropod    You can also find the podcast here:  https://www.instagram.com/adventurepropod  https://www.facebook.com/adventurepropod  https://twitter.com/adventurepropod

Today's podcast guest is Belinda Kirk. Belinda is an explorer, mother, author and campaigner promoting the benefits of adventure on wellbeing and mental health. Her new book Adventure Revolution explores the benefits of adventure and why we need it now more than ever. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Belinda as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one. In this episode we discuss: - Embracing being feral at a young age - Her new book, Adventure Revolution: The life-changing power of choosing challenge - Work life balance being a mum - Evolving and learning to say no - The role of adventure in mental wellbeing - Adventure Mind, a conference that explores mental wellbeing through adventure   If you'd like to find out more about Belinda and get in touch you can do so here:  http://www.belindakirk.com   Explorer's Connect: https://www.explorersconnect.com/about-us  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/explorersconnect Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explorerbelinda  Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExplorerBelinda    Here are links to the resources mentioned in the conversation: Adventure Revolution book by Belinda Kirk: https://amzn.to/3YspnM0  Explorer's Connect: https://www.explorersconnect.com  Adventure Mind Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/885810104765790  Adventure Mind LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adventure-mind/  Adventure Mind Conference: https://www.explorersconnect.com/adventure-mind The Duke of Edinburgh Award: https://www.dofe.org/     About the Adventure Pro Podcast The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.  I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career, business or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email [email protected] and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one. If you'd like to support the podcast you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/adventurepropod  You can also find the podcast here:  https://www.instagram.com/adventurepropod  https://www.facebook.com/adventurepropod  https://twitter.com/adventurepropod

Today's podcast guest is Jo Bradshaw, a worldwide adventurer, expedition leader and public speaker. She's currently just one peak away from completing the seven summits and has raised thousands of pounds, and awareness for children's mental health charity, Place2Be.   I hope you enjoy this conversation with Jo as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one. If you'd prefer to watch the interview, you can find it on our Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@adventurepropodcast/    In this episode we discuss: - Jo's 'subtle bus' and a lesson in marketing - Taking the leap from a smart suit and shoes to jeans and a pair of walking boots - What it takes to climb the highest peak on each continent - Minimal underwear on expedition - Summiting Kilimanjaro over 34 times - Dispelling myths about climbing big mountains - Negative Nelly and Positive Polly and how to banish imposter syndrome   If you'd like to find out more about Jo and get in touch you can do so here:  WEBSITE: https://www.jobradshaw.co.uk/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-bradshaw-89b13885/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jobradshaw/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jobradshawadventurer    Here are links to the resources mentioned in the conversation: Jo Bradshaw Website - https://www.jobradshaw.co.uk/  Place2Be Charity - https://www.place2be.org.uk/  Jo's Seven Summit Fundraising Page - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/JoBradshawMighty90  Dave Cornthwaite Podcast - https://davecornthwaite.com/selfpropelledpodcast  Al Humphries Podcasts - https://alastairhumphreys.com/podcasts/  Sarah Williams Podcast - https://www.toughgirlchallenges.com/  Catie Friend Podcast - https://www.catiefriend.com/podcast  OS Maps App - https://tidd.ly/31y4aZe  About the Adventure Pro Podcast The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.    I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career, business or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email [email protected] and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.   If you'd like to support the podcast you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/adventurepropod    You can also find the podcast here:  https://www.instagram.com/adventurepropod  https://www.facebook.com/adventurepropod  https://twitter.com/adventurepropod 

Today's podcast guest is Nick Read. Nick owns and runs Pride Expeditions, an adventure travel company that offers LGBTQ+ friendly expeditions throughout the world. He is based in North Wales, is an active member of the Llanberis Mountain Rescue team and is regularly found playing in the mountains with his dog Peris (who also stars in this episode!).   I hope you enjoy this conversation with Nick as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.   In this episode we discuss: - Considerations when planning gay-friendly expeditions - The challenges faced by female guides in Africa - The Pink Summitteer, arrested  for being gay whilst climbing Elbrus - Joining the Llanberis Mountain Rescue team - The importance of networking - Being a role model and changing norms in LGBT+ adventure   If you'd like to find out more about Nick and get in touch you can do so here:  WEBSITE: www.prideexpeditions.co.uk   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pride-expeditions/  Instagram: www.instagram.com/prideexpeditions  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prideexpeditions/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/prideexped    Here are links to the resources mentioned in the conversation: Phill George Outdoor Lads The Pink Summitteer (https://www.instagram.com/pinksummits/)  Llanberis Mountain Rescue The Storey Arms About the Adventure Pro Podcast The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.    I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career, business or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email [email protected] and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.   If you'd like to support the podcast you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/adventurepropod    You can also find the podcast here:  https://www.instagram.com/adventurepropod  https://www.facebook.com/adventurepropod  https://twitter.com/adventurepropod 

Today's podcast guest is Tom Johnstone. Tom is an environmental scientist and outdoor professional based in North Wales. He runs supported mountain biking adventures through his business Carbon Monkey and has completed some epic bikepacking trips across Iceland and Norway (just to name a couple).  I hope you enjoy this conversation with Tom as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one. In this episode we discuss: - Undertaking bikepacking journeys in Scotland, Iceland and Norway - The importance of adventure for mental health - Improving accessibility of adventure for all  - What a Marine Mammal Medic callout entails - How the world is full of kind and caring people If you'd like to find out more about Tom and get in touch you can do so here:  www.carbon-monkey.co.uk   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-johnstone-111b961b3/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carbon.monkey Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecarbonmonkey/   Here are links to the resources mentioned in the conversation: The Black Dog Dance Club - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1873051399636642/  About the Adventure Pro Podcast The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.    I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career, business or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email [email protected] and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.   If you'd like to support the podcast you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/adventurepropod    You can also find the podcast here:  https://www.instagram.com/adventurepropod  https://www.facebook.com/adventurepropod  https://twitter.com/adventurepropod