Albert Weckman: Arctic Finland Expedition—300km Solo Through Lapland’s Remote Wilderness

🎙️ Please make sure to click the 'Follow' the show – It really helps the show, Thanks!What drives someone to venture deep into Arctic Finland—alone, for a month—armed with just a packraft, backpack, and wilderness grit?In this episode, I sit down with Finnish adventurer and political scientist Albert Weckman—also known for his YouTube and Instagram project Wilderness Bastards—to unpack his epic 300km solo expedition through the wild heart of Finnish Lapland.We cover Albert’s early connection to Finland’s vast archipelagos and forests, his formal survival training in harsh Arctic conditions, and the mindset shifts required for long solo adventures.Albert shares the highs and lows of his month-long trek through four remote regions:The Vatsari Wilderness, Finland’s wildest terrain bordering Russia and NorwayThe daunting Lake Inari, Finland’s third-largest lake, known for brutal windsThe swampy and mountainous Hammastunturi WildernessThe tranquil Lemmenjoki National Park, where his journey concludesWe dive into the unexpected moments—like a chance meeting with Bosnian fishermen who offered him beer and a Snickers—and explore deeper themes: mental resilience, the myth of needing expensive gear, and how solitude in the wild transforms your perspective.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be totally alone in the Arctic, this episode delivers.What You’ll Learn:How growing up in Finland’s archipelago shaped Albert’s adventurous mindsetThe brutal reality of survival training in minus 20°C with no food or shelterWhy planning safety in remote solo expeditions is absolutely non-negotiablePackrafting lessons from crossing Lake Inari with 40kg of gearHow adventure isn't about fancy equipment—but simple, deliberate experiencesResources & Mentions:Wilderness Bastards (Instagram & YouTube): Instagram | YouTubeA Life on Our Planet by David AttenboroughBioSur Foundation, Costa Rica (Rainforest Conservation): WebsiteLake Inari: More InfoLemmenjoki National Park: More InfoSend us a text 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

🎙️ Please make sure to click the 'Follow' the show – It really helps the show, Thanks!What if your next adventure wasn’t just a hike—but a journey into ancient traditions, mountain culture, and deep human connection?In this episode, I sit down with Gilbert Moukheiber—Lebanese adventurer, wilderness guide, and founder of 33 North—to explore one of the world’s most unexpected adventure destinations: Lebanon.From snow-covered peaks to ancient shepherd migration routes, Gilbert reveals how Lebanon’s dramatic geography lets you ski in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean by afternoon.We dive into the Boukaat Loubnan Trails, a 400km network winding through forgotten Roman temples, Phoenician trade routes, and remote shepherd communities. But this is far more than a trek—it’s a cultural expedition where you walk alongside shepherds, share their meals, and even help tend their goats.Gilbert also shares his vision for sustainable, community-driven tourism through his Wilderness and Adventure Academy, which trains guides and outdoor lovers in safe, respectful adventure practices—protecting both nature and heritage.What You’ll Learn:How human-powered adventure helps preserve Lebanon’s culture and landscapesThe magic of transhumance: shepherds’ seasonal migrations through the mountainsWhy Lebanon remains an underrated but world-class adventure destinationHow adventure tourism uplifts and sustains remote mountain communitiesPractical ways to explore Lebanon responsibly, beyond mass tourismExpect campfire stories, fresh-baked bread, and unforgettable moments of connection—this one is a true hidden gem.Please Check OutBoukaat Loubnan Trails | 33Northhttps://www.instagram.com/33northleb/Send us a text 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

🎙️ Please make sure to click the 'Follow' the show – It really helps the show, Thanks!In this raw and riveting episode of Adventure Diaries, I’m joined by expedition leader Chaz Powell—a man who walked into some of the most extreme wildernesses on Earth and returned with stories of survival, connection, and purpose. From dehydration in Zambia’s 50°C heat to being kidnapped in Mozambique, Chaz’s journey isn’t just about distance—it’s about transformation.We cover his treks along Africa’s wildest rivers—the Zambezi, Gambia, and Mangoky—where he faced wild animals, dodged bandits, and survived by intuition, diplomacy, and grit. But this isn’t just a story about adventure. It’s about how walking saved his life, pulled him out of a troubled past, and became his way of giving back—to people, to rivers, and to the wild.You’ll also hear about his off-grid plans in Scotland, reflections on fatherhood, bushcraft, and how a simple walk along the River Tay became a form of healing and tribute after losing his dad.🎧 What You’ll LearnIDEAS – How adventure can become a personal and societal turning point. INSIGHTS – What wild rivers teach us about life, growth, and human endurance. QUOTES – “Walking saved me. I’d just go—bag on back—and keep moving forward.” FACTS – The Zambezi River trek covered 3,000km over 137 days in 50°C heat. RECOMMENDATIONS – Walk your local river from source to sea. See what it teaches you.🔗 Resources & MentionsThe Wildest Journey – Chaz Powell’s websiteChaz Powell on InstagramAfrican Wildlife FoundationInto the Wild by Jon Krakauer – book inspirationSidetracked Magazine – Chaz’s Madagascar articleSend us a text 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

🎙️ Please make sure to click the 'Follow' the show – It really helps the show, Thanks!Louisa Hendry, aka The Scottish Geologist, joins me for a raw, funny, and unexpectedly mind-expanding chat about rocks, identity, tectonic plates, Instagram fame, and the untold beauty of Scotland’s ancient landscapes.From her early days smashing stones on the beach in Largs to running geology tours across the Highlands, Louisa’s story is a brilliant mix of passion, science, humour, and community. We get into everything from the geology of Loch Lomond, granite vs. magma, ancient oceans, volcanoes, climate change, and how she’s built a wildly successful brand by being unapologetically herself.Whether you think geology is dry or exciting..., this episode will open your eyes to the rocks beneath your feet—and make you think differently about stories they hold.🎥🎙️ Watch & Listen HereWhat You’ll Learn:IDEASHow Scotland’s rocks tell a billion-year-old storyWhy volcanic eruptions and climate shifts go hand in handHow geology helps explain the tech in your pocketWhat Mount Everest’s summit reveals about the ancient oceanThe unexpected connection between social media, geology, and dogsINSIGHTSYou don’t need a polished accent to educate and inspireGeological time reframes how we view climate, resilience, and human impactThe best way to spark curiosity is to lead with honesty and humourQUOTES"You could walk your dog across 3-billion-year-old rocks and never know it." "Geology’s not just rocks. It’s climate, tech, history—it’s everything." "I’m just being me, talking about rocks. Turns out, people love that."Episode TakeawayScotland’s landscapes aren’t just beautiful—they’re alive with stories, and Louisa is the guide we didn’t know we needed.Resources & Mentions🌍 Scott Rock Walks – Louisa’s geology tour company📱 @ScottishGeologist on Instagram🎙️ Follow the show here to catch all episodes exploring the natural world, adventure, and human potential.Send us a text 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

🎙️ Please make sure to click 'Follow' the show – It really helps the show. Thanks!In this emotional and unfiltered episode of Adventure Diaries, we welcome back Paul Harris, aka The Warrior Walker, for Part Two of his astonishing journey: walking over 20,000 kilometers around the UK—twice. From sleeping in graveyards and castles to withstanding minus 16°C winters alone in the Highlands, Paul opens up about solitude, near-death moments, mental health, kindness from strangers, and the aftershock of completing an adventure of this scale.🦌 Ever been stared down by a wild stag while sleeping under the stars?🥾 What does walking 135km on 90 minutes of sleep really do to your body and mind?💬 Why did people across the UK start calling Paul a brother, son, and friend—without ever knowing him?In this conversation, we go deep into:What You’ll LearnIDEAS • How a solo walk turned into a national movement of kindness and reconnection. • Why adventure isn’t about the destination—it’s the coffee stops, the hugs, and the small talk. • The reality of post-expedition burnout and how to find purpose again.INSIGHTS • You don’t need a plan, you need to start. • Community isn’t built on followers—it’s built on honest moments. • Letting go of baggage—literal and emotional—is freedom.QUOTES“The more you walk, the more you talk, the less you carry.”“One day, I won’t be able to hug these people or drink that coffee—so I just start walking.”Resources & Mentions📚 Book coming Autumn 2025 – Stay tuned!💪 Rock to Recovery – Veteran mental health support🌍 Doctors Without Borders – Global medical humanitarian aid🧭 Follow Paul: https://www.instagram.com/thewarriorwalker🗺️ Try the Local Adventure Tool (by Chris): Hiking Routes - Adventure DiariesEpisode TakeawayHardship doesn’t define us—how we share it does. Start walking. Start talking. And don’t carry it alone.🎙️ Watch & Listen Here or wherever you get your podcasts.Send us a text 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

🔗 Follow the Show & Support UsClick here to follow Adventure Diaries – new stories every week.Today on Adventure Diaries, we welcome Nina Helen Watson—a bright, inquisitive young explorer who turned a school assignment into a beautifully told podcast on one of the world’s greatest rivers: the Amazon.At almost ten years old, Nina guides us through the source of the Amazon near Mount Quehuisha in Peru, its astonishing biodiversity, and a few facts you may not believe—like how it once flowed in the opposite direction. She talks jaguars and giant otters, pink river dolphins and capybaras (her personal favorite), all while threading it together with the clarity and confidence of someone twice her age.What starts as a geography lesson quickly unfolds into something bigger: a celebration of curiosity, family support, storytelling, and the way learning can become magical when it’s shared.We talk about:Where the Amazon River really begins—and how close it is to the PacificThe complex ecosystems that sustain some of Earth’s rarest wildlifeHow the river flows through nine countries and multiple indigenous culturesNina’s personal favorites: from capybaras to rain-soaked camping tripsWhy local river cleanups matter—and how you can take partHer ‘Call to Adventure’ is a gentle one: go camping, reconnect with nature, and bring good snacks. And her ‘Pay it Forward’ is equally grounded—help clean up a local river and notice what grows around it.This episode is packed with joy, insight, and the reminder that wonder doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes, it sounds like a capybara pencil case and a story well told.📚 Resources & Mentions📍 Apacheta Valley & Mount Quehuisha, Peru – Source of the Amazon🐬 Pink River Dolphin – A unique Amazonian species🐊 Black Caiman – Apex predator of the Amazon🐒 Capybara – The world’s largest rodent🐍 Green Anaconda – One of the world’s biggest snakes🧭 Francisco de Orellana – Spanish explorer who named the river🌿 Indigenous river names like Riomar Tama📖 Dork Diaries – Nina’s favourite book🎬 The Lion King – Her favourite film🌍 Local River Cleanup – Nina’s Pay it Forward suggestion🏕️ Go Camping – Her Call to AdventureIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating, share it with a curious soul, or ask a young person what they love about nature. You might be surprised by the answer.Thanks for listening.Send us a textSupport 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

🎙️ Please make sure to click 'Follow' the show – It really helps the show. Thanks!Paul Harris: The Warrior Walker joins me for an unforgettable two-part conversation that begins in trauma and ends in transformation. A man who’s walked over 24,000 miles around the UK coastline—twice—Paul wasn’t chasing a record. He was trying to survive.From his early years as a shy, lost kid to becoming a Royal Marine, then a private security contractor in Kabul, Paul’s life has veered from extreme danger to deep reflection. He’s witnessed war, grief, and collapse. But it was a moment of breakdown back home, in the wake of losing a dream life in Thailand, that led to a message from a friend: “You should walk around the UK and write a book about it.” Paul did more than that. With no plan, no tent, and just £300, he started walking. And never stopped.In this episode, we go deep into:Walking as a tool for mental recovery and reconnectionLife in Afghanistan: the beauty, the trauma, and the wild storiesHow teaching kids in Thailand gave him more peace than war zonesThe power of vulnerability and why Instagram became his support networkFinding purpose through simplicity, grief, and cold nights under the starsWhether he was being watched by a wild stag in the middle of the night, dodging Taliban checkpoints, or sipping overpriced espresso in Kabul’s “Secret Garden” café—Paul’s story is one of radical honesty, resilience, and the healing magic of walking forward, one step at a time.Resources & References Mentioned  📷 The Warrior Walker on Instagram 🌟 What You’ll Learn IDEAS: How walking becomes a metaphor for rebuilding a broken life INSIGHTS: Grief can be fuel. Walking can be a spiritual act. QUOTES: “Be careful what you say to yourself. The warrior within you is listening.” FACTS: Paul walked more than the circumference of the Earth—twice. RECOMMENDATIONS: Don’t wait. Just take the first step. Send us a text 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

🎙️ Please make sure to click the 'Follow' the show - It really helps the show, Thanks!What does it take to survive the extremes—not just of the wild, nature, but of pressure, fatigue, and the unpredictable?In this episode, I sit down with Megan Hine, one of the most trusted survival consultants, expedition leaders, and adventure safety producers on the planet. From guiding A-list celebrities across jungle gorges and desert canyons to building trust with tribes, cartels, and government fixers in far-flung corners of the world—Megan’s story is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and reading the wild.We dig into Megan's roots—from muddy childhoods in Snowdonia to cycling the Malvern Hills, her ADHD diagnosis, and how early outdoor exposure lit a lifelong fire. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from Man vs. Wild, talks about the psychology of rigging fake-peril challenges, and explains how STOP and the Survival Rule of 3 can help you avoid panic and poor decisions in the wild—or modern life.There’s grit, humour, and wisdom throughout this one. Whether you're leading a team or just need a push to step outdoors, Megan's stories might change how you view risk, trust, and what it means to truly be alive.🎥🎙️ Watch Here👉 YouTube What You’ll Learn🧠 IDEAS • Why perception of risk often matters more than the actual danger • How wilderness lessons apply to leadership, TV, and life • The role of empathy and autonomy in high-stress team dynamics🪖 INSIGHTS • “Luck opens the door, but graft keeps it open.” • Good fixers are the unsung heroes of global adventure filmmaking • Burnout isn’t just physical—it’s emotional backlog catching up once the mission ends📚 REFERENCES • Land of the Long White Cloud (book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39345619 • The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien • Cliffhanger (film) • STOP Framework: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan • UK Scouting: https://www.scouts.org.uk • PSYCH Media Solutions (Megan's company): https://www.psychmediasolutions.com • Megan Hine Instagram: @megan_hine🌍 FACTS • Megan once lowered a Jeep Wrangler on a single rope • She’s led safety for shows involving 400+ crew in remote terrain • Lyme disease, caught in the UK, changed her approach to adventure health🎒 Episode TakeawayYou don’t need a passport or a plan—adventure begins the moment you step outside your front doorSend us a text 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

Please make sure to click the 'Follow' the show - It Really helps the show, Thanks!What if the heart of adventure isn’t in conquering landscapes, but in the friendships you forge along the way? In this episode, expedition cyclist and filmmaker Gerhard Czerner joins us to reflect on what it really means to travel deeply—where human connection becomes the compass and the journey is shared.LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE HEREGerhard’s pay-it-forward isn’t about a single organization. It’s about a philosophy: give something back. Whether it’s hiring local guides, teaching a skill, or sharing a story, his adventures are built on mutual exchange. “It’s not just about giving money,” he says. “It’s about giving ideas, time, and respect.” For Gerhard, this creates richer, more grounded travel—and often friendships that last years.His call to adventure is refreshingly analog: go out for two days with no map, no GPS, no phone. Just your instincts. Just the land. Adventure, he reminds us, isn’t about distance—it’s about uncertainty. If you don’t know exactly what will happen, you’re already on your way.Lesson: You don’t need to fly to the Karakoram to feel something stir. You just need to step away from routine. Strip back the plans. Make space for the unknown. As Gerhard puts it, “Adventure begins when you leave your habits behind.”Resources & Guest Links:Gerhard CzernerWebsite: gerhardczerner.comInstagram: @gerhardczernerYouTube: Gerhard CzernerArticles: Sidetracked Magazine and other publications Note: Gerhard’s site is in German but easily viewable via browser translation tools.Send us a textSupport 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

Please make sure to click the 'Follow' the show - It Really helps the show, Thanks!What happens when a bear sneaks up behind you—while you’re mid-squat in the Alaskan wilderness? For Erin Ranney, it's just another story from the field. In this episode RECAP, Erin—wildlife cinematographer, conservationist, and chicken-showing champion! —joins us for a conversation that blends humour, purpose, and awe for the natural world.LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE HEREErin’s pay-it-forward suggestions are deeply rooted in the landscapes and communities she works with. She champions two powerful causes in Alaska:Defend Yakutat: A small nonprofit working to protect traditional fishing grounds in Yakutat, Alaska.United Tribes of Bristol Bay: An Indigenous-led coalition fighting to preserve the vital ecosystems of Bristol Bay from threats like the proposed Pebble Mine.Both organizations exemplify what Erin stands for—local voices, cultural stewardship, and protecting what’s irreplaceable.For her call to adventure, Erin keeps it close to home: “Explore your backyard like you’ve never been there before.” Whether it's taking a visitor around your hometown or stepping onto a trail you’ve overlooked for years, there's wonder waiting. And chances are, you’ll see things differently when you’re showing someone else the ropes. Big adventures don’t require big distances. Whether you’re hiking through old growth or showing a friend the trail for the first time, connection is the real journey. Add in Erin’s guiding mantra—lift as you climb—and it’s clear: exploration is better when it includes others.Also, you’ll want to hear about her former life as a champion chicken show-er. Trust us.Resources & Guest Links:Erin RanneyWebsite: erinranney.comInstagram: @e.ranneyCharity Mentions:Defend Yakutat: defendyakutat.orgUnited Tribes of Bristol Bay: utbb.orgSend us a textSupport 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