Chaz Powell: Walking The Wildest Rivers In Africa

🎙️ Please make sure to click the 'Follow' the show – It really helps the show, Thanks!Today on Adventure Diaries I sit down with Chris McCaffrey — better known as @chrisinthecold — an adventurer who has tested himself on some of the toughest human powered challenges imaginable. From sailing as a teenager to attempting an unprepared row across the North Atlantic, to cycling 16 months across 21 countries, Chris has a knack for throwing himself into the unknown and coming back with stories of resilience, awe, and human connection.In this conversation, Chris shares what it’s like to face hurricanes at sea, capsizes, rescues by oil tankers, and the daily grind of pushing a bike across continents. His global cycle took him from Europe through the Silk Road, into the Pamirs, across Southeast Asia, and beyond. Along the way he battled illness, typhus, road collisions, and moments of collapse — yet also found kindness in strangers, moments of stillness in vast landscapes, and the perspective that comes from living on the edge of your limits.We cover the highs, lows, and the lessons that come with chasing audacious dreams. Chris reflects on fear, risk, and the difference between physical endurance and mental endurance. There are stories of six-foot monitor lizards in the road, collapsing in a Thai guesthouse, being taken in by strangers with no common language, and the stark beauty of cycling across the Pamir Mountains.Most of all, this is a story about why people step into the unknown, and what they learn about themselves when they do.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow Chris attempted to row the North Atlantic without rowing experience.The realities of long-distance cycle expeditions across 21 countries.Surviving hurricanes, capsize, illness, and isolation.The role of human kindness and connection in endurance adventures.Reflections on risk, fear, and pushing beyond personal limits.Resources & Links MentionedFollow Chris on Instagram: @chrisinthecoldAdventure Diaries on Instagram: @AdventureDiaries__Follow the show: Adventure Diaries PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, and don’t forget to 'Follow' the show. Every follow helps us bring more authentic stories of adventure, exploration, and the natural world.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!In this thought-provoking episode of Adventure Diaries, I’m joined by conservationist, academic, and author Jonny Hanson to explore one of the most complex and emotional topics in modern conservation: how humans and apex predators can share the land.Jonny is the author of Living with Lynx: Sharing Landscape with Big Cats, Wolves and Bears, a compelling blend of field research, personal story, and social insight. From the mountains of Malawi to the peaks of Nepal, and from Scottish farmlands to the Snow Leopard Conservancy, Jonny has spent his life navigating the thin line between wild nature and domestic life.We go deep on the ecological, emotional, and political dimensions of rewilding. What does it really mean to reintroduce predators like lynx and wolves to Britain and Ireland? What do they offer our ecosystems—and at what cost to farmers and communities?Jonny speaks candidly about his own conflicted identity as both a farmer and a conservationist, the damage done by illegal predator releases in Scotland, and the urgent need to build long-term trust and governance if we’re to truly live with wild nature once again.This episode is a journey into big landscapes, difficult questions, and the wild edges of our own imagination.🔍 What You’ll LearnWhy apex predators matter—and what they do that humans can’t replicateThe surprising story behind illegal lynx releases in ScotlandHow rewilding taps into both our deepest fears and wildest hopesLessons from Malawi, the Himalayas, and Swiss lynx coexistence projectsWhy conflict over predators is often really conflict between people🌍 Resources & Mentions📘 Living with Lynx by Jonny Hanson https://www.jonnyhanson.com🐆 Snow Leopard Conservancy https://snowleopardconservancy.org🎞️ Snow Leopard Trail – Jonny’s new documentary (screenings in 2025) Teaser: https://www.jonnyhanson.com📚 Feral by George Monbiot – rewilding inspiration https://www.monbiot.com/2013/05/27/feral/🎥 Gordon Buchanan – wildlife filmmaker (referenced story: grizzly bear in Scotland)🧭 Whether you're a farmer, naturalist, or nature-curious listener, this one will challenge your views and expand your sense of what wild really means.🎙️ Please make sure to click the 'Follow' the show – It helps more than you know.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 you stop chasing life... and start walking through it—one step at a time?In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, I sit down with Tom Turcich, the tenth person ever to walk around the world—and the first to do it with a dog. Over the course of seven years, six continents, and nearly 30,000 kilometers, Tom and his rescue pup Savannah navigated deserts, war zones, snowfields, mountains, and megacities. But what they really explored was the human condition—mortality, solitude, fear, love, and how to find peace in just existing.What began as a response to the sudden death of a close friend transformed into a global odyssey—one that asked more questions than it answered. We talk about:The real reason he chose to walk the worldWhat fear actually feels like in the middle of Central AmericaTraining Savannah into the perfect walking companionLiving through exhaustion, sickness, and uncertainty—and what it teaches youWhy photography became his gateway to connectionLetting go of social media, letting go of ego, and letting life just beWhat he thinks about adventure now, in his post-walk lifeFrom the wilds of the Atacama to the stillness of Antarctica, from dusty roads to TEDx stages, this is a reflection on what it means to live intentionally, with humility and grace.If you’ve ever questioned your path—or wondered what lies on the other side of fear—this one is for you.🔗 Resources & Mentions📖 The World Walk by Tom Turcich – Buy it here🐶 Savannah, the dog who walked the world – @theworldwalk📹 Tom’s TEDx Talk – Watch on YouTube✨ Key ThemesAdventure & Fear – Walking into the unknown with no backup plan Solitude & Resilience – What it means to be your own best company The Bond with Savannah – How a dog can become your home Slow Travel & Privilege – Seeing the world at human pace Letting Go – Of productivity, ambition, and becoming “more”🎙️ Please make sure to click the 'Follow' the show – It really helps the show, Thanks!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 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 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 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 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!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 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!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 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!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 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

🔗 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 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