EP.063: Elise Wortley : The Valley of the Assassins and into Iran

On today's Podcast, we have Lucy Shepherd. Lucy is a British Explorer at the forefront of modern exploration from the Arctic to the rainforest. She has pursued all sorts of expeditions around the world.She has just returned from the Amazon where she and her incredible team of Amerindians crossed the entire Kanuku mountains from East to West. This pioneering expedition was over 250 miles, took 50 days and was full of epic tales as you will hear on the Podcast today. This protected, uncharted and arduous land put her through their paces.Today on the podcast, we talk about this expedition in the Kanuku MountainsLucy's WebsiteLucy's InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-modern-adventurer/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

MIKE COREY (ADVENTURER)On today's Podcast, we have Mike Corey. Mike Corey is a Youtuber, TV Host and Adventurer.After working for several years creating short films for tourism brands worldwide, he turned his sights to YouTube. He began an adventure travel channel focusing on the world's bizarre attractions and unique cultures. Participating in exploding hammer festivals, getting tattooed by a head hunter tattooist, and scuba diving in hydrogen sulphide are just a few of the adventures he's taken his viewers on.This week on the podcast, we are heading to turkey and exploring a place called satans castle, where what was meant to be a quiet night of solo camping turned into shots fired and my guest running from the police. I am delighted to introduce Mike Corey from Fearless and Far to the podcast.Mike's WebsiteMike's Instagram Mike's YoutubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-modern-adventurer/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Elise Wortley (Adventurer)On today's Podcast, we have Elise Wortley. Elise Wortley is an explorer and is going out, recreating the adventures of past explorers. Last year, we had her on the podcast talking about her incredible trip out in the Himalayas recreating the Alexandra David Neel expedition. This time, we are heading to Iran to recreate Freya Stark's The Valleys of the Assassins expedition.Review the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-modern-adventurer-podcast/id1535779210Today on the podcast, we talk about her story and about the issues she faced while travelling in Iran.Enjoyed the Show? Tag me @johnhorsfall on InstagramJoin the Adventure - https://mailchi.mp/44c55725379d/newsletter-page-ziba-adventuresElise's WebsiteElise's InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-modern-adventurer/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

TOBY NOWLAN (film-maker)Toby Nowlan is an award-winning journalist, explorer and biologist who produces wildlife documentaries. For the past four years, he worked on BBC1’s A Perfect Planet, a five-part series narrated by Sir David Attenborough.Review the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-modern-adventurer-podcast/id1535779210On the podcast today, Toby Nowlan shares his passion for the fight to save the critically endangered Javan rhino from extinction.We go with him on a mission to find one of the rarest animals on Earth, the Javan rhino. An opportunity rarely granted to Westerners to track these incredible animals in their natural habitat.Toby's InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-modern-adventurer/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

My next guest is an army officer, physiotherapist and endurance athlete. She became the first person to reach the south pole on foot in two years, completing the Trek and little over 40 days.Enjoyed the Show? Tag me @johnhorsfall on InstagramJoin the Adventure - https://mailchi.mp/44c55725379d/newsletter-page-ziba-adventuresIn January 2022, Preet Chandi, or 'polar Preet', became the first woman of colour to ski solo to the South Pole. She conquered temperatures of minus 50 and winds of up to 60 while pulling 90 kilos. Nonetheless, she completed her 700-mile challenge almost a week ahead of schedule, skiing from Hercules Inlet to the south pole and 40 days, seven hours and three minutes. She hopes her achievement will inspire others.Review the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-modern-adventurer-podcast/id1535779210Writing this expedition was always about so much more than me. I want to encourage people to push their boundaries and believe in themselves. And I want to be able to do it without being labelled. She is an inspiration and role model as the first woman of colour to complete this impressive feat. She said everybody starts somewhere, no matter where you're from or where the start line is.Preet's WebsitePreet's InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-modern-adventurer/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Belinda Kirk is an explorer and author who advocates the benefits of adventure. She has led many expeditions across countries like Nicaragua, Africa, China's Desert of Death and the United Kingdom for over twenty-five years.Enjoyed the Show? Tag me @johnhorsfall on InstagramJoin the Adventure - https://mailchi.mp/44c55725379d/newsletter-page-ziba-adventuresBelinda's most recent book is called 'Adventure Revolution' which explains why experience can be beneficial to our wellbeing. Drawing on lessons from leading groups into wildernesses and the latest findings in neuroscience as well as psychology, she shows how adventure can transform someone timid into a confident one or addicted ones into recovering ones; it breaks people lost down so they find their way again - purposely wandering through life rather than aimlessly living it outReview the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-modern-adventurer-podcast/id1535779210She has led numerous youth development challenges, pioneered inclusive expeditions for people with disabilities and managed scientific research missions in the Amazon, Sinai and Alaska.This is the last episode in Series One and a sneak preview into what Season Two has on offer. On the podcast today, we talk about her incredible life and how it got started. We delve into her story in the Amazon with immersive sound effects and music.www.explorersconnect.comBelinda's WebsiteBelinda's InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-modern-adventurer/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Leon McCarron is a writer, broadcaster and adventurer - originally from Northern Ireland, he now calls Iraq home. Now based in Iraq, he uses storytelling to address the myriad misconceptions around this country and its people. Leon's championing of 'slow travel' has taken him across China on foot, walking through the Empty Quarter Desert and riding across Patagonia on horseback. Enjoyed the Show? Tag me @johnhorsfall on InstagramJoin the Adventure - https://mailchi.mp/44c55725379d/newsletter-page-ziba-adventuresOn today's podcast, Leon talks about what home means and the importance of relationships and nuance in parts of the world that Western media often demonises or misunderstands.Subscribe and Review the Podcast if you have enjoyed it so far. A simple review goes a long way to help the podcast grow and your support means everything.Leon's WebsiteLeon's InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-modern-adventurer/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today's Podcast, we have Mario Rigby, an Eco-Adventurer. Mario recounts his two-year solo trek walking and kayaking the length of Africa.In 2018, Mario Rigby completed his two-year trek walking and kayaking the length of Africa—from Cape Town, South Africa to Cairo, Egypt—an adventure that would seem wild and impossible for many. This adventure allowed him to connect with communities and share their message and stories with the world with a mission of bridging the gap between humanity. Enjoyed the Show? Tag me @johnhorsfall on InstagramJoin the Adventure - https://mailchi.mp/44c55725379d/newsletter-page-ziba-adventuresHis goal was to inspire people locally and globally to get out, be brave, and see the world. Mario continues his adventures as an eco-explorer, heading to all corners of the globe as sustainably as possible, often just by walking on his own two feet.Subscribe and Review the Podcast if you have enjoyed it so far. A simple review goes a long way to help the podcast grow and your support means everything.He advocates for the inclusion of diversity in the outdoors and encourages people to explore the outdoors through sustainable forms of travel. In a world that's rapidly changing, Mario believes his life lessons are worth sharing and hopes to inspire others to have more courage and address global issues that affect us all. Mario's WebsiteMario's InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-modern-adventurer/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today's Podcast, we have Aaron Rolph, an Adventurer and Photographer. Aaron recounts his recent solo attempt to ski the Haute route non-stop, which he completed in just 24 hours. Anyone unfamiliar with the Haute Route is a 125km high altitude journey that connects the iconic Alpine towns of Chamonix and Zermatt. The route was first pioneered by the English Alpine club as far back as the 1860s and has since become arguably the most prestigious and coveted multi-day ski tour in the world. The route from Chamonix to Zermatt via Verbier is usually skied over a week, covers 125km, and climbs almost 8,000m in ascent.In doing so, he became the first person in the world to complete the popular Verbier route in a single push, proving that ordinary people can achieve the extraordinary if they just set their mind to it. He recalls what it's like to ski alone through the night, his experience filming extreme sports documentaries, and country appreciation.Subscribe and Review the Podcast if you have enjoyed it so far. A simple review goes a long way to help the Podcast grow, and your support means everything.Aaron's WebsiteAaron's InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-modern-adventurer/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On today's Podcast, we have Vivian James Rigney a coach and Mountaineer. As a mountaineer, Vivian has successfully climbed the highest peaks on all seven Continents – most recently Asia’s Mount Everest. This had been a particularly challenging, humbling and rewarding journey for Vivian.Enjoyed the Show? Tag me @johnhorsfall on InstagramJoin the Adventure - https://mailchi.mp/44c55725379d/newsletter-page-ziba-adventuresOn the podcast today, Vivian shares his story, Everest, his seventh and final peak, almost broke him. There, he and his team confronted wild storms lasting for days, near-vertical walls of ice, and a knife-edge ridge with fatal drops on either side. They endured avalanches, sub-zero temperatures, and tragedy unfolding around them. The roller coaster of pain, self-reflection, questioning, and above all, loneliness left Rigney with ego in tatters. It was then he discovered an awakening of what real purpose and legacy actually is.Subscribe and Review the Podcast if you have enjoyed it so far. A simple review goes a long way to help the podcast grow and your support means everything.Buy Naked at the Knife-Edge by Vivian James RigneyVivian’s WebsiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-modern-adventurer/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy