The Adventure Habits Podcast

David Overton
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Welcome to the Splash Maps Adventure Habit Pods for those improving lives through adventure. I'm your host David Overton and co-founder of Splash Maps where we're privileged to equip some of the finest adventurers for the most diverse, often extreme and always inspiring adventures in the world. I've grown so much in the regular interactions I've had with adventurers, each with their own different aims, their own take on adventure.

  1. Jul 19

    Episode 37 – 8 decades of Adventuring with Purpose. Of fear and courage with John Blashford-Snell

    In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life and adventures of John Blashford Snell, a true adventurer with over 90 years of experience, who has pioneered projects from expeditions on the Blue Nile to environmental innovations in plastic waste. Gain insight into the core principles of adventure and leadership, including team selection, choosing remote and meaningful areas, safety considerations, and maintaining affordability. John shares stories from his encounters with wild animals, interactions with global leaders like Haile Selassie, and lessons learned about courage and fear. Discover how his military experience evolved into inspiring young generations through Operation Drake, Rally International, and ongoing expeditions for environmental and social impact. Learn about practical tools like splash maps that aid exploration, and how to develop a mindset focused on adventure with purpose. Find inspiration in John’s five adventure habits: thoughtful team selection, choosing interesting areas, engaging meaningful tasks, prioritizing safety, and managing costs. Upcoming events: the 50th anniversary celebration of Operation Drake and Rally, and opportunities to meet John at the Armchair Adventure Festival 2026. Final takeaway: adventure is about exploration with a purpose—shaping resilient, compassionate individuals and contributing positively to the planet. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing John Blashford Snell and his adventuring legacy 00:36 - Early influences: family and scouting in New Zealand 01:21 - How adventuring became a career: military service and expeditions 02:22 - The transition from military expeditions to inspiring youth initiatives 03:14 - Stories of adventurous school runs by horseback in New Zealand 04:05 - John's military career and adventures in active service 05:26 - Leading overseas expeditions and inspiring future leaders 06:49 - From military expeditions to global environmental projects 07:29 - Operation Drake and Rally: empowering young explorers around the world 08:14 - The scale and impact of Operation Rally and its continuation 09:44 - Developing leadership and environmental awareness through expeditions 11:29 - Reflecting on John's legacy and his books—'Upmost East to Upmost West' 12:27 - Upcoming appearances and the Armchair Adventure Festival 14:21 - Recent projects in Costa Rica involving recycled plastic for environmental conservation 15:39 - Continuing adventures and upcoming expeditions 16:01 - Opportunities to join and support explorations through the Scientific Exploration Society 17:07 - Funding and grants for expeditions and the importance of exploration with purpose 18:16 - The Ecological focus of John’s expeditions and community involvement 19:16 - The importance of team selection, area choice, and adventure safety 20:22 - Handling the costs of expeditions and sponsorship considerations 21:00 - Recruitment: testing and selecting team members with adventurous qualities 23:00 - Developing courage through controlled exposure to fear and wild animals 24:51 - Fascinating animal encounters: snakes, gorillas, and lions 27:32 - The role of fear and courage in adventure – working with challenging situations 29:23 - Memorable stories from Ethiopia and interactions with royalty and wild animals 30:56 - Coming to the Armchair Adventure Festival and encouraging participation 31:39 - Summary of John’s five core adventure habits 32:00 - Using splash maps for exploration and environmental surveys 33:14 - John’s ongoing conservation work and how products like maps assist exploration 33:32 - Final farewell and encouragement for adventurers with purpose​

    Episode 37 – 8 decades of Adventuring with Purpose. Of fear and courage with John Blashford-Snell

  2. Jul 4

    Episode 36 - Nicky Chisholm

    In this episode of Adventure Habits, David Overton sits down with open water swimmer, community leader, and ocean advocate Nicky Chisholm, better known as Pink Nicky. As the organiser of Brighton's Big Swim and a passionate campaigner for cleaner seas, Nicky shares how open water swimming has shaped her life, built powerful communities, and inspired thousands of people to embrace adventure while protecting the natural world. Together, they discuss cold water swimming, ocean safety, mental resilience, environmental activism, Surfers Against Sewage, and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone. Nicky also reveals her five personal adventure habits- from building the right adventure community to developing the mindset needed to overcome challenges in some of the world's most extreme environments. Whether you're an experienced swimmer, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for inspiration to start your own adventure, this conversation is packed with practical advice, unforgettable stories, and a genuine passion for the water and the wild places that connect us all. Nicky’s essential Links! Prefer your water without turd? Sign Surfers Against Sewage Petition   https://www.sas.org.uk/water-quality/our-water-quality-campaigns/dirty-business-petition/ Educate yourself on the scandal of our Water Industry, Watch Dirty Business Channel 4  The Big Swim Impact Report  The Big Swim Collective

    Episode 36 - Nicky Chisholm

  3. Jun 20

    Episode 35 - Jonathan Thomas

    Walking Through History: Jonathan Thomas's Journey to Hadrian’s Wall and Beyond In this episode, Jonathan Thomas shares his decade-long fascination with British history and his upcoming adventure walking the legendary Hadrian’s Wall. Discover how meticulous planning, training, and a genuine interest in history can turn a dream into a transformative experience and how preparation and mindset are key to every adventure. Key insights: ✔ The origin story of Angletopia and its role in connecting Americans with British culture ✔ Why long-distance walks like Hadrian’s Wall draw enthusiasts and how they prepare physically and mentally ✔ The importance of choosing engaging, meaningful projects to stay motivated ✔ Practical tips for adventure preparation, including mapping, gear, and footwear ✔ The positive health impacts of long-distance training and walking ✔ The role of accountability, social pressure, and non-negotiables in sticking with goals How history, landscape, and personal interest fuel the passion for adventure Insights into UK trail infrastructure and how American adventurers can navigate and plan their journeys The significance of proper gear, especially footwear, and the value of detailed mapping Jonathan’s links AnglotopiaAnglotopia PodcastOrdnance Survey SplashMaps Hadrian’s Wall + SplashMaps’ NEW Challenge Series of Long Distance Trails

    Episode 35 - Jonathan Thomas

  4. Jun 6

    Episode 34 - Stave Chilton

    In this episode of Adventure Habits, David Overton from Splash Maps sits down with renowned fell running author, coach, and historian Steve Chilton for a deep and inspiring conversation about endurance, resilience, adventure, and the spirit of the hills. From the origins of fell running in Northern England to legendary challenges such as the Bob Graham Round, the Three Peaks Race, and the Cuillin Ridge, Steve shares decades of experience exploring some of the toughest and most iconic landscapes in the UK. Together, they discuss:  What makes fell running unique The culture and history behind the sport The importance of navigation, self-reliance, and community Stories from legendary runners and mountain athletes The evolution of women’s participation in endurance sports Adventure habits that apply far beyond runningSteve also reflects on his journey as an author, researcher, and coach revealing the lessons learned through success, failure, ambition, and stepping outside of comfort zones. Whether you’re a runner, outdoor enthusiast, adventurer, or simply someone looking for motivation to pursue your own challenges, this conversation offers valuable insights and unforgettable stories from a lifetime spent exploring the hills. Resources & Links Article in Cumbria magazineLake District Map- Bob Graham Round3 Peaks Yorkshire Dales OS Map

  5. May 23

    Episode 33 - Nick Goldsmith

    In this episode, David Overton sits down with Nick Goldsmith former Royal Marine, author of Rewild Your Mind, founder of the Woodland Warrior programme, and a man whose journey has taken him from military operations and trauma to helping others rebuild resilience and purpose. Nick shares his path into the Royal Marines, his experiences in Afghanistan, the realities of living with PTSD, and how reconnecting with nature became a powerful tool for recovery and personal growth. The conversation explores leadership, resilience, adventure, mental health, and Nick’s five key “Adventure Habits” that can help anyone bring more purpose and challenge into everyday life. Resources & Links: Hidden Valley BushcraftWoodland Warrior ProgrammeNick demonstrates essential navigation skillsChew Valley & Mendips SplashMap

    Episode 33 - Nick Goldsmith

  6. May 9

    Episode 32 - Lee Plank, Longest Prison Break Run from Dartmoor

    In this episode, we explore the extraordinary world of ultra running, featuring Lee Plank, who has run the furthest in the Dartmoor prison break challenge. Discover tactical insights, inspiring habits, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the top ultra marathoners. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just curious about pushing limits, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to elevate your adventure game. 00:00 - Introduction to Dartmoor Prison Break ultramarathon and episode overview 00:35 - Explaining the race concept: running from inside the prison walls and geography challenges 02:05 - Lee Plank's record-breaking 102 miles in 24 hours and route planning strategies 03:45 - Inside the prison setup and race dynamics, including the theme and logistics 04:50 - Strategies for route selection, terrain analysis, and staying on track 06:15 - Training the gut with real food like rice pudding and varied fueling methods 07:45 - Control what you can: gear testing, weather considerations, and kit preparation 09:10 - The importance of maps and navigation skills in ultra races 10:15 - Memorable moments on the route: support from strangers and overcoming low points 11:50 - Inspiration from top ultra athletes and reading adventure books 13:10 - Doing something that scares you, like upcoming 10k or new adventures 14:25 - Treats and rewards as motivation, with examples like McDonald's and milkshakes 15:50 - The importance of continuous mental and physical preparation and coaching 17:15 - Final thoughts: pushing limits, embracing the adventure, and race sign-up info Resources & Links Discount Code (15%!!) for ALL participantsDartmoor Prison Break (Take Part! Entries close 15th May, Challenge 30-31st May)Lee’s Ultra InstagramShout-out to Gemma Barnett, Lee’s supportive wifeWroughton Whippetshttps running groupNathan Montague at The Running Klub

  7. Apr 25

    Episode 031 - Dermot Cosgrove

    Joining the French Foreign Legion and Embracing Adventure: Dermot Cosgrove’s Journey & Habits In this episode, Dermot Cosgrove shares his extraordinary adventures—from joining the French Foreign Legion to walking across Iceland—highlighting the mindset and habits that keep him pushing boundaries. Discover how his experiences shape his approach to preparation, purpose, and resilience in challenging environments. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Dermot Cosgrove: from Iceland to the French Foreign Legion 02:23 - Dermot’s military background and fascination with maps 04:45 - The impact of Dermot’s family and childhood outdoors enthusiasm 07:18 - Dealing with trauma and finding purpose through adventure 09:05 - Inspiration from Rob Steiner and joining the French Foreign Legion 11:14 - Understanding the spectrum of motivations among legionnaires 12:56 - Dermot’s regiment choices and role in the Legion 15:22 - Experiences in Djibouti, Somalia, and challenges of remote environments 18:39 - Transition from military skills to security work and mapping projects 20:36 - Dermot’s travel research and planning insights 23:49 - The deeper “why”: testing limits and managing ego 26:27 - The importance of having a clear purpose during adversity 28:37 - Training, gear familiarity, and self-rescue techniques 31:58 - Building habits: from physical training to route research 37:43 - The significance of proper kit and understanding environmental quirks 41:14 - The value of embracing failure as part of growth and adventure 43:27 - Launching Iceland map for adventure explorers 44:50 - Dermot’s commitment to charity and outdoor community Resources & Links Dermot’s Hike raises funds for Dogs for the DisabledSupport him and them on his donation page.How we Designed the perfect Map for Dermot.NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH: Iceland SplashMap

  8. Apr 11

    Episode 030 - Nick Taliadoros, Recapping Season 1

    Join David and Nick as they reflect on the incredible stories and lessons from nearly 30 episodes of Adventure Habits. From rowing across oceans to mental resilience, discover the habits and mindsets that turn extreme adventures into life hacks. Timestamps: 00:00 - Season overview and diverse guest stories 00:40 - The importance of having a "why" that fuels challenge 02:40 - Dawn Smith’s Atlantic rowing record and her positive outlook 04:07 - The reality of adventure and perseverance in extreme environments 05:05 - Capturing irreplaceable moments and the value of authenticity 06:12 - Life lessons from extreme expeditions and hardships 07:40 - The significance of maps, navigation, and mental clarity in adventure 09:17 - Diverse adventurers including military responders and youth mentors 10:43 - Personal habits: routine in pursuit of consistency and growth 13:39 - The necessity of breaking routine for adventure and excitement 15:42 - The importance of a meaningful "why" beyond superficial goals 16:41 - Embracing neurodiversity and mental health challenges as strengths 20:06 - How goals and "why" evolve through the journey 24:59 - Living fully in the moment and celebrating the present 25:29 - The value of mindfulness during high-stakes experiences 28:37 - The significance of being present in performance and everyday life

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About

Welcome to the Splash Maps Adventure Habit Pods for those improving lives through adventure. I'm your host David Overton and co-founder of Splash Maps where we're privileged to equip some of the finest adventurers for the most diverse, often extreme and always inspiring adventures in the world. I've grown so much in the regular interactions I've had with adventurers, each with their own different aims, their own take on adventure.

Information

  • Creator
    David Overton
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Adventure Habits Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Adventure Habits Podcast