SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Get exclusive episodes, early access, and more

$4.99/mo or $44.99/yr after trial

Adventure Diaries: Exploration, Survival & Travel Stories

Chris Watson: Storyteller & Micro-Adventurer
  • 5.0 (30)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Real adventure isn't just for the pros. The award-winning Adventure Diaries brings you authentic stories of Adventure, exploration and the wonder of the natural world, specifically curated to inspire your next adventure. Hosted by Chris Watson—an award-winning storyteller and Scottish micro-adventurer—this show bridges the gap between extreme feats and accessible everyday adventures. Whether you are a seasoned mountaineer, a weekend adventurer, a solo traveler planning your next trip, or someone seeking the mental health benefits of nature, you have found your tribe.  We go beyond the standard interview to decode the "why" and "how" behind the world's greatest adventures. What Makes This Show Different? Unlike other outdoor podcasts, every episode delivers three distinct promises to help you live a more extraordinary life: Unique Adventure Stories: Immersive storytelling from National Geographic explorers, survivalists, ultra-athletes, and frontline conservationists. From the peaks of the Seven Summits to the depths of the Amazon, experience the thrill of the unknown.Your Call To Adventure: Passive listening ends here. Each guest issues a practical challenge to inspire you to step out your front door and discover the wild places in your own backyard.Pay It Forward: We believe in sustainable travel and stewardship. Every episode highlights a specific charity, wildlife project, or community cause. Join our global community of explorers. Discover hidden gems, learn survival skills, and find the motivation to push your boundaries. Subscribe now and start your next adventure today.  Visit us: AdventureDiaries.com/Go

  1. Jude Kriwald Alone Across Gola – A Solo Cycle Through West Africa’s Rainforest

    10H AGO

    Jude Kriwald Alone Across Gola – A Solo Cycle Through West Africa’s Rainforest

    🎧 Follow the show here— it really helps Adventure Diaries reach more listeners. Thank you. What does it actually feel like to sleep alone in a West African rainforest — the noise, the insects, the pitch-dark uncertainty? In this Season 5 opener, Chris sits down with Jude Kriwald, adventure filmmaker and cyclist, to unpack Alone Across Gola — Jude’s solo ride across West Africa, including a remote jungle crossing in Liberia/Sierra Leone’s Gola region. Connect with Jude  Book Jude For Your Next Event:  https://JudeKriwald.com/Speaking Follow On Insta: https://www.instagram.com/judekriwaldNeed Mentoring?  AdventureMentor.org Alongside the on-the-ground stories (heat, hydration, kit failures, and a few genuinely sketchy moments), Jude shares a thoughtful take on neurodivergence (autism + ADHD), why “analogue adventures” matter, and how we can build a life that’s more honest to who we are. What You’ll Learn What jungle nights are really like — and why the soundscape is unforgettableHow Jude manages risk when travelling solo (and what satellite SOS can’t solve)Why ADHD/autism traits can be powerful outdoors: hyperfocus, pattern-spotting, rapid problem-solvingThe “stepping stone” approach to confidence and route planningWhy rest days aren’t optional on long bike tripsChapters: 00:00 Exploring the Unknown: A Journey into the African Rainforest01:45 The Call of Adventure: Jude's Formative Years06:49 The First Big Expedition: Cycling to India11:58 Navigating Life's Gaps: The Lost Decade17:34 Harnessing Neurodivergence: ADHD and Autism as Superpowers22:45 Adventure Mentoring: Leveling the Playing Field28:26 West Africa: A New Frontier for Exploration29:44 Exploring the Unknown: Journey to West Africa31:19 First Night in the Jungle: A Personal Experience34:59 Planning and Preparation: The Adventurer's Mindset36:30 Camping and Rest: Balancing Adventure and Recovery38:05 The Trusty Bike: A Companion on the Journey41:29 Hydration and Health: Navigating the Jungle's Challenges43:46 Self-Reliance and Communication: The Importance of Preparedness47:16 Cultural Interactions: Bridging the Gap51:19 Understanding Poverty: A Lesson in Empathy54:29 The Gola Rainforest: An Adventurer's Discovery57:25 Navigating the Unknown: The Adventure of Exploration58:37 The Art of Filmmaking: A Journey into Storytelling01:02:54 Reflections on Courage: The Impact of Adventure01:05:31 Creating a Platform: The Power of Sharing Stories01:08:14 Paying It Forward: Supporting Future Adventurers01:12:25 Embracing Analog Adventures: A Call to DisSend a text Support the show Thanks For Listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Please visit AdventureDiaries.com/GO For more authentic stories of Adventure Exploration and the natural world The Adventure Diaries Podcast also covers a broad spectrum OF topics withIN the fields of Adventure, Exploration, Micro-adventure, Survival, Mental Resilience, Conservation, Scotland, Hiking, Solo Travel, Cycling, Nature, Storytelling, Mountaineering

    1h 22m
  2. True North: The Story Of Matthew Henson (Trailer)

    1D AGO · BONUS

    True North: The Story Of Matthew Henson (Trailer)

    Listen Now: AdventureDiaries.com/Story Reaching the North Pole wasn’t just about distance—it was about whose work could survive the ice. For over 20 years, Matthew Henson led expeditions where others failed, mastering indigenous travel and keeping teams alive through the harshest conditions on Earth. Yet when history was written, his role was reduced to the margins.  This is the story of how polar exploration actually functioned, and why recognition followed authority rather than effort. Listen to the full immersive story of Matthew Henson in our premiere episode of the Adventure Diaries Exploration series. 👉 Listen now: AdventureDiaries.com/Story Send a text Support the show Thanks For Listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Please visit AdventureDiaries.com/GO For more authentic stories of Adventure Exploration and the natural world The Adventure Diaries Podcast also covers a broad spectrum OF topics withIN the fields of Adventure, Exploration, Micro-adventure, Survival, Mental Resilience, Conservation, Scotland, Hiking, Solo Travel, Cycling, Nature, Storytelling, Mountaineering

    2 min
  3. True North: The Story of Matthew Henson - Part 1/2

    2D AGO · BONUS • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    True North: The Story of Matthew Henson - Part 1/2

    Matthew Henson: The Essential Arctic Expert Behind Peary’s North Pole Claim (Part 1) This episode traces the life of Matthew Alexander Henson — the Arctic explorer whose skill and endurance were central to Robert Peary’s 1909 North Pole expedition. Born in 1866 to free Black sharecropper parents in Maryland, orphaned young, and trained at sea as a cabin boy, Henson developed the literacy, navigation skills, and seamanship that would shape his future. In 1887 he met Peary, beginning a long partnership that would carry him north to Greenland and into the Arctic. Over years of expeditions, Henson learned Inuktun, mastered dog-team driving, built Inuit-style sledges, and became a trusted figure among Inuit communities. As Peary suffered severe frostbite, Henson increasingly led in the field — scouting, trail breaking, and sustaining the party through failed supply runs and extreme conditions. The episode culminates in the 1908–1909 “last push” to the Pole. On April 6, 1909, Henson reached the calculated position ahead of Peary. The final party relied heavily on four Inuit hunters — Ootah, Seeglo, Egingwah, and Ooqueah — whose knowledge of sea ice was indispensable. But recognition did not follow evenly. As controversy over the Pole claim unfolded and public credit consolidated around Peary, Henson’s role was diminished. He later published his memoir, A Negro Explorer at the North Pole, yet spent decades in relative obscurity before receiving late-life honors. Part 1 examines the making of an Arctic expert — and the politics that shaped how history recorded him. CHAPTERS 00:00 Born After the War 01:11 Running Toward the Sea 02:59 Meeting Robert Peary 05:33 Turning North to Greenland 07:01 Learning Inuit Survival 10:08 Hunger and Meteorites 18:22 Roosevelt and Final Push 26:03 At the North Pole 33:19 Credit and Controversy 39:27 Memoir and Obscurity 46:02 Late Honors and Legacy 47:59 Part One Closing

    49 min
  4. Hitchhiking The Arctic - With Katharina Kneip

    FEB 19 · BONUS

    Hitchhiking The Arctic - With Katharina Kneip

    Support the Show: Join the new Patreon for exclusive after-shows, extended newsrooms, immersive short stories and meetups at adventurediaries.com/go In this highlight reel from the Adventure Diaries Podcast, Chris W. revisits his conversation with explorer Katharina Kneip. Katharina shares the harrowing story of hitchhiking on a French sailboat to cross from Iceland to Newfoundland, battling 50-knot winds and ice in one of the most remote regions on Earth. She also discusses life under the eternal sun of Svalbard, camping near existing settlements to stay safe from polar bears, and offers a grounding "Call to Adventure" that encourages everyone to find exploration simply by walking out their front door. FULL Episode With Katharina  Timestamped Chapters 00:00 - The Danger of Sailing: Hitchhiking from Iceland to Newfoundland 05:14 - Svalbard's Eternal Sun and Polar Bear Safety 07:01 - Comparing the Rough Beauty of Iceland vs. Svalbard 08:29 - Call to Adventure: The Simple Power of Walking 10:51 - Season 5 Launch Updates & Patreon Support Send a text Support the show Thanks For Listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Please visit AdventureDiaries.com/GO For more authentic stories of Adventure Exploration and the natural world The Adventure Diaries Podcast also covers a broad spectrum OF topics withIN the fields of Adventure, Exploration, Micro-adventure, Survival, Mental Resilience, Conservation, Scotland, Hiking, Solo Travel, Cycling, Nature, Storytelling, Mountaineering

    13 min
  5. Let’s Make Birdwatching Cool - With Georgia Barker

    FEB 17 · BONUS

    Let’s Make Birdwatching Cool - With Georgia Barker

    Support the Show: Join the new Patreon for exclusive after-shows, extended newsrooms, immersive short stories and meetups at adventurediaries.com/go In this highlights episode, we revisit an inspiring conversation with Georgia Barker, who is on a mission to make birdwatching cool again. Georgia takes us back to her unconventional childhood growing up on a goat farm in Essex, complete with goat funerals and walking them on leads. She shares the pivotal moment she realized a standard office job wasn't for her—fearing that a two-week annual holiday was the only thing to look forward to—which spurred a one-way ticket to Australia. Full Episode with Georgia From working in rough Outback pubs to terrifying whitewater rafting adventures in Victoria Falls, Georgia recounts the transformative experiences of her travels. She also discusses her "Happiness Project," where she collected definitions of happiness from strangers, and reveals the quiet epiphany she had in a bird hide that changed her perspective on nature and life. Finally, Georgia shares her simple "Call to Adventure" for anyone looking to reconnect with the outdoors. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 - Growing Up with Goats 02:50 - The Fear of a Two-Week Holiday 04:29 - Working in the Outback 06:52 - Rafting Victoria Falls 08:59 - The Happiness Project 11:31 - Birdwatching Epiphany 12:31 - Call to Adventure Send a text Support the show Thanks For Listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Please visit AdventureDiaries.com/GO For more authentic stories of Adventure Exploration and the natural world The Adventure Diaries Podcast also covers a broad spectrum OF topics withIN the fields of Adventure, Exploration, Micro-adventure, Survival, Mental Resilience, Conservation, Scotland, Hiking, Solo Travel, Cycling, Nature, Storytelling, Mountaineering

    16 min
  6. Walking from Patagonia To Venezuela With Ollie Treviso

    FEB 12 · BONUS

    Walking from Patagonia To Venezuela With Ollie Treviso

    Support the Show: Join the new Patreon for exclusive after-shows, extended newsrooms, immersive short stories and meetups at adventurediaries.com/go In this highlight episode of the Adventure Diaries Podcast, we revisit the incredible journey of Ollie Treviso, who walked the entire length of the Andes—from Patagonia to Venezuela. FULL EPISODE with Ollie Ollie shares unforgettable moments from his expedition, including sailing across the Atlantic in a dilapidated boat, surviving a terrifying fall into a gorge, and experiencing the vast solitude of the salt flats. He also reflects on the surprising kindness he encountered at dangerous borders and the joy of being joined by locals for the final leg of his walk. The episode wraps up with Ollie’s "Call to Adventure," inspiring listeners to disconnect and experience the outdoors with a wild damp. Chapters 00:00 Sailing the Atlantic01:55 The Fall03:31 Salt Flats05:45 Border Kindness08:12 Walking with People09:15 Call to Adventure09:54 Outro & Patreon UpdatesSend a text Support the show Thanks For Listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Please visit AdventureDiaries.com/GO For more authentic stories of Adventure Exploration and the natural world The Adventure Diaries Podcast also covers a broad spectrum OF topics withIN the fields of Adventure, Exploration, Micro-adventure, Survival, Mental Resilience, Conservation, Scotland, Hiking, Solo Travel, Cycling, Nature, Storytelling, Mountaineering

    12 min
  7. Join Us in Uganda: The Ultimate 11-Day Adventure!

    FEB 11 · BONUS

    Join Us in Uganda: The Ultimate 11-Day Adventure!

    Click Here > Join the Adventure in Uganda Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! We are opening up limited spaces for listeners to come along on our upcoming 11-day, 250km human-powered expedition across Uganda this October. This trip involves hiking, cycling, and pack rafting across three national parks, including summiting volcanoes, exploring local lakes, and trekking through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with a chance to spot mountain gorillas. Timestamped Chapters 0:00 Announcement: 11-Day Uganda Adventure0:22  Open Invitation for Listeners0:45 What to Expect: Volcanoes, Lakes & Rainforests1:09 Trip Highlights: Mt. Sabinyo & Gorillas1:28  Finale: Descending the Birira RiverCall to Action Join the Adventure in Uganda Send a text Support the show Thanks For Listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Please visit AdventureDiaries.com/GO For more authentic stories of Adventure Exploration and the natural world The Adventure Diaries Podcast also covers a broad spectrum OF topics withIN the fields of Adventure, Exploration, Micro-adventure, Survival, Mental Resilience, Conservation, Scotland, Hiking, Solo Travel, Cycling, Nature, Storytelling, Mountaineering

    2 min
  8. Pan-American Highway Adventures in a School Bus - With The Global Convoy Team

    FEB 10 · BONUS

    Pan-American Highway Adventures in a School Bus - With The Global Convoy Team

    > adventurediaries.com/go In this highlights reel from the Adventure Diaries Podcast, we revisit the incredible journey of the Global Convoy team. From their humble beginnings rallying £75 scrap cars across the globe to converting a massive US school bus for a Pan-American expedition, Max, Joel, and Becca share stories of mechanical mayhem, unexpected local hospitality, and the sheer joy of the open road. Support the Show: Join the new Patreon for exclusive after-shows, extended newsrooms, and meetups at adventurediaries.com/go. Click here For The Full Episode:  Chapters 00:00 – Origin Story: Exploring the world with a convoy of hitchhikers01:07 – The £75 Cars: Why cheaper vehicles make for better adventures01:46 – Mechanical Mayhem: Breakdowns, repairs, and the beauty of "bangers"03:49 – The Bus Idea: How a campfire conversation turned into a double-decker dream05:27 – Driving a School Bus: Navigating a massive rig on a standard license05:52 – Nicaragua Incident: A chaotic wrong turn involving a fire engine06:46 – Stacey's Mom Legacy: The perfect retirement for their faithful bus07:52 – Kazakhstan Lamb: A terrifying police stop turns into a warm welcome09:04 – Samurai Sword: Accidentally forging katanas while hitchhiking in Japan09:58 – Call to Adventure: Advice for starting your own journeySend a text Support the show Thanks For Listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content. Please visit AdventureDiaries.com/GO For more authentic stories of Adventure Exploration and the natural world The Adventure Diaries Podcast also covers a broad spectrum OF topics withIN the fields of Adventure, Exploration, Micro-adventure, Survival, Mental Resilience, Conservation, Scotland, Hiking, Solo Travel, Cycling, Nature, Storytelling, Mountaineering

    13 min
See All (137)

Trailers

5
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

Real adventure isn't just for the pros. The award-winning Adventure Diaries brings you authentic stories of Adventure, exploration and the wonder of the natural world, specifically curated to inspire your next adventure. Hosted by Chris Watson—an award-winning storyteller and Scottish micro-adventurer—this show bridges the gap between extreme feats and accessible everyday adventures. Whether you are a seasoned mountaineer, a weekend adventurer, a solo traveler planning your next trip, or someone seeking the mental health benefits of nature, you have found your tribe.  We go beyond the standard interview to decode the "why" and "how" behind the world's greatest adventures. What Makes This Show Different? Unlike other outdoor podcasts, every episode delivers three distinct promises to help you live a more extraordinary life: Unique Adventure Stories: Immersive storytelling from National Geographic explorers, survivalists, ultra-athletes, and frontline conservationists. From the peaks of the Seven Summits to the depths of the Amazon, experience the thrill of the unknown.Your Call To Adventure: Passive listening ends here. Each guest issues a practical challenge to inspire you to step out your front door and discover the wild places in your own backyard.Pay It Forward: We believe in sustainable travel and stewardship. Every episode highlights a specific charity, wildlife project, or community cause. Join our global community of explorers. Discover hidden gems, learn survival skills, and find the motivation to push your boundaries. Subscribe now and start your next adventure today.  Visit us: AdventureDiaries.com/Go

Information

You Might Also Like