Tom Smith, an adventure medic and expedition filmmaker, unpacking how he crammed a wild career into just a few years. From mountain fences in Wales to ski‑patrol in Canada, hear the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned.
Saison 1 · Épisode 24
mardi 24 février 2026 • Durée 01:08:17
Today's podcast guest is Tom Smith, an adventure medic who's turned his love of the outdoors into a career that spans mountain fences, film sets, ski patrols and remote expeditions. Through his story we'll explore the moments that shape a path, the unexpected turns that force us to rethink "what's possible," and the quiet lessons that come from daring to stay curious.
Tune in to hear a calm, candid conversation that invites you to reflect on your own journey—without spilling the secrets just yet. 🌲✨
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Tom as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one. If you'd prefer to watch the interview, you can find it on our Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@adventurepropodcast/
In this episode we discuss:
How Tom's rural Welsh upbringing and early jobs shaped his "never sit still" mindset
The life‑changing bout of septic peritonitis and how it redirected his path into film and medicine
Building a career on the front line: rope rigging for a Vogue shoot, stunt‑register medics, and founding Remote Horizon
Key resources for aspiring outdoor professionals – Aldo Kane's book, RedMed courses, and Shackleton's South
Tom's vision for the adventure industry: less ego, more humility, and a return to genuine wanderlust
If you'd like to find out more about Tom and get in touch you can do so here:
The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.
I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career, business or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email adventurepropodcast@gmail.com and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.
Ben Keen on balancing personal adventure with professional responsibilities, hiring freelance staff, and running a thriving adventure business.
Saison 1 · Épisode 23
dimanche 8 février 2026 • Durée 55:28
Today we're joined by Ben Keen – the intrepid founder of The Adventure Element, a 13‑year‑old company that runs Duke of Edinburgh school expeditions and large‑scale multi‑activity challenge events for charities and corporates. Ben's also fresh from an epic solo bike‑tour of Vietnam – nearly 1,000 miles of gravel, rain‑soaked mountain passes, all of which we discuss in this episode.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Ben as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one. If you'd prefer to watch the interview, you can find it on our Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@adventurepropodcast/
In this episode we discuss:
What his business Adventure Element actually does
The challenges and benefits of having two very different products in a business
The single biggest piece of advice Ben would give his younger self
Ben's call to action for the wider outdoor industry
Several valuable resources for outdoor entrepreneurs
The importance of a tight‑knit, high‑performing team
Some practical ways of closing the pay gap for freelance staff
How Ben cycled nearly 1000 miles across Vietnam solo and dealt with weather challenges.
The simple, low‑cost way he shipped his bike in a cardboard box and got it re‑boxed in Hanoi.
If you'd like to find out more about Ben and get in touch you can do so here:
013 Leanne Bird on combining her love of surf, SUP, yoga and wellness, and running an adventure business
Saison 1 · Épisode 13
lundi 31 janvier 2022 • Durée 25:55
Today's podcast guest is Leanne Bird. Leanne runs a wellbeing and adventure business in Cardigan Bay, West Wales. Her business combines her love of surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and yoga, sharing her passion for these activities whilst empowering others to practice wellbeing through adventure.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Leanne as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.
In this episode we discuss:
- Stand-up paddleboard yoga
- Combining activities to create a niche
- Leaving a job as an ecologist to pursue her business dreams
- Launching an online membership site
- Overcoming the challenges of the UK weather
- The importance of nutrition as an energy source
If you'd like to find out more about Leanne and get in touch you can do so here:
012 Jack Overhill on making a living underground, working as a Cave Leader and finding new rooms in South Dakota
Saison 1 · Épisode 12
mercredi 26 janvier 2022 • Durée 30:27
Today's podcast guest is Jack Overhill. Jack has been a freelance outdoor instructor for a number of years and has chosen to specialise in the underground world of exploratory caving. He now works full time for a UK-based adventure provider but still finds time to explore and lead in the caves of the UK and further afield.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Jack as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.
In this episode we discuss:
- Why he's chosen to specialise in adventures underground
- Finding new 'rooms' in underground cave systems overseas
- Turning your passion for all things underground into a career
- Being on the set of The Witcher!
- Bumping into caving celebrities underground
If you'd like to find out more about Jack and get in touch you can do so here:
011 Nick Cannon-Jones on twenty years of outdoor instructing, the AMI and guiding in winter
Saison 1 · Épisode 11
mercredi 19 janvier 2022 • Durée 19:00
Today's podcast guest is Nick Cannon-Jones. Nick is a full-time outdoor instructor and runs a mountaineering business called More Than Mountains. Based in the Lake District, Nick runs climbing and mountaineering courses all year round and has over 20 years experience working in the adventure industry.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Nick as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.
In this episode we discuss:
- Starting with the career question "What am I interested in?"
- Making the leap to running your own business
- The role of the AMI (Association of Mountaineering Instructors)
- Some of the challenges of guiding in Scottish winter
- Filming for a scene of Coronation Street
- Promoting diversity in the outdoor industry
If you'd like to find out more about Nick and get in touch you can do so here:
010 Jenny Tough on human-powered, self-supported adventures across the globe
Saison 1 · Épisode 10
jeudi 6 janvier 2022 • Durée 31:37
Today's podcast guest is Jenny Tough. Jenny is a global adventurer specialising in self-powered expeditions, she's also a published author, writer and well-respected outdoors influencer. She's just completed her latest challenge, running solo across a mountain range on each continent. She's an avid runner, bikepacker, backcountry skier and general outdoors enthusiast that has carved an exciting life full of travel and adventure.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Jenny as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.
In this episode we discuss:
- Running self-supported across a mountain range on every continent
- Living in Squamish, British Columbia
- Cycling 3000km to the Yukon from home as a first big trip
- Starting an adventure blog
- Adventure as a creative industry
- Being a terrible influencer
- Top tips for starting relationships with brands
- Surrounding yourself with the right people
If you'd like to find out more about Jenny and get in touch you can do so here:
The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.
009 Dan Tye on running an adventure blog and flying twin otter planes in Scotland
Saison 1 · Épisode 9
lundi 27 décembre 2021 • Durée 47:42
Today's podcast guest is Dan Tye. Dan runs an excellent blog called https://www.adventure52.com/ which showcases his passion for all things adventure. Whilst his website generates some income (and we uncover how in the interview), he also pilots a twin otter plane to the islands of Scotland, has worked as a ski instructor in Canada and also a postman.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Dan as much as I did. If you did enjoy it please click the Like button above. Also please don't forget to SUBSCRIBE above to the channel to get notified of the next one.
In this episode we discuss:
- Plenty of marketing and PR tips
- Traditional vs online magazines
- Ensuring the juice is worth the squeeze
- What is affiliate marketing and how to make money from recommending brands
- How to start a blog and choosing a niche
- Why the first NO is never never
- The beauty of seasonal jobs and working as a ski instructor in Canada
If you'd like to find out more about Dan and get in touch you can do so here:
Here are some of the books and resources that have made a big difference in Dan's career:
008 Keri Wallace on Girls on Hills, the UK's only guided mountain running and trekking business designed specifically for women
Saison 1 · Épisode 8
lundi 20 décembre 2021 • Durée 38:24
Today's podcast guest is Keri Wallace. Keri is the co-founder of Girls On Hills who design and guide running and trekking mountain adventures throughout Scotland. Based in Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands, Keri made the leap from a stable career in science to running a hugely successful business just five years ago, and hasn't looked back since.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Keri as much as I did. If you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.
In this episode we discuss:
- Getting started and learning on the fly in business
- Minimising barriers for women in the outdoors
- The role and power of social media
- A Harry Potter-style office
- Balancing parenthood and running a business
- The importance of finding your niche
If you'd like to find out more about Keri and get in touch you can do so here:
The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.
007 Allan Shaw on being Head of Outdoor Sport at Buxton and Leek college and leading overseas expeditions
Saison 1 · Épisode 7
dimanche 12 décembre 2021 • Durée 22:47
Today's podcast guest is Allan Shaw. Allan is head of outdoor education at Buxton and Leek College. He also leads and recces multiple overseas expeditions each year and runs a highly successful outdoor first aid business.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Allan as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.
In this episode we discuss:
- What some of his students at Buxton College have gone on to do
- From carpenter to head of outdoor education
- How a meeting in the pub developed an army training course
- What makes a good outdoor first aid course
- The realities of turning your 'hobby into a job'
If you'd like to find out more about Allan and get in touch you can do so here:
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Mike as much as I did and if you did, please leave a review and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE wherever you get your podcasts.
In this episode we discuss:
- The importance of understanding the nature of wild places
- Self publishing vs traditional publishing a book
- Using nature apps to discover wildlife
- Becoming the richest person in experiences
- Leaving being a greengrocer to pursue a life outdoors
- Accessible outdoor activities for everyone and how to achieve it
If you'd like to find out more about Mike and get in touch you can do so here:
Here are links to the resources mentioned in the conversation:
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The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.
I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career, business or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email adventurepropodcast@gmail.com and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.
The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.
I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career, business or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email adventurepropodcast@gmail.com and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.
The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.
I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career, business or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email adventurepropodcast@gmail.com and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.
The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.
I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career, business or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email adventurepropodcast@gmail.com and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.
I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, business owners, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email adventurepropodcast@gmail.com and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.
The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.
I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, business owners, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email adventurepropodcast@gmail.com and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next video.
I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, business owners, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email adventurepropodcast@gmail.com and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.
The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.
I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, business owners, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email adventurepropodcast@gmail.com and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next one.
The Adventure Pro Podcast is a collection of wide-ranging interviews, stories and inspiration from amazing people that have made adventure their business. It's where adventure, outdoors and travel professionals come together to learn, share and encourage others to carve their own path in life.
I'll be interviewing guides, photographers, designers, business owners, instructors, content creators, YouTubers, sponsored athletes, film makers, shop owners and many others that have made a career or side hustle from the outdoors and adventure. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, please email adventurepropodcast@gmail.com and make sure you SUBSCRIBE to get the next video.
