Explore every episode of the podcast Wild Chats with Ben Southall
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| Coree Woltering: The Trials of the Trail | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:59:24 | |
In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with ultra runner Coree Woltering, whose athletic journey has taken him from the world of triathlons to the heart of the ultra running community. Coree shares how his passion for the trails led him to pursue Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempts and endurance challenges that push both body and mind. He opens up about his Ice Age Trail FKT—the obstacles he faced, the lessons learned about resilience, and the powerful role of community support throughout the journey. They dive into the mental and physical preparation behind ultra events, the balance between competition and enjoyment, and the deeper meaning Coree finds in running for a cause. He also reflects on the simplicity and beauty of trail running, his close collaboration with sponsors, and his excitement for his upcoming race, the Blackhall 100. Looking ahead, Coree shares his plans to return to shorter distances to sharpen his performance, all while staying grounded in the sense of connection that fuels his love for the sport. This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and the unbreakable spirit of the ultra running community. 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia. | |||
| From Local to Global: Buha Bali’s Ultra Running Journey | 02 Oct 2025 | 01:16:15 | |
In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with ultra runner Buha Bali, whose journey has taken her from local races in Australia to competing on the world stage at the prestigious UTMB in Chamonix. Buha opens up about the highs and lows of ultra running—how training, community support, and sheer determination play a role in preparing for some of the toughest endurance events on the planet. They dive into the mental and physical challenges of racing in the Alps, the importance of gear and technique, and the transformative moments found on the trails of the Pyrenees and beyond. She reflects on the pre-race atmosphere, the nerves before the start line, and the resilience needed to overcome both physical and mental hurdles mid-race. Buha also shares her aspirations for future adventures and the lessons she’s carrying forward from Chamonix. This is a conversation about perseverance, growth, and the love of pushing limits in the wild. Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the World of Ultra Running 02:43 The Journey to UTMB: From Local to Global 05:44 The Competitive Mindset: Embracing Opportunities 08:22 Preparing for the UTMB: Training and Challenges 11:30 The Role of Community in Trail Running 14:20 Training for the Alps: Overcoming Elevation Challenges 17:11 The Importance of Technique: Using Poles Effectively 20:01 Building a Support Network: The Role of Mentors 22:44 Choosing the Right Race: Finding Your Sweet Spot 25:44 Experiencing the UTMB: The Atmosphere and Community 28:52 Reality Check: Training in the Pyrenees 32:46 Facing the Challenges of Altitude 36:09 Understanding the Mountain's Power 38:02 Experiencing the Terrain and Conditions 39:45 Arrival in Chamonix: The Calm Before the Race 42:15 The Build-Up to the Race Day 47:07 Nerves and Pre-Race Rituals 50:41 The Journey to the Start Line 52:23 Imposter Syndrome and Personal Growth 55:33 The Emotional Journey of Racing 59:27 Overcoming Adversity in Extreme Conditions 01:05:04 The Finish Line: Triumph and Reflection 01:09:16 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Training | |||
| From the Te Araroa to the PCT: Cam Bostock on Adventure, Content Creation & Community | 21 Feb 2025 | 01:10:44 | |
In this episode, Ben Southall sits down with Cam Bostock, an outdoor adventurer and content creator, to dive deep into his journey from a childhood spent exploring the outdoors in Perth, Australia, to rediscovering his passion for nature after years of gaming and introversion. Cam shares how hiking became a transformative force in his life, improving his mental and physical well-being. He takes us through his experiences on some of the world’s most iconic trails, including New Zealand’s Te Araroa and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and opens up about the challenges he faced—from harsh weather and rugged terrain to wildfires. Whether you're an avid hiker, an aspiring content creator, or just looking for adventure inspiration, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and real-life stories from the trail. Follow Cam on Instagram and keep up to date with Optiventure. https://www.instagram.com/optiventure.co/ https://www.instagram.com/cambostock/ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth. | |||
| The Crossing: A memoir of love, adventure and finding your own path with Sophie Matterson | 14 Feb 2025 | 01:26:10 | |
In this episode, Ben Southall sits down with Sophie Matterson, an adventurer who took on the ultimate solo challenge—trekking 5,000km across Australia, from Shark Bay (WA) to Byron Bay (NSW), with only camels for company. Sophie shares how she went from a novice hiker to a seasoned trekker, navigating the harsh realities of the Australian outback. She reflects on her deep bond with her camels & the lessons they taught her. The mental & physical challenges of long-distance solo travel. Adapting to extreme landscapes & the unpredictable elements and the transition from solitude to civilization & how it changed her life. This conversation is a raw and inspiring look at resilience, adventure, and the profound connection between humans and animals in the wild. Find Sophie on www.sophiematterson.com Instagram @sophiematterson Grab a copy of Sophie’s book ‘The Crossing: A memoir of love, adventure and finding your own path 'The Crossing is as profound as it is moving - a tapestry of adventure, love and, of course, camels.' Tim Cope, author of On the Trail of Genghis Khan
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| Exploring the World Without Flying: Thor Pedersen's Epic 10 Year Journey | 06 Feb 2025 | 01:05:19 | |
In this episode of Wild Chats, host Ben Southall speaks with Thor Pedersen, the first person EVER to visit every country in the world without flying. Thor shares his unique journey, starting from his early life in Denmark, through military service, and into his ambitious project called 'Once Upon a Saga.' He discusses the challenges he faced while traveling across continents, the importance of cultural exchange, and the lessons learned from his experiences. The conversation highlights the beauty of travel, the connections made along the way, and the significance of storytelling in sharing these adventures. THOR PEDERSEN is the only person in history to have reached every country in the world completely without flying. The project, named Once Upon A Saga, was initially planned to take just four years but ended up taking nearly a decade due to unforeseen challenges such as visa issues, political unrest, and the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 23rd, 2023, Pedersen reached the final country, Maldives, completing the project and claiming world history. @onceuponasaga | Thorpedersen.dk For all press enquiries please contact: Henry.Lord@littlebrown.co.uk Keywords: travel, adventure, exploration, Thor Pedersen, Once Upon a Saga, military service, United Nations, global travel, storytelling, cultural exchange, wild earth, best life adventures | |||
| Geoff Wilson from Project Zero recap the first leg of their net-carbon neutral expedition | 02 Feb 2024 | 00:58:09 | |
Dr Geoff Wilson and his crew at @projectzero_earth have voyaged across oceans on their first leg of Project Zero - a carbon-neutral expedition to explore the impacts of climate change in the most remote corners of the planet. | |||
| Bikepacking the Marco Polo Trail from Venice to Athens with Kiera and Flo | 06 Nov 2023 | 00:58:49 | |
Listen to @heykiera_ and @floriano_esse share the learnings from their first European bikepacking tour 1,900km along the Marco Polo trail. They biked all the way from Venice (ALMOST) to Athens! | |||
| Dingo Darbo, a Gundungurra Man shares his passion for country and knowledge of Aboriginal culture. | 25 Aug 2022 | 01:01:48 | |
David King aka @dingo_darbo on Instagram joins Ben Southall to share his passion for country, his knowledge of Aboriginal culture and land management along with tips on how to adventure respectfully in the wild! | |||
| Sarah West on Outback Living and Ultra-Running | 22 Aug 2022 | 00:57:27 | |
This week Sarah shares some serious ultra-running inspiration from her one-million-acre station in far North West Queensland! We apologise for the tech issues as this one did drop in and out a few times but hang in there it’s worth it! | |||
| Jackson Groves: 6 Years of Full Time Travel & How To Travel Longterm | 21 Aug 2022 | 00:55:38 | |
Jackson Groves is an Aussie adventure traveller who has been on the road for six years creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches, mountains & adrenaline activities. He shares his tips on solo adventure travel, how to plan a trip as well as how to get into travel blogging with Ben Southall. | |||
| Diaries of the Wild Ones on the Art of Adventure Travel | 09 Aug 2022 | 01:02:33 | |
#WildChats with Aaron Shanks from Diaries of the Wild Ones podcast. | |||
| Henk Morgans on How to Get Started Going On Wild Adventures | 03 Aug 2022 | 01:04:38 | |
Adventurer Henk Morgans joins Ben Southall to share his passion for the outdoors and how to get started taking wild adventures off the beaten path. Henk is an adventure athlete who loves to suffer & push the limits of endurance! He’s into climbing, mountaineering, kayaking, bike packing & long-distance running - you name it. | |||
| Karla Pound - Challenges & Rewards of Reality TV Survival Shows | 07 Aug 2025 | 01:03:08 | |
Join Ben Southall as he delves into the exhilarating world of reality TV survival shows with adventurer Karla Pound. Discover the intense challenges and unexpected rewards of participating in shows like "Alone" and "Million Dollar Island." From battling hunger and isolation to forming lifelong friendships, Karla shares her unique insights and experiences. Tune in to explore the raw authenticity and personal growth that come with surviving in the wild. Don't miss this captivating episode of Wild Earth Australia's Wild Chats! | |||
| Polar Explorer Geoff Wilson tunes in from above the arctic circle. | 12 Jul 2022 | 01:02:13 | |
Episode 1 of Wild Chats with Polar Explorer Geoff Wilson tuning in from above the arctic circle in the Lofoten Islands, Norway! Geoff shares his story about how he got into outdoor exploration, his knowledge on how to survive and much more! | |||
| Walking the World with Alex Campbell | 06 Aug 2025 | 01:01:52 | |
In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with long-distance adventurer Alex Campbell, who’s been walking around the world for over two years. From the steppes of Central Asia to the roads of South America, Alex opens up about the mindset needed for such an epic journey and why packing light is more than just a gear decision. They dive into the mental and physical challenges of life on foot, the kindness of strangers, and how choosing the right season can be a lifesaver. Alex shares how documenting his walk on social media has helped build community and amplify his mission: raising funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation to end avoidable blindness. This is a conversation about exploration, personal growth, and the power of saying yes to the unknown. Connect with Alex on Instagram @alexander_campbell Donate to his Fred Hollows fund. Find out more about his adventures www.worldwalkexpedition.com Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Adventure Walking 05:27 The Call of the Wild: Early Influences and Experiences 11:11 Inspiration from Other Adventurers 16:41 Gear Essentials for Long-Distance Walking 22:03 Planning the Journey: A Walk Through Australia 31:20 Cultural Experiences: Hospitality on the Road 40:07 Giving Back: The Fred Hollows Foundation 46:10 Balancing Work and Travel 50:46 The Pamir Highway Experience 57:11 Defining the Traveler's Identity | |||
| Lone Rider: Elspeth Beard’s Motorcycle Ride Around the World | 25 Jul 2025 | 01:09:44 | |
Before sat-nav, internet, and mobile phones, there was Elspeth Beard, a 23-year-old architecture student who set off to ride her motorcycle around the world. In this episode of Wild Chats, Elspeth shares the highs and lows of her pioneering solo journey across continents in the early 1980s. Host Ben Southall dives deep into Elspeth’s story: the spark that ignited her adventure, the obstacles she faced as a woman on the road, and the transformative encounters that shaped her perspective on life. From mechanical failures and border crossings to life lessons and cultural insights, Elspeth’s tales are equal parts grit and grace. She also reflects on how travel has changed over the decades, why embracing the unknown is vital, and how her epic ride influenced her work as an award-winning architect. If you’ve ever dreamt of hitting the road less traveled, this episode is your permission slip. Connect with Elspeth on Instagram @elspethbeard Check out Elspeth's website. Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia. Chapters | |||
| The Making of a Mountaineer: Oliver Foran’s Journey from Brisbane to the Himalayas | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:58:05 | |
In this episode of Wild Chats, host Ben Southall sits down with Australian mountaineer Oliver Foran to explore his powerful journey from the footy fields of Brisbane to the world’s highest peaks. Ollie opens up about the personal loss that changed his life, how he discovered a love for the mountains, and the mental and physical challenges of high-altitude expeditions. From summiting Island Peak to taking on the technical terrain of Ama Dablam, Ollie shares raw stories of resilience, fear, and triumph and how the mountains have become both a calling and a cause. With Everest on the horizon, he reflects on his deeper mission: raising awareness and funds for brain cancer research in honour of his late uncle. If you’re drawn to big goals, personal transformation, and the mindset it takes to push beyond your limits, this episode is a must-listen. Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia. Follow Oliver on Instagram at @oliverforan Connect with Wild Earth at @wildearthaustralia and explore the gear Ollie uses at wildearth.com.au. | |||
| Exploring Project Zero: A Carbon Neutral Adventure - Svalbard Edition. | 23 May 2025 | 00:45:20 | |
In this powerful episode of Wild Chats, host Ben Southall sits down with explorer and climate advocate Geoff Wilson to talk all things adventure, sustainability, and the future of our planet. Geoff shares the highs and lows of his Project Zero expedition, a groundbreaking mission to complete carbon-neutral exploration through some of the planet's harshest environments. From navigating the globe aboard the Nanook to riding horses across Icelandic glaciers, Geoff opens up about the physical and emotional challenges of the journey, including the unique experience of working with his son Kit. This episode explores the importance of responsible exploration, crew dynamics, and storytelling as a tool to raise awareness about the realities of climate change. If you're passionate about sustainability, adventure, and protecting wild places, this conversation is filled with honest insights, incredible stories, and a call to action to fall back in love with our natural world. 🎧 Listen now Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia. Follow Project Zero on Instagram and track their progress on their website. Connect with Geoff on Instagram. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Project Zero 03:01 The Journey of Nanook 06:02 Svalbard Expedition Overview 08:52 The Challenges of Arctic Exploration 11:56 The Iceland Journey 14:56 Navigating Customs and Politics 17:59 The Concept of Project Zero 21:09 Crew Dynamics and Challenges 24:02 Father-Son Relationship on the Journey 24:52 The Impact of Climate Change 27:25 Individual Responsibility in Climate Action 30:36 Gear and Equipment for Harsh Environments 35:08 Nutrition and Sustenance on Expeditions 36:34 Future of Exploration and Storytelling 38:33 Safety Measures in Polar Regions 41:22 Human Impact on Oceans 42:46 Tracking the Expedition | |||
| The Art of Adventure with Beau Miles | 18 May 2025 | 01:03:07 | |
Join host Ben Southall in this unforgettable episode of Wild Chats as he sits down with adventurer, filmmaker, and storyteller Beau Miles. Known for his offbeat adventures and DIY ethos, Beau shares how a life of kayaking, running, filmmaking, and fatherhood has shaped his creative journey. This episode dives into Beau's love for craftsmanship, his commitment to sustainability, and how solitude fuels his storytelling. From building boats and running marathons in his backyard to navigating the chaos of parenthood, Beau reflects on how embracing the unknown leads to the most meaningful experiences. Whether you're a filmmaker, weekend adventurer, or just craving more creativity in your life, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humour, and inspiration to live life a little differently. 🎧 Listen now. Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia Connect with Beau Miles on YouTube & Instagram Buy his book The Backyard Adventurer. | |||
| Gut Health, Grit & the Great Outdoors with Kirsty Wirth | 09 May 2025 | 01:07:34 | |
Join host Ben Southall as he chats with gut health expert and outdoor enthusiast Kirsty Wirth. Kirsty opens up about her transformative journey from curiosity-driven explorer to passionate advocate for gut health and holistic wellness. Together, they dive into the powerful connections between gut health, outdoor adventures, and overall well-being. Discover how Kirsty's personal experiences, particularly navigating her son's health challenges, led her to establish Kultured Wellness and become an expert on the vital role gut health plays in resilience, endurance, and athletic performance. This episode is packed with practical tips on integrating nutritious fermented foods into your adventure routines and managing wellness on the trail. From parenting and solo travel to preparing physically and mentally for the challenges of outdoor adventures, this conversation offers valuable insights, inspiring personal stories, and actionable advice for anyone looking to elevate their health and embrace a life of adventure. Follow Kirsty Wirth on Instagram and keep up to date with Kultured Wellness. Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth. | |||
| Finding Balance | Lucy Bartholomew's Approach to Running and Life | 06 Feb 2026 | 01:10:27 | |
In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with Australian trail running star Lucy Bartholomew to explore what it really takes to stay in love with the sport while chasing big goals. | |||
| Travel That Changes You: Sophy Roberts on Curiosity, Fear, and Meaning | 22 Jan 2026 | 01:12:24 | |
In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with award-winning travel writer and journalist Sophy Roberts to explore the kind of storytelling that begins with a “lump in the throat” and ends in places most people never think to look. Sophy unpacks the strange, irresistible ideas behind her books, from The Lost Pianos of Siberia to A Training School for Elephants, and why she is drawn to places with difficult reputations, not to romanticise them, but to find the human counter-narrative inside them. They talk about “xenophilia” (a love of the stranger), the hunt for the un-Google-able, and the real fieldwork behind great travel writing: moving slowly, earning trust, taking handwritten notes, working with the right interpreter, and letting the story decide where you sleep next. Listen if you love big landscapes, sharp ideas, and travel that is less about consumption and more about feeling your way back to the world. 🌍 Follow Sophy’s work 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from: | |||
| The Art of Vagabonding with Travel Legend Rolf Potts | 08 Jan 2026 | 01:07:08 | |
In this conversation, Rolf Potts discusses the philosophy of minimalistic travel, emphasising the importance of traveling light and giving oneself permission to explore the world at any age. He shares insights on the evolution of travel storytelling, the value of experiences over material possessions, and the significance of intergenerational travel. Rolf also reflects on his journey as a travel writer, the impact of digital technology on storytelling, and the essential gear for modern travelers. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the joy of spontaneity and the richness of cultural interactions that come from embracing local culture. Listen now: Spotify, Apple, and more: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2018168/episodes/18467496
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| 46,000 km, six continents and 38 countries on foot. Tom Turcich's World Walk | 24 Dec 2025 | 01:11:10 | |
In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with world walker Tom Turcich to unpack what it really takes to walk around the planet. After the sudden loss of a close friend as a teenager, Tom made a decision that would reshape his entire life: step out his front door and keep walking. | |||
| From Pilot to Survivalist: Outback Mike's Story | 11 Dec 2025 | 01:17:35 | |
In this episode, Ben Southall sits down with “Outback Mike” from Alone Australia to unpack how a kid obsessed with adventure became a survival instructor, and why he always planned to trade jets for the bush. Mike shares what he has learned from First Nations people about living with Country rather than on it, and how that wisdom guided his solo expeditions through the Australian Outback and along the Great Barrier Reef. He talks us through the 14 month grind of building a dugout canoe by hand, the relentless repairs and close calls at sea, and what it really takes to navigate one of the most fragile marine environments on Earth. Along the way, Mike opens up about the emotional toll of his journey, the grief he felt as he confronted Australia’s history, and why genuine cultural connection is essential if we are ever going to resolve our national identity crisis. The conversation also dives into the power of authentic storytelling, the realities of filming your own survival for YouTube and Alone, and how online platforms are helping a new generation of adventurers share raw, unfiltered stories from the edge of the map. Get his book: Modern Day Castaway here. 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia. ⛺️ To follow Mike's adventures check out outbackmike.com and reach out to him at @outbackmike on Insta, TikTok and YouTube. | |||
| Behind the Lens: The Art and Science of Underwater Filmmaking with Richard Fitzpatrick | 02 Apr 2026 | 01:00:40 | |
Join Ben Southall as he explores the fascinating world of underwater filmmaking, marine research, and conservation with Emmy-winning cinematographer Richard Fitzpatrick. Discover the stories behind the lens, cutting-edge technology, and the urgent need for protecting our oceans. | |||
| Steve Jackson on Building Trail Races, Coastal High 50 and the Future of Trail Running | 19 Mar 2026 | 01:05:15 | |
In this episode of Wild Earth Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with Steve Jackson, founder of Trail Trips and Events and the race director behind legendary running events like the Wild Earth Coastal High 50. Website: https://www.trailtrips.com.au/events-2 Sunset Slice: https://events.humanitix.com/host/wild-earth-australia | |||
| Packrafting, Wilderness Exploration and the Franklin River with Roman Dial | 06 Mar 2026 | 01:18:37 | |
In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall chats with legendary explorer, biologist and packrafting pioneer Roman Dial about a lifetime spent chasing wild rivers, remote landscapes, and unforgettable journeys. From the early evolution of packrafting in Alaska to adventures on Tasmania’s Franklin River, Roman shares the stories, lessons, and hard-earned wisdom that come from decades in the field. He talks through what it takes to plan for true wilderness travel, how to adapt when conditions change, and why the best adventures are often shaped by uncertainty. Follow Roman's adventures 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: www.bestlifeadventures.com Wild Earth Australia: www.wildearth.com.au | |||
| Inside the Death Zone and the Mindset Behind 14 x 8,000m Peaks with Andrew Lock | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:56:08 | |
In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with legendary Australian mountaineer Andrew Lock, the only Australian to have climbed all 14 of the world’s 8,000 metre peaks. Andrew takes us back to the moment it all began, a slideshow in the back room of a pub that lit the fuse, and the sharp left turn that followed. Within months he was learning to climb in the Blue Mountains. Within a couple of years he was testing himself on Denali. And not long after that, he was stepping into the Himalaya with a mindset that would shape the rest of his life, to earn the skills, respect the mountains, and keep coming back. Ben and Andrew unpack the realities behind big altitude dreams, including what it feels like to turn around short of the summit, why he learned he was a slower acclimater, and how experience changes the way you make decisions when the weather turns, the cold bites, and the margin for error disappears. 🏔️ Learn more about Andrew 🎙️ Hosted by | |||
| From Sea to Summit with Tim Macartney-Snape | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:57:11 | |
Ben Southall sits down with legendary Australian mountaineer Tim Macartney-Snape to unpack one of the most iconic adventure stories of all time, his Sea to Summit ascent of Everest. Tim shares how a childhood in East Africa shaped his curiosity, self-sufficiency, and drive to explore, before taking us through the climbs, decisions, and philosophy that led him from the Bay of Bengal to the top of the world. They also dive into the origins of Sea to Summit, how Tim went from climber and expedition leader to co-founding one of the best-known gear brands in the outdoor world, and why innovation, problem solving, and doing hard things still matter. Find out more about Tim: https://www.timmacartneysnape.com/
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