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What does it take to survive the extremes—not just of the wild, nature, but of pressure, fatigue, and the unpredictable?

In this episode, I sit down with Megan Hine, one of the most trusted survival consultants, expedition leaders, and adventure safety producers on the planet.

From guiding A-list celebrities across jungle gorges and desert canyons to building trust with tribes, cartels, and government fixers in far-flung corners of the world—Megan’s story is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and reading the wild.

We dig into Megan's roots—from muddy childhoods in Snowdonia to cycling the Malvern Hills, her ADHD diagnosis, and how early outdoor exposure lit a lifelong fire. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from Man vs. Wild, talks about the psychology of rigging fake-peril challenges, and explains how STOP and the Survival Rule of 3 can help you avoid panic and poor decisions in the wild—or modern life.

There’s grit, humour, and wisdom throughout this one. Whether you're leading a team or just need a push to step outdoors, Megan's stories might change how you view risk, trust, and what it means to truly be alive.

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👉 YouTube

What You’ll Learn

🧠 IDEAS
• Why perception of risk often matters more than the actual danger
• How wilderness lessons apply to leadership, TV, and life
• The role of empathy and autonomy in high-stress team dynamics

🪖 INSIGHTS
• “Luck opens the door, but graft keeps it open.”
• Good fixers are the unsung heroes of global adventure filmmaking
• Burnout isn’t just physical—it’s emotional backlog catching up once the mission ends

📚 REFERENCES
• Land of the Long White Cloud (book): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39345619
• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Cliffhanger (film)
• STOP Framework: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan
• UK Scouting: https://www.scouts.org.uk
• PSYCH Media Solutions (Megan's company): https://www.psychmediasolutions.com
• Megan Hine Instagram: @megan_hine

🌍 FACTS
• Megan once lowered a Jeep Wrangler on a single rope
• She’s led safety for shows involving 400+ crew in remote terrain
• Lyme disease, caught in the UK, changed her approach to adventure health

🎒 Episode Takeaway

You don’t need a passport or a plan—adventure begins the moment you step outside your front door

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What if the heart of adventure isn’t in conquering landscapes, but in the friendships you forge along the way? In this episode, expedition cyclist and filmmaker Gerhard Czerner joins us to reflect on what it really means to travel deeply—where human connection becomes the compass and the journey is shared.

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Gerhard’s pay-it-forward isn’t about a single organization. It’s about a philosophy: give something back. Whether it’s hiring local guides, teaching a skill, or sharing a story, his adventures are built on mutual exchange. “It’s not just about giving money,” he says. “It’s about giving ideas, time, and respect.” For Gerhard, this creates richer, more grounded travel—and often friendships that last years.

His call to adventure is refreshingly analog: go out for two days with no map, no GPS, no phone. Just your instincts. Just the land. Adventure, he reminds us, isn’t about distance—it’s about uncertainty. If you don’t know exactly what will happen, you’re already on your way.

Lesson:
You don’t need to fly to the Karakoram to feel something stir. You just need to step away from routine. Strip back the plans. Make space for the unknown. As Gerhard puts it, “Adventure begins when you leave your habits behind.”

Resources & Guest Links:

• Gerhard Czerner
  • Website: gerhardczerner.com
  • Instagram: @gerhardczerner
  • YouTube: Gerhard Czerner
  • Articles: Sidetracked Magazine and other publications

Note: Gerhard’s site is in German but easily viewable via browser translation tools.

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What happens when a bear sneaks up behind you—while you’re mid-squat in the Alaskan wilderness? For Erin Ranney, it's just another story from the field. In this episode RECAP, Erin—wildlife cinematographer, conservationist, and chicken-showing champion! —joins us for a conversation that blends humour, purpose, and awe for the natural world.

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Erin’s pay-it-forward suggestions are deeply rooted in the landscapes and communities she works with. She champions two powerful causes in Alaska:

• Defend Yakutat: A small nonprofit working to protect traditional fishing grounds in Yakutat, Alaska.
• United Tribes of Bristol Bay: An Indigenous-led coalition fighting to preserve the vital ecosystems of Bristol Bay from threats like the proposed Pebble Mine.

Both organizations exemplify what Erin stands for—local voices, cultural stewardship, and protecting what’s irreplaceable.

For her call to adventure, Erin keeps it close to home:
“Explore your backyard like you’ve never been there before.” Whether it's taking a visitor around your hometown or stepping onto a trail you’ve overlooked for years, there's wonder waiting. And chances are, you’ll see things differently when you’re showing someone else the ropes.

Big adventures don’t require big distances. Whether you’re hiking through old growth or showing a friend the trail for the first time, connection is the real journey. Add in Erin’s guiding mantra—lift as you climb—and it’s clear: exploration is better when it includes others.

Also, you’ll want to hear about her former life as a champion chicken show-er. Trust us.

Resources & Guest Links:

• Erin Ranney
  • Website: erinranney.com
  • Instagram: @e.ranney
• Charity Mentions:
  • Defend Yakutat: defendyakutat.org
  • United Tribes of Bristol Bay: utbb.org

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Thanks For Listening.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content.

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AdventureDiaries.com

#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld