Armchair Explorer: Travel and Adventure Inspiration

By: Armchair Productions
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  • Summary

  • Award-winning podcast featuring interviews with the world’s greatest adventurers, immersive travel documentaries recorded on location, deep dives into cultures around the world, and inspiration for how to life to the fullest. Hailed as “inspiring storytelling” by the New York Times, and “Ear candy for listeners” by the Washington Post, past guests include Conrad Anker, Ed Stafford, Kristine Tompkins and many more legends of travel and adventure.
    © 2023 Armchair Explorer
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Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
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Episodes
  • From the Shadow of Denali Into the Thaw with Jon Waterman

    From the Shadow of Denali Into the Thaw with Jon Waterman
    May 1 2025
    Today we are taking a journey to the arctic circle, in the far north of the American continent. This is a story about climbing, and surviving, one of the tallest mountains on Earth. It’s about paddling through the most remote national park in America, the Gates of the Arctic; and it’s about finding wonder and hope in places where that hope is nearly lost. Taking us on this journey is mountaineer, writer and arctic explorer Jon Waterman. From his winter ascent of the Denali’s Cassin Ridge, the first person to do this extremely dangerous climb, to his expedition on the Noatak River, in Alaska, which sparked a lifelong love affair with Arctic, Jon’s poetic descriptions, and nail-biting storytelling, will immerse you in the beauty and danger of the far north, and what it might take to save it. Highlights of Shadow of Denali Into the Thaw: Feeling what it’s like to stand on the top of America’s tallest mountain in winter, and the cost it took to get there. Exploring the ‘hallucagenic’ beauty of Gates of the Arctic National Park, in Alaska - America’s most remote national park. Discovering what it takes to paddle the Northwest Passage solo, a 2,200-mile journey across the roof of the American continent. Hearing the story of Maniilaq, the innuit prophet of the 1800s, who predicted the missionaries, mining and famine that would come to his people. Listening to Jon’s final journey Into the Thaw to document the changes of the last 40yrs, and how he found hope among the people who have lived there since time immemorial. FIND OUT MORE Jon’s latest book is called Into the Thaw: Discovering Wonder Amid the Arctic Climate Crisis, published by Patagonia Books. This collection of short stories, and essays, is beautifully written and photographed. It’s a book for your collection, or a coffee table, and a joy to dip into when you’re dreaming of your next adventure. Find out more about this book, as well as his other books, including In the Shadow of Denali, at: jonathanwaterman.com, or search it up on Patagonia.com. FOLLOW US: Instagram: @armchairexplorerpodcast Facebook: @armchairexplorerpodcast Newsletter: armchair-explorer.com CONNECT WITH US: If you enjoy the show, please subscribe on whatever podcast player you’re reading this on right now. Go on, do it! It helps us grow the show, and continue to bring this content to you. Armchair Explorer is produced by Armchair Productions. Aaron Millar wrote and presented the show, Charles Tyrie did the audio editing and sound design. Jason Paton is our lead producer and our theme music is by the artist Sweet Chap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • DISCOVER: River Drifting, Reef Diving & Rainforest Wandering in Tropical North Queensland

    DISCOVER: River Drifting, Reef Diving & Rainforest Wandering in Tropical North Queensland
    Apr 14 2025
    In this episode, we’re heading deep into the wilds of Tropical North Queensland, Australia—where the oldest rainforest in the world meets the greatest reef on the planet. We’ll be connecting with an Aboriginal guide to learn indigenous perspectives on the land; doing something called ‘River Drifting’ through the ancient forests of Daintree; seeing the Great Barrier Reef from the sky and under the waves, and lots more. Our Discover Guides are deep dives into destinations we love. Think of them like a cross between a traditional radio show and an audio magazine: fast paced, with multiple guests and different segments from traditional interviews to immersive stories. Highlights include: Trying out River Drift Snorkelling on the Mossman River, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. Going on a Walkabout Tour through the Daintree Rainforest led by a local Aboriginal guide from the Kuku Yalanji community. Exploring the Great Barrier Reef from above and below with a local expert. Tasting something called a Chocolate Pudding Fruit in the Atherton Tablelands. Find out more: Thanks to Down Under Endeavours for partnering with us on this episode. They are the Tropical North Queensland experts and helped us build this itinerary and connect with all the awesome guests we’ve heard from today. Go to downunderendeavours.com/armchair to get $500 off your next trip! Connecting with our partners helps support the show. If you’re looking for some adventure inspiration, check out what they do. They have some amazing adventures to dream about for your next big trip! Today’s guests: Jeff Cameron-Smith from https://downundercruiseanddive.com.au/ Jason Heffernan from https://backcountrybliss.com.au/ Juan Walker from https://walkaboutadventures.com.au/ Andrea Bretts from https://www.outbacktastingtours.com.au/ 🌏 Ready to Explore? If you're into real stories of epic places told by the people who’ve lived them, make sure to subscribe—that way you choose the adventure, not the algorithm. And hey, a follow on socials? That’s like giving us a high-five from across the globe. 📸 Instagram: @armchairexplorerpodcast 📘 Facebook: @armchairexplorerpodcast ____________________________________________________________________________ 🎙️ Presented by: Aaron Millar 🎚️ Audio & Sound Design: Charles Tyrie 🌍 Produced by: Armchair Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • 🎧 PATHWAYS: Rainforest Drifts, Kangaroo Islands & Denali’s Frozen Edge

    🎧 PATHWAYS: Rainforest Drifts, Kangaroo Islands & Denali’s Frozen Edge
    Apr 10 2025
    This is your monthly guide to the world’s wildest travel stories – one adventure at a time. Every month on Pathways, host Aaron Millar and producer Jason Paton crack open a few stories, play their favorite clips, and take you on a whirlwind preview of what’s coming up on Armchair Explorer. It’s part travel hangout, part behind-the-scenes, part “wait, you did what?”—and all of it is designed to help you find your next great escape. This month, we’re going deep. Deep into the world’s oldest rainforest. Deep into the soul of South Australia. And deep into the heart of America’s wildest frontier with one of the great explorers of our time. 🌍 Coming Up This Month: 🌿 DISCOVER | Tropical North Queensland This episode takes us to Tropical North Queensland—home to two of the most unique ecosystems on the planet: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. We join an Aboriginal guide on a walkabout tour, drift quietly down jungle rivers and explore the reef’s vibrant underwater world. It’s a journey that blends nature, culture, and connection—with a few surprises along the way. 🦘 EXPLORE | South Australia In this episode, we explore Kangaroo Island, where wildlife roams free and the wine flows easy. We'll explore the wild beauty of the Limestone Coast, go behind the scenes in Adelaide, and discover why South Australia might just be the country’s best-kept secret. Think rugged cliffs, artisan vineyards, and a vibe that feels like the edge of the world—but somehow right at home. ❄️ ADVENTURE | Jon Waterman – Into the Thaw Based on his epic books Shadow of Denali and Into the Thaw, we take a deep dive into the journeys of Jon Waterman—one of the most intrepid explorers of North America. From near-death climbs on Denali to Arctic expeditions across melting ice, Jon’s stories are raw, real, and radically human. This one’s for the wild-hearted. 🌏 Ready to Explore? If you're into real stories of epic places told by the people who’ve lived them, make sure to subscribe—that way you choose the adventure, not the algorithm. And hey, a follow on socials? That’s like giving us a high-five from across the globe. 📸 Instagram: @armchairexplorerpodcast 📘 Facebook: @armchairexplorerpodcast 🎙️ Presented by: Aaron Millar & Jason Paton 🎚️ Audio & Sound Design: Charles Tyrie 🎶 Theme Music: Sweet Chap 🌍 Produced by: Armchair Productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 mins

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.