Polar Standards and Qualifiers

Episode 219 of The Adventure Podcast features adventure journalist and research scientist, Ash Routen. Ash has written for Explorers Web, Nat Geo, Outside, The Guardian, Sidetracked, Red Bull, and UKC, among many others. This episode is a thoughtful and refreshingly critical debate of sorts. Matt and Ash dive into the evolving world of adventure to ask difficult questions about the expeditions of today. What still counts as pioneering? What has become routine? How should adventure be reported and celebrated in an era where almost anyone can step into the outdoors? They explore the complexity of modern expedition culture, from Everest tourism to ocean rowing, from ethnicity and gender representation to the role of guiding and commercialisation. They tackle the tension between personal achievement and genuine exploration, reflect on how the public engages with stories of risk, endurance and “firsts", and most importantly, discuss why critical voices are needed in adventure journalism. They also shine a light on some lesser known adventures and adventurers. Its a deep dive into ethics, meaning, media, and what progress looks like.

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Chapter Breakdown:

• Matt sets the scene inside the Expedition Reports Room and explains why he has wanted to interview Ash for years.
• Ash outlines why adventure is flourishing publicly, yet diluted at the cutting edge.
• They discuss why criticism isn’t about tearing people down, but about clarity around what moves adventure forward.
• Ash argues that adventure lacks critical analysis compared to politics and sport, and explains why objectivity is essential.
• A deep look at decolonising adventure: class, ethnicity, gender, and why equal reporting isn’t always the same as equal achievement.
• Matt and Ash explore why some achievements gain headlines while more technical, groundbreaking climbs go unnoticed.
• Ash describes his criteria for covering expeditions: difficulty, remoteness, logistics, and why lesser-known stories matter.
• Why feats like Everest climbs or Atlantic rows no longer awe the way they once did.
• Matt questions the value of guided “fast-track” climbing and why apprenticeship and experience still matter.
• Ash reflects on climbing heroes, style, and the emotional contrast between historic firsts and today’s model of adventure.
• A discussion on media digestion- why technical nuance gets lost and why bold headlines win.
• Ash and Matt unpack how accidents and viral stories distort public understanding of adventure culture.
• They discuss responsibility, storytelling, and how the community can protect authenticity moving forward.

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