You're Dead to Me Arctic Exploration (Radio Edit)
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Jun 27, 2025 Join Vanessa Heggie, a science columnist and author of 'Higher and Colder', alongside comedian Stu Goldsmith as they dive into the thrilling yet perilous history of Arctic exploration. They discuss the infamous search for the Northwest Passage, including the tragic Franklin expedition and its mysterious fate. Expect tales of explorers getting lost, the comical challenges of packing tinned food, and even the darker topics of survival and cannibalism. Their witty banter makes complex history relatable and engaging!
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Northwest Passage Geographic Insight
- The Northwest Passage is a complex seaway through a maze of islands and sea ice at the top of North America.
- Indigenous peoples had long traversed this resource-scarce area using traditional methods before European exploration began.
Henry Hudson's Arctic Mutiny
- Henry Hudson attempted the first Arctic overwintering but faced mutiny when crew refused to continue north.
- Hudson, his son, and others were set adrift and never seen again after disputes over food and a stolen coat.
Sir John Franklin's Final Expedition
- Sir John Franklin was a seasoned Arctic explorer chosen to lead the 1845 expedition despite not being the first choice.
- His ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, set out with 129 crew for a highly provisioned mission to find the Northwest Passage.
