Living Adventurously

Kieran Harkin is a conservationist and educator with 12 years’ experience working for non-profit organisations and over 500 days experience in leading groups of young people in wilderness area. Kieran was on his way to begin a law degree in Manchester when he decided instead to follow his heart and pursue a career protecting the environment. Twelve years on from earning an Msc in Environmental Management, he has never once regretted the change of heart.Kieran's career has taken him to the remote Botswana bush and the Nepalese Himalayas where he has spent long periods leading groups of young people in wilderness areas. He has more than a decade's experience working on conservation projects for non-profit organisations.Kieran strongly believes that all people must be engaged with the natural world to ensure its protection, a vision which led him to found GET OUT.GET OUT is a UK charity, founded in 2018 and based in the London borough of Tower Hamlets. The founding goal of GET OUT is to use environmental education to strengthen the connection between Tower Hamlets' young people and the natural world. Through a programme of outdoor education, surfing, campaigning and permaculture projects GET OUT strives to give young people self-confidence, life skills and experiences which will help them in education, life and as environmentally-conscious members of their local and global communities.They believe ALL young people deserve the same opportunities to experience nature and become voices for its protection regardless of their background. Kieran says, “At GET OUT we want to ensure that the importance of environmental protection is embedded and instilled in people’s values from a young age. Centred on the belief that people will only protect what they love, we believe it is essential for ALL young people to experience and value the natural world.”PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but very helpful for me. If you’re feeling extra kind, please leave a review on the app – that really helps.)Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn (“Alexa, please play the Living Adventurously podcast”) or on your favourite podcast platform such as Overcast, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Breaker, Soundcloud, Castbox, Castro.www.alastairhumphreys.com/podcastsSHOW NOTESIf you enjoy listening to this episode over a cup of coffee and think it might be worth the price, you can buy me a "coffee" here: www. ko-fi.com/al_humphreysKeep up to date with future episodes (and my other adventures, projects and books) with my free monthly newsletter: alastairhumphreys.com/newslettersSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreysGet Out project: https://www.getoutuk.org/https://twitter.com/GETOUTCHARITYDunaff HeadKieran is a bad but very keen surferAfter a 5 hour drive from London to get to the waves, you're going in no matter what the waves are likeWhy don't surfers wear helmets? Because they are too cool.Jerry Lopez, Surf Is Where You Find ItEddie Aikau - Eddie Would GoBarbarian DaysDaniel Duane - Caught InsideMark Boyle - The Way HomeSurfing gives me a real sense of purposeThe anticipation of a 5 hour drive from London to Devon, the week before looking at surf reports - the whole thing gives me a buzzRosie Riley podcast episode on Living Adventurously- North Sea surfingLondon Surf Film festival - https://londonsurffilmfestival.com/the-event/London Surf Club on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LondonSurfClub/Spend 20 days doing your 'pop up' every night in front of the mirrorBiggest adventure was living in the African bush in Botswana for 7 months. Got a job offer whilst doing a Masters degree, and the university allowed him to go and study elephantsMasters on Migratory patterns in elephantsI was pretty scared on my first night in the bush. By the end when elephants came through the camp I'd lob stones at them to get them to go away and then go back to sleepWatching how animals interact is incredibly insightfulIt's really important to study animals in nature during a degree courseHis experiences in Africa led to him creating Get OutWorks on Tiger conservation in Vietnam and other countriesYou can change people by exposure to the natural worldBeing in the natural world helps people challenge their valuesGet Out is a non-profit to connect disadvantaged people connected with the natural world through permaculture, outdoor education and surfing3/4 of kids spend less time outdoors than prisoners - (in particular, BAME communities are marginalised from the natural world) You only protect what you loveIf kids are not going out into the natural world, if they are not enjoying it and understanding it, they are not going to protect it.Get Out tries to reverse these trendsMostly works in Tower Hamlets in ...

Brian Cookson is the former president of British Cycling, helping to oversee the miraculous transformation of the sport to become Team GB's most successful Olympic sport. He was also the president of UCI (Union Cycliste International), tackling the doping problems which have plagued the sport. Brian is a keen amateur cyclist himself. He also loves trees and posts a daily Tree of the Day photograph on Twitter. THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY Adventurous Ink, the book club for adventurous folk. Each month you'll receive a new book or journal featuring writers, photographers and illustrators who really 'get' the great outdoors. Their unique subscription will inspire more memorable experiences and help you reconnect with the natural world whilst you're out there.(If your company or organisation is interested in sponsoring Living Adventurously, please get in touch!)PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but very helpful for me. If you’re feeling extra kind, please leave a review on the app – that really helps.)Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn (“Alexa, please play the Living Adventurously podcast”) or on your favourite podcast platform such as Overcast, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Breaker, Soundcloud, Castbox, Castro.www.alastairhumphreys.com/podcastsSHOW NOTESIf you enjoy listening to this episode over a cup of coffee and think it might be worth the price, you can buy me a "coffee" here: www. ko-fi.com/al_humphreysKeep up to date with future episodes (and my other adventures, projects and books) with my free monthly newsletter: alastairhumphreys.com/newslettersSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreyshttps://www.briancookson.com/https://twitter.com/BrianCooksonOBEThere will always be a percentage of people who try to cheat, in whatever activity in lifeThe National Cycling Centre - http://www.nationalcyclingcentre.com/Britain had won one cycling medal in 76 years' of Olympics pre 2000It was 'extremely gratifying' to see all the results at the Beijing OlympicsThe beauty, the passion, the colour, the complexity of the sportCycling is like Test cricket in its complexityThe whiteness of cycling needs to change - that has not progressed in the way that other changes in cycling have doneThere's a difference between not being negative vs making a proactive way to make cycling less white and less middle classThere will probably never be a full-length Women's Tour de France (mostly due to sponsorship reasons)Fiona Kolbinger won the Trans Continental race - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/49248126 (MY MISTAKE in the podcast, mixing this up with the Tour Divide race)If you were inventing cycling today you probably would not invent the Tour de FranceWe need to move away from the exclusivity of cycling - if you ride a bike you are a cyclistWe are too snooty about who is a real cyclistCycling a sport but it is also a pastime and a means of transportWe need to invest in more cycling infrastructure if we are to broaden its reach and lower the perception of dangerOnce everyone has someone in their family who is a cyclist, people will drive more safelyBrian owns 7 bikesFavourite cycling is road cyclingRecommendation for touring cycling - titanium frame, mudguards, relaxed pose, Reynolds 531 tubing, wider tyres Electronic gears, Shimano DI2Fred Whitton challenge - https://alastairhumphreys.com/fred-whitton-challenge-2/The miles are 'twice as good' in the Lake District because there are so many ups and downsTree of the Day - https://twitter.com/BrianCooksonOBE/status/1301156089422139392Trees have always been a big part of my life. My favourite tree is a beech tree. ★ Support this podcast ★

Zahrah Mahmood lives in Scotland and loves the mountains. She says, "you can find me in the hills with some sort of head covering." For Zahrah is known on Instagram as 'the Hillwalking Hijabi', sharing her cheerful, joyful experiences with a fast-growing audience. Zahrah is at the forefront of a new urgency to make the outdoors more welcoming, more diverse, more representative. I really enjoyed chatting. to Zahrah about what first got her into the outdoors, the joy it brings her, the grind of microagressions and how the outdoor community can become more welcoming to everyone.THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY Trees for Cities, the only UK charity working at a national and international scale to improve lives by planting trees in cities. They get stuck in with local communities to cultivate lasting change in neighbourhoods – whether it’s revitalising forgotten spaces, creating healthier environments or getting people excited about growing, foraging and eating healthy food.(If your company or organisation is interested in sponsoring Living Adventurously, please get in touch!)PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but very helpful for me. If you’re feeling extra kind, please leave a review on the app – that really helps.)Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn (“Alexa, please play the Living Adventurously podcast”) or on your favourite podcast platform such as Overcast, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Breaker, Soundcloud, Castbox, Castro.www.alastairhumphreys.com/podcastsSHOW NOTESIf you enjoy listening to this episode over a cup of coffee and think it might be worth the price, you can buy me a "coffee" here: www. ko-fi.com/al_humphreysKeep up to date with future episodes (and my other adventures, projects and books) with my free monthly newsletter: alastairhumphreys.com/newslettersSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreysZahrah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hillwalking_hijabi/Zahrah is an auditor in GlasgowMountain Weather website - https://www.mwis.org.uk/Dark Skies app (iOS) - https://darksky.net/appTwo of her friends from work got Zahrah into the hillsTwo years ago she was stressing over her chartered accountant exams, so her friends took her into the hills for her birthdayFirst Munro - Ben LomondThe Innaccessible PinnacleComplained the whole way up her first mountain and didn't do anything again for about a year!Links the mountains to the spiritual aspects of her lifeHer preconception was that the hills were for fit people and crazy people. I'm not the fastest or the fittest, I just enjoy hillwalking.To welcome people to the hills, you should have a conversation with them before cheering them on, otherwise it can be a bit overwhelming - make sure that they actually are newcomers to the hills and not just unfit!Instagram hashtags: #hillwalking #hillwalkingscotland #munrobagging A Munro is a Scottish mountain over 3000ft. There are 282. Zahrah has bagged 21 of them. Buachaille Etive Beag is her favourite peak so far.Hiking with other people adds to the spiritual side for Zahrah - she doesn't hike alone. Enjoys the company and the deep chats, the philosophical and spiritual side. A lot of people think hiking and hillwalking is more complicated than it is.You don't need fancy, expensive gear. Trainers are fine for some hikes.Lockdown has got Zahrah planning a camping trip when she feels comfortable to do so - some Munros require a night out in a tent or a bothyA glimpse at 'bothies' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOrcWFZ-q-4Despite growing up in Scotland she didn't get introduced to the mountains as a kid. She was in the gardening and computer clubs and enjoyed playing badminton.https://www.instagram.com/the_hillwalking_hijabihttps://www.instagram.com/adventurer.nic/https://www.instagram.com/jamesmichaelforrest/Would be great to become "A hillwalking hijabi" rather than "THE hillwalking hijabi"Her parents came to the UK from PakistanKarakoram HighwayImran Mughal - the first British-Pakistani to cycle round the world. (PODCAST EPISODE: https://livingadventurously.transistor.fm/episodes/going-out-to-explore-the-world-was-not-encouraged-within-the-pakistani-community)Her parents outlined their fears about Zahrah going to the hills, then she countered them. Didn't meet resistance from her friends or family.Occasional microagressions on the hills - people staring at her, or assuming she's a novice because of the way Zahrah dressesNike hijab - https://www.nike.com/gb/t/pro-hijab-y7mzD8Limited product available for hijabs to wear in the outdoors or for sport. Boots and Beards - https://bootsandbeards.co.uk/The outdoor community can become more welcoming to broader groups by having brands showcase adventurers and improving representation. Sticking a person of colour on their feed then thinking "tick, we've done it". We can see through that.Brands need to take actual steps to champion diversity.Not to say anything is wrongThe complex pros and cons of the 'black square' day on InstagramOutdoors Facebook Groups - lots of racist comments / stereotyping in the aftermath of BLM.Zahrah doesn't like getting dragged into other people's racist argumentsSouth Asians are at risk of many health ailments - the outdoors / hiking could be very powerful for this, if they were encouraged and welcomed more.Reaching out to local community groups is a way of diversifying walking groups (and...

Kate Rawles studied philosophy at Aberdeen University, and environmental philosophy at Glasgow and Colorado State Universities. She was an indoor philosophy lecturer at Lancaster University for nearly a decade before leaving to work freelance in 2000. From 2004-2014 she worked half-time as a lecturer in Outdoor Studies at the University of Cumbria – teaching ‘big picture’ environmental issues, sustainability, environmental education and a bit of sea kayaking – and half-time as a freelance outdoor philosopher, writer, lecturer and environmental campaigner. She left Cumbria University in 2014 to develop her freelance work and make time for adventures, beginning with The Life Cycle journey.Kate is passionate about the need to find urgent, effective and suitably radical responses to our multiple environmental challenges (including giving our values and worldviews a thorough overhaul) – and firmly believes our quality of life can go up rather than down in the process. She’s excited about the potential of adventurous journeys as a communication medium and believes the adventure of sustainability is an adventure we’re all on, one way or another.PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but very helpful for me. If you’re feeling extra kind, please leave a review on the app – that really helps.)Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn (“Alexa, please play the Living Adventurously podcast”) or on your favourite podcast platform such as Overcast, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Breaker, Soundcloud, Castbox, Castro.www.alastairhumphreys.com/podcastsSHOW NOTESIf you enjoy listening to this episode over a cup of coffee and think it might be worth the price, you can buy me a "coffee" here: www. ko-fi.com/al_humphreysKeep up to date with future episodes (and my other adventures, projects and books) with my free monthly newsletter: alastairhumphreys.com/newslettersSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreyshttps://www.outdoorphilosophy.co.uk/https://twitter.com/CarbonCycleKateHow Not To Write A Bestseller - @carboncyclekate - https://www.instagram.com/p/B89CgoEFLaj/#18: it's easier to write a book in other people's homes because you can't tidy other people's sock drawers!Tips to avoid writing: get out on your bike most days, take on a rescue dogPrioritising quality of life over income is key to the work/life balanceSea kayaking to the Outer Hebrides is better than a 'decent' incomeAdventure Plus: loved adventure, learned a lot about climate change, but nothing much seemed to be happeningHow could she bring her love of adventure together with her learning about climate change, and offer a "wake up!" cryThe Carbon Cycle - ride from Texas to Alaska in the most oil-ravenous place on Earth.Bringing the climate change story to an audience that didn't usually hear it. The Carbon Cycle book - https://www.outdoorphilosophy.co.uk/carbon-cycle/the-book/If you're going to talk about oil, go to America.The attitudes to ClimateChange she encountered varied from blank faces, having never heard of it, thought it was a myth, God's will, or that the government would fix it. And then some people who were very keen on fixing it.Kate loves travelling in America - the people, the landscapes, the generosity, the varietyWhitman Alabama - https://whitmanalabama.com/I am not athletic, got into cycling as a way of commuting.Cycling is an amazing way for even unfit people to cover miles. Every mundane journey becomes an adventureA bike is like a magician - it scatters adventure all around you.The idea that I can conquer mountains is ludicrous and I dislike that narrative with a passion. Overcoming nature is an inappropriate narrative right now - the idea that we can 'defeat' nature has got us into a heck of a lot of trouble over the yearsI think we need a different narrative now - we are part of nature. I like to think of myself as a citizen of an ecological community (on the same terms as everything else) - that really helps shift perspectiveIt's not just a human community - it's an everything communityHer ride through America changed her opinion of her carbon footprint. Flying to the US, she realised, demonstrated a mindset that is exactly part of the problem, "well my flight is different, my flight is special, my flight is justified."Kate is on a flight ration - once every 3 years. Works well when talking to people rather than saying "quit flying"It is not possible to tackle climate change without changing our lifestyles. Yet consumerism is not really the best, happiest lifestyle is it?Number of bikes needed = n+1 [where 'n' = number you currently have]Number of bikes needed = s-1 [where 's' = number at which your partner dumps you]Outdoor brands: Adventure can stand for a different model of 'quality of life' if it is about connection with nature, quality of experience, time outdoors, pushing yourself in different ways.If everyone on the Earth lived life by US lifestyle standards we would need 4 planets.A quality of life that is about time and connection and experience; not stuffAnd yet brands also need to sell Stuff (because of the system we are in)Systemic change so that people sell what they have to sell, not as much as possibleStuff - also oil-based and has a terrible environmental footprintFlying and Stuff are two of the biggest problems in adventureReuse and mend the stuff we have already gotBuy second hand where possible Ask brands "what is your sustainability policy" to avoid them doing a lame 'greenwash'Patagonia is way ahead of the other brands in terms of environmental workOutdoor Philosophy: the relationship between people and nature. Began taking those conversations outdoors, with sea kayaks if possible!Do we think of ourselves as part of nature, dominating nature or in nature?Our relationship with nature is dysfunctional - that is the root cause of climate change, environmental destruction and biodiversity lossFavourite whisky: Lagavulin - or any Islay malt. LaphroaigTalisker Storm adventure - http...

Daisy Narayanan is the director of Urbanism at Sustrans and is working on the central Edinburgh transformation project. Daisy is an architect, an urban designer, a cyclist, and a fan of books, food and music.THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY OffGrid, a design agency that wants to work with people who aren’t scared to look at things differently, that want to make a difference and are willing to go a (little) Off Grid.(If your company or organisation is interested in sponsoring Living Adventurously, please get in touch!)PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but very helpful for me. If you’re feeling extra kind, please leave a review on the app – that really helps.)Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn (“Alexa, please play the Living Adventurously podcast”) or on your favourite podcast platform such as Overcast, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Breaker, Soundcloud, Castbox, Castro.www.alastairhumphreys.com/podcastsSHOW NOTESIf you enjoy listening to this episode over a cup of coffee and think it might be worth the price, you can buy me a "coffee" here: www. ko-fi.com/al_humphreysKeep up to date with future episodes (and my other adventures, projects and books) with my free monthly newsletter: alastairhumphreys.com/newslettersSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreyshttps://twitter.com/DaisynmurphyDirector of Urbanism at Sustrans and working on the central Edinburgh transformation projectPlacemaking - making a better place for people to live, work, play and learn.Good city design should be intutive, and the city 'lead you' in a flow through the places you need to goOpen Streets campaign - https://www.connectingedinburgh.com/open-streets/open-streets-1A parent should feel safe for their child to cross the street in a cityParis Mayor Anne Hidalgo on city design - https://www.citymetric.com/transport/mayor-anne-hidalgo-making-paris-more-friendly-cyclists-and-more-hostile-cars-488520-minute neighbourhood - all your amenities should be within a 20-minute walk. Therefore fewer cars needed. Builds a stronger sense of community too.Melbourne's 20-minute neighbourhoods - https://www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au/current-projects/20-minute-neighbourhoodsDabbawallas - the world's best delivery system - https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/dabbawalas-food-delivery-system-mumbai-india-lunchbox-work-lunch-tiffin-dabbas-a7859701.htmlInvisible Women: https://invisiblewomenbook.co.uk/Music: AR Rahman: http://www.arrahman.com/biography.aspxVS Naipaul - A Million Mutinies Now - https://www.amazon.co.uk/India-Mutinies-V-S-Naipaul/dp/0330519867/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Mumbai's extraordinary laundry system - https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/awash-with-color-a-visual-tour-of-mumbais-dhobi-ghat/I love cycling because it gets me places and I know what time I will arriveBought an e-bike last yearCalls herself a 'utility cyclist'As you grow up in India you become too cool for cyclingIn America cycling was only for recreationWe need to make it easier to cycle and walk, and harder to make it driveThere has been a great improvement in urban planning and sustainable planning in the UKI am a relentless optimistCities that are designed for women are designed for everyoneVienna has consciously tried to design the city from a women's perspective - https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/may/14/city-with-a-female-face-how-modern-vienna-was-shaped-by-womenMen and women use cities in very different ways, making different journeysLee Craigie is the Active Nation Commissioner - https://www.transport.gov.scot/active-travel/active-nation-commissioner/@leecraigie_ https://twitter.com/leecraigie_The first part of changing your lens for how you view something is to not take things for granted. Listen and ask 'why?'Safety is a big issue for getting more women cycling - well-lit cycle paths etc.Without action now the car will become the default socially-distanced means of transportIn lockdown China went to a huge increase in car usership. Scotland is trying to encourage people to walk and cycle rather than a default setting of 'jump in the car'The high street has to be a place where people want to linger, not just pass through.Has a spreadsheet of books to readLeonard and Hungry Paul: https://bluemoosebooks.com/books/leonard-and-hungry-paulThe extraordinary ordinaryTo Kill a MockingbirdTom Waits - "You don't meet nice girls in coffee shops" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkpaKx1UUUwCooking Daal - deceptively simple. Have to get the proportions just right, and add the 'tarka' at the endDaisy's recommended Daal recipe - https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/dal-makhani-recipe/Dishoom black daal - https://hotcooking.co.uk/recipes/dishoom-house-black-daalCouch to 5k - https://ww...

Mark Davey is the Chief Executive of the Youth Adventure Trust, a charity that uses outdoor adventure to empower young people to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future. They work with them to build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will last a lifetime, helping them to face the challenges in their lives. THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY The Rivers Trust who work to protect, promote and enhance our river environment, for both people and wildlife.(If your company or organisation is interested in sponsoring Living Adventurously, please get in touch!)PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but very helpful for me. If you’re feeling extra kind, please leave a review on the app – that really helps.)Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn (“Alexa, please play the Living Adventurously podcast”) or on your favourite podcast platform such as Overcast, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Breaker, Soundcloud, Castbox, Castro.www.alastairhumphreys.com/podcastsSHOW NOTESIf you enjoy listening to this episode over a cup of coffee and think it might be worth the price, you can buy me a "coffee" here: www. ko-fi.com/al_humphreysKeep up to date with future episodes (and my other adventures, projects and books) with my free monthly newsletter: alastairhumphreys.com/newslettersSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreysYouth Adventure Trust websiteMark once signed his name in the Taj Mahal VIP visitor's bookJoined the Army aged 19 because it was an outdoors, adventurous jobLife in the Army teaches you responsibility. It is a swift step into adulthood.We wrap our young people in cotton wool and don't allow them to make decisions and responsibility for their own actions.Common thread in Mark's adventures is to step out of his comfort zone and tackle things more difficult than he imagined he would be capable of.Stretching other people through adventureThe YAT gives an 'adventure vaccine' to young people - giving them resilience for their difficult real livesDavid Hempleman-Adams - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Hempleman-AdamsYoung people often don't have a chance to begin the 'believe-achieve' processA lot of the young people who come to the YAT believe they are failing. YAT help children for 3 years between the age of 11 and 16YAT is not an adventure-provider; they are a longterm intervention organisationYAT has an adventure scheme (3 years) then a mentoring schemeDeveloping resilience, mental toughness and the skills they need for life.Poverty of opportunity - a supportive family, transport access etc.The ability to trust and communicate are new skills for many of these young peopleAs the programme progresses it becomes more about communication and conversation than the adventures themselvesMaking everyone in an organisation feel as though they matter: the key is to build a strong team, delegate and trust, give them resources and let them get on with it. 200 volunteers help YAT and are a key ingredient to the 'magic'YAT run lots of corporate challenges and fundraising adventure challengesFundraising and supporters get similar benefits to the young people ★ Support this podcast ★

Dan Raven-Ellison is a Guerrilla Geographer & Creative Explorer. He led the campaign to make London the world’s first National Park City and is working on a new project called “Slow Ways” to collaboratively create a network of 4,000+ walking routes that connect all of Great Britain’s towns and cities. Walking can improve health and wellbeing, tackle the climate and ecological emergencies, save people money, improve our environment and bring joy to people’s lives. In 2018 Dan also completed a completed a 100 metre nano-expedition for Friends of the Earth to make The UK in 100 Seconds, a short film that reveals what the United Kingdom looks like in its correct proportions. Each second of the film equals 1% of what the UK looks like from the air.THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY Soundshack Studios, a recording studio offering recording, mixing, production, composition & PA hire services for all applications, including podcasts and audiobooks.(If your company or organisation is interested in sponsoring Living Adventurously, please get in touch!)PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but very helpful for me. If you’re feeling extra kind, please leave a review on the app – that really helps.)Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn (“Alexa, please play the Living Adventurously podcast”) or on your favourite podcast platform such as Overcast, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Breaker, Soundcloud, Castbox, Castro.www.alastairhumphreys.com/podcastsSHOW NOTESIf you enjoy listening to this episode over a cup of coffee and think it might be worth the price, you can buy me a "coffee" here: www. ko-fi.com/al_humphreysKeep up to date with future episodes (and my other adventures, projects and books) with my free monthly newsletter: alastairhumphreys.com/newslettersSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreysLondon National Park City - https://www.nationalparkcity.london/Slow Ways - https://ravenellison.com/portfolio/slow-ways/Banksy's artwork is about putting things 'out of place' and this gets people thinking differently about the worldGuerrilla gardening and Seed Bombs - https://www.guerrillagardening.org/ggseedbombs.htmlThinking about, and exploring places in different waysChooses slow burn, disruptive, difficult projectsWhen I see things not being done I find it hard not to fill those spaces, even if it takes a few yearsExploration is about asking questions, searching for answers, being curious. It is about taking risks to find those answersWe are all explorers and subconscious adventurersEnjoys asking "What if?" questionsThe UK in 100 seconds - https://vimeo.com/291108273Some of the best things that have happened comes from ridiculous ideasSlow Ways - a network of walking routes connecting Britain's towns and citiesWe have 200,000km of access routes in the UK, but they are often neglected now.What if we reimagined all these footpaths to make them more useful once again?7000 routes mapped out by 700 volunteers. These can be daisy-chained together.If there is a choice between a high route and a low route, the option in Slow Ways should always be the low, easy route.15,000 species, 8 species of bats, one of the most biodiverse regions of the country: Greater LondonEvery recognised habitat has national parks - why not cities too?We need to recognise the value of urban landscapes and not treat them as less importantThe soft power of love and caring for wildlife can make a big difference to wildlifeDo Nothing for Nature - great campaign idea: https://makelifebetter.nationalparkcity.london/quest/do_nothing_for_natureMap of the London National Park City - https://www.nationalparkcity.london/mapMap of the Green Spaces of London, in the style of the Tube Map - https://www.nationalparkcity.london/component/content/article/8-place/134-the-greenground-map-by-helen-ilusTrees of London map - https://londonist.com/london/maps/great-trees-of-london-mapUrban Good wants you to explore - https://www.urbangood.org/London is full of empty childhoods. Children are an indicator species to the health of a community.By not letting kids play outside parents are depriving them of so much (including their health)Shifting baseline syndromeChildhood needs to be safe enough, but not totally safeWhat if? Why not' is the mantra of NPCWhy are we not prioritising nature, wildlife, childhoods in our cities?We need to open imaginations and also highlight injusticesThe geographies of why different groups of people are not going outside is very complicated and varied - the answers can change from one end of a street to another.Other than white men - every other social group is under-represented in natureTaking people out into nature and showing them it is an important way to broaden the range of people who experience itPeople like watching nature on TV, but don't really care about it enough to actually care for itThe power of the story, and giving people epiphanies, is key to getting ideas off the groundThere is so much to be positive about. Within cities we already have all the talent we need to make changes. The trouble is that the ideas are not spreading quickly enough and for action to take place.It often takes years to get to the starting point. It's often about jumping into the void and hoping for the bestWe have very distorted impressions about land use and how much space there is in our countries.5-7% of the country has been built on. 50% is used for agriculture ('milk and cheese')Britain is one of the most nature-depleted countries on the planetIf we were to double the size of all hedgerows and hol...

Anna Hughes is an author, environmental campaigner and cyclist. She has worked in behaviour change and sustainability for over a decade, and is currently Director of Flight Free UK, a campaign set up to encourage people to fly less. After a brief career as a teacher, Anna began working on behaviour change projects for sustainable transport charity Sustrans in 2009. She has since worked as a bicycle mechanic, cycling instructor and workshop leader. Anna lives on a canal boat near London.THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY The Bendrigg Trust, a residential activity centre specialising in high quality courses for people with physical & learning disabilities or the disadvantaged.(If your company or organisation is interested in sponsoring Living Adventurously, please get in touch!)PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but very helpful for me. If you’re feeling extra kind, please leave a review on the app – that really helps.)Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn (“Alexa, please play the Living Adventurously podcast”) or on your favourite podcast platform such as Overcast, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Breaker, Soundcloud, Castbox, Castro.www.alastairhumphreys.com/podcastsSHOW NOTESIf you enjoy listening to this episode over a cup of coffee and think it might be worth the price, you can buy me a "coffee" here: www. ko-fi.com/al_humphreysKeep up to date with future episodes (and my other adventures, projects and books) with my free monthly newsletter: alastairhumphreys.com/newslettersSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreyshttps://www.annacycles.co.uk/https://twitter.com/EatSleepCyclehttps://flightfree.co.uk/Lives on a narrowboat on the River LeeCanal network - https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-networkAdventure came to me the same way it comes to many people - you read stories of other people but don't make that step yourself until you get a push.Always been excited that I can always get on my bike, go anywhere I choose, and make an adventure of itSustrans - https://www.sustrans.org.uk/National Cycle Network - https://www.sustrans.org.uk/national-cycle-networkCycling round the UK - took 6 months of planning.4000 miles round the coast of Britain, from Tower Bridge with the sea on your right.Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay on the old railway track - http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksCycle/whitby-to-robin-hoods-bay-on-the-cinder-track-cycle-routeThe sea has a different feel and different colour in different regions of the UKLoved the beaches just north of Aberdeen (as well as the to-be-expected favourite areas of the UK). Massive sand dunesSlow down and find the extraordinary in the ordinaryCycled round the UK, despite hating camping. "I didn't go on a camping trip, I went on a cycling trip."Still fits a pillow in her panniersBeing a solo woman, people wanted to help her. You are less threatening as a woman.You really can just be an ordinary woman with an idea and the wherewithal to make it happen.Kate Rawles - https://www.outdoorphilosophy.co.uk/Emily Chappell - http://thatemilychappell.com/about/Sailing around Britain very different to cycling around Britain. Didn't really enjoy it and found it very hard. It wasn't her own adventure.Then We Sailed Away - John RidgwayNot flying does not mean not travelling. There are so many wonderful places accessible by train and boatIt's about seeing what you can do, not what you can't do: getting there without flying can add to your experience. It's a geography lesson and a slow way of feeling your way through landscapes and cultures.A train that goes on a ferry - https://www.packthesuitcases.com/copenhagen-to-hamburg-train-ferry-adventure/I don't want to do something if it causes waste.The age of stupid movie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZjsJdokC0sJust doing my own thing isn't enough - I need to influence behaviour change in other people as wellFlightfree2020 - https://flightfree.co.ukTom Allen on going flight free - https://tomallen.info/can-flight-free-living-and-adventure-travel-really-co-exist/Key things we can do to help the climate: stop flying; stop driving; plant-based diet; green energy; fast fashionSwitch energy provider to Bulb. You'll get £50, and I will give £50 to FlightFree2020: www.bulb.me/alastairh3634Bam clothing - https://bambooclothing.co.uk/Anna has decided not to have children for climate reasonsPopulation is an incredibly important subject when we are talking about climate changeIndividual action v System change - https://flightfree.co.uk/post/individual-action-vs-system-change/There is no tax on aviation fuel! Climate crime.By buying a plane ticket we are saying "I am OK with this - business as usual"New sleeper train from Prague to CroatiaSweden is more climate-alert. 9% drop in air travel last year.We as consumers can demonstrate to government the actions we want to seeOffsetting doesn't lead to climate change behaviour. It gives us a licence to carry on our behaviour.CheatNeutral.com (archived site) - https://web.archive.org/web/20080517053651/http://cheatneutral.com/Look at your own carbon footprint and see ...

Steve Denby is the founder of Primal Roots, a social enterprise that believes in the restorative power of fitness and nature as a tool to achieve more than just improvements in health and wellbeing. We talk about training in the woods, the joy of burpees, the benefits of nature and fitness for people struggling in life, as well as cocaine addiction, adoption, racism and meditation.THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY Sidetracked Magazine, a collection of inspiring personal stories of travel, exploration, expeditions and adventure.(If your company or organisation is interested in sponsoring Living Adventurously, please get in touch!)PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but very helpful for me. If you’re feeling extra kind, please leave a review on the app – that really helps.)Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn (“Alexa, please play the Living Adventurously podcast”) or on your favourite podcast platform such as Overcast, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Breaker, Soundcloud, Castbox, Castro.www.alastairhumphreys.com/podcastsSHOW NOTESIf you enjoy listening to this episode over a cup of coffee and think it might be worth the price, you can buy me a "coffee" here: www. ko-fi.com/al_humphreysKeep up to date with future episodes (and my other adventures, projects and books) with my free monthly newsletter: alastairhumphreys.com/newslettersSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreyswww.primalroots.org.ukSteve also teaches meditation classesIf you say you're too busy for something, that means it's not a priority to you.He hasn't met anybody who won't benefit from meditationIf you get 1-second of emptiness in a 10-minute session that's successulHeadspace - https://www.headspace.com/He has spent a lot of life working both in gyms and outdoorsYou wake up in a box, you go to work in a box... and eventually they carry you away in a boxLinear muscle-building in not functional in any wayHumans are designed to pull, climb, push, roll, lift awkward shapesFor 51, I'm a fit young manDeadlifting logs, leaping over logs, push-ups, running in the woodsYour body goes back to its roots, goes primalGroups - competitiveness, camaraderie, conversationNo judgement - a big mixture of fit people and unfit or overweight peoplePrimal Roots target unfit peopleTaking mirrors away would help more people feel comfortable in gymsPrimal Roots is a social enterprise. It attracts paying customers who go towards supporting non-paying customersThey support vulnerable adults caught up in addiction and repetitive behaviours. Also homeless people.Porchlight, Homeless charity - https://www.porchlight.org.uk/Do training sessions in prisons as wellAppreciates the benefits of barefoot exerciseAll the sessions are together, a mixture of paying and non-paying customersPush to the edge of the comfort zone and emotional things happen - people start to open up and connectPrimal Roots are not the solution, but they are part of the solutionPeople like to belong to somethingWas a functioning cocaine addict for many yearsWe talked about the barriers to the outdoors Steve faced as a non-white manNoticing an increasing number of black people joining Primal RootsPromoting well-being, fitness, fun, community, healthy eating, feeling good (and by the way you'll lose some weight too)The Scouts were Steve's intro into the outdoor world. The Scout leaders were his inspirationUsed to use a projection of wealth to impress people. Now his ambition is to leave a legacy for his children to say "Dad, I'm proud of you" ★ Support this podcast ★

Jack Cornish is a walker, an artist, and a Londoner. He works for the Ramblers charity, working to protect and expand the places people love to walk and promote walking for health and pleasure. Jack has walked the length of Britain and is slowly walking every single street in London. In his spare time Jack works on his art and mixes gin cocktails.THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY Outdoor Rocks, a carefully curated showcase of adventure films.(If your company or organisation is interested in sponsoring Living Adventurously, please get in touch!) PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but very helpful for me. If you’re feeling extra kind, please leave a review on the app – that really helps.)Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn (“Alexa, please play the Living Adventurously podcast”) or on your favourite podcast platform such as Overcast, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Breaker, Soundcloud, Castbox, Castro.www.alastairhumphreys.com/podcastsSHOW NOTESIf you enjoy listening to this episode over a cup of coffee and think it might be worth the price, you can buy me a "coffee" here: www. ko-fi.com/al_humphreysKeep up to date with future episodes (and my other adventures, projects and books) with my free monthly newsletter: alastairhumphreys.com/newslettersSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreyshttps://www.jackfcornish.com@cornish_jackThe Ramblers: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/Cyclists Special trains: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP1KxPjh4RMRough Stuff Archive: https://www.instagram.com/rsfarchive/140,000 miles of footpaths in England and Wales. 10,000 miles are in danger of being lost forever - https://www.ramblers.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/dont-lose-your-way-2026.aspx2026 is the deadline for recording all these paths.Slow Ways network - https://ravenellison.com/portfolio/slow-ways/National Library of Scotland maps collection - https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/side-by-side/Know Your Place map - http://www.kypwest.org.uk/explore-the-map/Layers of London map - https://www.layersoflondon.org/map?layers=trueWhere's the Path - https://wtp2.appspot.com/wheresthepath.htmPeople tackling every single street - https://www.everysinglestreet.com/othersWalked Land's End to John O'Groats as he didn't know Britain very wellThe variety of every day in Britain surprised himLoved the Solway Firth - a surprising unknownWalking every street in London - it's chipping away rather than a concentrated period of explorationWalking the city becomes part of living the cityRecording it on Google Maps and an A to Z mapPutting together a Google map of people doing similar around the worldCycling every street of London - http://davis.vilums.me/all-the-streets/Walking every street in New York - https://imjustwalkin.com/Rickey Gates - running SF - http://www.rickeygates.com/everysinglestreet94 year old walks every suburban street in Sydney - https://www.walksydneystreets.net/London is a very green city - 47% green or blueLiving Streets - https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/?campaign=wtsw&source=adwords&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0rr4BRCtARIsAB0_48PVDxvVcow2S-tO6fmK35Mnr3G8p-j-xTFtKs2DQ6_aorpyFDyzSyIaAm0kEALw_wcBJack's popular / Alan Partridge Twitter thread - https://twitter.com/cornish_jack/status/1281658401366450177Why do you need to travel round the world when you can walk around Lewisham?Walking 2020 miles in 2020 (after doing 2019 miles in 2019)Jack's art - https://www.jackfcornish.com/The binary choice of Adventure OR Office Job is foolishFavourite cocktail: Dirty MartiniFavourite gin: Plymouth GinA heavy bottomed glass for a heavy bottomed drink ★ Support this podcast ★