Living Adventurously

Steve Bate has a condition that is slowly robbing him of his eyesight. He has now lost most of his vision, and because the condition is degenerative, Steve will go blind.He was devastated when he heard the optician tell him that he was going blind. Steve was working as an outdoor instructor at the time. It was 3 months before he began to find his way out of depression. By then, he worked out there wasn’t much he could do about his degenerating eyesight. But he had total control over what he did next. Just like everyone else, Steve isn't going to be on this planet forever, so he might as well make every moment count. And how much he let his condition get in the way of that was completely up to him. In his own words, "I had a dream and I set myself a goal: to solo climb El Capitan. It took six days to climb, sleeping on a portable ledge suspended hundreds of feet above the valley each night, and I cried when I got to the top. Let’s just say that it was the best experience of my life. When I got back from El Cap, I dreamt even bigger: the 2016 Paralympics in Rio. After two years of training, I was selected for Paralympics GB and won two gold medals, a bronze, and smashed the world record in the 4km pursuit.Now, I’m not going to indulge in any false modesty here. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. But the point is, I'm not super-talented, I'm just a normal guy. All I do is dream big, set myself a goal, and then do everything I can to make it happen. We all have obstacles in our lives: stuff that life throws at us, or barriers we put in ourselves. I’m trying to highlight that there’s not much that you can’t overcome, or at least work around, with the right mind set. I'm still terrified of losing my sight, but I have to keep living while I still can see. Since my diagnosis in 2011, I've had some of the best moments in my life, just because I refused to let something stand in my way."PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but really helpful for me trying to get a new podcast off the ground. 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/podcastSHOW 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/more/subscribeSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreys@stevebatembeKiss or KillGym JonesExtreme AlpinismMark Twight essay - man in the mirrorWinning medals is what I'm paid to do, but I actually hate racing. I'd rather train for the rest of my life.I want to measure myself and get the most out of myself.We get given our bodies for free, they are our most valuable asset, but so many of us neglect themIt's good to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.Cycling as a sport is science. It's totally different to cycling as adventure, which is the biggest passion I have.I am visually-impaired and at some point I am going to go blind.Extreme training or extreme sloth - neither are good things.I was training to become a mountain guide when I got this eyesight diagnosis. I fell apart, trying to find a new identityKaren Darke"I'm going to go blind." "Oh great, you can race on a tandem."Solo-ed El Capitan - I thought it was impossible. But if I've done that, then I realised anything's possible.If you put your mind to something and invest 100% in it, you can achieve anything.When I go blind I don't want to be bitter so I'm cramming in all that I canGoing blind is partially exciting - the thought of 'wow' - what will it be like?!Most people in the paralympic squad feel pleased that the bad thing has happened to them Failure for me now is not trying, not committingGoing blind is one of the best things that's ever happened to me.It takes something horrific to latch on to living a full lifeWalking my dog every day is good headspaceThe thing I am most scared of is not fulfilling my potentialYou have to think on the process not the outcome if you want to achieve something big.THIS PODCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KOMOOTYour very own outdoor experiences are waiting for you. Go explore more with komoot. Use the voucher code ADVENTUROUS to claim your free region maps bundle.The personalised planning and navigation tools ensure you plan the adventure that’s perfect for you. Komoot is Europe’s number 1 outdoor app, with route planning and navigation functionality, and strong community-driven inspirational features in the form of recommended Highlights and inspirational route Collections. It is used by nearly 10 million adventurers worldwide. Komoot is becoming the app of choice for cyclists and hikers the world over, with rapid community growth in the UK, the US and other parts of Europe. You can see my ride’s route on komoot here. ★ Support this podcast ★

Brant Richards is the Co-Founder of HebTroCo which smashed Kickstarter funding targets and grew into a Made In Britain menswear brand from the ground up.With a career path started from rummaging in the garage, through writing in back bedrooms, editing and launching national magazines, to leading the design team for a leading global bike brand, Brant's CV is as intriguing and meandering as our conversation (which took place, for a reason I forget, on his kitchen floor following a run through the local beech wood).Shadowing founders and giving direction and assistance, working from "three blokes in a shed" to staff of over 150, from napkin drawings to Far Eastern sourcing and manufacturer inspections: Brant has done it all.PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but really helpful for me trying to get a new podcast off the ground. 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/podcastSHOW 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/more/subscribeSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreys@shedfire @hebtroco@ononebikes@planetxbikesI became a journalist by writing to a magazine and telling them their bike reviews weren't very good. I try to go into things with an open mind and goodwillPoacher turned gamekeeper - I used to review bikes, then started making themHolding off and trying to achieve perfection is usually a recipe for disasterAt some point you need to start selling things, so you need to get the product out thereSell things for more than they cost you, and plough the money back in againI always try to work with people who are really good at what they doMake your stuff different to make them stand out and give them some personalityQuite happy to begin things he has not really done beforeCashflow is a crucial thing to monitor when you are starting a business.I like selling things that people think are fun or nice or good valueWhen you design bikes it's hard to go for a ride without constantly thinking about bikes. Running was a pleasingly simple counter to that.I run for health, to destress, to fight off the dad bod (I like beer and curry)Not having a job contract and not having a pension feels like living adventurously!Oblique Strategies - cards and appAll Quiet on the Orient ExpressTHIS PODCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KOMOOTYour very own outdoor experiences are waiting for you. Go explore more with komoot. Use the voucher code ADVENTUROUS to claim your free region maps bundle.The personalised planning and navigation tools ensure you plan the adventure that’s perfect for you. Komoot is Europe’s number 1 outdoor app, with route planning and navigation functionality, and strong community-driven inspirational features in the form of recommended Highlights and inspirational route Collections. It is used by nearly 10 million adventurers worldwide. Komoot is becoming the app of choice for cyclists and hikers the world over, with rapid community growth in the UK, the US and other parts of Europe. You can see my ride’s route on komoot here. ★ Support this podcast ★

Rob Cowen is the award-winning author of Common Ground, selected as a ‘Book of the Year’ in the Times and featuring in the Guardian’s Top Ten Readers’ Choice. After moving from London to a new home in Yorkshire, Rob found himself on unfamiliar territory, disoriented, hemmed in by winter and yearning for the nearest open space. So one night, he set out to find it – a pylon-slung edge-land, a tangle of wood, meadow, field and river on the outskirts of town. Despite being in the shadow of thousands of houses, it felt unclaimed, forgotten, caught between worlds, and all the more magical for it.PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but really helpful for me trying to get a new podcast off the ground. 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/podcastSHOW 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/more/subscribeSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreysRob Cowen's website and TwitterCommon GroundEdge lands - between the rural and the urbanThere are so few areas of true wilderness left, but this place has some wildness to it, as there is so much history running through it Kids used to play in these edgelands, but now they have been demonised and kids aren't allowed to come and play herePeople here appreciate being so well-placed for getting into natural placesPlace is a repository of memory. Two people can have a similar emotional response to the same landscape - it has an auraThe collisions at the edgelands of human layers and nature. They have stories to tell.Richard Jeffreys - After LondonHome is a fluid thing - I had a sense of it in London as they were my dad's old haunts. I enjoyed the heath in London as it reminded me of Yorkshire.THIS PODCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KOMOOTYour very own outdoor experiences are waiting for you. Go explore more with komoot. Use the voucher code ADVENTUROUS to claim your free region maps bundle.The personalised planning and navigation tools ensure you plan the adventure that’s perfect for you. Komoot is Europe’s number 1 outdoor app, with route planning and navigation functionality, and strong community-driven inspirational features in the form of recommended Highlights and inspirational route Collections. It is used by nearly 10 million adventurers worldwide. Komoot is becoming the app of choice for cyclists and hikers the world over, with rapid community growth in the UK, the US and other parts of Europe. You can see my ride’s route on komoot here. ★ Support this podcast ★

Michaela Hanna has completed IronManUK, the Lakeland50 ultra mountain marathon, cycled from Edinburgh to London and across the Western Cape of South Africa. She therefore has personal experience of the significance of precise and relevant nutrition and places a high level of importance on the nutritional value of the food.Having spent time working in fine-dining restaurants, high-end event catering companies and as a private chef alongside her day job, the time came for Michaela to follow her joy and feed people full-time again as a private chef. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but really helpful for me trying to get a new podcast off the ground. 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/podcastSHOW 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/more/subscribeSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreysMichaela Hanna - the Fit ChefAdventure is embracing the unknown which is scary for me as I'm a bit of a control freakMy preference is to do short, intense bursts of work and then get away for adventuresBeing restless and unsettled can be seen as a downside but it drives you forward and keeps you movingI'm very purposeful and have to find meaning in everything. That can be exhaustingIt's a problem when nothing is enough and you're always striving for moreI remind myself grateful how lucky I amWorking for myself means that for now I'm busy trying to get the money side of my life sortedI think it's easier to find a good balance when you're self-employedI schedule in my free time otherwise it never happensIn the first months I lay in bed thinking 'what on earth have i done'It's a bit scary but I'd far rather rather work for myself than work for a toxic organisationAlways, always follow your joyI've changed from a steady job, security, control freak to the risky freedom of what I'm doing nowPut the intention out there, and it will followIt takes bravery and I'm going to change everything and make this happenThere's no space for mediocrity in lifeIf I could live my life over I'd have been braver in my 20s. I'd advise a woman in her 20s to not allow her decision making to be influenced by a relationshipTo be truly happy you need to either have everything you want or nothing at allTHIS PODCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KOMOOTYour very own outdoor experiences are waiting for you. Go explore more with komoot. Use the voucher code ADVENTUROUS to claim your free region maps bundle.The personalised planning and navigation tools ensure you plan the adventure that’s perfect for you. Komoot is Europe’s number 1 outdoor app, with route planning and navigation functionality, and strong community-driven inspirational features in the form of recommended Highlights and inspirational route Collections. It is used by nearly 10 million adventurers worldwide. Komoot is becoming the app of choice for cyclists and hikers the world over, with rapid community growth in the UK, the US and other parts of Europe. You can see my ride’s route on komoot here. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ben Dave ran a lap of Yorkshire because he needed a big challenge after running changed his life, helping him lose 30kg and stop smoking a couple of packets a day. Running also helped Ben with his mental health. When he was feeling down and lonely, Ben could only think of going to the pub as an option. Therefore he set up the Early Bird Run Crew - a friendly, daily, early 5km run in his home town to connect the community, making everyone happier and stronger individuals.PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but really helpful for me trying to get a new podcast off the ground. 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/podcastSHOW 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/more/subscribeSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreysBen's website and Twitter. @EarlyBirdRunninCALM - Campaign against living miserablyBen ran a lap of YorkshireHe made a video about his trip and put it online to force him to commit to itRaised £7000 before even beginningAsking for help - people like vulnerability and people like to helpBiggest worry was getting a blister!I never really thought very far ahead - the distance was too intimidatingI wanted to talk about my experience of mental health, and this was a platform to do thatWhen he was feeling down and lonely he could only think of going to the pub as an option. Therefore he has set up a running group to try to deal with thatEarly Bird Run Crew. 6am / 6.30, every weekday. 6 turned up on Day 1. He didn't know many people who run, but also saw loads of people out running by themselves every day. He wanted to bring people togetherWanted to create the runners equivalent of a bikers cafeI don't want it to be 'my' thing, rather to be 'our' thingFor me, running massively helps my mental health. If I come out early and run, I'll have a good day.It's brought some accountability and regularity to meIt's a way of bringing people togetherJust because people are smiling on the outside doesn't mean that people are happyTrying to chat to GPs to get running prescribedRunning can be a tool in the armoury of working against suicideRunning is such a leveller - we have bin men and chief execs. But when you're running it doesn't make any difference.The difference we have with Park Run is the regularity - being able to do it regularly rather than having a whole week to get through. Important from a mental health point of viewTHIS PODCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KOMOOTYour very own outdoor experiences are waiting for you. Go explore more with komoot. Use the voucher code ADVENTUROUS to claim your free region maps bundle.The personalised planning and navigation tools ensure you plan the adventure that’s perfect for you. Komoot is Europe’s number 1 outdoor app, with route planning and navigation functionality, and strong community-driven inspirational features in the form of recommended Highlights and inspirational route Collections. It is used by nearly 10 million adventurers worldwide. Komoot is becoming the app of choice for cyclists and hikers the world over, with rapid community growth in the UK, the US and other parts of Europe. You can see my ride’s route on komoot here. ★ Support this podcast ★

Boff Whalley, from the band Chumbawamba is a keen runner, never happier than when mud-splattered and gasping up on the windy hills of West Yorkshire. He is also a playwright, the founder of Commoners Choir, and the author of Run Wild - an account of his experiences as a fell runner.I arrived at Boff's house after a long day in the saddle. His family welcomed me and plied me with cups of tea and a veggie burger in the sort of living room I would love to have one day: filled with quirky art and design, masses of music, and a happy level of lived-in clutter. We had a fascinating, wide-ranging chat about success, creative ambition, and the child-like joy of running in the hills. As I left their home, Boff's wife gave me directions to her favourite river swimming spot. In short, the perfect podcasting afternoon!PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but really helpful for me trying to get a new podcast off the ground. 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/podcastTHIS PODCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KOMOOTYour very own outdoor experiences are waiting for you. Go explore more with komoot. Use the voucher code ADVENTUROUS to claim your free region maps bundle.The personalised planning and navigation tools ensure you plan the adventure that’s perfect for you. Komoot is Europe’s number 1 outdoor app, with route planning and navigation functionality, and strong community-driven inspirational features in the form of recommended Highlights and inspirational route Collections. It is used by nearly 10 million adventurers worldwide. Komoot is becoming the app of choice for cyclists and hikers the world over, with rapid community growth in the UK, the US and other parts of Europe. You can see my ride’s route on komoot here.SHOW 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/more/subscribeSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreysBoff's website and TwitterI was in a pop group for 15 years before I had a hit song, but you can't measure success by that. The success of being in a band was just being together for that long and remaining friends.Success these days is taking my son to school then going for a run and having an hour of my own time to disappear, to be offline and spend time in nature.If you lower your expectations you can be continually happy (but don't be pessimistic)The creative ambition is very personal and you can judge success by yourselfLife is like doing a run where you get lost several times, you fall over, and a series of weird dead ends and double backs. It's about the run not the finish.We are 'supposed' to put away childish things - stop running for the bus - but actually fell running is just really good fun.Early ambition: "Maybe we can go further with this [the band] than just playing youth clubs in Leeds."I'm not a risk-taker in fell runs. But with life and music and art I don't want to get stuck so I take creative risks to keep me on my toes.Try something that other people aren't doingBoff has an underlying confidence in what he doesThe band wasn't driven by ambition, but the creative impulse drove him on. The creative impulse can be hard work because you can't switch it off.Some of my artistic heroes (eg the Beatles) were people who changed a lot.Why would you want to be in a band that does the same set every time?I'm out of my depth, let's do it.Leaving the city to live in a small town (where I could go running) was one of the most adventurous things I've done in my life.Run Wild is about trying to nudge people into doing something.Social media is doing a great job of encouraging people to get into new, physical down-to-earth things ★ Support this podcast ★

Annie Berrington is the founder of Get Out More, a social enterprise working to help people engage with nature to feel better in mind and body. She is a qualified forest school practitioner, a busy mum, and a keen microadventurer. She works with urban groups who are "hard to reach", trying to help them get out into nature more. The biggest barriers aren't the actual dangers but people's fears about them. We are now as a society a generation removed from the free-range childhood we hear about nostalgically. That means that not only are kids not experiencing wild places, their parents never did either. This makes it hard to change habits and build connections with nature.PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but really helpful for me trying to get a new podcast off the ground. 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/podcastTHIS PODCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KOMOOTYour very own outdoor experiences are waiting for you. Go explore more with komoot. Use the voucher code ADVENTUROUS to claim your free region maps bundle.The personalised planning and navigation tools ensure you plan the adventure that’s perfect for you. Komoot is Europe’s number 1 outdoor app, with route planning and navigation functionality, and strong community-driven inspirational features in the form of recommended Highlights and inspirational route Collections. It is used by nearly 10 million adventurers worldwide. Komoot is becoming the app of choice for cyclists and hikers the world over, with rapid community growth in the UK, the US and other parts of Europe. You can see my ride’s route on komoot here.SHOW 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/more/subscribeSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreysGetting more out of life by getting outside moreGet Out MoreWorking with groups who are "hard to reach"Biggest barriers aren't the actual dangers but people's fears about them. Seeking out the pockets of wildness - and they are always thereWe are part of nature and we are drawn to it, if we can find the keyGreen spaces are a neutral space for people to come together and connect togetherI started this because I wanted to get out more, but the success of it means that I now get out less...Don't underestimate where people are to begin with - how little people might know at first.Forest Schools - outdoor play in a learning environmentWe over-inflate how difficult things need to be sometimesWhen I'm being a good parent I am giving my kids the freedom I had as a child. That means facilitating but keeping hands off.We are now as a society a generation removed from that free-range childhood.Contentment is more important than self-improvement.Favourite purchase: Underwater MP3 playerNature and communities can grow healthier together ★ Support this podcast ★

Tim Frenneaux is a former martial arts instructor, nine to fiver and audio visual artist, turned ethical entrepreneur, microadventurer, climate activist and punk philosopher. His redemption started when the brief and fragile nature of existence became painfully real as he hit the big 40 in the same month that his Dad died. Unhappy conjunctures like that are a great way of forcing you to focus on what you want from “your one wild and precious life” (to quote the dear departed Mary Oliver)Tim decided to return to the outdoor life that had brought him so much happiness growing up, and that the best way to make the difference he wanted to see in the world, was to start a business founded on social and environmental principles: Gather Outdoors.Now he’s on a mission to encourage and enable folk to make the most of their fleeting presence on planet earth by spending more time outdoors. In doing so he hopes that great teacher, Mother Earth, will help them to reach their own understanding of the immense value of nature.PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but really helpful for me trying to get a new podcast off the ground. 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/podcastTHIS PODCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KOMOOTYour very own outdoor experiences are waiting for you. Go explore more with komoot. Use the voucher code ADVENTUROUS to claim your free region maps bundle.The personalised planning and navigation tools ensure you plan the adventure that’s perfect for you. Komoot is Europe’s number 1 outdoor app, with route planning and navigation functionality, and strong community-driven inspirational features in the form of recommended Highlights and inspirational route Collections. It is used by nearly 10 million adventurers worldwide. Komoot is becoming the app of choice for cyclists and hikers the world over, with rapid community growth in the UK, the US and other parts of Europe. You can see my ride’s route on komoot here.SHOW 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/more/subscribeSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreysGather Outdoors websiteStarting a business was an excuse to get outdoors more and meet interesting peopleHe feels guilty that his work doesn't feel like hard work and a struggleCompartmentalising work and not-work is an important thingTrying to rewild myself by reading lots of booksThe first step in changing direction is realising that things are not quite right.The imposter syndrome is how everyone feels and shouldn't be a burden and a barrierWhat you don't know you can learn by doingThe modern day life experience cocoons us from the natural worldThe importance of reading on paper versus a screenWe all have time; we just need to make time. Turn off the screens and embrace boredomBarefoot running has made a big beneficial change to his lifeStarting a business saw his income plummet, but also taught Tim and his family what is enough. It taught him about balance.Recognise when you are slipping into a fur-lined rut, and then clamour to get out. ★ Support this podcast ★

Imran Mughal was the first British-Pakistani to cycle round the world. Over a delicious curry cooked by his mum the proud Yorkshireman told me how going out to explore the world was not encouraged within the Pakistani community. But the decline in health of his dad was a wake-up call to Imran that good health is not a given, nor does it last for ever. That, combined with redundancy, spurred him into action.Imran didn't tell his family he was going to cycle round the world, only that "I'll be gone for a few months, then I'll be back..."!The similarities and the differences between Imran's story of cycling around the world and my own fascinated me.Going round the world, says Imran, is an education. It halts time. You learn more on a journey like that than you will in the rest of your life. A bicycle helped take Imran away from his problems, away from the challenges in the local area such as drugs and hanging around with a bad crowd. Nowadays Imran feels that all he needs in life is God, family and a bicycle...PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but really helpful for me trying to get a new podcast off the ground. 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/podcastTHIS PODCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KOMOOTYour very own outdoor experiences are waiting for you. Go explore more with komoot. Use the voucher code ADVENTUROUS to claim your free region maps bundle.The personalised planning and navigation tools ensure you plan the adventure that’s perfect for you. Komoot is Europe’s number 1 outdoor app, with route planning and navigation functionality, and strong community-driven inspirational features in the form of recommended Highlights and inspirational route Collections. It is used by nearly 10 million adventurers worldwide. Komoot is becoming the app of choice for cyclists and hikers the world over, with rapid community growth in the UK, the US and other parts of Europe. You can see my ride’s route on komoot here.SHOW 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/more/subscribeSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreysWatch Imran's videos on YouTube.Imran thinks Yorkshire is the best place in the world to live, better even than California.The solitude and peace of the mosque five times a dayThe unification of culturesWe have so much on our doorstep that you don't necessarily need to go on a massive global journey to experience great places.You hear of people who have been to the other side of the world but have not experienced Cornwall or the North Coast 500 or the Lakes.Britain is one of the best cultures of the world: The variety, the amalgamation of cultures and all the foods in Britain.Redundancy committed him to actionThe decline in health of his father was a wake-up call to Imran that good health is not a given, nor does it last for ever.Going out to explore the world was not encouraged within the Pakistani community so this was an additional layer of 'barrier' that Imran facedImran didn't tell his Mum he was going to cycle round the world, just "I'll be gone for a few months, then I'll be back..."!"I had the intention to cycle round the world, but I didn't believe that I would do it."Going round the world is an education. It halts time. You learn more in it than you will in the rest of your life.When he got home everyone's attitude had changed and they were very proud of what he had done.Praying is like 'hitting the reset button'A bicycle helped take Imran away from his problems, away from the bad stuff in the area such as drugs and hanging around with a bad crowd.God, family and a bicycle... ★ Support this podcast ★

Ben Cummins is on a mission to deliver a piano from Liverpool to London. On a home-made raft. That he propels himself. Within 25 years... So far it has taken Ben seven years to push his raft the 127 miles along the canal from Liverpool to Leeds!This adventure / art project / way of life began when Ben asked himself a brilliant question, "what is it that I want from my life?"Ben invited me onto his charming, quirky, stylish canal boat-cum-raft (built from locally-salvaged and donated materials), cooked me lunch, and told me his story. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY PODCAST(It’s completely free, zero hassle to do (click here), but really helpful for me trying to get a new podcast off the ground. 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/podcastSHOW 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/more/subscribeSay hello on Twitter and Instagram: @al_humphreysPiano Raft - A floating centre of excellence. @pianoraft on Instagram. Website here.Focus on "allow" not "how" - let stuff happen rather than worrying too much.Nick Weston, who lived in a treehouse.Ben Parry, artist.I didn't want to be a numpty, to be irresponsible or unsafe. They were my concerns. Having an anchor or a framework to the project is helpful, even when allowing possibility and serendipity into your life.A 'purposeless mission' allows all the good stuff to happen once you have started.THIS PODCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KOMOOTYour very own outdoor experiences are waiting for you. Go explore more with komoot. Use the voucher code ADVENTUROUS to claim your free region maps bundle.The personalised planning and navigation tools ensure you plan the adventure that’s perfect for you. Komoot is Europe’s number 1 outdoor app, with route planning and navigation functionality, and strong community-driven inspirational features in the form of recommended Highlights and inspirational route Collections. It is used by nearly 10 million adventurers worldwide. Komoot is becoming the app of choice for cyclists and hikers the world over, with rapid community growth in the UK, the US and other parts of Europe. You can see my ride’s route on komoot here. ★ Support this podcast ★