Wild Chats with Ben Southall

Join Ben Southall and world-renowned adventure photographer and director Krystle Wright for a fascinating conversation about creativity, resilience and what it takes to capture extraordinary moments in some of the world’s most extreme environments. Krystle shares her journey from digital and film photography to climbing, underwater shoots and storm chasing. She explains why she loves the problem-solving involved in trad climbing, what it is really like to film tornadoes, and how adventure sports have shaped her perspective both behind and beyond the camera. Connect with Krystle: Website: https://www.krystlewright.com Socials: https://www.instagram.com/krystlejwright/ 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/ Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/

Join Ben Southall and bestselling author, journalist and endurance expert Alex Hutchinson for a fascinating conversation about curiosity, exploration and why stepping into the unknown might be one of the most important things we can do for our brains. Alex, author of The Explorer's Gene and Endure, explains why humans are naturally driven to explore, how modern technology is quietly removing uncertainty from our lives, and why getting a little lost could actually make us happier, more resilient and more creative. Connect with Alex: Website: https://www.alexhutchinson.net 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/ Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/

Join Ben Southall and mountain guide, climber, backcountry skier and K7 Adventures co-owner Lewis Foster for a conversation about growing up in Australia's alpine country, finding purpose in the outdoors, and why wild places continue to shape who we are. Raised in Thredbo by ski-loving parents, Lewis spent his childhood exploring the Snowy Mountains long before he realised how special they were. From skiing and snowboarding to climbing, mountaineering, highlining and backcountry travel, he shares the adventures, mistakes and lessons that led him from mountain kid to outdoor guide and adventure business owner. Connect with K7 Adventures: https://www.k7adventures.com https://www.instagram.com/k7adventures Learn more about the Wild Winter Immersion: https://explore.k7adventures.com/wild-winter-immersion 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/ Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/

Join Ben Southall and filmmaker, long-distance hiker and storyteller Bart Schrijver for a conversation about life on the trail, the freedom of walking, and how adventure can shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us. From hiking the 3,000-kilometre Te Araroa Trail across New Zealand to solo journeys through the remote landscapes of Norway, Bart shares how long-distance walking became a path to self-discovery, creativity and a completely different way of living. They explore the mental challenges of spending months on the trail, the surprising lessons that come from solitude, and why some of the most important adventures happen inside your own head. Bart also takes us behind the scenes of his award-winning films, including Human Nature and his latest release, The North, a cinematic journey through the Scottish Highlands. He shares what it's really like to create films in remote wilderness, carrying everything on foot, working with tiny crews, embracing unpredictable weather, and capturing authentic stories in some of the world's wildest places. Connect with Bart: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartschrijver1 Tuesday Studio: https://tuesdayfilm.com/ Watch Human Nature: https://tuesdayfilm.com/human-nature/ Watch The North: https://tuesdayfilm.com/the-north/ 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au

Join Ben Southall and adventurer Alastair Humphreys for a conversation about big expeditions, small adventures and why the outdoors doesn’t have to be far away, expensive or extreme to change your life. From cycling around the world and walking across deserts to the rise of microadventures, Al shares how curiosity, storytelling and paying attention to nature can help us reconnect with the world around us. Connect with Al: https://alastairhumphreys.com Buy his new book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Unwilded-Natural-Without-Noticing-Matters/dp/1785634836 Check out the beer can camera: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXrpldrDU3G/ 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/ Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Adventure and Micro-Adventures 05:04 The Journey Begins: From University to Adventure Travel 10:51 Cycling the Karakoram Highway: A First Big Adventure 16:10 The Evolution of Adventure Storytelling 21:53 Challenges in Adventure: Pushing Boundaries 28:07 The Future of Adventure and Storytelling 33:17 Final Thoughts and Resources for Adventure Seekers

Ben Southall sits down with Wild Earth’s own Danielle Lewis to unpack the wild, exhausting and addictive world of adventure racing. As Wild Earth’s retail area manager and an experienced adventure racer, Danny has taken on everything from 24-hour races to multi-day expedition events across Australia and New Zealand. In this episode, Dani shares what it's really like to race through remote terrain, navigate under pressure, paddle through freezing conditions, battle sleep deprivation, and keep moving when everything hurts. She also reflects on her recent race in New Zealand, where a brutal ocean paddle, rough surf and a frightening emergency moment pushed her team to their limits. 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/ Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/

Ben Southall sits down with explorer, survivalist and filmmaker Ed Stafford to unpack a life shaped by challenge, discomfort and deep self-discovery. Known as the first person to walk the length of the Amazon, Ed reflects on the two-and-a-half-year expedition that changed him, the brutal reality of life in the jungle, and the inner drive that pushed him into some of the world’s toughest environments. They also dive into Ed’s latest series, Rite of Passage , where he travels into remote communities around the world to understand the rituals that mark the journey from boyhood to adulthood. From bullet ant ceremonies in Brazil to the bigger questions of courage, community, masculinity and maturity, Ed shares why these experiences are about far more than pain or endurance. This conversation explores adventure, fatherhood, survival, mental health, rites of passage, and what the modern world may have lost by making life too comfortable. Find out more about Ed: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ed_stafford/ Website: https://edstafford.org/ Watch Rite of Passage on Amazon Prime & Foxtel 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/ Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/

Ben Southall sits down with legendary Australian mountaineer Tim Macartney-Snape to unpack one of the most iconic adventure stories of all time, his Sea to Summit ascent of Everest. Tim shares how a childhood in East Africa shaped his curiosity, self-sufficiency, and drive to explore, before taking us through the climbs, decisions, and philosophy that led him from the Bay of Bengal to the top of the world. They also dive into the origins of Sea to Summit, how Tim went from climber and expedition leader to co-founding one of the best-known gear brands in the outdoor world, and why innovation, problem solving, and doing hard things still matter. Find out more about Tim: https://www.timmacartneysnape.com/ 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/ Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/

Join Ben Southall as he explores the fascinating world of underwater filmmaking, marine research, and conservation with Emmy-winning cinematographer Richard Fitzpatrick. Discover the stories behind the lens, cutting-edge technology, and the urgent need for protecting our oceans. 🦈 Follow Richard's adventures: https://biopixeloceans.org/ https://www.instagram.com/biopixeloceans/ https://www.instagram.com/richard_fitzpatrick_acs/ 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/ Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/

In this episode of Wild Earth Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with Steve Jackson, founder of Trail Trips and Events and the race director behind legendary running events like the Wild Earth Coastal High 50. They talk about how trail races are built, what first-time ultra runners often get wrong, Steve’s journey from Hamilton Island to race directing, and where trail running in Australia is heading next. A great episode for runners, adventurers, and anyone curious about the people behind the start line. 🏃 Connect with Steve Jackson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailtrips_and_events/ Website: https://www.trailtrips.com.au/events-2 Sunset Slice: https://events.humanitix.com/host/wild-earth-australia 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/ Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/

In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall chats with legendary explorer, biologist and packrafting pioneer Roman Dial about a lifetime spent chasing wild rivers, remote landscapes, and unforgettable journeys. From the early evolution of packrafting in Alaska to adventures on Tasmania’s Franklin River, Roman shares the stories, lessons, and hard-earned wisdom that come from decades in the field. He talks through what it takes to plan for true wilderness travel, how to adapt when conditions change, and why the best adventures are often shaped by uncertainty. Follow Roman's adventures Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dialroman/ 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: www.bestlifeadventures.com Wild Earth Australia: www.wildearth.com.au

In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with legendary Australian mountaineer Andrew Lock, the only Australian to have climbed all 14 of the world’s 8,000 metre peaks. Andrew takes us back to the moment it all began, a slideshow in the back room of a pub that lit the fuse, and the sharp left turn that followed. Within months he was learning to climb in the Blue Mountains. Within a couple of years he was testing himself on Denali. And not long after that, he was stepping into the Himalaya with a mindset that would shape the rest of his life, to earn the skills, respect the mountains, and keep coming back. Ben and Andrew unpack the realities behind big altitude dreams, including what it feels like to turn around short of the summit, why he learned he was a slower acclimater, and how experience changes the way you make decisions when the weather turns, the cold bites, and the margin for error disappears. 🏔️ Learn more about Andrew Guided trips: www.andrewlockadventures.com Speaking: www.andrew-lock.com 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: www.bestlifeadventures.com Wild Earth Australia: www.wildearth.com.au

In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with Australian trail running star Lucy Bartholomew to explore what it really takes to stay in love with the sport while chasing big goals. Lucy shares the story behind her rise through the trail scene, the role her family has played in keeping her grounded, and why balance matters just as much as grit when you are training, travelling, and racing at the highest level. They unpack the emotional rollercoaster of UTMB, from unpredictable weather and course changes to the mental battle of the pain cave, plus what consistency looks like when life is busy and motivation comes and goes. Lucy also reflects on the magic of trail running community, the beauty of training in wild places, and what surprised her most about stepping into Ironman events. 🏃 Follow Lucy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_bartholomew 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: www.bestlifeadventures.com Wild Earth Australia: www.wildearth.com.au Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lucy Bartholomew 02:58 Finding Balance in Life and Sport 09:05 The Role of Family in Athletic Development 11:56 Breaking into the Racing Scene 15:07 The Importance of Support and Opportunity 18:03 Training in Diverse Environments 21:07 The Power of Storytelling in Sports 23:52 Engaging with the Community and Inspiring Others 28:55 Navigating the Trail Running Journey 32:19 Understanding the Risks of Trail Running 35:05 The Evolution of a Trail Runner 39:04 Embracing the Pain Cave 41:29 The Role of Community in Trail Running 43:43 The Path to Chamonix and UTMB 46:07 Preparing for the UTMB Experience 53:20 Adapting to Race Conditions 54:48 Learning from Experience 55:28 The Importance of Basics 56:53 Overcoming Low Points 59:37 Highs of Racing 01:01:28 Mutual Respect in Competition 01:04:22 Exploring New Challenges 01:06:46 Community in Endurance Sports 01:08:09 The Joy of Finishing 01:10:49 Gear Preferences and Technology 01:12:12 Future Aspirations

In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with award-winning travel writer and journalist Sophy Roberts to explore the kind of storytelling that begins with a “lump in the throat” and ends in places most people never think to look. Sophy unpacks the strange, irresistible ideas behind her books, from The Lost Pianos of Siberia to A Training School for Elephants, and why she is drawn to places with difficult reputations, not to romanticise them, but to find the human counter-narrative inside them. They talk about “xenophilia” (a love of the stranger), the hunt for the un-Google-able, and the real fieldwork behind great travel writing: moving slowly, earning trust, taking handwritten notes, working with the right interpreter, and letting the story decide where you sleep next. Listen if you love big landscapes, sharp ideas, and travel that is less about consumption and more about feeling your way back to the world. 🌍 Follow Sophy’s work Website: https://sophieroberts.com/ Podcast: https://gonetotimbuck2.com/ 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from: Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/ Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/

In this conversation, Rolf Potts discusses the philosophy of minimalistic travel, emphasising the importance of traveling light and giving oneself permission to explore the world at any age. He shares insights on the evolution of travel storytelling, the value of experiences over material possessions, and the significance of intergenerational travel. Rolf also reflects on his journey as a travel writer, the impact of digital technology on storytelling, and the essential gear for modern travelers. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the joy of spontaneity and the richness of cultural interactions that come from embracing local culture. Listen now: Spotify, Apple, and more: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2018168/episodes/18467496 🌍 Follow Rolf's work: Website: https://rolfpotts.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolfpotts/ 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from: Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/ Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/

In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with world walker Tom Turcich to unpack what it really takes to walk around the planet. After the sudden loss of a close friend as a teenager, Tom made a decision that would reshape his entire life: step out his front door and keep walking. Over seven years, Tom covered roughly 46,000 km across six continents and 38 countries, with an unexpected sidekick joining along the way, his rescue dog Savannah. Together they moved through deserts, mountains, megacities, border crossings, illness, loneliness, and the long, quiet stretches where the mind gets loud. Tom shares the moments that nearly ended the journey, the strangers who restored his faith in people, and why walking changes your relationship with fear, time, and home. The conversation also dives into the mindset of ultra-long adventures, the daily logistics no one talks about, and the lessons Tom carried back into normal life after doing something almost nobody has done. Listen now: Spotify, Apple, and more: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2018168/episodes/18409789 🌍 Follow Tom’s work Website: https://www.tomturcich.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theworldwalk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWorldWalk 📘 Tom’s book: The World Walk https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781510779013/the-world-walk/ 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from: Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/ Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/

In this episode, Ben Southall sits down with “ Outback Mike ” from Alone Australia to unpack how a kid obsessed with adventure became a survival instructor, and why he always planned to trade jets for the bush. Mike shares what he has learned from First Nations people about living with Country rather than on it, and how that wisdom guided his solo expeditions through the Australian Outback and along the Great Barrier Reef. He talks us through the 14 month grind of building a dugout canoe by hand, the relentless repairs and close calls at sea, and what it really takes to navigate one of the most fragile marine environments on Earth. Along the way, Mike opens up about the emotional toll of his journey, the grief he felt as he confronted Australia’s history, and why genuine cultural connection is essential if we are ever going to resolve our national identity crisis. The conversation also dives into the power of authentic storytelling, the realities of filming your own survival for YouTube and Alone, and how online platforms are helping a new generation of adventurers share raw, unfiltered stories from the edge of the map. Get his book: Modern Day Castaway here. 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia . ⛺️ To follow Mike's adventures check out outbackmike.com and reach out to him at @outbackmike on Insta, TikTok and YouTube .

In this episode of Wild Chats , Ben Southall sits down with ultra runner Coree Woltering , whose athletic journey has taken him from the world of triathlons to the heart of the ultra running community. Coree shares how his passion for the trails led him to pursue Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempts and endurance challenges that push both body and mind. He opens up about his Ice Age Trail FKT —the obstacles he faced, the lessons learned about resilience, and the powerful role of community support throughout the journey. They dive into the mental and physical preparation behind ultra events, the balance between competition and enjoyment, and the deeper meaning Coree finds in running for a cause . He also reflects on the simplicity and beauty of trail running, his close collaboration with sponsors, and his excitement for his upcoming race, the Blackhall 100 . Looking ahead, Coree shares his plans to return to shorter distances to sharpen his performance, all while staying grounded in the sense of connection that fuels his love for the sport. This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and the unbreakable spirit of the ultra running community . 🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia.

In this episode of Wild Chats , Ben Southall sits down with ultra runner Buha Bali , whose journey has taken her from local races in Australia to competing on the world stage at the prestigious UTMB in Chamonix . Buha opens up about the highs and lows of ultra running—how training, community support, and sheer determination play a role in preparing for some of the toughest endurance events on the planet. They dive into the mental and physical challenges of racing in the Alps, the importance of gear and technique, and the transformative moments found on the trails of the Pyrenees and beyond. She reflects on the pre-race atmosphere, the nerves before the start line, and the resilience needed to overcome both physical and mental hurdles mid-race. Buha also shares her aspirations for future adventures and the lessons she’s carrying forward from Chamonix. This is a conversation about perseverance, growth, and the love of pushing limits in the wild. Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the World of Ultra Running 02:43 The Journey to UTMB: From Local to Global 05:44 The Competitive Mindset: Embracing Opportunities 08:22 Preparing for the UTMB: Training and Challenges 11:30 The Role of Community in Trail Running 14:20 Training for the Alps: Overcoming Elevation Challenges 17:11 The Importance of Technique: Using Poles Effectively 20:01 Building a Support Network: The Role of Mentors 22:44 Choosing the Right Race: Finding Your Sweet Spot 25:44 Experiencing the UTMB: The Atmosphere and Community 28:52 Reality Check: Training in the Pyrenees 32:46 Facing the Challenges of Altitude 36:09 Understanding the Mountain's Power 38:02 Experiencing the Terrain and Conditions 39:45 Arrival in Chamonix: The Calm Before the Race 42:15 The Build-Up to the Race Day 47:07 Nerves and Pre-Race Rituals 50:41 The Journey to the Start Line 52:23 Imposter Syndrome and Personal Growth 55:33 The Emotional Journey of Racing 59:27 Overcoming Adversity in Extreme Conditions 01:05:04 The Finish Line: Triumph and Reflection 01:09:16 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Training

Join Ben Southall as he delves into the exhilarating world of reality TV survival shows with adventurer Karla Pound. Discover the intense challenges and unexpected rewards of participating in shows like "Alone" and "Million Dollar Island." From battling hunger and isolation to forming lifelong friendships, Karla shares her unique insights and experiences. Tune in to explore the raw authenticity and personal growth that come with surviving in the wild. Don't miss this captivating episode of Wild Earth Australia's Wild Chats!