🚀 Introducing “Adventure Habits” – The Ultimate Podcast for Aspiring Adventurers! 🎙️🌍

At SplashMaps, we equip the finest of adventurers. Now, we’re bringing their passion straight to your ears with our brand-new podcast: Adventure Habits! 🎧🔥

Hosted by our founder, David Overton, this podcast dives into the minds of the world’s most ‘out-there’ explorers to uncover what drives their boldest expeditions. Each episode distills their wisdom into five powerful adventure habits—practical takeaways you can use to push your own limits, embrace the unknown, and improve your life! 💪🌿

As the lucky ones who kit out these explorers with the finest adventure-proof maps, we know firsthand how essential the right tools (and mindset!) are for every journey. Now, we’re sharing that knowledge with YOU.

NEW!! Adventure Habits is available on all popular Pod Cast Platforms 🤗

Episode 19, 26th October: Paul Smith, Equipment Officer for UK Mountain Rescue – A Life of Volunteering

In this episode of Adventure Habits, David Overton speaks with Paul Smith, the equipment officer from Mountain Rescue England and Wales. They discuss Paul’s personal journey into mountain rescue, including his first encounter with the service, family tragedies that motivated him to volunteer, and his current role focusing on sustainability in outdoor equipment. Paul shares valuable adventure habits for safety and preparedness in the mountains, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience and environmental responsibility.

Takeaways

• He experienced a personal tragedy when his brother went missing on Ben Nevis.
• Paul’s daughter was born with a serious condition, leading to a life-changing decision.
• He found purpose in volunteering for Mountain Rescue after overcoming personal struggles.
• As equipment officer, Paul focuses on sustainability and longevity of outdoor gear.

Paul’s Links and Shout-outs

• 🤗 SPECIAL OFFER: Thanks to Pauls very open interview, now ALL Mountain Rescue Volunteers get a terrific discount on SplashMaps! The link is on your internal Moodle. 👍
• Because of his tragic experience, Paul encourages to support Bliss, premature Baby charity.
• Dealing with such tragedy, Paul recommends Daddies with Angels to deal with the mental trauma father’s in his position often encounter.
• Support the teams that keep us safe on the hills, Mountain Rescue England and Wales

Episode 18, 12th October: Steve Till – The Run of Life

In this episode of Adventure Habits, David Overton interviews Steve Till, an accomplished ultra-distance runner, coach, and author. Steve shares his journey from being inspired by a European 10,000 meters championship to finding his niche in ultra-distance running. He discusses the importance of coaching and helping others achieve their running goals, as well as his book, ‘The Run of Life,’ which offers insights and stories to inspire runners of all levels. Steve also shares five essential adventure habits for runners, emphasising preparation, making running interesting, and maintaining a sense of humour throughout the challenges of long-distance running.

Take Aways

• Preparation is key to successful running adventures.
• Making running interesting can enhance the experience and motivation.
• Runners often need less gear than they think for long distances.
• Relishing the experience of running is crucial for enjoyment.
• A sense of humor helps navigate the challenges of long-distance running.
• Every runner, regardless of level, can find value in Steve’s insights.

Steve’s Links and Shout-outs

• There’s oodles of FREE top running tips when you join Steve’s Mailing list HERE
• Grab the inspitational ‘The Run of Life’ book HERE.
• Steve’s Facebook – Reviews, top-tips & the lot HERE.

Episode 17, 28th September: US Special Forces Veteran, Mitch Utterback on the importance of Purpose driven Adventure

In this episode of Adventure Habits, David Overton interviews Mitch Utterback, a U.S. Special Forces veteran, who shares his insights on adventure, purpose, and preparation. Mitch discusses his military background, the importance of having a purpose for adventures, and the five key habits that can enhance outdoor experiences. He emphasizes the need for planning, communication, and connection with nature and oneself during adventures. The conversation also touches on lessons learned from World War II and Mitch’s current work in emergency management.

Takeaways

• Determine the purpose for your adventure.
• Planning is essential for successful adventures.
• Preparation involves both physical readiness and equipment checks.
• Communication with loved ones is crucial during adventures.
• Connect with … (listen for more!)

Mitch’s Links & Shout Outs

• SOE Expeditions – See Matt Smith’s Episode 1 for details of this exceptional
• Outward Bound – Where Mitch was first inspired and regularly returns

Episode 16, 14th September: The Genesis of Adventure Habits, an interview with Matt Treviss at Voice FM

Refreshed after a short break, Adventure Habits is back! Today we drop the interview David had with DJ & Business editor for Voice FM, Matt Treviss. Matt digs for the motivation behind getting maps physical and delves into the thinking behind Adventure Habits.

Along the way there’s

• romance 🥰
• seemingly random inspirations
• deathly Dragons 🐉
• insane innovation

… all kicked-off with a flap of frustration 🗺️ and a dose of historic genius!

Innovation and business genius is concentrated on the Southern Coast of Britain, so delve into more by following Matt Treviss at Voice FM.

Episode 15, 18th August Shorts: Walking Glasgow to Rome or Motorbiking around the world? They both demand the same mind set. Our second pod from the Adventure Festivals 2025 is a must for anyone planning something bigger!

Welcome to the second in our mini series where we’ve scoured the summer’s Adventure Festivals for the best advice and – of course the habits – that will help YOU 🫵 adventure more frequently.

First-up Geraldine McFaul who, in support of dementia awareness, stepped out one day from her home, embarking on a 2000 mile Odysea to arrive in Rome. What made her different? She did it all on foot 🦶!

Then Simon and Lisa Thomas, aka 2RideTheWorld, pick up with the attitudes needed – not just to survive the neck-breaking lows and the Andean highs – but to discover your new purpose while out exploring.

Our pod links

• Everything about great travel photography and Round the World Motorbiking HERE
• Everything on the road from Home to Rome HERE

Episode 14, 6th August 2025 Shorts: Gina Allsop, host of the Beyond the Barracks Pod, John Blashford-Snell, legendary Explorer, Richard Matthews, RGS Explore’s Navigation guru

Welcome to our mini series of summertime short Adventure Habits you can adopt while on vacation.

First-up, Gina Allsop, former SF soldier and host of the Beyond the Barracks pod. Life in the SF is certainly demanding. And particularly so if you’re a woman. But Gina has some top advice when it comes to the importance of comforts when in the extremes.

John Blashford-Snell, founder of Operation Raleigh (now Raleigh International) and leader of the Scientific Exploration Society’s most daring expeditions takes time out from an intense schedule to share his essential habits.

Richard Matthews, Fellow of the RGS and representing Navigation expertise at the RGS Explore tent, doubles-down on the essential qualities he looks for in his kit.

Take aways

• Look after your🦶
• Double-up to save time, weight and pain.
• Treat comfort as your reward.

Our Pod links

• The Beyond the Barracks Pod
• RGS Explore upcoming events
• The Scientific Exploration Society latest & upcoming events

Episode 13, 20th July 2025: Dave Coleman, Civvy2Commando, an authentic experience of adventuring like a Royal Marine.

In this episode of the Adventure Habits podcast, host David Overton interviews Dave Coleman, a former Royal Marine and founder of C2C (Civvy to Commando). They discuss the importance of preparation for outdoor adventures, the evolution of military tactics, and the mindset required for success in both military and civilian life. Dave shares his insights on how to prepare for outdoor activities, the significance of community building through shared experiences, and -of course!- the five essential adventure habits that everyone should adopt to enhance their outdoor experiences.

Takeaways

• Preparation is key to success in outdoor adventures.
• There is a growing interest in outdoor activities among civilians.
• Mindset and resilience are crucial for overcoming challenges.
• The military is evolving towards smaller, more autonomous teams.
• Shared experiences in the outdoors foster community and friendship.
• Fitness levels can vary, and activities can be tailored to different abilities.
• Learning the basics of navigation and survival is essential.
• Adventuring outside your comfort zone leads to personal growth.
• Proper clothing and equipment can make a significant difference in safety.
• Just getting started is often the hardest part of any adventure.

titles

• From Military to Adventure: Dave Coleman’s Journey
• C2C: Bridging the Gap Between Civilians and Military Training

Sound Bites

• “Prepare, prepare, prepare.”
• “Be bold, start cold.”
• “Just go, don’t overthink.”

Dave’s Links:

Civvy2Commando Website

Episode 12, 6th July 2025: Steve Martindale, CS22 Cockleshell Heroes, in the footsteps of Great Britain’s 20th Century war heroes

In this episode of the Adventure Habits podcast, David Overton speaks with Steve Martindale from Cockleshell Heroes CS22 about their mission to honor military history through adventurous activities. They discuss the origins of the charity, the historical significance of the Cockleshell Heroes, and the impact of their documentary. Steve shares valuable adventure habits, emphasizing simplicity, daily actions for personal growth, continuous learning, and the importance of community connections. The conversation highlights the beauty of local adventures and the power of communication in fostering connections.

Your Takeaways

Adventure habits should be simple and achievable and Steve hits this square on the button.

• Daily actions contribute to personal growth and well-being.
• Continuous learning enhances outdoor skills and knowledge.
• Building community connections can start with simple activities like coffee in the woods.
• Local adventures can be just as fulfilling as grand expeditions.
• Communication is key to fostering connections and community.

Steve’s Links:

CS22 Website

Falklands War Sea Chart Commissioned by CS22

Commando Missions TV Premiere Event with SplashMaps

Episode 11, 23rd June 2025: Steve Dredge, Exploring Mental Health Through Adventure

In this episode of Adventure Habits, host David Overton speaks with Steve Dredge, co-founder of Status Code 14, about his journey from a military and police background to advocating for mental health awareness through adventure. Steve shares his personal struggles with anxiety and PTSD, the importance of asking for help, and how he turned his experiences into a mission to support others. The conversation highlights five key adventure habits that can help individuals navigate life’s challenges and promote personal growth.

Takeaways
Perseverance is crucial in overcoming challenges.
Being honest with yourself and others is essential.
Listening to your inner voice can guide you in tough situations.
Control the controllables to regain a sense of agency.
Encouraging others can lead to personal fulfillment and community support.

Steve’s Links:

Status Code 14 Website

Episode 10, 8th June 2025: Ian Holt our Secret Entrepreneur

Expect candid answers, real insights, and a peek behind the curtain of one of Britain’s most original outdoor brands.

This week SplashMaps’ co-founder and tech mastermind, Ian Holt, reveals how his international life of maps, data and on-line services made him our secret entrepreneur.

Could his habits of openness, flexibility, confidence and collaboration help you on the road to YOUR 🫵 Utopia?

Ian reveals the tech inspiration that means we’ve spent more than 50% of our income on e-Textile research and how this might save you from corneal implants 👁️ 🫣

Want to know the secrets of growing an adventure tech business? Please watch, share, comment and subscribe here.

Episode 1, 18th February 2025: Matt Smith – SOE Expeditions – in the footsteps of WW2 heroes

Telemark Expedition & Map

SOE Expeditions web

Episode 2: Chris Howard – Coastal Walking

15 Marathons in 15 Days in 15 National Parks

More on Chris, Book him for a talk or as a mentor

Episode 3: Kirsty Gittins – The 7 Habits of Highly effective Adventurers – Reduced

• Buy her Mourne Mountain SplashMap HERE
• See Cathy’s map work on the trail HERE
• Find stocked SplashMaps and Cathy’s community HERE

ESG Education – see how Kirsty & team apply these habits world-wide at the earliest stages of childhood and beyond

Connect with Kirsty and ESG on Linked In.

Episode 4: 🇺🇸 Our USA Special goes live Sunday March 16 🇺🇸

SplashMaps USA Special from Boston Outdoor Expo 2025 featuring Andrea Bailey, Kelly Catale and Liz Derstine. It’s all about the mind game in endurance and this week we talk to the two finest examples at the show and ask a sports mindfulness expert about the importance of an adventure mind set.

Blog on our fabulous time at the Boston Outdoor Expo March 2025

Powering through against mental health – How did Kelly Catale become the best?

Connect with Andrea Bailey and improve performace by Evolving Mind and Body

What makes the fastest woman in the Appalachians tick? Here’s Liz Derstine’s Insta and our Appalachian Map launched at the show.

Episode 5: Dan the Adventure Man in taking-on the Yukon, Solo 🫣

Dan Smith started Northern Outdoors after 13 years of military training. As one of the British Army’s Adventure Training Instructors he’s one of the best qualified guys you can find in any wood anywhere. How is he preparing for the biggest test of his life? What habbits does he recommend for you?

Dan The Adventure Man Website

SplashMap we created for Dan’s Yosemite Adventure

Episode 6: From Sunday April 13 – Matt and Reece, the Sidecar Guys

2 x Guiness World Record Holders, the Sidecar Guys, join me on episode 6. The duo found a focus in drawing attention to the world’s slavery epidemic while making connections around the globe in the most unlikely contraption. A moped with a sidecar welded to it.

Now Matt and Reece are the Ant and Dec of Adventure! As well as the unassailable (and unique) records they hold,

• they’ve their own fabulous Armchair Adventure Festival each summer (24-27 July 2025 SPLASHMAPS code discount for Tickets)
• a must read book, ‘Our Ridiculous World Trip‘.
• a brilliant mixed business model that make Stephen Barclay look lame. Everything Sidecar Guys HERE

The Adventure Habits they gift to you are; In Adventure, always have a good ‘Why?’, then choose inconvenience and Just Do it (but not at night!). And whatever scrape you find yourself in, Stay Calm!

Episode 7: Sunday 27th April, Steve Layt – Plan Group Hikes like a Professional

With 50 years of Scouting under his belt, few people can advise you better than Steve Layt as we enter group hiking season! Got a group adventure to prepare for? Learn essential skills from this DofE Gold expedition assessor and centre manager for Yr Hen Felin Cynwyd’s top tips and 5 Adventure Habits to plan, skill-up, review and stay ever ready for your adventure.

Steve’s resources:

• Save on essential SplashMaps for the whole team HERE
• Get in touch with Steve at steve.layt@northantsscouts.org.uk
• Visit the Yr Hen Felin Mountain Centre HERE

Episode 8: 11th May 2025: Cathy Reavy – conduct Group Hikes like a Professional

Cathy’s an Entrepreneur and Mountain Leader, engaging her local community in promoting the outdoors through her hike leading business, Wild Mountain NI. From dog friendly group hikes  in the Mourne Mountains to Everest Base Camp and Kili, Cathy leads from experience and understanding. Born of a passion for hiking, a Wild Mountain NI outing is ‘No Ordinary Adventure’.

In this episode Cathy shares tips for soloists & groups. Pick up unique skills for confidence, connectivity and managing group dynamics & expectations like a pro’!

Cathy’s resources:

Episode 9, 25th May: David Overton – our host gets grilled on his analogue ways

This week on the Adventure Habits Pod, we’re flipping the mic. Our host is in the hot seat.

In Episode 9, find out which of the 40 adventure habits have had the biggest impact, what sparked the idea behind SplashMaps, and why physical maps still matter in a hyper-digital world.

🎯 Want to unlock your adventure potential?
🎯 Need a weekly boost of inspiration?
🎯 Ready to make adventure a habit?

Then hit that subscribe button now! 🏔️🔥 Join us on Adventure Habits and transform the way you explore the world.

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