Welcome to series 2 of Adventure Habits Pod Cast Interviews! Updated every 2 weeks you’ll find inspiring stories from life-long Adventurers. Top-up your inspiration and develop the 5 hard-learned Adventure Habits that come FREE with each episode.
Not enough for you? There’s an adventurer for everyone in our Archive right HERE.
Join us as we explore long-distance walking adventures, the importance of preparation, and the inspiring journey of Jonathan Thomas – founder of the US based pod, Anglotopia – planning his walk along Hadrian’s Wall. Discover practical tips, maps, and insights to fuel your own adventures.
Long-distance walking preparation
The significance of maps and navigation
Health benefits of walking and adventure planning
Making the most of a visit to Britain
Get physically prepared before undertaking long-distance walks.
Use detailed SplashMaps (Ordnance Survey and our new Challenge series) for planning.
Make your adventure fun and personally interesting.
Always overprepare with gear, maps, and supplies.
Accountability and social sharing boost commitment.
Jonathan Thomas
“Make your training non-negotiable.”
“Choose an adventure that excites you.”
“Overprepare to ensure success.”
00:00 Introduction to Adventure Habits and Guest Background
01:53 The Origin of Anglotopia and British Travel Resources
04:01 Building a Community of British Enthusiasts
05:50 Planning a Walk Along Hadrian’s Wall
06:31 A Fascination with Roman History and Long-Distance Trails
08:16 Health Benefits and Personal Motivation for Walking
09:43 Partnering with SplashMaps on extending the Challenge series
11:42 The Power of Calendar Planning and Accountability
13:47 Documenting the Journey: Podcast Series and Expectations
15:00 Exploring UK Long-Distance Trails and Resources
15:49 Habit 1: Training and Preparing for the Walk in Indiana
20:12 Habit 2: Mental Preparation and Staying Motivated
21:45 Habit 3: Choosing a Fun and Meaningful Adventure
24:44 Habit 4: The Role of Maps and Navigation in Planning
27:00 Habit 5: Packing Essentials and Footwear Tips
30:52 Final Advice: Footwear and Gear Maintenance
Steve Chilton is the Authority on Fell Running, just check his books and you’ll see. As the retired president of the Cartographic Society (now the British Cartographic Society), no one knows the importance of maps and long distance navigation challenges better. He is well over-qualified for some ‘sit-up and listen’ habits from his in-depth interviews, library of authored books, long career in running, maps and Adventure!
In this engaging interview, Steve Chilton shares his passion for fell running, its history, and the lessons learned from challenging adventures. Discover how pushing beyond comfort zones and focusing on potential can transform your approach to endurance sports and life.
Fell running origins and culture
Lessons from mountain and trail adventures
The importance of focus and overcoming failure
How to push beyond comfort zones
The role of passion and persistence in endurance sports
00:00Introduction to Fell Running and Its Uniqueness
02:43The Cultural Roots and Evolution of Fell Running
05:13The Journey of Writing About Fell Running
07:50Exploring Women’s Contributions to Fell Running
10:20Adventure Habits: Lessons from Running and Climbing
16:08Overcoming Distractions and Staying Focused
21:27Embracing Failures as Learning Opportunities
26:36Extending Comfort Zones in Adventure
31:54Final Thoughts on Pursuing Your Passion
Check out Steve’s Books and Life in bis Blog HERE
Bob Graham Round Map HERE
3 Peaks Yorkshire Dales Map HERE
In this episode, Nick Goldsmith shares his remarkable journey from military service to personal growth and resilience. Discover insights on leadership, overcoming trauma, and embracing adventure as a path to healing and self-discovery.
Military, Resilience, Personal Growth, Adventure, PTSD, Leadership, Bushcraft, Transition, Mental Health, Self-Help
Starting from inside the walls of Dartmoor Prison – one of the UK’s most remote institutions – Lee followed a carefully planned route, evading wardens to make good on an escape that would break records.
The Dartmoor Prison Break Challenge goes beyond the normal arduous world of ultra events. SplashMaps is a proud sponsor as it’s the one ultra that favours the well planned map user. Just like the WW2 PoW escapees that inspired SplashMaps’ creation, Lee Plank’s, was an enormous feat – he has run the furthest from incarceration in the Dartmoor prison break challenge.
Discover tactical insights, inspiring habits, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the top ultra marathoners. Whether you’re a seasoned runner/ hiker or just curious about pushing limits, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to elevate your adventure game.
00:00 – Introduction to Dartmoor Prison Break ultramarathon and episode overview
00:35 – Explaining the race concept: running from inside the prison walls and geography challenges
02:05 – Lee Plank’s record-breaking 102 miles in 24 hours and route planning strategies
03:45 – Inside the prison setup and race dynamics, including the theme and logistics
04:50 – Strategies for route selection, terrain analysis, and staying on track
06:15 – Training the gut with real food like rice pudding and varied fueling methods
07:45 – Control what you can: gear testing, weather considerations, and kit preparation
09:10 – The importance of maps and navigation skills in ultra races
10:15 – Memorable moments on the route: support from strangers and overcoming low points
11:50 – Inspiration from top ultra athletes and reading adventure books
13:10 – Doing something that scares you, like upcoming 10k or new adventures
14:25 – Treats and rewards as motivation, with examples like McDonald’s and milkshakes
15:50 – The importance of continuous mental and physical preparation and coaching
17:15 – Final thoughts: pushing limits, embracing the adventure, and race sign-up info
In this Special episode, Not only does Dermot Cosgrove share his extraordinary adventures—from joining the French Foreign Legion to walking across Iceland—BUT he honours us in launching a brand new SplashMap, Iceland! On the way he highlights the mindset and habits that keep him pushing boundaries, all inspiring YOU to Adventure more frequently and imrpove your life. Discover how his experiences shape his approach to preparation, purpose, and resilience in challenging environments.
00:00 – Introducing Dermot Cosgrove: from Iceland to the French Foreign Legion
02:23 – Dermot’s military background and fascination with maps
04:45 – The impact of Dermot’s family and childhood outdoors enthusiasm
07:18 – Dealing with trauma and finding purpose through adventure
09:05 – Inspiration from Rob Steiner and joining the French Foreign Legion
11:14 – Understanding the spectrum of motivations among legionnaires
12:56 – Dermot’s regiment choices and role in the Legion
15:22 – Experiences in Djibouti, Somalia, and challenges of remote environments
18:39 – Transition from military skills to security work and mapping projects
20:36 – Dermot’s travel research and planning insights
23:49 – The deeper “why”: testing limits and managing ego
26:27 – The importance of having a clear purpose during adversity
28:37 – Training, gear familiarity, and self-rescue techniques
31:58 – Building habits: from physical training to route research
37:43 – The significance of proper kit and understanding environmental quirks
41:14 – The value of embracing failure as part of growth and adventure
43:27 – Launching Iceland map for adventure explorers
44:50 – Dermot’s commitment to charity and outdoor community
At the end of an electric season, David and Nick (Adventure Habits would not be produced without him!) choose their best bits. We’ve met 29 extraordinary adventurers, with record breakers and people overcoming (almost) insurmountable odds. We’ve dealt with mental health, trauma, rescues, record breaking, near death experiences and hellish hikes with teenagers. When put on the spot, what were the best points and the strongest advice from this eclectic mix of adventurers. What can these guys’ adversity contribute to your life? Is your ‘why’ what you really think it is? Our pundits discuss adventure, the intensity of life and entrepreneurialism with a good dose of Rock and Roll. Enjoy! See you next season.
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