Wild Chats with Ben Southall

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 p...

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 himsel...

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.<...

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, ...

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 techno...

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 t...

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...

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 a...

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 ...

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 grow...

In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with long-distance adventurer Alex Campbell, who’s been walking around the world for over two years. From the steppes of Central Asia to the roads of South America, Alex opens up about the mindset needed for such an epic journey and why packing light is more than just a gear decision.

They dive into the mental and physical challenges of life on foot, the kindness of strangers, an...

Before sat-nav, internet, and mobile phones, there was Elspeth Beard, a 23-year-old architecture student who set off to ride her motorcycle around the world. In this episode of Wild Chats, Elspeth shares the highs and lows of her pioneering solo journey across continents in the early 1980s.

Host Ben Southall dives deep into Elspeth’s story: the spark that ignited her adventure, the obstacles she faced as a woman on the road, and the...

In this episode of Wild Chats, host Ben Southall sits down with Australian mountaineer Oliver Foran to explore his powerful journey from the footy fields of Brisbane to the world’s highest peaks. Ollie opens up about the personal loss that changed his life, how he discovered a love for the mountains, and the mental and physical challenges of high-altitude expeditions.

From summiting Island Peak to taking on the technical terrain of ...

In this powerful episode of Wild Chats, host Ben Southall sits down with explorer and climate advocate Geoff Wilson to talk all things adventure, sustainability, and the future of our planet. Geoff shares the highs and lows of his Project Zero expedition, a groundbreaking mission to complete carbon-neutral exploration through some of the planet's harshest environments.

From navigating the globe aboard the Nanook to riding horse...

Join host Ben Southall in this unforgettable episode of Wild Chats as he sits down with adventurer, filmmaker, and storyteller Beau Miles. Known for his offbeat adventures and DIY ethos, Beau shares how a life of kayaking, running, filmmaking, and fatherhood has shaped his creative journey.

This episode dives into Beau's love for craftsmanship, his commitment to sustainability, and how solitude fuels his storytelling. From buil...

Join host Ben Southall as he chats with gut health expert and outdoor enthusiast Kirsty Wirth. Kirsty opens up about her transformative journey from curiosity-driven explorer to passionate advocate for gut health and holistic wellness. Together, they dive into the powerful connections between gut health, outdoor adventures, and overall well-being.

Discover how Kirsty's personal experiences, particularly navigating her son'...

In this episode, Ben Southall sits down with Cam Bostock, an outdoor adventurer and content creator, to dive deep into his journey from a childhood spent exploring the outdoors in Perth, Australia, to rediscovering his passion for nature after years of gaming and introversion.

Cam shares how hiking became a transformative force in his life, improving his mental and physical well-being. He takes us through his experiences on some of ...

In this episode, Ben Southall sits down with Sophie Matterson, an adventurer who took on the ultimate solo challenge—trekking 5,000km across Australia, from Shark Bay (WA) to Byron Bay (NSW), with only camels for company.

Sophie shares how she went from a novice hiker to a seasoned trekker, navigating the harsh realities of the Australian outback. She reflects on her deep bond with her camels & the lessons they taught her. The m...

In this episode of Wild Chats, host Ben Southall speaks with Thor Pedersen, the first person EVER to visit every country in the world without flying. Thor shares his unique journey, starting from his early life in Denmark, through military service, and into his ambitious project called 'Once Upon a Saga.' He discusses the challenges he faced while traveling across continents, the importance of cultural exchange, and the l...