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When travel is not in the cards and you are feeling the itch one of the best ways to get inspired is through podcasts. Books are great but when you can hear first hand about another’s crazy journey or feel the emotion oozing out of them as they describe some majestic view it strikes a different chord.
These are my top picks for best podcasts to binge that will inspire your next adventure.
Zero to Travel
I have been listening to Jason on Zero to Travel for years now. I just love this podcast and it’s always the first one I recommend when people are looking for suggestions. Jason invites guests from all walks of life and with interesting back stories.
The shows tagline really says it perfectly, “To fill your life with as much travel as you desire.” It really covers the gamut of travel, from how travel improves your mental health to how to travel around the world working on a yacht.
There is an episode that speaks to every style of travel and also some in depth conversations on businesses around the world and change makers. It’s inspirational and totally gets the wanderlust juices flowing.
For more check out their website at Zero to Travel.
Armchair Explorer
I recently discovered Armchair Explorer with host Aaron Millar on, well, Zero to Travel. I was intrigued by his conversation with Jason and figured I would check it out. I’m a bit embarrassed to say that I am completely obsessed with this podcast.
If you are interested in unforgettable adventure travel for the serious explorer, this one’s for you. Aaron interviews people like Mountain Gipsy, the first Lebanese woman to summit Everest and takes you on the journey to see gorilla’s in Uganda and Rwanda. It’s the big trips. For those of us who thrive on exploration and extremes, it’s all here in this one podcast.
The other thing I really like about it is how the podcast is set up. It’s not just a traditional interview style like the others. Aaron gives explanations that then cut away to fantastic music and the story of his guest is woven in such a way it’s almost like listening to an audiobook with great music.
To listen to this podcast, make sure to visit Armchair Explorer.
Wild Ideas Worth Living by REI
If you are into the outdoors, which if you are reading my blog I am going to assume you are, I recommend Wild Ideas. The host, Shelby Stanger interviews not only explorers but authors, scientists, health experts and more to dive deep into wild ideas that were made a reality.
You can listen to episodes like Wildlife in Yosemite with Park Ranger Jamie Richards who discusses the changes in wildlife behavior during the COVID-19 outbreak. Or check out the episode with Mike Posner titled “Becoming Someone You’re Proud Of” to follow his journey as he walks across America to become someone he is proud of.
Shelby does a great job asking smart questions and really digging deep into the heart of each topic.
To listen to this podcast, check out their website for more Wild Ideas.
Outside Podcast
Another great outdoor podcast of people finding purpose and magic through exploration and pushing their limits in the outdoors.
Everyone knows Outside as the awesome magazine (both online and print) that brings to life amazing outdoor adventures around the world and the people going on these life-changing trips. They also cover the import things like gear and the realities of certain extreme adventures. They are also a magazine I dream of writing for one day.
But the podcast is great. It’s similar to REI’s, with a distinct outdoor focus (naturally). There are extreme stories of near-death experiences that led to a new found life’s purpose, as in the episode with Nouria Newman. Or check out “A Half-Baked Trip that ended with a Magical Eclipse” when everything goes wrong things can suddenly be so very right.
To listen to this podcast, check out their site at Outside Podcast.
Backpacker Radio by the Trek
A great podcast for hikers being more about hiking than anything else. So, if you have been dreaming of that trek along the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest trail this is the podcast for you.
The episodes follow various people who are in the midst of doing their own thru hikes and gives you a first-person perspective of the things they encounter and their thoughts about various topics while on trail.
It’s not so much about realizing your purpose, but it’s the reality of doing something this physically demanding and challenging. It busts through some misconceptions about the realities of thru-hiking and is a lot of fun to listen to and follow along as people achieve their goal of finishing these incredible journeys.
To listen to this podcast and follow thru-hikers as they push to finish their trek, check out the Backpacker Radio website.
Concluding Thoughts
There are so many great podcasts out there and they are the perfect thing to listen to when you’re driving, running, hiking or in my case I like to listen to them while at my microscope reading slides (that’s my other gig as a wildlife veterinarian).
Which of these have you listened to? Which is your favorite? Let me know if you have any other suggestions. I am always looking for binge-worthy podcasts to help quell my dromomania during those times when travel is not in the cards.
