Great British Adventures (Tom Bryan)

In May 2023, Geraldine McFaul set off from her home in Glasgow to walk all the way to Rome.

She had two rules, she was not carrying a rucksack, and she was not going over the Alps.

With a buggy in tow, Geraldine passed through 6 countries, walking a distance of 2,000 miles on a journey that took her 6 months.

But Geraldine's story is more than just a long walk to Rome.

At it's heart, this journey was a reminder of the kindness of humanity.

It is a story of strangers taking her into their homes, buying food for her, donating to her two charities, Mary's Meals and Dementia UK, and letting her camp in back gardens, church grounds and on village greens.

She calls it 'kind-napping' and it happened regularly throughout her journey in Britain and beyond.

In this conversation we break down the why and how Geraldine covered such a huge distance on foot, how to break down a journey of such magnitude and how she was inspired with confidence by her experience in the Yes Tribe.

We discuss how Geraldine never knew exactly where or how she was sleeping every night, how the kindness of strangers made her journey more fulfilling, why travelling at a slow pace is a lovely way to experience the world, and Geraldine talks through her once in a lifetime experience being presented to a very important person when she arrived in Rome.

Follow Geraldine's Story: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090430727501

Donate to Geraldine's Cause:

Dementia UK: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/geraldine-mcfaul

Mary's Meals: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/geraldine-mcfaul1

Mentioned in the Podcast

The Yes Tribe: https://sayyesmore.com/tribes

Podcast w/Emma & Dave Cornthwaite: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CWceGYO8wANjAA1FkCw7P?si=3b37801b96e54f86

Big Sky Hideaway: https://bigskyhideaway.com/

Dementia UK: https://www.dementiauk.org/

Mary's Meal's: https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/

Get in contact:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Pelumi Nubi might just be the inspiration you need to go on your next adventure alone.

She is proof that you don't need much to go far, and doing it solo can build strength and resilience.

Recently, Pelumi drove from London to Lagos, connecting the two places she calls home.

She undertook this 6,200 mile journey in her tiny, 12 year old, Peugeot 107, passing through 17 countries, taking on some difficult border crossings and regularly sleeping in her car.

She wanted to show what could be possible by a black, female, solo traveller using the things she had, even if her car was not exactly designed for such a journey.

Her story is proof that anyone can go on a grand adventure using what they already have.

In our conversation we discuss how Pelumi originally pursued a career in science, how solo travel helped her navigate a new path in life, how she views her life in ‘chapters’, how she felt sleeping alone in her car in foreign lands, how she managed the many border crossings in Africa, riding the ‘Snake of the Sahara’ in Mauritania, surviving a horrific car crash, and why she chose to spend her time and money fixing a car that should have been written off.

Follow Pelumi: https://www.instagram.com/pelumi.nubi/

Mentioned in the Conversation: Unplugged Cabins: https://unplugged.rest/ Pelumi’s Travel company: https://www.oremitravels.com/ Deo Kato: https://www.instagram.com/deoruns/ Borderless Africa: https://www.africansrising.org/borderless-africa/ Arise Africa: https://www.ariseafrica.org/

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:11 Global Solo Traveller 08:31 Dyslexic mind found solace in travel 12:12 University weekend travels abroad 14:24 Breaking through our foreign perceptions of countries 15:52 Committing to a life of science 14:44 Living life in 'Chapters' 18:36 Walking away from science career 20:29 Trying different things in life 23:23 Processing a change of path 28:13 First car trip in Namibia 30:39 The beauty in car travel 31:25 Inception of London to Lagos 32:11 A 'practice' trip to Italy 32:54 Pelumi's Peugeot 107 38:23 Conversions to the car 41:25 Sleeping alone in the car 42:52 Being safe travelling abroad 45:16 Travelling as a solo black woman 48:01 Women's reaction to Pelumi's adventure 49:27 Social Media Explosion 53:41 Pelumi's 'passenger' 55:56 Struggles at the start 57:27 Finding strength and resilience alone 01:01:06 Border Crossings 01:04:11 Borders as a woman 01:06:13 Dodging fees 01:09:54 Borders that shouldn't be there 01:13:47 Riding the 'Snake of the Sahara' 01:21:45 The car crash 01:25:16 Getting the car fixed 01:30:08 Homecoming party 01:33:40 Becoming a symbol of hope 01:36:45 Power is in the doing 01:39:43 The value of time 01:41:46 Lessons from the road 01:47:19 The unconventional career path 01:51:47 A future Great British Adventure?

Jen Lowthrop is a travel blogger and adventurer who craved more time outdoors and wanted to learn more about our beautiful National Parks. So she set herself the challenge to walk across each of the 10 English National Parks across 10 weeks.

Together with her rescue dog, Cookie, they hiked over 1,000 miles and raised over £10,000 for the Peak District Foundation, a charity that cares and improves inclusivity for the national park.

Jen shares the inspiration behind this ambitious challenge, the preparation it required, and the unforgettable experiences she had along the way. From breathtaking landscapes to unexpected challenges, Jen's adventure showcases the beauty of the UK’s natural spaces and the joy of exploration.

Join us as we explore the highlights of each park, the lessons learned, and the personal growth Jen experienced during this extraordinary journey.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a dog lover, or someone who dreams of outdoor adventures, Jen’s story will motivate you to get out and explore the world around you.

Right before this recording, Jen had just returned from a 6 day Nature Facilitation course where she had been on a full digital detox without her phone or any form of communication with the outside world.

In this episode, we talk in depth about Jen’s experience learning about nature facilitation and how she hopes to bring more of this into her work in the near future

For more information on Jen and her blog: ⁠https://shegetsaround.co.uk/⁠

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠

Mentioned in the podcast:

Nature facilitation course: ⁠https://www.changeinnature.org/nature-facilitation-training⁠

Jen’s Co-working space: ⁠https://coworkingcorner.co/⁠

The Peak District Foundation: ⁠https://www.peakdistrictfoundation.org.uk/⁠

Get in contact:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah⁠⁠⁠

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:00 Returning from off-grid weekend

17:08 Practicing more disconnection

23:36 Jen's need to rediscover Nature

26:17 England's 10 National Parks

29:14 UK's other National Parks

31:03 National Landscapes (formerly AONB)

34:01 The formation of the 10 national parks challenge

40:59 Leaving fears behind

44:26 The logistics of a 10 week tour

49:24 Doing an adventure your way

52:38 Building self belief and finding joy along the way

01:00:35 Northumberland National Park

01:04:39 North York Moors

01:06:40 Yorkshire Dales

01:09:05 Lake District

01:13:01 The Broads

01:17:12 The South Downs

01:20:41 The New Forest

01:22:55 Dartmoor

01:25:15 Exmoor

01:27:40 Peak District

01:35:09 Supporting the National Parks

01:36:50 She Gets Around Blog

01:38:13 Creating a space to run retreats

Charlie Bennett is a regenerative farmer whose passion for history and storytelling transforms seemingly ordinary farming fields into a tapestry of marvels and hidden tales in an episode where wisdom, wit, and wonder converge.

When Charlie inherited some farmland in Northumberland, he decided to bring it back to what he calls "common sense farming" - with sustainability, re-wilding and community at its heart.

His adventure on the land has seen him plant over 40,000 trees, return stretches of farmland back to nature and persuade Coca-Cola to build him 11 ponds - all part of a bid to boost biodiversity while keeping the farm thriving and productive.

Charlie’s storytelling and unyielding curiosity offer a fresh vision for the future - a reminder that sometimes, the most profound journeys begin right at the roots of the land.

More information on Charlie: https://charliebennettauthor.co.uk/

Mentioned in the podcast

Wilding by Isabella Tree: https://www.isabellatree.com/books

Fat Llama: https://fatllama.com - Use the code 'tomfatlama' when signing up to get £20 free credit

Support the podcast:

Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in contact:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah

Charlie Wild is one half of The Travel Project, a creative duo on a mission to showcase the very best of UK travel and adventure.

Together with his wife Jess, Charlie has spent years exploring hidden gems, wild landscapes, and thrilling experiences—all without leaving Britain’s shores.

We go behind the scenes of life as a travel content creator, from capturing the perfect shot to the realities of turning a passion into a career.

Charlie also breaks down his 52 Achievable Adventures—a challenge-turned-book designed to inspire anyone to experience more of the UK, no matter their budget or experience level.

From the best-kept secrets in the British countryside to the ideal time of year to visit them, Charlie shares his top tips for uncovering the UK’s hidden gems.

Whether you’re looking for a coastal escape, a wild swimming spot, or a breathtaking hike, this episode is packed with practical advice and seasonal travel inspiration.

52 Achievable Adventures Book: https://geni.us/achievableadventures

Follow The Travel Project: https://www.instagram.com/the.travel.project/

Mentioned in the Podcast:

The Outside Studio: https://theoutsidestudio.com/

Sailing in Norfolk: https://coastalexplorationcompany.co.uk/

Fell Pony Trekking: https://fellpony.co.uk/

Cairngorms Reindeer: https://www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk/

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in contact:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠

⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠

⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

01:20 Recent winter trip to Scotland

03:03 Is a holiday ever a holiday as a travel content creator?

09:03 The world's first instagram powered adventure

16:30 Finding greater purpose through travel

19:21 The changing perceptions on the UK as an adventure destination

21:39 Celebrating the UK Coastline

23:33 Local knowledge

26:42 Canoeing the length of the Thames

31:05 How adventure changes your mindset

35:18 Being full present outside

39:27 Achievable Adventures

42:39 Sailing the salt marshes of Norfolk

43:45 Fell pony trekking in the Lake District

48:13 Turning 52 adventures into a book

49:54 Tom's current writing project

56:16 Carving own path in life

58:57 The husband / wife dynamic

01:04:00 Breakfast outside once a month

01:08:14 Collating a map of everywhere they have been

01:12:33 How to deal with bad weather in the UK

01:18:28 Seasonal highlights

01:23:44 The Cairngorms in winter

01:25:11 Feeding reindeer

01:27:55 Bringing Children into Achievable Adventures

01:30:00 Fusing science to champion the benefits of the outdoors

01:33:18 Going places series of amazing places to stay

01:34:22 Adapting adventure for children

01:36:30 Charlies favourite place in the UK

01:37:39 Next adventures

Sarah Lister is a Life Coach who facilitates outdoor conversations with clients by taking them on a hike.

She believes clarity can be found by saying things out loud in an outdoor environment.

And Sarah has been on her own journey of personal transformation, growth, and fulfilment.

After pursing a life in the city that on the surface looked safe and secure, she soon realised it was making her unhappy.

And after seeking the support of a life coach, she began to understand that she needed to transform her life into a place where she could spend more time outdoors.

In this episode, Sarah shares her journey of self discovery and how that process took years un pack and transition into a place where she could find joy.

Drawing on her extensive experience in life coaching, Sarah offers practical advice, inspirational stories, and strategies to help you unlock your potential and live a life of purpose, passion, and joy.

More about Sarah and her coaching: https://www.abouttheadventure.com/

Mentioned in the Podcast: Sarah’s Book, Mountain Walks, Kinder Scout: https://www.adventurebooks.com/products/mountain-walks-kinder-scout Sarah’s podcasts: About the Adventure: https://open.spotify.com/show/1eejoNYpgRVyxVIHAxEr3N?si=a9ca8eb35be14fb8 Wild About Kinder: https://open.spotify.com/show/00FYBs4Wsy5kRKwcvHWJpi?si=b8ace4fc1a7f40ce Discover Britain: https://www.discoverbritainmag.com/

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653

Get in contact:

https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah

CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro 02:30 Morning Runs in Kinder 07:15 Taking a different path 11:12 Taking coaching clients on a hike 15:04 Being on the wrong path 19:24 What brings you joy? 24:48 Finding confidence through walking 27:24 Embracing the uncertainty in life 29:12 Your life is your choice 37:47: Becoming a Life Coach 47:41 Finding your flame 50:19 Sharing your creative side 57:07 Diversity in your dreams 01:01:46 Sarah's podcasts - About The Adventure and Wild About Kinder 01:05:58 Transitioning gently over time 01:09:31 Investing in a life coach 01:13:52 Having the uncomfortable conversations 01:19:10 Life coaching Tom 01:31:29 Coaching for fear of unknown 01:35:33 Sarah's Book - Mountain Walks Kinder Scout 01:42:39 Allowing your fire to burn 01:45:09 Start the day with yourself

Growing up, Anna Jackson was encouraged by her farming parents to leave the family farm and get a proper job.

And she soon found herself working as a busy photographer in London and all over the world.

But when Covid hit, her work immediately dried up and she was forced to move back home to the very farm she grew up on.

Initially having no interest in farming, Anna's life changed when she was given the responsibility of rearing an orphaned lamb, Timmy.

And when she found out her dad had been transitioning to regenerative farming, her interest in farming as a career blossomed.

Anna's life took a new direction and she is now a regenerative farmer in Lincolnshire.

In this episode, we discuss Anna’s transition from city life to rural farmer, how regenerative farming works, why we should wear more wool, the importance of diversity, not only on the fields, but also in the farming business, her involvement in the recent 6 Inches of soil documentary, the challenges she faces being a female farmer, and her thoughts on the plant based diet.

Follow Anna:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farmerannajackson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaracheljackson/

Pink Pig Farm: https://www.pinkpigfarm.co.uk/

Mentioned in the Podcast

TheRunnerBeans: https://www.instagram.com/therunnerbeans/

Midnight Runners: https://www.instagram.com/midnightrunnerslondon/

Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown: https://www.waterstones.com/book/dirt-to-soil/gabe-brown/9781603587631

Groundswell: https://groundswellag.com/

Farm Carbon Toolkit: https://farmcarbontoolkit.org.uk/

Regen Consultant Ben Taylor-Davies https://www.regenben.com/

Woven Beyond: https://wovenbeyond.com/

Six Inches of Soil: https://www.sixinchesofsoil.org/

Riverfood: https://www.riverford.co.uk/

Future Food Movement: https://futurefoodmovement.com/

Environmental Farmers Group: https://www.environmentalfarmersgroup.co.uk/

Get in contact:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Jessica Hepburn is the only woman in the world to have swam the English Channel, run the London Marathon, and climbed Mt. Everest - the so called 'Sea, Street, Summit Challenge.'

She also claims to be the only person to have listened to every available episode of the popular BBC Radio 4 show, Desert Island Discs (there's over 3,000!)

But that is just the adventure headlines.

And at the heart of Jessica's story is one of loss, heartbreak, trauma, and ultimately how she has been able to own the adversity in her life, and turn it into something that creates positive change for herself and others.

Jessica is an adventure activist, arts producer and author of three books, her latest, Save Me From The Waves is an adventure story with a difference.

Documenting her quest to climb the largest mountain in the world, coupled with her desire to listen to every episode of Desert Island Discs it is a beautifully written story of how the show's Castaway's and their music choices have inspired and helped Jessica make sense of her own life.

In this conversation we discuss Jessica's love of lists, how the comedian Jimmy Carr initially inspired her, how she's been part of a movement to change the stigma on infertility, why and how she swam the channel, her journey to summiting Everest, why everyone should tell there life story creatively, how her destination was not what she was expecting and how she was able to make meaning out of it through art.

Mentioned in the podcast

Buy Jessica’s New Book: Save Me From The Waves: https://geni.us/SaveMeFromTheWaves

Desert Island Discs: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnmr

Swimquest: https://swimquest.uk.com/

Serpentine Swim Club: https://serpentineswimmingclub.com/

Ramblers: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/ramblers-groups

Get in contact:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro 01:30 Desert Island Discs Superfan 05:10 A Lover of Lists 07:51 Jimmy Carr and What do You Want? 11:40 Turning adversity into positive change 14:35 Writing her first book 19:17 Changing the stigma on infertility 23:12 A disease of the mind 28:39 Have another life alongside your fertility journey 30:36 Deciding to swim the Channel 35:29 Learn from those who have been before 42:07 Mental vs Physical Strength 51:31 Chomolungma 53:01 Deciding to take on Everest 56:19 Hanging out with celebrities 58:42 Training in Scotland for Everest 01:01:01 Technical Skills 01:02:49 Making training a way of life 01:04:54 Processing a delay 01:07:07 2nd attempt 01:11:17 Bad press about Everest 01:15:35 Jessica's work of art 01:19:04 3rd attempt 01:25:25 The descent story 01:32:39 Jessica's relationship with anger 01:34:55 Tell your life story creatively 01:38:53 Destinations and goals vs the journey

How far would you be willing to go to achieve a target marathon time?

For Nick Bester - his journey became a three-year quest, across 7 marathon attempts, to break the sub-2:20 marathon - a target he'd set himself once he broke 2:25

A relentless competitor and motivator, across 10 years, Nick has transformed from a recreational runner and corporate banker into a sub-elite marathoner and one of the most dedicated figures in the UK running scene.

As running coach, founder of Best Athletics, and Adidas Runners London Captain, Nick unpacks his extraordinary story of how he has pushed his body and mind to the limit, facing failures, self doubt and constantly re-tweaking his approach after each race to finally achieve his goal.

He takes us through every step of the journey: the races where things fell apart, the pivotal changes he made, and the mindset shifts that ultimately led him to success.

But this isn’t just a story about running fast - Nick opens up about quitting his corporate life to pursue his passion for coaching, the struggles he faced setting up his own brand and business, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and he reveals a mind-blowing marathon stat that I believe is far more impressive that breaking 2:20.

This is a story of grit, resilience, and the pursuit of something bigger than just a finishing time.

Whether you’re a runner chasing your own PB or someone looking for a lesson in perseverance, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Follow Nick:https://www.instagram.com/justalilbester/

Best Athletics:https://www.bestathletics.co.uk/

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in contact:

https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

01:30 Nicks New Age Category

04:38 Who is Nick?

07:42 The balance between weight and enjoying food

13:35 Nick's First Marathon in 3:17

17:40 Consistent and Accountable Training

20:05 A mind blowing stat about Nick's marathons

24:18 From Banker to Run Coach

31:06 The first year struggles

32:59 Hustling to build a brand

37:59 Dealing with negativity

42:23 Launching Best Athletics

50:23 Affiliation with Adidas

56:44 1st attempts at 2:20

01:04:29 Full sending a half marathon within training

01:09:29 Mistakes made while being the fittest

01:14:01 3rd attempt - 9 seconds out

01:22:01 Dealing with self doubters

01:26:19 Finding marginal gains

01:29:42 2024 Berlin Marathon

01:36:43 Transcending into the wider community

01:39:15 Nick's reason for running

01:41:52 Future running goals

Britain has some of the most incredible coastline that you can find anywhere on Earth, so why not celebrate that?

This is what Oliver Beardon has done, turning his passion for sailing into something he can share with others.

Oliver loves the creative arts and sharing sailing experiences with other people. Wanting to combine both these passions, Oliver launched Sail Britain, a programme of sailing expeditions aimed at inspiring positive change for the ocean. Each programme brings together people from diverse backgrounds on a boat for a week or two and each expedition has something for the group to focus on, whether that is artistic, scientific, or to do with health or wellbeing. Sailing experience is not required.

In this opening episode of Great British Adventures, we discuss Oliver's story of setting up an adventurous, new enterprise that combines both his passions. We learn how he managed the toils of Covid-19 when he was just about to launch, why he chose to champion the Great British oceans, and what we can all do to keep the health of our seas in good order.

To find out more about Sail Britain, and their 2023 programme please visit: http://www.sailbritain.org/

Get in contact:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritish...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombryanyeah

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

James Holt is the Head of Midnight Runners London, one of the biggest, loudest and most vibrant running communities in the UK. And even though he now appears a very confident leader, that wasn't always the case.

Years earlier, just turning up to Midnight Runners was a big step out of James' comfort zone. Now, he heads up one of the largest running groups in the capital.

James' story of finding confidence and growth within a running community is a reminder of what can be achieved when we step out our comfort zone and surround ourselves with supportive people.

Formed over 8 years ago in London, Midnight Runners is now a free global fitness community that creates social workouts in many cities across the world. Run by volunteers, Midnight Runners put having fun and being sociable at the heart of everything they do.

To find out more about Midnight Runners please visit: https://www.midnightrunners.com/

FOLLOW JAMES:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/7164335

https://www.instagram.com/jceholt/

Get in Contact

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritish...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombryanyeah

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Tim Pickett might just be the greatest British adventurer you've never heard of.

A survivor of child abuse, Tim spent decades keeping his past locked up and struggled for most of his life with suicidal depression. But it wasn't until his 40s, when a friend invited him on a bike ride, that he found something he enjoyed, was good at, and crucially gave him the feeling of self worth

Since that moment, Tim has found he has a talent of riding big miles on the bike. He's cycled across Australia, Route 66 and he recently completed the Pan-American Highway, completely self supported - a journey of over 15,000 miles.

Tim is the toughest cyclist I know and in this conversation we discuss stories from his recent adventure crossing the Americas, as well as his story of finding strength, resilience and purpose through cycling.

FOLLOW TIM:

https://www.instagram.com/timosaurus28k/

https://www.strava.com/athletes/1149461

Mentioned in the Conversation:

Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/

Get in Contact

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritish...

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombryanyeah

Deo Kato shares his story of running 10km every day for 381 days, in a peaceful protest against racial injustice.

After the death of George Floyd, Deo wanted to create a protest that was persistent, long lasting and above all, peaceful.

Finding inspiration from the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955, which lasted for 381 days, Deo decided to run 10km every day for that period of time.

In this conversation we discuss Deo's journey into running, which started with him overcoming a health problem that once make it incredibly difficult to do any physical activity at all. We also talk about what it takes to do a run streak, how Deo has experienced racism here in the UK, how he has changed his diet to become a better runner, and how his Running for Justice campaign has evolved into something greater than his original idea.

Deo also talks about his plans to run from South Africa to London, a journey that will see him cross 16 countries, which he hopes to complete in 381 days, averaging 40km a day.

Support Deo's Fundraiser: https://gofund.me/c144d00a

Follow Deo

https://www.instagram.com/deoruns/

https://www.strava.com/athletes/25071501

Get in Contact:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombryanyeah

Emma and Dave Cornthwaite have created Big Sky Hideaway, a camping haven in Lincolnshire, using the natural world as their guide.

Committed to being as sustainable and renewable as possible, Big Sky is a space that puts wild experiences in nature at it's very heart. They have composting toilets, rain water collection, showers-to-order, thousands of newly planted trees, and a grass heated hot water system that will blow your mind.

Learn more about Big Sky Hideaway here: https://www.bigskyhideaway.com/

Mentioned in the Pod:

Trusted Housesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/refer/RAF116724/

Landpod: https://www.landpod.co.uk/

Get in contact:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombryanyeah

Captured on Day 69 of his #IRON102 challenge, Sean shares how he is feeling so far in the depths of his epic challenge.

Recorded while running the marathon leg, Sean breaks down what it has taken to get this far into his incredible feat, as he looks to break the record for the most number of consecutive full distance triathlons, a record that currently stands at 101.

If you want to support Sean’s journey or donate to True Venture Foundation, please visit https://www.seanconway.com/iron102.html

Follow Sean:

https://www.seanconway.com/

https://www.instagram.com/seanconwayadventure/

https://www.strava.com/athletes/7377848

Get in Contact

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombryanyeah

Jonty Brown is a type 1 diabetic who has achieved some awesome things in spite of his condition. Jonty is a European record holder in The Speed Project, has completed a self supported 100km run and holds the accolade of being the first type 1 diabetic to run across England. If this sounds remarkable enough, consider that all of this has been achieved in just a few years of running.

In this conversation, we discuss Jonty's life with diabetes, how he challenges himself to do crazy things, raising money for the diabetes charity JDRF, how he completed his epic coast to coast run, and, how and why he devotes so much of his time to sharing advice about running with diabetes online.

Follow Jonty: https://www.instagram.com/jontyruns/

Get in contact

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombryanyeah

At the age of 16, Freya was severely depressed and tried to end her life. She credits running for saving her life.

Years later, working in Human Rights Law, Freya discovered that 1/3 of asylum seekers held in a UK detention centre were on suicide watch. She wanted to help change this. And created The Human Disco Ball, a campaign to raise money for legal aid for refugees whilst running 2,500km dressed as a human disco ball.

Freya's story of her creativity and positive energy is one you need to hear. She is an incredible human being, with an infectious sparkle of warmth, kindness and positivity that will inspire you.

She is on a mission to change the narrative on how we treat refugees seeking asylum, and is willing to put herself through pain to tell her story.

Recently, Freya completed a 200km continuous run, which took her 43 hours, with many of those miles dressed in her disco ball outfit.

In this conversation, we discuss how and why she is aiming to run a total of 2,500km, we talk about the refugee journey and why we should all take some time to understand what is going on, and we also discuss how running has helped save Freya’s life, the power of a pot noodle, and how she managed to run 200 km in one go without any sleep.

Support Freya's Cause:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/freya-morgan-1669119657286

https://www.instagram.com/_humandiscoball/

Mentioned in the Pod:

The Samaritans. https://www.samaritans.org/

The Listening Place https://www.listeningplace.org.uk/

RunThrough: https://www.runthrough.co.uk/

Coopah Refugee Run Club: https://coopah.com/mission

Care 4 Calais: https://care4calais.org/

Follow the Podcast:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombryanyeah

What do you do in the face of watching terrible atrocities occur in your home country when you are thousands of miles away?

For Olga Stignii, she turned to the one thing that has given her strength and purpose throughout her life: running

Last year, to mark 31 years of Ukrainian independence and highlight the ongoing war, Olga challenged herself to run 31 kilometres every day, 31 days in a row. Each day she dedicated to a different region of Ukraine that had been affected by the war. She called it 31 for 31, ran a total of 961km in one month.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine last year, Olga has spent so much of her time and energy championing the voices and stories of Ukraine here in the UK. And our conversation is a reminder that behind every headline, is a human story.

In this episode we discuss Olga’s journey into fitness from being a partying, smoking, fashion designer, to now being an incredibly athletic personal trainer. We also discuss how the war in Ukraine has personally affected Olga and she shares her story of bringing her family over to the UK. 

This is a conversation about resilience, taking action to create positive change, and the importance of having the support of people and communities around you.

Follow Olga:

https://www.instagram.com/olgs_fitness/

Mentioned in the conversation

Olga's Strength and Conditioning Class: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/olga-stignii-18051130557

Ukraine Culture Club: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057043556376

Get in contact:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombryanyeah

Sarah Merker set herself the challenge to eat a scone in every National Trust place that sold one, all in a bid to get her money's worth from her National Trust membership. And to hold herself accountable, she set up a blog, posting reviews of each site and every scone she ate.

In total, on an adventure that spanned 10 years, Sarah visited 244 National Trust places. And as a result, Sarah has now become a real life encyclopaedia of all the wonders and stories that held within national trust properties. 

Sarah's adventure captured the attention of the National Trust who asked her to author a book titled: The National Trust Book of Scones: 50 delicious recipes and some curious crumbs of history.

In this conversation we talk about what it took to visit so many places spread far and wide across the UK, whether it ever became a chore, how an army of internet followers helped Sarah in her journey. We talk about her creative journey in her book writing process, how she dealt with grief, losing her husband mid way through her adventure, and, we tackle the all important topic: whether its best to put the jam on first or the cream.

Sarah's Blog: https://www.nationaltrustscones.com/

Sarah's Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/National-Trust-Book-Scones-Delicious/dp/1909881937

Follow Sarah: https://twitter.com/nt_scones

Find a National Trust wonder near you: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit

Get in contact:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombryanyeah

Can you imagine completing an ironman triathlon, only to complete another one the next day. And another the day after, and another again after that, for months at a time?

This was the life of Sean Conway, all in a bid to set the record of the most consecutive iron-distance triathlons in a row. The previous record, set in 2021 by James Lawrence, stood at 101 days. Sean smashed this record, continuing on to day 105, setting a new world record for 105 full distance triathlons in 105 days with no days off.

Sean is a professional endurance athlete, who is no stranger to endurance triathlons. He's the only person to ever complete a triathlon of the length of Britain - swimming, cycling and running between Lands End and John O’Groats. And in this conversation he breaks down how he was able to achieve his record breaking feat.

We discuss Sean’s 11 Pillars of Endurance, we talk about how he overcame the failure of his first attempt a year before. We discuss the state of sponsorship for athletes, what Sean would do differently again, how he plans to keep challenging himself on 'shorter' stuff going forwards and why we should all buy his postcard!

Find out more about Sean: https://www.seanconway.com/

Listen to our previous conversation, recorded on day 69 of his challenge: https://spoti.fi/3EH9gCY

Mentioned in the podcast:

Double Brutal Triathlon: https://www.brutalevents.co.uk/the-brutal-triathlon

The Tunnel Run: https://www.cockbainevents.com/the-tunnel

TrueVenture Foundation: https://www.trueventure.org.uk/

Get in contact:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombryanyeah

John Willis was born without fully formed arms and legs and grew up in a time where there were no opportunities for someone like him to play sport.

In a bid to change this, John set up the charity Power2Inspire with the mission to provide opportunities for everyone to play sport together, regardless of their ability or disability.

To celebrate the charity’s 10 year anniversary John embarked on an 8 day, 108mile paddle down the river Thames, linking up with different paddling communities and partnering with different people along the way.

In this conversation we discuss what life was like for John growing up in a world where he had no disabled role models to inspire him on what could be possible.

Yet John is no stranger to challenging himself. He has completed a triathlon with abled bodies and celebrated not coming last. He once completed 50 1000 metre swims across 100 days whilst touring the UK and speaking in schools. And in the lead up to the Rio Olympics, he tried every single sport that the olympics feature.

To find out more about Power2Inspire please visit: https://www.power2inspire.org.uk/

Mentioned in the Conversation:

Jonnie Peacock: https://www.instagram.com/04jonpea/

Ellie Simmonds: https://www.instagram.com/elliesimmonds/

Tanni Grey-Thompson: http://www.tanni.co.uk/

John's Road to Rio Challenge Film: https://youtu.be/sP8zTmB96jA?si=jQY7ptdHyRZ2O9L2

Accessible Boating Thames: https://accessibleboatingthames.org/

Get in contact:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombryanyeah

Louis Alexander boasts a pretty awesome job title: Professional Explorer.

And it's certainly one he merits, having recently completed 7 marathons on each of the 7 continents - a feat only a few hundred people in history have ever accomplished.

But what is more remarkable about Louis, is that he has achieved all this at the age of 24.

And this is just the tip of his adventurous CV.

Louis' achievements also include rowing the English Channel, swimming across from Alcatraz (without a wetsuit), Summiting Mount Blanc and a much, much more.

Louis owes his adventurous career down to one man - his Grandad, who Louis witnessed battle dementia for 17 years of his life.

After his Grandad sadly passed, Louis made a promise, that he would support the fight against dementia until the day we find a cure.

In this conversation, Louis talks about how he was able to honour his grandad with his first professional project - running 17 marathons in 17 days, his sketchy moment on Mount Blanc, why he undertakes challenging swims, and why he wanted to run 7 marathons across 7 continents.

We discuss the state of dementia in the UK, how his preparation for challenges have evolved, how he got an invite to 10 Downing Street to deliver a letter to the Prime Minister, and his hopes and dreams for pioneering future expeditions.

Follow Louis: https://www.instagram.com/louisalexanderexplorer/

https://www.louisalexander.org/

Mentioned in the Podcast:

Body Lab: https://www.thebodylablondon.com/

Thomas Franks: https://thomasfranks.com/

Sean Conways 496 Challenge: https://www.seanconway.com/the-496-challenge.html

Damian Hall: https://www.instagram.com/ultra_damo/?hl=en

Lewis Pugh: https://www.lewispugh.com/

Get in contact:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

There are many athletes that are great at doing one thing, but few master multiple disciplines, especially ones as wild as MMA, ultra-endurance triathlons and weight lifting. Justin True really does it all.

And Justin's most recent adventure, lifting the famous 'Dinnie Stones' in Scotland (which have a combined weight of 332kg) is a feat very few people have ever managed. Far more have scaled Everest than have lifted these stones unsupported.

But while Justin may look like a hardened man of steel, behind his athletic physique is a complex story of childhood trauma and depression which has led Justin to want to focus his life on helping others. Justin's story is one you will want to hear.

Growing up in a troubled household in the US, Justin found an escape in the gym and was soon thrown into the world of Mixed Martial Arts - with multiple wins to his name.

But fighting in the octagon was nothing compared to the fights he battled with his brother at home, and this childhood, along with the trauma he face when he found out his mum had been stabbed, led Justin to spiral into depression and attempt to end his own life.

When these attempts failed, Justin emerged wanting to turn his life around, and help others,

In this conversation Justin breaks down his experience attempting to lift the Dinnie Stones. We delve into Justin's violent childhood and how he was able to navigate through the trauma after discovering his mum had being stabbed.

Justin breaks down his 'toolbelt' for dealing with depression, he tells his hilarious story of climbing the UK's 3 peaks in 24 hours, alongside what it really felt like after pulling a car for a whole marathon, how he was abducted in Egypt, and how he resolved his relationship with his brother after taking on America's longest continuous triathlon

Follow Justin:

https://www.instagram.com/therealjustintrue/

https://www.justintrueofficial.com/

Mentioned in the Podcast

The Dinnie Stones: https://www.thedinniestones.com/

Peak District Dinnies: https://www.instagram.com/peakdistrictdinniestones/

Mark Haydock: https://www.instagram.com/haydockmark/

Get in contact:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Tooting's finest outdoor Barista, Benny P is back for a brand-new instalment of MisAdventures

We dive into our own chaotic lives, from Ben's broken coffee van, to Tom's winter book-writing, to 2025 coffee trends and an upcoming 10-year soberversary.

Last time, Ben spent half the recording blissfully unaware of what AMA stood for—until the penny finally dropped. So, naturally, we’re launching a new feature: WTF Does That Mean?

And, to top it all off, Ben pulls out a title from Tom’s personal archive of funny (and often embarrassing) life stories. In the official segment of Great British MisAdventures.

Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/mr.bennypalmer/

Trailside Coffee: https://www.instagram.com/trailsidecoffee/

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in contact:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠

⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠

⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah⁠

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:04 How 2025 is going

04:53 Stats from last episode

08:14 'Protein' correction

10:26 Ben's Broken Van

19:17 Making Trailside more resillient

24:15 Ben's Running plans for 2025

29:38 Tom's struggle to get back into Running

33:29 Winter Writing Challenge Update

49:06 Upcoming Soberversary

01:04:48 Fiona English Episode

01:06:55 Pete Coopers Episode

01:10:37 Deo Kato's Episode

01:18:52 Top 10 compilation

01:21:16 Coming up on the podcast

01:22:34 Coffee Corner: Is fresh actually best with ground coffee?

01:29:48 Coffee Corner: The 2025 Trend

01:33:57 WTF Does that mean?

01:43:13 Great British Misadventures

From childhood struggles to scaling life’s biggest challenges, Alex Staniforth’s journey is one of resilience, adventure, and mental strength.

After two failed attempts to summit Everest, and surviving an avalanche on the mountain's most fatal year, Alex was forced to shift his mindset, realising that true achievement isn’t always about reaching the top - sometimes, no matter how hard we try, external forces are simply out of our control.

These experiences reshaped his perspective on resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity in all areas of life.

Alex opens up about the power of mindset, the lessons learned from embracing discomfort, and how the outdoors became his greatest teacher.

He also discusses recent attempts to run the UK's Coast to Coast and his work with Mind Over Mountains, a charity helping others find clarity and confidence through nature.

With his next big challenge ahead, this conversation is a reminder that adventure is about more than just the destination—it’s about the setbacks, the growth, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Follow Alex:

https://www.alexstaniforth.com/

https://www.instagram.com/alexstaniforth_/

https://mindovermountains.org.uk/

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in contact:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:36 Alex in the city

04:02 Changing travel mindset after losing licence

10:26 Who is Alex?

12:22 Struggles and stammer at school

17:44 Advice to younger self

19:54 Grit over Grades

23:44 What expeditions teach us.

26:42 Finding opportunity in adversity

31:27 Alex tragic Everest attempts

37:13 How to process a life threatening moment

47:54 Finding our own Everests in life

54:40 Challenging yourself with what's next?

01:01:17 Tackling the UK's Coast to Coast trail

01:04:49 2nd Coast to Coast attempt

01:12:50 The mountains aren't always there

01:16:38 Finding the acceptance to stop

01:21:59 Processing 2 failures

01:24:58 A completion that was different to the initial goal

01:27:49 The balance between performance and pleasure

01:33:44 Mind over Mountains

01:48:59 Alex's fundraising targets

01:52:12 Exciting 2025 challenge

01:53:23 Advice to those who doubt themselves

When Tracey Bravo realised she wanted to be a mother but hadn’t met the right person to share that journey with, she made a bold decision - to go it alone.

Without knowing anyone who had taken this path before, she embarked on a deeply personal adventure: choosing to conceive via a sperm donor.

In our conversation, Tracey shares how she navigated the process, from selecting a donor to undergoing IVF. We discuss the societal perceptions of single parenthood, the challenges she faced, and the unexpected joys that made it all worthwhile.

Tracey’s story is one of courage, determination, and defying convention to create the life she dreamed of. She offers insights into the support networks she built, the lessons she’s learned, and advice for anyone considering the same route.

This is an inspiring conversation about rewriting the rules, embracing adventure in all its forms, and proving that there’s no single way to build a family.

Contact Tracey

https://www.facebook.com/traceyjbravo

Mentioned in the Podcast:

The Fertility Show: https://www.fertilityshow.co.uk/

The Donor Conception Network: https://dcnetwork.org/

Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in contact:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah⁠⁠

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:20 Olympic life & travels

05:12 Reaching 30s and still not wanting to settle

07:12 Realising current relationship had no future

10:00 Being asked about freezing eggs

13:41 Unpacking the world of fertility

14:36 Co-parenting

21:13 Having conversations with current partner

26:05 Alternative Parenting Show

28:03 Plan B: Adoption

30:38 Stories like this are rare

33:32 Discovering support networks

37:24 Choosing a donor

42:46 Donor numbers

49:48 Go time & injections

56:14 IVF on next cycle

59:39 Two week wait

01:02:09 Explaining this 'alternative news'

01:07:18 People's reaction to news

01:12:00 Sharing all with Isaac

01:18:20 How Isaac deals knowing he doesn't have a father

01:20:25 What Isaac has bought to Tracey's life

01:26:08 Advice to others

Michelle Beaver is someone who cannot say no to a life challenge.

As someone who was once scared of flying, foreign food, and camping, she has spent the past 10 years conquering these fears through grand adventures, from trekking the Great Wall of China, scaling Kilimanjaro, and camping in the Grand Canyon

And her secret in how she has found the confidence in putting herself out her comfort zone? Doing them with a lovely bunch of like-minded people, in a group environment, through organised tours.

Michelle has become rather addicted to booking group adventure tours, where the hard work of planning and logistics are taken care for you, so you are able to best enjoy the experience with strangers, who by the end of the tour become your best friends.

And she understands the importance of living a full life. As a cardiology nurse, Michelle sees ill health on a daily basis, and when a series of bereavements happened in family, she knew she needed to take action to make her life as full and adventurous as it could be.

In this episode of the Great British Adventures Podcast, Michelle shares stories from her adventures, why she does her press up challenge and how she inspires the nursing community to be more fit.

Follow Michelle’s adventures: https://www.instagram.com/mich_beaver?igsh=MThpdjU4aXNobDF1Yw==

Mentioned in the Podcast

British Heart Foundation - How to save a life: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠

Get in contact:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠

⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠

⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah⁠

Amy Harris has a way with words that will touch the depths of your soul and take you on the wildest of journeys.

As a poet based in Manchester, Amy’s has used poetry to explore the complexities of human emotions through her own experiences of love, loss, heartbreak and social justice.

She’s a regular on the spoken word scene and last year her poem titled, “My Kind of Heaven” was chosen to be sold on postcards at festivals around the UK, including at the iconic Glastonbury Festival.

But Amy is not just a brilliant poet, she is also a dedicated celebrant who has combined her love for words with her desire to celebrate life’s most precious moments.

With a unique blend of creativity and sensitivity, she crafts personalised ceremonies, such as Weddings or Funerals, that resonate deeply with those involved.

In this episode, Amy shares her journey of embracing her neurodivergent mind, which allows her to create poems effortlessly without writing them down. We explore how she uses poetry to navigate life's highs and lows, the healing and unifying power of language, and the importance of marking significant life events with personalised ceremonies.

Throughout our conversation, Amy performs some of her poems

Follow Amy: https://www.instagram.com/amythepoetcelebrant/

Buy Amy's Poetry Book: https://amythecelebrant.myshopify.com/products/bedtime-for-overthinkers

Book Amy as your Celebrant: https://independentcelebrants.com/celebrants/amy-harris/

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653

Mentioned in the Podcast:

Festival Postcards: https://www.festivalpostcards.com/ Sayin MCR - https://www.instagram.com/sayinmcr/ Verbose: https://www.instagram.com/verbosemcr/

Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:11 Amy's festival poem 09:30 Poem: 'My Kind of Heaven' 10:03 Beginning to share poetry online 13:32 Writing first poem in middle of night 16:05 Using words to understand life 20:14 Waiting for it to come out 22:32 Writing poetry in sleep 23:47 Poem - 'Where Pasta Goes' 25:48 The spoken word scene 29:49 Poetry in schools 31:34 Finding local spoken word events 34:21 Poem - 'Call Me A Pussey' 35:22 Anti-Tory Rhetoric 38:00 Poetry for social justice 39:59 Inspiration from 'Suicide In The Trenches' 42:22 Poem - 'Suicide 2022' 44:23 Amy's neurodivergent mind 47:12 Writing poems in her mind - not writing them down 50:39 Navigation school with ADHD 54:55 Poem - 'My ADHD And Me' 58:42 Writing a book with ADHD 01:05:18 Hospital book launch 01:08:08 How a podcast is like a book 01:12:31 Amy's Dedication to her friend Faye Mooney 01:22:10 Using poetry to process grief 01:28:44 Poem - 'Replay' 01:33:05 Becoming a celebrant 01:41:28 Fusing poetry with the role of a celebrant 01:44:01 Celebrating love 01:46:28 Poem - 'Lemons' 01:47:48 Amy's next Chapter

Adrienne Gordon loves growing veg. 

And after touring the world by bike, volunteering on organic farms along the way, she returned to the UK with a wealth of knowledge and experience in how best to turn seeds into food.

This is the story of how Adrienne found a plot of land close to where she lived and turned a plain 4 acre field, that only grew one crop, into a sprawling, diverse oasis of delicious veg.

In this conversation we discuss Adrienne's journey Wwoofing in New Zealand, what she learned through that experience, how she secured the land to grow on, the real cost of growing food, why we should support local growers, how organic certification works, how her popular veg box scheme took off and how she incorporates community shared experiences though food on her land

For more information on Sweetpea

https://sweetpeamarketgarden.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeamarketgarden/

Mentioned in the Conversation:

Wwoof: https://wwoof.net/

Oxford Real Farming Conference: https://orfc.org.uk/

Cambridge Organic: https://cambridgeorganic.co.uk/

Land Workers Alliance: https://landworkersalliance.org.uk/

Eves Hill Farm: https://www.eveshill.uk/

Get in contact:

https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:30 Recording in polytunnel 07:38 Traveling world by bike 11:45 Wwoffing in New Zealand 16:53 The real cost of growing food 22:13 Securing land to grow on 29:43 Benefits of building a pond 36:50 Lessons learned from Wwoofing 43:21 Why start a market garden 46:06 What it takes to create a market garden 48:23 Going with the flow of the seasons 52:57 Demand for local food in lockdown 57:57 Food supply chain problems 01:00:05 The value we place on food 01:05:52 Adrienne's veg box scheme for a local workplace 01:13:34 Supporting local growers 01:15:55 Celebrating certified organic 01:22:05 Growing in the face of climate change 01:25:01 Regenerative farming 01:30:22 Future of Sweetpea 01:33:07 Minimal dig practices 01:36:09 Working in hardcore clay 01:37:56 What grows here 01:45:18 Closing words written by Adi

In loving memory of Dean Jones, a much beloved member of the Midnight Runners Community who sadly passed a few days after this recording.

Ben Palmer joins the podcast in the first of a new regular series of check-ins where we dive into his and Tom's latest adventures—and misadventures.

As a highly skilled runner and founder of Trailside Coffee, Ben brings the perfect blend of insight and humour to which I know will be a great addition to the podcast. Together, we'll take a lighter view on life, while also digging into topics that matter to us deeply.

In this inaugural episode of the series, Ben shares his secrets to breaking the 2:40 marathon barrier and reveals what makes a truly great coffee.

We also celebrate Tom’s recent personal milestone -completing his 1,001-day run streak, and discuss how he feels after finally giving it up, with a few listener questions thrown in for good measure.

We also discuss Tom’s recent cycling tour across Europe, where he passed through 9 countries across 29 days. But while his photos and videos may have looked great, did he really enjoy it?

And finally, we check in with two podcast alumni who are on their own incredible journeys. We play exclusive update from Deo Kato, currently running from Cape Town to London, and Jonty Brown, fresh off the launch of his exciting new venture, RunLimited.

Support the podcast:Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠

Mentioned in the Podcast

Trailside coffee:https://trailsidecoffee.co.uk/

Wilding:https://www.isabellatree.com/books

Dr Greger’s Daily Dozen:https://nutritionfacts.org/daily-dozen/

Sean Conway’s new book:https://amzn.eu/d/8KGACNs

Follow Deo Kato’s Journey:https://www.instagram.com/deoruns/

Jonty’s RunLimited:https://runlimited.co/

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:34 Who is Benny P?

06:48 Advice from a sub 2:40 marathoner

14:15 Ben’s Trailside Coffee and Renee

20:14 The key to a great coffee

24:49 Tom’s Current Nomadic Lifestyle

28:45 Learning hard lessons on where to focus your energies

37:32 Future Podcasts Guests

39:22 Six Inches of Soil Success on YouTube

44:00 Hustling for more guests

48:41 Tom’s 1,001 day run streak

01:10:31 Listener question: Knees

01:14:34 Listener question: Shoes

01:18:42 Listener question: Protein

01:24:02 Tom’s recent cycle across Europe

01:38:25 The hardest part of the trip

01:46:32 Update from Deo Kato

01:59:42 Update from Jonty & RunLimited

02:06:34 Ben’s winter running goals

02:08:19 Tom’s winter writing challenge

Patrick Davies OBE is a former UK Diplomat with 25 years of service representing Queen and Country in the UK and abroad.

In the fallout of Brexit, and caring for his father who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Patrick sought a profound change, embarking on an incredible journey that took him across the length of Britain on foot, tackling each of the three nations highest peaks along the way.

In this episode, Patrick shares his insights from the front lines of diplomacy, his thoughts on US and foreign affairs, and the personal revelations he encountered while walking the diverse landscapes of Britain. We explore what drove him to take on such a monumental journey and how it has reshaped his perspective on life and how he spends his time.

Patrick's Book - Where Skylarks Sing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CP68MN6Q

Patrick's Book: The Great American Delusion: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1838251200/

For more information on Patrick, please visit: https://patrickjdavies.com/

SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:08 Life as a British Diplomat 06:10 Breaking Foreign Office norms 09:23 Working alongside Robin Cook and Jack Straw 12:42 Witnessing Donald Trumps rise to power 18:50 Tom’s perspective on the US 23:05 How America’s success is vital to us 29:17 Russia’s influence in elections + climate change 36:20 The fallout of Brexit inspired change in Patrick 38:27 Patrick’s Dad’s Alzheimer diagnosis 47:24 The cost of Alzheimer’s 49:31 The challenge of putting someone into care 54:25 Deciding to do a long walk 59:35 Having a tight deadline 01:02:34 Putting a spin on Land’s End to John O’Groats 01:05:03 Where Skylarks Sing 01:08:20 The beauty in walking 01:12:31 Finding answers in time 01:16:03 How a simple life gives you more time 01:19:07 Finding happiness and contentment in life 01:22:27 Stripping back life to what is important 01:27:50 Kindness in Llanidloes 01:36:26 Life as a nomad 01:39:53 The beauty of the UK 01:43:43 Experiencing Brexit on the walk 01:49:00 Camping meals 01:53:16 Taping up feet 01:59:30 What it takes to go on a long journey

As a former world champion in triathlon, Kate Strong knows what it takes to be at the very top of her game. But she also knows what it feels like to fall back to zero, such is the fragility of competitive sports, and the reality of getting injured as an athlete.

Starting again from the bottom with the bare minimum, Kate built herself back and aimed to be the first woman to set a world record for the greatest distance cycled on a static bike in 24 hours.

And Kate not only rode an astonishing astonishing 433.1 miles in 24 hours, she also claimed the 12 hour and the 1 hour record at the same time, as well as making waves in showing what women in sport can do.

Eager to continue using sport to make an impact on others, last summer Kate cycled 3,000 miles around Britain, connecting with 50 different communities, organisations & charities that positively impact climate change. She called it the Climate Cycle.

In this conversation, we talk about what it takes to become a triathlon world champion, how Kate felt after being injured and having to start again from zero, how discovering the lack of female records in sport inspired Kate to take on the 24 hour cycle, and how her first failure inspired her eventual success.

We talk about her Climate Cycle, how she deals with climate deniers, how the 'vegan' label can be quite limiting, and we talk about some of the places she visited on her epic 3,000 mile ride.

Follow Kate:

https://katestrong.global/

https://www.instagram.com/katestrong01/

Mentioned in the conversation:

Green football weekend: https://www.greenfootballweekend.com/

Forest Green Rovers: https://www.fgr.co.uk/

Lobster Hatchery: https://nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk/

Lake District Foraging: https://totallywilduk.co.uk/

Seaweed Farm: https://www.projectseagrass.org/

Building from rubble: https://www.ediblemadog.co.uk/

Get in contact:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Fiona English made headlines in 2023 with her open letter to the Boston Marathon, challenging their lack of pregnancy deferral options.

Her advocacy, alongside that of other pioneers in women’s running, led to the Boston Marathon introducing a policy allowing pregnant and postpartum athletes to defer their entry.

Her courage to stand up against longstanding rules, driven by her belief in fairness, is a reminder that no one is too small to make meaningful change.

Fiona is also an exceptional athlete. From completing her first marathon in 5:47 to achieving a Boston qualifying time of under 3:30, her journey exemplifies extraordinary dedication and perseverance.

Just one year after giving birth, she ran the Boston Marathon in an impressive 3:43.

In this conversation, we discuss Fiona’s running journey, her fight for fair policies in marathon racing, and the importance of making running more inclusive for women.

She also shares insights into balancing motherhood and running, showcasing the resilience and determination required to excel in both.

Follow Fiona: https://www.instagram.com/englishruns/

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠

Mentioned in the podcast:

Running coach Jill Bland: https://www.instagram.com/blandontherun/

SheRaces: https://www.sheraces.com/

Get in contact:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah⁠⁠⁠

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

02:29 Marathoning as a new mother

05:32 Adjustments to training now with a child

08:21 Setting goals that are unique to you

12:02 The history of women on start lines

15:29 Current inequalities within running

20:18 Why Boston is held to high regard

24:24 Fiona’s journey to a BQ Qualifier

27:43 The insurance policy for pregnancies

35:35 Boston’s claims to be the race for women

37:34 Boston’s Pregnancy policy at the time

42:18 Women advocates the came before

47:34 Fiona’s Open Letter to Boston Marathon

51:54 Reaction, good and bad to open letter

56:17 Boston’s response

58:19 Boston’s new pregnancy referral

01:01:18 Getting other races on board

01:02:44 The privilege in being able to speak out

01:06:08 Supporting female athletes

01:08:11 Why men need to get involved

01:12:14 Getting back into running post-pregnancy

01:20:55 The importance of resetting running stats post-partum

01:22:22 Running Boston 1 year after giving birth

01:29:22 Setting big scary goals

Jeric Yuen is a digital GPS artist who uses running to create incredible pieces of art. This year he was recognised in Strava’s Year In Sport 2023 Awards with a nomination for Strava’s Artist of the Year

With over 50 detailed GPS drawings to his name, including a collection of animals, a rhino, a tiger and a giraffe to name but a few, Jeric really is a master of his craft.

In this episode, Tom joins Jeric to run his festive edition of GPS Art, on a route that Jeric says will span somewhere between 35-45km. Tom has no idea what this route will look like until the end.

This is a conversation on the road, recorded while running with Jeric, and breaks down how he is able to create these masterpieces, what he uses to plan these routes, what inspires his drawings, how anyone could start creating GPS art themselves, and why he's committed to running so many of these artworks over the past few years, as he attempts to raise as much money as he can for Spinal Research, and spread so much joy to those view his artworks online.

To view the GPS art we created on this run: https://www.strava.com/activities/10399495950

Follow Jeric:

Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/10399802440

IG: https://www.instagram.com/coderunnerguy/

Mentioned in the Pod:

PlotARoute: https://www.plotaroute.com/

Jeric's Fundraiser for Spinal Research: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jeric-yuen

All That Falafel: https://www.allthatfalafel.co.uk/

Get in contact:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatbritishadventures

Welcome to a very special episode of the Great British Adventures Podcast - a countdown of the top 10 episodes of all time as collated from the listening figures from Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Whether you’re a longtime listener or this is your very first time tuning in, I hope this episode inspires you to embrace adventure in whatever form it takes for you. 

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from these conversations, it’s that adventure isn’t just about climbing the highest peaks or crossing the biggest oceans. It can simply be about stepping outside your own comfort zone, saying yes to possibility, and living with a sense of curiosity and wonder.

Support the podcast:Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODESPelumi Nubi - https://spoti.fi/4ecRGY1Adrienne Gordon - https://spoti.fi/4f8yhXMJessica Hepburn - https://spoti.fi/3PbvUZzDave & Emma Corthwaite - https://spoti.fi/40cONlcJames Holt - https://spoti.fi/3Q8l5r5Justin True - https://spoti.fi/3u9GKZaGeraldine McFaul - https://spoti.fi/3ZSsZdeDanny Bent - https://spoti.fi/3Pc3mPsSean Conway - https://spoti.fi/3RssRP0Anna Jackson - https://spoti.fi/3tKgZ1c

Get in contact:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠

⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠

⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah⁠

CHAPTERS00:00 Intro01:48 Pelumi Nubi10:23 Adrienne Gordon19:46 Jessica Hepburn30:07 Dave & Emma Corthwaite41:08 James Holt46:56 Justin True57:12 Geraldine McFaul01:06:50 Danny Bent01:18:10 Sean Conway01:28:47 Anna Jackson

Get a two week free trial to Coopah by signing up with the code ‘GBA’ here: ⁠https://coopah.onelink.me/PFli/ha2l5cpt⁠

Running has the power to transform our mental health, but let’s face it - it's not easy. It takes effort, discipline, and dedication.

For many, staying motivated and making running a consistent habit can feel like an uphill battle.

So, how do you turn running into something positive that sticks?

Pete Cooper believes he’s cracked the code.

As the co-founder of Coopah, a personalised run coaching platform, Pete has made it his mission to make running more accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for all.

Pete’s journey to launching this app is deeply personal—rooted in grief, mental health struggles, and profound loss.

At 23, Pete faced the unexpected loss of his mother and best friend. Two tragedies compounded by his struggles with OCD which caused him to suffer grief and depression.

His battles were so intense that he came close to taking his own life.

But Pete’s story is also one of transformation, where he turned his own pain into a source of inspiration for others facing their own battles.

In this episode Pete opens up about living with suicidal thoughts, managing his OCD, and navigating life with a heart condition, all while finding solace in running and community.

Pete shares his recent experiences running with communities in Pakistan where running is an expensive sport, and he reminisces of the profound joy he had when he was younger, watching his mum blossom into a great runner.

Beyond his personal story, Pete discusses how he was able to build the Coopah running app with no prior tech experience, his mission to encourage more people to take up running, and his role in establishing a refugee run club - a testament to his belief in running as a force for connection and healing.

Support the podcast:Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠

Follow Pete: https://www.instagram.com/petecooperruns/

Mentioned in the Podcast

Islamabad run with us: https://www.islamabadrunwithus.com/

Islamabad Running Club: https://islamabadrunningclub.com/

Lahore Marathon: https://lahore-marathon.com/

Refugee Run Club: https://www.refugeerunclub.com/

Donate your kit - please follow Coopah Running for updates on their next kit drop dates: https://www.instagram.com/coopahruncoach/

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get in contact:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠

⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠

⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah⁠

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:31 Connecting with run clubs in Pakistan

06:12 Running is expensive in Pakistan

10:55 Building bridges with connections in London

14:13 Kit donations to refugees

17:04 Pete's first experiences running

20:40 Pete's early memories of his mum running

23:06 Running like an elite

25:03 Running first marathon alongside mum

27:17 His mums tragic passing

29:43 The lack of support Pete receieved

33:17 Struggling in wake of his mum's death

38:01 Being diagnosed with Depression, OCD and anxiety

41:22 Struggles with OCD

45:27 Giving up cricket

47:37 Friends as therapy

48:43 Pete's heart condition

52:44 Battling suicidal thoughts

57:00 Tom's experience with depression

01:01:27 Pete's list he keeps on his phone

01:03:45 Coopah's evolution from run club to digital app

01:09:35 Raising investment

01:19:51 Word of mouth marketing

01:21:58 The flexibility of the app

01:25:47 How the app adapts to the runner

01:28:48 Protections against gamification

01:31:54 Keeping runners active post-events

01:37:30 Coopah and AI

01:41:04 Refugee Run Club

01:48:33 Humanising refugees

01:51:26 Refugee Run Club Locations

01:53:28 Running has never been more open to beginners

01:55:49 Lessons from an entrepreneur

Danny Bent has lived a thousand lives. And you can feel this in his presence.

His smile lights up a room. His positive energy is contagious. It's hard not to feel like something incredible is about to happen when he's around.

He's also driven to take bold actions in setting up projects that create positive change whether that is the free fitness community, Project Awesome, or One Run For Boston - a coast-to-coast relay across America he set up to help those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings.

He was once voted one of the 100 happiest people in the UK. And he believes living a life pure to your heart and gut leads you on adventures every day.

Amongst many other things Danny has starred on the BBCs Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week, he’s cycling round the world, holds the world record for Bog Snorkeling Triathlon, and once pogoed across Togo simply because it rhymed.

Realising the joy was all in the people he now goes on wild adventures leading groups running across countries like Iceland and Tajikistan and climbing in high mountains.

For a £100 discount on Danny's Run Across Iceland, visit: https://runwild.global/gba/ and mention the Great British Adventures Podcast

Support the show: Sign up to Gousto for a whopping 65% off your first box of food - www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653

Follow Danny:

https://www.dannybent.com/

https://www.instagram.com/danny_bent/

Mentioned in the Podcast:

Bog Snorkelling Triathlon: https://www.visitwales.com/things-do/events/sport/can-you-beat-bog

November Project: https://november-project.com/

Project Awesome: https://www.facebook.com/projectawesomelondon/?locale=en_GB

One Run For Boston: https://www.theworldrelay.com/events/one-run-for-boston/

Danny's Books

You've Gone Too Far This Time, Sir : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Youve-gone-too-this-time/dp/1456550306

Not All Superheros Wear Capes - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Not-All-Superheroes-Wear-Capes/dp/0996015205

The Great Norse Run Across Iceland: https://runwild.global/gba/

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:44 Bog Snorkelling Triathlon 06:18 Celebrating being unique 09:59 Special Forces Hell Week 12:35 Colourful Persona 15:09 Project Awesome 20:28 Starting the wave of free fitness 24:16 Tom's biggest regret 27:39 The toll Project Awesome had on Danny 33:06 How Project Awesome saved people 35:53 A Project Awesome in Sheffield 38:15 Being labeled 'The Happiness Guru' 50:07 Parents advice growing up 53:39 Telling your parents you are happy 56:51 How to be more happy 01:05:47 Making kindness part of your daily life 01:08:20 One Run For Boston 01:19:48 Being a Catalyst for Change 01:26:42 The impact in taking bold decisions 01:30:16 Danny's Books 01:33:00 Experiencing kindness in South India 01:36:42 Happiness and possession 01:39:22 Hosting wild running adventures 01:46:22 The Great Norse Run across Iceland 01:55:14 Danny's Discount for Running Across Iceland

Deo Kato made history as the first person to run from Cape Town to London—a journey of truly epic proportions.

Over 518 days and across 21 countries, he pushed the limits of human endurance to achieve what most would consider impossible.

In his first in-depth interview since completing this monumental feat, Deo opens up about a harrowing chapter of his journey: being illegally detained in South Sudan for three weeks, with his loved ones left in agonising uncertainty about his safety and whereabouts.

We delve into Deo’s inspiring mission to trace the story of human migration from Africa to the rest of the world, uncovering how his incredible odyssey mirrors the struggles and triumphs of contemporary migrant journeys.

This episode is a celebration of the unbreakable human spirit and the transformative power of adventure.

From moments of profound connection with strangers to the raw physical and emotional challenges he overcame, Deo’s story will leave you awestruck, inspired, and deeply moved.

Follow Deo: https://www.instagram.com/deoruns/

Support the podcast:Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠

Get in contact:https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcasthttps://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah

Chapters:00:00 Intro

01:30 How is Deo upon his return?

05:57 The stats behind Deo's journey

10:40 The reason behind Deo's journey

14:37 Deo's 381 Running for Justice campaign

18:13 How Deo operated day by day

20:18 Deo's team back in the UK

21:38 Fundraising from Deo's community

23:15 Others running Africa and how Deo is playing the long game

27:48 The migration of humanity

31:32 Witnessing people flee war zones

37:19 No one willingly leaves their home

40:23 Facing death threats from farmers

49:58 The complex situation in South Africa

53:14 Deo's Legacy of Hope

56:02 Receiving hospitality through strangers

57:44 Struggles at Ugandan border

01:01:59 Struggling to work out the best route forward

01:04:11 Going missing in South Sudan

01:09:18 The difficulties being African travelling through Africa

01:11:56 Arrested under fabricated charges.

01:18:42 Conditions in jail

01:21:31 Getting information from jail to Alice

01:26:55 Released from jail

01:30:17 A renewed sense of purpose

01:34:33 Following the migrant journey through Europe

01:37:50 Travelling alone

01:39:50 Hearing first hand experiences from refugees

01:41:53 Being stopped by police multiple times

01:46:53 Difference in border crossings in Europe

01:49:45 Experiencing goodwill in Europe

01:54:39 Final push to exit Europe in time

01:57:11 Deo's last day

02:00:15 Taking the power back from Downing Street

02:02:37 How Deo's journey mirrors his Mums own migration

02:07:58 How Deo wants to be remembered

02:12:09 The team behind the journey

02:16:40 Would he do it again?

“Despite all our accomplishments, we owe our existence to a six-inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains.” – Paul Harvey

Claire Mackenzie and Colin Ramsay are the visionary filmmakers behind the independent, British documentary, "Six Inches of Soil", that is pioneering conversations about the future of farming and the environment not just in Britain, but around the world.

Their film follows three young British farmers who are working to restore soil health and promote biodiversity in response to the environmental challenges posed by industrial farming practices.

Recorded in January this year, Claire and Colin share their journey from concept to screen and how their film is sparking discussions across the country, bringing attention the importance of soil not just as the foundation of agriculture but as a natural solution for our fight against climate change, particularly in storing carbon and water retention.

Watch Six Inches of Soil now: Vimeo: https://sixinchesofsoil.vhx.tv/   Prime: https://amzn.to/3YgExpU

Two of the farmers featured in this film have already been on this podcast. Listen to their episodes here:

Anna Jackson - City Photographer to Regenerative Farmer: https://spoti.fi/3tKgZ1c

Adrienne Gordon - The Organic Market Garden Set Up From Scratch: https://spoti.fi/4f8yhXM

Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653⁠⁠⁠

Mentioned in the Podcast:

Dirt To Soil by Gabe Brown: https://chelseagreen.co.uk/book/dirt-to-soil/

Groundswell - ⁠https://groundswellag.com/⁠

Adrienne Gordon’s Sweetpea Market Garden - ⁠https://sweetpeamarketgarden.co.uk/⁠

Cambridge Organic - ⁠https://cambridgeorganic.co.uk/⁠

Hodmedod’s. Pulses, Grains, Seeds and Flour from British Farms - ⁠https://hodmedods.co.uk/⁠

Riverfood - ⁠https://www.riverford.co.uk/⁠

Get Fair About Farming campaign has now changed to: https://www.sustainweb.org/news/sep24-farmers-against-farmwashing-campaign/

Marina O'Connell features in this film and was mentioned. Sadly, since this recording, Marina passed away: ⁠https://www.apricotcentre.co.uk/in-memoriam-marina⁠

Get in contact:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah⁠⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:17 It’s all about the soil

06:12 Claire’s connection to where food comes from

09:15 Seeing the comparison between healthy and unhealthy soil

12:56 The problem with industrial farming

19:06 The current system is wrong, not the farmers

21:22 The nature of soils in the UK

24:30 What Regenerative Agriculture is

27:36 Buzzwords and Greenwashing

35:03 The benefits to farmers

39:03 The three stories chosen in the film

43:53 Anna and her family’s regenerative farm

46:04 Adrienne’s organic market garden, Sweetpea

53:37 Ben’s regeneratively farmed cattle

59:24 The problem with meat

01:02:38 Big Industry’s influence

01:11:10 Labelling of food

01:16:31 The benefits of healthy soil

01:22:11 The erosion of UK soil

01:24:55 Marina O’Connell’s casestudy

01:26:47 Working out what to fit in the final film

01:35:34 Funding and teaming the film

01:42:04 Enjoying the distribution journey