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 himself on Denali. And not long after that, he was stepping into the Himalaya with a mindset that would shape the rest of his life, to earn the skills, respect the mountains, and keep coming back.

Ben and Andrew unpack the realities behind big altitude dreams, including what it feels like to turn around short of the summit, why he learned he was a slower acclimater, and how experience changes the way you make decisions when the weather turns, the cold bites, and the margin for error disappears.

🏔️ Learn more about Andrew
Guided trips: www.andrewlockadventures.com
Speaking: www.andrew-lock.com

🎙️ Hosted by
Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: www.bestlifeadventures.com
Wild Earth Australia: www.wildearth.com.au

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.

They unpack the emotional rollercoaster of UTMB, from unpredictable weather and course changes to the mental battle of the pain cave, plus what consistency looks like when life is busy and motivation comes and goes. Lucy also reflects on the magic of trail running community, the beauty of training in wild places, and what surprised her most about stepping into Ironman events.

🏃 Follow Lucy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_bartholomew

🎙️ Hosted by
Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: www.bestlifeadventures.com
Wild Earth Australia: www.wildearth.com.au

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lucy Bartholomew
02:58 Finding Balance in Life and Sport
09:05 The Role of Family in Athletic Development
11:56 Breaking into the Racing Scene
15:07 The Importance of Support and Opportunity
18:03 Training in Diverse Environments
21:07 The Power of Storytelling in Sports
23:52 Engaging with the Community and Inspiring Others
28:55 Navigating the Trail Running Journey
32:19 Understanding the Risks of Trail Running
35:05 The Evolution of a Trail Runner
39:04 Embracing the Pain Cave
41:29 The Role of Community in Trail Running
43:43 The Path to Chamonix and UTMB
46:07 Preparing for the UTMB Experience
53:20 Adapting to Race Conditions
54:48 Learning from Experience
55:28 The Importance of Basics
56:53 Overcoming Low Points
59:37 Highs of Racing
01:01:28 Mutual Respect in Competition
01:04:22 Exploring New Challenges
01:06:46 Community in Endurance Sports
01:08:09 The Joy of Finishing
01:10:49 Gear Preferences and Technology
01:12:12 Future Aspirations

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, not to romanticise them, but to find the human counter-narrative inside them.

They talk about “xenophilia” (a love of the stranger), the hunt for the un-Google-able, and the real fieldwork behind great travel writing: moving slowly, earning trust, taking handwritten notes, working with the right interpreter, and letting the story decide where you sleep next.

Listen if you love big landscapes, sharp ideas, and travel that is less about consumption and more about feeling your way back to the world.

🌍 Follow Sophy’s work
Website: https://sophieroberts.com/
Podcast: https://gonetotimbuck2.com/

🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from:
Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/
Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/

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 technology on storytelling, and the essential gear for modern travelers. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the joy of spontaneity and the richness of cultural interactions that come from embracing local culture.

Listen now: Spotify, Apple, and more: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2018168/episodes/18467496

🌍 Follow Rolf's work:
Website: https://rolfpotts.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolfpotts/

🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from:
Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/
Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/

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 the way, his rescue dog Savannah. Together they moved through deserts, mountains, megacities, border crossings, illness, loneliness, and the long, quiet stretches where the mind gets loud. Tom shares the moments that nearly ended the journey, the strangers who restored his faith in people, and why walking changes your relationship with fear, time, and home.

The conversation also dives into the mindset of ultra-long adventures, the daily logistics no one talks about, and the lessons Tom carried back into normal life after doing something almost nobody has done.

Listen now: Spotify, Apple, and more: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2018168/episodes/18409789

🌍 Follow Tom’s work
Website: https://www.tomturcich.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theworldwalk/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWorldWalk

📘 Tom’s book: The World Walk
https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781510779013/the-world-walk/

🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from:
Best Life Adventures: https://bestlifeadventures.com/
Wild Earth Australia: https://www.wildearth.com.au/

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 through the 14 month grind of building a dugout canoe by hand, the relentless repairs and close calls at sea, and what it really takes to navigate one of the most fragile marine environments on Earth. Along the way, Mike opens up about the emotional toll of his journey, the grief he felt as he confronted Australia’s history, and why genuine cultural connection is essential if we are ever going to resolve our national identity crisis.

The conversation also dives into the power of authentic storytelling, the realities of filming your own survival for YouTube and Alone, and how online platforms are helping a new generation of adventurers share raw, unfiltered stories from the edge of the map.

Get his book: Modern Day Castaway here.

🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia.

⛺️ To follow Mike's adventures check out outbackmike.com and reach out to him at @outbackmike on Insta, TikTok and YouTube.

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 about resilience, and the powerful role of community support throughout the journey.

They dive into the mental and physical preparation behind ultra events, the balance between competition and enjoyment, and the deeper meaning Coree finds in running for a cause. He also reflects on the simplicity and beauty of trail running, his close collaboration with sponsors, and his excitement for his upcoming race, the Blackhall 100.

Looking ahead, Coree shares his plans to return to shorter distances to sharpen his performance, all while staying grounded in the sense of connection that fuels his love for the sport.

This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and the unbreakable spirit of the ultra running community.

🎙️ Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia.

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 physical challenges of racing in the Alps, the importance of gear and technique, and the transformative moments found on the trails of the Pyrenees and beyond.

She reflects on the pre-race atmosphere, the nerves before the start line, and the resilience needed to overcome both physical and mental hurdles mid-race. Buha also shares her aspirations for future adventures and the lessons she’s carrying forward from Chamonix.

This is a conversation about perseverance, growth, and the love of pushing limits in the wild.

Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the World of Ultra Running

02:43 The Journey to UTMB: From Local to Global

05:44 The Competitive Mindset: Embracing Opportunities

08:22 Preparing for the UTMB: Training and Challenges

11:30 The Role of Community in Trail Running

14:20 Training for the Alps: Overcoming Elevation Challenges

17:11 The Importance of Technique: Using Poles Effectively

20:01 Building a Support Network: The Role of Mentors

22:44 Choosing the Right Race: Finding Your Sweet Spot

25:44 Experiencing the UTMB: The Atmosphere and Community

28:52 Reality Check: Training in the Pyrenees

32:46 Facing the Challenges of Altitude

36:09 Understanding the Mountain's Power

38:02 Experiencing the Terrain and Conditions

39:45 Arrival in Chamonix: The Calm Before the Race

42:15 The Build-Up to the Race Day

47:07 Nerves and Pre-Race Rituals

50:41 The Journey to the Start Line

52:23 Imposter Syndrome and Personal Growth

55:33 The Emotional Journey of Racing

59:27 Overcoming Adversity in Extreme Conditions

01:05:04 The Finish Line: Triumph and Reflection

01:09:16 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Training