The Explorers Podcast
A podcast about the greatest explorers in history.
Matt Breen
Show overview
The Explorers Podcast has been publishing since 2016, and across the 10 years since has built a catalogue of 262 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 170 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 32 min and 40 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language History show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 4 days ago, with 16 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2024, with 39 episodes published. Published by Matt Breen.
From the publisher
The Explorers Podcast is about the greatest explorers and explorations in history.
Latest Episodes
View all 262 episodesHeinrich Barth - Part 6 - Sheikh Ahmad al-Bakkay al-Kunti and Timbuktu
Heinrich Barth - Part 5 - The long road to Timbuktu
Heinrich Barth - Part 4 - Kingdoms of Africa
Heinrich Barth - Part 3 - Into the heart of Central Africa
Heinrich Barth - Part 2 - Across the Sahara
Heinrich Barth - Part 1 - Africa Calls
Neptune's Fortune - An interview with author Julian Sancton
Juan Ponce de León - Part 2 - Explorer
Juan Ponce de León - Part 1 - Conquistador
In part one of our story, we look at Ponce de León's life as a conquistador - including his part in the subjugation of Hispaniola, then his exploration, conquest, and settlement of Puerto Rico, and finally his preparations to find the mysterious island of Beniny - aka - Florida. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers Factor. Go to factormeals.com/explorers50off and use code explorers50off for 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Semyon Dezhnev and the exploration of Siberia
In 1648, a Russian expedition with seven boats and 90 men set out on the Arctic Ocean – above Siberia – to find rich lands to the east. The expedition would – in time – be led by Semyon Dezhnev – a Cossack. The Russians would be nearly killed due to storms, starvation, disease and hostile natives. But Dezhnev would survive – and go on to the first European to pass through the Bering Strait. He then spent 14 years exploring the northeast of Siberia – opening up the region for the Russian Empire. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers Factor. Go to factormeals.com/explorers50off and use code explorers50off for 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Monet Izabeth - the first American woman to ski solo, and unsupported, to the South Pole
In January of 2026, Monet Izabeth completed a 57-day expedition in Antarctica, becoming the first American woman to ski solo, and unsupported, to the South Pole. In this episode, we interview her, and find out about her journey to not only reach the South Pole - but all the challenges leading up to expedition. Links: Website: https://www.monetizabeth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monet.izabeth Support Monet Izabeth: https://gofund.me/e529e5e3a Image: by Sara Jenner courtesy of Monet Izabeth Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers Factor. Go to factormeals.com/explorers50off and use code explorers50off for 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Robert Falcon Scott - Part 7 - The Terra Nova Expedition - The Journey Home
In the final part in our series, Scott and his team set off for their base - disappointed at being beaten to the South Pole by Roald Amundsen and the Norwegians. The result will be a tragedy of epic proportions. We will wrap up by discussing Scott's legacy - and how it had evolved over the last 100 years. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers Factor. Go to factormeals.com/explorers50off and use code explorers50off for 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Robert Falcon Scott - Part 6 - The Terra Nova Expedition - Race to the Pole
Scott sets out for the South Pole in November of 1911 - trying to attempting the Norwegian team under Roald Amundsen. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers Factor. Go to factormeals.com/explorers50off and use code explorers50off for 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Robert Falcon Scott - Part 5 - The Terra Nova Expedition
Scott slowly prepares for a return to Antarctica - but rivals abound - including the Americans, Swedes, Japanese, Germans and French. But the greatest challenger - Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen - is unknown until the last minute - setting up a dramatic race for the South Pole. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Robert Falcon Scott - Part 4 - The Discovery Expedition and Fame
Scott makes a record-setting excursion through the Transantarctic Mountains to cap off his historic Discovery expedition. He then returns to Great Britain a national hero. But as others - including Ernest Shackleton - make noise about making a go at the South Pole, Scott begins to plot his own return. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Robert Falcon Scott - Part 3 - The Discovery Expedition - Farthest South
In this episode, Scott - along with Dr. Edward Wilson and Ernest Shackleton - sets out across the Great Ice Barrier to make a farthest south record - and possibly reach the South Pole. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Robert Falcon Scott - Part 2 - The Discovery Expedition
In part 2 of our series, Scott leads the Discovery to Antarctica. The expedition will explore the area around McMurdo Sound, as well as the Great Ice Barrier. There will be adventures and discoveries as well. Then, in the winter of 1902, Scott will plan an journey into the continent's interior - which could lead to a go at the South Pole. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Robert Falcon Scott - Part 1
In part 1 of our series, we look at the early life of Robert Falcon Scott - including his naval career. We also discuss the state of exploration regarding Antarctica - the last unexplored continent in the world. We then go through Scott's appointment - through the influence of Sir Clements Markham - to head the upcoming British National Antarctic Expedition - better known as the Discovery Expedition. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Polynesians
Around 1,000 AD, the Polynesians spread across the South Pacific like the tentacles of an octopus. Without metal or modern navigational tools, they sailed across thousands of miles of open ocean to find and colonize hundreds of islands, including Tahiti, New Zealand, Hawaii, Samoa, Easter Island and many others. They are some of the most extraordinary explorers in the history of the world - and this is their story. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nero's Nile Expedition
In 61 AD, Roman Emperor Nero ordered an expedition up the Nile River - to explore the unknown lands to the south - and attempt to find the source of the mysterious river. This is the story of that expedition. Sponsors: Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices