The Explorers Podcast

In part 2 of our series, Nansen and his team set off to cross the world's biggest island - Greenland - a feat never before accomplished in history. Nansen's team will be small, and use skis - relying on speed and mobility. Map found at: https://explorerspodcast.com/fridtjof-nansen/ 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

In Part 1 of our series on polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen, we cover Nansen's early years, including a sealing expedition to the Arctic, and his success as a scientist. We then move on to his planning of his Greenland Expedition in 1888 - where Nansen will try and become the first man to ever cross the world's biggest island. 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

In this episode, we look at the life of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who in 1961, would become the first human to achieve space flight. This show looks at Gagarin's early years, how he got into the Soviet space program, the rivalry between the Russians and the Americans, his famous flight, and the his latter years. 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

In this episode, we look at the life - a legendary voyage - of Irish monk Saint Brendan of Clonfert (aka Brendan the Navigator, Brendan the Voyager, and Brendan the Bold). We dive into the text of Brendan's voyage to paradise - and investigate what - if any of it - has a place in the real world. Could he have - as some people claim - have reach North America a thousand years before Columbus? 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

In this episode, we have a wide-ranging discussion with author Mick Conefrey, who's new book, 'Everest 1922', goes into depth on the first ever attempt on the world's highest peak. Everest 1922: https://www.mickconefrey.co.uk/books/everest-1922 About Mick Conefrey: https://www.mickconefrey.co.uk/about The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final part of our series on Jacques Cartier, we explore up the St. Lawrence River - reaching modern-day Quebec City and Montreal. Map and resources: https://explorerspodcast.com/jacques-cartier/ The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 1 of our series on Jacques Cartier, we explore the background on exploration of what is now the St. Lawrence region of Canada, and then follow Cartier on his first voyage. Map and resources: https://explorerspodcast.com/jacques-cartier/ The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: 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 final episode of our series, we follow Burton as a diplomat in Brazil, Syria and Italy. But more importantly, we look at Burton's time translating eastern texts - including the legendary Arabian Nights. For all things Burton: https://burtoniana.org Photos, maps, fun: https://explorerspodcast.com/richard-francis-burton/ The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Burton goes to travels to America, and then takes a diplomatic position in West Africa. Meanwhile, Speke returns to Lake Victoria. The episode finishes with a public debate between Burton and Speke - and ends in tragedy. Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part five of our series, Burton and Speke head back to Zanzibar. Along the way, Speke leads a side excursion to the north - where he will come upon Lake Victoria - the real source of the Nile. It will ignite a feud between the two men. Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 4 of our series, Burton and Speke travel west from Zanzibar in search of the a great inland lake - called the Sea of Ujiji by the Arabs - and Tanganyika by the African people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 3 of our series on Burton takes us to East Africa with the Somaliland Expedition. Burton will make an attempt to reach the inland city of Harar - where no European had ever gone to - and returned. Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 2 of our series, Burton goes undercover to explore Arabia, including the cities of Medina and Mecca - the two holiest cities in Islam. Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 1 of our series on British explorer and adventurer Richard Francis Burton, we cover Burton's early life, including his time in India, where he embraced eastern culture and religion. His linguistic expertise would allow him to travel throughout the region in disguise. Website devoted to Burton and his works: https://burtoniana.org Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final part in our series on the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition, the team struggles to get past the rapids while Teddy Roosevelt - wracked with malaria and an infected leg - fights for his life. Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teddy Roosevelt and and Cândido Rondon begin the descent of the River of Doubt. It will prove to be far more dangerous than anyone imagined. Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 2 of our series, the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition head across the Brazilian Highlands to the headwaters of the River of Doubt. Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1913, former president Theodore Roosevelt agreed to go a ‘delightful holiday’ tour of the Amazon region. But once there, he couldn’t resist the urge to do something bigger and bolder. The result would be the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition – an attempt to trace the path of a recently discovered river in the heart of the Amazon Basin called the Rio da Dúvida – aka the River of Doubt. Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we cover the life of Spanish conquistador and explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. Cabrillo would be the first non-native to reach the western coast of the United States. Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While not well known, James Beckwourth is one of the most colorful characters of the American west. He began life as a slave - and would go on to be an explorer, trapper, Indian chief, prospector, scout, guide, gambler, horse thief and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final episode in our series on Shackleton, we detail the Quest Expedition, and then take a look at the legacy of the man. Huts of Antarctica: https://explorerspodcast.com/huts-of-antarctica/ Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/ernest-shackleton/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Endurance Saga comes to a close as Shackleton must cross the mountains of South Georgia Island in order to reach civilization. He must then rescue the men stranded on Elephant Island. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our 100th episode, we track one of the great sailing feats in the history of man - the Voyage of the James Caird. In this episode, Shackleton and five other men attempt to sail from Elephant Island to South Georgia - across some of the most dangerous waters in the world. https://explorerspodcast.com/ernest-shackleton/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shackleton and his men have to struggle to find a way off the ice pack of the Weddell Sea - and to land. Also, we take a look at the men of the Aurora - who were fighting to lay the supplies depots on the other side of the continent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Endurance Expedition begins! In this episode, we follow the Endurance from South Georgia Island and into the Weddell Sea - and discover the fate of Endurance. Look at maps, and some links - including to video - on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part six in our series covers the years 1910-1914. We follow the race to the South Pole between Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen, and then go with Shackleton as he prepares his next expedition - the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition - aka the Endurance Expedition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second part of the Nimrod Expedition, we focus on two things. First was the struggle of Shackleton and the geographic South Pole to get back to the Antarctic coast. And second, we will cover the pretty amazing story of the magnetic South pole team. It is a some amazing stuff. Magnetic South Pole Team Route: https://www.loc.gov/resource/g9801s.ct000772/?r=-0.7,-0.008,2.4,1.552,0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 4 of our Shackleton series, we cover the first half of the 1907 Nimrod Expedition, as Shackleton makes a go for the pole. https://explorerspodcast.com/ernest-shackleton/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 3 of our series, we follow Shackleton in the years between the Discovery Expedition - and his next venture. In this time, he becomes a public figure - and even runs for parliament. Also, his rivalry with Robert Falcon Scott will grow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 2 of the series, Shackleton takes part in the 1901 Discovery Expedition, in which he will take part in an excursion into the interior of Antarctica, and set a record for furthest south. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 1 in our series covers the life of Antarctic Explorer Ernest Shackleton up to the Discovery Expedition of 1901. There is also a brief look at Antarctic exploration, and the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. https://explorerspodcast.com/ernest-shackleton/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1450s, Venetian explorer Alvise Cadamosto would conduct two voyages of exploration for Prince Henry the Navigator. These voyages are a representation of the many expeditions dispatched by Henry in his lifetime. On these voyages, Cadamosto would discover the Cape Verde Islands, and expand the map of the west African coast as known to Europe. https://explorerspodcast.com/alvise-cadamosto/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final chapter in the story of Henry the Navigator, we look at the continuing explorations and discoveries of the prince's captains, discuss the development of the caravel, and talk about the legacy of Henry. Website and Map: https://explorerspodcast.com/henry-the-navigator/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Henry's captains push past the legendary Cape Bojador - reaching the Senegal River - the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. Also, Henry and the Portuguese make a risky play to capture the port of Algiers. https://explorerspodcast.com/henry-the-navigator/ Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/henry-nav-map2.png https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 1 of our series on Prince Henry, we look at his early life, including his victory at Ceuta, and the discoveries of the Madeira Islands and the Azores - as well as his support for exploration in Africa and the Atlantic. Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/henry-the-navigator/ Iberian Kingdoms map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/iberian_kingdoms_in_1400.png Atlantic/Africa map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/henry-nav-map1.png Intelligent Speech Conference: https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explorer and priest Andrés de Urdaneta would discover the route from the Far East to the Americas - opening up the lucrative galleon trade route between Manila and Acapulco. https://explorerspodcast.com/urdaneta/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final part of our series, we take a look at the aftermath of the expedition, plus examine the lives of Hillary and Tenzing following their historic climb of Everest in 1953. https://explorerspodcast.com/edmund-hillary-tenzing-norgay/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 4 of the series, Tenzing and Hillary are paired up - and take a crack at reaching the highest spot in the world - the top of Mount Everest. For notes, resources and maps, go to: https://explorerspodcast.com/edmund-hillary-tenzing-norgay/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 3 of our series, the 1953 British Mount Everest Expedition is organized under the guidance of Colonel John Hunt. We get the expedition to Nepal and Everest, and have them push through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall. https://explorerspodcast.com/edmund-hillary-tenzing-norgay/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part two of our series, we focus on the life of Tenzing Norgay, who was born and grew up in the shadow of Mount Everest. In addition to looking at Tenzing's life, we'll also talk about the world of the mountain people - in particular the Sherpas - who populate these early decades of Himalayan expeditions. https://explorerspodcast.com/edmund-hillary-tenzing-norgay/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part one of our series, we focus on the attempts to climb Everest in the 1930s, plus the life of New Zealander Edmund Hillary. For images, maps, links and resources go to: https://explorerspodcast.com/edmund-hillary-tenzing-norgay/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In June of 1924, George Mallory and Andrew 'Sandy' Irvine make a final attempt on Everest using oxygen. Website, maps, links: https://explorerspodcast.com/george-mallory/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George Mallory returns to Everest with the 1924 British Mount Everest Expedition. Website (maps, links, resources): https://explorerspodcast.com/george-mallory/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode covers the 1922 British Mount Everest Expedition, in which three attempts will be made on the summit of the mountain. While the expedition claimed the title for the highest climb in the world at the time, it would end in disaster. Maps, resources and links: https://explorerspodcast.com/george-mallory/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1921, the British Mount Everest reconnaissance expedition would travel to Asia in an attempt to scout out a route to Mount Everest - and a way to its summit. The expedition's star climber was George Mallory - who will be part of three attempts on the highest mountain in the world. Website (maps, links, resources, photos): https://explorerspodcast.com/george-mallory/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our final episode on explorer Marco Polo, we take the Venetian merchant on one last mission for Kublai Khan. Marco - along with his father and uncle - were tasked with escorting a princess to Persia. The resulting mission will take the Polos - by ship - to Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and - finally - home. It will complete an epic 24 year, 15,000+ mile journey. Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/map-home.png Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 4 of our series on Marco Polo, we take the Venetian explorer along the eastern coast of China, following the extraordinary Grand Canal. For this journey, Marco will visit some of the most wondrous - and populace - cities in the world, including Hangzhou - the City of Heaven. Website and resources: https://explorerspodcast.com/marco-polo/ Map: 10 American Presidents Podcast: http://www.10usp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 3 of our series on Marco Polo, we do a dive into the Mongol World, including a look at the Kublai Khan. We then take Marco on his a trek to the most remote corners of China. History Hack Interview: https://historyhack.podbean.com/e/231-history-hack-historys-greatest-explorers/ https://explorerspodcast.com/marco-polo/ Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/map4.png Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marco Polo and his family travel the Silk Road to reach the court of the legendary Kublai Khan. Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/marco-polo/ Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/map3.png People and Places Marco Polo – Venetian merchant and explorer Niccolò Polo – Father of Marco Polo Maffeo Polo – Brother of Niccolò, uncle of Marco Kublai Khan – Emperor of the Mongol Empire Khanbaliq – Capital of Mongol Empire (modern-day Beijing) Hormuz – Port at entrance of Persian Gulf Badakshan – City on Silk Road located in modern-day Uzbekistan Khotan – City in western China (today called Hotan) Shazhou – City on edge of Gobi Desert (today called Dunhuang) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 1 of our series, we first take a look at the journey of Marco's father and uncle, Niccolò and Maffeo Polo, who traveled to China and met the great Kublai Khan. We then follow the Polo family as they prepare for a return mission into the heart of the Mongol Empire. Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/marco-polo/ Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/polo-map1a.png People and Places Marco Polo - Venetian merchant and explorer Niccolò Polo - Father of Marco Polo Maffeo Polo - Brother of Niccolò, uncle of Marco Kublai Khan - Emperor of the Mongol Empire Teobaldo Visconti - Papal Legate in Acre - later Pope Gregory X Venice - City State in Italy. Home of the Polos Constantinople - Former capital of the Byzantine Empire Acre - City on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea in modern-day Israel Ayes - City on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea in modern-day Turkey Khanbaliq - Capital of Mongol Empire (modern-day Beijing) Bukhara - City on Silk Road located in modern-day Uzbekistan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices