The Explorers Podcast

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

In the conclusion of our series, Brazza spends more than a decade as an administrator in Africa. He will then return to the Congo one final time, in 1905, to investigate the accusations of abuses against the native peoples. Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/brazza/ Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/ogowe5.png People and Places Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza - Born in Italy, but educated in France. Would join the French navy, and become interested in exploring Africa. Ogowe River (often spelled Ogooué or Ogoway) - River in central Africa that Brazza would explore. Congo River - River in central Africa. Livingstone Falls - 220 mile stretch on the Congo filled with rapids and waterfalls. Impassable for most river craft. Malamine Camara - Senegalese marine who would be Brazza's most trusted and capable comrade. Noël Ballay - Doctor on Brazza's first and second expedition to Africa. Charles de Chavannes - Friend and colleague of Brazza's in Africa. Thérèse de Chambrun - Wife of Brazza. Libreville - French outpost in what is modern-day Gabon. Francheville - Outpost established by Brazza at the confluence of the Ogowe and Passa rivers. Brazzaville - Outpost established by Brazza at the top of Livingstone Falls. Opposite the city of Leopoldville (now Kinshasha). Alima River - Tributary of the Congo. Controlled by the Bobangi people. Passa River - Tributary of the Ogowe. Location of Francheville. King Leopold II of Belgium - Monarch who wanted to take control of the Congo basin. Henry Morton Stanley - African explorer and journalist. Had crossed the continent and mapped the Congo River. Makoko - Important Bateke chief who would sign treaty with Brazza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 3 of our series, Brazza returns to Africa, where he will establish two outposts, including one on the Congo River. In the process, he will thwart many of the plans of King Leopold II of Belgium, who wants to make the entire Congo basin his own personal colony. Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/brazza/ Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/ogowe5.png People and Places Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza - Born in Italy, but educated in France. Would join the French navy, and become interested in exploring Africa. Ogowe River (often spelled Ogooué or Ogoway) - River in central Africa that Brazza would explore. Congo River - River in central Africa. Livingstone Falls - 220 mile stretch on the Congo filled with rapids and waterfalls. Impassable for most river craft. Malamine Camara - Senegalese marine who would be Brazza's most trusted and capable comrade. Noël Ballay - Doctor on Brazza's first and second expedition to Africa. Libreville - French outpost in what is modern-day Gabon. Francheville - Outpost established by Brazza at the confluence of the Ogowe and Passa rivers. Malebo Pool - aka the Pool and Stanley Pool. Lake located at the top of Livingstone Falls. Brazza would establish a post here, which would eventually become Brazzaville. Alima River - Tributary of the Congo. Controlled by the Bobangi people. Passa River - Tributary of the Ogowe. Location of Francheville. King Leopold II of Belgium - Monarch who wanted to take control of the Congo basin. Henry Morton Stanley - African explorer and journalist. Had crossed the continent and mapped the Congo River. International African Association - Organization established by King Leopold to help him gain control of central Africa. Makoko - Important Bateke chief who would sign treaty with Brazza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 2 of our series, Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza conducts his first African expedition up the Ogowe River. Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/brazza/ Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/08/ogowe3.png People and Places Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza - Born in Italy, but educated in France. Would join the French navy, and become interested in exploring Africa. Ogowe River (often spelled Ogooué or Ogoway) - River in central Africa that Brazza would explore. Noël Ballay - Doctor on Brazza's first expedition to Africa. Antoine-Alfred Marche - Naturalist on Brazza's first expedition to Africa. Victor Hamon - Naval officer who would be the quartermaster on Brazza's first expedition to Africa. Libraville - French outpost in what is modern-day Gabon. Lambarene - Town on the Ogowe River. Home to Chief Renoke. Renoke - Chief of the Enenga tribe. Enenga - A tribe living along the Ogowe River around the town of Lambarene. Okanda - A tribe living along the Ogowe River. Duma - A tribe living along the Ogowe River. Alima River - Tributary of the Congo. Controlled by the Bobangi people. Passa River - Tributary of the Ogowe. Louis de Montaignac - French admiral who would help Brazza gain admittance into the naval academy. Henry Morton Stanley - African explorer and journalist. Had crossed the continent and mapped the Congo River. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first part of our series on Italian-born Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, we take a look at the world of Central Africa circa 1875, including the institution of slavery, and scramble by European powers to explore - and claim the continent. Brazza goes from the son of an Italian noble family, to being an officer in the French navy. He will then prepare to lead an expedition into the African interior - at the age of only 23. Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/brazza/ Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/ogowe1.png People and Places Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza - Born in Italy, but educated in France. Would join the French navy, and become interested in exploring Africa. Louis de Montaignac - French admiral who would help Brazza gain admittance into the naval academy. Libraville - French outpost in what is modern-day Gabon. Ogowe River (often spelled Ogooué or Ogoway) - River in central Africa that Brazza would explore. Noël Ballay - Doctor on Brazza's first expedition to Africa. Antoine-Alfred Marche - Naturalist on Brazza's first expedition to Africa. Victor Hamon - Naval officer who would be the quartermaster on Brazza's first expedition to Africa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 219 BCE, Xu Fu, a Chinese explorer and alchemist, would set out in search of the elixir of life for Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Instead, legend says he discovered Japan - and maybe even became the island's first emperor. Website: https://explorerspodcast.com/xu-fu/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/explorerspod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explorerspod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final super-sized episode (part 8) of the Burke and Wills Expedition, we take a look at the fate of John King – the last unaccounted for member of the VEE. We then cover the aftermath of the expedition, and look at the legacy of Burke and Wills and Victorian Exploring Expedition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 7 of our series, Burke, Wills and King make a desperate stab at making for Mount Hopeless. While much closer than Menindee, the three men do not know the way or have accurate directions. Meanwhile, Wright and Brahe meet up, and make for the depot at Cooper's Creek. In Melbourne, the calls for a search party grown louder and louder with each passing week. People and Places Robert O’Hara Burke – Leader of the Victorian Exploring Expedition (VEE) William Wills – British surveyor and astronomer. 2nd-in-command of the expedition. Victoria Exploring Expedition (VEE) – The official name of the expedition led by Robert Burke to cross the Australian continent. Hermann Beckler – German doctor and botanist. Ludwig Becker – German geologist and naturalist. William Wright – Bushman who joined the VEE at Menindee. Now leading the relief column to Cooper’s Creek. John King – 22-year old ex-soldier. Selected by Burke to be part of the contingent going to the north coast. Cooper’s Creek – River in central Australia. It is about halfway across the continent if someone is traveling between Melbourne and Gulf of Carpentaria in the north. About 750 miles from Melbourne. Menindee – Most northerly outpost on the route of the VEE in their trek across Australia. About 400 miles from Melbourne. Gulf of Carpentaria – The most direct route from Victoria to the northern coast of Australia – roughly a 1500 mile journey across the continent. Mount Hopeless - a cattle station about 150 miles southwest of the depot at Cooper's Creek. Alfred Howitt - English explorer and naturalist who will be hired by the Royal Society of Victoria to head north and find out what has happened to Robert Burke and his men. Links, resources and maps: https://explorerspodcast.com/ Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/map-part7.png Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 6 of our series, Robert Burke and his comrades begin their journey from the northern coast of Australia to the depot at Cooper's Creek. They are low on supplies and their health is waning. Meanwhile, William Wright struggles to get the needed supplies to depot, where the health of William Brahe and his men is deteriorating. People and Places Robert O’Hara Burke – Leader of the Victorian Exploring Expedition (VEE) William Wills – British surveyor and astronomer. 2nd-in-command of the expedition. Victoria Exploring Expedition (VEE) – The official name of the expedition led by Robert Burke to cross the Australian continent. Hermann Beckler - German doctor and botanist. Ludwig Becker - German geologist and naturalist. William Wright - Bushman who joined the VEE at Menindee. Now leading the relief column to Cooper's Creek. John King - 22-year old ex-soldier. Selected by Burke to be part of the contingent going to the north coast. Thomas McDonough - VEE member who accompanied Burke and Wills to Cooper's Creek. Charley Gray - VEE member who was selected to go with Burke and Wills to the north coast of Australia. Cooper’s Creek – River in central Australia. It is about halfway across the continent if someone is traveling between Melbourne and Gulf of Carpentaria in the north. About 750 miles from Melbourne. Menindee - Most northerly outpost on the route of the VEE in their trek across Australia. About 400 miles from Melbourne. Gulf of Carpentaria - The most direct route from Victoria to the northern coast of Australia - roughly a 1500 mile journey across the continent. Resources and links: https://explorerspodcast.com/ Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/burke_and_wills_map.png Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 5 of our series Robert Burke and William Wills lead a small contingent of men into the outback of Australia in an attempt to reach reach the north coast - and in the process become the first men to cross the continent. People and Places Robert O’Hara Burke – Leader of the Victorian Exploring Expedition (VEE) William Wills – British surveyor and astronomer. 2nd-in-command of the expedition. Victoria Exploring Expedition (VEE) – The official name of the expedition led by Robert Burke to cross the Australian continent. John McDouall Stuart – Scottish explorer who was the chief competitor with the VEE to blaze a route across Australia. Hermann Beckler – German doctor and botanist. Ludwig Becker – German geologist and naturalist. William Wright – Bushman who joined the VEE at Menindee. John King – 22-year old ex-soldier. Selected by Burke to be part of the contingent going to the north coast. Dick – Aboriginal Guide who accompanied Burke – and then Lyons – to the north. Thomas McDonough – VEE member who accompanied Burke and Wills to Cooper’s Creek. Charley Gray – VEE member who was selected to go with Burke and Wills to the north coast of Australia. Cooper’s Creek – River in central Australia. It is about halfway across the continent if someone is traveling between Melbourne and Gulf of Carpentaria in the north. About 750 miles from Melbourne. Menindee – Most northerly outpost on the route of the VEE in their trek across Australia. About 400 miles from Melbourne. Gulf of Carpentaria – The most direct route from Victoria to the northern coast of Australia – roughly a 1500 mile journey across the continent. Selwyn Range - Rugged mountain range in the interior of Australia that the expedition would need to cross. Find maps and reading resources at: https://bit.ly/3eOMH0k Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 4 of our series, Burke and Wills travel north to Cooper's Creek, where they establish a supply depot. Burke will spend a month scouting the area to the north, before finally departing for the north coast in mid-December. At Menindee, William Wright waits for money to buy more horses so he can haul all the supplies to Burke's new camp. Meanwhile, a policeman, Trooper Myles Lyons, strikes out for Cooper's Creek carrying dispatches for Burke. People and Places Robert O’Hara Burke – Leader of the Victorian Exploring Expedition (VEE) William Wills – British surveyor and astronomer. 2nd-in-command of the expedition. Victoria Exploring Expedition (VEE) – The official name of the expedition led by Robert Burke to cross the Australian continent. John McDouall Stuart – Scottish explorer who was the chief competitor with the VEE to blaze a route across Australia. Hermann Beckler - German doctor and botanist. Ludwig Becker - German geologist and naturalist. William Wright - Bushman who joined the VEE at Menindee. John King - 22-year old ex-soldier. Selected by Burke to be part of the contingent going to the north coast. Trooper Myles Lyons - Policeman from Swan Hill bringing dispatches to Robert Burke. Alexander McPherson - Saddler who would join Lyons and Dick in an attempt to reach Burke at Cooper's Creek. William Hodgkinson - Journalist who joined the expedition at Swan Hill. Dick - Aboriginal Guide who accompanied Burke - and then Lyons - to the north. Peter - Aboriginal Guide who accompanied Hermann Beckler to rescue Lyons and MacPherson. Thomas McDonough - VEE member who accompanied Burke and Wills to Cooper's Creek. Charley Gray - VEE member who was selected to go with Burke and Wills to the north coast of Australia. Cooper’s Creek – River in central Australia. It is about halfway across the continent if someone is traveling between Melbourne and Gulf of Carpentaria in the north. About 750 miles from Melbourne. Menindee - Most northerly outpost on the route of the VEE in their trek across Australia. About 400 miles from Melbourne. Gulf of Carpentaria - The most direct route from Victoria to the northern coast of Australia - roughly a 1500 mile journey across the continent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 3 of our series, the Victorian Exploring Expedition travels from Melbourne to the frontier outpost of Menindee on the Darling River. Along the way, the VEE will undergo a transformation as many key members will be fired (or resign), and others will join the company. Meanwhile, Robert Burke must dodge an arrest notice, criticism and his own ego to move the VEE forward. Map: https://explorerspodcast.files.wordpress.com/2020/04/map2-1.png People and Places Robert O’Hara Burke – Leader of the Victorian Exploring Expedition (VEE) George Landells – Horse trader who brought 25 camels to Australia, and 2nd-in-command of the VEE. Fired upon reaching Menindee. William Wills – British surveyor and astronomer. Named 2nd-in-command of the expedition after the dismissal of George Landells. Victoria Exploring Expedition (VEE) – The official name of the expedition led by Robert Burke to cross the Australian continent. John McDouall Stuart – Scottish explorer who would be the chief competitor with the VEE to blaze a route across Australia. Hermann Beckler - German doctor and botanist. mega at Menindee, but stayed on. Ludwig Becker - German geologist and naturalist. William Wright - Bushman who would join Burke at Menindee as a guide. Georg von Neumayer - Professor and member of the Exploration Committee. John King - 22-year old ex-soldier. Came from India with camels. William Hodgkinson - Journalist who joined expedition at Swan Hill. Cooper’s Creek – River in central Australia. It is about halfway across the continent if someone is traveling between Melbourne and Gulf of Carpentaria in the north. About 750 miles from Melbourne. Menindee - Most northerly outpost on the route of the VEE in their trek across Australia. About 400 miles from Melbourne. Gulf of Carpentaria - The most direct route from Victoria to the northern coast of Australia - roughly a 1500 mile journey across the continent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 2 of our series, Robert Burke and the Exploration Committee hire men for the Victorian Exploring Expedition (VEE), including William Wills - who will serve the expedition's surveyor, meteorologist, and astronomer. The VEE, consisting of 19 men, 26 camels, 23 horse, six wagons, and 200 tons of supplies, then prepares to depart Melbourne in August of 1860. The goal is to be the first men to cross the Australian continent. Key People and Places Robert O’Hara Burke – Leader of the Victorian Exploring Expedition (VEE). George Landells – Horse trader who brought 25 camels to Australia, and second-in-command of the VEE. William Wills – British surveyor and astronomer who was named as third-in-command of the VEE. Victoria Exploring Expedition (VEE) – The official name of the expedition led by Robert Burke to cross the Australian continent. John McDouall Stuart – Scottish explorer who is the chief competitor with the VEE to blaze a route across Australia. Hermann Beckler - German doctor and botanist. Ludwig Becker - German geologist and naturalist. Captain Francis Cadell - Steamship owner and member of the Exploration Committee. Offered to take the company's supplies by boat to Menindee. Julia Matthews - 18 year old actress Burke had fallen in love with. Cooper’s Creek – River in central Australia. It is about halfway across the continent if someone is traveling between Melbourne and Gulf of Carpentaria in the north. About 750 miles from Melbourne. Menindee - Most northerly outpost on the route of the VEE in their trek across Australia. About 400 miles from Melbourne. Gulf of Carpentaria - The most direct route from Victoria to the northern coast of Australia - roughly a 1500 mile journey across the continent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first episode in the Burke and Wills Expedition series provides background to the endeavor - which was an expedition to cross Australia in 1860-61. We are introduced to the organizers of the expedition - Royal Society of Victoria - and its eventual leader, Robert Burke. Key people and places Robert Burke - Irish police superintendent from Castlemaine. Will be named leader of the expedition. Royal Society of Victoria - aka The Society. Scientific society based in Melbourne. They will organize the expedition. Exploration Committee - The committee of the Society which oversaw the Burke and Wills Expedition. Victoria Exploring Expedition (VEE) - The official name of the expedition led by Robert Burke to cross the Australian continent. Sir William Stawell - Key member of the Exploration Committee, and Chief Justice of Victoria. John Macadam - Secretary of the Exploration Committee. John Bruce - Wealthy Australian businessman who supported Robert Burke's bid to lead the expedition. Peter Edgerton Warburton - aka Major Warburton - Police Commissioner of South Australia and candidate to lead the VEE. Gustov von Tempsky - Prussian adventurer and candidate to lead the VEE. George Landells - Horse trader who would bring 25 camels to Australia to be part of the upcoming expedition. Would later be named second-in-command of the VEE. Charles Sturt - British soldier who would explore Australia - discovering Cooper's Creek in 1844. John McDouall Stuart - Scottish explorer who would be the chief competitor with the VEE to blaze a route across Australia. Augustus Gregory - Explorer who had gone from Brisbane to Adelaide in 1858. He turned down the opportunity to lead the VEE, but recommended any expedition go to Cooper's Creek and set up a depot - and use it as a base for striking out to the north. Cooper's Creek - River in central Australia. It is about halfway across the continent if someone is traveling between Melbourne and Gulf of Carpentaria in the north. William Wills - British surveyor and astronomer who will eventually become the second-in-command of the VEE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Between 400-600 BCE, Hanno the Navigator of Carthage, conducted an epic voyage down the west coast of Africa - sailing more than 4,000 miles - reaching all the way to modern-day Gabon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices