Armchair Explorer
Society & Culture
About
Aaron Millar tells the world's greatest adventure stories.
Episodes
- DISCOVER: Into the Wild - A Road Trip Through Australia's Northern Territory
This episode of Armchair Explorer takes listeners on a road trip through Australia's Northern Territory, highlighting natural wonders like Uluru and Kata Tjuta, ancient Aboriginal rock art in Arnhem Land, and unique wildlife encounters. Th…
- BUCKET LIST: The River Nevis Race - Scotland’s Extreme White-water Pool Floatie Race
Host Aaron Millar discusses his participation in the Glen Nevis River Race, an event in the Scottish Highlands where individuals navigate white-water rapids on novelty inflatables. He also mentions other unique outdoor adventures like Worl…
- BEST OF EXPLORER: Arabia, a 5,000-mile Journey into the Heart of the Middle East with Explorer Levison Wood
Levison Wood embarks on a 5,000-mile journey through the Middle East, traversing 13 countries in five months. His expedition covers areas from Iraq and Syria to the Empty Quarter desert, Yemen, and the West Bank, exploring both historical…
- LONELY PLANET: The Aurora Chaser
This episode features Aurora expert Tom Kerss discussing the science of solar winds and magnetic fields, and the mythology surrounding the Northern Lights. He describes the experience of witnessing the Aurora.
- A Million Steps on Lava with Ricardo Kaljouw
Ricardo Kaljouw, one of the few people to complete the Volcanic Seven Summits, recounts his journey of climbing the highest volcano on each continent. He shares experiences such as witnessing a lava lake in Rwanda, surviving a lightning st…
- A Life Underground: Into the Sacred Caves of the Black Hills
This episode of Armchair Explorer explores the caves of the Black Hills, including Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park. It features explorer Chris Pelczarski and indigenous park ranger Sina Bear Eagle, who discusses th…
- Bucket List: Hiking Italy’s Old Salt Road across the Apennine Mountains
This episode of Armchair Explorer features host Aaron Millar recounting a long-distance hike along the Old Salt Road in northwest Italy. He describes getting lost and encountering wild horses, as well as the history of the ancient trading…
- Kite-skiing Antarctica with Explorer Justin Packshaw
Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer-Childs embark on an expedition across Antarctica, kite-skiing to collect crucial scientific data. This data aids research on climate change and human adaptability for future space missions.
- Pathways: Italy’s Old Salt Road, the River Nevis Race and A Million Steps on Lava
This episode of Armchair Explorer previews upcoming adventures, including explorations of Italy's Old Salt Road, the River Nevis Race in Scotland, and the Seven Volcanic Summits Challenge. It highlights real stories of epic places and dive…
- Season 4 Trailer - The Adventure is About to Begin!
The Armchair Explorer Season 4 trailer previews upcoming episodes. It describes journeys to various locations, including volcanoes, the Arctic Circle, Italy, and Australia. The season will feature immersive travel stories with cinematic so…
- Namibia Safari: From the Sossusvlei Dunes to the Skeleton Coast
This episode of Armchair Explorer features safari guide Peter Allison on a journey through Namibia. The trip covers locations from the Sossusvlei Dunes to the Skeleton Coast, highlighting wildlife encounters and the vast landscape.
- Powwow Spirit in the Black Hills of South Dakota
This episode of Armchair Explorer explores the Black Hills Powwow in South Dakota. It highlights the cultural significance of the event, featuring interviews with participants and a performance by a singing group.
- CONNECTION: Ayahuasca Ceremonies, Inuit Hunters and Trekking in Papua New Guinea with Nature Writer Jay Griffiths
Jay Griffiths, nature writer, shares her journey exploring wild places, encountering indigenous cultures, and learning their wisdom. This episode revisits an interview where she discusses these experiences, from the Amazon to the Arctic.
- Navajo Nation: Beside the Medicine Man’s Fire
This episode of Armchair Explorer discusses a visit to the Navajo Nation, focusing on a traditional healing ceremony with a medicine man. The host describes spending a week on the Navajo reservation with local families and participating in…
- HALLOWEEN SPECIAL: Searching for Sasquatch in the Valleys of the Noble Beyond
This episode of Armchair Explorer features a Halloween special dedicated to exploring the legend of Sasquatch. The episode delves into indigenous myths and community perspectives in Canada to understand the stories of the elusive creature.
- Botswana Safari: From the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to the Okavango Delta
This episode of Armchair Explorer features safari guide and author Peter Allison, who discusses an ultimate Botswana safari. The journey covers the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the Okavango Delta, highlighting wildlife and cultural experienc…
- BUCKET LIST: Kayaking with a Whale & Climbing Crater Lake National Park
This episode of Armchair Explorer features adventures like kayaking with whales and climbing Crater Lake National Park. Recorded in surround sound, it aims to immerse listeners in spectacular travel experiences.
- JANE GOODALL SPECIAL: Trekking with Chimpanzees and Mountain Gorillas
This special episode of Armchair Explorer honours Jane Goodall by retracing her conservationist path. Host Aaron Millar joins primate conservationist Praveen Moman on a trek in Rwanda's Virunga Mountains to find mountain gorillas and in Ug…
- IMMERSION: Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park’s Living Lab
This episode of Armchair Explorer goes behind the scenes at Rocky Mountain National Park, revealing its role as a living laboratory with over 100 ongoing scientific projects. It highlights a 38-year ecological study impacting our understan…
- BEST OF EXPLORER: Land of the Thunder Dragon: Exploring Bhutan
Emma Thomson journeys through Bhutan, a secluded Himalayan kingdom, experiencing local life by staying with families and visiting significant sites like Punaka Dzong and Tiger's Nest Monastery.
- CONNECTION: Life Lived Wild with Rick Ridgeway
In this episode of Armchair Explorer, mountaineer Rick Ridgeway recounts defining adventures, such as sailing the Pacific and surviving extreme conditions. He shares wisdom gained from a life lived in wild places, drawing from his memoir '…
- PATHWAYS September: Desert Stars, Swiss Hikes and the Funniest Hot Air Balloon Crash of All Time
This monthly preview episode of Armchair Explorer covers diverse travel stories including desert stargazing with Bedouin guides, a humorous hot air balloon crash in a heritage site, a hike in Switzerland that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien, and a…
- BUCKET LIST: Stargazing with the Bedouin
This episode takes listeners to the deserts of Arabia for a stargazing experience with the Bedouin. It explores how the night sky has shaped their existence and shares their ancient astronomy secrets through stories of human experience.
- RED BULL: Paragliding the Himalayas with Tom de Dorlodot
This episode features extreme paraglider Tom de Dorlodot sharing his experiences flying among the Himalayas. He discusses the demands of paragliding at high altitudes and the survival mentality necessary for such expeditions.
- CONNECTION: Real-world ‘Yellowstone’ Ranchers and Rodeo Legends at the Pendleton Roundup
Rodeo champions Butch Knowles and Pat Nogle share their experiences and insights on the Pendleton Roundup and the connection between rodeo and ranching culture. They discuss the evolution of rodeo from ranching practices and its significan…
- CONNECTION: Living Adventurously with Alastair Humphreys
This episode of Armchair Explorer features adventurer Alastair Humphreys, discussing his extensive experiences and the importance of adventure. Humphreys shares details of his past expeditions and encourages listeners to explore different…
- CONNECTION: The Lost Treasures of AlUla
This episode features Jonathan Wilson, Arts and Culture Administration Senior Manager at the Royal Commission for AlUla, discussing the archeological discoveries being made in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. The episode details treasures unearthed fr…
- IMMERSION: ‘We Will Never Fade:’ Protecting Native History at Tamástslikt
This episode of The Hidden Trails of Oregon explores the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, which preserves the history of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes. It details the institute's founding, inspired by a Native American protes…
- ADVENTURE: Biking Around the World with a Mystery Illness
Chris McCaffrey cycled 18,000 miles alone for 17 months, facing a near-death illness in Vietnam and a blizzard in the Colorado Rockies. The experience taught him the importance of self-kindness and gratitude, highlighting mindset and joy o…
- PATHWAYS July: UFO Parking, Shark Attacks, and Biking Around the World
This episode of Pathways previews upcoming stories on Armchair Explorer, including biking across the world with Chris McCaffrey, a terrifying great white shark encounter by Patrick, and Dylan Thuras's exploration of South America's hidden…
- BEST OF EXPLORER: Discovering South America's Hidden Wonders with Dylan Thuras
Dylan Thuras, co-founder of Atlas Obscura, explores South America's hidden wonders, from unique natural phenomena like the Everlasting Lightning Storm to historical sites like the Last Incan Bridge. The episode emphasizes finding wonder in…
- CONNECTION: Guarding the Voiceless with Peter Heller
This episode features author Peter Heller discussing his activism, including his involvement in protesting the killing of pilot whales in Japan, an event that led to an arrest warrant. He also shares personal stories about his childhood, a…
- Let ‘er Buck! Broncos, Steers, Whiskey & Beer at the Pendleton Roundup
This episode of Armchair Explorer delves into the Pendleton Roundup, a historic Oregon rodeo. Host Aaron Millar experiences events like Xtreme Bulls and barrel racing, explores the rodeo's traditions and history, and learns about its cultu…
- PATHWAYS June – Buckin’ Broncos, Ancient Graffiti and the Secrets of Lake Baikal
The June Pathways episode previews upcoming Armchair Explorer content, including a look at the Pendleton Roundup rodeo in Oregon, an immersive episode from Winging It! podcast about San Salvador, El Salvador, and an interview with author P…
- Winging It in San Salvador
This episode of Armchair Explorer features James Hammond of the Winging It travel podcast, offering an audio journey through San Salvador. It includes first impressions, travel tips, insights into landmarks, food, safety, and budget advice…
- DISCOVER: South Australia Road Trip Part 2: The Wild Side
This episode explores the wilder side of South Australia through a road trip, featuring interviews with locals about the seafood frontier and wine country. It also highlights unique stays like The Frames, offering an immersive Australian e…
- Alone Across Gola: Riding through the Rainforest with Adventurer Jude Kriwald
Jude Kriwald shares her experience of a solo bicycle journey through the Gola Rainforest, aiming to rediscover the joy of exploration and find mental reprieve in nature after a period of declining mental health.
- DISCOVER: South Australia Road Trip: From Adelaide to the Edge of the Outback
This episode explores South Australia through a road trip itinerary, highlighting indigenous heritage, natural wonders like Naracoorte Caves, wildlife on Kangaroo Island, and wine regions around Adelaide.
- CONNECTION: Dreamtime Diving on the Great Barrier Reef
This episode features Dr. Eric Fisher discussing the Great Barrier Reef and introducing Dreamtime Dives, which offers an indigenous perspective on the reef guided by Aboriginal Sea Rangers.
- Introducing “Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant”
This episode of Armchair Explorer features content from the podcast Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. It includes an interview with Nat Geo Explorer Ella Al-Shamahi, who discusses her research in challenging locations.
- IMMERSION: Homecoming: Chief Joseph’s Promise and the Flight of the Nez Perce
This episode details the Nez Perce tribe's history, focusing on their forced removal from the Wallowa Valley in the late 19th century and the promise of their eventual return home. It highlights their resilience, cultural preservation, and…
- DISCOVER: The Place Where Land and Sea Meet at Victoria, B.C.
This episode of Armchair Explorer delves into Victoria, British Columbia, exploring the intersection of land, sea, and culture. It features activities like snorkeling in kelp forests, whale watching, and discovering local landmarks, alongs…
- PATHWAYS: Dreamtime Dives, African Forests and Baby Kangaroos
This episode of Pathways previews stories on Armchair Explorer, featuring Dreamtime dives on the Great Barrier Reef with Aboriginal guides, Chief Joseph's legacy in Oregon, and a road trip through South Australia's natural wonders and wild…
- ADVENTURE: From the Shadow of Denali Into the Thaw with Jon Waterman
Mountaineer Jon Waterman joins Armchair Explorer to share his experiences in the Arctic, detailing his Denali climb, expeditions in Gates of the Arctic National Park, and observations on climate change.
- DISCOVER: River Drifting, Reef Diving & Rainforest Wandering in Tropical North Queensland
This episode explores Tropical North Queensland, Australia, featuring activities like river drifting in the Daintree rainforest and diving the Great Barrier Reef. Guests include Indigenous guides and local experts sharing insights into the…
- 🎧 PATHWAYS: Rainforest Drifts, Kangaroo Islands & Denali’s Frozen Edge
This episode of Armchair Explorer features host Aaron Millar and producer Jason Paton previewing wild travel stories. Topics include exploring Tropical North Queensland's rainforest and reef, Kangaroo Island's wildlife and wine, and explor…
- BUCKET LIST: Eye-to-Eye with Giants: Whale Watching in Victoria, B.C.
Whale watching guide Nik Coutinho shares awe-inspiring experiences with whales in Victoria, B.C., detailing orca hunting behaviors and encounters with humpback whales. The episode highlights Victoria
- ADVENTURE: Becoming Forrest Gump: The Man Who Ran Across America Five Times (IRL)
Rob Pope, the first person to run across America five times, shares his experiences inspired by Forrest Gump. He discusses the physical and emotional aspects of his journey, lessons learned, and the charities he supported.
- BEST OF EXPLORER: Where’s Wallis? No Guidebook, No Google, No Clue with Best-selling Travel Author Brian Thacker
Travel author Brian Thacker shares his spontaneous adventures in Togo, Wallis & Futuna, and Kyrgyzstan, demonstrating that exploration is accessible to everyone by discarding guidebooks and embracing the unknown.
- PATHWAYS: Flight of the Nez Perce, the Prince of Whales and Run Forrest Run
This episode of Armchair Explorer previews upcoming adventures, including Brian Thacker's journey to Togo, Wallis & Kyrgyzstan, a historical look at the Nez Perce tribe's struggle, whale watching in British Columbia, and Rob Pope's run ret…