The Explorers Podcast
History
About
The Explorers Podcast is about the greatest explorers and explorations in history.
Episodes
- Heinrich Barth - Part 3 - Into the heart of Central Africa
In part 3 of our series, Heinrich Barth, traveling alone, becomes to first European to visit the legendary city of Agadez. He then journeys into the heart of Central Africa, going to the cities of Katsina, Kano, and Kukawa. But war will ra…
- Heinrich Barth - Part 2 - Across the Sahara
In part 2 of our series, Heinrich Barth sets out from Tripoli in an attempt to cross the deadly Sahara desert. He will find ancient ruins and mysterious artifacts; face deadly desert bandits, sandstorms, and an unforgiving sacred mountain…
- Heinrich Barth - Part 1 - Africa Calls
In part one of our series, German explorer Heinrich Barth cuts his teeth learning from some of the great scientists of the age - including the famed Alexander von Humboldt. He survives (barely) an attack by bandits in Northern Africa and c…
- Neptune's Fortune - An interview with author Julian Sancton
This is the story of the world's most valuable sunken treasure galleon - the San José - lost off the coast of Colombia in 1708. "Neptune's Gold: The Billion-Dollar Shipwreck and the Ghosts of the Spanish Empire" recounts the events surroun…
- Juan Ponce de León - Part 2 - Explorer
Ponce de León's goes from conquistador to explorer in the second part of our series. This time, he conducts two expeditions of exploration in search of the island of Beniny - which turns out to be Florida. We also talk about Ponce de León'…
- 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 myst…
- 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 kil…
- 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…
- 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 discussi…
- 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 factorm…
- 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 - sett…
- 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 maki…
- 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…
- 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, S…
- 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…
- 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, in…
- 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 shi…
- The Vivaldi Brothers and the first attempt to sail from Europe to India via the Cape Route
In 1291, two Genoese brothers, Vandino and Ugolino Vivaldi, led the first known attempt to sail from Europe to India by going around the southern tip of Africa. The attempt - which failed - would generate rumors and speculation for hundred…
- HMS Investigator and the Northwest Passage – Part 5 – A conversation with Hubert Sagnières
As a follow up to the Investigator series, we interviewed Hubert Sagnières - the author of "For Glory, Not Gold." We talk about a wide range of topics, including the Investigator, exploration in general, his inspirations, and plans for the…
- HMS Investigator and the Northwest Passage – Part 4 – The Passage Conquered
Captain Robert McClure and the men of the Investigator work to complete their crossing of the Northwest Passage - albeit via three ships and two sledge journeys. Plus we look at the aftermath of the expedition - and its legacy. Sponsors: Q…
- HMS Investigator and the Northwest Passage – Part 3 – Across the Passage
The HMS Investigator fights to survive two winters at Mercy Bay as the physical and mental health of the crew slowly starts to deteriorate. A desperate journey over the ice is planned - but the crew are saved by the arrival of men from the…
- HMS Investigator and the Northwest Passage – Part 2 – The Parry Channel and Mercy Bay
In part 2 of our series, the HMS Investigator explores the areas around Banks Island and Victoria Island, before sailing into the Parry Channel - the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage. They will end the year at Mercy Bay - a place…
- HMS Investigator and the Northwest Passage – Part 1 – Into the Arctic
In part 1 of our series, we look at the history of the search for the Northwest Passage, and the Lost Franklin Expedition. We then follow Captain Robert McClure as he leads the Investigator into the Canadian Arctic Archipelago in 1850. Ent…
- Jim Bridger - Part 6 - Powder River Expedition, Red Cloud's War, and final years
In the final episode in our series on Bridger, we take the mountain man on his final western adventures - the Powder River Expedition, and Red Cloud's War. We then wrap up by talking about the final years of Bridger's life, and his legacy.…
- Jim Bridger - Part 5 - The Utah War, Raynolds Expedition, Bridger Trail and the Telegraph
This episode covers some of the most dramatic changes of the west in Jim Bridger's life. This includes the Utah War, the coming of the telegraph, and several expeditions of exploration, including the establishment of the Bridger Trail to t…
- Jim Bridger - Part 4 - Brigham Young, the Mormons, and various expeditions
In this episode, we detail the growing conflict between Brigham Young and the United States government - and the effect it had on Bridger. We will also talk about Bridger's time as a guide for several expeditions - including his work with…
- Jim Bridger - Part 3 - Go West!
In part 3 of our series, the 1840s will feature waves of people coming west - including settlers, miners and Mormons. Bridger will build that will later become a part of the Oregon Trail, and become a guide for those looking to forge new r…
- Jim Bridger - Part 2 - King of the Mountain Men
In part 2 of our series, we talk about the adventures Bridger had in his years as a trapper (1825-1840). We will also look at some of the people he encountered, and the places he visited. We will also discuss the changing fur industry, and…
- Jim Bridger - Part 1 - Early Years and the Great Salt Lake
We talk about the early years of Bridger's life, including his path on becoming a veteran trapper and mountain man. This episode also includes Bridger's reaching of the Great Salt Lake - him being the first white man to ever reach the lake…
- Francisco Pizarro and the Conquest of the Inca Empire - Part 8
In the final chapter of our saga we focus on another civil war in Peru - this between Gonzalo Pizarro and the Spanish Crown. We then detail the end of the Inca Empire. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwave…
- Francisco Pizarro and the Conquest of the Inca Empire - Part 7
The Spanish continue to explore Peru and the lands beyond, while unhappy supporters of the late Diego de Almagro plot their revenge. It will mark a bloody end for many of our drama's characters. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave…
- Francisco Pizarro and the Conquest of the Inca Empire - Part 6
The rivalry comes to a head between Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro at the Battle of Las Salinas. Meanwhile, the ever pesky Inca under Manco continue to be a thorn in the side of the Spanish, resulting in multiple campaigns to Vitco…
- Francisco Pizarro and the Conquest of the Inca Empire - Part 5
The siege of Cusco continues while an army of 50,000 bears down on Francisco Pizarro in Lima. Meanwhile, Manco Inca is forced to make a major decision when Diego de Almagro makes his long awaited return from his failed campaign in Chile. T…
- Francisco Pizarro and the Conquest of the Inca Empire - Part 4
In part 4 of our series, Diego de Almagro heads south on his own expedition of conquest. Meanwhile, the treatment of the Inca people at the hands of the Spanish drives the young emperor, Manco, to plot rebellion - which leads to the Siege…
- Francisco Pizarro and the Conquest of the Inca Empire - Part 3
In this episode, the Inca Emperor, Atahualpa, offers Pizarro massive roomful of gold in exchange for his freedom. After that, it is on to Cusco - the empire's capital and its wealthiest city. The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Me…
- Francisco Pizarro and the Conquest of the Inca Empire - Part 2
Francisco Pizarro sets out to Peru with less than 200 men - looking to conquer the Inca Empire, which was embroiled in a civil war. We will detail his journey - as well as elements of the Inca Empire - and conclude with the meeting of Piza…
- Francisco Pizarro and the Conquest of the Inca Empire - Part 1
In the first episode in this series, we cover the early life of Pizarro, as well as his first two exploratory expeditions to South America and Peru - where he gets a glimpse of the wealth of the Inca. We wrap up with Pizarro going to Spain…
- Faxian and his travels through the Buddhist Kingdoms
In 399 AD, Faxian, a 62-year old Chinese monk set out for India. His goal was to find and copy sacred Buddhist scripts that were missing or falling apart in his homeland. The result would be an epic 13-year journey through 30 kingdoms. Fax…
- Sidi Mubarak Bombay - From History Dispatches
This is an ad-free, bonus episode from History Dispatches. Sidi Mubarak Bombay grew up a slave - taken from his home in Africa to India. But that didn't stop him from being one of the most accomplished explorers and travelers of Central Af…
- Samurai William Adams - Part 4
In the final chapter in our series on William Adams, we details the opening of Japan to the Dutch and English, as well as the final years of the man's remarkable life. Check out History Dispatches at HistoryDispatches.com Sponsor: Go to ww…
- Samurai William Adams - Part 3
English mariner William Adams continues to rise in prominence in the court of the new Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. He will be so successful, he will become the first European to ever be granted the title of Hatamoto - or bannerman Check out Hi…
- Drake's Brass Plate - Relic or Hoax? From History Dispatches
This is an Episode from History Dispatches, a new daily history show hosted by Explorers Podcast creator Matt Breen and his son, McKinley Breen. The show covers people, places, events and even objects from throughout history. The show offe…
- Samurai William Adams - Part 2
English pilot William Adams has led his ship to Japan. But in this episode, he and his men - wracked by starvation and scurvy - must now negotiate the various powers of this exotic land. There are the Japanese warlords, the Portuguese, and…
- Samurai William Adams - Part 1
In 1598, a fleet of five ships from the Dutch East India Company sailed to South America with the intention of plundering Spanish treasure ships on the western coast of the New World - before heading across the Pacific to Asia. One of thos…
- Interview with Norwegian Polar Explorer Erling Kagge
In this episode, we have a conversation with Norwegian Polar Explorer Erling Kagge. Kagge is best known for being the first person to complete the Three Poles Challenge on foot. This means he reach the North Pole, South Pole and the top of…
- Roald Amundsen - Part 10 - Life, Death and Legacy
In the final episode in our series on Amundsen, the last viking sets out on one final polar adventure - an attempt to rescue a man he hated - Umberto Nobile - after his dirigible crashed in the Arctic. Amundsen would not return from the fl…
- Roald Amundsen - Part 9 - The Norge
In 1926, Roald Amundsen makes another attempt to cross the Arctic - this time in a dirigible - the Norge. The crossing will begin a rivalry with Italian airship designer Umberto Nobile - who designed the Norge and will serve as the ship's…
- Roald Amundsen - Part 8 - Flights of Fancy
In 1924 and 1925, Amundsen made two attempts to fly over the Arctic. One would be a humiliating disaster. The other would be a glorious disaster. Sponsor: Head to acorns.com/explorers or download the Acorns app to start saving and investin…
- Roald Amundsen - Part 7 - The Maud Expedition
Amundsen sets out in 1918 on his new ship, the Maud, to take part in polar drift. The hope is the drift will take the Maud all the way to the North Pole. Not much will go as planned. Sponsor: Head to acorns.com/explorers or download the Ac…
- Roald Amundsen - Part 6 - Return from the South Pole
In part 6 of our series on Roald Amundsen, we wrap up the South Pole Expedition as Amundsen and his team goes from the South Pole to Framheim. From there, Amundsen heads to Australia to let the world know about his achievements. We also ta…