Best Adventure and Outdoor Podcasts for 2024: (Stories of Exploration, Travel, and Nature)

Adventure podcasts have surged in popularity, offering listeners thrilling stories from the wild that inspire and entertain.

Whether you’re an explorer at heart, a thrill-seeker planning your next outdoor journey, or simply looking for a dose of inspiration, these curated podcasts provide something for everyone.

From exciting travel tales to real-life survival stories, they cater to adrenaline junkies, outdoor enthusiasts, and global adventurers alike, making them the perfect companion for your next expedition or wilderness trek

Let’s dive into my collection of the Best Adventure Podcasts in 2024 to help you do just that.

At the SUMMIT of this list is “Adventure Diaries” by Chris Watson. Which so happens to be my own show….

1. Adventure Diaries Podcast

Adventure Diaries is the Best Podcast for Inspirational Stories of Exploration and Adventure

Ahem, biased much !? i hear you say… Well you are on my Adventure Diaries site after all.. 😁

Host: Chris Watson

Overview: Adventure Diaries brings authentic stories of exploration, adventure, and the natural world, aiming to inspire listeners’ next big or small adventure. Hosted by Chris Watson, the podcast features a wide range of guests, from polar explorers to everyday adventurers, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, explorers and nature lovers.

Whether it’s polar expeditions or micro-adventures, there’s something for everyone passionate about the outdoors.

Why You Should Listen:

Each episode delivers on three promises:

Every Episode Delivers on 3 promises:

• Captivating Stories: Each episode presents a thrilling adventure story or experience.
• Call to Adventure: Inspiration segment to encourage listeners to embark on their own adventures.
• Pay It Forward: A segment that highlights worthy causes or projects relative to our guests.

Chris’ ability to delve into the motivations and challenges behind each guest’s journey offers listeners deep insights into personal growth through adventure.

With every episode, you’ll be transported into stories of epic expeditions and cultural encounters, encouraging you to seek out your own adventures.

Following my own (ahem, ranked number 1 outdoor adventure podcast), there are a number of other exceptional podcasts in the adventure and outdoors space, and many of these shows (and their guests) has inspired the Adventure Diaries Podcast journey in some way or another.

Out of respect for these shows and their fantastic creators i have presented them in alphabetical order and NOT in their order of rank, or quality.

That would be too difficult and inappropriate as they all offer something unique.

2. Adventure Sports Podcast

Adventure Sports Podcast: Top Podcast for Extreme Sports and Outdoor Adventures

Host: Mason Gravley

Overview: Adventure Sports Podcast dives deep into the world of extreme sports and outdoor activities, featuring athletes, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts who push their limits in exciting ways. From mountaineering and ultra-running to kayaking and biking, this podcast explores every corner of adventure sports.

Why You Should Listen: If you’re passionate about extreme sports or curious about outdoor challenges, this podcast brings you first-hand accounts of daring feats and the mental toughness required to succeed. Each episode is packed with inspirational stories and practical advice, making it perfect for anyone looking to pursue their own adventure sport goals.

Website: Adventure Sports Podcast

3. Amateur Traveler

Amateur Traveler: Best Travel and Adventure Podcast for Globetrotting Enthusiasts

Host: Chris Christensen

Overview: Amateur Traveler is a podcast dedicated to exploring the world through the eyes of passionate travelers. Hosted by Chris Christensen, the show covers a wide range of travel destinations and experiences, offering in-depth insights, tips, and stories for both seasoned travelers and beginners.

Why You Should Listen: If you’re curious about off-the-beaten-path destinations or need practical advice for your next trip, Amateur Traveler is a great resource. With expert interviews and captivating travel stories, this podcast is perfect for anyone looking to discover new places and cultures..

Website: Amateur Traveler

4. Armchair Explorer

Armchair Explorer: Best Travel and Adventure Podcast with Thrilling Stories from Around the World

Host: Aaron Millar

Overview: Armchair Explorer brings the world’s most extraordinary adventures to your headphones. Hosted by Aaron Millar, this podcast transports listeners to distant lands through thrilling storytelling, offering immersive, first-hand accounts of exploration and discovery. Each episode is a journey into the unknown, narrated by real adventurers.

Why You Should Listen: If you love exploring from the comfort of your home or need inspiration for your next adventure, Armchair Explorer provides breathtaking tales of adventure that fuel your wanderlust. Each story is told in cinematic style, making you feel like you’re part of the journey.

Website: Armchair Explorer

5. The Adventure Podcast

The Adventure Podcast: Best Podcast for In-Depth Explorations of Remote Expeditions and Extreme Adventures

Host: Matt Pycroft

Overview: The Adventure Podcast features in-depth interviews with some of the world’s most daring explorers and adventurers. The show dives deep into their extreme expeditions, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their motivations, challenges, and experiences in the wildest corners of the Earth.

Why You Should Listen: If you love hearing raw, unfiltered stories from the front lines of exploration, this podcast provides gripping accounts of remote expeditions and pushes the boundaries of what it means to be an adventurer.

Website: The Adventure Podcast

6. The Dirtbag Diaries

The Dirtbag Diaries: Authentic Outdoor Adventure Stories and Tales of the Dirtbag Lifestyle

Host: Fitz Cahall

Overview: The Dirtbag Diaries is a pioneering podcast in the adventure genre, dedicated to sharing authentic stories from the outdoor community. Featuring tales of wilderness exploration, climbing, camping, and outdoor culture, it brings listeners into the world of “dirtbags”—those who prioritize nature and adventure over materialism

Why You Should Listen: Listeners can expect adrenaline-packed adventures and reflective, personal stories from weekend warriors and professional explorers alike. It’s a must-listen for those who crave authentic outdoor experiences and want inspiration from those who live to explore and protect the natural world.

Website: The Dirtbag Diaries

7. The Explorer’s Podcast

The Explorers Podcast: Fascinating Stories of History’s Greatest Explorers and Their Legendary Expeditions

Host: Matt Breen

Overview: The Explorers Podcast brings history’s greatest explorers to life by recounting their incredible journeys into the unknown. From legendary names like Shackleton and Magellan to lesser-known adventurers, this podcast provides detailed accounts of their expeditions, triumphs, and challenges.

Why You Should Listen: If you’re fascinated by historical adventures and want to dive into the stories of pioneers who shaped our understanding of the world, this podcast offers deeply researched and engaging narratives that capture the spirit of exploration.

Website: The Explorer’s Podcast

8. Looking Sideways

Looking Sideways Podcast: Insightful Conversations with Action Sports Athletes, Adventurers, and Creative Minds

Host: Matt Barr

Overview: Looking Sideways Podcast delves into the intersection of action sports, adventure, and creativity, featuring interviews with athletes, adventurers, and creatives who push boundaries both in their sports and their personal lives. The conversations explore personal growth, challenges, and the pursuit of passion.

Why You Should Listen: If you’re intrigued by how action sports intersect with adventure and creativity, this podcast provides thoughtful, in-depth discussions with people who live extraordinary lives. Perfect for those who seek inspiration from boundary-pushers.

Website: Looking Sideways

9. Out There Podcast

Out There Podcast: Thought-Provoking Stories About Life, Nature, and the Outdoors

Host: Willow Belden

Overview: Out There Podcast explores big life questions through the lens of nature and the outdoors. It features personal stories that delve into the ways in which nature shapes our identities, challenges us, and brings meaning to our lives.

Why You Should Listen: If you’re drawn to thought-provoking narratives that connect personal growth with the outdoors, this podcast offers compelling stories that blend adventure with deeper reflections on life and self-discovery.

Website: Out There

10. Outside/In

Outside/In Podcast: In-Depth Exploration of Environmental Issues and Outdoor Adventures

Host: Sam Evans-Brown

Overview: Outside/In is a podcast that focuses on the natural world and the environmental challenges facing our planet. With a mix of storytelling and investigative journalism, it explores how humans interact with the environment and what that means for the future of our planet.

Why You Should Listen: If you’re passionate about environmental issues or love thoughtful stories about nature, this podcast dives into topics ranging from climate change to outdoor adventure, offering a fresh perspective on our connection with the world.

Website: Outside/In

11. Outside Podcast

Outside Podcast: Captivating Stories from the Outdoors and Adventures That Shape Our Lives

Host: Michael Roberts

Overview: Outside Podcast, produced by the team at Outside magazine, dives into the world of outdoor adventure and environmental storytelling. Each episode explores fascinating stories about the outdoors, from thrilling adventures to the ways nature impacts our daily lives.

Why You Should Listen: If you love the outdoors and crave captivating narratives, this podcast delivers engaging stories about adventure, survival, and the deeper relationship between humans and nature.

Website: Outside Podcast

12. She Explores

She Explores: Inspiring Stories of Women’s Adventures, Travel, and Self-Discovery in the Outdoors

Host: Gale Straub

Overview: She Explores is a podcast that highlights the outdoor experiences of women through personal stories of adventure, travel, and self-discovery. It focuses on themes like identity, belonging, and pushing the limits in nature.

Why You Should Listen: If you’re inspired by women’s perspectives on adventure, this podcast provides a thoughtful and inspiring platform where women share their journeys in nature, offering relatable insights for adventurers of all backgrounds.

NB: I will say that this podcast hasn’t been updated since the summer of last year (23) BUT there is an excellent back catalogue to follow

Website: She Explores

13. The Inspire Campfire Podcast

Inspire Campfire Podcast: Transformational Adventure Stories Shared Around the Campfire

Host: Scott Wurtzbacher

Overview: The Inspire Campfire Podcast shares stories of personal transformation and adventure, told around the metaphorical campfire. Guests share their journeys of self-discovery and challenge, drawing from their outdoor and life experiences to inspire others.

Why You Should Listen: If you’re seeking inspiration for your own personal growth or adventure, this podcast offers heartwarming and motivational stories that highlight the power of stepping outside your comfort zone.

Website: Inspire Campfire Podcast

14. The Trail Less Traveled

The Trail Less Traveled: Global Adventures and Wilderness Stories from Explorers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Host: Mandela Leola van Eeden

Overview: The Trail Less Traveled features interviews with explorers, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe. The podcast dives deep into diverse cultures and wilderness experiences, highlighting stories from the most remote corners of the world.

Why You Should Listen: If you’re passionate about exploring different cultures and natural environments, this podcast offers a unique window into global adventures, emphasizing the beauty of wilderness and the resilience of the human spirit.

Website: The Trail Less Traveled

15. Tough Girl Podcast

Tough Girl Podcast: Empowering Stories of Women Conquering Tough Adventures and Outdoor Challenges

Host: Sarah Williams

Overview: Tough Girl Podcast is dedicated to inspiring and empowering women through stories of resilience and adventure. Host Sarah Williams interviews women who have faced tough physical and mental challenges in the outdoors, sharing their experiences of overcoming adversity.

Why You Should Listen: If you’re looking for motivation from women who push their limits, this podcast provides powerful stories of grit, perseverance, and triumph in outdoor adventures, designed to encourage you to take on challenges in your own life.

Website: Tough Girl Podcast

16. Wild Ideas Worth Living

Wild Ideas Worth Living: Inspiring Conversations with Adventurers and Creatives Turning Wild Dreams into Reality

Host: Shelby Stanger

Overview: Wild Ideas Worth Living showcases conversations with adventurers, innovators, and creatives who have turned their wild ideas into reality. Hosted by Shelby Stanger, the podcast explores how people push boundaries and pursue their passions in the outdoors and beyond.

Why You Should Listen: If you’re looking for inspiration to chase your own bold dreams, this podcast provides real-life stories of adventure and creativity that will motivate you to take action and live a life of passion and purpose.

Website: Wild Ideas Worth Living

17. Zero To Travel

Zero To Travel: Creative Strategies and Stories for Adventurous and Budget-Friendly World Travel

Host: Jason Moore

Overview: Zero To Travel is a podcast designed for curious travelers looking to explore the world on their own terms. Host Jason Moore shares unconventional travel strategies, offering insights into how to travel affordably and immerse yourself in global cultures, whether you’re a nomad or a weekend adventurer.

Why You Should Listen: If you’re looking for practical advice on how to travel the world on a budget or need inspiration for off-the-beaten-path destinations, this podcast provides valuable tips and real-world travel experiences.

Website: Zero To Travel

These adventure podcasts not only entertain but also inspire listeners to embrace their own journeys, big or small. Whether you prefer the comfort of your living room or the thrill of the wild, these shows offer something for every kind of adventurer.

Conclusion: Your Portal to MORE Adventure

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