From Skateboard Misfit to Acclaimed National Geographic Filmmaker

Adventure Diaries host Chris Watson sits down with filmmaker and photographer Matt Pycroft to trace path from a somewhat insecure skateboarding misfit in Grimsby to directing flagship expedition series for National Geographic like Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold.

Along the way, Matt shares the transformative power of an Outward Bound course, the founding of his production company Coldhouse Collective, and the unexpected lessons of ego-death and collaboration that drive him today.

From rigging ropes in the slime-covered flake-faces of Mount Roraima’s tepui to capturing rhino translocations in Kenya, Matt’s cinematic eye and boundless curiosity invite us to experience the natural world as a place of wonder—no passport required.

This episode challenges what we call “adventure,” whether it’s wild camping on Scotland’s peaks or simply noticing the first daffodil of spring around the corner.

Watch The Episode With Matt Pycroft

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Listen To The Episode With Matt Pycroft

• Breaking the glass ceiling – How a three-week Outward Bound course in Scotland at age 16 shattered limiting beliefs and launched Matt’s outdoor career.
• Building Coldhouse Collective – The “brand-first” model that flipped sponsorship on its head, pitching stories that serve both adventure narratives and marketing goals.
• Ego-death in leadership – Why saying “I’m not comfortable” on a dubious rope flake saved Matt’s life on Mount Roraima and reshaped his approach to risk.
• Expeditions for everyone – Redefining adventure as a journey with unknown outcomes, accessible on your doorstep and across the globe.

• “Leo thinking I’m soft is better than me dying.” – Trust your instincts, even when it means radioing down from a sketchy ascent.
• “You won’t protect what you don’t love.” – The mission behind every film: inspire environmental stewardship through authentic storytelling.
• “Adventure is a mindset, not an activity.” – You don’t need a passport to discover the extraordinary.

• Outward Bound legacy – Founded in 1941 to build resilience through outdoor education (link).
• Coldhouse Collective – Launched 2014 to produce “stories brands need,” now directing series for National Geographic and Netflix.
• Nat Geo partnerships – Directed Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold and Limitless with Chris Hemsworth.
• One-Percent for the Planet – Matt commits 1 percent of his turnover to vetted environmental charities.

• Hidden jungles – Trek 53 km through Guyana’s rainforest to base camp of Mount Roraima.
• Portaledge dawn – Experience sunrise from a hanging tent on a tepui summit.
• Right to roam – Advocate for public access, whether in Scotland or your local park.
• State-of-mind expeditions – Notice five new things on your next walk: textures, sounds, smells.

Call to Adventure: Find an untrodden path near home—whether a forgotten footpath in your town or a city park at dawn—and slow down. Notice what you’ve never seen: the crack of daffodils through pavement, the distant birdcall, the patch of sky framed by rooftops.

Then take Matt’s challenge: if your heart still yearns for more, plan a true expedition—be it Wadi Rum’s red dunes or a kayak trip along Scotland’s coast—and take that first step without waiting for permission.

Pay It Forward: Join 1 Percent for the Planet and pledge 1 percent of your income—personal or business—to vetted environmental nonprofits. Or dive into The Book of Trespass by Nick Hayes to understand why public access is your right, not a privilege—then go civilly trespass for the sake of stewardship.

• Outward Bound – Official site and history of the outdoor education pioneer.
• Coldhouse Collective – Explore Matt’s portfolio of films and expeditions.
• Arctic Ascent – Watch the series on National Geographic.
• The Book of Trespass by Nick Hayes – A manifesto for public access.
• Matt Pycroft – On Instagram

Before you go—if Matt’s story ignited your spark, leave a review or subscribe on your favorite platform. Your feedback helps us keep sharing the tales that connect us to the wild and each other.