A Tale of Coca‑Cola Ponds, Contraception for Squirrels, and the Hidden Lore of Rural Heritage - Charlie Bennett
Charlie Bennett is a regenerative farmer whose passion for history and storytelling transforms seemingly ordinary farming fields into a tapestry of marvels and hidden tales in an episode where wisdom, wit, and wonder converge.When Charlie inherited some farmland in Northumberland, he decided to bring it back to what he calls "common sense farming" - with sustainability, re-wilding and community at its heart.His adventure on the land has seen him plant over 40,000 trees, return stretches of farmland back to nature and persuade Coca-Cola to build him 11 ponds - all part of a bid to boost biodiversity while keeping the farm thriving and productive. Charlie’s storytelling and unyielding curiosity offer a fresh vision for the future - a reminder that sometimes, the most profound journeys begin right at the roots of the land. More information on Charlie: https://charliebennettauthor.co.uk/Mentioned in the podcastWilding by Isabella Tree: https://www.isabellatree.com/booksFat Llama: https://fatllama.com - Use the code 'tomfatlama' when signing up to get £20 free creditSupport the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653Get in contact:https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcasthttps://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah
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1:51:24
Caught in Everest’s Darkest Hour: How Two Failed Everest Summits Built Unbreakable Resilience in Alex Staniforth
From childhood struggles to scaling life’s biggest challenges, Alex Staniforth’s journey is one of resilience, adventure, and mental strength. After two failed attempts to summit Everest, and surviving an avalanche on the mountain's most fatal year, Alex was forced to shift his mindset, realising that true achievement isn’t always about reaching the top - sometimes, no matter how hard we try, external forces are simply out of our control. These experiences reshaped his perspective on resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity in all areas of life.Alex opens up about the power of mindset, the lessons learned from embracing discomfort, and how the outdoors became his greatest teacher. He also discusses recent attempts to run the UK's Coast to Coast and his work with Mind Over Mountains, a charity helping others find clarity and confidence through nature.With his next big challenge ahead, this conversation is a reminder that adventure is about more than just the destination—it’s about the setbacks, the growth, and the courage to keep moving forward.Follow Alex:https://www.alexstaniforth.com/https://www.instagram.com/alexstaniforth_/https://mindovermountains.org.uk/Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653Get in contact:https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcasthttps://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeahChapters00:00 Introduction01:36 Alex in the city04:02 Changing travel mindset after losing licence10:26 Who is Alex?12:22 Struggles and stammer at school17:44 Advice to younger self19:54 Grit over Grades23:44 What expeditions teach us.26:42 Finding opportunity in adversity31:27 Alex tragic Everest attempts37:13 How to process a life threatening moment47:54 Finding our own Everests in life54:40 Challenging yourself with what's next?01:01:17 Tackling the UK's Coast to Coast trail01:04:49 2nd Coast to Coast attempt01:12:50 The mountains aren't always there01:16:38 Finding the acceptance to stop01:21:59 Processing 2 failures01:24:58 A completion that was different to the initial goal01:27:49 The balance between performance and pleasure01:33:44 Mind over Mountains01:48:59 Alex's fundraising targets01:52:12 Exciting 2025 challenge01:53:23 Advice to those who doubt themselves
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1:58:04
The Most Unique UK Travel Gems and Achievable Adventures with The Travel Project's Charlie Wild
Charlie Wild is one half of The Travel Project, a creative duo on a mission to showcase the very best of UK travel and adventure. Together with his wife Jess, Charlie has spent years exploring hidden gems, wild landscapes, and thrilling experiences—all without leaving Britain’s shores.We go behind the scenes of life as a travel content creator, from capturing the perfect shot to the realities of turning a passion into a career. Charlie also breaks down his 52 Achievable Adventures—a challenge-turned-book designed to inspire anyone to experience more of the UK, no matter their budget or experience level.From the best-kept secrets in the British countryside to the ideal time of year to visit them, Charlie shares his top tips for uncovering the UK’s hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for a coastal escape, a wild swimming spot, or a breathtaking hike, this episode is packed with practical advice and seasonal travel inspiration.52 Achievable Adventures Book: https://geni.us/achievableadventuresFollow The Travel Project: https://www.instagram.com/the.travel.project/Mentioned in the Podcast: The Outside Studio: https://theoutsidestudio.com/Sailing in Norfolk: https://coastalexplorationcompany.co.uk/Fell Pony Trekking: https://fellpony.co.uk/Cairngorms Reindeer: https://www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk/Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653Get in contact:https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcasthttps://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeahCHAPTERS00:00 Intro01:20 Recent winter trip to Scotland03:03 Is a holiday ever a holiday as a travel content creator?09:03 The world's first instagram powered adventure16:30 Finding greater purpose through travel19:21 The changing perceptions on the UK as an adventure destination21:39 Celebrating the UK Coastline23:33 Local knowledge26:42 Canoeing the length of the Thames31:05 How adventure changes your mindset35:18 Being full present outside39:27 Achievable Adventures42:39 Sailing the salt marshes of Norfolk43:45 Fell pony trekking in the Lake District48:13 Turning 52 adventures into a book49:54 Tom's current writing project56:16 Carving own path in life58:57 The husband / wife dynamic01:04:00 Breakfast outside once a month01:08:14 Collating a map of everywhere they have been01:12:33 How to deal with bad weather in the UK01:18:28 Seasonal highlights01:23:44 The Cairngorms in winter01:25:11 Feeding reindeer01:27:55 Bringing Children into Achievable Adventures01:30:00 Fusing science to champion the benefits of the outdoors01:33:18 Going places series of amazing places to stay01:34:22 Adapting adventure for children01:36:30 Charlies favourite place in the UK01:37:39 Next adventures
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1:39:27
The Donor Route: Tracey Bravo’s Path to Solo Motherhood Through Sperm Donation
When Tracey Bravo realised she wanted to be a mother but hadn’t met the right person to share that journey with, she made a bold decision - to go it alone. Without knowing anyone who had taken this path before, she embarked on a deeply personal adventure: choosing to conceive via a sperm donor.In our conversation, Tracey shares how she navigated the process, from selecting a donor to undergoing IVF. We discuss the societal perceptions of single parenthood, the challenges she faced, and the unexpected joys that made it all worthwhile.Tracey’s story is one of courage, determination, and defying convention to create the life she dreamed of. She offers insights into the support networks she built, the lessons she’s learned, and advice for anyone considering the same route.This is an inspiring conversation about rewriting the rules, embracing adventure in all its forms, and proving that there’s no single way to build a family.Contact Traceyhttps://www.facebook.com/traceyjbravoMentioned in the Podcast:The Fertility Show: https://www.fertilityshow.co.uk/The Donor Conception Network: https://dcnetwork.org/Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/ Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653Get in contact:https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcasthttps://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeahChapters:00:00 Intro 01:20 Olympic life & travels05:12 Reaching 30s and still not wanting to settle07:12 Realising current relationship had no future10:00 Being asked about freezing eggs13:41 Unpacking the world of fertility14:36 Co-parenting21:13 Having conversations with current partner26:05 Alternative Parenting Show28:03 Plan B: Adoption30:38 Stories like this are rare33:32 Discovering support networks37:24 Choosing a donor42:46 Donor numbers49:48 Go time & injections56:14 IVF on next cycle59:39 Two week wait01:02:09 Explaining this 'alternative news'01:07:18 People's reaction to news01:12:00 Sharing all with Isaac01:18:20 How Isaac deals knowing he doesn't have a father01:20:25 What Isaac has bought to Tracey's life01:26:08 Advice to others
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1:30:41
Nick Bester's 3 Year Mission to Conquer The Sub-2:20 Marathon
How far would you be willing to go to achieve a target marathon time?For Nick Bester - his journey became a three-year quest, across 7 marathon attempts, to break the sub-2:20 marathon - a target he'd set himself once he broke 2:25A relentless competitor and motivator, across 10 years, Nick has transformed from a recreational runner and corporate banker into a sub-elite marathoner and one of the most dedicated figures in the UK running scene. As running coach, founder of Best Athletics, and Adidas Runners London Captain, Nick unpacks his extraordinary story of how he has pushed his body and mind to the limit, facing failures, self doubt and constantly re-tweaking his approach after each race to finally achieve his goal.He takes us through every step of the journey: the races where things fell apart, the pivotal changes he made, and the mindset shifts that ultimately led him to success. But this isn’t just a story about running fast - Nick opens up about quitting his corporate life to pursue his passion for coaching, the struggles he faced setting up his own brand and business, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and he reveals a mind-blowing marathon stat that I believe is far more impressive that breaking 2:20.This is a story of grit, resilience, and the pursuit of something bigger than just a finishing time. Whether you’re a runner chasing your own PB or someone looking for a lesson in perseverance, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.Follow Nick:https://www.instagram.com/justalilbester/Best Athletics:https://www.bestathletics.co.uk/Support the podcast: Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653Get in contact:https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcasthttps://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeahCHAPTERS00:00 Intro01:30 Nicks New Age Category04:38 Who is Nick?07:42 The balance between weight and enjoying food13:35 Nick's First Marathon in 3:1717:40 Consistent and Accountable Training20:05 A mind blowing stat about Nick's marathons24:18 From Banker to Run Coach31:06 The first year struggles32:59 Hustling to build a brand37:59 Dealing with negativity42:23 Launching Best Athletics50:23 Affiliation with Adidas56:44 1st attempts at 2:2001:04:29 Full sending a half marathon within training01:09:29 Mistakes made while being the fittest01:14:01 3rd attempt - 9 seconds out01:22:01 Dealing with self doubters01:26:19 Finding marginal gains01:29:42 2024 Berlin Marathon01:36:43 Transcending into the wider community01:39:15 Nick's reason for running01:41:52 Future running goals
Hey I'm Tom! I'm a film-maker, adventurer and former BBC journalist. Join me in conversation with those who chose a life of adventure, those who don't take normal as normal and those with incredible stories to tell.
If you think you know someone who has a Great British Adventure story to tell, please get in contact: https://linktr.ee/tombryanyeah
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