Adventure isn’t about where you go, it’s about how you see the world. In this episode, professional adventurer and bestselling author Alastair Humphreys joins Laura Richards to explore the power of adventure, from cycling across continents to embracing microadventures and the doorstep mile. He breaks down why stepping outside your comfort zone - whether through an epic expedition or a single night under the stars - can transform your perspective, reconnect you with nature, and spark a deeper sense of fulfilment.
Episode 007 - Show Notes
Episode Title:
The Art of Adventure, with Alastair Humphreys
Episode Description:
In this episode of The Idea Junkies Podcast, host Laura Richards is joined by professional adventurer, author, and filmmaker Alastair Humphreys. Alastair has cycled around the world, rowed across the Atlantic, and trekked across deserts… but perhaps most inspiring of all is his mission to make adventure accessible to everyone.
From epic global expeditions to the power of microadventures and the doorstep mile, Alastair shares how stepping outside your comfort zone doesn’t have to mean spending months away or spending a fortune. Whether it’s wild camping near home, sleeping under the stars midweek, or simply taking a different path on a daily walk, this episode is packed with ideas on how small acts of adventure can change your perspective, reconnect you with nature, and enrich your life.
We also explore the philosophy behind embracing discomfort, why adventure isn’t about geography but mindset, and how breaking free from routine (even in the smallest ways) can spark joy, creativity, and resilience. If you’ve ever dreamed of adventure but thought it was out of reach, make sure you hit subscribe. This conversation might just change the way you see the world around you.
Episode Breakdown:
Laura kicks off the episode by introducing Alastair Humphreys and discussing his incredible career in adventure. Alastair shares his journey from undertaking extreme expeditions, such as cycling around the world and rowing across the Atlantic, to redefining adventure through the concept of microadventures.
The conversation turns to the barriers people face when it comes to adventure: lack of time, money, confidence, and the belief that adventure is reserved for elite explorers. Alastair breaks down why adventure is a state of mind rather than a destination and explains how anyone can start small, whether it’s an overnight camp near home or a new local route.
Laura and Alastair discuss his trek across Spain without money, relying solely on his ability to busk with a violin - a trip that, despite being smaller in scale than previous journeys, became one of his most powerful experiences. They explore how the challenge of stepping into vulnerability, whether through physical endurance or social discomfort, can be transformative.
From here, they dive into the rise of extreme endurance challenges like cold-water swimming and ultra-marathons, and why more people are embracing physical and mental discomfort to reconnect with a sense of achievement and self-discovery. Alastair shares why seeing others push boundaries helps shift our own beliefs about what’s possible.
The discussion then moves to comparison culture, particularly on social media, and how it can either inspire or paralyse. Alastair emphasises the importance of focusing on your own journey rather than measuring experiences against others. He shares why the best adventure is the one you actually do, not the one you only dream about.
Laura and Alastair then explore his latest project, Local, which focuses on finding adventure within a single map square. He shares how exploring his immediate surroundings gave him a deeper appreciation for nature, local history, and even political issues like land access and conservation. They discuss how small actions like litter picking, exploring neglected areas, and engaging with local spaces, can collectively make a significant impact.
As the conversation wraps up, Alastair shares his final thought: “One day or day one. You decide.” A reminder that adventure, change, and new experiences don’t have to wait for the perfect moment - the best time to start is now.
Links and Resources:
Learn more about Alastair Humphreys: www.alastairhumphreys.com
Read Microadventures
Read Local
Watch My Midsummer Morning documentary:
Follow Alastair on Instagram
Connect on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Al_Humphreys
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