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What drives someone to venture deep into Arctic Finland—alone, for a month—armed with just a packraft, backpack, and wilderness grit?

In this episode, I sit down with Finnish adventurer and political scientist Albert Weckman—also known for his YouTube and Instagram project Wilderness Bastards—to unpack his epic 300km solo expedition through the wild heart of Finnish Lapland.

We cover Albert’s early connection to Finland’s vast archipelagos and forests, his formal survival training in harsh Arctic conditions, and the mindset shifts required for long solo adventures.

Albert shares the highs and lows of his month-long trek through four remote regions:

• The Vatsari Wilderness, Finland’s wildest terrain bordering Russia and Norway
• The daunting Lake Inari, Finland’s third-largest lake, known for brutal winds
• The swampy and mountainous Hammastunturi Wilderness
• The tranquil Lemmenjoki National Park, where his journey concludes

We dive into the unexpected moments—like a chance meeting with Bosnian fishermen who offered him beer and a Snickers—and explore deeper themes: mental resilience, the myth of needing expensive gear, and how solitude in the wild transforms your perspective.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be totally alone in the Arctic, this episode delivers.

What You’ll Learn:

• How growing up in Finland’s archipelago shaped Albert’s adventurous mindset
• The brutal reality of survival training in minus 20°C with no food or shelter
• Why planning safety in remote solo expeditions is absolutely non-negotiable
• Packrafting lessons from crossing Lake Inari with 40kg of gear
• How adventure isn't about fancy equipment—but simple, deliberate experiences

Resources & Mentions:

• Wilderness Bastards (Instagram & YouTube): Instagram | YouTube
• A Life on Our Planet by David Attenborough
• BioSur Foundation, Costa Rica (Rainforest Conservation): Website
• Lake Inari: More Info
• Lemmenjoki National Park: More Info

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What if your next adventure wasn’t just a hike—but a journey into ancient traditions, mountain culture, and deep human connection?

In this episode, I sit down with Gilbert Moukheiber—Lebanese adventurer, wilderness guide, and founder of 33 North—to explore one of the world’s most unexpected adventure destinations: Lebanon.

From snow-covered peaks to ancient shepherd migration routes, Gilbert reveals how Lebanon’s dramatic geography lets you ski in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean by afternoon.

We dive into the Boukaat Loubnan Trails, a 400km network winding through forgotten Roman temples, Phoenician trade routes, and remote shepherd communities. But this is far more than a trek—it’s a cultural expedition where you walk alongside shepherds, share their meals, and even help tend their goats.

Gilbert also shares his vision for sustainable, community-driven tourism through his Wilderness and Adventure Academy, which trains guides and outdoor lovers in safe, respectful adventure practices—protecting both nature and heritage.

What You’ll Learn:

• How human-powered adventure helps preserve Lebanon’s culture and landscapes
• The magic of transhumance: shepherds’ seasonal migrations through the mountains
• Why Lebanon remains an underrated but world-class adventure destination
• How adventure tourism uplifts and sustains remote mountain communities
• Practical ways to explore Lebanon responsibly, beyond mass tourism

Expect campfire stories, fresh-baked bread, and unforgettable moments of connection—this one is a true hidden gem.

Please Check Out

Boukaat Loubnan Trails | 33North

https://www.instagram.com/33northleb/

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In this raw and riveting episode of Adventure Diaries, I’m joined by expedition leader Chaz Powell—a man who walked into some of the most extreme wildernesses on Earth and returned with stories of survival, connection, and purpose. From dehydration in Zambia’s 50°C heat to being kidnapped in Mozambique, Chaz’s journey isn’t just about distance—it’s about transformation.

We cover his treks along Africa’s wildest rivers—the Zambezi, Gambia, and Mangoky—where he faced wild animals, dodged bandits, and survived by intuition, diplomacy, and grit. But this isn’t just a story about adventure. It’s about how walking saved his life, pulled him out of a troubled past, and became his way of giving back—to people, to rivers, and to the wild.

You’ll also hear about his off-grid plans in Scotland, reflections on fatherhood, bushcraft, and how a simple walk along the River Tay became a form of healing and tribute after losing his dad.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

IDEAS – How adventure can become a personal and societal turning point.
INSIGHTS – What wild rivers teach us about life, growth, and human endurance.
QUOTES – “Walking saved me. I’d just go—bag on back—and keep moving forward.”
FACTS – The Zambezi River trek covered 3,000km over 137 days in 50°C heat.
RECOMMENDATIONS – Walk your local river from source to sea. See what it teaches you.

🔗 Resources & Mentions

• The Wildest Journey – Chaz Powell’s website
• Chaz Powell on Instagram
• African Wildlife Foundation
• Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer – book inspiration
• Sidetracked Magazine – Chaz’s Madagascar article

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