What would you give to live forever?

A lock of hair? A drop of blood? Your soul?

In this spine-tingling episode, I plunge deep into one of history’s darkest and most enduring obsessions: the quest for immortality. Blending gripping fiction with chilling real-life accounts, I'll unraveling the strange, unsettling truths behind mankind’s age-old desire to cheat death.

🩸 From medieval castles to Silicon Valley labs, the pursuit of eternal life has taken some truly bizarre turns.

Hit play to hear:

• The horrifying legend of Countess Báthory, said to have bathed in blood to preserve her youth
• The disturbing practice of parabiosis, and why tech billionaires are paying for the blood of the young
• The rise and fall of Dr. Serge Voronoff, who implanted monkey testicles in wealthy men during the 1920s
• Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, who died from his own immortality potion—and built a booby-trapped tomb that has never been opened
• Isaac Newton’s secret obsession with alchemy, the philosopher’s stone, and the fine line between genius and madness

But what if immortality isn’t just legend? What if someone actually found the secret?

In Shadow of the Sunstone, my collaboration with thriller writer John Hopton, we explore this in all its detail:

Eternal youth. Forbidden science. A pilot caught in the crossfire.

When retired Air Force pilot Nora "Sierra" Byrd is handed a relic said to unlock the secret to eternal life, she’s thrust into a global conspiracy involving ancient tombs, human experiments, and a ruthless enemy willing to kill—or die—to live forever.

Some people will do anything to escape death. Sierra’s job is to make sure they don’t succeed.

The Shadow of the Sunstone is a pulse-pounding archaeological thriller where the quest for immortality turns deadly.

Check out THE SHADOW OF THE SUNSTONE here

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent...

In this episode of The Adventure Story Podcast, I'm joined by travel writing legend, Rolf Potts. We have an insightful conversation about the unpredictable magic of travel and storytelling—from jumping trains and sleeping in vans to drinking kava in Vanuatu and chasing the trans-Siberian express, Rolf shares the real stories behind his adventures, and how he shapes those moments into compelling narratives.

We explore the art of slow travel, the ethics of writing about cultures that aren’t your own, and why the unexpected moments are often the most unforgettable.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler, an aspiring writer, or just someone who dreams of far-off places, this episode is packed with heart, humor, and wisdom!

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts is available here. Here’s what it’s all about:

Vagabonding is about taking an extended time away from your normal life to discover and experience the world on your own terms. Veteran shoestring traveler, Rolf Potts shows you how anyone with an independent spirit can achieve the dream of extended overseas travel. Rolf shares how you can finance your travel time, determine your destination, adjust to life on the road and much more.

Takeaways:

• Early adventures, especially your first, often leave the most lasting impact, regardless of age, the emotional resonance of those initial experiences is unmatched.
• Letting go of strict itineraries allows space for unplanned, often magical encounters that become the heart of the best travel stories.
• Writing about other cultures involves honoring their realities while translating the experience for a Western audience, without exoticizing or distorting the truth.
• From the No Baggage Challenge to playing bagpipes in Cuba, Rolf reminds us that the best adventures are about the journey itself, not the destination.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks...

In a world obsessed with bucket lists and Instagram hotspots, there are still places that feel like the pages of an untold story. The Balkans—rugged, raw, and brimming with legend—are one of them.

In this episode, I sit down with adventurer and independent travel expert Annie Sisson to uncover why this overlooked corner of Europe deserves a place in every explorer’s heart. We swap stories of winding mountain roads, crumbling fortresses, secret coastlines, and cultures shaped by centuries of upheaval and resilience.

If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering a place before the world does—or you crave that old-school, edge-of-the-map feeling—this episode is your compass. The Balkans aren’t just a destination. They’re an adventure story waiting to be lived.

Listen to my trip to Albania on the Travel Now Podcast

You can find Annie here

Takeaways:

• Travelers have long sought destinations that remain unspoiled and free from tourists.
• The Balkan Peninsula, rich in culture, is often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
• Annie Sisson emphasizes the authenticity and unpredictability of traveling in the Balkans.
• The region offers a unique blend of languages, cultures, and landscapes, enhancing the adventure.
• Public transport in the Balkans can be challenging, hence renting a car is recommended.
• Sarajevo stands out as a magical destination, blending diverse cultures and rich history.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it!

Join the crew on Patreon:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Patreon

Love Adventure Stories?

If you enjoyed today’s episode, you’ll love my books—fast-paced thrillers packed with action, history, and mystery.

Check them out at LukeRichardsonAuthor.com

Thanks

In this episode of The Adventure Story Podcast, I'm joined by Andrew Clawson, bestselling author of thrillers and adventure novels, for a captivating deep dive into the enigmatic Emerald Tablet.

We explore the tablet's myth, tracing the mysterious artifact’s journey through time—from its rumored roots in ancient Egyptian and Greek mythology to its influence during the Persian Empire.

Andrew reveals how this powerful symbol of alchemy and ancient wisdom has inspired his storytelling, and how it weaves into the plots of his gripping novels. We also discuss undiscovered ancient civilizations and their influence on adventure storytelling!

The Emerald Tablet by Andrew Clawson is available here. Here's what it's all about:

An ancient Persian relic. A message etched in stone. A deadly quest across the globe to reveal the forbidden truth.

Recovering ancient relics for the Italian mob can be deadly. When Harry Fox narrowly outwits a thieving artifacts dealer to escape with his life, he quickly discovers he came away with more than he bargained for. The stone tablet with a strange tale etched on it tells of lost knowledge from the cradle of civilization – the ancient Persian Empire.

If Harry Fox thought hunting artifacts for the mob was dangerous, he has no idea what’s in store as he hurtles toward disaster to uncover the truth behind the Emerald Tablet.

Takeaways:

• The Emerald Tablet is a legendary idea more than a real artifact, tied to alchemy and mysterious ancient wisdom.
• Its most famous line is “As above, so below,” hinting at a link between the cosmos and the human soul.
• It was likely written in Arabic around the 6th–8th century and later translated into Latin, fueling Renaissance interest in alchemy.
• It blends Egyptian, Greek, and Islamic thought, showing how ancient cultures influenced one another.
• Though short, the tablet’s dense symbolism has inspired centuries of mystical, philosophical, and scientific interpretations.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on...

In the early hours of May 20, 2010, a lone figure scaled the walls of the Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris and vanished into the galleries. Moments later, five irreplaceable masterpieces — including works by Picasso, Matisse, and Modigliani — were gone. No alarms. No trace. No recovery.

But this wasn’t fiction. This was the real-life work of Vjéran Tomic — a thief so skilled, so methodical, he became known as the Spider-Man of Paris.

In this episode of The Adventure Story Podcast, I’ll take you deep into the shadows of the City of Light to unravel the truth behind one of the most audacious art thefts in modern history. You’ll meet the man behind the myth, uncover the obsession that drove him, and discover the global black market where billionaires and criminals cross paths over stolen masterpieces.

This story inspired my free novella The Paris Heist, co-written with bestselling author Ernest Dempsey. Read for FREE today:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/paris

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it!

Join the crew on Patreon:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Patreon

Love Adventure Stories?

If you enjoyed today’s episode, you’ll love my books—fast-paced thrillers packed with action, history, and mystery.

Check them out at LukeRichardsonAuthor.com

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of The Adventure Story Podcast. 🏆🎙

In this episode of the Adventure Story Podcast, I'm joined by filmmaker and global adventurer Jon Beardmore as we explore one of the Galapagos Islands’ most fascinating traditions, Post Office Bay.

Dating back centuries, this unique spot once served as an unofficial mail system where sailors would leave handwritten letters in a wooden barrel, hoping the next passing ship would deliver them. Inspired by this legacy, Jon set out to revive the tradition with a bold and heartfelt twist: collecting 55 letters from Post Office Bay and hand-delivering them across the globe.

His mission took him to 52 countries, forging unexpected friendships, navigating cultural borders, and reconnecting with the human spirit in its purest form. Along the way, Jon also raised awareness and funds for Motor Neuron Disease and ALS, giving his journey even deeper meaning!

Give to Jon’s fundraiser here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/galapagospostmanuk

From uplifting reunions to tense border crossings, this episode is a powerful reminder that in a world dominated by digital communication, handwritten letters and the connections they forge still matter.

Check out more of Jon's adventures on Instagram.

Takeaways:

• Post Office Bay has operated as a sailor's mailbox since the 1700s, relying on the honor system and human goodwill.
• Each letter represented a personal story, carried not just by Jon, but by the spirit of those who once trusted strangers with their words.
• Even in our tech-saturated world, the power of a handwritten message remains timeless.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it!

Join the crew on...

On this episode of The Adventure Story Podcast, we're heading back to medieval Paris for one of the most dramatic exits in history. Picture this: a cold March morning in 1314, a massive crowd gathered on the Île de la Cité, and Jacques de Molay—the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar—chained to a pyre in the shadow of Notre Dame.

As the flames rise, Molay doesn’t scream. He speaks. And what he says? It sounds like a curse.

We dive deep into the infamous Templar Curse—the chilling prophecy Molay delivered moments before his death. Did it really doom a pope, a king, and an entire dynasty? Or is it all just a medieval mic drop with some seriously spooky timing?

Along the way, we unravel the rise and fall of the Templars, their legendary treasure (maybe even in the Americas 👀), and the mysterious underground world of Portugal’s secret Templar sites.

History, myth, fire, and a bit of revenge from beyond the grave? Yeah, we’re into it.

If you've enjoyed the mystery and intrigue of this episode, I think you'll love my book, The Templar Enigma.

Here's what it's all about:

A TEMPLAR CURSE. AN ANCIENT PROPHECY. A PULSE-POUNDING RACE AGAINST TIME.

In 1314, a dying Grand Master swore vengeance. Now, the curse is awakening...

When a modern-day Templar descendant unearths the key to unlocking that ancient power—the legendary Seal of Solomon—he sets in motion a plan that could collapse the modern world.

Only one person stands in his way.

Enter Eden Black—archaeologist, adventurer, and accidental hero. As the countdown to global chaos begins, Eden races from forgotten crypts to desert ruins, unraveling a conspiracy centuries in the making. But as she gets closer to the truth, she realizes the greatest secret of all… is her own.

If you’re into ancient mysteries, secret societies, and edge-of-your-seat adventure, The Templar Enigma is your next obsession.

Join the quest today!

• The Templars, at their zenith, represented the first multinational corporation in history.
• Jacques de Molay's execution in 1314 marked the beginning of a significant historical changes.
• The Templar curse seemingly manifested through the swift demise of Pope Clement V post-execution.
• King Philip IV of France suffered a fatal accident shortly after condemning Jacques de Molay.
• The unexpected deaths of Philip's sons led to the collapse of a royal dynasty.
• The theories surrounding the Templar treasure continue to spark intrigue and speculation today.

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city...

In this episode of the Adventure Story Podcast, I'm joined by archaeologist and author Sean McLachlan. We delve into 1919 Cairo, Egypt, discussing the city's post-Great War atmosphere, filled with revolution, treasure hunting, and clandestine activities.

Sean shares his experiences and the inspiration behind his historical adventure novels (The Masked Man of Cairo) set during this vibrant period. We focus on the intertwining of historical events with personal narratives, the evolution of Egyptology, and the ongoing issue of artifact smuggling and preservation.

Whether it's navigating the bustling streets of modern Cairo or reflecting on the golden age of archaeology, this episode is a fascinating journey into the past and its lasting impact on the present!

The Masked Man of Cairo by Sean McLachan is available here. Here's what it's all about:

An ancient mystery. A modern murder.

Sir Augustus Wall, a horribly mutilated veteran of the Great War, has left Europe behind to open an antiquities shop in Cairo. But Europe’s troubles follow him as a priceless inscription is stolen and those who know its secrets start turning up dead.

Teaming up with Egyptology expert Moustafa Ghani, and Faisal, an irritating street urchin he just can't shake, Sir Wall must unravel an ancient secret and face his own dark past.

Takeaways:

• After WWI, Egyptians revolted against British rule, leading to violent crackdowns and, eventually, limited independence in 1922.
• Archaeologists like Howard Carter were racing to uncover lost treasures, often overshadowing the contributions of Egyptian and Sudanese laborers.
• The city was a mix of ancient traditions and modern chaos, with thriving markets, stolen artifacts, and struggling communities.
• Egyptians and Sudanese faced discrimination under colonial rule, while local scholars fought for recognition in a European-dominated field.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks...