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The Adventure PodcastStories of adventure and exploration Author: Coldhouse Collective
An ongoing series of long-form conversations with individuals at the forefront of exploration and adventure in which filmmaker Matt Pycroft speaks to the most knowledgeable, accomplished and respected voices in the field. From mountaineers to wildlife cinematographers, environmental activists to polar photographers, The Adventure Podcast brings you up close and personal with those who live extraordinary lives. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Language: en Genres: Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Sports, Wilderness Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 212: Chris McCaffrey, Chasing Sensations
Episode 212
Wednesday, 15 October, 2025
Episode 212 of The Adventure Podcast features adventurer, cyclist and skiier, Chris McCaffrey. Chris rowed across an ocean having never rowed before. He cycled around the world with limited bike experience. He nearly lost his life, more than once. What begins as a discussion about extreme adventure unfolds into an exploration of motivation, ego, purpose, and the pursuit of joy. In this episode, Matt and Chris talk openly about failure and identity. Why we chase “epic” experiences, what happens when they stop fulfilling us, and how joy can become more powerful fuel than grit. Chris has a striking amount of self-awareness and isn't afraid to challenge himself and his motivations. This is a conversation about what happens after you’ve ticked some of the 'biggest boxes' of adventure, and what’s left when the applause fades.For extra insights from the worlds of adventure, exploration and the natural world, you can find The Adventure Podcast+ community on Substack. You can also follow along and join in on Instagram @theadventurepodcast.Chapter Breakdown00:00 – 07:30 | Chris recounts contracting typhus, facing mortality, and how he ended up in a hospital bed in Vietnam.07:30 – 17:00 | Matt digs into what drives people to pursue extreme adventures and the psychology of needing to prove oneself.17:00 – 25:00 | Chris reflects on motivation, the pull of ego, and how perspective shifts after failure.25:00 – 33:00 | Chris revisits his attempt to row across an ocean, what went wrong, and how it changed him.33:00 – 47:00 | A raw conversation about coping mechanisms, crisis-seeking, and finding purpose outside of chaos.47:00 – 58:00 | Matt and Chris discuss ambition, validation, how to let go of needing to impress others and stop being 'epic'.58:00 – 01:11:00 | The truth behind the motivation to begin cycling around the world, the reality of the journey, and how it reshaped his outlook.01:11:00 – 01:20:00 | Chris explains why joy, not toughness, now drives him through challenges.01:20:00 – 01:32:00 | Revisiting illness, danger, and how acceptance replaces ambition.01:32:00 – 01:37:30 | The lessons of failure, friendship, and learning to value the process over the outcome.01:37:30 – 01:46:00 | A closing reflection on fear, sensation-seeking, insignificance, and finding beauty in it all.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-adventure-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
