
Charlie Walker (S2 EP2 RECAP) : Call To Adventure - Talk To Strangers
05/28/24 • 5 min
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An Inspirational Chat with British Explorer Charlie Walker
In the latest episode of The Adventure Diaries, host Chris Watson sits down with the Explorer, Charlie Walker. This engaging conversation is packed with insightful anecdotes and motivational advice, perfect for anyone looking to spark their own sense of adventure.
A Call to Adventure
Charlie's suggestions are refreshingly simple yet profound.
Reading as an Adventure:
"Well, I mean, quite simple really. Uh, I would say, I mean, for one read. You know, read, uh, travel books, read, I mean, novels are, of course, are wonderful escapism, but read nonfiction alongside novels. And it doesn't need to be travel books. It doesn't need to be adventure books," Charlie advises.
Reading, according to Charlie, is a fantastic way to understand the world better and appreciate the universal human experiences and fascinating differences across cultures. Whether it's a gripping novel or an insightful nonfiction book, the act of reading can transport you to new places and expand your horizons.
Connecting with Strangers:
Another piece of advice from Charlie is to talk to strangers. "One of the things that I've most relished and probably have taken away from trips I've been on is the habit of being that person on the train, for instance, who just starts talking to the person next to them," he shares.
Charlie acknowledges that while this might occasionally lead to awkward moments, the benefits far outweigh the discomfort. These spontaneous conversations often lead to memorable encounters and new friendships, adding a rich layer of experience to any journey.
Recommended Reads
When asked about his favorite travel writers, Charlie mentions Redmond O'Hanlon with great enthusiasm. O'Hanlon is known for his wild, often comically disastrous adventures, whether he's navigating the jungles of Borneo or braving the rough seas of the North Sea.
"I'm a huge fan of the travel writer Redmond O'Hanlon. He is a very different type of traveler to me, but he goes off on mad cat journeys for which he, by his own admission, is woefully ill-suited to," Charlie explains. O'Hanlon's ability to empathize with the people he encounters and his hilarious storytelling make his books a must-read for any travel enthusiast.
Paying It Forward
The final tradition in Chris's podcast is the "Pay It Forward" segment, where guests highlight a worthy cause. Charlie chooses Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), an organization renowned for its work in conflict zones and disaster areas worldwide.
"There's nothing I can think of that is more universally important than MSF, Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders," Charlie states. He praises their unwa
Thanks For Listening.
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Please click here to 'Follow' the show - it really helps get the show to a wider audience (which I really thank you for!).
It will bring more people, greater stories and more adventures for everyone.
An Inspirational Chat with British Explorer Charlie Walker
In the latest episode of The Adventure Diaries, host Chris Watson sits down with the Explorer, Charlie Walker. This engaging conversation is packed with insightful anecdotes and motivational advice, perfect for anyone looking to spark their own sense of adventure.
A Call to Adventure
Charlie's suggestions are refreshingly simple yet profound.
Reading as an Adventure:
"Well, I mean, quite simple really. Uh, I would say, I mean, for one read. You know, read, uh, travel books, read, I mean, novels are, of course, are wonderful escapism, but read nonfiction alongside novels. And it doesn't need to be travel books. It doesn't need to be adventure books," Charlie advises.
Reading, according to Charlie, is a fantastic way to understand the world better and appreciate the universal human experiences and fascinating differences across cultures. Whether it's a gripping novel or an insightful nonfiction book, the act of reading can transport you to new places and expand your horizons.
Connecting with Strangers:
Another piece of advice from Charlie is to talk to strangers. "One of the things that I've most relished and probably have taken away from trips I've been on is the habit of being that person on the train, for instance, who just starts talking to the person next to them," he shares.
Charlie acknowledges that while this might occasionally lead to awkward moments, the benefits far outweigh the discomfort. These spontaneous conversations often lead to memorable encounters and new friendships, adding a rich layer of experience to any journey.
Recommended Reads
When asked about his favorite travel writers, Charlie mentions Redmond O'Hanlon with great enthusiasm. O'Hanlon is known for his wild, often comically disastrous adventures, whether he's navigating the jungles of Borneo or braving the rough seas of the North Sea.
"I'm a huge fan of the travel writer Redmond O'Hanlon. He is a very different type of traveler to me, but he goes off on mad cat journeys for which he, by his own admission, is woefully ill-suited to," Charlie explains. O'Hanlon's ability to empathize with the people he encounters and his hilarious storytelling make his books a must-read for any travel enthusiast.
Paying It Forward
The final tradition in Chris's podcast is the "Pay It Forward" segment, where guests highlight a worthy cause. Charlie chooses Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), an organization renowned for its work in conflict zones and disaster areas worldwide.
"There's nothing I can think of that is more universally important than MSF, Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders," Charlie states. He praises their unwa
Thanks For Listening.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content.
Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates.
Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected].
AdventureDiaries.com
#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld
Previous Episode

Charlie Walker: Cycling To The Ends Of Europe, Africa & Asia
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It will bring more people, greater stories and more adventures for everyone.
Adventure Diaries Season 2 - Episode 2 with Explorer Charlie Walker.
Charlie Walker, a British explorer, shares his adventures of cycling 43,000 miles across 60 countries. He discusses his unconventional background and how he came to embark on this journey. He highlights the importance of human-powered travel and the intimate connections it allows with people and cultures. He shares stories of his interactions with locals in Belgium, Iran, and Tibet, emphasizing the kindness and hospitality he experienced. He also talks about the challenges he faced, including extreme cold weather and the struggle to find food and water in remote areas. In this conversation, Charlie Walker discusses his adventures across the world, including his journey through Mongolia, West Africa, Tibet, and Siberia. He shares stories of encountering nomads in the Gobi Desert, the problem of alcoholism in Mongolia, visiting refugee camps in Guinea, and wildlife encounters in various countries. Charlie reflects on the joyous moments of solitude in nature and the absurdity of his experiences. He also recommends reading travel books and talking to strangers as ways to explore the world. Charlie's call to adventure is to read and engage with nonfiction books, while his pay-it-forward suggestion is to support Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).
Takeaways
- Human-powered travel allows for intimate connections with people and cultures.
- Kindness and hospitality are universal, even in remote and unfamiliar places.
- Extreme weather and scarcity of food and water can pose significant challenges during adventures.
- Unconventional backgrounds can lead to unexpected and transformative journeys. Engage with the world through reading travel books and nonfiction
- Embrace the joy of solitude in nature
- Talk to strangers and engage in conversations
- Support Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in their humanitarian work
Thanks For Listening.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content.
Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates.
Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected].
AdventureDiaries.com
#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld
Next Episode

Cyril Derreumaux: Epic Kayak Adventures, Crossing the Pacific & Atlantic Oceans
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It will bring more people, greater stories and more adventures for everyone.
In Season 2 episode 3 pf the Adventure Diaries podcast, Cyril Derreumaux, a world-record-breaking adventure kayaker, shared his journey from the wine industry to becoming a full-time adventurer and motivational speaker. His story exemplifies mental resilience, the importance of preparation, and the beauty of embracing the unknown. Cyril's insights from harrowing storms, failed attempts, and successful voyages provide a profound look into the life of an adventurer.
From Wine to Waves
Cyril's transition from the wine industry to adventure kayaking is a tale of passion. He recounts, "The moment I left, there's really a sense of adventure, a sense of, okay, now it's me in the ocean, I love it, that's what I want to do and feel your joy and happiness." This shift highlights his pursuit of new experiences and the courage to change career paths.
The Journey of Endurance
Facing formidable challenges, Cyril emphasizes mental resilience. Reflecting on his failed attempts, he states, "Yes, I failed, I didn't cross. But why? And that's in answering the why that actually you learn the most." These experiences taught him that failure is a learning opportunity that drives improvement and success.
Encounters with Nature
One highlight of Cyril's adventures is his encounters with wildlife. From whales and dolphins to albatrosses and flying fish, the ocean's biodiversity adds a magical element to his voyages, underlining the profound connection between adventurers and nature.
Preparing for the Atlantic Crossing
As Cyril prepares for his next epic adventure, the Atlantic Crossing, he delves into rigorous preparation. His holistic training regimen includes physical endurance, mental fortitude, and strategic planning. "I would have to make my water. I have a water maker that's heavy," he explains, showcasing the practical challenges of solo journeys.
Inspiring Others and Paying It Forward
Cyril's passion for adventure and commitment to environmental conservation are evident. He encourages others to seek their own adventures and live their best lives, declaring, "Adventure is vibration. It has to come from the heart." He also advocates for environmental stewardship, emphasizing the importance of leaving no trace.
Takeaways
- Mental Resilience: Enduring challenges and learning from failure.
- Career Transition: From wine industry to full-time adventurer and motivational speaker.
- Holistic Preparation: Physical and mental training for ultra-endurance adventures.
- Success Criteria: Safety, enjoyment, and personal definitions of success.
- Wildlife Encounters: Highlighting the beauty and connection with nature.
- Environmental Conservation: Promoting leave-no-trace principles.
- Post-Expedition Blues: Adjusting to routine life after
Thanks For Listening.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more exciting content.
Follow us https://linktr.ee/adventurediaries for updates.
Have a topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected].
AdventureDiaries.com
#AdventureDiaries #AdventureStories #NationalGeographic #Discovery #NaturalWorld
Adventure Diaries - Charlie Walker (S2 EP2 RECAP) : Call To Adventure - Talk To Strangers
Transcript
Two closing traditions that we've got in the show, one of which is a call to adventure, and it's an opportunity for the guest to give a suggestion of a, an activity place or a persons or something, A call to adventure to get people inspired and go to get away from the screen and do something fun.
What would your call to adventure be?
Well, I mean, quite simple really. Uh, I would say, I mean, for one read. You know, read, uh, travel books, read, I mean, novels are, of course, are wonde
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