Access to Inspiration

Hosted by Sue Stockdale

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180

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Oct 2026

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Access to Inspiration is an award-winning podcast ranked among the top 10% of podcasts globally, featuring conversations with explorers, entrepreneurs, business leaders and changemakers from around the world. Hosted by executive coach, author and polar explorer Sue Stockdale, the podcast explores leadership, resilience, personal growth, innovation, exploration and the mindset required to navigate uncertainty. With guests from more than 30 countries, each episode uncovers the stories behind remarkable achievements, revealing the lessons learned through challenge, adversity and discovery. Topics span leadership, business, adventure, sustainability, creativity, social impact and human potential. Listeners gain practical insights, fresh perspectives and actionable ideas to help them build confidence, embrace change and step beyond their comfort zones. Whether you are a leader, entrepreneur, professional, explorer or lifelong learner, Access to Inspiration offers thought-provoking conversations designed to inspire personal and professional growth. Learn more at Access to Inspiration Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support .

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October 14, 2026Episode 15633 min

156. Kristy Halvorsen: Trusting the Unknown - Living Life Without a Map

(00:00:00) 156. Kristy Halvorsen: Trusting the Unknown - Living Life Without a Map (00:02:29) Coddiwomple Explained (00:03:51) Reinvention Through Openness (00:05:16) A Day of Unplanned Magic (00:09:45) What Freedom Really Is (00:11:47) Staying Safe Off Grid (00:14:12) From Loneliness to Connection (00:17:20) Home as a State of Mind (00:19:51) Letting Go of Labels (00:21:28) Favourite Places on the Road (00:24:23) Journaling and Making It Work (00:26:29) Skills from a Past Life (00:29:50) One Step Into the Unknown What happens when you walk away from a successful career, sell almost everything you own, and choose to live without knowing what comes next? Host Sue Stockdale speaks with author, mentor and full-time traveller Kristy Halvorsen, whose life took a dramatic turn when she left behind a successful career as a firefighter to live on the road in an Airstream trailer. Nearly a decade later, Kristy continues to embrace what she calls a "coddiwomple" life — travelling purposefully towards unknown destinations and remaining open to whatever unfolds. In this thought-provoking conversation, Kristy shares how following what she describes as the "tickles of her soul" led her to a deeper understanding of freedom, identity, belonging and human connection. She reflects on overcoming loneliness, learning to trust uncertainty, and discovering that home is not a place but a state of mind. Along the way, she reveals how the lessons she learned as an engineer and firefighter continue to help her navigate life off-grid and embrace the unexpected.This conversation explores courage, reinvention, freedom, self-discovery and what becomes possible when we stop trying to control every step of the journey. You will learn: Why Kristy left a secure career to live and travel full-time in an Airstream What the word coddiwomple means and how it became her philosophy for life Why reinvention is often the result of experience rather than intention How embracing uncertainty can create unexpected opportunities and connections What she learned about loneliness, solitude and belonging during nearly a decade on the road Why freedom is more about mindset than circumstances How engineering and firefighting shaped her resilience and resourcefulness What it means to trust the "tickles of your soul" when facing an important decision Why home can be a feeling rather than a physical place Key Quote "The tickles of our soul are the ultimate guidance. Just take the one step and trust the unknown." About Kristy Halvorsen Kristy Halvorsen is an author, coach, former firefighter and full-time traveller who has spent nearly ten years living off-grid and exploring North America from her Airstream trailer. After leaving behind a conventional career and lifestyle, she embraced a life of uncertainty, adventure and personal discovery. Her book, Perfect Unfolding, chronicles one remarkable year of her journey and explores themes of freedom, connection, trust and transformation. Through her writing Kristy encourages others to listen to their inner guidance and embrace the possibilities that emerge when they step into the unknown. Connect with Kristy Halvorsen via her website: Perfect Unfolding and on Instagram Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support . Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale Producer: Sue Stockdale Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

October 7, 2026Episode 15531 min

155.Mario Haberfeld: Conservation, Courage and the Jaguar Rivers Initiative

(00:00:00) 155.Mario Haberfeld: Conservation, Courage and the Jaguar Rivers Initiative (00:01:19) Africa Trip Inspiration (00:02:38) Racing to Conservation (00:05:17) Starting in Pantanal (00:07:13) Habituating Jaguars (00:09:08) Oncafari Expands Mission (00:13:28) Biggest Challenges Fires (00:16:21) Funding and Community Wins (00:20:09) Lessons from Motorsport (00:24:16) Advice for Changemakers (00:26:45) Jaguar Rivers Initiative (00:30:23) Most Memorable Jaguar Moment What happens when a former Formula One and IndyCar driver decides his next challenge is saving one of the world's most iconic big cats? Host Sue Stockdale speaks with Brazilian conservationist and former racing driver Mario Haberfeld, founder of Onçafari, one of South America's leading wildlife conservation organisations. Mario shares how a childhood journey to Africa sparked a lifelong fascination with wildlife, a passion that remained alive throughout a successful motorsport career. After retiring from racing, Mario embarked on a two-year global journey to understand conservation efforts around the world. What emerged was an ambitious vision which has evolved since 2011- to create a sustainable future for jaguars in Brazil through ecotourism, scientific research, habitat protection and community engagement. Mario explains how Onçafari pioneered the habituation of wild jaguars, transforming wildlife tourism in Brazil's Pantanal region while creating economic opportunities for local communities. He also discusses the growing threat of climate-driven wildfires, the importance of long-term thinking, and the ambitious Jaguar Rivers Initiative, a multinational effort to connect wildlife corridors across Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. This conversation explores leadership, perseverance, teamwork and the power of following a passion. You will learn: How a childhood trip to Africa inspired Mario's conservation journey Why he transitioned from professional motorsport to wildlife protection The pioneering work Onçafari has done to habituate jaguars safely How ecotourism can support both conservation and local communities Why climate change and wildfires are now among the greatest threats to biodiversity What motorsport taught Mario about leadership, teamwork and resilience The vision behind the Jaguar Rivers Initiative and its international impact Advice for anyone wanting to create meaningful change in the world Key Quote "If your passion is big enough to accept the challenges, then everything is achievable." About Mario Haberfeld Mario Haberfeld is a former Formula One test driver and IndyCar racer who founded Onçafari, a pioneering Brazilian conservation organisation dedicated to protecting jaguars. Since its launch, Onçafari has expanded from a single project in the Pantanal to a multi-biome conservation initiative combining wildlife research, rewilding, education, community development and habitat protection. Mario is also a driving force behind the international Jaguar Rivers Initiative, which seeks to connect critical wildlife corridors across South America. Connect with Onçafari via website and Instagram Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support . Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale Producer: Sue Stockdale Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

September 30, 2026Episode 15437 min

154.Margaret Heffernan: Why Great Leadership Needs Friction, Doubt and Better Questions

(00:00:00) 154.Margaret Heffernan: Why Great Leadership Needs Friction, Doubt and Better Questions (00:01:02) Why Leaders Love Failures (00:04:04) Inspiration needs Friction (00:09:08) From Inspiration to Next Steps (00:12:46) Time and Cooling Off (00:15:18) Efficiency Myth and Multitasking (00:19:28) Isolation from the Coalface (00:21:25) Trust Makes Leaders (00:25:08) Inspiration Fuels Creativity (00:29:28) Questions over Answers (00:31:00) Running Towards Uncertainty (00:33:33) Personal Practices and Listening What if the very thing most leaders try to avoid, friction, is exactly what organisations need most? Sue Stockdale talks to entrepreneur, leadership thinker and bestselling author Margaret Heffernan who challenges some of the most common assumptions about leadership, innovation and inspiration. Drawing on decades of experience leading organisations and researching business success and failure, Margaret argues that progress rarely comes from certainty, speed or having all the answers. Instead, she makes the case for doubt, dissent, curiosity and collective intelligence. Sue and Margaret explore why leaders are often more interested in learning from failure than success, how organisations become trapped by an obsession with efficiency, and why inspiration alone is never enough to create meaningful change. They discuss the importance of slowing down, asking better questions, listening deeply, and creating environments where people feel safe to challenge ideas. Margaret also shares practical insights from her own creative process, revealing how she develops ideas, writes books, and navigates uncertainty without rushing to easy answers. You will learn: Why mistakes are often a leader's greatest source of learning The difference between inspiration and implementation How friction, challenge and doubt improve decision-making Why leaders should ask better questions instead of providing answers The dangers of prioritising efficiency over creativity How collective intelligence outperforms individual brilliance The importance of embracing uncertainty rather than avoiding it Practical ways leaders can build more creative and resilient organisations Key Quote "The job of a leader is to create the conditions in which great people can do the best work of their lives." About Margaret Heffernan Margaret Heffernan is an entrepreneur, CEO, keynote speaker and bestselling author whose books include Willful Blindness , Uncharted and Embracing Uncertainty . Her work explores leadership, innovation, organisational culture and the challenges of navigating an increasingly complex world. Connect with Margaret Heffernan via website and LinkedIn Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support . Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale Producer: Sue Stockdale Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

September 22, 2026Episode 15333 min

153.David Brabham: Life at 200mph - What it takes to win in endurance racing

(00:00:00) 153.David Brabham: Life at 200mph - What it takes to win in endurance racing (00:02:47) Farm Life and Go Karting (00:05:00) Motivation and Parental Support (00:07:37) What Le Mans Means (00:10:39) Focus at 200mph (00:12:46) Stints, Sleep and Preparation (00:16:59) Fitness, Heat and Mindfulness (00:19:55) Team culture and leadership (00:24:17) Resetting after setbacks (00:29:01) Mentoring and Feedback (00:31:05) Le Mans Journey Lesson What does it take to perform at your best when the stakes are high, the pressure never stops, and one small mistake can end months or years of preparation? Sue Stockdale speaks with Le Mans winner David Brabham, whose career spans more than three decades at the highest levels of motorsport, including Formula One, Le Mans, and endurance racing. The youngest son of three-time Formula One World Champion Sir Jack Brabham, David's path into racing was far from inevitable. In fact, he didn't discover the sport until he was 17 years old. Drawing on his experiences of competing at the sharpest edge of human and machine performance, David shares what racing has taught him about focus, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and making good decisions under pressure. From driving at more than 200 mph through the night at Le Mans to building high-performing teams in business, he reveals the mindset that helped him achieve one of motorsport's greatest prizes. The conversation explores the importance of preparation, managing energy, creating the right team culture, and understanding that success is rarely about individual talent alone. David also reflects on why winning the Le Mans 24 Hours ultimately taught him that the journey matters far more than the trophy itself. You will learn: What it takes to stay focused during a 24-hour endurance race The mental techniques used to maintain concentration under extreme pressure Why sleep, fitness, nutrition, and mindset all contribute to peak performance How creating the right team environment leads to better decisions and results Why mistakes and setbacks often contain the greatest opportunities for growth Key Quote "It wasn't about the trophy. It was about the journey. The people you met, the people you worked with, the people who inspired you. That's what made standing on that podium meaningful." Find out more about David Brabham on his website or Instagram Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support . Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale Producer: Sue Stockdale Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

September 16, 2026Episode 15225 min

152. Krzysztof Karolczak: AI and the Future of Work

What if AI could free us from the reactive work that consumes most of our day and create more space for creativity, purpose, and human connection? Sue Stockdale speaks with entrepreneur and AI innovator Krzysztof Karolczak, who has spent more than two decades building companies. After taking a sabbatical to focus on family, Krzysztof returned to work determined not to fall back into the 80-hour work weeks that had previously defined his entrepreneurial life.Instead, he began experimenting with AI as a "delegation layer", creating systems that handle much of the reactive work that traditionally occupies leaders' time. The result has transformed how he works, allowing him to focus on creativity, strategic thinking, and what he believes are the uniquely human contributions that technology cannot replace. The conversation explores his vision for the future of work, offering an alternative perspective on how AI might help people become more fully alive rather than simply more efficient. In this episode, you'll discover: Why Krzysztof no longer sees himself as a "builder" but as a "multiplier" How AI can act as a delegation layer for repetitive and reactive work Why he believes businesses need a purpose beyond profit The concept of moving from reactive behaviour to creative action How future organisations may resemble living systems rather than traditional hierarchies Why curiosity and agency could become the defining skills of the next generation The importance of inspiration, trust, and deep conversation in an AI-powered world What Krzysztof means by pursuing "aliveness" How a singing AI hackathon generated both innovation and human connection Why the "architecture of attention" may become a critical leadership challenge Key Quote "We are all holders of unique wisdom because each of us has a unique set of experiences and unexpressed ideas. We learn about ourselves through the relationships we have in life." About Krzysztof Karolczak Krzysztof Karolczak is an entrepreneur, technologist, and founder who has been building businesses since the age of sixteen. With more than two decades of experience creating and scaling companies, he is now focused on helping founders and organisations harness artificial intelligence to create more human-centred ways of working. Today he works across multiple ventures, exploring how AI can support leaders, unlock human potential, and enable organisations to evolve into more adaptive, purpose-driven systems. His work centres on the future of work, organisational design, agency, creativity, and what he calls the pursuit of "aliveness" in both business and life. Connect with Krzysztof https://startcreating.ai/ and on Linkedin Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support . Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale Producer: Sue Stockdale Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra This episode includes AI-generated content.

September 9, 2026Episode 15131 min

151. Mike Foreman: From Navy Pilot to NASA Astronaut

(00:00:00) 151. Mike Foreman: From Navy Pilot to NASA Astronaut (00:00:12) Meet Mike Foreman (00:02:53) Navy Pilot to NASA (00:03:38) Three Applications Later (00:06:35) Life in NASA (00:08:25) How Astronauts Train (00:10:46) First Spacewalk Nerves (00:11:32) Earth View Effect (00:12:22) Spacesuit Fit Scare (00:15:52) Spacewalk Work and Fatigue (00:18:03) Returning to Gravity (00:21:13) Life After Space (00:22:06) Fame and Being Ordinary (00:23:49) How Many Astronauts (00:24:55) Mars and Artemis Future (00:26:44) Why Explore Mars (00:29:57) Closing Stories and Goodbye What does it take to leave Earth behind and step into space? Sue Stockdale speaks with former NASA astronaut Mike Foreman, whose remarkable career took him from flying helicopters in the U.S. Navy to completing two Space Shuttle missions and multiple spacewalks aboard the International Space Station. Mike shares the persistence required to become an astronaut after eight applications to NASA, the realities of astronaut training, and the physical and mental demands of working in space. He reflects on his first spacewalk, the awe-inspiring view of Earth from orbit, and the challenges of returning to gravity after living beyond our planet. The conversation also explores the future of human space exploration, including the Artemis programme and the possibility of missions to Mars, as well as Mike's thoughts on why exploration continues to matter. In this episode: Mike's journey from Navy pilot to NASA astronaut The astronaut selection process and lessons in persistence Training for life and work in space The experience of conducting spacewalks Viewing Earth from orbit Life after NASA The future of lunar and Mars exploration Whether you're fascinated by space, leadership, resilience, or human potential, Mike's story offers a compelling insight into what can be achieved through determination, curiosity and a willingness to venture into the unknown. About Mike Foreman Mike Foreman is a former NASA astronaut, retired U.S. Navy Captain, and aerospace engineer whose career has taken him from the cockpit of military aircraft and into space. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Naval Postgraduate School, and U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, he accumulated more than 7,500 flight hours across over 50 different aircraft types. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 1998, Mike spent more than 637 hours in space during two Space Shuttle missions, STS-123 and STS-129. He completed five spacewalks, totalling over 32 hours, helping to construct and maintain the International Space Station. Today, he shares lessons from his extraordinary experiences as a speaker and serves as the Mayor of Friendswood, Texas. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support . Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale Producer: Sue Stockdale Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra This episode includes AI-generated content.

June 11, 202549 min

Celebrating 150 Episodes: Reflections and Insights from Access to Inspiration

In this special bonus episode, Pierre Heistein, who was guest in episode 91 takes the host's chair alongside co-founders Sue Stockdale and Clive Steeper . They celebrate reaching 150 episodes by reflecting on the conversations with guests, lessons learned, and the common threads that bind these stories together. Pierre delves into the origins of the podcast, what does it mean to be inspirational, and how the show has impacted Sue and Clive and their listeners. Together they discuss how the podcast has influenced their perspectives about life and work, and how they look to the future for taking the next steps of development. Key Reflections "The most inspirational people often have an overriding purpose – something greater than themselves that motivates them to act." “Inspiration is about more than success or achievement. It's about attitude – a willingness to explore, to take risks, and to stay curious.” “Many of our guests had to embrace uncertainty or ambiguity at some point in their journey." “Being an inspiration to others was often something guests had not considered about themselves.” “The podcast is designed to challenge assumptions – by hearing from people outside your own world, you begin to understand different ways of thinking.” “What guests often valued most about the interview was the opportunity to reflect on their life and what shaped them.” “Each episode is a window into someone’s world, and those windows have revealed the many forms that inspiration can take.” “These conversations continue to affirm one thing – that every person has a story worth hearing.” Time Stamps 01:26 Origins of the Podcast 03:41 Defining inspiration 06:06 Personal reflections on inspiration 12:36 The role of curiosity and vulnerability 23:31 Unexpectedly inspiring guests 27:17 The journey of resilience and tenacity 29:45 The power of ordinary acts 32:21 Impactful stories from the podcast 36:17 The Atuel river journey 42:14 Reflections on longevity and success 47:54 The future of the podcast Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Producer: Sue Stockdale Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support . Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale Producer: Sue Stockdale Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

May 28, 2025Episode 15038 min

150. Kris Tompkins: Conservation, Leadership and Legacy

In this landmark 150th episode, Sue Stockdale talks to Kris Tompkins, one of the world's most prolific conservation philanthropists. Kris shares a powerful, personal perspective on what drives her and urges listeners to ditch the myth of individual powerlessness: “The excuse that ‘I’m just one person’ - that’s the weakest, nonsensical excuse there is. One person, it does matter.” In the conversation, Tompkins reflects on how her business experience helped shape a vision for nature conservation at scale, highlighting themes of risk-taking, leadership, and the power of direct engagement. She reminds us that the gritty, uncomfortable days in nature often leave the strongest impressions: “I like people being miserable in the national parks - those are the days we remember.” About Kris Tompkins Kris Tompkins is the president and co-founder of Tompkins Conservation, and former CEO of Patagonia, Inc. For three decades, she has committed to protecting and restoring wild beauty and biodiversity by creating national parks, inspiring activism, and fostering economic vitality as a result of conservation. Kris and her husband, Doug Tompkins have protected over 15 million acres of parklands in Chile and Argentina through Tompkins Conservation and its partners, making them among the most successful national park oriented philanthropists in history. Kris served as Patron for Protected Areas for the UN Environmental Programme from 2018 to 2022. The recipient of numerous honours, she was the first conservationist to be awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy. Her 2020 TED talk " Lets make the earth wild again " has over two million views. Find out more about Kris Tompkins and the work of Tompkins Conservation : Rewilding Argentina : Rewilding Chile : Trailer for National Geographic documentary - Wild Life Time Stamps 01:57 Developing a passion for nature 04:29 Challenges and Triumphs in Conservation 11:25 Building Teams and Collaborative Efforts 27:34 The Role of Technology in Conservation 31:22 Reflecting on Successes and Lessons Learned 34:24 Inspiration and Call to Action Key Quotes I'm actually inspired and motivated probably more by grief and a kind of yearning, than I am by something that's fabulous and positive. You can't fall in love with something you don't know. I like people being miserable in the national parks as those are the days we remember- the days you were freezing. The excuse that “I’m just one person”. That's the weakest, nonsensical excuse there is. One person, it does matter. People have to decide that they want to participate in something more than what they currently have in their daily life. They see what's going on in the outside world and they want to do something. And that's a decision. And that's probably the most difficult step of all. There are people working for nature who need what you're good at. It's the wilfulness that people get stuck on. Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Producer: Sue Stockdale Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support . Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale Producer: Sue Stockdale Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

May 14, 2025Episode 14934 min

149. Alice Morrison: Exploring Africa and Arabia

Sue Stockdale talks to Alice Morrison, an adventurer, author, and TV presenter. Alice has journeyed across deserts, trekked through mountains, and immersed herself in diverse cultures from Morocco to Saudi Arabia. Alice shares her experiences of resilience, discovery, and connection, including surviving the Moroccan earthquake, navigating Saudi Arabia on foot, and the joy of storytelling. Alice discusses her passion for adventure, the importance of cultural understanding, and why she believes exploration is about more than just physical endurance. About Alice Morrison Alice Morrison is an adventurer, TV presenter, and writer known for her bold expeditions and compelling storytelling. From racing her bike across Africa in the Tour d’Afrique to running the Everest Trail Race and walking thousands of kilometres across Morocco, she has consistently chosen the path less travelled. Her adventures are driven by a desire to understand our rapidly changing world, celebrate shared humanity, and bear witness to environmental and cultural transformation. Her work is now showcased in documentaries such as From Morocco to Timbuktu, and Arabian Adventures: Secrets of the Nabataeans, alongside her acclaimed books Dodging Elephants, Walking with Nomads, and Adventures in Morocco. Now based in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Alice lives immersed in the landscapes she writes about, walking alongside Amazigh guides and camels, podcasting from remote deserts, and sharing insights through public speaking and media appearances. Connect with Alice Morrison - Website : Instagram : Podcast : YouTube : TikTok Key Quotes "Adventure isn’t about searching for yourself; it’s about experiencing as much of the world as possible." "I treasure my freedom, and I’m grateful every day that I have the opportunity to explore, to learn, and to share stories with others." "The reality of Saudi Arabia was so different from the stereotype—I found warmth, humour, and incredible hospitality at every step." "People are fundamentally good everywhere in the world. The more we meet and understand each other, the more barriers we break down." Time Stamps 01:28 Experiencing Ramadan in Morocco 02:56 Challenges of Adventuring in Saudi Arabia 06:55 Alice's Background and Attraction to the Middle East 09:09 The Importance of Storytelling 10:44 Surviving the Moroccan Earthquake 12:53 Themes of Freedom and Self-Reliance 15:09 Community vs. Individuality 21:06 Packing Tips for Explorers 24:41 Lessons from Nature and Camels 26:08 Future Adventures and Goals Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Producer: Sue Stockdale Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support . Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale Producer: Sue Stockdale Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra

April 30, 2025Episode 14836 min

148. Ed Ley-Wilson: Exploring the mind and the sea

Sue Stockdale speaks to adventurer, author, and deep thinker Ed Ley-Wilson. Ed shares insights from his life exploring both the outdoors and the mind. From kayaking the rugged west coast of Scotland to reflecting on resilience, solitude, and the power of slowing down, Ed reveals how adventure - whether on land, sea, or within ourselves shapes our engagement with the world. About Ed Ley-Wilson Ed has over thirty years of working and engaging with business, community, educational, social and environmental issues throughout the Highlands of Scotland. He has undertaken long self-supported kayaking journeys in Norway and Patagonia and has run 1200 miles of the Great Wall of China (1988) and the 2000 mile length of the Himalayas (1990). Ed is no stranger to hardship and during his 2022 kayaking journey up the west coast of Scotland he faced some of the worst weather in that region for years. He also has two books to his name, ‘ The Himalayan Shuffle ’ and ‘ Kayaking the Sea Roads . Key Quotes "Adventure isn’t just about the physical challenge; it’s about how we engage with the world around us and what we learn from it." "Solitude teaches you resilience in a way nothing else can - you have to sit with your thoughts and find your own way through them." "Whether on the sea or in life, you can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you respond to it." "The lessons I learned from John Ridgway weren’t just about survival; they were about self-reliance, discipline, and understanding your own limits." "Slowing down and disconnecting from the noise of the modern world is one of the greatest gifts adventure can offer." "It's not a weakness to not know stuff. It's a strength actually". Chapters 01:57 Early Adventures and Influences 03:33 Lessons from the Wild 04:31 The Philosophy of Adventure 05:42 Kayaking the Sea Roads 10:07 Reflections on Highland Communities 16:27 The Importance of Time and Space 21:30 Embracing Uncertainty and Curiosity 23:06 The Role of Yoga in Kayaking 25:54 The Journey of Self-Discovery 35:39 Balancing Life and Future Plans Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Producer: Sue Stockdale Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support . Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee Host: Sue Stockdale Producer: Sue Stockdale Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra