Lectures & Keynote Speaking
Below are a sample of some of the talks I can provide to a wide range of audiences be it educational or inspirational (hopefully both!). In every case I endeavour to gear the talk to those attending so no two are quite the same. I have however tried to theme each one to provide a starting point. I am always building the collection so please check back regularly and if you would like to know more please do contact me via the button below.
The Yukon Assignment
The story of how my dad and I found ourselves paddling a canoe from a tiny remote lake deep in the Canadian Yukon wilderness into the Arctic Circle. Full on wilderness adventure including musings on mining claims and the environment, father son relationships and filming a remote unsupported expedition.
Ideal For: Canoeists, bushcraft fans, inspirational in terms of pursuing your dreams and building strong family bonds.
The story of how my dad and I found ourselves paddling a canoe from a tiny remote lake deep in the Canadian Yukon wilderness into the Arctic Circle. Full on wilderness adventure including musings on mining claims and the environment, father son relationships and filming a remote unsupported expedition.
Ideal For: Canoeists, bushcraft fans, inspirational in terms of pursuing your dreams and building strong family bonds.
Sendero de Pioneros
A story that goes to the heart of the environmental importance of youth expeditions journeying through truly wild places. Join the team as they prepare for and carry out a three week trek through one of the worlds last true wilderness areas. In the remote Patagonian mountains share in the highs and lows of expedition life and discover how this pristine land of beyond is under constant threat from tarmac and dams.
Ideal For: Patagonia fans; Teachers & Expedition leaders (Safety & Logistics), Interested in long distance treks.
Ideal For: Patagonia fans; Teachers & Expedition leaders (Safety & Logistics), Interested in long distance treks.
Rediscover the Raj (on a shoestring)
I really want to go to India he says. For most that would be a throwaway comment but not with my uncle, oh no! Within weeks we were helping push broken down trains and hunting through the Darjeeling cake bazaar. Prepare yourself for the explosion of colour and vibrancy that is India & Nepal. Follow the adventure as we make our way through these stunning countries in completely unorganised fashion by an increasingly dubious selection of methods of transportation.
Ideal For: Fans of eccentric British traveler abroad; geographical & social economic issues; adventure narrative; photojournalism; those who like fruitcake & tea.
Ideal For: Fans of eccentric British traveler abroad; geographical & social economic issues; adventure narrative; photojournalism; those who like fruitcake & tea.
Dust, Sweat & Tears
Drawing comparisons with two youth expeditions I've led in Southern Africa (companies not mentioned). Here we discuss some hard issues facing the expedition sector. Should we be concerned with the ethics of youth expeditions? Are we trying to turn Africa into a theme park? Are these expeditions and overland trips some sort of reinvention of the grand tour?
This presentation perhaps raises more questions than it answers but at its core is the warmth of the African peoples and that intangible magic that keeps calling you back as soon as your feet meet with the soil, yours eyes feast on clear night skies and ears hear the beat of tribal drums.
Ideal For: Expedition Philosophy & Ethics, Ethnography, Youth Expedition, Flavour of Travel in Southern Africa
This presentation perhaps raises more questions than it answers but at its core is the warmth of the African peoples and that intangible magic that keeps calling you back as soon as your feet meet with the soil, yours eyes feast on clear night skies and ears hear the beat of tribal drums.
Ideal For: Expedition Philosophy & Ethics, Ethnography, Youth Expedition, Flavour of Travel in Southern Africa
To the Summit and Never Mind the Blood?
A short presentation (30 minutes) on the ethical questions facing an expedition team taking on a summit attempt of Mount Binga the highest mountain in Mozambique & Zimbabwe.
Illustrated through photos and narrative from the trip we discuss many of the issues facing modern expeditions such as our (Western) effect on locals, litter and erosion, summit fever & safety. Join us along the twisting paths in rainforest and the steep exposed summit flanks. If nothing else this talk will have you packing your bags for the Chamanimani Mountains.
Ideal For: Adventure Ethics, African Mountaineering, Youth Expeditions.
Illustrated through photos and narrative from the trip we discuss many of the issues facing modern expeditions such as our (Western) effect on locals, litter and erosion, summit fever & safety. Join us along the twisting paths in rainforest and the steep exposed summit flanks. If nothing else this talk will have you packing your bags for the Chamanimani Mountains.
Ideal For: Adventure Ethics, African Mountaineering, Youth Expeditions.