As the Aussie summer unfolds and Christmas celebrations wind down, adventure podcasts offer the perfect escape for lazy holiday days and the perfect inspo for adventures in 2025. Whether you’re relaxing on a beach, recovering from festive celebrations, or seeking inspiration between adventures, these carefully curated audio stories will transport you from the local coastline to the world’s most remote landscapes.
Recommended by Aussie outdoor enthusiasts, these podcasts promise authentic, thrilling journeys that go far beyond your backyard.
Michael Atkinson AKA Outback Mike:
Michael Atkinson, known to his friends as Mike, is a 47-year-old adventurer with a diverse and compelling life story. A former military pilot, he has transitioned into the world of filmmaking, bringing his passion for exploration and storytelling to the screen. Mike gained national recognition as a cast member on the hit survival TV series “Alone Australia,” which aired on SBS Australia. Married and a father of two, he continues to pursue his love of adventure while balancing family life and his creative pursuits. Not only is Mike an avid podcast listener, he is also the the creator and host of the aptly named: Outback Mike Survival and Adventure Podcast
Jump straight into Mike’s top podcasts:
- ZERO LIMITS POPDCAST : Ep. 103 Kegan Gill former US Navy F/A-18E strike fighter pilot Fastest survived ejection in the history of naval aviation
Kegan Gill’s life changed forever after narrowly surviving a jet crash in which he set the record for the fastest ejection in naval aviation history. In the process of ejecting, Kegan sustained catastrophic injuries that literally ripped his limbs apart along with a severe traumatic brain injury.
This is one of Mike’s favourite podcasts at the moment. Mark Bouris dives into big-picture life questions with people who’ve done significant things in a no BS kind of way (hence the title).
Mattsy (The Silly Swagman) and Jordie Hansen join forces to talk all things outdoor related. Together they know most things, however when they don’t they invite an expert guest.
Jemima Robinson Founder of Adventure Reels:
Jemima Robinson is the kind of woman who doesn’t just dream of adventure—she lives it, breathes it, and shares it with the world. As the dynamic Founder and CEO of Adventure Reels, for 15 years (and counting) she’s been on a mission to bring heart-pounding, soul-stirring adventure stories to audiences across Australia and New Zealand.
Growing up in the sun-drenched landscapes of Far North Queensland, Jemima’s love for the great outdoors was kindled early. After graduating with a Bachelor of International Business she didn’t just follow the traditional career path—she blazed her own trail. A pivotal moment came in Banff, Canada, where she attended her first Banff Mountain Film Festival. In that moment, surrounded by stories of extraordinary expeditions and human resilience, something sparked within her.
Now, when she’s not running Adventure Reels, you’ll likely find Jemima with her headphones on, devouring adventure podcasts that fuel her insatiable wanderlust. Each story she listens to is like kindling, stoking the fire of her own adventurous spirit and inspiring her to continue connecting people with the most incredible journeys our world has to offer.
These are her top 4 adventure podcasts:
- AGAINST THE ODDS
Season 4: K2 The Savage Mountain
The story of a group of international mountaineers who set out to climb the world’s second tallest mountain called K2. It is also the most dangerous. Avalanches can drop from overhead without warning. Blizzards cause white out conditions. It’s so treacherous, one in four climbers who try to reach the peak don’t make it down.
- REAL SURVIVAL STORIES
Buried in a Gully: Tragedy in the White Mountains
Joe Lentini is an elite mountain rescuer in New Hampshire. He regularly faces high-stakes decisions and dilemmas. But in 1982, during one treacherous mission to find two missing teenagers, disaster strikes Joe’s own team.
- THIS IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING
What if you were mauled by a grizzly bear? Season 12, episode 262
WARNING – this one gets gruesome
While hunting in the Canadian wilderness, Jeremy Evans accidentally comes between a grizzly bear cub and its mother and a terrifying fight for his life ensues that will change him forever.
- OUTSIDE:
The Craziest Lost Dog Story Ever – 22 May 2024
The perfect melding of an adventure survival story and the unbreakable bond with dogs. This podcast explores just how far one dog loving adventure couple would you go to get their rescue pup back.
5. Honourable mention: Outback Mike Survival and Adventure Podcast. Episode 16: The 10 best adventure films of all time.
Full disclosure, I am 100% biased in this choice!!! Mike recently asked me a question I get asked a lot. As a long time attendee of the Banff Mountain Film Festival Mike already knew a lot of the films we discussed, so it was great to be able to chat about the films, the adventures and the people in them.
Alex Clappin- Adventure Filmmaker
Alex Clapin is the embodiment of adventure, a Perth born videographer and photographer who lives life with an unquenchable thirst for excitement. From the thundering waves he surfs to the heart-stopping moments of skydiving, from the dizzying heights of highlining to the wind-whipped excitement of kitesurfing, Alex has embraced every possible adventure across land, sky, and sea. His passion isn’t just about the thrill, but about the human stories that unfold along the way—connecting with amazing people whose inspiring tales are as vast and compelling as the landscapes he explores. Through his lens, Alex doesn’t just capture moments; he captures the raw, untamed spirit of adventure.
Here are a few of his favourite podcasts:
- SAVING THE FRANKLIN
The fascinating and compelling story behind the biggest environmental movement Australia has ever seen and which led to the formation of The Greens party. - HAMISH & ANDY
Can’t beat this for some lighthearted and fun listening. I’ve been listening to these two for a long time now and am constantly impressed by the clever humour and gags that they deliver!
- THE IMPERFECTS
This podcast gets me thinking deeply and learning about interesting people from all walks of life. The genuine and vulnerable conversations have inspired and helped me in so many ways.
Whether you’re lounging on a sun-soaked beach or embarking on your own adventure, these podcasts are your ultimate companions. Packed with gripping tales of survival, side-splitting comedy, and heartfelt conversations that feel like catching up with an old friend, these recommendations from highly credible adventurers promise to transport, entertain, and inspire.
So grab your headphones, find your perfect spot, and get ready to be thoroughly entertained—your holiday listening just got an epic upgrade.
