Wild Chats with Ben Southall
Join host Ben Southall for Wild Chats, a weekly series that dives deep into the world of adventure. Every Friday, we bring you trail runners, hikers, travelers, and explorers sharing their most inspiring and wildest stories from around the globe.
Whether you're chasing ultra-running dreams, planning your next big trek, or simply looking for a spark of adventure, Wild Chats delivers firsthand insights from those who live and breathe the outdoors.
🎙 New episodes every Friday!
Presented by Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia
Wild Chats with Ben Southall
The Making of a Mountaineer: Oliver Foran’s Journey from Brisbane to the Himalayas
In this episode of Wild Chats, host Ben Southall sits down with Australian mountaineer Oliver Foran to explore his powerful journey from the footy fields of Brisbane to the world’s highest peaks. Ollie opens up about the personal loss that changed his life, how he discovered a love for the mountains, and the mental and physical challenges of high-altitude expeditions.
From summiting Island Peak to taking on the technical terrain of Ama Dablam, Ollie shares raw stories of resilience, fear, and triumph and how the mountains have become both a calling and a cause. With Everest on the horizon, he reflects on his deeper mission: raising awareness and funds for brain cancer research in honour of his late uncle.
If you’re drawn to big goals, personal transformation, and the mindset it takes to push beyond your limits, this episode is a must-listen.
Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia.
Follow Oliver on Instagram at @oliverforan
Connect with Wild Earth at @wildearthaustralia and explore the gear Ollie uses at wildearth.com.au.