Survival, Kidnapping & Wild Rivers With Chaz Powell Artwork

Adventure Diaries: Exploration, Survival & Travel Stories

Real adventure isn't just for the pros. The award-winning Adventure Diaries brings you authentic stories of Adventure, exploration and the wonder of the natural world, specifically curated to inspire your next adventure.

Hosted by Chris Watson—an award-winning storyteller and Scottish micro-adventurer—this show bridges the gap between extreme feats and accessible everyday adventures.

Whether you are a seasoned mountaineer, a weekend adventurer, a solo traveler planning your next trip, or someone seeking the mental health benefits of nature, you have found your tribe.

We go beyond the standard interview to decode the "why" and "how" behind the world's greatest adventures.

What Makes This Show Different? Unlike other outdoor podcasts, every episode delivers three distinct promises to help you live a more extraordinary life:

Unique Adventure Stories: Immersive storytelling from National Geographic explorers, survivalists, ultra-athletes, and frontline conservationists. From the peaks of the Seven Summits to the depths of the Amazon, experience the thrill of the unknown.
Your Call To Adventure: Passive listening ends here. Each guest issues a practical challenge to inspire you to step out your front door and discover the wild places in your own backyard.
Pay It Forward: We believe in sustainable travel and stewardship. Every episode highlights a specific charity, wildlife project, or community cause.

Join our global community of explorers. Discover hidden gems, learn survival skills, and find the motivation to push your boundaries.

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All Episodes

Adventure Diaries: Exploration, Survival & Travel Stories

Survival, Kidnapping & Wild Rivers With Chaz Powell

January 08, 2026 • Chris Watson: Storyteller & Micro-Adventurer • Season 4

0:00 | 11:40

START HERE: AdventureDiaries.com/Go

In this adrenaline-packed highlight reel, we revisit the most heart-stopping moments from our conversation with expedition leader Chaz Powell.

FULL Interview Here:

From trekking the length of the Zambezi River to dodging bandits in Madagascar's lawless zones, Chaz shares the raw reality of walking the wildest rivers in Africa.

Featured Highlights:

(00:28) Zambezi Survival: Battling 50°C heat, dehydration, and getting trapped in a gorge alone.
(01:58) Mozambique Kidnapping: A terrifying account of being detained during a civil war.
(03:28) Elephant Charge: A pulse-pounding close encounter with a charging elephant.
(04:50) Madagascar Bandits: Playing "cat and mouse" with armed bandits and spotting ominous warnings in the sand.
(07:26) Call to Adventure: Chaz’s advice on how to find a wild journey right on your doorstep.

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Quote of the Episode:
"I realized I wasn't going to be able to do what I planned... temperatures were nearly 50 degrees Celsius... I ended up having to drink my own urine. It was very surreal." — Chaz Powell

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The Adventure Diaries Podcast also covers a broad spectrum OF topics withIN the fields of Adventure, Exploration, Micro-adventure, Survival, Mental Resilience, Conservation, Scotland, Hiking, Solo Travel, Cycling, Nature, Storytelling, Mountaineering