Explore the ROAD

In this episode, we dive deep with underwater storyteller and filmmaker Mae Doricott to explore what life is really like beneath the surface. From swimming face-to-face with bull sharks and dolphins, to enduring six hours underwater, Mae shares the thrill, the mindset, and the wonder of working in the ocean’s wildest environments. We also go behind the scenes of the incredible David Attenborough film Ocean, revealing what it takes to capture breathtaking moments that most people will never experience firsthand. It’s a conversation about adventure, resilience, and the powerful stories hidden beneath the waves.

In this episode, I am speaking ing with Aaron Gekoski, an award-winning photojournalist who has spent decades investigating the global wildlife tourism industry all over the world.

From captive animal attractions to staged “sanctuaries,” Aaron shares firsthand experiences documenting how animals are captured, controlled, and used for profit in some of the most sinister ways, often under the guise of education or conservation. We discuss the ethical cost of wildlife entertainment, the realities tourists rarely see, and how good intentions can still cause serious harm.

There are some tough topics in here ranging from loss of human life to leopards, death of animals from poaching, as well as human trafficking, all linked to the darker side of this industry. This is an essential conversation about responsibility, transparency, and the real impact of wildlife tourism, but viewer discretion is advised.

In this episode of Explore the Road, I sit down with composer Jasha Klebe for a deep dive into the world of film and media scoring. From his journey into becoming a composer to the creative process behind crafting emotionally powerful, story-driven music, Jasha breaks down how sound shapes what we feel on screen. We also talk about what it’s like working alongside legendary composer Hans Zimmer, the intense pressures of scoring major productions, and the projects he’s most proud of. Packed with insight, honesty, and behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about film, music, and creative careers.

In this episode, I sit down with award-winning photographer Amit Eshel to talk about searching for one of the rarest animals on our planet: the Arctic wolf. These wolves live in one of the most hauntingly beautiful and brutally unforgiving environments on Earth, the frozen wilderness of Ellesmere Island.

We dive into the insane logistics of reaching this remote corner of the High Arctic, the trials and tribulations of working in extreme sub-zero temperatures, and what it’s really like to come face to face with a wild wolf in the middle of nowhere.

We also explore some of Amit’s favourite projects and images, from brown bears and pumas to Nubian ibex, including how he uses research, floating photography hides, and long-term fieldwork to tell powerful wildlife stories.

Welcome back to the Explore the Road Podcast ... let’s go north!

What does it take to become the world’s leading expert on one of the planet’s slowest animals? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Rebecca Cliffe, a world authority on sloths, to uncover the surprising science behind these misunderstood and adorable creatures.

Rebecca shares how she became a sloth scientist, what a typical day in the life of a sloth researcher really looks like, and why being slow is actually a powerful survival strategy. We explore the remarkable adaptations that allow sloths to thrive in the canopy, the habitats they call home, where in the world you can find them, and the almost superhero-like abilities that make them far more impressive than their laid-back reputation suggests.

If you think sloths are simple, sleepy animals...think again!

If you are inspired by Rebeccas efforts to protect sloths in Costa Rica and want to donate to her cause, follow this link and see how you might be able to help
https://www.slothconservation.org/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAC7DcbWjAIC8Gt1JJJp0IERl66zZH