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The Adventure Story Podcast: For lovers of Adventure, Archaeology, and Historical Mysteries.
The Adventure Story Podcast: For lovers of Adventure, Archaeology, and Historical Mysteries.
The Adventure Story Podcast is hosted by adventure novelist Luke Richardson, who explores ancient mysteries, historical enigmas, and real-world explorations. Each episode blends Indiana Jones-style adventure with behind-the-scenes insights into writing adventure novels, interviews with dreamers and doers, and discussions of classic adventure stories. The podcast covers topics like the secrets beneath the Great Sphinx, Tesla's lost notebooks, and the Ark of the Covenant, all delivered with humor and a touch of conspiracy. It's a mix of fiction, history, and adventure that appeals to fans of archaeology and mystery.
Episodes
2,000 Miles, Templars, Cathars and One Missing Alchemist: Our French Campervan Adventure(season 2 finale!)
Two thousand miles, one campervan, and a trail of unanswered questions.For the final episode of the season, join Mrs R and I me as we retrace our recent camper van adventure — from Dover to the foot of Mont Blanc and back — and the stories we picked up along the way.We start in Normandy, at an abbey built on a tidal island that no army ever managed to take. Then south, to the mountain where two hu
Aviation Adventures with Nate Van Coops
Picture this: you're flying your trusty Cessna above the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean when the engine note changes in a way you know it shouldn't. That's the world Nate Van Coops writes from and lives in.Nate has spent 30 years in aviation as a commercial pilot, mechanic examiner, and certified flight instructor. He's poured all of it into the Archangel Aviation series, following former B
Pandora, Greece, and Paradise at the Edge of the World with James Richardson
We all know the story: the first woman ever made lifted the lid on something she'd been told to leave alone, releasing sickness and sorrow and death into the world, and we've been paying for it ever since. It's the tidiest morality tale in the whole Greek canon, but almost every part of it is wrong.In today's episode I sit down with James Richardson (no relation!) to talk about the real story behi
Inspired by Iceland with Monika Pronczuk
There's a volcano on the western tip of Iceland where, according to one of the greatest adventure stories ever written, the journey to the centre of the earth begins.Jules Verne knew what he was doing.Because Iceland isn't just a travel destination — it's a feeling, a pull, something that gets under your skin and doesn't let go, even when you're back home, even when months have passed, even when y
The Truth Behind the Knight's Templar with Tony McMahon
Imagine an order of warrior monks so devout they prayed like priests, so wealthy that kings owed them money, and so mysterious that eight centuries on, we're still arguing about what they found beneath Jerusalem.That's the Knights Templar, and in this episode, Templar historian Tony McMahon takes us from their founding as pilgrim bodyguards to their afterlife in Freemasonry, Nazi occultism, and As
Finding the Garden of Eden with David Rohl
What if the Garden of Eden was a real place and someone actually went looking for it?David Rohl is an Egyptologist, historian, and bestselling author who didn't just theorize about the location of Eden, he visited… seven times! Through Iran, across the Zagros Mountains, through seven mountain passes the ancients called the Gates of Heaven, following rivers, ancient texts, and Neolithic clues to a
When the Adventure Becomes Your Story with Kim Frank
What happens when a story grabs you and won't let go?For writer and explorer Kim Frank, the answer meant years of return trips to the Eastern Himalayas, nights out in the field with wild elephants, and a close encounter with a male elephant in musth that she describes as life changing.The result? A book, a documentary, and a cause she now says she is responsible for the rest of her life to tell.Ki
The Silk Road with Colin Falconer
What did it really take to cross the world before modern travel?In this episode, I'm joined by adventure novelist Colin Falconer, whose book Silk Road follows a Templar knight, a sharp-tongued priest, and a Mongol princess on a journey where survival is never guaranteed. Colin has traveled much of the route himself and brings the 13th century vividly to life — the politics, the dangers, and the id
Why We Need Adventure with Belinda Kirk
What if adventure isn’t a luxury, but something we actually need?In this episode, I’m joined by explorer, author, and speaker Belinda Kirk to explore why adventure matters, not just the big, headline-grabbing kind, but the small moments of uncertainty and discovery that help us feel more alive.We explore what happens when adventure disappears from our lives, why modern routines can leave us feelin
The Hidden World Beneath Our Feet with Robbie Shone
What if some of the last unexplored places on Earth aren’t distant mountains or remote islands, but hidden deep beneath our feet?In this episode, I’m joined by world-renowned cave photographer Robbie Shone to explore vast, uncharted cave systems that stretch for miles through solid rock, many still unseen by human eyes.We talk about what it really means to go on an expedition into these environmen
The Women of the Skies: The Female Pilots the History Books Left Behind
This week on the Adventure Story Podcast, I'm chasing the stories of the women who took to the skies when the whole world expected them to stay firmly on the ground. They flew faster, higher, and further than anyone thought possible — and far too many of them were quietly written out of the history books. It's long past time we put them back in.Who you'll meet in this episode:Marina Raskova &
The Derinkuyu Mystery with Chris Fox
What if entire cities once existed beneath our feet… and we still don’t fully understand why?In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Chris Fox to explore one of the most fascinating real-world mysteries: the vast underground cities of Cappadocia, Turkey. Hidden for centuries and capable of housing thousands of people, these subterranean worlds raise some big questions about our past.We d
Inside Riga: History, Culture and Hidden Gems with Lelde Benke-Lungevica
Every place has a story. Sometimes it's hidden. Other times it's right there in the architecture, the statues, the streets — you can even feel it in the air.Riga was one of those places for me. I visited in 2020 during a brief break in the lockdowns, and the city stayed with me — shaped by empires, conflict, and culture, with history sitting just beneath the surface. It eventually became the setti
Spies, Smugglers and Misfits: The Lawless History of Tangier with Sean McLachlan
What makes a city the perfect setting for an adventure story?Imagine a city where a spy could disappear into a medieval medina, where ancient ruins sit in the shadow of colonial mansions, and where two continents seem to tug at the air around you.That city is Tangier and in this episode, archaeologist and writer Sean McLachlan brings it to life.Sean has spent months at a time there researching his
The House of a Thousand Spies: Teufelsberg, Berlin's Most Extraordinary Secret
In the forests west of Berlin, a hill rises above the treeline that shouldn't exist. It was built by hand from the rubble of 400,000 bombed buildings. Beneath it, entombed in concrete, lies an unfinished Nazi military college so solidly built that the Allies couldn't demolish it — so they buried it instead.On top of all of that, the stood one of the most important spy stations in the world.From 19
The Forgotten Man Behind Tesla’s Experiments with Patric Ryan
Why do forgotten figures make such powerful stories?Some see Nikola Tesla as a genius. Others see a myth.But what if part of his story has been missing all along?In this episode, I’m joined by Patric Ryan, who has spent years uncovering not just Tesla’s work, but the people around him. Because Tesla didn’t work alone.We explore the experiments, the risks, and the ideas that shaped the modern world
Diving and Adventure Storytelling with Nicholas Harvey
Why does the underwater world create such powerful stories?In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Nicholas Harvey to explore the unique tension, beauty, and danger of diving, and why it makes such a compelling backdrop for adventure fiction.Nicholas has spent years diving around the world, from coral reefs in the Caribbean to eerie shipwrecks and historic war graves. But what makes his
Redefining Everyday Adventures with Alistair Humphreys
Why do we think adventure has to be big to count?In this episode, I’m joined by Alistair Humphreys, one of the world’s most well-known adventurers, to challenge that idea. Alistair has cycled around the world, rowed oceans, and crossed some of the toughest landscapes on earth… but it’s not those big expeditions that have shaped how he thinks about adventure today.We explore what adventure really m
Why Wild Places Make the Best Adventure Stories with Lynne Nieman
What if the most meaningful journeys aren’t about how far you go, but how present you are when you get there?In this episode, I’m joined by Lynne Nieman, travel advisor, writer, and founder of Wander Your Way, to explore a different kind of adventure. One that isn’t about ticking off landmarks, but about slowing down, paying attention, and truly connecting with a place.We talk about what draws peo
Why Lost Artifacts Make Great Adventure Stories with Kevin Tumlinson
Why do lost artifacts make such perfect fuel for adventure stories?In this episode, I’m joined by Kevin Tumlinson, creator of the Dan Kotler archaeological thriller series, to dig into exactly that. Kevin is one of those writers whose books sit right at the heart of this genre, ancient mysteries, buried secrets, relics with power… the kind of stories that make you want to turn just one more page.W
Inside the Freemasons: Secrets, Symbols, and the Search for Meaning with Guy Anderson
Freemasonry has existed in the shadows of history for centuries.To some, it’s a charitable fraternity built on tradition, symbolism, and community. To others, it’s something far more secretive — a hidden network tied to power, knowledge, and influence.So what is it really?In this episode of the Adventure Story Podcast, I’m joined by returning guest Guy Anderson — a former Freemason who offers a ra
On the trail of the Templars in Portugal
Come on the trail of the Knights Templar with us in Portugal. Tap here for info and to secure your spot.In 1314, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar was burned at the stake in Paris. He cursed his executioners as the flames rose. Both the King of France and the Pope were dead within the year.But the order he led? They didn't die with him.In this episode, we follow the Knights Templar from
Season two is coming...
Adventure stories rarely begin with pure imagination.More often, they start somewhere real.A forgotten road that once crossed the known world.A hidden city carved deep beneath the earth.A scientist attempting to harness lightning itself.Or the simple idea that adventure might be waiting just a few miles from home.In Season Two of the Adventure Story Podcast, author Luke Richardson explores the pla
Is Atlantis in the Sahara? The Richat Structure, Plato and the Green Sahara
What if we’ve been searching for Atlantis in the wrong place?In this episode, I take you with me into one of archaeology’s most intriguing possibilities: maybe Atlantis didn’t sink into the sea at all… maybe it vanished beneath the sands of the Sahara.At the center of this mystery sits one of the most striking formations on Earth — the Richat Structure in Mauritania. A perfect, 25-mile-wide bullse
Archaeology's Greatest Cover-Up: A Diary From Before the Flood (SEASON FINALE)
What if the greatest archaeological discovery in human history has been hiding in plain sight for over 140 years—disguised as a Victorian novel?In 1876, a brilliant translator named George Smith reportedly died in the Syrian desert. But two years later, an anonymous manuscript surfaced in America… filled with knowledge no one should’ve had.Today, we’re following a trail of stolen tablets, faked de
Unlocking the Secrets of the Valhalla Key: A Journey Through Myth and History
From the icy edges of the Arctic to the roaring spectacle of the 1939 World’s Fair, James Richardson’s The Valhalla Key takes readers on a whirlwind ride through hidden history, Norse myth, and golden-age thrills. But how much of this epic is rooted in truth—and what inspired Richardson to set his story on the edge of war?In this episode, we sit down with the author-adventurer himself to explore t
The Ultimate Wilderness with Nadine Slavinski
What happens when an archaeologist sets sail across three oceans with her family in search of story and discovery? In this episode of The Adventure Fiction Podcast, I'm Joined by Nadine Slavinski, a woman who’s excavated ancient temples by land and sailed vast, unpredictable waters by sea. Her four-year sailing odyssey from the Mediterranean to Australia is more than a trip—it’s the kind of lived
Honor, Underworld & Koi Fish: Crafting Tokyo Black with Andrew Warren
In this episode of The Adventure Story Podcast, I sit down with thriller author Andrew Warren to dive into one of the world’s most enthralling cities—Tokyo. We explore what makes Tokyo such a captivating backdrop for storytelling and how Andrew strikes the balance between cultural authenticity and fast-paced fiction. Andrew shares vivid memories from his time in Tokyo that shaped the novel, along
The Search for Eternal Life: From the Philosopher's Stone to Silicone Valley
What would you give to live forever?A lock of hair? A drop of blood? Your soul?In this spine-tingling episode, I plunge deep into one of history’s darkest and most enduring obsessions: the quest for immortality. Blending gripping fiction with chilling real-life accounts, I'll unraveling the strange, unsettling truths behind mankind’s age-old desire to cheat death.🩸 From medieval castles to Silicon
Lessons from a Vagabond: Travel, Culture, and Story with Rolf Potts
In this episode of The Adventure Story Podcast, I'm joined by travel writing legend, Rolf Potts. We have an insightful conversation about the unpredictable magic of travel and storytelling—from jumping trains and sleeping in vans to drinking kava in Vanuatu and chasing the trans-Siberian express, Rolf shares the real stories behind his adventures, and how he shapes those moments into compelling na
Europe's Last Adventure Playground: Exploring the Balkans
In a world obsessed with bucket lists and Instagram hotspots, there are still places that feel like the pages of an untold story. The Balkans—rugged, raw, and brimming with legend—are one of them.In this episode, I sit down with adventurer and independent travel expert Annie Sisson to uncover why this overlooked corner of Europe deserves a place in every explorer’s heart. We swap stories of windin
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Emerald Tablet with Andrew Clawson
In this episode of The Adventure Story Podcast, I'm joined by Andrew Clawson, bestselling author of thrillers and adventure novels, for a captivating deep dive into the enigmatic Emerald Tablet. We explore the tablet's myth, tracing the mysterious artifact’s journey through time—from its rumored roots in ancient Egyptian and Greek mythology to its influence during the Persian Empire. &nb
The Real Paris Heist: The Man Who Stole Picasso
In the early hours of May 20, 2010, a lone figure scaled the walls of the Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris and vanished into the galleries. Moments later, five irreplaceable masterpieces — including works by Picasso, Matisse, and Modigliani — were gone. No alarms. No trace. No recovery.But this wasn’t fiction. This was the real-life work of Vjéran Tomic — a thief so skilled, so methodical, he became k
The Galapagos Postman and His Global Adventure with Jon Beardmore
In this episode of the Adventure Story Podcast, I'm joined by filmmaker and global adventurer Jon Beardmore as we explore one of the Galapagos Islands’ most fascinating traditions, Post Office Bay. Dating back centuries, this unique spot once served as an unofficial mail system where sailors would leave handwritten letters in a wooden barrel, hoping the next passing ship would deliver them. I
The Templar Curse: Story or legend?
On this episode of The Adventure Story Podcast, we're heading back to medieval Paris for one of the most dramatic exits in history. Picture this: a cold March morning in 1314, a massive crowd gathered on the Île de la Cité, and Jacques de Molay—the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar—chained to a pyre in the shadow of Notre Dame.As the flames rise, Molay doesn’t scream. He speaks. And what he
1919 Cairo: A City of Revolt, Relics & Ruthless Treasure Hunters with Sean McLachlan
In this episode of the Adventure Story Podcast, I'm joined by archaeologist and author Sean McLachlan. We delve into 1919 Cairo, Egypt, discussing the city's post-Great War atmosphere, filled with revolution, treasure hunting, and clandestine activities. Sean shares his experiences and the inspiration behind his historical adventure novels (The Masked Man of Cairo) set during this vibrant per
Exploring Death Valley with J.F. Penn
Today we journey into Death Valley, one of the most extreme and enigmatic places on Earth. With scorching heat, ghost towns lost to time, and ancient landscapes shaped by wind and fire, this desert is more than just a national park—it’s a thriller novel in its own right.Joining me is bestselling thriller author J.F. Penn, whose latest novel uses Death Valley’s haunting terrain as a backdrop. We ta
The Underground Superhighway: Could Ancient Lava Tubes Connect the Continents with Dave Bartell
In this episode of The Adventure Fiction Podcast, I’m joined by author and explorer-at-heart Dave Bartel as we dive headfirst into one of history’s most intriguing “what ifs.” Did Roman explorers really reach the icy edge of the world—and leave behind a trail of forgotten riches?We blend archaeological fact with page-turning fiction, from scrolls unearthed in the ashes of Mt. Vesuvius to a hidden
The Titanic Conspiracy: Secrets Beneath the Surface
Was the sinking of the Titanic truly an accident—or the result of something far more sinister? This episode plunges into the deep waters of history’s most famous maritime disaster, examining theories that challenge the official story. Could the doomed ship have actually been the Titanic’s sister vessel, the Olympic, swapped in an elaborate insurance fraud? Did powerful men on board meet their end
The Lost Civilization of Tartaria with Guy Anderson
What if everything you know about history is a lie?What if entire civilizations have been erased, their achievements buried under layers of deception? Welcome to one of the most controversial and mind-bending mysteries in alternative history: The Legend of Tartaria—a lost empire that some believe stretched across continents, wielded advanced technology, and was deliberately erased from the history
Did dinosaurs walk the earth in the twelfth century?
What if history got it wrong? Deep in the ruins of Cambodia’s Ta Prohm temple—where Tomb Raider was filmed—there’s a carving that defies explanation. It looks exactly like a stegosaurus… but it was carved centuries before modern paleontology even existed.Coincidence? Misinterpretation? Or could this be proof that dinosaurs and humans once coexisted?In this episode, we dive into one of archaeology’
Exploring the Enigma of the Feathered Serpent: History Meets Legend
Quetzalcoatl. Kolkan. The Feathered Serpent. No matter what name you use, this legendary figure has been at the heart of Mesoamerican mythology for centuries. But was it just a myth—or something more?In this episode, we’re diving deep into the history, mystery, and symbolism of the Feathered Serpent. This isn’t just some ancient god that people used to worship—its story has been shaped, twisted, a
The Truth Behind the Crystal Skulls
The Mitchell-Hedges Crystal Skull is one of the most mysterious, controversial and down right weird artifacts of all time. The inspiration behind the Indiana Jones movie, it was discovered in 1924 by a young woman called Anna Mitchell-Hedges.She claims to have discovered this bizarre, almost impossibly well-crafted crystal skull in the ruins of an ancient Mayan city called Lubaantun. Carved from a
The Enigma of Cambodia's Abandoned Pyramids with Caleb Andrew
A forgotten kingdom, an abandoned pyramid, and a stolen priceless artifact, it sounds like the setting for an electrifying adventure – and it is – but what we’re talking about today is the true story of Cambodia’s modern history.Caleb Andrew joins me. He’s an author, lawyer, and world traveler whose archaeological thrillers bring hidden histories to life. Growing up in Cambodia and living across B
The Egyptian Ghost on the London Underground
Come with us as we explore the haunting legend of an ancient Egyptian princess who is said to wander the tunnels of the London Underground. We delve into the historical context surrounding this phenomenon, tracing its origins back to the 1920s, coinciding with the public's fascination with Egyptian artifacts following the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. As we navigate through the unsettling accou
Season 1 Trailer
The Adventure Story Podcast - Season 1 TrailerWelcome to The Adventure Story Podcast, where ancient mysteries, untold stories, and real-world exploration collide. Join host Luke, an adventure novelist and travel enthusiast, as he delves into the unexplained, the extraordinary, and the downright mysterious.Episode OverviewIn this trailer, Luke introduces his unique perspective on adventure storytel
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