@overlandeurope

Elspeth Beard: architect, author, and the woman who rode a motorbike around the world in the early 1980s, long before “content” was a thing, and when being genuinely off the map was just … well, normal.

But here’s the twist: we’re not doing a neat little recap of the famous trip. We’re talking about what stayed with her.

What happens when you come home and nobody really gets it. How travel rewires your tolerance for boredom. How a dyslexic kid, written off at school, builds a life fuelled by grit, problem-solving, and a refusal to be boxed in.

We also go deep into her second life: the architecture, converting water towers, lighthouses, windmills, listed buildings … the projects other architects wouldn’t touch. And you’ll hear how the skills you learn on the road (persuasion, resilience, improvisation) translate straight into real-world battles with rules, regulations, planners, and the slow grind of “normal life.”

And then we get into the modern world: GPS, social media, fear-driven news cycles, and why Elspeth still believes you should get lost on purpose.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to travel, or you’ve come back and wondered why home feels strange, this conversation makes sense.

WEBSITE   INSTAGRAM   FACEBOOK  

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This episode is brought to you by Taking the Pea

Some conversations don’t need steering. They unfold on their own, carried by memory, curiosity, and a lifetime spent saying yes to the road.

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Manicom—traveller, writer, and quiet instigator of adventure—to talk about what really sits behind long journeys. Not routes or gear lists, but perspective. The slow accumulation of moments. The people met by chance. The mistakes that turn into stories worth keeping.

We talk about learning to travel without fear, why books still matter in a world of endless video, how little you actually need to go far, and why the best plans leave room for serendipity. Sam reflects on decades of overland travel by motorcycle, the bikes that became companions, and the idea that journeys don’t repeat themselves—because no traveller ever does.

It’s a thoughtful, generous conversation. Less about ticking destinations off a map, more about paying attention while you’re there.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

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This episode is brought to you by Taking the Pea

A brand new show is looming on the horizon: Overland Discovery Expo, or ODX. Joining me in this episode is one of the ODX founders Jasmine Wheelhouse (Jazz). We talk about the whys and hows surrounding the show and also a bit about Jazz's background.

Important links:
Overland Discovery Expo | Facebook | Instagram

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This episode is sponsored by Sunware Solar

Martina and Dylan Wickrama have embarked on a new round the world tour. Not on a motorcycle, not in their van, but in a Fiat Panda 4x4. Even so, with the rear seats removed and some smart handywork by Dylan, Martina still calls this tiniest of houses on wheels a van.

This conversation takes places somewhere in the backlands of Tunisia. It's getting late in the day, the temperatures have dropped, and Martina, Dylan and their dog have settled into the cosy confines of their Panda.

RIDE2EXPLORE

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

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This episode is sponsored by Sunware Solar

In this episode, I am joined by Sherri Jo Wilkins.

Born in the US, moved to Australia, travelled the world for three and a half years on a motorbike, then went back to Australia and moved into her Toyota before exchanging that for a van in Europe.

Now she’s swapped four wheels for three and is about to continue her round the world tour on a recently acquired BMW together with Cody, her dog, in the sidecar.

Follow Sherri Jo

Instagram | Facebook

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This episode is sponsored by Sunware Solar