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Get ready to be spellbound by the legendary Colonel John Blashford-Snell as he shares his extraordinary life of adventure and exploration. From his childhood during World War II, where he served as a runner for the Air Raid Precautionary service and had a memorable encounter with a downed German pilot, to mischievous tales of his pet monkey Jacko, John’s stories are nothing short of captivating. He also recalls forming a childhood gang with choir boys and girls to stand against the ‘Huns’ and reminisces about the German and Italian prisoners of war who worked in their garden, gifting him a handmade model battleship for Christmas.

Ever wondered what it takes to lead groundbreaking expeditions across uncharted territories? John Blashford-Snell takes us on a thrilling journey from the underwater archaeological missions in Cyprus to the treacherous Blue Nile expedition in Ethiopia. Learn how he and his team navigated hostile regions and overcame incredible challenges to establish the Scientific Exploration Society. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as John recounts narrowly escaping crocodiles and bandits, and the remarkable collaborative effort to traverse the Darien Gap, a mission that involved soldiers, scientists, and relentless determination to pave the way for the Pan-American Highway.

But it's not all about adventure; John’s passion for conservation and youth involvement in exploration shines through in our discussion. Discover his firsthand observations of environmental degradation and inspiring initiatives like the Flip Floppy Expedition, which transforms ocean plastic into usable materials. John's dedication to educating young people through programs such as Operation Drake and Rally International is truly commendable. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge, courage, and the spirit of adventure, wrapped up with John’s charming anecdotes and invaluable insights. Don’t miss out on this fantastic journey with one of the world’s most remarkable explorers.

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