#1410 - Ash Dykes
NaN minutesEpisode #1410
Ash Dykes is a Welsh adventurer and extreme athlete. He achieved three world-first records, trekking across Mongolia, Madagascar, and the course of the Yangtze River.
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Episode Timestamps
Discussion about Welsh dragon origins and significance
- Introducing the Welsh dragon as a symbol of Wales and its history
- Exploring the pride and historical context of the Welsh dragon on the flag
- Sharing personal experiences related to Wales and the symbolism of the red dragon
Record-setting expedition: Walking the Yangtze River
- Achieving a world record in walking the entire length of the Yangtze River in China
- Covering 4,000 miles in 352 days from the Tibetan plateau to East China Sea
- Facing challenges such as extreme weather conditions and logistical planning for food supplies
Surviving in the Wilderness - Facing Challenges and Cravings
- Struggles with body's needs for specific nutrients like protein and fats while traversing cities.
- Tackling language barriers, especially Mandarin dialects, during food requests.
- Skipping basics to delve into advanced language for survival inquiries like bear and wolf sightings.
Surviving the Elements - Facing Wildlife Dangers
- Overcoming challenges of extreme cold, including insulated sleeping arrangements.
- Losing significant weight in harsh conditions with limited calorie intake.
- Encountering wildlife threats like altitude-induced illness, wolves, and bears in high-risk terrains.
California State Flag and Grizzly Bears: An Extinct Legacy
- California state flag features a giant grizzly bear, which used to be an issue in the region.
- Bears were killed to the point of extinction in California due to numerous attacks on people.
- Town named after the last person killed by a grizzly bear in California.
Trekking in Mongolia: Battling Altitude Sickness and Extreme Conditions
- Failed attempts while facing altitude sickness and winter conditions during the Tibetan Plateau expedition.
- Multiple regrouping with different teams to reach the source, overcoming danger and logistical challenges.
- Precautions included lightweight stove with multi-fuel capability and meticulous planning.
Solar Panel Efficiency and Theft Incidents
- Solar panel could last up to about a week and a half of charging, providing 7-8 charges for a phone.
- Experienced theft incident in Mongolia where a solar panel was stolen in a polite manner.
- Had to carry a 260-pound trailer due to the stolen solar panel, making the expedition more challenging.
Challenges with Authorities in China
- Faced difficulties with authorities in China, requiring over two years of preparations and documents to continue the journey.
- Encountered sensitive situations close to Tibet and Chinese border, where police threats and document confiscation occurred.
- Had to evade locals and escape a sensitive region due to reporting incidents to the police, lasting for about three weeks.
Encounter with the Tiger and Bear in West China
- Discussion about a terrifying encounter with a tiger chasing a man on a motorbike in India
- An exploration of the dangers posed by wild animals like tigers and bears in West China
- Details about the difference in foot size between a grizzly bear and a human, highlighting the immense size and danger of these animals
Solo Expedition in China and Cultural Interactions
- Description of a solo expedition trek through China with interactions with local communities
- Involvement of journalists, Chinese celebrities, and brands like Adidas in the journey
- Challenges faced while interacting with different social media platforms in China due to restrictions on Western platforms
Using Satellite Communication for Social Media Connectivity - Interaction Between China and UK
- Used a Navarino satellite for communication with Beijing and UK teams
- No issues raised by the Chinese government regarding using international social media sites alongside approved ones
- Chinese travelers use international social media despite the government-approved platforms
Huawei Technology and Chinese Influence - Concerns and Innovations
- Huawei phones considered top-notch with advanced features not available in the US
- Google apps blocked on Huawei devices, leading to the development of alternative versions
- Speculations about the Chinese government's role in Huawei and its potential impact on global competition
Encounter with Boss Doing Pull-ups: Realization and Quitting Job
- The narrator encounters a guy doing pull-ups, leading to a realization about his unhealthy lifestyle and job dissatisfaction.
- The boss's behavior and materialistic attitude push the narrator to start traveling and eventually quit his job.
- Reflecting on the impact of small nudges from others in steering him towards a new direction.
Transition from Thailand to Mongolia: Muay Thai Fight and Scuba Diving Instructor
- Transition from working in Thailand as a scuba diving instructor, learning Muay Thai, and participating in a stadium fight.
- Challenges faced during training and fighting in Muay Thai, including injuries and lifestyle changes.
- Decision to leave Thailand and venture into Mongolia for a new adventure, leading to preparation for a record-breaking solo trek across the country.
Ash's Goby Desert Expedition and Physical Training
- Ash describes the challenging journey in the Goby Desert, facing severe dehydration and exhaustion
- His intense physical training routine included calisthenics, martial arts exercises, and pulling a heavy sled
- Ash emphasizes the importance of fitness and mental preparedness for the expeditions
Encounters and Hospitality in Mongolia and Kazakhstan
- Ash shares a humorous encounter with a Kazakh family in the Altaï mountains, showcasing cultural differences
- He reflects on the hospitable nature of people along his journey, despite language barriers
- Through acts of kindness and understanding, Ash navigates different cultures during his expeditions
Experience in China and the Cultural Exchange
- Offering paper and pens instead of money for food in China.
- Learning about cultural sensitivities and not offering money as it could be offensive.
- Highlighting the value of paper and pens as an educational tool in exchange for hospitality.
Surviving Malaria and the Journey in Madagascar
- Contracting malaria and the struggle to reach medical help in Madagascar.
- Facing challenges with malnutrition and bubonic plague in southern Madagascar.
- Embarking on a 155-day, 1600-mile trek through Madagascar's jungles, encountering survival situations and learning from local guides.
Adventure Journeys: Mongolia, Madagascar, Mission Yangsi
- Three big journeys over the past decade: Mongolia, Madagascar, and Mission Yangsi.
- Encounters while trekking the Himalayas, facing challenges with permits and Pakistan army roaming border.
- Experiences like sleeping in hammock shops in Vietnam and dealing with creepy crawlies in the jungle.
Cultural Traditions & Supernatural Encounters in Madagascar
- Carrying a chicken named Gertrude for two and a half weeks in Madagascar to summit the highest mountain.
- Belief in protection from bad spirits and witches by bringing a white cockerel during journeys.
- Encountering supernatural experiences like hallucinations and convulsions in the jungle community.
Encounter with Crocodiles in Madagascar: David Attenborough's Expedition
- Discusses the presence of crocodiles in Madagascar and the practice of feeding them by locals
- Highlights the belief of some locals in making deals with crocodiles
- Mentions the myths and beliefs surrounding witches for protection
- Discusses the challenges of living in a place with dangerous wildlife and superstitions
Environmental Challenges in Mongolia: Impact of Climate Change on Nomadic Way of Life
- Addresses the environmental issues faced in Mongolia, including extreme cold, pollution, and lack of basic amenities
- Discusses the struggles of nomads in urban areas due to climate change and pollution
- Highlights efforts to raise awareness and support organizations working to protect biodiversity
Challenges of Walking through Mongolia with Water Container
- Struggles of carrying a heavy water container of 20 liters during the journey
- Facing dehydration and rationing water while walking through Mongolia
- Concerns about previous evacuations due to dehydration and dangers in the desert
Journey to Mongolia: Preparation and Fascination
- Transition from reckless to meticulous planning for the journey
- Fascination with the culture and geography of Mongolia, including Altai mountains and Gobi desert
- Search for evidence of solo unsupported walk in Mongolia and the dangers faced, including wolves and drunk nomads
Conor McGregor vs. Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone Fight Preview
- Discussion about the upcoming fight between Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone
- Analysis of both fighters' styles and potential strategies
- Importance of the fight despite no world title implications
Weight Cutting and Fight Endurance
- In-depth conversation about weight cutting in MMA and its impact on fighters' health
- Discussion on the effect of extreme weight cuts on fighters' endurance and performance
- Insight into the physical toll of rapid weight changes and potential long-term consequences
Fighter's Struggle with Mysterious Parasite in Congo
- A fighter has been battling a mysterious parasite he caught deep in the Congo for over eight months
- Doctors are unsure of the parasite's identity and the potential impact on the fighter's health, inducing severe symptoms such as shivering and pale appearance
- Despite the life-threatening illness, the fighter remains selfless, highlighting the plight of the Congo and aiming at raising awareness
Encounter with Enormous Bondo Ape in Congo
- Exploration of the Bili forest in Congo reveals the existence of giant Bondo apes, considered a unique subspecies of chimpanzees
- Wildlife photographer Carl Amon captures footage of Bondo apes, showcasing their enormous size and distinct features like a gorilla-like skull
- Locals regard Bondo apes as formidable predators, nesting on the ground and exhibiting predatory behavior like consuming a jaguar
Exploring the Era of Terror Birds in North America
- Discussion on the terror birds, large carnivorous birds in North America, around 62 to 1.8 million years ago
- Comparison of sizes with humans, horses, and wolves indicating their predatory nature
- Speculation on human survival beliefs in the presence of such massive creatures
Encountering the Short-faced Bear in History
- Exploration of the massive short-faced bear, larger than polar bears, a significant predator
- The impact of the bear on human navigation and survival
- Speculation on the extinction of the short-faced bear by human activity