Explore This!, hosted by National Geographic Explorers Cornelius Okello and Gautam Shah, demystifies exploration by focusing on the people behind the work. Through candid conversations, the podcast explores what drives, challenges, and shapes National Geographic Explorers beyond their achievements. Each episode celebrates diverse perspectives across conservation, science, culture, history, innovation, and storytelling—offering a deeply human portrait of exploration that inspires listeners to think, “I could do this too,” and take their own bold first step.
“Being a nice person is something worth being remembered for.”
Yvette, a South African conservationist, reflects on her work in grassland conservation and the quieter, less visible impacts that define much of her career. She discusses fieldwork, long-term monitoring, and the personal motivations that sustain her work, as well as how patience and perseverance have shaped her approach over time. Yvette also shares how she defines success and legacy on her own terms, focusing on small wins, personal integrity, and influencing how people think about climate and conservation.
9 Apr 2026
Frederick Mugira
“When communities are displaced, they can become enemies of what they once protected.”
Ugandan journalist and National Geographic Explorer Frederick Mugira shares how growing up with water scarcity shaped his lifelong commitment to environmental journalism. He discusses walking long distances to fetch water as a child, how those experiences influenced his career choices, and why he chose storytelling as his tool for change. Frederick reflects on founding Water Journalists Africa, leading continent-wide collaborations such as InfoNile and the Apes Reporting Project, and using journalism to connect science, policy, and community voices around water, wildlife, and climate change.
For more information on Water Journalists Africa, click on the link: https://waterjournalistsafrica.com/
2 Apr 2026
Cléa Rekou
“I’m not 50 per cent Algerian and 50 per cent French — I’m 100 per cent of both.”
Visual storyteller Cléa Rekou reflects on her journey from studying finance and working in tech to becoming a photographer exploring identity, violence, and memory. Born in France to an Algerian father and French mother, Cléa discusses growing up with a complex sense of belonging, her long separation from Algeria due to civil conflict, and the gradual reconnection with her roots. She explains her transition into photography, her evolving ethical approach to storytelling, and her decision to move to Algeria to focus fully on long-term, deeply immersive projects.
Visit her page for more information on the powerful work she is doing https://clearekhou.com
26 Mar 2026
Ibrahim Togola
“When you give opportunity, people see they can build a future at home.”
Energy and development practitioner Ibrahim reflects on his journey from studying abroad to returning home to Mali to build community-led energy and economic development projects. He discusses founding the Mali Focus Centre, the challenges of starting from scratch, and how access to electricity can transform livelihoods, reduce migration pressures, and create long-term opportunity. Ibrahim also shares how his work has continued despite political instability, emphasising the importance of trust, local leadership, and building strong teams.
Follow the link to learn more about the Mali Folkecenter https://malifolkecenter.org/en/
19 Mar 2026
Dominique Goncalves
“Doubt doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path.”
Dominique reflects on her path into conservation storytelling and the motivations that continue to shape her work. She discusses navigating uncertainty, building a career that sits between science and narrative, and learning how to communicate complex environmental issues in ways that resonate with broader audiences. Dominique also speaks about self-doubt, growth, and the importance of finding clarity through action rather than waiting for certainty.
12 Mar 2026
Halima Abubakar
“Trust isn’t given — you earn it by showing up again and again.”
Artist, photographer, and cultural archivist Halima Abubakar shares with us how growing up across different regions of Nigeria shaped her understanding of identity, belonging, and perception. She traces her journey from studying mechanical engineering to becoming a visual storyteller focused on documenting disappearing traditional tattoo practices in Northern Nigeria. Halima explains the origins of her Kwalia project, her immersive, relationship-driven approach to documentation, and the ethical challenges of preserving intimate cultural histories while respecting community consent and agency.
To learn more about her work, click on the link below:
https://www.halimabelloabubakar.me/kwalliya-the-evolution
5 Mar 2026
Ndimuh Bertrand Shancho
“The beginning is never easy, but following your passion is deeply satisfying.”
Cameroonian conservationist and National Geographic Explorer Ndimuh Bertrand Shancho reflects on his journey from growing up in a farming village to founding Voice of Nature (VONAT), a grassroots conservation organisation in Cameroon. He describes how early experiences with wildlife, followed by the disappearance of chimpanzees from his community, shaped his decision to shift from journalism to hands-on conservation. Ndimuh talks about protecting endangered species such as the Goliath frog, building community-led conservation initiatives, and the personal sacrifices involved in choosing passion-driven work over financial security.
Learn more about VONAT here:
https://vonat.org/
26 Feb 2026
Maholy Ravaloharimanitra
“Working with communities teaches you ways of thinking you would never find behind a desk.”
Conservationist Maholy Ravaloharimanitra reflects on growing up in a rural part of Madagascar where natural forests had already disappeared, and how that early loss shaped her relationship with nature. She discusses her path into conservation, her current role leading community-based conservation work in Madagascar, and the realities of balancing fieldwork, project management, and fundraising. Maholy shares practical insights into working with diverse communities, sustaining motivation in difficult conditions, and the importance of passing conservation values to the next generation.
Check out Maholy's publications through this link:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maholy-Ravaloharimanitra
19 Feb 2026
Sylvia Arthur
“These women matter, and their stories matter”
In our first episode, oral historian and National Geographic Explorer Sylvia discusses her work documenting the life histories of women across West Africa. She reflects on interviewing 100 women in Benin, Togo, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia, and the emotional and logistical pressures of preserving stories that risk being lost. Sylvia explains the motivation behind the Women’s Oral History Project, the challenges of working against time, and the responsibility to do justice to women whose lives have often been overlooked or undervalued in historical records. She delves into the journey and inspiration behind founding the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora (LOATAD), a decolonising library, archive, writing residency, and research institute based in Accra, Ghana.
Click on the link below to follow Sylvia and her work
https://sylvia-arthur.com/loatad/
15 Feb 2026
Trailer
This is a trailer to give you a taste of what to expect in this season of Explore This!
Voices. Laughter. Doubt. Determination.
Woven from powerful moments across multiple Explorers from Africa, this trailer is a raw, unscripted snippets that reveal the human side of exploration. You’ll hear their fears, their turning points, their passions—and the deeply personal stories behind the work.
Explore This! isn’t about accolades or accomplishments. It’s about the people behind them. And after listening, you might just realise that exploration begins closer to home than you think.
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