Scientific Exploration Society (SES) is a grant-giving charity and portal to the world of scientific expeditions that focus on climate change, environmental protection, and conservation.
Pen is the only person to have completed a solo, unsupported trek from Canada to the North Pole without third-party resupply. He led the Catlin Arctic Survey, a series of scientific expeditions investigating sea-ice thickness, ocean acidification and Arctic Ocean circulation. He went on to lead the first vessels, without icebreaker support, into the Central Arctic Ocean’s high seas region. Following this, Pen founded the marine conservation charity, 90 North Foundation, an initiative focused on protecting the Arctic Ocean’s wildlife and its unique floating ice-reef ecosystem. In 2023 he received the Shackleton Medal for the Protection of the Polar Regions in recognition of his contributions to polar exploration and environmental protection. He is a much-valued member of our Advisory Board.
In this episode, Pen speaks with SES Advisory Board Chair, Rosie Stancer.
28 May 2026
Episode 7: Steve Backshall
Steve Backshall is an English naturalist, explorer, writer and television presenter, best known for his BBC series Deadly 60. Steve began his career with National Geographic before joining the BBC in 2003, and his programmes have taken him on expeditions across the globe in search of wildlife and remote wild places. Steve received our Explorer of the Year honorary award in 2020 and is a much-valued member of our Advisory Board.
In this episode, Steve speaks with SES Chair Peter Felix.
26 Mar 2026
Episode 6: Ollie Phillips
Ollie Phillips is a former England Rugby Sevens captain and World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, who led his team to success on the global stage. Since retiring from the sport, he has built a compelling second career as an entrepreneur and sought-after speaker, drawing on his experiences to inspire others on leadership, resilience, and high performance. He has sailed around the world, run marathons in Africa for various charities and hosted the most ‘Northerly rugby match’ at the North Pole. Most recently, Ollie took on one of the greatest physical challenges on earth - completing the World's Toughest Row - and we are proud to count him as a much-valued member of the SES Advisory Board.
Whether on the pitch, the ocean, or the ice, Ollie's story is a masterclass in what it means to push the boundaries of human endeavour, and we hope you'll find his conversation with our Chair, Peter Felix, both fascinating and inspiring.
23 Jan 2026
Episode 5: Mark Beaumont
Over the past two decades Mark Beaumont has pushed the limits of endurance, spoken at thousands of events, and worked in over 100 countries. Amongst other Guinness World Records, he remains the fastest person to have cycled around the planet. Mark's passion for entrepreneurship takes him into a range of businesses, backing innovation and advising on growth. He lives in Edinburgh, Scotland with his wife Nicci and two daughters. Mark received our Lifetime Achievement honorary award in 2018 and is a member of our Advisory Board.
In this episode, Mark speaks with SES Chair Peter Felix.
21 Oct 2025
Episode 4: Levison Wood
Levison Wood is a renowned explorer, writer, and photographer who has travelled to over 100 countries and authored 11 bestsellers. His major expeditions include walking the Nile, the Himalayas, Central America, and the Arabian Peninsula.
He serves as Chancellor of Staffordshire University, is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Explorers Club, and is an ambassador for Leica and UNICEF. We're proud to have him on our Advisory Board.
In this episode, Lev speaks with SES Chair Peter Felix.
30 May 2025
Episode 3: Lucy Shepherd
Explorer Lucy Shepherd discusses her pioneering work for women in exploration and creating inspiring content for the next generation in an interview with Peter Felix.
21 Mar 2025
Episode 2: Preet Chandi
Preet Chandi MBE is a British physiotherapist and recently retired British Army officer. She broke two Guinness World Records in January 2023; the longest solo unsupported one-way polar ski journey for a woman, and the longest solo unsupported one-way polar ski journey overall.
In this episode, SES Honorary Award winner and Advisory Board member Preet, also known as Polar Preet, is in conversation with SES Chair, Peter Felix.
19 Dec 2024
Episode 1: Rosie Stancer
Rosie Stancer, a seasoned British explorer, shares her remarkable achievements and world records, inspiring listeners to push beyond their limits and defy conventional boundaries.
17 Dec 2024
Meet our Explorers Introduction
We are Scientific Exploration Society (SES), a British grant-giving charity dedicated to environmental discovery, protection and conservation.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 3 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
6
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Meet our Explorers
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Meet our Explorers?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
