Justin Fornal is an explorer, writer documenting vanishing traditions in some of the world’s most challenging regions. His work focuses on ancient textiles, traditional foodways, and the material culture of ritual..

Justin has led research expeditions across Iraq, Somalia, Haiti, Yemen, Ethiopia, Liberia, the West Bank, and Arctic Greenland. A 2025 Society of American Travel Writers Gold Medal Awardee, his work has appeared in National Geographic, VICE, The Explorers Journal, Adventure Journal, Parts Unknown, and Roads & Kingdoms.

Through his nonprofit, the History, Arts, & Science Action Network (HASAN), Justin collaborates with minority communities facing discrimination and genocide, helping them preserve cultural heritage and reclaim their narratives on an international stage.

In 2026, Justin launched Sahel by the Sun — a solar-powered crossing of Africa from Dakar, Senegal to Xaafuun, Somalia in a Land Rover Defender — highlighting endangered Sahelian cultures while advancing sustainable exploration. He has been a fellow of Explorers Club since 2011

Justin's website JustinFornal.com

Instagram Justin Fornal

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Hosted by Michael J. Reinhart

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True stories of adventure and exploration

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Jacob “Val” Myers is an Appalachian-born adventure athlete with a growing list of accomplishments stretching across the board from ultramarathons, expeditions, published writings, and community service projects. Getting his start working with public lands as a young man in Gorges State Park, Val has hundreds of hours of volunteer service on trail crews and as a fundraiser supporting conservation projects around the country.

Val has taken on extreme expeditions in the coldest regions of the world such as Antarctica, the Yukon, Norway, and Alaska since entering the field as an aspiring polar guide in 2022. In parallel to his fascination with wild and rugged spaces, Val has completed multiple mountainous ultramarathons extending over one-hundred miles across the American landscape.

Val is currently publishing a book detailing his attempted world record skiing solo and unsupported to the geographic south pole while providing context and honor to the complicated Appalachian landscapes that raised him. When not writing, Val has continued planning for future expeditions, Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempts and is supporting his community through volunteerism.

Get Val's new book Blue Ridge - White Desert: A Young Man's Journey Through Appalachia, Antarctica, and the Self

Val's website: jacobvalmyers.com

Val's You Tube Channel

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Hosted by Michael J. Reinhart

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True stories of adventure and exploration

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Oscar Scafidi is a travel writer, international educator and risk consultant. Originally from the UK and Italy, he has lived, worked and travelled across over thirty African nations. Oscar tends to focus on difficult destinations and post-conflict zones which do not attract many tourists. His work has included everything from interviewing pirates in Somalia to chasing elephants around the forests of Gabon. Among his many accomplishments, he kayaked 1,300km along Angola's longest river and 750km along Madagascar's longest river.

Oscar’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ScafidiTravels/

Social media links: lnk.bio/ScafidiTravels

Kayak The Mangoky Official website: https://kayakthemangoky.com/

Support this Podcast: buy me a coffee

Hosted by Michael J. Reinhart

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.