Stanfords Travel Podcast – Stanfords Blog

Why We Travel with Phoebe Smith & Ash Bhardwaj// 2025 Stanfords Travel Writers Festival

What are the benefits of travelling, and why do so many of us feel compelled to do it? Ash Bhardwaj, author of Why We Travel, is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster, whose work explores the intersection of travel, current affairs and human behaviour. Phoebe Smith is an award-winning adventurer, presenter, broadcaster, author and photographer. She hosts the Wander Woman Podcast and is Sleep Storyteller-in-Residence at Calm.com.

Together they talk to Ann Morgan about the transformative power of travel.

This is a live recording from Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show at Olympia, London on 31 January 2025.

Ray Mears: British Woodland// 2025 Stanfords Travel Writers Festival

During his decades long career as a bushcraft and survival expert, one thing always shines through about Ray Mears – his love of the nature and landscape within which he finds himself. His latest book, British Woodland, takes us to the heart of something we can all enjoy, and he talks to Phoebe Smith about this integral part of the fabric of Britain.

Hilary Bradt in Conversation with Simon Calder// 2025 Stanfords Travel Writers Festival

Taking the Risk is Hilary Bradt’s engaging, insightful, amusing and sometimes alarming memoir about serendipitous adventures in travel and publishing. A travel industry trail-blazer who co-founded Bradt Guides, Hilary Bradt talks to travel journalist Simon Calder about 50 years of escapades, surprises, mishaps and success.

This is a live recording from Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show at Olympia, London on 30 January 2025.