Six Minutes Somewhere Else

Fairytale nature walk in Bard country

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +1000

I went back to my hometown of Stratford-Upon-Avon to search for midsummer spirits in an enchanted English woodland.

If you are wondering 'why is Stratford-Upon-Avon so famous', 'what was Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream play inspired by' and 'what are some good hikes on the Welcombe Hills', this episode might give you some clues.

Listen to a podcast about a very literary nature ramble in Shakespeare's footsteps.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Walking to the top of Europe

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +1000

I braved thick fog and damp reindeer to reach the very top of Europe. I shunned the tourist traps of Nordkapp and instead walked the Knivskjelodden hiking trail which ends 1km north of Nordkapp.

If you are wondering 'what are some interesting facts about Nordkapp', 'is Nordkapp worth visiting' and 'what is the Knivskjelodden hiking trail', this episode might have some answers for you.

Listen to a podcast about hiking to the northernmost point of mainland Europe.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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A Japanese temple's thrilling secret

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +1000

I arrived at a small temple tucked under an overhanging cliff in Japan, having gone there on the advice of a complete stranger. That advice turned out to be gold, as I came face to face with a statue of the Buddha more than 1,200 years old – the oldest one in Japan. It was a spiritual experience.

If you are asking yourself ‘what to do in Utsunomiya', 'is Oya-ji a very rare temple because it is in a cave' or 'where can you see the oldest statue of the Buddha in Japan', this podcast episode might have some answers for you.

Listen to a podcast about seeing the oldest statue of the Buddha in Japan.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Forest bathing in New Zealand

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:30:00 +1000

I wandered inland from tranquil Te Ngaere bay on the North Island of New Zealand (Aotearoa) and discovered a secret wood. It was populated by giant tree ferns and guarded by the spirits of the land and lively local birds called pee-waka-wakas. The wood was deeply soothing and the perfect spot to try some forest bathing in the southern hemisphere, without the risk of snakes disturbing the peace.

If you are wondering ‘where can visitors participate in forest therapy in New Zealand’, 'why is forest bathing good for you', or 'is forest bathing worth it’, this podcast episode might help to answer those questions.

Listen to a podcast about forest bathing in a tranquil wood in New Zealand.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Meeting a mystical 'spirit' horse

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:30:00 +1000

I re-visited an old friend, a large 'spirit' horse carved out of the chalk downlands of southern England. It is unlike any other chalk figure ever created. It is beautifully animated, galloping free across the landscape. It is also ancient, dating from more than 2,500 years ago.

If you are wondering ‘what is the white horse at Uffington’, 'what is the story behind the white horse’ or 'what does the Uffington White Horse mean’, this podcast episode might give you a few pointers.

Listen to a podcast about meeting the wonderful, mystical White Horse of Uffington.

Photo © copyright Historic England Photo Library.

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Tour de France, up close

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 22:30:00 -0400

The Vallée d’Ossau is full of summer radiance on the day I come to stay. I and several hundred other people and their huge motorhomes, for the famous Tour de France bicycle race is passing through the valley. After the mass of riders and their entourages whizz by and on, into the foothills of the Pyrenees, the valley returns to its natural, beautiful best.

If you're keen to find out 'does the Tour de France go through the Pyrenees', 'is the Vallée d’Ossau worth visiting' or 'what is the most beautiful part of the Pyrenees', this podcast episode might provide some food for thought.

Listen to a podcast about watching the thrilling Tour de France whizz through an idyllic mountain valley.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Seabird spectacular on Orkney

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 22:30:00 -0400

The Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland make up one of the world’s most important seabird sanctuaries, with thousands of birds flocking here every spring to breed and to nurture their young. I visited in July when the airspace around the cliffs is as busy as it gets: kittiwakes, razorbills, fulmars, shags, terns and birds I had travelled a long way to see: puffins!!

If you're wondering 'what is special about the Orkney Islands', 'what seabirds will I see in Orkney' or 'what are puffins called in Orkney', this podcast episode might shed some light on the situation.

Listen to a podcast about watching Orkney’s incredible summer seabird spectacular.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Sharing breakfast in the Caribbean

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 22:30:00 -0400

I am in one of my favourite parts of the world: the Windward Islands in the Caribbean. I’m in St Vincent and the Grenadines sharing my breakfast with my new friend, a very colourful Bananaquit bird. It’s one of the prettiest birds I have seen and I am delighted it has chosen me – well, chosen my plate of fruit. I may even postpone some snorkelling I had planned and hang out with the Bananaquit instead.

If you're asking yourself 'is it worth visiting St Vincent and the Grenadines', 'what birds are native to St Vincent and the Grenadines' or 'what are the most beautiful Caribbean islands', this podcast episode might steer you in the right direction.

Listen to a podcast about sharing a tasty Caribbean breakfast with a beautiful local bird.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Sailing to stunning islands in Thailand

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 22:30:00 -0400

I am cruising through possibly the most amazing and iconic scenery in South East Asia – the famous karst islands in Phang Nga Bay between Krabi and Phuket. I was supposed to be on a car ferry further out to sea but instead took a small fishing boat which went much close to these amazing, must-see natural rock stacks.

If you're asking 'what is Phang Nga Bay known for', 'is it worth going to Phang Nga Bay' or 'where was James Bond filmed in Thailand', this podcast episode can give you a few hints.

Listen to a podcast about cruising past the famous karst islands of Phang Nga Bay at sunset.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Getting prehistoric in the South Pacific

Sun, 31 May 2026 22:30:00 -0400

I am sitting on the rim of the crater of an ancient volcano in Samoa in the South Pacific, with a sheer drop down to a secret, sunken rainforest below me. Big fruit bats are flapping overhead and it’s not hard to imagine they are small pterodactyls and that I have time-travelled back to the era of the dinosaurs. It's a beautiful scene as the tropical sun comes up and the air is full of birds.

If you're wondering 'what is the most beautiful part of Samoa', 'is Samoa good for tourists' or 'what is the most beautiful part of Samoa', this podcast episode might be able to help.

Listen to a podcast about going back in time to a prehistoric landscape in the South Pacific.

Photo © copyright Rickard Törnblad, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.

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A warm evening in Shakespeare's town

Sun, 24 May 2026 22:30:00 -0400

I am in the very English town of Stratford-Upon-Avon, globally famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare. It's also my home town and I try to visit each May to enjoy warm, sun-drenched evenings with friends. I like to walk through the town and down to the beautiful River Avon and watch the elegant swans gliding under the willow trees in the late sunlight. There are few places as quintessentially English as Stratford.

If you are interested to know 'is it worth visiting Stratford-upon-Avon', 'why is Stratford-Upon-Avon so famous' or 'what is the weather like in Stratford-Upon-Avon in May', this podcast episode might give you a few clues.

Listen to a podcast about taking a slow stroll through Stratford-Upon-Avon on a warm May evening.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Noisy meditation in Africa

Sun, 17 May 2026 22:30:00 -0400

I am at the very edge of the precipitous – and very loud – Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa. It is the world's largest sheet of falling water and known in the local language as Mosi oa Tunya, or the 'smoke that thunders'. So you might think it an odd location for a meditation session but there's method in my madness.

If you want to know 'what is the best month to go to Victoria Falls', 'is Victoria Falls the largest waterfall in the world' or 'what does Mosi oa Tunya mean', this podcast episode could help.

Listen to a podcast about trying to meditate at the very edge of the precipitous – and very loud – Victoria Falls in southern Africa.

Photo © copyright Michael Ray.

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The great Costa Rica turtle race

Sun, 10 May 2026 22:30:00 -0400

I am on a long Pacific Ocean beach in Costa Rica watching a truly monumental natural phenomenon. Hundreds of thousands of Olive Ridley turtles are hauling themselves out of the waves under a bright moon and dragging their bodies up the beach to lay their precious eggs. This rarely seen biological phenomenon is known as an arribada and I am lucky enough to witness one.

If you are wondering 'what is an arribada of turtles', 'how many turtles participate in an arribada' or 'where can I see turtles in Costa Rica', this podcast episode might help give you some answers.

Listen to a podcast about watching the truly monumental natural phenomenon of a turtle arribada.

Photo © Jonathan Reynaga (free use, courtesy of www.pexels.com)

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Meeting a very rare wallaby

Sun, 03 May 2026 22:30:00 -0400

I am at Adventure Bay on Bruny Island, off Tasmania, watching a super-cute white wallaby feeding at the edge of a car park. This very rare animal is only found here, where they are protected.

If you are asking yourself 'how rare are albino wallabies', 'where are the white wallabies in Tasmania', 'where can I see an albino wallaby' or 'what can you do in Adventure Bay, Tasmania', this podcast episode can help.

Listen to a podcast about finding super-cute white wallabies in Tasmania.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Pastoral beauty in an English village

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 22:30:00 -0400

I am enjoying a perfect late spring evening in an English village. The sun is setting over the wheat fields, rabbits play in a meadow, the hedgerows are bursting with life and there are swifts and swallows on the wing. In the distance I can hear the mournful bleating of lambs and an owl begin to hoot in the woods. These are just some of the numerous natural wonders of an English village in May.

If you are wondering 'what is spring like in the UK', 'if the UK experiences calm and dry weather in spring', or 'which birds are associated with spring in the UK', this podcast episode might have some answers for you.

Listen to a podcast about enjoying a perfect late spring evening in an English village.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Dawn in an Asian tropical garden

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:30:00 -0400

I am in one of my favourite green spaces in Asia: Singapore's magnificent Gardens By The Bay. There’s something wonderfully peaceful about being here and doing nothing but staring at nature. In Singapore, this is the best way to start the morning and give you the mental strength to tackle whatever the day may throw at you later.

If you are keen to find out 'what is special about Gardens By The Bay Singapore', 'what are three of the attractions at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore' or 'how are Gardens By The Bay sustainable', this podcast might be able to help with some answers.

Listen to a podcast about the early morning joys of Singapore's glorious Gardens By The Bay.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Natural therapy in a Tasmanian forest

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 22:30:00 -0400

Tasmania is a treasure trove of wildlife and wilderness. It is a place of ancient forests, wild coastlines and primeval landscapes, some of which have barely changed in millions of years. It is a place I visit as often as I can to immerse myself in nature and temporarily forget the fears and frictions of the world... and it never fails to calm me.

If you are wondering 'what is so special about Tasmania', 'what kind of birds live in Tasmania' or 'what is it like hiking the Overland Track' this podcast might give you some answers.

Listen to a podcast about natural therapy in a forest in Tasmania.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Adopting an iceberg in Canada

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 22:30:00 -0400

I spent a week admiring 'my' iceberg in Grates Cove in Newfoundland. I watched it from dawn to dusk and sometimes even at night. It turned, rolled and drifted. It was hypnotic and very relaxing.

If you are wondering 'what is the best time of year to see icebergs in Newfoundland', 'are there any icebergs off the coast of Newfoundland' or 'what to see on the Avalon peninsula' then this podcast episode could help you.

Listen to a podcast about how meditative it can be to watch a pirouetting iceberg in Canada.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Rowing to a secret Baltic island

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 21:30:00 -0400

I travelled to the Åland Islands to spend a day sunbathing and exploring the forest on my very own islet. This is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy nature. The islands are also somewhat quirky: they are technically autonomous and part of Finland yet most people speak Swedish, and they have a weird flag rule.

If you are asking yourself 'where are the Åland Islands', 'are the Åland Islands beautiful' or 'are the Åland Islands worth visiting' this podcast could help you out.

Listen to a podcast about spending a long, mild, carefree summer day on a tiny islet in the Baltic.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Tokyo tranquillity in an urban park

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 21:30:00 -0400

I found peace and calm in a natural oasis in the middle of Tokyo and it was totally unexpected. I went for a walk looking for a spot to sit on the waterfront of Tokyo Bay and watch the seabirds. Instead, I found the Hama-rikyu Gardens, which date back to the 1600s. The gardens are full of graceful cedars and include groves of plum and cherry trees, a bank of peonies and a wisteria trellis. There are also small teahouses which appear to float magically on the lake.

If you are wondering 'are the Hama-rikyu gardens worth visiting', 'which is the best garden to visit in Tokyo', or 'how to find peace in a Japanese garden', this podcast might be able to help.

Listen to a podcast about finding tranquillity in the centre of Tokyo.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Maori stargazing in New Zealand

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 21:30:00 -0400

I travelled to New Zealand’s South Island at Maori New Year to witness a dark-sky spectacle in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. These reserves are being established across the globe, which is good for astronomers but – more importantly – for animals and birds, as more and more human-created light is disrupting and threatening their migrations and survival.

I learned about Maori astronomy and looked for star patterns the local Maori people know and love such as ‘wakas’ or star canoes ploughing across the celestial ocean, reminiscent of the crafts their forebears used to traverse the vast expanses of the South Pacific and find New Zealand. It was mesmerising. If you’re wondering ‘where is the best place to stargaze in South Island, New Zealand’, ‘can I see the Milky Way in New Zealand’, or ‘what is the best month for stargazing in New Zealand’, this podcast might have some answers for you.

Listen to a podcast about witnessing a dark-sky spectacle in New Zealand.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Climbing a volcano in Latin America

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 21:30:00 -0400

I travelled to Costa Rica in Central America to climb a volcano called Arenal, which was an exhilarating experience. If you want to know 'is it worth going to Arenal volcano', 'what lives in the Costa Rica jungle' or 'how to see Costa Rica rainforest' this podcast might be able to help.

WARNING: Arenal is currently not erupting but an eruption could happen at any time. Climbing live and even dormant volcanos is seriously dangerous, utterly unpredictable and potentially life-threatening. Climb at your own risk. Source and understand as much safety, risk and travel insurance information as you can while planning your trip. Preferably go with a local guide.

Listen to a podcast about climbing a live volcano in Costa Rica.

Photo courtesy of Visit Costa Rica.

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Basking in the goodness of a Welsh beach

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 20:30:00 -0500

I spent a blissful summer day on a beach on the Gower peninsula in South Wales. Gower was the first place in the UK to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and for good reason. It’s full of idyllic, sandy beaches such as Pobbles and its neighbour Three Cliffs.

If you are wondering ‘is the Gower peninsula worth visiting’, ‘what are the hidden gems on Gower’, ‘where is Pobbles bay’ or ‘how do I get to Pobbles bay’, this podcast might well be able to help.

Listen to a podcast about basking in the goodness of an idyllic beach on the Gower peninsula in Wales.

Photo courtesy of Visit Wales © Crown Copyright.

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Alone on the ghostly Skeleton Coast

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 20:30:00 -0500

I travelled to the haunting Skeleton Coast of Namibia in southwestern Africa to experience one of the world’s most remote places. This is a lonely land of sand, shipwrecks, skulking jackals and a very clever ‘fog beetle’.

If you’re asking yourself ‘why do they call it Skeleton Coast’, ‘why are there so many shipwrecks on the Skeleton Coast’, or ‘is the Skeleton Coast worth visiting’, this podcast might be able to point you in the right direction.

Listen to a podcast about life on the haunting Skeleton Coast of Namibia.

Photo courtesy of Sonse, (Creative Commons) CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

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Very slow travel in the Pacific

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 20:30:00 -0500

I travelled for several days to reach the remote Pacific island of Yap to meet the locals and learn the story behind their giant stone coins. This must be the most beautiful Pacific island I’ve ever seen. I felt like I had travelled back a hundred years or more to a simpler, slower time when nature dictated our pace.

If you’re wondering ‘where is Yap island’, ‘what is Yap island famous for’, or ‘what is the giant stone money on Yap’, this podcast might have some answers.

Listen to a podcast about very slow travel on the blissfully relaxed island of Yap in the Pacific.

Photo courtesy of Manta Ray Bay Resort © copyright David Fleetham.

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A wonderful wildlife surprise in Bavaria

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 20:30:00 -0500

I travelled to Upper Bavaria in southern Germany to climb the Kramerspitz mountain. I failed due to thick mist near the summit but was still rewarded with an incredible wildlife moment on the lower slopes.

If you're wondering 'is it hard to hike the Kramerspitz', 'what are the most beautiful hiking trails in Germany', or 'what animals are in the Bavarian Alps', this podcast might shine a light for you.

Listen to a podcast about getting a wonderful wildlife surprise in Bavaria.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Wildlife therapy in an Australian reserve

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:49:07 -0500

I drove 40 minutes south of Canberra to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to immerse myself in Australian nature. The reserve is alive with birds and has relaxing trails through natural forest. It’s perfect for nature mindfulness and very good for the soul.

If you’re keen to know ‘is Tidbinbilla worth visiting’, ‘what are the species of birds at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve’, or ‘what to see outside of Canberra’, this podcast might have some ideas for you.

Listen to a podcast about wildlife therapy in an Australian nature reserve .

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace

More information: https://www.tidbinbilla.act.gov.au/

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Meeting Iceland's petrified trolls

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 22:59:29 -0500

I travelled to the Snæfellsnes peninsula in Iceland on a cyclonic day to meet petrified trolls. After braving truly atrocious weather and perilous 'sneaker waves' on Djúpalónssandur beach I made it to Dritvík beach to see the ghostly stone trolls. Then, just for a few seconds, the weather cleared and I had a beatific nature experience.

If you're wondering 'is it safe to swim at Djúpalónssandur beach' [answer: NO!], 'is it worth visiting the Snæfellsnes peninsula?' [answer: YES!], or 'how difficult is the hike to Djúpalónssandur', this podcast might give you some pointers.

Listen to a podcast about the petrified trolls of Iceland's Dritvík beach.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Getting dusty in an Oregon desert

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 20:30:00 -0500

I travelled to the southeastern corner of Oregon in the United States to visit the Alvord Desert. This dry, sunbaked salt pan is very different to the state's magnificent Pacific coast forests but it is equally as dramatic and far less visited. If you love deserts you'll love the Alvord.

If you're wondering 'where is the Alvord Desert', 'how large is the Alvord Desert' or 'what is Eastern Oregon known for' this podcast might give you some hints.

Listen to a podcast about visiting the amazing and remote Alvord Desert in Oregon.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Crimson delight in Australia

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 21:09:36 -0500

I spent a searingly hot summer afternoon in Australia's capital city, Canberra, watching resplendent Crimson Rosellas. These are possibly the most beautiful and flamboyant birds in Australia and the great thing is they are relatively easy to see.

If you are wondering 'what does a Crimson Rosella look like' or 'do Crimson Rosellas mate for life', this podcast might have some answers for you.

Listen to a podcast about the resplendent Crimson Rosella.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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Husky-sledding in Finnish Lapland

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 20:30:00 -0500

I travelled way up north to Finnish Lapland to try my hand at sledding with huskies. Heaps of fun but much harder than it looks. The winter wonderland landscapes were stunningly beautiful and the dogs taught me a valuable life lesson about relinquishing control.

If you are wondering ‘what is it like husky sledding in Lapland’ or ‘what are the best things to do in Finland during winter’ this podcast might give you some ideas. Just don’t forget to ask your husky guide how to make the dogs stop!

Listen to a podcast about sledding with huskies in Finnish Lapland.

Photo © copyright Matthew Brace.

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A meditative New Year walk in Kyoto

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 20:38:52 -0500

I spent a blissfully peaceful day in Kyoto just after New Year strolling along the Philosopher's Path. I wrapped up warm, sat on benches and let nature relax me. I watched the slow movement of the canal water and listened to the song of a distant bird. If ever there was an idyllic spot for mindfulness, the Philosopher's Path in winter must surely be it.

If you want to know 'is Kyoto good for New Year', 'what is the most beautiful area of Kyoto' or 'what temples should I see in Kyoto', this podcast might give you a few answers, especially if you want to see some quieter places away from the main tourist trail.

Listen to a podcast about walking the peaceful Philosopher's Path in Kyoto in winter.

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A natural Christmas miracle in England

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 20:30:00 -0500

I took a Christmas walk in England and had the most uplifting experience of hearing a robin singing its heart out and bringing joy to the evening gloom. It was such a surprise to hear it singing at night and on its own that it felt like I was being treated to a Christmas miracle, courtesy of nature.

If you are wondering ‘do robins stay in winter in England’ or ‘is Christmas a good time to visit England’, this podcast might be able to give you some hints.

Listen to a podcast about hearing a tuneful robin at Christmas in England.

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Among Oman's breathtaking mountains

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 20:30:00 -0500

I travelled to the Jebel Akhdar mountains in Oman to spend a peaceful, sun-drenched day marvelling at the magnificent geology of this ancient range and learning about its hardy goat herds.

Oman is one of my favourite places to visit – I consider it the 'real Arabia', with spectacular landscapes and hundreds of preserved forts, mosques and souks. If you're asking yourself 'is Oman a mountainous country' or 'is Oman tourist friendly' this podcast might be able to help.

Listen to a podcast about visiting Oman's breathtaking mountains.

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Watching the birth of the Mississippi River

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 22:39:22 -0500

I travelled to the wilds of northern Minnesota to see the first few feet of the Mississippi River as it is born from Lake Itasca and begins its long journey south to the Gulf of Mexico. Up here, near America's border with Canada, the forests seem to stretch forever, skirting lakes and streams, and housing all manner of flora and fauna.

If you're wondering 'where does the Mississippi River begin and end' or 'where is the true start of the Mississippi river', this podcast can help answer those questions and it might inspire you to visit the natural beauty of Minnesota.

Listen to a podcast about watching the birth of the Mississippi River .

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On the night train through magical India

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 20:30:00 -0500

I travelled through India on a night train from Mumbai to Delhi in a second-class carriage to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Indian countryside after dark. It was a fabulous experience, meeting local people, eating vegetarian train food and being 'in the night' as the train trundled slowly past farms and villages.

If you are wondering 'what is the best night train in India' or 'what it's like on the night train from Mumbai to Delhi' this podcast might give you an idea.

Listen to a podcast about riding the night train from Mumbai to Delhi through the magical Indian countryside.

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Off-road in the Rub' al Khali desert

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 20:30:00 -0500

I travelled with an Emirati friend to the far western region of the United Arab Emirates, on the border with Saudi Arabia, to witness the heat and majesty of the mighty Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert. We spent most of a day climbing sand dunes and gazing at fabulous desert vistas in the height of summer and I learned from him about the powerful connection Emiratis have with their desert.

If you’re asking yourself ‘can I visit the desert in the UAE’ or ‘is it worth going to the desert in the UAE’, then this podcast might whet your appetite.

Listen to a podcast about going off-road in the desert in the United Arab Emirates.

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Time travelling in the Australian Outback

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 20:52:43 -0500

I spent a fascinating day with a local Aboriginal man in a secret part of the stunning Flinders Ranges in South Australia. He opened my eyes to the wonders of ancient rock art – 27,000-year-old messages and stories that his ancestors etched on sandstone boulders. This is a secret site and not on the main tourist trail, which made it all the more special. He also taught me how his ancestors lived off the land, using native plants for everything from making rope to curing stomach ache.

If you’re wondering ‘where is rock art found in Australia’ or ‘where is the best place to see Aboriginal rock art’, add the Flinders Ranges to your list.

Listen to a podcast about seeing secret ancient Aboriginal rock art in the Australian Outback.

Travel, nature, wellness. This is Six Minutes Somewhere Else.

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Autumn in a peaceful Manhattan park

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 21:18:46 -0500

I travelled to New York City in autumn to tune in to the wholesome leaf rustle in my favourite Manhattan park. Seward Park is a place I have loved for years, a true escape from the concrete and the traffic. I can sit in this park for hours watching the birds and listening to the sounds of nature.

If you’re wondering ‘where is the best place to see autumn (Fall) foliage in New York City’, or 'where can I spot birds in Manhattan', Seward Park is certainly a good option.

Listen to a podcast about the natural beauty of a Manhattan park in autumn (fall).

Travel, nature, wellness. This is Six Minutes Somewhere Else.

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Meet New Zealand's mystical cave dwellers

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 12:30:00 +1100

I travelled to see some of the best glow worm caves in New Zealand. This is a must-do activity when you are in the Land of the Long White Cloud, as long as you're not claustrophobic. You walk into the cave with a tractor inner tube which you use to float down a mysterious, underground river. It's pitch black down there but when you float into the glow worm caverns you see the roofs absolutely covered with them. I have never experienced anything like it; it was a truly breathtaking experience. If you're wondering 'where can I see glow worms in New Zealand' this might be the place.

Listen to a podcast about riding an underground river in New Zealand's South Island to see caves full of fantastic glow worms.

https://mattbracetravels.com/podcast/

Travel, nature, wellness. This is Six Minutes Somewhere Else.

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Communing with the long-dead in Denmark

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 22:00:00 -0400

I travelled to Silkeborg in Denmark to get a glimpse into the past and see the best-preserved human on the planet: Tollund Man. His body is about 2,400 years old and was found in a peat bog in 1950. He is so incredibly well preserved you can see many features we would recognise in a living human. Tollund Man is one of the most amazing cultural things to see and do in Denmark and it is well worth a visit to the museum to say 'hello'.

So, if you are wondering 'why was Tollund Man killed', 'how old was Tollund Man when he died', or 'where is Tollund Man's body now', this podcast episode might have some of the answers.

Listen to a podcast about visiting Tollund Man. I hope it inspires you to visit wonderful Denmark.

Photo credit: Frame & Work (for Silkeborg Museum). https://www.frameandwork.com/

https://mattbracetravels.com/podcast/

Travel, nature, wellness. This is Six Minutes Somewhere Else.

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Natural bliss on a Scottish beach

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 22:32:01 -0400

I travelled to the captivating Huishinish – or Huisinis – beach on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland to follow my roots and find solace in nature. I spent most of a day alone on this perfect, white-sand beach, which looked more like one in the Caribbean than the wild Western Isles of Scotland.

A good number of Scotland's best beaches are on these magical, windswept islands. I walked across the grassy 'machair' dunes and along the stunning stretch of sand under sunny skies. Just when I thought this place couldn’t get any better, a seal popped its head up in the bay.

Listen to a podcast about enjoying natural bliss on a Scottish beach.

Travel, nature, wellness. This is Six Minutes Somewhere Else.

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Deep in Borneo's magical rainforest

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 05:52:42 -0400

I travelled to Borneo to join Dayak tribesmen heading deep into the jungle to search for an area in which to relocate orangutans displaced by indiscriminate logging operations. The tribesmen work with international charities to help conserve these wonderful apes here. I flew in by helicopter from the coastal town of Balikpapan and then took longboats way up river to find a suitable patch of untamed rainforest. These are some of the last undisturbed rainforests in Asia – in the world – and home to countless flora and fauna species. They offer the perfect environment for the displaced orangutans.

Listen to a podcast about adventuring deep into Borneo's magical rainforest with Dayak tribesmen.

Travel, nature, wellness. This is Six Minutes Somewhere Else.

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Quiet and calm on a frozen lake in Finland

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 05:42:54 -0400

I travelled to Finland for some Finnish winter fun: experiencing the snowy beauty of its forests and walking across a frozen lake. Crunching over the icy surface during the brief hours of daylight is one of the best things to do in Finland in winter. You can usually walk on lake ice in Finland from November to March but check with the locals first to make sure it's safe. Finland's lakes in winter are ideal for cross-country skiing too and zooming across on a snowmobile, so include those activities on your Finland winter itinerary: what to do and where to go. And at the end of a serene winter day warm up in a traditional wood-fired Finnish sauna at a cabin in the woods.

So, do yourself a favour: listen to a podcast about the quiet and calm of a frozen lake in Finland and then get yourself over there to the World's Happiest Country to experience the real thing.

https://mattbracetravels.com/podcast/

Travel, nature, wellness. This is Six Minutes Somewhere Else.

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