Ep 181 Part 2 w/ Aaron Millar – From Volcanoes to Shugendo Monks: Adventure Travel, Crafting Stories + Emotional Hooks
In this Part 2 conversation, I’m back with Aaron Millar, award-winning travel writer and host of The Armchair Explorer podcast. If you haven’t heard Part 1 yet — jump back and catch up — because in this episode, we go deeper into the world of adventure travel, travel writing, storytelling, and podcasting with purpose.
Aaron shares epic stories from his adventures — from descending into a volcano in Iceland to trekking with Shugendo monks in Japan, meditating beneath icy waterfalls and reflecting on the power of discomfort and growth. But this isn’t just about the adventure — it’s about how to tell the story in a way that moves people.
We dive into:
- How to create powerful podcast intros that hook your audience in seconds
- Why the first 30–45 seconds of a podcast episode are make or break
- The difference between travel writing vs. holiday blogging
- What makes a story repeatable and relevant for editors and listeners alike
- Tips for immersive storytelling using ambient sound, music, and editing
- Why planning your story arc before the trip can make or break the final product
- How to deal with disappointing travel experiences and still create magic
Whether you’re a travel writer, podcaster, or someone with a passion for storytelling, Aaron’s insights into narrative structure, authenticity, and the ethics of travel content will inspire you to level up your craft — and maybe even go book that bucket list adventure.
🎧 About The Armchair Explorer Podcast
The Armchair Explorer is an award-winning travel podcast that brings the world’s most inspiring adventures to life through immersive storytelling, cinematic music, and real traveler voices. Hosted by travel writer Aaron Millar, each episode is crafted like a documentary — designed to transport you to wild, remote, and fascinating corners of the planet, all from the comfort of your headphones.
Named one of The Guardian‘s best travel podcasts, The Armchair Explorer isn’t just about places — it’s about the emotions, transformations, and deeper connections travel can inspire. Whether it’s horseback riding from Canada to Brazil, cage diving with great white sharks, or stargazing in the highlands of Tenerife, each episode takes you on a journey you’ll never forget.
Armchair Explorer
A final thanks to Aaron for coming on the show; there are a lot of crucial nuggets in there for anyone looking to be a travel writer, podcaster, or to seek out their next adventure. I am sure there are many more subjects to explore in the future with Aaron, but for now, dive in and enjoy our conversations!
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro to Part 2 and recap of Part 1
01:05 – The legend of the Shugendo monks and their mythical powers
03:20 – What it means to tell a compelling story in travel writing
05:45 – Why a great idea is the foundation of all strong travel narratives
08:10 – The intense reality of being a professional travel writer
10:45 – How to write for inspiration as well as information
12:30 – Why the feeling of a place matters more than the look
14:00 – Tips for crafting a strong podcast: structure, rhythm, and pace
16:40 – Writing tip: Always start with the lion, not the journey
18:00 – How to grab your audience in the first 30–45 seconds of a podcast
19:40 – Podcast pacing: The art of tight editing and storytelling
22:30 – When your trip doesn’t go to plan — how to pivot the story
25:15 – The ethics of travel writing and avoiding paid content traps
29:00 – The importance of a “why now” hook in publishing
31:00 – Planning ahead and creating repeatable, relevant stories
33:20 – Diving deeper into Aaron’s experience with Shugendo monks
36:20 – Meditation under a frozen waterfall — pushing the mental limits
38:15 – Descending into a volcano in Iceland: what it’s really like
41:00 – Reflections on caves, geological time, and human perspective
44:15 – Aaron explains The Armchair Explorer podcast’s format
46:30 – On-location storytelling and an open job offer to James!
48:00 – The philosophy behind seeking wonder through storytelling
49:30 – James shares his idea to overcome his fear of deep water
51:00 – Diving and the beauty of underwater adventures
52:00 – Where to find The Armchair Explorer podcast and socials
52:45 – Quickfire travel questions: countries, cuisine, adrenaline
57:20 – Sunset or sunrise? Aaron’s answer (with cocktail in hand)
58:50 – Where Aaron would spend a quiet afternoon and why
1:00:14 – The one place Aaron wouldn’t return to…
1:00:48 – Final travel advice: A Mark Twain quote and why you should go now
1:01:28 – A cheeky farewell and closing thoughts
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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits
Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor – James Hammond
Contact me – jameshammondtravel@gmail.com
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