On this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Scott Brady welcomes James Fountain, a cultural geographer and fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Explorers Club, to discuss how exploration can support communities and science. Fountain shares how Overland Journal first inspired him, his formative work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the United Nations remapping roads, and how cultural geography examines how landscapes shape cultures. They compare happiness levels and development using examples such as Malawi and Bhutan, including Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness and conservation policies, and discuss reducing travel gear and impact. Fountain recounts an ambitious Wakhan Corridor motorcycle journey relying on local generosity, then offers practical guidance on respectful, sustainable travel and citizen science.
Overland Journal Podcast Episode #286
The Overland Journal Podcast is brought to you this week by Overland Journal Magazine
Guest Bio:
James Fountain
James is an executive with 20+ years of experience at the forefront of sustainability and ESG initiatives. He has successfully developed and executed a number of pivotal projects for companies such as BDO, Deloitte, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Accenture, as well as the United Nations and the University of Montana. James is a dedicated documentarian, storyteller, and executive producer. He is a fellow at The Explorers Club and the Royal Geographical Society. James has studied Sustainability from the University of Cambridge. He holds a master of arts in cultural geography from the University of Montana, and a bachelor’s degree in geography with a focus on environmental systems from Ohio State University. @james_wl_fountain
Books published Amazon.com
Host Bios:
Scott Brady
Scott is the executive publisher and co-founder of Expedition Portal and Overland Journal and is often credited with popularizing overlanding in North America. His travels by 4WD and adventure motorcycle span all seven continents and include three circumnavigations of the globe. His polar expeditions include two vehicle crossings of Antarctica and the first long-axis crossing of Greenland. @scott.a.brady
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