Explore: A Canadian Geographic podcast

Canadian Geographic

Arctic Exploration

Climate Change

Ernest Shackleton

Quest

Indigenous Communities

Ocean Education

Marine Biology

Women In Science

Haida Gwaii

Farmerettes

Labrador Sea

Shipwreck Recovery

History Of Exploration

Inuit Culture

Northwest Passage

Canadian Arctic

Canadian Geographic

Hunting

Throat Singing

Canadian Canoe Museum

Host David McGuffin talks to Canada’s greatest explorers about their adventures and what inspires their spirit of discovery.

207 ratings

Publishes	Twice monthly	Episodes	127	Founded	7 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	Society & CulturePlaces & TravelNatureScience

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Guests Host Reviews Charts Talking Points

Latest Episodes

Searching for life beyond Earth with Sara Seager

What if life isn’t just “out there”, but closer than we think?

For the first time in more than 50 years, humans have left Earth's orbit, marking a significant point in history. And as NASA’s Artemis II mission makes its historic journey around the m... more

7 Apr 2026 • 49 min

YouTube

200 km across the Atacama: Ray Zahab on survival, heat, and the edge of human limits

"The thing about desert expeditions that really takes you by surprise is how quickly things can go off the rails. It goes from good to bad almost instantly. In those moments, I remind myself: I chose to do this."

We’re excited to be joined again by ... more

24 Mar 2026 • 50 min

YouTube

Newfoundland, Cod Collapse and saving the North Atlantic right whale with Jenn Thornhill Verma

Raised on Newfoundland’s west coast, Jenn Thornhill Verma grew up immersed in the life and lore of fishing communities and the rhythms of the North Atlantic. She is the author of the bestselling book Cod Collapse: The Rise and Fall of Newfoundland’s ... more

10 Mar 2026 • 52 min

YouTube

The life and death of an iceberg with Jill Heinerth

“You see these massive calving fronts breaking off icebergs… you hear it, you feel the vibrations… everything is just absolutely magical.”

In this episode of Explore, podcast host David McGuffin welcomes back legendary underwater explorer Jill Heine... more

24 Feb 2026 • 34 min

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Sara Seager

MIT professor and leading astrochemist/exoplanetologist

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Episode: Searching for life beyond Earth with Sara Seager

Jenn Thornhill Verma

Award-winning journalist focused on oceans and fisheries

Globe and Mail, Canadian Geographic, Royal Canadian Geographical Society

Episode: Newfoundland, Cod Collapse and saving the North Atlantic right whale with Jenn Thornhill Verma

Michael Palin

Founding member of Monty Python and travel documentary host

Episode: Michael Palin on Monty Python, polar plunges and travelling with curiosity

Jeremy Hansen

Canadian astronaut, the first non-American to participate in a moon mission

Canadian Space Agency

Episode: Artemis II: David Saint-Jacques on Canada’s growing role in international space missions

Trevor Wallace

Award-winning documentary maker and educator, expedition leader, and board member of the Explorers Club.

Explorers Club

Episode: Storytelling at the edge of the world with award-winning filmmaker Trevor Wallace

Catherine McKenna

Canada's former Minister of Environment and Climate Change and author of Run Like a Girl.

Women Leading on Climate

Episode: Run Like a Girl with Catherine McKenna

Shira Biner

The first ever recipient of the RCGS Nat Gillis Expedition Grant and a passionate explorer.

Episode: Frozen fjords and first ascents: Shira Biner’s Baffin Island odyssey

John U. Bacon

New York Times bestselling author known for various books.

Episode: Gales of November: John U. Bacon on the untold story of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald

Adam Shoalts

Royal Canadian Geographical Society explorer in residence, author

Episode: Vanished Beyond the Map: Adam Shoalts on the mystery of lost explorer Hubert Darrell

Host

David McGuffin

Host of Explore: A Canadian Geographic podcast

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 207 ratings

This is fabulous
Thank you for joy and generosity in learning more about great explorers
Apple Podcasts
5
Wow4286
Canada3 months ago
Great!
Really enjoyable!
Apple Podcasts
5
orkneydog
Canada3 months ago
More Business People and Capitalism Success Needed
I would like to hear more interviews and stories regarding great CDNs that developed resources, built businesses and championed capitalism in Canada. Geo Explorer only exists because of capitalism and economic growth and successful businesses in Canada. Champion the hands that feed Explorer.
Apple Podcasts
2
uaguednevets
Canadaa year ago
Review from Montana
I stumbled on the series to my delight! I live south of the Canadian border, a few hours, and consequently, have taken many vacations in British Columbia in recent decades. In my youth, my wife and I traveled extensively through Nova Scotia Newfoundland, labrador ,New Brunswick , Yukon and the northwest territories. Traveling with our thumbs we met many wonderful, hospitable, Canadians. I loved hearing the rich stories the explorers interviewed described. as I approach retirement, your guest hav... more
Apple Podcasts
5
Montana tree guy
United States3 years ago
Truly special
The compassion with which David interviews is a beautiful experience to share. Thank you
Apple Podcasts
5
Wow4286
Canada3 years ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Episodes are deeply informative and engaging for lifelong learners.

Fans appreciate the long-form format and the variety of exploration topics.

Listeners praise the host's thoughtful interviewing and the breadth of guests.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#47	Canada/Society & Culture/Places & Travel
Apple Podcasts	#38	Chile/Society & Culture/Places & Travel
Apple Podcasts	#239	Finland/Society & Culture/Places & Travel

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Searching for life beyond Earth with Sara Seager

Q: How did phosphine become a focal point in the search for life on Venus?

Phosphine was identified as a potential biosignature because it's hard to produce by known abiotic processes in Venus' atmosphere, implying a possible biological source or unknown chemistry that could support life in the clouds.

200 km across the Atacama: Ray Zahab on survival, heat, and the edge of human limits

Q: How does a superhuman like Ray Zahab grapple with the decision to continue when exhausted and confronted with voices telling him to pull the plug?

He emphasizes that after decades of expeditions, you develop a gut instinct about when to stop, recognizing that continuing past the point of safety is never worth it; the decision becomes rational and emotionally accepted as part of responsible adventuring.

Newfoundland, Cod Collapse and saving the North Atlantic right whale with Jenn Thornhill Verma

Q: How has fisheries management in Canada vs. other countries influenced outcomes for species like cod and right whales?

Management often hinges on political considerations and ministerial discretion in some places, whereas others base decisions more strictly on best available science; cross-border cooperation is crucial for migratory species and for aligning incentives for sustainable fishing and conservation.

Newfoundland, Cod Collapse and saving the North Atlantic right whale with Jenn Thornhill Verma

Q: Tell us about the North Atlantic Great Whale reporting project and how it came together.

The project emerged from a collaboration with the Globe and Mail and the Pulitzer Center, aiming to document a species at high risk and to tell a broader story about coastal communities, policy responses, and cross-border conservation challenges.

The life and death of an iceberg with Jill Heinerth

Q: What is it about seeing icebergs underwater?

Over 25 years ago, I went down to Antarctica to intercept the largest iceberg and witnessed climate change and sea level rise, realizing ice is an endangered species that plays a massive role in our ecosystem.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Explore: A Canadian Geographic podcast

What is Explore: A Canadian Geographic podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Long-form conversations with Canada's top explorers and researchers, spanning space, oceans, Arctic exploration, anthropology, and climate science. Guests range from astronauts and scientists to filmmakers and journalists, with vivid storytelling and practical insights drawn from real-world expeditions. The format emphasizes deep dives into personal journeys, cultural contexts, and the broader implications of discovery for science, policy, and society. A standout trait is the show's ability to connect big ideas with intimate anecdotes, making complex topics accessible and inspiring for curious, adventure-minded listeners.

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Which podcasts are similar to Explore: A Canadian Geographic podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Explore: A Canadian Geographic podcast:

1. Quirks and Quarks
2. Ideas
3. Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe
4. The Current
5. Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly

How many episodes of Explore: A Canadian Geographic podcast are there?

Explore: A Canadian Geographic podcast launched 7 years ago and published 127 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Explore: A Canadian Geographic podcast?

Recent guests on Explore: A Canadian Geographic podcast include:

1. Sara Seager
2. Jenn Thornhill Verma
3. Michael Palin
4. Jeremy Hansen
5. Trevor Wallace
6. Catherine McKenna
7. Shira Biner
8. John U. Bacon

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