Extreme Adventurer and World Record Breaker Ash Dykes Tells His Story

Added: Jul 28, 2023

Ash's passion for adventure and travel was sparked by the stories he heard from his grandfather and uncle who had lived in different countries. He decided to travel to China as his first destination and was amazed by the cultural differences and rapid technological development in the country. His thirst for adventure grew, and he embarked on a cycling expedition across Cambodia and Vietnam. This experience solidified his passion for pushing himself and testing his limits. He then embarked on a solo and unsupported hike across Mongolia, becoming the first person to achieve this feat. During the Mongolia expedition, Ash faced challenges such as dehydration and the physical and mental toll it took on him. However, he learned valuable lessons about his own capabilities and the importance of discipline and perseverance. Following the Mongolia expedition, Ash set his sights on hiking across Madagascar. This journey proved to be even more challenging, with encounters with bandits, crocodile-infested rivers, and contracting the deadliest strain of malaria. Despite these obstacles, Ash pushed through and completed the expedition. Throughout the podcast, Ash emphasizes the importance of pushing oneself and not underestimating one's capabilities. He believes that we are all capable of more than we think and that discipline and determination are key to achieving our goals. After completing his world records, Ash gained recognition and received opportunities for television appearances and partnerships with major brands. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement affected his plans, leading to setbacks and rejections. Despite these challenges, Ash remains determined and continues to pursue his passion for adventure. Most recently, Ash completed a TV show following the entire length of the Great Wall of China. The show explores the history of the wall and showcases Ash engaging in various activities, such as scuba diving, wrestling, and training with monks. Ash highlights the importance of giving back to the communities he visits and mentions his partnerships with organizations such as the Red Cross, WWF, and UNICEF. He emphasizes the need to raise awareness about climate change and the impact it has on vulnerable communities. The conversation then shifts to Ash's experiences in the UK and his struggles to secure support and funding for his projects. He expresses frustration with the lack of interest from UK agencies and management, contrasting it with the support he has received from America and China. Ash hopes that securing a UK channel for his upcoming Great Wall documentary will change this. The discussion touches on the retirement of adventurer Bear Grylls and the challenges of breaking into the industry. Ash expresses his admiration for Grylls and his desire to achieve similar success. He acknowledges that hard work and earning respect are essential in this field. Ash reflects on the poverty and struggles he has witnessed during his travels, particularly in countries with extreme weather conditions. He discusses the contrast between the contentment and happiness he has observed in these communities and the unhappiness and dissatisfaction he sees in more developed countries. He questions whether the abundance of choices and opportunities in developed countries contribute to this unhappiness. When asked about his happiest moments, Ash explains that he enjoys both extreme adventures and luxury experiences. He emphasizes the importance of balance in his life and the need to have a variety of experiences. Ash also reveals that he used to be a boxer in Wales and later got into Muay Thai in Thailand. Looking to the future, Ash expresses his desire to pitch new TV show ideas and work with different channels and commissioners. He believes that he still has much more to achieve and hopes to continue pushing boundaries and breaking records. In conclusion, Ash Dykes' story is one of resilience, determination, and a passion for exploration. He has faced numerous challenges and near-death experiences during his expeditions but has always managed to overcome them. Dykes emphasizes the importance of preparation, mental and physical strength, and the ability to adapt to different situations. He hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams and to find balance and happiness in their own lives.