New Adventures in Journalism Podcast
Series Overview: A Life in Stories and Travel
Adventures in Journalism is an immersive audio series hosted by veteran British journalist and author Martin Hesp. Drawing on decades of experience as a regional and national reporter, Hesp takes listeners beyond the headlines to explore the soul of a destination.
The podcast is characterized by its "on-the-road" style, blending evocative soundscapes with intimate interviews. While the series frequently highlights the rural charm and culinary heritage of the West Country, it regularly ventures internationally—from the mountains of Madeira to the olive groves of Italy. The core mission of the series is to document the intersection of food, travel, and social history, often focusing on the lives of people who maintain ancient traditions in a modern world.
Episode Spotlight: New Year’s Thinking While Pondering Warm and Sunny Places
Published: January 2026
In the latest installment of the series, Martin Hesp shakes off the damp chill of a British winter to explore two of Europe’s most culturally rich southern regions. This episode serves as both a travel guide for the soul and a meditation on agricultural preservation.
Francisco Simões, Algarvean Roots
1. Exploring the Hidden Algarve, Portugal
Moving away from the high-rise resorts, the episode delves into the "Wild West" and the rural interior of the Algarve. Hesp interviews a specialist local guide who reveals the region's secret spots—places where the Atlantic air meets quiet hillsides and traditional Portuguese life remains unchanged. This segment provides listeners with an insider's view of sustainable, off-the-beaten-track tourism.
Joournalists on Algarve trip
2. The Ancient Olive Groves of Puglia, Italy
Historic olive farm, Puglia
The journey continues to the Salento peninsula in Puglia, the "heel" of the Italian boot. Here, the podcast captures a moving conversation with a local farmer dedicated to the stewardship of millennial olive trees. Some of these majestic specimens are over 2,000 years old. The segment explores:
The historical significance of olive oil production in the Mediterranean.
The challenges of preserving living monuments that date back to Roman times.
The deep emotional and cultural connection between the land and its people.
