Outward Bound and Me

The Outward Bound Trust•www.outwardbound.org.uk

Outward Bound & Me is a fortnightly podcast where host Dylan Carroll speaks with Outward Bound alumni from across the decades. Each episode delves into powerful stories of life before, during, and after their time on course—from personal breakthroughs to hilarious moments in the wild. Whether you’re a former participant, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about how adventure shapes lives, this podcast offers inspiration, reflection, and a deeper look into the legacy of Outward Bound since 1941.

Last refreshed: June 24th, 2026 at 5:32 AM

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Episodes

Arriving Where it Started – Biddy Brown, Joan Clark, and the woman who blazed a 75 year trail.

Step back in time with guest host Nat Jackson , for a profoundly nostalgic and historic episode of Outward Bound and Me . 2026 celebrates a monumental milestone: 75 years since the first Outward Bound course exclusively for girls took place. To mark this special occasion, Nat sits down with Biddy Brown and Joan Clark , two extraordinary nonagenarian icons who were there in Eskdale in 1951, when history was made. Their pioneering month in the mountains paved the way, and altered the trajectory, f...

Jun 18, 2026•47 min•Ep. 6

Reaching New Heights - Matt Gupwell on neurodiversity, self-regulation, and empowering others to understand their journeys.

In this thought provoking episode of Outward Bound and Me , Dylan Carroll sits down with alumnus Matt Gupwell to explore the lasting impact of a three-week Outward Bound residential course in Aberdyfi back in 1989. Matt explains how, after 35 jobs (of which he was dismissed from 30 of them), a late diagnosis of neurodiversity led to a better understanding of self, and a career as a neurodiversity speaker, trainer and mentor with blue-chip companies and the NHS. Matt shares vivid memories of his ...

Jun 04, 2026•42 min•Ep. 5

Finding the Spotlight - Arianna McCulloch on discovering self-belief in the wild and the courage to change direction.

In this episode of Outward Bound and Me , alumna Arianna McCulloch explains how an epiphany during her Skills for Life expedition at Outward Bound Loch Eil in 2019, led to a moment of clarity and redirection. Facing the daunting prospect of returning to an unsettled home in a wee Scottish Boarder fishing village, she decided to seek the bright lights, and a different future. “It was the first time in my life that I had so much clarity on something. It felt like I had a cloud of smoke over my hea...

May 21, 2026•29 min•Ep. 4

Beyond the Summit - Alan Hinkes OBE on courage, commitment and the lessons learned on the way up.

In this episode of Outward Bound and Me , host Dylan Carroll sits down with Alan Hinkes OBE - mountaineering icon, author, and proud Outward Bound alumnus. More than 50 years on from his Mountain Leadership Course at Ullswater, Alan reflects on the early experiences that shaped his life in the hills, from growing up in North Yorkshire to discovering the pull of wild places, bad weather and the challenge of finding your own way. Alan is the first Briton to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000 metre ...

May 07, 2026•57 min•Ep. 3

Lighting the Spark - Rubina Blackwell on Finding Purpose, Passion, and the Power of Outward Bound.

In this episode of Outward Bound and Me , we sit down with Rubina Blackwell — programme and events manager, mental health advocate, and proud Outward Bound alumna. Rubina reflects on her 2008 Outward Bound course and how it became the turning point in her life. Growing up in Nottinghamshire with a challenging home environment, Rubina once felt success was out of reach. But her time on the course ignited a mindset shift that carried her through a global career in events, mental health leadership,...

Apr 23, 2026•35 min•Ep. 2

Finding Your Line - Sir Nick Faldo on golf greatness and the lessons that never left him.

Six majors. Three Masters titles. 98 weeks as the world number one. But before all of that, there was a 14-year-old boy from Welwyn Garden City who'd never spent a night away from home, boarding a train to the Lake District for a 26-day Outward Bound course that would stay with him for life. In our very first episode, host Dylan Carroll sits down with Sir Nick Faldo — golf legend, broadcasting icon, and proud Outward Bound alumnus — for a conversation about ambition, adventure, and the experienc...

Apr 09, 2026•46 min•Ep. 1

Introducing Outward Bound and Me

Outward Bound and Me is a brand-new podcast hosted by Dylan Carroll . Each episode tells the story of Outward Bound alums - where they started, where life took them next, and how their course helped shape the journey. These are honest stories of challenge, adventure and change, told by people from all walks of life. And we're starting with a guest many will recognise - Sir Nick Faldo , one of the greatest British golfers of all time. Whether you took part yourself, support our work, or simply wa...

Apr 02, 2026•55 sec

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