In a world obsessed with bucket lists and Instagram hotspots, there are still places that feel like the pages of an untold story. The Balkans—rugged, raw, and brimming with legend—are one of them.

In this episode, I sit down with adventurer and independent travel expert Annie Sisson to uncover why this overlooked corner of Europe deserves a place in every explorer’s heart. We swap stories of winding mountain roads, crumbling fortresses, secret coastlines, and cultures shaped by centuries of upheaval and resilience.

If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering a place before the world does—or you crave that old-school, edge-of-the-map feeling—this episode is your compass. The Balkans aren’t just a destination. They’re an adventure story waiting to be lived.

Listen to my trip to Albania on the Travel Now Podcast

You can find Annie here

Takeaways:

• Travelers have long sought destinations that remain unspoiled and free from tourists.
• The Balkan Peninsula, rich in culture, is often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
• Annie Sisson emphasizes the authenticity and unpredictability of traveling in the Balkans.
• The region offers a unique blend of languages, cultures, and landscapes, enhancing the adventure.
• Public transport in the Balkans can be challenging, hence renting a car is recommended.
• Sarajevo stands out as a magical destination, blending diverse cultures and rich history.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it!

Join the crew on Patreon:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Patreon

Love Adventure Stories?

If you enjoyed today’s episode, you’ll love my books—fast-paced thrillers packed with action, history, and mystery.

Check them out at LukeRichardsonAuthor.com

Thanks

In this episode of The Adventure Story Podcast, I'm joined by Andrew Clawson, bestselling author of thrillers and adventure novels, for a captivating deep dive into the enigmatic Emerald Tablet.

We explore the tablet's myth, tracing the mysterious artifact’s journey through time—from its rumored roots in ancient Egyptian and Greek mythology to its influence during the Persian Empire.

Andrew reveals how this powerful symbol of alchemy and ancient wisdom has inspired his storytelling, and how it weaves into the plots of his gripping novels. We also discuss undiscovered ancient civilizations and their influence on adventure storytelling!

The Emerald Tablet by Andrew Clawson is available here. Here's what it's all about:

An ancient Persian relic. A message etched in stone. A deadly quest across the globe to reveal the forbidden truth.

Recovering ancient relics for the Italian mob can be deadly. When Harry Fox narrowly outwits a thieving artifacts dealer to escape with his life, he quickly discovers he came away with more than he bargained for. The stone tablet with a strange tale etched on it tells of lost knowledge from the cradle of civilization – the ancient Persian Empire.

If Harry Fox thought hunting artifacts for the mob was dangerous, he has no idea what’s in store as he hurtles toward disaster to uncover the truth behind the Emerald Tablet.

Takeaways:

• The Emerald Tablet is a legendary idea more than a real artifact, tied to alchemy and mysterious ancient wisdom.
• Its most famous line is “As above, so below,” hinting at a link between the cosmos and the human soul.
• It was likely written in Arabic around the 6th–8th century and later translated into Latin, fueling Renaissance interest in alchemy.
• It blends Egyptian, Greek, and Islamic thought, showing how ancient cultures influenced one another.
• Though short, the tablet’s dense symbolism has inspired centuries of mystical, philosophical, and scientific interpretations.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on...

In the early hours of May 20, 2010, a lone figure scaled the walls of the Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris and vanished into the galleries. Moments later, five irreplaceable masterpieces — including works by Picasso, Matisse, and Modigliani — were gone. No alarms. No trace. No recovery.

But this wasn’t fiction. This was the real-life work of Vjéran Tomic — a thief so skilled, so methodical, he became known as the Spider-Man of Paris.

In this episode of The Adventure Story Podcast, I’ll take you deep into the shadows of the City of Light to unravel the truth behind one of the most audacious art thefts in modern history. You’ll meet the man behind the myth, uncover the obsession that drove him, and discover the global black market where billionaires and criminals cross paths over stolen masterpieces.

This story inspired my free novella The Paris Heist, co-written with bestselling author Ernest Dempsey. Read for FREE today:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/paris

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it!

Join the crew on Patreon:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Patreon

Love Adventure Stories?

If you enjoyed today’s episode, you’ll love my books—fast-paced thrillers packed with action, history, and mystery.

Check them out at LukeRichardsonAuthor.com

Thanks for tuning in! See you in the next episode of The Adventure Fiction Podcast. 🏆🎙

In this episode of the Adventure Story Podcast, I'm joined by filmmaker and global adventurer Jon Beardmore as we explore one of the Galapagos Islands’ most fascinating traditions, Post Office Bay.

Dating back centuries, this unique spot once served as an unofficial mail system where sailors would leave handwritten letters in a wooden barrel, hoping the next passing ship would deliver them. Inspired by this legacy, Jon set out to revive the tradition with a bold and heartfelt twist: collecting 55 letters from Post Office Bay and hand-delivering them across the globe.

His mission took him to 52 countries, forging unexpected friendships, navigating cultural borders, and reconnecting with the human spirit in its purest form. Along the way, Jon also raised awareness and funds for Motor Neuron Disease and ALS, giving his journey even deeper meaning!

Give to Jon’s fundraiser here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/galapagospostmanuk

From uplifting reunions to tense border crossings, this episode is a powerful reminder that in a world dominated by digital communication, handwritten letters and the connections they forge still matter.

Check out more of Jon's adventures on Instagram.

Takeaways:

• Post Office Bay has operated as a sailor's mailbox since the 1700s, relying on the honor system and human goodwill.
• Each letter represented a personal story, carried not just by Jon, but by the spirit of those who once trusted strangers with their words.
• Even in our tech-saturated world, the power of a handwritten message remains timeless.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it!

Join the crew on...

On this episode of The Adventure Story Podcast, we're heading back to medieval Paris for one of the most dramatic exits in history. Picture this: a cold March morning in 1314, a massive crowd gathered on the Île de la Cité, and Jacques de Molay—the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar—chained to a pyre in the shadow of Notre Dame.

As the flames rise, Molay doesn’t scream. He speaks. And what he says? It sounds like a curse.

We dive deep into the infamous Templar Curse—the chilling prophecy Molay delivered moments before his death. Did it really doom a pope, a king, and an entire dynasty? Or is it all just a medieval mic drop with some seriously spooky timing?

Along the way, we unravel the rise and fall of the Templars, their legendary treasure (maybe even in the Americas 👀), and the mysterious underground world of Portugal’s secret Templar sites.

History, myth, fire, and a bit of revenge from beyond the grave? Yeah, we’re into it.

If you've enjoyed the mystery and intrigue of this episode, I think you'll love my book, The Templar Enigma.

Here's what it's all about:

A TEMPLAR CURSE. AN ANCIENT PROPHECY. A PULSE-POUNDING RACE AGAINST TIME.

In 1314, a dying Grand Master swore vengeance. Now, the curse is awakening...

When a modern-day Templar descendant unearths the key to unlocking that ancient power—the legendary Seal of Solomon—he sets in motion a plan that could collapse the modern world.

Only one person stands in his way.

Enter Eden Black—archaeologist, adventurer, and accidental hero. As the countdown to global chaos begins, Eden races from forgotten crypts to desert ruins, unraveling a conspiracy centuries in the making. But as she gets closer to the truth, she realizes the greatest secret of all… is her own.

If you’re into ancient mysteries, secret societies, and edge-of-your-seat adventure, The Templar Enigma is your next obsession.

Join the quest today!

• The Templars, at their zenith, represented the first multinational corporation in history.
• Jacques de Molay's execution in 1314 marked the beginning of a significant historical changes.
• The Templar curse seemingly manifested through the swift demise of Pope Clement V post-execution.
• King Philip IV of France suffered a fatal accident shortly after condemning Jacques de Molay.
• The unexpected deaths of Philip's sons led to the collapse of a royal dynasty.
• The theories surrounding the Templar treasure continue to spark intrigue and speculation today.

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city...

In this episode of the Adventure Story Podcast, I'm joined by archaeologist and author Sean McLachlan. We delve into 1919 Cairo, Egypt, discussing the city's post-Great War atmosphere, filled with revolution, treasure hunting, and clandestine activities.

Sean shares his experiences and the inspiration behind his historical adventure novels (The Masked Man of Cairo) set during this vibrant period. We focus on the intertwining of historical events with personal narratives, the evolution of Egyptology, and the ongoing issue of artifact smuggling and preservation.

Whether it's navigating the bustling streets of modern Cairo or reflecting on the golden age of archaeology, this episode is a fascinating journey into the past and its lasting impact on the present!

The Masked Man of Cairo by Sean McLachan is available here. Here's what it's all about:

An ancient mystery. A modern murder.

Sir Augustus Wall, a horribly mutilated veteran of the Great War, has left Europe behind to open an antiquities shop in Cairo. But Europe’s troubles follow him as a priceless inscription is stolen and those who know its secrets start turning up dead.

Teaming up with Egyptology expert Moustafa Ghani, and Faisal, an irritating street urchin he just can't shake, Sir Wall must unravel an ancient secret and face his own dark past.

Takeaways:

• After WWI, Egyptians revolted against British rule, leading to violent crackdowns and, eventually, limited independence in 1922.
• Archaeologists like Howard Carter were racing to uncover lost treasures, often overshadowing the contributions of Egyptian and Sudanese laborers.
• The city was a mix of ancient traditions and modern chaos, with thriving markets, stolen artifacts, and struggling communities.
• Egyptians and Sudanese faced discrimination under colonial rule, while local scholars fought for recognition in a European-dominated field.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks...

Today we journey into Death Valley, one of the most extreme and enigmatic places on Earth. With scorching heat, ghost towns lost to time, and ancient landscapes shaped by wind and fire, this desert is more than just a national park—it’s a thriller novel in its own right.

Joining me is bestselling thriller author J.F. Penn, whose latest novel uses Death Valley’s haunting terrain as a backdrop. We talk about the real and fictional mysteries of this brutal yet breathtaking landscape, exploring how it strips away the comforts of civilization and exposes the raw human spirit.

From sun-scorched ghost towns to the hidden layers beneath salt flats, this conversation blends adventure, history, and the thrill of the unknown. If you’ve ever wondered what stories the desert might tell—this is the episode for you.

Death Valley by J.F. Penn is available here. Here's what it's all about:

A merciless desert. An unstoppable storm. Time is running out.

The Desert Sanctuary promises an exclusive escape for the ultra-wealthy, a five-star oasis in Death Valley's unforgiving landscape. But when a devastating sandstorm cuts the resort off from civilization, paradise becomes a prison—and then a killing ground.

Here's that link to Death Valley by JF Penn again.

• Death Valley, known for its extreme temperatures, is the hottest place on Earth, reaching up to 134 degrees Fahrenheit.
• This national park features diverse landscapes, including shifting sand dunes and ancient salt flats, which hold geological mysteries.
• The area is steeped in history, with ghost towns that tell tales of fortune and loss amidst the harsh desert environment.
• J.F. Penn's thrilling narrative explores the psychological impact of isolation in Death Valley, revealing human nature under duress.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast downloads

📚 Early and free access to my books

🎁 More fun stuff as I invent it!

Join the crew on Patreon:

Could Roman treasure be buried beneath Iceland’s volcanic crust? In this episode of The Adventure Fiction Podcast, I’m joined by author and explorer-at-heart Dave Bartel as we dive headfirst into one of history’s most intriguing “what ifs.” Did Roman explorers really reach the icy edge of the world—and leave behind a trail of forgotten riches?

We blend archaeological fact with page-turning fiction, from scrolls unearthed in the ashes of Mt. Vesuvius to a hidden diamond cache that just might tie it all together. Whether you're a history buff, a storyteller, or just here for the wild ride, this episode peels back the layers of myth, mystery, and ancient ambition.

This is the basis for Dave's novel, Roman Ice.

When disgraced archaeologist Darwin Lacroix uncovers evidence of a lost Roman treasure buried beneath Iceland, his chance to redeem his family’s legacy ignites a deadly race against a ruthless cartel. With danger erupting from every direction—above and below—Darwin must outwit his rivals before the secret of Roman Ice is lost forever.

Read Roman Ice here

Takeaways:

• The discussion centers around the intriguing concept of whether Roman explorers may have ventured as far as Iceland, leaving treasures hidden beneath its volcanic soil.
• A significant topic of conversation is the ancient scroll discovered under Mount Vesuvius, which has real-world parallels in archaeological discoveries.
• The notion of diamonds in relation to Roman treasure is explored, revealing that while Romans were aware of diamonds, they did not particularly value them as treasures.
• Iceland's unique geological and historical context provides a compelling backdrop for the narrative of Roman treasure hunting in the novel.
• Dave and Luke share their experiences and inspirations, emphasizing the importance of intertwining factual history with imaginative storytelling for captivating narratives.
• There is a broader reflection on the significance of uncovering lost knowledge, particularly referencing the historical libraries of Timbuktu and their cultural importance.

Got a Story Idea?

If you have a mystery, legend, or adventure you’d like me to explore, drop a comment or email me at hello@lukerichardsonauthor.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Join the Adventure Society!

Need more adventure in your life? (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) Join The Adventure Society, my weekly newsletter, where I share real-world explorations, book updates, and exclusive podcast insights. Sign up at:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/AdventureSociety

Get a Free Adventure Thriller!

A missing Picasso... A master thief... A thrilling race against time!

When a priceless Picasso disappears in Paris, legendary thief Bernard Moreau is the prime suspect. But as two unlikely allies—Eden Black and Adriana Villa—hunt him down, the chase turns deadly. It’s a race through the shadowed streets of Paris, where every twist is as unpredictable as the city itself.

Grab your FREE COPY of The Paris Heist here:

LukeRichardsonAuthor.com/Paris

A Huge Thanks to My Patrons!

This podcast, my books, and all my creative projects are made possible by my amazing supporters on Patreon. Want to support the show and get some awesome perks including:

🎧 Ad-free podcast...