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!

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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

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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...