Ponce de León's goes from conquistador to explorer in the second part of our series. This time, he conducts two expeditions of exploration in search of the island of Beniny - which turns out to be Florida. We also talk about Ponce de León's connection to the Fountain of Youth.

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The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In part one of our story, we look at Ponce de León's life as a conquistador - including his part in the subjugation of Hispaniola, then his exploration, conquest, and settlement of Puerto Rico, and finally his preparations to find the mysterious island of Beniny - aka - Florida.

Sponsors:

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Factor. Go to factormeals.com/explorers50off and use code explorers50off for 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active.

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In 1648, a Russian expedition with seven boats and 90 men set out on the Arctic Ocean – above Siberia – to find rich lands to the east. The expedition would – in time – be led by Semyon Dezhnev – a Cossack. The Russians would be nearly killed due to storms, starvation, disease and hostile natives. But Dezhnev would survive – and go on to the first European to pass through the Bering Strait. He then spent 14 years exploring the northeast of Siberia – opening up the region for the Russian Empire.

Sponsors:

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Factor. Go to factormeals.com/explorers50off and use code explorers50off for 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active.

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In January of 2026, Monet Izabeth completed a 57-day expedition in Antarctica, becoming the first American woman to ski solo, and unsupported, to the South Pole. In this episode, we interview her, and find out about her journey to not only reach the South Pole - but all the challenges leading up to expedition.

Links:

Website: https://www.monetizabeth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monet.izabeth

Support Monet Izabeth: https://gofund.me/e529e5e3a

Image: by Sara Jenner courtesy of Monet Izabeth

Sponsors:

Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers

Factor. Go to factormeals.com/explorers50off and use code explorers50off for 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active.

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In the final part in our series, Scott and his team set off for their base - disappointed at being beaten to the South Pole by Roald Amundsen and the Norwegians. The result will be a tragedy of epic proportions. We will wrap up by discussing Scott's legacy - and how it had evolved over the last 100 years.

Sponsors:

Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers

Factor. Go to factormeals.com/explorers50off and use code explorers50off for 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active.

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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Scott sets out for the South Pole in November of 1911 - trying to attempting the Norwegian team under Roald Amundsen.

Sponsors:

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Factor. Go to factormeals.com/explorers50off and use code explorers50off for 50 percent off and free breakfast for a year. New subscribers only, varies by plan. 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year while subscription is active.

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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Scott slowly prepares for a return to Antarctica - but rivals abound - including the Americans, Swedes, Japanese, Germans and French. But the greatest challenger - Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen - is unknown until the last minute - setting up a dramatic race for the South Pole.

Sponsors:

Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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Scott makes a record-setting excursion through the Transantarctic Mountains to cap off his historic Discovery expedition. He then returns to Great Britain a national hero. But as others - including Ernest Shackleton - make noise about making a go at the South Pole, Scott begins to plot his own return.

Sponsors:

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The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In this episode, Scott - along with Dr. Edward Wilson and Ernest Shackleton - sets out across the Great Ice Barrier to make a farthest south record - and possibly reach the South Pole.

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In part 2 of our series, Scott leads the Discovery to Antarctica. The expedition will explore the area around McMurdo Sound, as well as the Great Ice Barrier. There will be adventures and discoveries as well. Then, in the winter of 1902, Scott will plan an journey into the continent's interior - which could lead to a go at the South Pole.

Sponsors:

Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

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In part 1 of our series, we look at the early life of Robert Falcon Scott - including his naval career. We also discuss the state of exploration regarding Antarctica - the last unexplored continent in the world. We then go through Scott's appointment - through the influence of Sir Clements Markham - to head the upcoming British National Antarctic Expedition - better known as the Discovery Expedition.

Sponsors:

Quince. Get free shipping with your order by using code EXPLORERS at quince.com/explorers

The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices