Miriam Lancewood: A Life Beyond Civilisation – Wilderness Living, Global Adventures, and Lessons from the Wild
Release Date: 02/04/2025
Tough Girl Podcast
Miriam Lancewood is an adventurer, author, and modern-day nomad who chose an extraordinary path far removed from the comforts of modern life. In 2010, Miriam and her husband Peter left civilisation behind, venturing into the high mountains of New Zealand with nothing but a backpack, a bow and arrow, and a tent. For seven years, they lived as nomads, hunting wild animals, foraging for plants, and embracing a primal existence in the wilderness. Since then, Miriam’s journey has continued to evolve. Together with Peter, she has roamed the wilderness of Europe, braved personal challenges...
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info_outlineMiriam Lancewood is an adventurer, author, and modern-day nomad who chose an extraordinary path far removed from the comforts of modern life. In 2010, Miriam and her husband Peter left civilisation behind, venturing into the high mountains of New Zealand with nothing but a backpack, a bow and arrow, and a tent.
For seven years, they lived as nomads, hunting wild animals, foraging for plants, and embracing a primal existence in the wilderness.
Since then, Miriam’s journey has continued to evolve. Together with Peter, she has roamed the wilderness of Europe, braved personal challenges like Peter's battle with kidney failure, and settled into an off-grid cottage in Bulgaria. While Peter tends the land, Miriam embarks on solo expeditions, most recently exploring the remote regions of the Himalayas, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Miriam is also a celebrated author, with her international bestseller Woman in the Wilderness captivating readers across the globe. Her sequel, Wild at Heart, and her most recent release, Wilder Journeys, showcase her incredible adventures and reflections on nature connection in the modern world.
Join us as Miriam shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and what it means to live in harmony with nature, far from the conveniences of contemporary life.
First TGP episode with Miriam - 14th April 2020 - Miriam Lancewood: Woman in the Wilderness: A Story of Survival, Love and Self-Discovery in NZ.
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Show notes
- 1st speaking to Miriam on the Tough Girl Podcast in April 14th 2020
- Miriam introducing herself
- In 2010 decided to leave civilisation and live in the wilderness in New Zealand
- What happens with body and mind when you are so far from other people
- Deciding to leave New Zealand in 2017 and head to Europe
- Walking the E4
- Moving to Bulgaria where houses are very cheap
- Buying a little cottage
- Meeting Peter at 22, when Peter was 52
- Turning 41
- How life has changed now Peter is in his 70s
- Why the travelling had to stop
- Speaking with the Doctors and needing to go on dialysis every second day for 8 hrs
- How Peter somewhat recovered
- How life has changed since that day in Australia
- Not wanting to lose her freedom
- Travelling back to Bulgaria during covid
- Becoming more independent and doing things on her own
- Heading to the Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan to climb with friends
- Wanting to organise an expedition
- Making a training plan to ensure people are fit and ready
- Being an expedition leader
- Being fascinated by mountains and wanting to explore the less travelled countries
- The experience of awe while being in the mountains
- Day to day on expeditions and what that looks like
- Making a fire with yak dung
- Noticing how strong the sun was at altitude and in the clean air
- Making butter like the local people
- Coming home after travels
- Being sad after adventures
- Realising that travelling is not sustainable and needing to rest
- Doing a winter adventure in Bulgaria
- Learning new skills such as using an ice-axe and crampons
- Book: Woman in the Wilderness: My Story of Love, Survival and Self-Discovery
- Book: Wild at Heart: The Dangers and Delights of a Nomadic Life
- Thinking about writing a 3rd book
- Book: Wilder Journeys: True Stories of Nature, Adventure and Connection
- Being inspired by Angela Maxwell who is walking around the world
- How the dynamics of her relationship has changed
- Thinking about a plan B and what happens after Peter dies
- Not putting her life on hold
- Not regretting having children
- The danger of nomadic life
- Pension ? And living a simple life in old age
- The delights of nomadic living
- Reflecting back on the covid years in New Zealand and Bulgaria
- Getting sick in cities
- Wanting to spend more time in India and Nepal
- Being on YouTube and making a movie about her travels
- Getting a sponsor and becoming an ambassador!
- How many summers have you got left?
Social Media
Website www.miriamlancewood.com
Youtube: miriamlancewoodinthewild