Legends of the New Zealand wilderness are finding a fresh audience in the world of podcasting.

Hosted by mates Andy McDonald and Jonathan Carson, The Wild Podcast is a new fortnightly show focusing on the explorers, athletes, scientists and creatives thriving in our backcountry.

The idea was hatched over a four-day tramp in Kahurangi National Park in 2017, where the pair first met.

“It was one of those times when you hike, and the thoughts turn over in your head and you let them take on a life of their own,” Carson said.

Each episode features a Kiwi outdoors identity in a back and forth interview with the two hosts.

“I’ve always wanted to tell these stories of New Zealand’s unknown explorers – those classic Kiwi battlers who go to extreme places and overcome extreme adversity simply to live a more exciting life. Those stories are worth telling and celebrating,” Carson said.

The Whanganui-based freelance journalist said he is excited to delve into the podcast medium – one he has always enjoyed.

“I consume them in every spare moment I have, and I’ve always wanted to experiment with that format of storytelling.

“The best thing is that the audience gets to hear these stories from the people first hand, in their voice and in their words. We try and steer the conversation in a direction, but the guests get to take over, and we can sit back and listen – it’s a real privilege.”