{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"111. Ella Al- Shamahi; Lost Kingdoms of the Amazon, Charismatic Tanzanian Animals and Yemenis in Birmingham","description":"Ella Al Shamahi is an archaeologist, explorer and stand-up comic who's been described as the 'real-life Lara Croft' as she travels the world exploring some of the world\u2019s most dangerous and remote regions. Ella talks about her Channel 4 show exploring lost kingdoms of the Amazon, growing up in a conservative Yemeni community in Birmingham, getting herself into scrapes with terrorists, stolen DNA, Australian aborigines, remote tribes driving big expensive cars and being an archaeologist and stand-up comic. On this episode we cover:   Her conservative upbringing as a Yemeni in Birmingham The support of the community Yemen\u2019s stunning and exceptional landscape \u2018The Manhattan of the desert\u2019 in Yemen Yet the devastating war Kidnapping risks and landmines Wondering if she should cover up more The real life Lara Croft What to wear for exploring the jungle Her arms getting \u2018eaten alive\u2019 Lisa getting caught out in the Maldives Being a kidnapping risk The most dangerous situations she has been in Feeling quite lucky that the most dangerous stuff hasn\u2019t happened Danger being a concept until it actually happens A bunch of guys around you with guns Identifying which tribes will be hostile And what terrorist groups operate there Assessing the team based on the above Her father currently being in exile Female archaeologists or adventurers being celebrated Her new Channel 4 show - Jungle Mystery; Lost Kingdoms of the Amazon Going on a crazy archaeological adventure to Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Bolivia The early explorers of the Amazon referencing massive urban environments Meeting incredible indigenous groups fighting for their survival Stolen DNA and its connection to Australian aborigines The traditional indigenous villagers with huge cars and no loin cloths Being meticulous about portraying people accurately Her BBC1 show with Chris Packham Waterhole Animals with charisma and The Elephant Dictionary Losing the plot during lockdown All her work being cancelled Being in a long-term war with the local squirrel Decamping to the Swiss Alps Travel during Covid Switzerland and their guns Trying to avoid being shot in hunting season Becoming a stand-up comedian Needing to laugh after visiting places that \u2018are a bit dark\u2019 Dying and thriving on stage at Edinburgh The mental health aspect of lockdown How not going anywhere can change your perspective on the every day things Lisa getting overly excited on the day lockdown was released How the narrowing of the horizons can make you appreciate things even more Scotch eggs and a substantial meal Listening to Lizzo and realising the damage on her private life  How it\u2019s the worst time to be single Levison Wood and being single   ","author_name":"The Big Travel Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/www.thebigtravelpodcast.com","html":"