Do you have the skills to survive on a deserted island?
Tom Williams is the founder of Desert Island Survival, an adventure travel company that maroons people on desert islands, and the winner of the TV survival show Alone UK 2023.
In this episode, Tom traces his path from wealth management to remote survival guiding, explains how he designs his desert island expeditions, and shares the deep transformations that he's witnessed in his participants.
Tom shares how he went from being at the bottom of his class and experiencing childhood bullying in England to walking to the North Pole, becoming a dive master, and launching a wilderness survival business. He breaks down how Desert Island Survival trips work, why they’re structured the way they are, and what makes the format accessible even to beginners. You’ll hear real stories of guests who made dramatic life changes afterward - quitting jobs, leaving relationships, transforming their health - not because they were promised transformation, but because of what happens when you slow down and reconnect with your primal self. Tom also shares business lessons from starting small, building around passion, and growing with intention.
*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.
What travel experiences have changed your life? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message.
Tune In To Learn:
Why a trip to Honduras at 20 shifted Tom’s identity and changed the course of his life
How walking to the North Pole helped him build the resilience to start a business
What inspired him to leave a finance job and build Desert Island Survival from scratch
What actually happens on the island and why it’s designed to feel like raw adventure, not hardship
The “non-negotiables” that make each trip feel special, accessible, and transformative
What it means to go back to “layer zero” of technology and why that’s so powerful
How Tom finds untouched islands in a mapped world, and what makes the perfect location
What he’s learned from growing slowly, staying picky, and building around passion
Why following your dream isn’t always about success
And so much more
Resources:
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Tom's website
Tom on Instagram
Desert Island Survival
Tom’s book recommendations: Humankind, Sapiens, At Home, 438 Days
Want More?
3 years Alone On Foot: An Interview With Sarah Marquis
Finding Your Island Paradise: An Interview With Alex Sheshunoff
How To Hike The PCT (Pacific Crest Trail)
Thanks To Our Sponsors:
Smart Travel Podcast - Before you book, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars. Follow Smart Travel on your favorite podcast app.
CREATOR: The Podcast - Join host Ross Borden as he uncovers how top creators built six-figure incomes from beach cafes, mountain peaks, and everything in between.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
