Episodes
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This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys celebrate the season with discussions of the Immaculate Conception (it’s not what Ryan thinks), an idea for holiday film commentaries yet to come, and the LAST Ugly Ornament contest. And another year passes without seeing pictures of the Nativity Ryan’s father painstakingly carved from a single block of wood.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
Deborahttps://www.instagram.com/deborarest/?hl=en
LATAM 50 Best Restaurants
https://www.theworlds50best.com/latinamerica/en/
“White Christmas” movie
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Christmas_(film)
Day of the Little Candles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Little_Candles
Reba McEntire “Christmas Guest”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57fS-9kGZqU
Jimmy Fallon “Chipmunks and Chestnuts”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CChx2qVNl0
Kiernan’s Ugly Ornament for Ryan
https://johnderian.com/products/mushroom-person-ornament?srsltid=AfmBOoqJ58ABMzRZ1iiMibeH0zVvGJn3ZumEEEhUAHIicz2ZfBsFIk4T
Ryan’s Ugly Ornament for Kiernan
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1814317312/bespoke-funny-prank-xmaschristmas?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=ugly+ornament&ref=sr_gallery-1-9&pro=1&pop=1&content_source=fde4cc23f7c035e7d3ac14a1cd6a7a4bf6a9e3ed%253A1814317312&search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1
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This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan recaps his recent trip to Monterrey, Mexico, covering highlights from the scenic River Walk to an interactive steel museum. He also shares a wild story about a run-in with a bribery-seeking cop in Puerto Vallarta.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-go-2025-8739580 -
Missing episodes?
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This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan talks with one of the greatest Star Wars collectors of all time: Steve Sansweet. Steve is the founder of Rancho Obi-Wan, the largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia in the world. Located in Petaluma CA, the museum is open for public tours, but be sure to pre-book. And if it all goes according to plan, soon Rancho Obi-Wan will be joining forces with 3 other top collections to become the brand-new Saga Museum.
Things we talk about in this week’s episode:
Saga Museum
https://ranchoobiwan.org/new-saga-museum-to-celebrate-legacy-of-star-wars-fandom/
Steve Sansweet Bio
https://ranchoobiwan.org/board/
Rancho Obi-Wan
https://ranchoobiwan.org/
Ralph McQuarrie
https://www.iamag.co/star-wars-the-art-of-ralph-angus-mcquarrie-100-concept-art/
Head Man Action Figure
https://ranchoobiwan.org/
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
https://lucasmuseum.org/
Last Star Wars episode
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-office-a-travel-podcast/id1438098925?i=1000581538592
Britannic Explorer
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/12/travel/brittanic-explorer-belmond-train-luxury/index.html
Lidar-delivers again!
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/02/world/americas/maya-city-mexico.html
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In this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan talks with Stephanie Wallach, one of the first women to break into the world of commercial aviation in America. Plus, Kiernan faces an unfortunate bout of gate lice.
Follow Along On Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/Things We Talked About In This Week’s Episode:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/23/business/american-airlines-line-cutters.html
https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/welcome-aboard -
On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys embrace Spooktober by sharing their favorite graveyards. Plus, there’s an update on friend of the pod Rick Steves’ health and some Boston travel tips from Kiernan.
Things We Talked About In This Week’s Episode:
UPDATE RICK STEVES HEALTH
https://x.com/ricksteves/status/1843844907833950542?s=46
Our Share Of The Night By Mariana Enriquez
https://www.amazon.com/Our-Share-Night-Mariana-Enriquez/dp/0451495144
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In this episode, Ryan chats with Rory, a travel agent, about why people still use agents in 2024 and what it’s like booking tickets for Andrew Scott. Plus, Kiernan talks about his new job as a Boston tour guide.
Things We Talked About In This Week’s Episode:Last Stop
Ryan:
https://www.businessinsider.com/avoid-visa-mistake-no-middle-name-almost-ruined-tripKiernan: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/27/world/europe/westminster-abbey-bronte-plaque-accent-marks.html
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This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan and Ryan chat about the deep connections between music and travel, including how a well-chosen song can be the ideal souvenir. They also dig into how much Ryan prepares for each episode. Plus, Norwegian Children’s Music!
Things we talk about in this week’s episode:
Rick Steves endorses Kamala:
https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/4878714-rick-steves-endorses-harris/
Travel therapy
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240905121025.htm
”Earth Room’
https://www.diaart.org/visit/visit-our-locations-sites/walter-de-maria-the-new-york-earth-room-new-york-united-states/
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This week on the pod, Ryan takes us to El Salvador, the land of volcanoes and Bitcoin. Hear about how he almost made it inside a beautiful church and his visit to Hermit Island. Plus, what was the miniature controversy at the Kentucky State Fair?
LAST STOP
Ryan:
https://nypost.com/2024/08/23/us-news/kentucky-state-fair-removes-ribbon-winning-miniature-after-realizing-it-depicted-a-porn-set/
Kiernan:https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/vacation-rentals/most-unique-airbnb-stay-every-us-state
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This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan chats with Sarah Robbins, the COO of 21C Museum Hotels, a unique chain that combines modern art and comfortable accommodations. They talk through what it takes to run both a thriving hospitality business AND a compelling art operation. Plus,
Things we talk about in this week’s episode:
“North to Alaska”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoqVPcXDtUs
21C Museum Hotel
https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/
New UNESCO World Heritage Sites
https://www.euronews.com/culture/2024/08/02/a-roman-road-sand-dunes-and-gold-mines-these-are-the-24-new-unesco-world-heritage-sites-fo
Dems whipping airlines into shape
https://www.npr.org/2024/08/01/g-s1-14662/airline-junk-fees-family-seating-dot
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This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys put on their finest yacht-wear and head to that enclave of the rich and famous, The Hamptons. Kiernan talks about what exactly “The Hamptons” refers to, logistics of exploring there as a tourist, and a few cultural treasures hidden out among the seaside mansions.
Things we talk about in this week’s episode:
Hamptons Jitney
https://www.hamptonjitney.com/hjmobile/
Surf Lodgehttps://thesurflodge.com/
Montauk Point Lighthouse
https://montaukhistoricalsociety.org/montauk-point-lighthouse/
Coopers Beach
https://www.discoverlongisland.com/listing/coopers-beach/1047/
Parrish Art Museum
https://parrishart.org/
Pollock-Krasner House
https://artistshomes.org/site/pollock-krasner-house-and-study-center
Green River Cemetery
https://greenrivercemetery.org/
Museo Cacao
https://museocacao.com/
Palmero’s Breaththrough Saint
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/03/world/europe/palermo-catholic-saint-hindu-pantheon.html
Buy “Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide”
https://bookshop.org/p/books/secret-boston-an-unusual-guide-kiernan-schmitt/21037780?ean=9782361957179
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Boston-Unusual-Guide-guides/dp/2361957175
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This week Ryan welcomes his favorite author Kiernan Schmitt to talk about Kiernan’s new guidebook “Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide.” The book is a part of Jonglez Publishing’s “Secret” series, which specializes in historical oddities and way off-the-beaten-path sites fit for locals and enterprising tourists both!
Things we talk about in this week’s episode:
Buy “Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide”
https://bookshop.org/p/books/secret-boston-an-unusual-guide-kiernan-schmitt/21037780?ean=9782361957179
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Boston-Unusual-Guide-guides/dp/2361957175
Secret series:
https://jonglezpublishing.com/product-category/secret-guides/
Our interview with Thomas Jonglez
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/travel-book-publisher-thomas-jonglez/id1438098925?i=1000454443728
North End Library Venice Miniature
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/diorama-of-venetian-palace
The Dutch House
https://www.redfin.com/MA/Brookline/20-Netherlands-Rd-02445/home/11461795
Arlington Street Church Tiffany Window
https://www.ascboston.org/about/building.html
Neon Williams
https://neonwilliams.com/
Forest Hills Cemetery “Neighbors” by Christopher Frost
https://www.christopherfrost.org/#/neighbors2006/
The Dodecagonal House
https://www.bostonpreservation.org/news-item/my-boston-home-dragon-jp
Jumbo’s Ashes at Tufts
https://now.tufts.edu/2014/09/22/glory-was-jumbo
BC Labyrinth
https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/sites/memorial-labyrinth.html
Dorchester Historic Brick Collection
https://www.dorchesterhistoricalsociety.org/exhibits
Greenway Carousel
https://www.boston.com/uncategorized/noprimarytagmatch/2013/08/31/greenway-carousel-grand-opening/
Puppet Free Library
https://puppetco-op.org/libraries.htm
Climate Change and Turbulence
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/climate-change-is-making-airplane-turbulence-more-common-and-severe-scientists-say-180984440/
Revere Sand Sculpting Festival
https://www.internationalsandsculptingfestival.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gg7pYzzTUk
Ponyhenge
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/05/02/opinion/ponyhenge-elizabeth-graver/
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Pop! Squish! Six! Uh-Oh! Cicero! Lipschitz! On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys talk about one of their favorite cities in the US: Chicago! Perched on Lake Michigan, the city offers stellar food, world-class art and natural history, and a number of easy-to-find hidden wonders.
Things we talk about in this week’s episode:
Chicago Architecture Tour
https://www.architecture.org/tours/detail/chicago-architecture-center-river-cruise-aboard-chicago-s-first-lady/
Tiffany Dome at Chicago Cultural Center
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_culturalcenter-tiffanydome.html
Millennium Park
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html
The Bean
https://millenniumparkfoundation.org/art-architecture/cloud-gate/
Buckingham Fountain
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/clarence-f-buckingham-memorial-fountain
Crown Fountain
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_s_publicartcrownfountaininmillenniumpark.html
Wrigley Field
https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark
Field Museum
https://www.fieldmuseum.org/
Art Institute of Chicago
https://www.artic.edu/
Thorne Miniatures
https://www.artic.edu/highlights/12/thorne-miniature-rooms
Robie House
https://flwright.org/tour/robie-house
Hogsalt
https://www.hogsalt.com/
Chicago-Style Hot Dogs
https://www.bonappetit.com/story/best-hot-dogs-chicago
Chicago Pizza
https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-chicago-pizza-restaurants
Roadside America
https://www.roadsideamerica.com/
“Footnotes from the Most Fascinating Museums” by Bob Eckstein
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/18/travel/museum-guide-bob-eckstein-illustrator.html
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On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys luxuriate in Louisville. From exploring hidden walkways to throwing back some bourbon—plus a quick stop to honor The Colonel—Ryan and Kiernan are officially Kentucky converts.
Things we talk about in this week’s episode:
21C Museum Hotel
https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/louisville/The Brown Hotel
https://www.brownhotel.com/The Hot Brown
https://www.gotolouisville.com/blog/hot-brown/Louisville Historic Tours
https://louisvillehistorictours.com/Conrad-Caldwell House
https://www.conradcaldwell.org/Louisville’s Olmsted Parks
https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-loop/olmsted-parkwaysCave Hill Cemetery
https://www.cavehillcemetery.com/Belle of Louisville Riverboat
https://www.belleoflouisville.org/Louisville Slugger Museum
https://www.sluggermuseum.com/Frazier History Museum
https://www.fraziermuseum.org/Speed Art Museum
https://www.speedmuseum.org/Proof on Main
https://proofonmain.com/The Silver Dollar
https://www.whiskeybythedrink.com/610 Magnolia
https://610magnolia.com/Garage Bar
https://garageonmarket.com/Butchertown Grocery Bakery
https://www.gotolouisville.com/directory/butchertown-grocery-bakery/Chik’n & Mi
https://www.chiknandmi.com/Muth’s Candies
https://muthscandy.com/Mile Wide Beer Co.
https://milewidebeer.com/ -
On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys put on their hard hats, light their lanterns, and head underground! Ryan and Kiernan are fresh back from Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky—the largest cave system in the world! They have tales to tell about secret subterranean rivers, folksy rangers, and gypsum flowers that take eons to grow.
Things we talk about in this week’s episode:
Mammoth Cave National Park
https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm
The Cave Wars
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/the-kentucky-cave-wars.htm
Stephen Bishop
https://www.nps.gov/people/stephen-bishop.htm
George Morrison
https://www.nps.gov/people/george-morrison.htm
Floyd Collins
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/tragedy-at-sand-cave.htm
Frozen Niagra
https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery.htm?id=335A7FB9-AA3A-4D2E-A446-C2F15F29DE5E
Historical Tour
https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery.htm?id=3CDB5B65-5954-49BB-A2FE-AEA32F56FC03
Gothic Avenue Tour
https://www.greatamericanhikes.com/post/gothic-avenue-tour-in-mammoth-cave-national-park
Grand Avenue Tour
https://www.alittletour.com/2017/06/01/grand-avenue-tour-mammoth-cave-kentucky/
All Tours
https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/cave-tours.htm
Book Tours here
https://recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234640
Cave City
https://cavecity.com/
Wigwam Village
https://historicwigwamvillage.com/
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This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” we revisit the November 2022 episode on Richmond, Virginia. It was Ryan and Kiernan's first overnight trip together (staying in separate hotels, of course)! They discuss museums, historic homes, graves, Presidents, and plenty about the Civil War. They also share their restaurant recommendations and uncover a standout hidden treasure in a National Park!
The American Civil War Museum
https://acwm.org/
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
https://vmfa.museum
John Marshall House
https://preservationvirginia.org/historic-sites/john-marshall-house/
Hollywood Cemetery
https://www.hollywoodcemetery.org/
Maggie Walker House
https://www.nps.gov/mawa/index.htm
Society of Cincinnati
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_the_Cincinnati
Virginia State Capitol
http://virginiacapitol.gov/index.php/tours/
Statue of George Washington
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_George_Washington_(Houdon)
James Madison’s Montpelier
https://www.montpelier.org/
Paul Jennings
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Jennings_(slave)
Eater’s Richmond List
https://dc.eater.com/maps/best-bars-restaurants-bakeries-richmond-dining-guide
Barcode
https://www.barcoderva.com/
Triple Crossing Brewery
https://triplecrossing.com/
Emily Dickinson’s House
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/28/arts/design/emily-dickinson-museum-renovation.html
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On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan chats with “Jade,” a flight attendant for a US airline, about the high-flying lifestyle and her biggest traveler pet peeves. Recorded in-person in Boston, Ryan also complains about the Logan Airport Uber Pickup experience.
Things we talk about in this week’s episode:
Michelin in Mexico:
https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/tags/Mexico -
On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan leads us through highlights from his trip to Guatemala—museums of Guatemala City, the pyramids (and howler monkeys!) of Tikal National Park, Antigua volcano hikes, and the part-devil/part-saint of Lake Atitlan. Plus, LOTS OF GORY CATHOLIC STUFF!
Things we talk about in this week’s episode:
The Rick Steves Guide to Life
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/04/29/rick-steves-home-partner-philanthropy-washington/
US State Department Guatemala Safety Information
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Guatemala.html
Brief History of Guatemala’s complicated political history and civil war
https://cja.org/where-we-work/guatemala/
Palacio Nacional de la Cultura
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Palace_(Guatemala)
Museo Ixchel
https://museoixchel.org/en/museo-ixchel-english/
Museo Miraflores
https://www.museomiraflores.org.gt/
Museo Nacional de Arqueologia y Etnologia
https://sig.muniguate.com/proyectosDIGM/cultura/museos/MUSEOS/Arqueolog%C3%ADa%20y%20Etnolog%C3%ADa.html
Tikal National Park
https://www.tikalnationalpark.org/
Antigua
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigua_Guatemala
Santa Catalina Archi
https://theculturetrip.com/central-america/guatemala/articles/a-brief-history-of-antiguas-santa-catalina-arch
Convento de las Capuchinas
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iglesia_y_Convento_de_las_Capuchinas,_Antigua_Guatemala
Efrain Recinos sculpture park
https://intothearmsofamerica.com/destinations/guatemala/antigua/the-little-museum-up-in-the-antigua-hills/
Lake Atitlan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Atitl%C3%A1n
Maximonhttps://atitlanliving.com/guatemala-travel-information/how-to-visit-a-cofradia-in-santiago/
Michelin Star Analysis
https://www.chefspencil.com/michelin-dining-costs-analysis/
Your iPhone’s Hidden Noise Machine
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/iphone-tips-tricks/
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On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan interviews Emma Weissmann on the boom of concert travel led by Taylor Swift. Plus, Kiernan endorses Mitt Romney again.
Things we talk about in this week’s episode:
Mitt Romney for Harvard President.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/16/mitt-romney-harvard-president-antisemitism/Emma Interview:
TravelAge West: https://www.travelagewest.com/
Emma’s podcasts: https://www.travelagewest.com/PodcastsTaylor Swift cruise: https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Cruise/taylor-swift-cruise
NPR article on economic impact: https://www.npr.org/2023/12/27/1221483930/girl-economy-taylor-swift-beyonce-barbie-2023
Last Stop:
https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a60314481/literary-travel-boom/
https://www.bnbfinder.com/ -
On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan digs in on regional Italian cuisine with one of the show’s most interesting guests ever: opera and Italian cuisine expert Fred Plotkin. Fred talks us through some of the most popular and most obscure foods of Italy, sharing history and wonderful anecdotes all along the way. Part 2 of 3!
Things we talk about in this week’s episode:
“Italy for Food Lovers”
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/italy-for-food-lovers
Fred Plotkin biography
https://www.wqxr.org/people/fred-plotkin/
The Atlantic’s “Crying Myself to Sleep on the Biggest Cruise Ship Ever” by Gary Shteyngart
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/05/royal-caribbean-cruise-ship-icon-of-seas/677838/
CNN’s Grandmother and Son Are on the Move
https://www.cnn.com/travel/grandma-joy-ryan-grandson-seven-continents/index.html
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On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan grades ChatGPT, evaluating its organization of three weekend getaways. Ryan shares tips on how to correctly leverage ChatGPT for travel plans. Introducing a fresh segment, "The Layover," Ryan chats with Tommy Wallach from Hatch Escapes on the launch of their latest immersive adventure, "The Ladder."
Things we talk about in this week’s episode:
ChatGPT:
https://chat.openai.com/Hatch Escapes:
https://www.hatchescapes.com/
OOO Episode on Escape Rooms:
https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-50-escape-rooms-with-tommy-wallach/LAST STOP
Ryan: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-admin-accelerates-plan-to-unleash-apex-predator-near-rural-community-over-widespread-local-opposition
Kiernan: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/willy-wonka-musical-parody-inspired-by-viral-event-1235852849/
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