Episodes
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Why do some conversations leave you feeling seen and understood, while others fall flat?
Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author of The Power of Habit and his latest, Supercommunicators. He's spent years exploring the science of communication to find out what separates those rare, magical conversations from ones that leave us disconnected or misunderstood.
In this episode, we explore how communication really works - what’s happening in our brains during conversations, the skills that make someone a “supercommunicator,” and how to have more meaningful, connected interactions no matter where you are in the world.
If you’ve ever left a conversation wondering why it didn’t land the way you wanted or if you’re trying to get better at connecting with people across cultures, relationships, or work, this one’s for you. Charles shares practical frameworks and surprising science-backed insights that help you show up better in any conversation. Whether you're navigating conflict with your partner or chatting with a stranger abroad, this episode is full of takeaways that’ll make you rethink how you communicate.
PLUS, stick around on the backend for a special segment on the best things to do, see, and eat in Baltimore, Maryland.
What’s one small shift you could make to be more present and connected in your conversations this week? I'd love to hear what you took away from our talk, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why Charles and his wife spent six months surfing in El Salvador and living in Costa Rica
How living abroad shaped his worldview as a journalist
What led Charles to write Supercommunicators after the success of The Power of Habit
How to identify the 3 types of conversations (and why mismatching them causes conflict)
How to ask deep questions that invite real connection
Why “looping for understanding” is a powerful listening tool
How vulnerability really works in our brains, and why energy matching is a powerful way to build trust and connection
Why we’re all supercommunicators already
And so much more
Resources:
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Visit Charles’ website
Subscribe to his Substack
Follow on Instagram
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Strategies for Living an Unconventional Life with Ingrid Alm
Rick Steves On the Hippie Trail (The Making of a Travel Writer) with Special Guest Host Eric Weiner
How to Navigate Transitions and Design Your Life (Without the BS) with Lauren Handel Zander
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Is co-living the secret sauce to building community and staying inspired on the road?
Fabio and Juls are the co-founders of Casa Basilico, a pop-up foodie co-living experience designed for digital nomads who crave meaningful connection, delicious food, and a vibrant sense of community. As full-time travelers and friends-turned-business-partners, they’ve hosted over 200 nomads around the world, using shared meals and creative adventures to turn strangers into family.
We dive deep into the world of co-living: what it means, why it’s catching on, and how food, friendship, and shared experiences can lead to some of the most powerful travel experiences.
If you've ever wondered what it's like to stay in a co-living space or dreamed about building your own travel-inspired community, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look. Juls and Fabio share honest, hilarious, and heartwarming stories from the road, including why cooking together is their not-so-secret weapon for connection, what happens when your car breaks down on the way to a surprise helicopter ride, and how they create spaces that feel like home, even when you’re far from it. You'll walk away with a better understanding of how co-living can deepen your travel experience, along with practical tips if you're considering trying it yourself.
What do you think makes a place feel like home when you're traveling? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why co-living is more than just shared housing for digital nomads
How Juls and Fabio stumbled into the co-living scene and ended up launching Casa Basilico
What sets co-living apart from hostels and Airbnbs
How long-term stays create deeper connections
(and why short-term may not cut it)
Advice to find a co-living space that fits your vibe, goals, and lifestyle
Why Fabio’s pasta dinners became the foundation for building community
What it’s like to run a surprise weekend adventure (including a busted car and a helicopter)
Why choosing lesser-known destinations creates richer experiences (+ destination recs)
The future of co-living and why pop-ups and hybrid models might be the next big thing
And so much more
Resources:
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Check out Casa Basilico
Follow on Instagram
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What Does “Home” Mean For Nomads w/ Diego Bejarano Gerke
Top 11 Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visas for Relocating (2025 Edition) + Where to Consider Relocating (And Why) with Tim Marting from Citizen Remote
How to Be a Digital Nomad With Kayla Ihrig
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What happens when you take a grand piano into the wild and let nature lead the performance?
Hunter Noack is a classically trained pianist and the founder of IN A LANDSCAPE, a one-of-a-kind outdoor concert series that brings a 9-foot Steinway grand piano into the great outdoors. Instead of setting up traditional speakers at every show, audience members are given wireless headphones, allowing them to wander freely through the landscape while listening.
Since its launch, the project has reached over 75,000 people through more than 300 concerts in some of the country’s most awe-inspiring settings. By combining music, nature, and community, Hunter is redefining what a classical concert can be - and who it’s for.
Hunter shares the origin story of IN A LANDSCAPE, how it’s evolved over a decade, and how art can shape the way we connect with nature, place, and each other.
If you’ve ever dreamed of merging your creative passions with travel or building something that feels meaningful, this episode will hit home. You’ll learn about the challenges (and magic) of taking a concert piano off the grid and how he balances artistic integrity with logistics, grants, and the realities of funding a big idea. You'll also hear how nature shapes his music, his relationships with local communities, and his broader view of what it means to be human today.
There’s insight here for anyone creating something unconventional, trying to reconnect with nature, or simply curious about how a piano ends up in the middle of the desert.
If you were to reimagine something in your life, whether that’s travel, work, or relationships, what would it be? What would that look like? I'd love to hear more about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why he left the traditional concert hall behind to perform in deserts, forests, and county parks
How a single grant launched an idea and insight on using grants to fund creative, unconventional work
How nature influences the way he plays, from wind gusts to bug cameos
What it takes to haul a 1,200-pound Steinway up a mountain (and why it’s worth it)
The story behind one surreal concert on tribal land that left everyone speechless
What performing across the American West has revealed about the country’s beauty, complexity, and common ground
Why artistic projects need real critique (not just applause) to evolve
Hunter’s favorite overlooked spots in the American West you should visit
And so much more
Resources:
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Learn more about IN A LANDSCAPE
Watch Hunter’s TEDx
Follow Hunter on Instagram
Want More?
Following Inspiration Towards A Life Of Travel with Mark and Steffi (The World’s Only Chapman Stick Duo)
Passion Mashin´: Combining Travel With Your Other Interests, Embracing Limitations, Lessons From 13 Years of Travel With Adrian “Ady” Parzentny
How to Travel Using Artist Residencies (Even if You’re Not an “Artist”) + a Creative Approach to Life With Mi’Jan Celie Tho-Biaz
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Would you skateboard nearly 1,000 miles across the U.S. with no real plan, just to see what would happen?
Mike Kosciesza did just that with three friends and a dream to make a documentary out of it. Back in 2008, these four 20-year-olds set off from Chicago with their skateboards pointed toward New York City. A decade later, that wild ride became Shred America, a raw, DIY travel film packed with lessons they never saw coming.
We’re digging into Mike’s adventure, the long road to making Shred America, and what it takes to turn a crazy idea into something real, especially when you don’t feel fully prepared.
Mike’s story is a reminder that you don’t always need a perfect plan to start something meaningful. You’ll hear about what it takes to follow through on a wild vision, the lessons that come with looking back on your younger self, and why doing something imperfectly can lead to your most unforgettable adventures. We also get into the unexpected challenges of documenting a trip like this, what it’s like to finish a film a decade after shooting it, and why a little rebellion can take you a long way.
Would you ever go on a trip without much planning, just to see where it leads? Or have you done something similar before? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why Mike and his friends decided to skate from Chicago to NYC in the first place
How picking a departure date changed everything
What went wrong with their original film plan, and how they adapted
How the team pushed through injuries, burnout, and zero navigation skills
Why a random guy in a bathroom helped save their trip
What it’s like editing a film of your 20-year-old self, ten years later
Advice to anyone dreaming up a bold idea but unsure how to start
How filming organically added authenticity (and chaos) to the journey
Why they turned down film festivals and opted for DIY distribution
How rebellion and risk-taking shaped their travel and creative paths
And so much more
Resources:
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Watch Shred America
Want More?
900 Miles Biking (With No Clothes, Money or Bike!)
Cross Country Canoeing: 7,500 Miles Into the Soul of America + an Unconventional Life of Travel With Neal Moore
Walking the World with Alexander Campbell and Tom Turcich
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What makes Baltimore, Maryland, one of the best US cities to visit?
Brian Oliver is the founder of BMore See More, a nonprofit organization empowering minority male students in Baltimore City to become local and global leaders through education, mentorship, and travel. A seasoned traveler who’s visited over 60 countries, Brian always finds himself returning to Baltimore and has become a voice for reframing how people see his home city by highlighting the stories, neighborhoods, and experiences that show its full heart and charm.
In this episode, Brian shares his list of seven hidden gems in Baltimore and gives us a local’s perspective on what makes the city so magnetic.
If Baltimore isn’t already on your travel radar, this conversation may change that. Brian gives us a tour of the city’s most vibrant spots, from the best place to watch fireworks to where you can get lost in local food culture. He talks about how neighborhoods shape identity, why steamed crabs are more than a meal, and how seeing the world has deepened his love for home. You’ll leave this episode with a fresh sense of what makes a city truly worth exploring and how travel can spark both global and local change.
What’s one city that surprised you in the best possible way, and what made it so memorable? I’d love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
How a childhood of road trips sparked his lifelong love of travel
What makes Baltimore’s people so memorable to visitors
Why the neighborhoods are the heart of the city, and how to explore them
Advice to get the most out of your first crab feast (and why it’s more than just a meal)
Why Camden Yards changed the game for stadiums across the U.S.
The local museum that tells 400 years of African American history in Maryland
How to use the water taxi like a local and why everything is better from the water
Where to find authentic food, murals, music, and community in Charm City
How travel inspired Brian to launch BMore See More for youth empowerment
And so much more
Resources:
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Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Plan your trip to Baltimore
Visit Brian’s website
Learn about BMore See More
Follow Brian on Instagram
Want More?
Only in Wisconsin
5 Reasons To Visit The Florida Keys
9 Best United States Museums and Advice for Fostering Your Creativity with Bob Eckstein
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What adventures have you been dreaming up but haven't done yet?
Lynne Nieman is the founder of Wander Your Way, a podcast and website dedicated to helping you explore off-the-beaten-path destinations throughout Europe. As a professional travel planner, Lynne combines her passion for Europe and off-the-beaten-path exploration with her expertise in creating personalized travel experiences.
In this episode, Lynne shares her experience hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland - what the trail is like, how to prepare for it, and why this iconic hike is well worth adding to your travel list.
She walks us through the mental and physical challenges of solo hiking, the beauty of trail life, and how she handled the unexpected. We talk about the deeper lessons that emerged from letting go of perfection to embracing a slower, more personal pace. You'll also hear about Lynne's plans for making a living with travel, how a trip to Europe changed both of our lives, and more.
What is in your travel box? What does the experience look like? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why giving yourself permission is half the battle to pursuing your passions and creating your future
What made Lynne fall in love with Europe and what makes walking one of the best travel experiences
Logistics for hiking the West Highland Way, including when to go, how to prepare, and costs
Why it's important to tailor the hike to your needs
How this experience reshaped her relationship with travel and self-trust
Her favorite stories from the trail
How creating a "box" for your trip can be a fun and rewarding way to design your travels
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Find Lynne on her website
Listen to Wander Your Way
Follow Lynne on Facebook, Instagram
Walker Ways
West Highland Way website
Want More?
You're Coming Hitchhiking Around Scotland With Me
Hitchhiking Stories From Scotland
Ireland: Travel, Music, and History w/ Garvan Rushe
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Almost two decades after The 4-Hour Workweek was published, what does lifestyle design look like now, and where is it headed next?
Travis Sherry is a longtime traveler and entrepreneur who’s spent over a decade building a life centered around freedom, travel, and location independence while helping thousands of others do the same. He’s the founder of the Extra Pack of Peanuts blog and podcast, co-founder of the Location Indie community, and co-creator of Camp Indie, an adult summer camp for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and adventure-seekers.
In this episode, Travis and I explore the concept of lifestyle design and how it’s evolved since the early days of digital nomadism.
You’ll hear what lifestyle design really looks like in today’s world of remote work, shifting values, and growing responsibilities, and how our own definitions of freedom have changed over the years as dads, business owners, and travelers. We reflect on what still holds true, what no longer fits, and what it takes to stay aligned with what matters most as you design your own version of your “best” life.
How has your definition of freedom or success evolved over the years and what does your ideal lifestyle look like now? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why “lifestyle design” in 2025 is more about values than travel hacks or passive income
The surprising things we both no longer prioritize when it comes to freedom and success
What we’ve learned about redefining productivity, especially after becoming parents
What to consider if you’re feeling burnt out, uninspired, or out of sync with your goals
Why slow travel still wins out and how technology is sabotaging our freedom
How we both think lifestyle design will evolve in the next 5–10 years and where we see the movement going
The trade-offs to consider when designing a non-traditional lifestyle
Advice for anyone feeling stuck or questioning their current path
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
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Visit Travis’ website, Extra Pack of Peanuts
Check out Location Indie
Come to Camp Indie
Tim Ferriss’ Ideal Lifestyle Costing
Want More?
Jason’s Travel Wish List (Come Along and Dream with Me) with Special Guest Host Travis Sherry from Extra Pack of Peanuts
How to Leverage Real Estate to Fuel Your Ideal Travel Lifestyle (5 Expert Strategies) With Travis Sherry
From Expat to Digital Nomad: Finding Your Travel Rhythm, Balancing Burnout, and the Digital Nomad Lifestyle with Kristin Wilson
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What can thinking about death teach us about living life?
Bronnie Ware is an author, songwriter, speaker, and free spirit devoted to helping others find the courage to embrace life on their own terms and live without regrets. Her international bestselling memoir, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, has been translated into 32 languages and has a movie in the pipeline. Bronnie spent much of her life traveling nomadically and now has a home base in rural Australia.
In this episode, we talk about what those final life lessons can teach us about living more freely, creatively, and intentionally, especially when it comes to crafting a life filled with meaningful travel.
This conversation is a reflection on what it really means to live life on your own terms. Bronnie shares how she embraced her creative self later in life, the lessons she’s learned from the dying, and the surprising relationship between death and joy. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, felt stuck in the “wrong box,” or wondered how to start living more authentically, Bronnie offers wisdom that might just change the way you think. We also talk travel, belonging, and why courage is always rewarded, even when the outcome looks different than you expected.
What’s one truth you’ve learned through travel that continues to shape how you live today? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.
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Tune In To Learn:
How Bronnie went from banking to bestselling author and the process she followed to commit to writing a book
What a “gentle rebel” really is, and why it fits Bronnie so well
Why growing up on a farm led to her propensity for travel
How she launched on a creative journey and embraced her new identity later in life
How self-doubt shows up and what to do when it tries to stop you
How she reframes challenges through a soul-level lens
Why travel will help you get to know yourself in a different way and uncover what really makes you feel at home
How courage, even when it’s quiet or imperfect, always pays off
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Visit Bronnie’s website
Get your copy of The Top Five Regrets of the Dying
Listen to Bronnie’s albums Songs For The Soul and Sun Showers
Want More?
What Happens When You Die? (Part One): A Journey to the Other Side with Peter Panagore
Lessons From Caring for the Dying and Bike Packing 18 Countries With Jerry Kopack
What Is “Happiness”? Discovering Meaning On The Silk Road w/ Will Rickard
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What road trip songs get you pumped for your travels?
Rob Harvilla has been a professional rock critic for 20+ years whose writing has appeared in Pitchfork, Spin, and Rolling Stone. He is also the host of the hugely popular podcast 60 Songs That Explain the ’90s and author of a book by the same name.
In this episode, Rob shares his ultimate 90s road trip playlist along with a fun conversation about the inevitable intersection of music and travel.
Rob shares his thoughts on how music embeds itself into our lives, the lost art of mixtapes, and how road trip playlists define our travels. Plus, we swap stories about the bands that made us fall in love with music in the first place.
What song would you add to this list? Is there an album that instantly transports you back to a specific time and place? I'd love to hear what it is, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why road trips and music are so deeply connected
The power of nostalgia and how music imprints on our memories
How the shift from physical albums to streaming changed the way we experience music
The role of critics in shaping music culture
What it was like to live through Brooklyn’s indie rock explosion in the 2000s
How Rob picked the songs for 60 Songs That Explain the '90s (and why that number quickly expanded)
If he could time travel to one concert in history, which show Rob would pick and why
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Visit Rob’s website
Best Travel Songs of the 90’s Spotify playlist
Want More?
Top 10 Road Trip Albums With Jason Law from Festy GoNuts
America’s Greatest Road Trip! Key West to Deadhorse: 9,000 Miles Across Backroad USA With Tom Cotter
Life-Changing Trips, Interviewing Music Legends, Backpacking the World, and Fostering Transformative Connections with Tony Fletcher
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I’m bringing you a roundup of the most popular and community-loved highlights from the Zero To Travel newsletter this month, offering practical travel tips, lifestyle insights, and some good old-fashioned wanderlust inspiration.
You’ll hear science-backed strategies for boosting happiness, why now might be the time to take action on a second passport, a few under-the-radar travel destinations you’ll want to add to your list, why college towns can make great travel destinations, and more.
What’s your takeaway from this episode? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
How a pine tree sparked two powerful questions for making big decisions
Why happiness by subtraction might be more effective than adding more to your plate
How dual citizenship pathways are tightening and why you might want to move quickly
Advice to find new travel inspiration through "otherworldly" destinations
Why this city might just be the ultimate food destination
The unexpected perks of visiting college towns (beyond cheap eats and sports games)
What countries topped the list for best places to raise a family and why I think they missed a few key ones
How to quickly check if you’re owed money when your U.S. flight is delayed or canceled
And so much more
Resources:
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Sign up for our FREE newsletter
11 Ways to Be Happier
Italian Citizenship Article
Best Cities for Food
Otherworldly Destinations
Best College Towns
Countries for Raising a Family
Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard
Best Travel Cards
Want More?
Listener Questions: Reverse Engineering a Move Abroad, How to Choose a Location-Independent Business, and Smart Ways to Travel a Continent
Hell on Earth: Top 7 Otherworldly Destinations with Erika Engelhaupt
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Have you traveled just to go to a music festival? What one realization can lead to a life of travel?
Jason Law and his wife Kelly are the duo behind Festy GoNuts and GoNuts Marketing, the ultimate resource for enhancing your music festival experience. They’ve been to countless festivals, created a tight-knit community of festival lovers, and know exactly what it takes to go from a good time to a legendary one.
In this episode, they're sharing their top 11 music festival tips to rock the experience - from campsite best practices to festival fashion to embracing your "fest self."
You’ll get practical advice for planning, packing, and participating in a way that turns a few days of live music into an unforgettable adventure. Jason and Kelly’s tips aren’t just about gear and logistics but connection, community, and letting your guard down in the best way possible.
What music festival are you looking forward to? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why doing your homework before the festival can save your whole experience
How to set up a campsite that feels like home (and why it matters)
Advice to make new friends through games, shared meals, and theme nights
What it means to build a “team” and create your own mini tribe
How to add some flair and bring out your wild side
How to let go and fully enjoy the moment
Stories from staying up all night until sunrise (and why it's worth it)
How to carry your "fest self" energy into your everyday life
And much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Visit their website
Northwest String Summit
Fruition String Band
How To Recover From A Music Festival
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Want More?
Top 10 Road Trip Albums With Jason Law from Festy GoNuts
Music Festivals 101: Travel, Culture and Music With Festy Go Nuts
Ireland: Travel, Music, and History w/ Garvan Rushe
Thanks To Our Sponsors
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What is it like to hike over 2,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail… with your teenage kid?
Jessica and Largo are part of the adventurous WorldTowning family, who’ve been living a full-time travel lifestyle for over a decade. From sailing across the Atlantic to road-tripping Europe in an RV, they’ve redefined “home” and “school” many times over.
Jessica and her son Largo share their experience tackling one of the USA’s most iconic long-distance hikes: the Appalachian Trail. We talk about what led them there, what they expected, and how it all unfolded over nearly 2,200 miles of trail from Georgia to Maine.
This conversation isn’t just about hiking but navigating challenges, family dynamics, and transitions. You’ll hear how Jessica and Largo balanced remote work and school on the trail, how it deepened their relationship, and why this adventure changed how they view their home country after a decade abroad. From logistical headaches and emotional breakthroughs to unexpected trail magic, this episode shows that you don’t need ideal conditions to pull off a bold adventure.
If you had six months to disconnect from your normal life and reconnect with nature, how would you spend it? Who would you take? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why they decided to hike the Appalachian Trail with limited experience
Largo’s experience growing up nomadic and how it’s shaped his mindset going into a challenge like this
What it took to balance school, work, and 2,000+ miles on foot
How thru-hiking impacted Jessica’s health, mindset, and work habits
How Largo ended up hiking solo and what that was like for him
What surprised them most about returning to the U.S. after 10 years abroad
How the trail community and “trail magic” kept them going
What changed in their relationship after six months in a tent together
Advice to parents on adventuring with teens and letting them lead
And so much more
Resources:
Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
Sign up for our FREE newsletter
Visit their website
Following WorldTowning on Instagram
Watch on YouTube
Listen to their podcast, The WHY Matters
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10 Years on the Road, Self-Care for Long-Term Travelers, Excitement and Challenges of Different Travel Modes, and Creating Your Own “Dream Day” with Will and Jessica Sueiro
World Towning: 5 Years Of Full-Time Travel
Worldschooling 101, Leveraging FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early), and Family Travel Advice with Maxwell Lee
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Nate Menninger has chased experiences around the world, from running with the bulls in Spain to diving the Blue Hole in Belize. Most recently, he became one of the first foreigners to work as a Himalayan porter in Nepal, an experience he documented in his first-ever film, The Porter.
In this episode, Nate shares the wild story of becoming a porter in Nepal, working side-by-side with local Nepalese porters on a 23-day trek. We talk about how he pulled it off, what it taught him, and the unexpected impact it had on his mental health, perspective, and purpose.
Nate's experience challenges a lot of what we assume about ethical travel, cultural immersion, and even our own motivations as travelers. We unpack what it means to be fully present in a different culture, the power of learning a local language, and how intention and humility can open doors to deeper connection. Whether you're planning a trek in Nepal or just thinking about how to be a more thoughtful traveler, this episode will give you a lot to chew on.
How have your travels challenged your assumptions about other cultures? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why he chose to live the experience instead of just documenting it
How he taught himself Nepali in a matter of weeks
The surprising benefits of taking a two-week vow of silence
How the idea for the film came together and what it took to actually make it happen
What really goes on behind the scenes in Nepal’s trekking industry
The economics of porter life and why many actually lose money on treks
Advice to travelers on tipping, hiring porters, and doing ethical research
How immersive projects can create access to authentic cultural experiences
Why communication is the key to better travel
And so much more
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Trekking Nepal Series
From Wall Street to Nepal, Life-Changing Moments, and What It Means To Have Enough With James C. Hopkins
Beyond the Summit: Climbing Mt. Everest, Filming at 29,000 Feet, a Cultural Journey through Nepal, and Taking Your Childhood Dreams to Heart with Alex Harz
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What hidden stories lie beneath the surface of the places you travel?
Clare Hammond is an award-winning investigative journalist currently working with Global Witness to expose the issues relating to natural resources, conflict, and corruption. In 2016 while working in Myanmar, she discovered an obscure map showing a web of railways that weren’t shown on any publicly available maps. This compelled her to spend three months traveling these mysterious railways to uncover their purpose and the stories surrounding them. Her investigation took five years to complete and form the basis for her book "On the Shadow Tracks: A Journey Through Occupied Myanmar."
In this episode, Clare shares her journey from financial journalism in Hong Kong to uncovering the hidden infrastructure of Myanmar’s illicit economy. She takes us behind the scenes of her investigative work, the ethical dilemmas of reporting from conflict zones, and what she learned from traveling the forgotten railways of Myanmar.
This episode will challenge the way you think about travel, journalism, and the unseen forces that shape the world. Clare’s firsthand accounts of reporting on corruption, conflict, and human resilience reveal the power of storytelling to bring hidden truths to light.
Have you ever traveled somewhere that changed the way you saw the world? What stories did you uncover? I'd love to hear about them, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why she chose investigative journalism and how she transitioned from financial reporting to uncovering corruption
The story behind Myanmar’s secret railway lines and how she discovered them
The role of forced labor in Myanmar’s infrastructure projects and its lasting impact
How investigative journalists assess personal risk when reporting on dangerous topics
Why Myanmar remains a complex and challenging place for travelers today
The importance of trusted news sources in an era of misinformation
The resilience of communities living under systemic oppression and what we can learn from them
The future of investigative journalism
What keeps Clare motivated in her long-term projects
And so much more
Resources:
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Follow Clare on Instagram
Learn more about Global Witness
Dustin Main’s This Myanmar Life
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Up and Coming Destinations: Myanmar with Dustin Main
Dark Tourism and the Complexities of Dark Destinations with Professor James Treadwell
How To Be a “New Tourist,” the Powers and Perils of Tourism, Embracing Tourist Traps, and the Impact of Travel With Paige McClanahan
Walking the World: A Deeper Exploration of Culture and Community with Chris Arnade
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What is it about Sicily that makes travelers fall in love (and some never leave)?
Linda Sarris is a Sicilian travel expert, private chef, and the author of three Moon Travel Guides covering Sicily and Southern Italy. After building her career as a private chef in New York City, she followed her passion for food and culture to Palermo, Italy, where she’s been based for the past eight years. Today, she runs a food and wine-focused travel business, offering immersive experiences that help travelers taste and explore Sicily like a local.
In this episode, we explore what it’s like to visit Sicily through a local lens: where to eat, what to drink, and how to be in a place that runs on a different rhythm.
Linda shares her favorite street food, the wine regions worth a detour, and how Sicilian life has shifted her relationship with time, connection, and even ambition. You’ll get insider secrets to authentic Sicilian cuisine, practical advice for planning your visit, and more.
What makes you most interested in visiting Sicily? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why Sicily captured Linda’s heart (and kept her there)
How to navigate Sicilian street food culture and what to try first
What makes Sicilian wines special and the best way to experience them
What you can expect to spend on accommodations, transportation, and food
Tips for avoiding tourist traps and finding hidden gems
The subtle differences between mainland Italy and Sicily
Why Sicily’s slower pace can shift your whole mindset
And so much more
Resources:
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Visit Linda’s website
Follow Linda on Instagram
Grab her Moon Travel Guides
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Top 10 European Food Experiences With Kenny Dunn From Eating Europe
Discovering The Hidden Europe with Francis Tapon
How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 2025 with Lynne Nieman
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What makes Andalusia one of the best hidden gems in all of Spain?
Lucas Peters is a tour operator and award-winning travel writer. His latest book with Moon Travel Guides explores the magic of southern Spain, sharing the must-see highlights, unique experiences, and the best local flavors of Seville, Granada, and Andalusia.
In this episode, Lucas unpacks the culture and history of Andalusia and shares the top experiences that make this region of Spain a must-visit.
Lucas shares fascinating insights into Andalusia’s history, explains why its cultural blend is so unique, and offers practical advice for travelers to experience Spain beyond its usual tourist spots. You’ll get a taste of Analusia’s food scene and local hotspots, and discover how to embrace the Andalusian way of life.
What makes you most excited about visiting Andalusia? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
How Spanish, Moroccan, and Arabic cultures have blended over the centuries
Why Andalusia is one of the best-value destinations in Europe
The magic of tapas culture in Granada (and how to eat well for cheap)
Lucas’ favorite historic sites that will make your jaw drop
What makes the Caminito del Rey one of the best walks in all of Europe
The best way to explore the region and visit Andalusia’s most beautiful white villages
Where to experience a more authentic flamenco show
Lucas’s favorite secret beach that only locals know about
Festivals and celebrations that are worth planning a trip around
Alternative places to stay as a slowmad or digital nomad (instead of Barcelona)
Important considerations and tips for making the most of your Andalusian adventure
What popular tourist spot Lucas suggests you should skip
And so much more
Resources:
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Grab the Moon Travel Guide
Visit Lucas’ website
Travel with Journey Beyond Travel
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Top 7 Grand European Journeys With Lucas Peters
Morocco Travel: Beyond Marrakech w/ Lucas Peters
Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn
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What if you could build a business that funds your dream lifestyle without sacrificing travel and freedom?
Dan Demsky is the co-founder and CEO of Unbound Merino, a premium Merino wool clothing brand that has redefined minimalist, high-performance fashion. Dan has built Unbound Merino into an eight-figure global business while working fully remotely as a digital nomad. Since launching via a highly successful crowdfunding campaign, Unbound Merino has grown to be a $40M global brand beloved by travelers, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to simplify their wardrobe with sustainable, multi-functional clothing.
In this episode, Dan shares how he built Unbound Merino, the mindset shifts and tactics that helped him succeed, and the lessons he learned from running a business while traveling the world.
Dan breaks down the realities of entrepreneurship, from validating an idea to choosing a product, hiring, and staying motivated when things get tough. He also shares the challenges of managing a growing brand while staying true to a lifestyle of adventure and exploration.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a digital nomad, or just someone looking for inspiration to take the next step, Dan’s story offers insights and practical takeaways on business, lifestyle design, and the power of taking risks.
What’s one small step you could take today to move closer to your dream lifestyle? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
How Dan and his co-founders built a brand without prior industry experience
Why he believes everyone should start a business with their best friends, despite the challenges
Why getting brutally honest feedback is crucial and how to actually use it
How a simple mindset shift helped Dan take the leap into entrepreneurship
Why one of the biggest lessons in business came from a failed product idea
The biggest factor that helped Unbound Merino stand out in a crowded market
The surprising way travel influences decision-making as an entrepreneur
How to handle risk and uncertainty without letting fear hold you back
The one thing Dan believes every aspiring entrepreneur should prioritize
And so much more
Resources:
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Check out Unbound Merino
Follow Unbound Merino on Instagram
Fairing
Scaling Up
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How to Grow Your Location Independent Solopreneur Business in 2025 + Advice from 8 Years of Slow, Nomadic Travel with Jeremy Enns
Traveling on $10 a Day to Building a 7-Figure Business with The Broke Backpacker Will Hatton
Building, Growing, and Enjoying a Successful 7-Figure Lifestyle Business with Dan Andrews from Tropical MBA
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Is it time to rethink the “rules of life?” What if you could redefine success, family, and adventure on your own terms?
Ingrid Alm is an adventurer, writer, and mom who has made it her mission to challenge the conventional rules of life. Ingrid has walked, paddled, and biked thousands of miles with her family in tow, proving that parenthood doesn’t mean putting dreams on hold. Her latest book, Vi Skulle Hatt Mer Tid (We Should Have More Time), dives into how families and individuals can break free from societal expectations and create a life filled with more play, connection, and meaning.
We talk about everything from rethinking family life and education to how slowing down and embracing uncertainty can lead to more fulfillment. Ingrid shares insights from her own experiences and research, offering a different way to think about what it means to truly live.
Ingrid’s insights will challenge the idea that productivity equals worth and offer practical ways to create a more playful and intentional life. We discuss the power of saying no, the importance of boredom, and why redefining success might just be the key to a happier existence. Whether you’re a parent, an adventurer, or someone looking for more meaning in your days, you’ll find plenty to reflect on in this episode.
What’s one societal "rule" you've questioned or broken in your own life? How did it change your experience? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why traditional ideas of success may not lead to fulfillment
How travel and adventure can be integrated into family life
The role of play and boredom in mental health and creativity
How to set personal values and create a life that aligns with them
Why saying “no” can be a revolutionary act
The benefits of taking a gap year at any stage of life
How to balance structure with spontaneity when raising kids
The neuroscience behind stress, relaxation, and making big life changes
Why disconnecting from technology can help us reconnect with ourselves
Lessons from Ingrid’s latest adventures across the U.S. and Norway
And so much more
Resources:
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Follow Ingrid on Instagram
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2,000 KM on Foot From Oslo to the North Cape (With a 4-Year-Old, Husband, and Dog) + Making Big Life Changes With Ingrid Alm
How To Add More Play Into Your Life With Jeff Harry
Choose Travel NOW! Lessons from the World’s Longest Honeymoon with National Geographic Authors Mike and Anne Howard of HoneyTrek
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How can moving abroad help solve a specific life challenge? How do you choose the right location-independent business to start? What's the best way to navigate traveling across longer distances?
In this episode, I answer listener questions to help you take a more intentional approach to designing your travels and location-independent lifestyle.
You'll hear my thoughts on why you should reverse-engineer your travels and choose a destination based on your unique needs. If you're feeling stuck on what kind of location-independent business to start, I'll share a simple, fun litmus test to help you find the right fit. And if you're wondering how to travel across Asia or any continent without burning out, I'll tell a story from my time in Cambodia that completely changed my perspective on slow travel.
Plus, is watching moose cross a river for 500 hours the most relaxing thing you might do this year?!
What questions do you have on travel or the digital nomad lifestyle? I'd love for you to share them by sending me an audio message.
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Budget airlines in Asia
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7 Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Abroad (Or Traveling Long-Term) with Chrishan Wright
How to Grow Your Location Independent Solopreneur Business in 2025 + Advice from 8 Years of Slow, Nomadic Travel with Jeremy Enns
Southeast Asia Travel: Getting Off The Banana Pancake Trail
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What if you could travel the world without breaking the bank? What does it mean to be a traveler after nearly two decades on the road?
Travel-blogging legend and best-selling author Matt Kepnes has been traveling the world on a near-continual basis since 2006. In 2008, he launched his site NomadicMatt.com to catalog his travel experiences and share his insights. Over the years, the site evolved into a valuable trip-planning tool for budding and savvy travelers alike. His writing has been featured by New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Time, BBC, Huffington Post, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, Forbes, The Daily Beast, NPR, Associated Press, FOX, Sydney Morning Herald, The Independent, Daily Mail, Irish Times, and National Geographic.
With the latest edition of his book, How to Travel the World on $75 a Day, we discuss whether budget travel is still as accessible as it once was and how Matt’s approach to travel, blogging, and business has evolved over time.
You’ll hear some of his favorite money-saving tips for things like accommodation and activities, but also a deeper conversation about how budget travel has changed, how to keep the magic alive after years on the road, and what it really means to build a life around exploration. We also get into the impact of social media on travel, why Matt is embracing shorter trips, and how he balances content creation with being present in the experience.
Do you consider yourself a budget traveler? How has traveling evolved for you over the years? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
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Tune In To Learn:
Matt’s experience in Peru and what made him fall in love with the country
His mindset around keeping travel exciting after years on the road
Matt’s decision-making process for business and why he’s no longer chasing an empire
Advice for putting yourself out there as a new creator or business owner
Why we should put down our phones and unplug when traveling
What it’s been like transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to “settling down”
Why taking shorter trips can be just as fulfilling as long-term travel as a nomad
Why hostels can be a great option for any traveler, no matter their age
Three destinations he would revisit in a heartbeat (besides Paris and Japan!)
And so much more
Resources:
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Visit Nomadic Matt
Grab his book How to Travel the World on $75 a Day
Want More?
Ten Years A Nomad With “Nomadic” Matt Kepnes
How to Grow Your Location Independent Solopreneur Business in 2025 + Advice from 8 Years of Slow, Nomadic Travel with Jeremy Enns
Evolution of a Travel “Influencer” + How to Travel to Antarctica (From Affordable to Expensive) with Alyssa Ramos
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