Episódios

  • 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

  • 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

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  • 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

  • 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-trip

    Kiernan: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/27/world/europe/westminster-abbey-bronte-plaque-accent-marks.html

  • 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/

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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 Lodge

    https://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

  • 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/

  • 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

  • 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-parkways

    Cave 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/

  • 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

  • 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

    Maximon

    https://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/

  • 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/Podcasts

    Taylor 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

  • 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/

  • On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan interviews one of the show’s most interesting guests ever: opera and Italian cuisine expert Fred Plotkin. Decades ago, Fred published a breakout hit for intrepid eaters: his book “Italy for the Gourmet Traveler.” During COVID, he collaborated with frequent “Out of Office” guest Rick Steves on a new update, which the duo published in 2023 as “Italy for Food Lovers.” Fred’s knowledge proved so encyclopedic, this will be Part 1 of 2!

    Note: Some SFX are missing from the top of the show, which explains the weird pauses. We’ll talk about it on the next episode.

    Things we talk about in this week’s episode:

    Willy Wonka Immersive Experience

    https://www.salon.com/2024/03/02/fyre-festival-20-everything-to-know-about-the-less-than-stellar-willy-wonka-immersive-experience/

    “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 Myth of Your Phone’s Airplane Mode”

    https://qz.com/phone-airplane-mode-myth-1851286214

    “Pod Save the World” CPAC Doubles Down on Creepy Autocrats

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cpac-doubles-down-on-creepy-autocrats/id1200016351?i=1000647359648

  • On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan ventures to Buenos Aires and shares his top neighborhood picks, eats too much steak, and embarks on a quest for elderly giraffes. Also, the boys debut a fresh segment called Nonsense Banter.

    Ryan's BA photos on Insgagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/p/C32MfWpuTpH/?img_index=1

    Other Links:

    https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/02/air-canada-must-honor-refund-policy-invented-by-airlines-chatbot/