Dramatic Travels: Entrepreneurs

Six years ago, Travis was living in Japan and knew he wanted to travel more. But there was no way he could travel as much as he wanted to on a teacher’s salary. Plus, having “only” summers off wasn’t conducive to a schedule of constant travel! So he started learning about all the ways to travel for less, including the golden goose: frequent flyer miles. In five years, he was able to earn over 4 million frequent flyer miles and travel to over 40 countries, all for much less than he ever dreamed. Travis started Extra Pack of Peanuts to share this knowledge with the world as well as create an online business that he could run from anywhere, including the beach in Thailand. In 2013, he added a podcast for those people too lazy to read, which has now become the top-rated travel podcasts on iTunes! He’s ridden camels in the desert in India, scuba dived on the Great Barrier Reef, and drunk (lots of) wine in Tuscany – all made possible by the fact that they fly anywhere in the world for under $100.

Grant Baldwin is a nationally known speaker, podcaster, and author who has helped thousands of people start and build their own speaking businesses through his Booked and Paid to Speak training Course. Over the last 13 years Grant has spoken to over 500,000 people in 47 different states. He's never spoken in Maine, South Carolina or Hawaii, so if you know someone, let him know. =) Connect with Grant at 

CPA Mari Ramirez discusses how travel bloggers and other independent entrepreneurs can keep as much income as possible without ending up on the IRS’s naughty list. In this interview, Mari discusses exactly which expenses can and can not be written off. She also offers a primer for entrepreneurs considering forming an Limited Liability Company (LLC). CONNECT WITH MARI Web: MariCPA.com Email: mari@maricpa.com Instagram: @marialcia ABOUT MARI Mari Ramirez has been in public accounting in Austin for more than 10 years and is owner of a paperless CPA firm, focused on start-ups, retail and non-profits. She wrote a chapter on financial empowerment in “The Better Business Book, Volume 2.” Mari has received the Humanitarian of the Year award from TAMIU for her efforts to educate students on the political process. She is currently the President of Georgetown Art Works, Treasurer for FLYTE (Foundation for Learning and Youth Travel Education) and a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer. She has spoken at various events and panels, for different industry groups and freelance groups, including American Society of Journalists and Authors, Indie Pub Austin and Women Communicators of Austin.

Cory Lee shares how he created his highly successful accessible travel blog, Curb Free with Cory Lee.

Scott’s Cheap Flights CEO and co-founder Scott Keyes shares in detail how he turned his passion for finding cheap flights into a multi-million dollar business (and a dream life for himself). Scott also discusses SCF’s humble beginnings, his current challenges as a CEO, and his customer-focused approach to growing the business. Scott’s Cheap Flights is a subscription service that alerts members about exceptionally cheap flights.  CONNECT WITH SCOTT Web: ScottsCheapFlights.com Facebook: @scottscheapflights Instagram: @scottscheapflights Twitter @scottsflights

Today, we’re catching up with Tianna Roser from GoSoloGirl.com. Tianna first appeared on the show in Episode 4.

If you're launching a podcast—or even thinking about launching a podcast—consider these 10 benefits you can enjoy before you release your first episode. In a nutshell, being a podcaster allows you to use the power of your unique voice to expand your influence and make a positive difference in people's lives.  

Today, we chat with the inspiring Claudi Sult. Claudi is a life enthusiast and the founder of GreenMe Berlin— a cool city guide connecting travelers and locals with the local “green scene”. Through podcasts, maps, and events, Claudi inspires people to explore the city from a new, creative, and sustainable angle— showing that going green can be heaps of fun. Claudi and her team organize immersive guided tours in Berlin and Melbourne, Australia.  The third outlet, GreenMe Detroit, is launching soon—mainly as an online guide.

Today, we catch up with entrepreneur Amanda Chay. Amanda is the founder of Wonderment, a wellness travel company specializing in “life-changing travel and wellness journeys.” Amanda discusses the progress she’s made after attending TravelCon—a conference that helps people develop profitable and sustainable careers in the travel industry. Amanda also chats about organizing Wonderment’s first trip, how she stays focused , and doing things that scare the crap out of her. Amanda’s first interview was Episode #2 of Dramatic Travels Entrepreneurs when we launched back in September!

In this episode, Mike & Anne Howard take us inside the business of the "World's Longest Honeymoon." Mike & Anne are the founders of HoneyTrek and the authors of Ultimate Journeys for Two—National Geographic's first book on adventure travel for couples.  HoneyTrek has over 225,000 followers and has received international acclaim from the likes of Condé Nast Traveler, Brides, BBC Travel, CBS, ABC, NBC, Los Angeles Times, and dozens of other international print, radio, and TV outlets. 

Today, we catch up with Megan Vick from ThreeStarTraveler.com after she attended TravelCon—a conference designed to help people learn the skills they need to develop a profitable and sustainable career in the travel industry. Megan was the very first guest on Dramatic Travels Entrepreneurs.

Your dream life begins DramaticTravels.com/e — Ryan Connolly is the co-founder of a boutique travel company called Hidden Iceland that focuses on immersive travel experiences onto glaciers, behind waterfalls, and across to volcanic islands. In this interview, Ryan shares the best ways to find jobs while traveling, how to get (and not get) customers for your tour business, and how to make trips unforgettable for your customers. Ryan Connolly is a Scotsman living and working in Iceland. Ryan has traveled across all seven continents over the past five years but says he feels most at home on the ice of a glacier. — Links to the resources mentioned in this episode are at DramaticTravels.com/e23

Patricia Serrano is a travel blogger, travel host and film/video producer with a passion for one-of-kind life experiences and off-the-beaten path adventures. In this interview, Patricia discusses the courage needed to have a credible voice, working as a travel advisor, meditating to calm her her mind, and why you should date a girl who travels. Hailing from Bangkok, Thailand, Patricia was educated at Emerson College in Boston, MA (BA in TV Production) and successfully survived a two-year MFA program for Dramatic Writing at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Since she started her travel blog, she’s been sponsored by a number of reputable companies, such as Travel Channel, Honda, Rand McNally, Banyan Tree Hotels, Delta Airlines, Soneva Kiri as well as Tourism Boards such as the Mexican Tourism Board, Moroccan Tourism Board, South African Tourism Board, Thailand Tourism Board, and many more. CONNECT WITH PATRICIA Web: FreshTraveler.com Facebook: @freshtraveler Instagram: @freshtraveler

Chris Oldfield is the Community Manager for NomadicMatt.com, one of the largest travel blogs on the web. He is also the author of the best-selling travel book, The Dogs of Nam: Stories from the Road and Lessons Learned Abroad. In this interview, Chris shares how his passion for budget backpacking led to him managing one of the world’s largest online travel communities. He also discusses the pros and cons of working remotely, the challenges of planning a live event, and the voluntary hardships of backpacking. CONNECT WITH CHRIS Web: LessonsLearnedAbroad.com Facebook: @lessonslearnedabroad Instagram: @lessonslearnedabroad

Influencer marketing expert Brendan Gahan discusses the history & present state of influencer marketing, how to stand out when pitching brands,  and the power of ongoing partnerships. ABOUT BRENDAN Brendan Gahan is the founder of Epic Signal and works with Fortune 500 brands on their YouTube influencer and community building campaigns. Brendan is on the advisory board for Vidcon, the largest YouTube gathering. He was named Forbes 30 Under 30 in Marketing & Advertising, and was invited to the White House as one of the nation’s youth leaders to advise on how to get the word out about the Affordable Care Act. CONNECT WITH BRENDAN Web EpicSignal.com Web BrendanGahan.com Twitter @brendangahan IG @brendangahan

Up-and-coming travel blogger John Bakator discusses the art of choosing the perfect domain name, the pros and cons of being a baby boomer in the travel industry, and a sure-fire way to meet interesting people at networking events. CONNECT WITH JOHN Web: BabyVroomers.com

Travel blogger Amanda Williams discusses authentic affiliate marketing, the myth that you have to be nomadic to write a good travel blog, and giving yourself permission to make money. RESOURCE Amanda’s online courses for travel bloggers ABOUT AMANDA Amanda Williams is the former-journalist-turned-blogger behind A Dangerous Business, a travel blog that aims to inspire people to fit more travel and adventure into the lifestyle they already have. Since starting her blog in 2010, Amanda has traveled to more than 50 countries on six continents from her home base in Ohio, and has been featured by major publications and websites like AFAR, The Huffington Post, and USA Today Travel. CONNECT WITH AMANDA Web: Dangerous-business.com On social: @DangerousBiz

Aspiring travel blogger John McKenzie discusses stamp collecting as the origin of his travel inspiration, finding clarity about how to add value to the world, and building an online travel community. CONNECT WITH JOHN Web: Geoddgraphy.com

This bonus episode features an interview with John Lee Dumas on the Dramatic Travels Family podcast. John the host of Entrepreneurs on Fire, an award winning podcast where he interviews inspiring Entrepreneurs every Monday and drops value bombs every Thursday. With over 2000 episodes, 1.3 million listens every month, and seven-figures of annual revenue, JLD is just getting started. Visit EOFIRE.com to set YOUR Entrepreneurial journey ON FIRE!

— Kate Erickson discusses running a seven-figure business around a podcast, taking advantage of location independence, and how to relate to friends and family who don’t understand entrepreneurship,  — Kate is a creator, engager and implementer at Entrepreneurs On Fire, an award winning podcast where John Lee Dumas interviews inspiring Entrepreneurs every Monday and drops value bombs every Thursday. — Kate is also the host of the podcast Kate’s Take and co-author of The Podcast Journal: Idea to Launch in 50 Days. Kate is passionate about helping entrepreneurs create freedom in their business and life through developing systems and processes that can help their business scale and grow.

Your dream life begins DramaticTravels.com/e – Dr. Mark Wade shares how to grow your email list, how to build your network, and how to monetize just about anything.   Dr. Mark went from a brick & mortar posture clinic to a multi-million online education business. With his brand HustleAndScale.com, Dr. Mark helps entrepreneurs scale their businesses with a technique called the One-Day Summit Formula. If you are passionate about travel, and you want to use that passion to create a profitable business and a dream life—then this podcast is for you. Your dream life begins DramaticTravels.com/e

Anna Rova is a writer, a podcaster, a yoga instructor and a location independent entrepreneur. Anna is the founder of Girlskill – an online media platform, publication and podcast empowering women to live a life of freedom, joy and creativity.   In this interview, Anna discusses how to create opportunities for yourself, how to be in the right place at the right time, and the dance between masculinity & femininity in entrepreneurship.   ---   If you are passionate about travel, and you want to use that passion to create a profitable business and a dream life—then this podcast is for you.

Chris Christensen’s podcast, The Amateur Traveler, has been downloaded millions of times. In this interview, Chris speaks candidly about the business side of his podcasting journey. Chris discusses various podcast monetization strategies, the importance of a content creation plan, and the incredible travel opportunities he’s been offered because of his podcast.  RESOURCES The Amateur Traveler Manifesto Things (Mac Software) Pomodoro Method CONNECT WITH CHRIS Web AmateurTraveler.com IG @chris2x FB @AmateurTraveler Twitter @Chris2x

Travel blogger and photographer Kristin Addis shares her journey to becoming a top authority and influencer in solo female travel. Kristin discusses the importance of being vulnerable, how gratitude keeps her focused, and how listening to her audience helps her create the perfect products. RESOURCES Kristin’s Photo Muse Masterclass teaches you to take professional-level photos with you in them. Kristin’s book Conquering Mountains: How to Solo Travel the World Fearlessly. CONNECT WITH KRISTIN Web BeMyTravelMuse.com Instagram @bemytravelmuse Facebook @BeMyTravelMuse Twitter @bemytravelmuse

Travel blogger Betsi Hill discusses the importance of being niche, hiring out your weaknesses, and taking affiliate marketing to the next level. Connect with Betsi at BetsiWorld.com —- If you are passionate about travel, and you want to use that passion to create a profitable business and a dream life—then this podcast is for you. Your dream life begins DramaticTravels.com/e

Brandon Neth discusses teaching English in Asia, ​creating a digital nomad lifestyle, and his great hair. Connect with Brandon at FinanceBuzz.com or in the FBZ Elite Travel and Points Facebook group.

Marisa Mohi discusses how to find more travel opportunities, getting invited to bigger networking events, and the breakfast cereal she hopes to be an affiliate for someday. Marisa blogs at MarisaMohi.com.

In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce you to two inspiring individuals. First up is the one and only Zack Klamn. Zack appeared on episode three of Dramatic Travels and was the second person I interviewed for the podcast. You’ll hear a conversation Zack and I had immediately after that interview, which took place back in January 2018. Zack speaks candidly about the struggles of a new travel blogger, and I share my idea to one day start a podcast to help aspiring travel entrepreneurs–which I recently did! Check out Zack’s blog at TacksOnAMap.com. In one of the first episodes of the new podcast, I spoke to travel entrepreneur Amanda Chay. Amanda is the creator of Wonderment, a company that guides others to lead healthy lifestyles while simultaneously investing in themselves and contributing back to life through travel. In our chat, Amanda discusses investing in herself, her decision to go all-in on her business, and how travel helps keep her marriage together. You can connect with Amanda at WondermentLtd.com.

Jenny Heyside discusses how to stand out on YouTube, how your content impacts how you feel about yourself, and truck stop affiliate programs. =) Jenny is the creator of The Blondera (now JennyHeyside.com), a travel and lifestyle blog dedicated to all those who choose to run (in heels no less) wild and free. Connect with Jenny at JennyHeyside.com.

Trang Pham-nguyen discusses how to get your first guest post, the struggle to get more traffic to your site, and the ways that travel changes you. Trang’s blog, Travel with Trang, features stories & budget travel tips from a solo female traveler. Connect with Trang at TravelWithTrang.com.

​Erin Stone is brand new to the travel space. Erin discusses exploring her options for starting a solo female travel blog (or podcast!) Where will the road take her?

Travel/food blogger Nathan Aguilera discusses optimizing a blog for SEO, working with an editor, and popular foods in Chania, Greece.  Nathan eats and drinks his way across the globe while writing the blog Foodie Flashpacker. Over four years ago, Nathan left his job at an Oklahoma City law firm and embarked on a journey around the world. Connect with Nathan at FoodieFlashPacker.com.

New solo female travel blogger Tianna Roser discusses how to monetize your blog, content creation strategy, and her personal story behind her newly launched travel blog, Go Solo Girl. ​Connect with Tianna at GoSoloGirl.com.​​

​Megan Lundquist is the owner of Legit Trips, a company that curates unique trips for “smart, adventurous professionals” — If you are passionate about travel, and you want to use that passion to create a profitable business and a dream life—then this podcast is for you. Your dream life begins DramaticTravels.com/e

Amanda Chay is the creator of Wonderment, a company that guides others to lead healthy lifestyles while simultaneously investing in themselves and contributing back to life through travel. — If you are passionate about travel, and you want to use that passion to create a profitable business and a dream life—then this podcast is for you. Your dream life begins DramaticTravels.com/e

Blogger Megan Vick shares her struggles in tribe building, SEO, and branding. Check out Megan’s blog at ThreeStarTraveler.com. — Your dream life begins DramaticTravels.com/e If you are passionate about travel, and you want to use that passion to create a profitable business and a dream life—then this podcast is for you.

If you are passionate about travel, and you want to use that passion to create a profitable business and a dream life—then this podcast is for you. Your dream life begins DramaticTravels.com/e