JRNY Travel Podcast

Kathryn and Peter Straughan are the General Managers at Leshiba Wilderness, a private wildlife and ecotourism destination located on top of the Soutpansberg Mountains in the Limpopo region of South Africa. On a day to day basis Peter is in charge of reserve management and Kathryn is in charge of hospitality.Featuring rock paintings that were made by local bushmen up to 2000 years ago, Leshiba affords the opportunity to wander among 380 species of indigenous trees and spot 93 documented mammal species, spread across 2500ha of ancient African Wilderness. There's the chance to learn about local Venda culture and enjoy stargazing, self improvement workshops and hiking, swimming and cycling.They tell host Si Willmore about the arrival to Leshiba that is a crucial part of the experience as well activities on offer: besides the classic hiking and biking, a huge part of the experience centres around the rock art trail that features Bushman (San) paintings. And, naturally, safari game drives are a big draw so Peter tells us what animals we can we expect to see. Kathryn talks about the accommodation which is set in an old Venda village, as well as her work in transformational tourism and tourism that is not focused solely on a safari experience. Kathryn and Peter share tips and advice for people thinking about visiting Limpopo including the Ribolo Art Route, culture and archaeology, birding, and visiting Mapungubwe and Kruger national parks.In the JRNY Podcast, Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in the travel industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over a decade ago, Tom Wortley traded the comforts of his UK home for island life in the South Atlantic Ocean. He relocated to one of the world's remotest islands – St Helena, to start a family with his St Helenian wife.In 2019, Tom opened Rock Mount, a beautifully restored stone cottage offering guest accommodation for tourist and locals. Recently, expanding his venture, Tom launched Rock Mount Walking Tours, where he offers guided hikes of varying difficulty, enabling visitors to explore the island's natural beauty.Tom tells host Si Willmore about relocating to such a remote island and his first impressions of St Helena. He shares a little about what life is like on St Helena, especially the differences between his experiences growing up in the UK and what he sees nowadays for his own kids -- especially the higher levels of freedom and safety.He discusses his gorgeous off-grid accommodation with 'postbox walks' and recalls how Rock Mount Walking Tours started and shares his favourite hikes to take clients on including Blue Point beginner-level walks in a "geologist's dream land", plus visiting Lot's Wife's Ponds with endemic fish, and the highest point on the walk at 210m above sea level with wonderful views of the Gorilla's Head and Asses Ears rock formations. He shares examples of typical weekends on the island for his family, such as visiting Lemon Valley and diving with whale sharks around ship wrecks made into artificial reefs, and suggests some essential experiences for visitors including 4x4 tours and meeting the famous tortoise Jonathan.In the JRNY Podcast, Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in the travel industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dickie Ashcroft is the Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Uganda & Rwanda Senior Specialist at Audley Travel. Inspired from a young age by the classic stories of the African exploration, after schooling in Shropshire and graduating from university, he packed his bags and headed to the Caprivi Region of northern Namibia to train as a guide.Apprenticing with a safari company operating throughout Namibia and latterly Botswana, he then moved to Tanzania in order to manage a lodge in one of the country's remotest national parks, Katavi. He's one of the first people to successfully kayak the length of Lake Tanganyika, the world's longest lake, completely unsupported -- all in aid of Dolam Children's Home Namibia.Dickie shares some of those early memories of inspirational adventurers and his family's influence, and what it was specifically about Africa that captured his attention. He relives those early days of arriving in Africa for the first time and enormous culture shift between Shropshire and Namibia. He tells host Si Willmore about Caprivi and Katavi national park, including the staggering landscapes and the wildlife we can expect to see if we visited - including "a pile of sleeping crocs" which hibernate in caves. Dickie also recalls kayaking the length of Lake Tanganyika, the world's longest lake, unsupported – including a day where he and his partner were in the boat for the entire day, travelling from sunrise to sunset and not leaving the boat once -- even for a bathroom break! To conclude, Dickie shares some recommended destinations and itineraries in Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Uganda and Rwanda including the inimitable gorillas and chimpanzees in and around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. In the JRNY Podcast, Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in the travel industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Derek Shenton is the Head of Operations at Shenton Safaris in Zambia. He's a third-generation conservationist and safari guide who helped to establish Kaingo Camp in 1992 and Mwamba Bush Camp in 2000 and nowadays is involved in everything from camp building, to guide training, to road maintenance. He's also on the board of Conservation South Luangwa (CSL), an organisation established to protect the ecosystem of South Luangwa, also known as The Valley of the Leopard. Derek shares the story of how his grandfather, who was actually born in Leicester in the UK, moved to Johannesburg to 'chase the dream' before moving to Zululand before his father Barry was born in 1929. He tells host Si Willmore about them working in the game department in Northern Rhodesia, operating side-by-side with local Chief Nsefu -- perhaps the first community-based project of its kind.Derek also reminisces about building Kaingo Camp in South Luangwa National Park, known by some as the birthplace of Walking Safaris, with his father. This included felling a massive leadwood tree to build a bar, long before the days of power tools -- with the appropriate approval from the local authorities, of course.He shares some of the experiences available at Mwamba Bush Camp, including the abundant wildlife -- 400 bird species such as Pel's fishing owl and 60 different mammals including elephants, lions and impalas. At Mwamba, the wildlife hides are Derek's own creation; he has chosen each location after years of observation working with his wildlife photographer wife Jules.In the JRNY Podcast, Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in the travel industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tour operator Cazenove and Loyd -- more commonly, cazenove+loyd or simply cazloyd -- has been designing personalised itineraries, group trips, and celebrations for over 30 years, providing exclusive access to inspiring people and places. The company specialises in immersive travel that showcases authentic local culture and communities, from popular destinations like India, Kenya and Peru, to hidden gems like Oman's Dhofar Province, Turks and Caicos, and the Pacific Islands. Host Si Willmore speaks to Henrietta Loyd, co-owner and founder, and Terry Moohan, head of division for Africa & The Indian Ocean. Henrietta shares the story of how cazloyd was set up and what it was like for two women in a traditionally a male-dominated industry, while Terry discusses the African countries cazenove+loyd specialises in and the destinations that are the most popular for their clients.Henrietta and Terry both share some of their our standout travel experiences, including recent trips they most enjoyed planning -- including a round-the-world trip and a wild party in the Moroccan desert! -- as well as insights into a typical client and how their needs and expectations are changing.They discuss the art of listening and how to understand the real motivation behind a client's travel ideas, and they muse on what the next five years look might like for cazenove+loyd. Henrietta and Terry close by sharing plans for their next trips, to Botswana, 'the Jurassic Park experience' in Sao and Principe and Bhutan, which is quickly becoming Henrietta's second home.This is series 7 of the JRNY Podcast, where host Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in the travel industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Bowers is the General Manager of Bikes and Hikes LA Tours, which takes guests on cycling tours of Los Angeles to get up close and personal with the city in an eco-friendly, health-conscious way. Before working for Bikes and Hikes, Jason worked in radio and TV with shows for Westwood One, Sirius XM and KIIS-FM Los Angeles. Jason also has a background in improv comedy having played to sold-out crowds at festivals in Austin, San Francisco, and LA and he uses these communication skills to entertain and inform his customers with Bikes and Hikes.He tells host Si Willmore about his background in broadcasting and how he got into improv comedy, and observes that there are some surprising parallels between broadcasting, comedy and guiding. Jason also recounts how he became involved with Bikes and Hikes and how the counterintuitive idea for a bike company in car-centric LA came about. He lists some of the company's biking tours, including around Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, plus their Griffith Observatory hike which includes visiting the Hollywood sign, as well as going further afield to destinations like Palm Springs and Joshua Tree.Jason has lived in Los Angeles since 1995 and so knows the city inside out. He shares some of his favourite places to go for a relaxed weekend, grab and bite to eat and shares some favourite ‘hidden gems'. He also shares Bikes and Hikes' plans for the future, including for visitors to LA for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and Summer Olympics.In the JRNY Podcast, Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in the travel industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sherry Rupert is the CEO of AIANTA, the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. This organisation serves as a voice for the US$14 billion native hospitality sector and showcases the importance of visiting authentic native destinations. AIANTA's mission is to define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian tourism that honours traditional values.Sherry tells host Si Willmore how the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association began, as well as her own background, particularly her work in preserving the site of the Stewart Indian School as a museum and cultural centre. Sherry led the creation of a study called the Economic Impact of U.S. Indigenous Tourism Businesses, the first of its kind, and shares some key findings.She discusses the importance of visiting authentic native destinations, including historic and artistic sites, and what makes a destination authentic, and she highlights some of her favourite destinations and tourism projects in the AIANTA portfolio.In the JRNY podcast, Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in the travel industry. Season Six is sponsored by Brand USA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angela Shen is the founder of Savor the Wild where she takes visitors on tours of Washington state, showing them the best places for mushroom foraging, shellfish harvesting and for visiting pop-up culinary events. After working in Brand Management at Quaker Oats, Angela quit corporate life and headed to Seattle where she originally founded Savor Seattle Food Tours, one of the very first food tours in the United States. Nowadays she also works in consultancy and public speaking and talks on topics relating to entrepreneurship, female leadership and tourism and hospitality trends.She tells host Si Willmore about her 'typical' upbringing, working in family restaurants with her chef father and how that ultimately led her into culinary tourism and entrepreneurship. She shares some of her favourite activities in Washington and outlines options for tours provided by Savor the Wild, which promises a "wild ride through Washington's tastiest treasures". Angela also also offers business advice, for everyone, calling on her success as an entrepreneur and a minority female business leader.This is the JRNY Podcast, where host Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in the travel industry. Season Six is sponsored by Brand USA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sophie Morgan is a disability rights advocate, presenter, producer, travel writer and artist. She fronted the travel series Living Wild; How to Change your Life on Channel 4, and she presents coverage of the Paralympics. Last year she completed a staggering 4000-mile solo trip across the USA. Her memoir 'Driving Forwards' is available now. She tells host Si Willmore about the car crash that paralysed her and changed her life forever at the age of just 18, but how the accident ultimately made her more determined to follow a career that basically nobody in her position had done before. She recalls the earlier days of life in broadcasting as a female with a physical disability and how she broke through the glass ceiling to launch the travel series Living Wild; How to Change your Life and the recent documentary Fight to Fly as well as her work presenting coverage of the Paralympics. Sophie shares insights into travelling in a wheelchair and the astonishing undertaking of a 4000-mile solo trip across the USA. Sophie also shares her work on the Rights On Flights campaign and offers advice for people in the travel industry looking to make their offering more suitable for travellers with a disability.This is the JRNY Podcast, where Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in their industry. Season Six is sponsored by Brand USA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Ezell is the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Chairman of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail Marketing Alliance, a non-profit organisation created to elevate over 140 historical sites that tell the stories of the Civil Rights Movement. These sites, such as national parks, museums and churches, focus on events that happened in the 1950s and 1960s and are spread over 14 states across America and the District of Columbia.Commissioner Mark tells host Si Willmore about his role at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development as well as the creation of the Tennesse Civil Rights Trail project and what makes it such an important story. Mark mentions some of the sites along the trail that are particularly significant and poignant, such as the Lorraine Motel and the Clinton 12 Statue at the Green McAdoo Cultural Center, and he offers some hidden gems for places to visit and eat at around The Volunteer State.He also shares what's coming up for Tennessee in the next few months including the continuation of the launch of the Bike Tennessee initiative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeff Crowe is the director of Kentucky Experiences at the Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. He plays a key role in the Louisville Bourbon and Belonging initiative which celebrates Queer Kentucky and he was instrumental in launching Kentucky's Queer Bourbon Week. He talks with host Si Willmore about Heaven Hills Kentucky Experiences, which forms part of Kentucky's famous bourbon trail, and Jeff explains how bourbon has evolved and become a more inclusive spirit, not only for the people who drink it but for the people who work in the industry, as seen through the Bourbon and Belonging initiative and Kentucky's Queer Bourbon Week.Jeff shares insights into Kentucky, including his favourite places to eat and visit as well as the World Chicken Festival, and releases Heaven Hill Distillery's plans for the future including a new distillery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Staci Mellman is the first female Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Brand USA in 12 years. She drives the organisation's international marketing efforts and leads the teams responsible for marketing, comms, marketing technology, research and analytics.Originally from Texas, Staci has been working in the travel and tourism industry for over 13 years, most recently as Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Florida.She tells host Si Willmore talk about how she got into travel and tourism, recounts stories of her travels with her family around the USA and as a solo female traveller in Europe, and she shares how her these travels have shaped her professional career and marketing philosophy.Staci also share some favourite foods and attractions from her home state Texas, the Lone Star State, including Meow Wolf, Fredericksburg and Amarillo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Frohlich is the is the owner and brewer at Laughing Sun Brewing in Bismarck, North Dakota. He's been a member of the local brewing scene since the mid 90s, using his former employment at the State Historical Society and State Museum to advance legislation on brewing. As such he's helped to get new laws passed on the production and promotion of locally brewed beer.He and host Si Willmore talk about the dream job that is brewing beer, his experience for how things have changed, and his aim to make Laughing Sun not only a great brewery, but a place where the local community feels welcome. They also discuss Mike's favourite beers to brew and to drink, the brewery's range of barbecue food and tourist attractions in Bismark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Draven is multi-award-winning travel journalist covering adventure; wildlife and environment. He's has words published in National Geographic Traveller, Wanderlust, The Times, The Telegraph, Travel and Leisure and CNN. Featured in best-selling anthology The Best British Travel Writing of the 21st Century, he has visited 114 countries and 32 American states and recently visited Idaho for JRNY Travel Magazine.He and host Si WIllmore talk about Idaho's gold-tier international dark sky reserve, the bubby nature of Soda Springs, the native Shosone belife about Snake River and Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katherine Doãn is a publicist for a Taiwanese design firm. Born and raised in Hanoi, she has travelled extensively from an early age and has lived in several different countries, namely Vietnam, China, Taiwan and Mongolia and right now she is based in Taipei.She tells host Si Willmore about her experiences as a 'third culture kid' in Taiwan as well as her multiple and varied childhood influences including Asian cuisine and western pop culture such as the music of ABBA. Katherine also shares how Taiwan is her ‘home away from home' as it features aspects of life that are reminiscent of Vietnam as well as a contrasting point of view, including increased freedom to be who she wants to be, such as being a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Katherine has a fascinating insight about how our favourite destinations can inform people about who we are, as well more traditional interests such as music, movies and traditions or habits. She uses Google Maps to not only share her favourite spots and to welcome friends to Taiwan but to build and enrich friendships. In the JRNY Podcast, Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in their industry. Season Five is sponsored by the Taiwan Tourism Administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Gillespie is a freelance travel and lifestyle writer. Half Filipina and half Scottish, she's based in Glasgow but has written extensively about the Philippines and other East Asian countries and recently she has been exploring Taiwan for JRNY Travel Magazine.Sarah tells host Si Willmore about her background including her early experiences visiting Asia with her family as well as her travel career and recent trip to Taiwan for JRNY Travel Magazine. Sarah explored the country - including Hualien County and the city of Tainan - which celebrates its 400th anniversary in 2024 - through various lenses, including sustainability, culinary and indigenous tradition*. She shares stories of a thriving art and music scene as well as a Thomas the Tank Engine-themed rickshaw. In the JRNY Podcast, where I, Si Willmore talk with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in the travel industry*The World Indigenous Tourism Summit (WITS) will be taking place in Kaohsiung next year. For details go to wits2024.com.tw. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jo Davey is a travel writer and photographer from London, specialising in food, visual arts, culture and adventure travel. She also specialises in eastern Asia and is the author of the upcoming Bradt Guide to Okinawa and Japan's Southwest Islands.Jo has been exploring Taiwan for JRNY Travel Magazine and she and host Si Willmore discuss her latest experiences of the island, checking out the adventure travel options available.Jo recounts stories of 'river tracing', where you essentially haul yourself up a waterfall - and where her GoPro camera had an adventure of its own - as well as paragliding, trekking and exploring Taroko Gorge National Park, as well as the the whisky-fuelled kicking dance that is the Taiwanese Harvest Festival.In the JRNY Podcast, Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in the travel industry. Season 5 is sponsored by the Taiwan Tourism Administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transition is an indie rock band. It was formed by brothers Josh and Jesse Edbrooke when they were teenagers in Bristol in the UK, who went on to live in Taiwan in 2009. Since then they have collaborated with numerous Taiwanese artists, including Rainie Yang and Julia Peng, and they worked on Wing Lo's Golden Melody Award-winning albums in 2016 and 2021.The band talk with host Si Willmore about touring the UK and Europe, before making their first trip to Taiwan in 2005 for the Springscream festival, and then later moving to Taipei.Cementing the Taiwan-UK connection, in 2012 Transition went on to write and record the official theme song for the Taiwan team competing at the London 2012 Olympics. and they discuss how they take inspiration from Taiwan and blend it into their music - particularly for their song on the global scale at the Olympics but also in general.Transition also relive some favourite moments as recording artists and mention their new podcast, where they interview people who have a UK-to-Taiwan connection.In the JRNY Podcast, Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in their industry. Season 5 is sponsored by the Taiwan Tourism Administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artist Yosifu hails from an aboriginal village on the east coast of Taiwan. Once a victim of a severe disconnection from his own identity and heritage, he nowadays stands as a passionate advocate for the art and culture of his home land. An internationally acclaimed and award-winning artist, he has dedicated the last two decades to showcasing the splendours of Taiwan through his artwork.Yosifu shares how he became interested in art and then transitioned into a professional artist. One of the main themes of his work is to take people on a tour of his native land, Taiwan, so he takes host Si Willmore to the destinations that feature in and have inspired his art. You can see some of his creations at instagram.com/yosifuart.In the JRNY Podcast, Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in the travel industry. Season 5 is sponsored by the Taiwan Tourism Administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wei Hong Tseng is a London-based Taiwanese author and Instagrammer, posting under the handle @london.nanzhi. He's written a Chinese-language travel guide available for sale in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Malaysia, and regularly shares insights and travel tips on the UK capital as well as his hometown Taipei. He and host Si Willmore talk about Wei Hong's experiences of moving to London, and celebrating of similarities and differences between the UK and his home country through his photography and book. He also shares some fantastic city walks in Taipei and of course the incredible food that Taiwan has to offer including stinky tofu and dumplings.In the JRNY Podcast, Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in the travel industry. Season 5 is sponsored by the Taiwan Tourism Administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reece Ayers grew up in the UK but moved to northern China in 2011. He was only supposed to be there for six months but 12 years later he still lives in Asia, having spent eight more years in China then moving to Taipei in 2019 for a university degree. He is now a journalist for TaiwanPlus, reporting on daily news, arts and culture, life and society, geopolitics and human rights.He tells host Si Willmore about his love of Taiwan, particularly of hiking and the coastal areas as well as the food and the nightlife. Reece is an highly active member of the Taipei LGBTQ scene and shares some of his favourite nightclubs and bars. He also recalls some of his favourite reported stories, including discovering Pokemon Go, insects and sumo wrestlers.In the JRNY Podcast, Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in their industry. Season Five is brought to you in partnership with Taiwan Tourism Administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob Hodkinson is one of the founders of cycling company Pedal Taiwan. Originally from the UK, he has been organising and leading bicycle tours across Taiwan for seven years. An avid cyclist, Rob first came to the island in 2016 and never left. He and host Si Willmore talk about Rob's travels and cycle trips and Rob shares his early memories of experiencing the country – the sights, sounds, landscapes, food and people of Taiwan. He shares some of his favourite cycling routes on the island and discusses his favourite Taiwanese meals and delicacies. Rob has a busy 2024 and 2025 ahead, and shares his plans for a very ambitious charity project.In the JRNY Podcast, Si Willmore talks with pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders, who are pushing the envelope in their industry. Season Five is brought to you in partnership with Taiwan Tourism Administration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christina Theofilos is the chef at Psomi in Tampa Bay, Florida. A second-generation Greek American, born and raised in Tampa, her food celebrates the Greek concept of philoxenia, the art of making a stranger a friend.She and host Si Willmore discuss Christina's childhood, growing up with the notion that 'food is love', and how that has shaped her cooking and her career. The name of her restaurant is Psomi -- which literally translates from Greek to English as 'bread' -- but the word represents much more than that. Psomi is about coming together to share the 'best bite' and to benefit from philoxenia; Christina wants everyone to enjoy her food - "whether you can pronounce the word or you can't".Christina talks about My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and how far Greek wine has come from the old days of tasting like 'rubbing alcohol'. She mentions some of her favourite dishes that we might eat if we visited Psomi, including meatballs made from a traditional 60-year-old-recipe and the 'Bring Your Own Boat' dish -- approximated by Si to 'cheesy canoes of joy'. As a second-generation Greek American, it's important to Christina to celebrate her mixed Greek and American tastes and influences -- as such she tries to find ways to 'Greekify' various dishes and cocktails -- and she even likes to flirt with food influences from France, Italy and Spain.Episode sponsored by Visit Florida. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toni Westland is a Federal Park Ranger who works for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. She has been the Supervisory Refuge Ranger at the 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge for over 20 years, overseeing the non-profit arm of the refuge. She and host Si Willmore discuss her love of nature from an early age, her work at 'Ding' Darling, and the man behind the refuge's name, the great rebel cartoonist J.N. 'Ding' Darling.Toni and Si discuss swimming with manatees - or 10-foot 'underwater dogs' - and spotting roseate spoonbill birds - so-called 'Dr Seuss birds'. She is passionate about engaging young people in learning about the natural world and the threat we pose to it; she wants to create future 'stewards of the environment' to continue the wonderful legacy of her old boss, 'Ding' Darling himself.Toni also shares her favourite places in Florida outside of the 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge for spotting and interacting with wildlife, such as Tarpon Bay, as well as her favourite local dishes and drinks including Yucatan shrimp and mojitos.Episode sponsored by Visit Florida. See visitflorida.com for information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the age of two, Cory Lee was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, meaning he would need a wheelchair. But this didn't diminish his desire to explore the world - quite the opposite. Nowadays he is the mind behind the award-winning travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, where his goal is to share the world from a wheelchair user's perspective with his 100,000 followers. He wants to show people how to travel, where to travel, and most importantly, why travel as a person with a disability.Cory shares his early experiences as a person travelling with a disability and some of the astonishing experiences he has had to overcome, such as a hippo attack! This led to the launch of his blog that aims to empower fellow travellers with disabilities by answering questions like ‘How do I charge my wheelchair in a foreign country?'. It's no surprise that Cory is a two-time SATW Lowell Thomas Award winner.Cory also shares tips for PRs and DMOs on how to make their travel offering more suitable for travellers with a disability and he discusses the launch of his wonderful new charity, the Curb-Free Foundation. Episode sponsored by Visit Florida. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"What idiot put a chef in front of a distillery?!" says Paul Menta, executive chef, distiller and owner of Key West First Legal Rum and extraordinarily enough a professional kiteboarder too.Paul is a passionate member of the Key West Community and has led many local fundraisers. In July 2023, he will be aiming to create the world's largest key lime pie as part of the Florida Keys 200th Anniversary celebration.He and guest Si Willmore discuss Paul's rum distillery tours which are known to embrace the less ‘favourable' side of the local rum trade's history as well as Paul's appreciation for food and drink, thanks to his Italian heritage.Remarkably Paul held the Guinness World Record for fastest kite-surf from Key West, FL to Cuba and he and Si discuss his appetite for a challenge as well as his real appetite as Paul shares his favourite places to eat in the Florida Keys area.For more information go to visitflorida.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Khris Johnson is Head Brewer and Co-Owner of Green Bench Brewing based in St. Petersburg, Florida. He's been an active member of the Tampa Bay beer scene for years, working for Cigar City Brewing and Southern Brewing and Winemaking before opening his own brewery in 'St. Pete'.He and host Si Willmore talk about how Khris landed the dream job of brewing beer, his career including founding his own brewery, and the explosion of the craft beer scene in the USA. Khris, born to a black mother and white father, is heavily involved in local community work and believes that bringing people together for a shared passion can help break down social barriers - and this ethos even defined the name of his brewery: the concept of green benches represents a difficult and controversial, yet completely necessary, conversation about the past. Khris shares insights into his innovative brewing techniques and recipe development process, and his role in founding the USF St. Petersburg's Brewing Arts Program, as well as his favourite places to eat in the Tampa/St. Pete area.Series 4 of the JRNY podcast is sponsored by Visit Florida. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Chiles is the owner of Chiles Hospitality, operating the Sandbar, BeachHouse and Mar Vista restaurants on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key in western Florida. Ed was the managing partner for the Pine Avenue Restoration project in the City of Anna Maria and engages in a number of local sustainability initiatives.He and host Si Willmore talk about the All Clams on Deck project, which aims to restore seagrass and oyster beds to combat problems like harmful 'red tide' algal bloom outbreaks; restoring Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island to the 'greenest little main street in America'; and the Love It Like Locals programme which aims to educate tourists about preserving the area and minimising the effects of transport. Ed works with local partners including Zach Rasmussen, farm manager at Gamble Creek Farms, and Zach discusses waste reduction through composting and worm casting as part of the Leave No Trace initiative. Si and Ed also discuss Ed's favourite places to eat in Florida such as a shrimp boxes in Cortez, oldest continual fishing village in the state of Florida.Episode sponsored by Visit Florida. For more information go to visitflorida.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Overton Jr is the executive director at the University of West Florida Historic Trust. He has over 20 years of public history experience, specialising in historic sites and museum management, and nowadays he oversees the UWF's operation of 30 historic properties.He and host Si WIllmore discuss Florida's less commonly known history and historic attractions including the Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site in Milton, the first 19th century water-powered industrial complex in northwest Florida. They talk about the first settlement at Pensacola, which predates the establishment of St. Augustine by 6 years, and the bar where you can buy a drink with a used aeroplane ejector seat!They also talk about Rob's favourite things to do in Florida, such as the symphony, ballet and opera. And Rob shares local insight into unknown places to eat such as speakeasy bars, hidden-gem BBQ spots, 'soul rolls' and "the best burger you'll ever have".Episode sponsored by Visit Florida. For more information go to visitflorida.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For so many of us, going into space was a childhood dream, but Winston E. Scott has made that a reality on many occasions. The veteran astronaut and retired United States Navy Captain has spent a total of 24 days in space in a remarkable career. Nowadays he's the Director of Operational Excellence at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, overseeing the Astronaut Encounter program where visitors can interact with real astronauts. He and JRNY podcast host Si Willmore discuss Miles Davis, the bizarre concept of seeing 18 sunsets a day, the future of interplanetary travel and Florida's famous Space Coast.Episode sponsored by Visit Florida. For more information go to visitflorida.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We spoke to World Nomads Europe General Manager Jonathan Jono Frankham about travel writing scholarships, illegal petrol stations and why a big pot of coffee is important when buying insurance.The Kingdom of Thailand released a report noting that tourists travelling without insurance to the country have cost state hospitals $205 million which prompts the question: is buying travel insurance an ethical question? Connected to this, Japan may turn away travellers who arrive at hospitals without insurance in order to protect its own citizens.Jono tells host Si WIllmore about the Montreal Convention, ETIAS and GHICs and and where these cards don't work such as Norway and Liechtenstein. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nori Jemil is is an award-winning photographer, writer and videographer whose work has appeared in Nat Geo Traveller, BBC Travel, Lonely Planet, Conde Nast Traveller and more. She's been the British Guild of Travel Writers' Photographer of the Year and she's the author of The Travel Photographer's Way, shortlisted in the Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards.She had just arrived in Santiago, Chile, when she spoke to host Si Willmore about winning the Wanderlust photo of the year and the resulting assignment in Australia, her qualifications from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), having written ad copy for just about every newspaper in the UK and how, ultimately, everything comes back to storytelling - and how to "shoot what you know" and "photograph the story" above all else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zoey Goto is a journalist and author covering travel and music. She's written features for National Geographic Traveller, Times Travel, GQ BBC Travel and Lonely Planet. She's also the author of two books including Elvis Style: From Zoot Suits to Jumpsuits and it's fair to say that this book is the culmination of many years of adoration for the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Zoey spoke to host Si Willmove about sleeping in Dolly Parton's bed, how having Christmas every day matches the Titanic surprisingly well, eating spaghetti with the Reverend Al Green, playing the banjo and how it always comes back to Elvis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Franks is a freelance travel writer and journalist based in Birmingham in the UK. He has been writing about travel, culture and music for over a decade, with bylines in BBC Travel, National Geographic Traveller, The Telegraph, The Times, The Guardian, Rough Guides and many more. He spoke with Si Willmore about searching for a secret colony of wallabies that live on an island in the middle of Loch Lomond, his home city Birmingham's new lease of life, getting lost on the tiny Spanish island of La Gomera and his music blog that went on to become the Official Local Music Provider for Aston Villa Football Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karen Edwards is a travel writer, editor and author, focusing on sustainability, based in London. She's written for BA High Life, Time Out, Telegraph Travel, The Guardian and many more, and her fourth nonfiction book, The Responsible Traveller, was published in July 2022. And in fact she's about to start a brand new role, stepping into the brand new Sustainability Editor role at WanderlustKaren spoke to host Si Willmore about significant experiences, good and bad, that have perhaps defined her life and career, and funnily enough one particular cruise trip not only helped her meet someone very important in her personal life but provided a defining moment in her professional too -- and our story begins somewhere between Argentina and the Antarctic Peninsula.They discuss how Karen saw first-hand the less positive impact of travel and how this shaped her career. And she offers tips and advice for becoming a more considerate traveller and how to become an 'ambassador' for a destination and its environment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James March is a freelance travel writer based in Birmingham. He's written for a variety of publications including the BBC, Nat Geo Traveller, The Washington Post, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast Traveller.James tells host Si Willmore about becoming a specialist writer on France, which is almost ironic given that France was the place where one of his less proud travel moments took place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV producer and director Bella Falk has found herself in numerous scrapes over the years, including a car accident outside a Polish rice cake factory, having to stay the night in a brothel in Mali, and somehow accidentally climbing a volcano in Tanzania.She's worked on a radio station in Ghana, volunteered in a school in Chile, and worked face-to-face with Greg Dyke, the former director general of the BBC. In this latest episode of the JRNY Podcast, host Si Willmore speaks to Bella about her travel adventures and her fantastic career. As a producer and director, Bella has made programmes for the BBC, Discovery and Channel 4, but she's also a professional photographer and writer, featured in Wanderlust, BBC Travel, National Geographic and Lonely Planet, and a blogger publishing her work at passportandpixels.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In November 2019, Dr. Susanne Etti attended the climate change conference COP27 in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Dr Etti was representing Intrepid Travel as their first ever full-time climate scientist and was there to discuss research by The Travel Foundation which has revealed that there is "only one pathway" for the industry to reach net zero carbon by 2050.The fact that COP27 was taking place also significantly means that it's already a year since COP26 and the Glasgow Declaration. Host Si Willmore speaks to Dr Etti to see if enough work has been done since then and asks if the industry is keeping its promise to the environment. They also discuss how to spot and combat greenwashing and how we can act together.Dr Etti has dedicated more than 15 years to fighting climate change and her work centres around transitioning Intrepid Travel to a low carbon economy, as well as ensuring climate safety through equality, female empowerment and diversity - she states that “climate justice is not possible without social justice" - and she highlights the fascinating example of the basket weavers of Siem Reap. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tharik Hussain is an award-winning travel journalist and author of Minarets in the Mountains: a Journey into Muslim Europe, where he and his family follow in the footsteps of the great Ottoman explorer Evliya Celebi through the Western Balkans.Tharik is also the creator of Britain's first Muslim heritage trails, in Surrey.He and host Si Willmore discuss his moving to London, completing the Hajj with his family including his wheelchair-bound aunt, and the uniting power of sport. You can learn more about Tharik at tharikhussain.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy holidays! Rochelle Turner is Exodus Travel's new head of sustainability. She tells host Si Willmore about her time in Japan and how she noticed how respectful the people are - so much so that schoolchildren eat all of their food out of respect for the farmer, and that every room in the house has its own pair of slippers -- including in the toilet. This deep respect for our environment is perhaps the purest form of sustainability. "Too many things get thrown away or not given the care they deserve," says Rochelle, who has had senior roles at Ipsos-MORI, TUI, Which? and the World Travel & Tourism Council. She has joined Exodus to spearhead their Nature Net Positive commitment as well as many other initiatives. She's completed the Climate Reality Leadership Corps training and recently become a beekeeper! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Florence Kagiso, a guide with Desert & Delta Safaris, joined the team at the Chobe Game Lodge in 2007 and was therefore the first-ever female guide in Botswana. She tells host Si Willmore about her time in the travel industry and what it was like being a woman in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Flo shares insights into her life as a guide, including game drives, her adventures in a mokoro (dugout canoe propelled by a poler), and how she has to 'read the book' of the lay of the land -- which includes the significance of dung beetles -- to explain the local wildlife to her guests.Desert & Delta Safaris is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and to commemorate the occasion the company has published a book called The People of Botswana Through Tourism; Our Journey Together. The book's introduction is given by Africa's youngest ever female minister in the Botswana government, Bogolo Kenewendo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Bescoby is a historian and documentary-maker who lived in Myanmar for a decade. His latest project, The Last Overland, documents a 19,000-kilometre journey home to the UK in an ancient Land Rover, recreating a groundbreaking 1955 expedition -- with one of the original adventurers, Tim Slessor. The Last Overland is available as a Channel 4 documentary and book, available at all good bookstores. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this 12th and final episode of the second series, host Si Willmore changes tack slightly. Instead of speaking to writers or photographers who have contributed to JRNY magazine, he talks with Emma Gibbs, a freelance writer and editor with 15 years of experience in the industry - and JRNY's editor-in-chief. The pair discuss Emma's career - from Dungeon Keeper to author - as well as what you can expect in the upcoming Issue Three of JRNY Travel Magazine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Si Willmore and travel writer / consultant Lee Cobaj discuss life between Hong Kong and Scotland, and becoming the go-to guy or gal for your niche. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Si Willmore is joined by Ross Clarke, an award-winning travel, food and wine writer who specialises in Spain (specifically the Canary Islands) and Wales. Ross and Si talk about life in Spain, launching multiple branded editorial projects, La Gomera's whistling language, becoming a lecturer... and Goldie-Lookin' Chain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamie Lafferty is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Glasgow, Scotland. He and JRNY Podcast host Si Willmore speak about famous explorers, birdwatching, remote wildernesses... and cleaning toilets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Si Willmore talks to Sue Watt, an experienced freelance travel writer specialising in Africa, Nepal, wildlife and responsible tourism. They discuss Sue's MBA, climbing Kilimanjaro, Cecil the Lion... and being a micro-influencer before the dawn of social media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ralph Velasco is a photographer, photography instructor and international guide. He and host Si Willmore discuss Chicago and Cambodia, Ralph's companies PhotoEnrichment Adventures and Alla Campagna Experiences, and Ralph shares just a couple of his "boatload" of secret photography tips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lauren Jarvis is an editor, journalist and author, with over 20 years' experience in consumer and contract publishing. She and host Si Willmore talk about proofreading, lumberjacks... and having a screw loose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Si Willmore speaks to Mary Novakovich, travel writer, journalist and author. They discuss "finding the beauty in bullet holes" during Mary's research for writing her new novel, My Family and Other Enemies: Life and Travels in Croatia's Hinterland, which is published by Bradt Travel Guides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rudolf Abraham is an award-winning travel writer, photographer and guidebook author specialising in Central and Eastern Europe, France and Italy. He and host Si Willmore talk about hiking, family travel, art and culture... and "doing whatever job possible to pay for the next trip". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.