The Ethical Traveler Podcast

Jeff speaks with two woman travel writers of color from VONA (Voices of Our Nation's Arts); we hear some great music by Oisima and The Polyversal Souls. (Note: Because of the longer than usual interview, no News this podcast!)

Jeff speaks with Vagabonding travel author Rolf Potts about his terrific new book, Souvenir; Natalie and Jeff discuss how volunteers abroad face “white fragility;” we hear some great music by Balkan Beat band Äl Jawala.

Jeff speaks with adventure bicyclist Willie Weir about the pleasures and perils of two-wheel touring. Natalie and Jeff talk about global music festivals, we tune into some mesmerizing music by Omar Faruk Tekbilek, and quiz you about a not-so-delicate Croatian delicacy.

Jeff speaks with Cory Lee, an internationally known advocate for disabled travelers. Natalie and Jeff discuss disaster tourism, we listen to wonderful fusion jazz by Yazz Ahmed, and quiz you about a Oaxacan snack.

Jeff speaks with nationally syndicated radio show host and travel book author Pauline Frommer, of Frommer Guides. We talk about how Ethical Traveler picks it annual 10 Best Ethical Destinations, tune in to some music from Benin and Brooklyn, and quiz you about seasickness.

For our holiday podcast Jeff speaks with beloved travel writer and editor Don George. George is the author of How to Be a Travel Writer and The Way of Wanderlust: The Best Travel Writing of Don George, and Editor-at-Large for National Geographic Traveler. We also tune in to some Senegalese harp music, and quiz you on the Sumo diet.

Filmmaker Jeanne Hallacy's new documentary, Sittwe, addresses the current Buddhist/Muslim crisis in Burma. She is joined by UC Berkeley Burma scholar Kenneth Wong. We also tune in to some Bulgarian fusion music, listen to a story by travel writer Matthew Felix, and count baguettes.

Jeff is joined by author Nayomi Munaweera, whose second novel – What Lies Between Us – was recently released. They discuss writing, elephants, and travel to Nayomi's native Sri Lanka, now  that the 32-year civil war has ended. We visit with musical polymath Jef Stott, and hear an original story by travel writer Lavinia Spalding.

Jeff is joined by Leila Salazar-López, the Executive Director of Amazon Watch. Leila has been fighting for the world's rainforests, human rights, and social justice for more than 20 years; she took the helm of Amazon Watch in 2015.

Jeff is joined by Faith Adiele, founder of the nation's first workshop for travel writers of color. Her work includes Meeting Faith, her memoir about becoming Thailand's first Black Buddhist nun; the PBS documentary My Journey Home; and Coming of Age Around the World: A Multicultural Anthology. We also have stories on Baikal Watch and Ethical Travel to Israel.

In our second episode, we interview travel medicine expert and author Dr. David Shlim (Medicine and Compassion) about his many forays into the Himalaya, his work with Tibetan monks, and the relationship between Buddhism and caregiving. We also have stories on Serengeti Watch, and Ethical Souvenir Shopping.

In our first episode, we interview author Jenny Williams about The Atlas of Forgotten Places, her captivating first novel set against the backdrop of ivory smuggling and civil war in Uganda and the DR Congo. We also have stories on Shark Stewards and The Ethics of Camel Riding.