Waterfalls on the Zambezi River in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Largest waterfall in Africa by flow rate.
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John Zmirak, Eric Metaxas. Movie About Christian Resistance to the French Revolution, J.J. Carrell- Immigration Stats, Destructive Darwinism, The Growing Case for Intelligent Design. John Zmirak The Eric Metaxas Show John ZmirakThe Eric Metaxas Aug 19 2026 Today On The Eric Metaxas Show, John Zmirak joins Eric to challenge the standard Darwinian account of human origins and discuss the growing case for intelligent design. They examine whether Christians can truly reconcile evolution with Genesis, why Zmirak believes Darwinism undermines the biblical understanding of humanity, Francis Collins and theistic evolution, and the cultural consequences of teaching that human life arose through unguided processes. John Zmirak Joins0:26 Intelligent Design Vs. Darwinism3:29 Creation Or Evolution?5:11 Were Humans Really Descended From Apes?6:29 Can Christians Reconcile Genesis And Evolution?9:16 Why Darwinism “Multiplies Faith By Zero”11:40 Eric's Encounter With Francis Collins17:14 Deism, Providence, And The American Founders23:05 ----------------------------------------------------------- jjcarrellpolitics• Follow https://www.instagram.com/reels/Dblbbn-SMTw/ --------------------------------------------------------------------- Streaming movie recommended by John Zmirak- https://victoryordeathmovie.com/ When everything you value is on the line, when all you love and believe in is at stake, there's no other choice but to fight for it. Victory or Death Fight for Faith. Fight for Family. Fight for Freedom. --------------------------------------------------------------- Article by John Zmirak- New Book by Chaberek, Greene Probes Evolution as a “Catholic Dilemma” John Zmirak August 5, 2026 Evolution, Faith & Science I recently returned from a two-week wildlife safari through Zimbabwe and South Africa. I visited Victoria Falls, which dwarfs Niagara, the extraordinary Table Mountain, and several wildlife reserves including Kruger National Park. The jeep rides through the brush yielded close encounters with female lions shepherding their cubs, male lions sleeping off meals, a leopard in a tree crunching the skull of an impala, herds of piously maternal elephants — only one of which came close to charging us — and a dozen other species of predator or prey. The high point, I'll confess, was one wildlife encounter in particular: when a troop of baboons charged the outdoor diners at The Black Marlin in Cape Town, driving them to flee, so the apes could stuff their faces with pilfered pasta. Sadly, I was sitting inside, so all I could do was cheer the hairy creatures on from through the window. Privacy Note: On play, Google may track viewers. YouTube's Privacy Policy. The Book of Nature I hope that I'm sufficiently grateful for this encounter with the baroque, sublime abundance of biology that our planet is privileged to host — alone, so far as we know, among the billions of planets. Gratitude should be aimed at a giver, and it was reading the works of Discovery Institute authors that made this easier for me. I could wonder at the tiny penguins that somehow survive in the Mediterranean climate near the Cape of Good Hope, or the birds that live symbiotically with wildebeests by feeding on bloodsucking insects, without the deflating idea lurking in the back of my mind, “This all the result of blind chance and iron necessity, with no crafting intelligence behind it.” Instead, I saw works of art, and found myself thanking the Artist. I was reading the Book of Nature, and seeing in it glimmers of divine action, intention, and generosity — as “natural philosophers” did from Kepler and Newton to Pasteur and Mendel. Back when I unreflectively adhered to the theistic (really deistic) evolution that's preached in most Christian pulpits, I accepted the notion that God was somehow behind every aspect of the cosmos. If pressed, I would have said that God had “guided” or “instigated” the emergence of extraordinary creatures like the zebras that stared at our jeep, the elegant kudus that capered past us through the veldt, the wild dogs that seemed at once so alien and so familiar that it was tempting to hop out and try petting them. (“Do not attempt this,” I was informed by our solemn African guide.) But all of life was at best a convoluted Rube Goldberg contraption, which Someone had set in motion then stepped away to observe. God even had humans in mind — deciding, for some reason, to slowly evolve His earthly image through a long chain of predecessor species, until at some point He chose to implant both rationality and immortal souls in creatures who'd mutated in and then emerged from the womb of an animal. I used to speculate about how that allegedly worked, and how I could reconcile it in some fashion with the Genesis account of God making man directly from the dust of the earth, and woman from his side. I remember thinking, lamely, “Maybe they were identical twins … and He switched Eve's sex before the ape gave birth to them?” Then I stopped bothering, encouraged by modern priests who treat not just Genesis but most of the Old Testament as mostly wholesome mythology, akin to that found in Bulfinch or Edith Hamilton. Christianizing Darwinists Obeying the dictum of 19th-century “Higher Criticism,” Christianizing Darwinists aim to explain away every claim of miraculous action — from the direct creation of man to the parting of the Red Sea, from Jesus' virgin birth to even his Resurrection. I was taught in high school that the last, most crucial Christian miracle, amounted merely to the “ongoing presence” of Jesus in his apostles' hearts and minds. Big whoop. In that sense, Adolf Hitler is still sadly with us. (If you want an account of how and why biblical critics crafted such blinders, read Scott Hahn and Benjamin Wiker's magisterial Politicizing the Bible, which I edited for publication.) Priests, theologians, bishops and even (recently) popes have responded to the popular triumph of Darwinism by dismissing most of the events recounted in Genesis as purely allegorical and moral. Keen to avoid being tarred as “fundamentalists,” and encouraged by some cautious leeway granted to evolutionary thinking by popes such as Pius XII and John Paul II, most Catholics have eagerly accepted that Darwin's theories fully explain the emergence of every living species, even man. Otherwise-orthodox believers have made this intellectual concession, convinced that “the science” is irrefutable, so the theology must make room for it. But what if, in fact, the science is very shaky, and the implications for a Christian worldview profoundly toxic? Those are the questions asked and convincingly answered in a new book, Creation or Evolution? A Catholic Dilemma. It's written in an extremely engaging format — a series of questions posed by science journalist Steve Greene and answered by theologian Rev. Michael Chabarek, O.P. It was Chaberek's previous book, Aquinas and Evolution, that convinced me to take intelligent design seriously, and embark on the journey through the works of Stephen Meyer, Michael Behe, Douglas Axe, and many others — to my profound intellectual and spiritual enrichment. This new book is every bit the equal of Chaberek's earlier work. He lays out the serious evidential weaknesses in the Darwinist claim to have explained the appearance of human beings by incremental mutations from previous apelike species. (For much more detail than this book offers, see Science and Human Origins, from Discovery Institute Press, which Chaberek cites.) He explains how circular logic and wishful thinking pervade the claims of paleontologists to have discovered non-human ancestors for our species, with periodic claims to have found a “missing link” based on tiny bone fragments of indeterminate origin. False First Principles But Chaberek's main focus is not on empirical flaws or gaps in the Darwinist account. Instead, he focuses on the false first principles that motivate, even compel Darwinists to invent their “just so” stories in the first place. Here's a sample of the straightforward, plain-speaking way that the authors convey key philosophical issues: If man did not come from the ape, then how did he come into existence? First, let us consider whether sciences such as paleontology and genetics are actually capable of providing an answer to this question. If man came into existence naturally, then, yes, because science explains the workings of nature. But if man came into existence supernaturally, that is, by the action of divine power exceeding the power of nature, then science cannot explain the beginning of man. Therefore, whether science can provide an answer to this question does not depend on scientific research, but on the previously adopted religious or philosophical assumptions. Chabarek argues convincingly that secularist and materialist assumptions precede and determine the scientific work of Darwinists, essentially forcing them to deny evidence of design, and to make impossible claims for the creative power of mutations — despite the overwhelming odds against blind chance happening upon even a single useful new protein in the entire history of life on earth (as Douglas Axe showed in exhaustive experimental detail in his book, Undeniable). When such bias-inducing reductionist assumptions migrate from the research papers of laboratory scientists into the works of Christian leaders, the consequences are even more baleful, Chabarek warns. If such a central question as the origin of the only rational species, the “image of God,” is to be surgically excised from the domain of religious authority and turned over to materialist scientists, what is to stop that same debunking impulse from undermining every mystery of faith? Should we leave Sarah's miraculous conception of Isaac to the gynecologists, the parting of the Red Sea to the oceanographers, and the resurrection of Jesus to the biologists? That's the inexorable logic of Christians who cling to Darwinist explanations of the “descent of man” from ancestral apes. Far better, Chabarek advises, for Christians who accept a long series of miracles and mysteries as entailed in the redemption of humanity to also make room for the Bible's literal account of the miracle of his creation — from the dust of the earth, by the hand of God. John Zmirak John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream and author or co-author of ten books, including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism. His newest book is No Second Amendment, No First. To read articles from John Zmirak visit- https://chroniclesmagazine.org/author/johnzmirak/ Endorsed Charities -------------------------------------------------------- Pre-Born! Saving babies and Souls. https://preborn.org/ OUR MISSION To glorify Jesus Christ by leading and equipping pregnancy clinics to save more babies and souls. WHAT WE DO Pre-Born! partners with life-affirming pregnancy clinics all across the nation. We are designed to strategically impact the abortion industry through the following initiatives:… -------------------------------------------------------- Help CSI Stamp Out Slavery In Sudan Join us in our effort to free over 350 slaves. Listeners to the Eric Metaxas Show will remember our annual effort to free Christians who have been enslaved for simply acknowledging Jesus Christ as their Savior. As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, join us in giving new life to brothers and sisters in Sudan who have enslaved as a result of their faith. https://csi-usa.org/metaxas https://csi-usa.org/slavery/ Typical Aid for the Enslaved A ration of sorghum, a local nutrient-rich staple food A dairy goat A “Sack of Hope,” a survival kit containing essential items such as tarp for shelter, a cooking pan, a water canister, a mosquito net, a blanket, a handheld sickle, and fishing hooks. Release celebrations include prayer and gathering for a meal, and medical care for those in need. The CSI team provides comfort, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on while they tell their stories and begin their new lives. Thank you for your compassion Giving the Gift of Freedom and Hope to the Enslaved South Sudanese -------------------------------------------------------- Food For the Poor https://foodforthepoor.org/ Help us serve the poorest of the poor Food For The Poor began in 1982 in Jamaica. Today, our interdenominational Christian ministry serves the poor in primarily 17 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Thanks to our faithful donors, we are able to provide food, housing, healthcare, education, fresh water, emergency relief, micro-enterprise solutions and much more. We are proud to have fed millions of people and provided more than 15.7 billion dollars in aid. Our faith inspires us to be an organization built on compassion, and motivated by love. Our mission is to bring relief to the poorest of the poor in the countries where we serve. We strive to reflect God's unconditional love. It's a sacrificial love that embraces all people regardless of race or religion. We believe that we can show His love by serving the “least of these” on this earth as Christ challenged us to do in Matthew 25. We pray that by God's grace, and with your support, we can continue to bring relief to the suffering and hope to the hopeless. Report on Food For the Poor by Charity Navigator https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/592174510 -------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer from ACU. We try to bring to our students and alumni the World's best Conservative thinkers. All views expressed belong solely to the author and not necessarily to ACU. In all issues and relations, we hope to follow the admonitions of Jesus Christ. While striving to expose, warn and contend with evil, we extend the love of God to all of his children. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recently, we FINALLY took a day trip to Niagara Falls in Canada! While you can visit Niagara Falls in both the US (in Niagara Falls, New York) and Canada (in Niagara Falls, Ontario), we opted to explore the falls on the Canadian side and made a day of it! Niagara Falls is only 3.5 hours from our home in Cleveland, so we woke up early, explored the falls, did a boat ride, visited the old Niagara Parks Power Station + The Tunnel, and even hiked in Niagara Glen. Now, we're sharing how you can do the same! Relevant Links (may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission-at no additional cost to you!): -Paris Hot Chocolate Guide: https://francevoyager.com/best-hot-chocolate-in-paris/ -Two Girls one Ghost- Wacky and Strange Deaths and Survival Stories of Niagara Falls: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wrwk9DVxTCUXcMQ1g93f4 -Two Girls One Ghost- The Ghosts of Niagara Falls: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1sBwi9GBTKmKVjf208P2OZ -Best Things to Do in Victoria Falls: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/best-victoria-falls-activities-top-things-to-do-in-victoria-falls/ -Niagara Parks: https://www.niagaraparks.com/ -Prebook Niagara Parks parking: https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit-niagara-parks/plan-your-visit/getting-around/ -Niagara City Cruises: https://www.cityexperiences.com/niagara-ca/city-cruises/niagara/ -Niagara Parks Power Station + The Tunnel: https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/niagara-parks-power-station -Counterpart Brewing: https://counterpartbrewing.com/ -Niagara Glen: https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/niagara-glen Want to support our work? You can buy us a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/worldwidehoneymoon Need help planning your trip to France? Check out my trip consulting page: https://francevoyager.com/france-travel-consulting-custom-itineraries/ Traveling to France? Check out our Facebook Group called France Travel Tips to ask/answer questions and learn more! https://www.facebook.com/groups/francevoyager/ Don't forget to follow along! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldwidehoneymoon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldwidehoneymoon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidehoneymoon World Wide Honeymoon Blog: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com France Voyager Blog: https://francevoyager.com Subscribe to the World Wide Honeymoon blog here for monthly updates and tips + get our FREE trip planning guide: https://www.subscribepage.com/o4e5c2
The Victoria falls, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, is considered one of the natural wonders of the world. But as Isa Jacobson reports, there is concern that development around the waterfall could threaten the delicate ecosystem and exacerbate conflict between humans and wildlife.
The Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe is one of the natural wonders of the world. It's also one of Africa's great tourist attractions. As both countries seek to grow the tourism economy, there's been a push to develop land around the Falls. But as Isa Jacobson reports from Zambia, it's led to fears for the preservation of the World Heritage Site, and warnings that the loss of land will exacerbate a deadly conflict between local people and wildlife.Presenter: Isa Jacobson Producer: Alex Last Sound Mix: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman Series Editor: Penny Murphy
This week, Gene and Big D review The Power of One (1992), the historical drama directed by John G. Avildsen (Rocky) and starring Stephen Dorff, Morgan Freeman, John Gielgud, and a very young, very hateable Daniel Craig — in his feature film debut. Set in apartheid-era South Africa, the film follows Peter "PK" Keith, an Anglo boy navigating boarding school brutality, a German expat mentor, a prison boxing coach, and the weight of becoming a symbol for an oppressed people. It's ambitious, it's beautiful, and it completely bombed at the box office. This episode, the guys debate: Whether PK is the hero — or actually the most dangerous man in South Africa Why the film's Black characters are almost impossibly patient with the white kid saving them The most disturbing scene in any PG-13 movie (and it's not the violence) Stephen Dorff: criminally underrated, or just lucky here? What PK should have done instead of turning down Oxford? Plus: Dick fosters five-week-old kittens named Band Camp and Space Camp. Gene drunkenly watched the FIFA World Cup final before recording. Rob's commissioner letter about his late mum brings the whole episode to a halt. This commission comes courtesy of Rob H. (UK), part of his upcoming block of commissions. Rob's letter — including his childhood trip to Zimbabwe, his memories of Victoria Falls, and a Zulu phrase he made Gene Google live on mic — is one of the best we've received in 500 episodes. Subscribe Now Android: https://www.shatpod.com/android Apple/iTunes: https://www.shatpod.com/apple Help Support the Podcast Contact Us: https://www.shatpod.com/contact Commission Movie: https://www.shatpod.com/support Support with Paypal: https://www.shatpod.com/paypal Support With Venmo: https://www.shatpod.com/venmo Shop Merchandise: https://www.shatpod.com/shop Theme Song - Die Hard by Guyz Nite: https://www.facebook.com/guyznite
In this special 9-week series, listeners will hear from three different groups—GenX paired with Millennials, Gen Z, and Boomers with a mix of the Silent Generation. Their conversations cover a variety of topics including technology, unity in the Church, racism, and parenting. Grouped by similar ages, these 12 individuals share their unique views, opinions, and convictions based on their generational upbringing and views of the world. Ranging from ages 16 to 81, we're covering 5 different generations with 16 different guests.In this episode, our Generation Z group share their views on parenting, spanking, the necessity of a college education, what motivates them to determine a career, and whether our society has an unhealthy disposition toward safety. Our guests also have a little fun with music—can they identify the artists of popular songs from the other generations? Bios of our Gen-Z contributors: Brandon AllonBrandon Allon has been a photographer for seven years, four of which have been with Seacoast. A third-generation photographer, he has also traveled to five countries outside the United States. Before photography, Brandon spent ten years in music — an experience that took him all the way to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Outside of his creative pursuits, he enjoys running and table tennis.Jordan Mae BazzleJordan Mae Bazzle is a sophomore in high school with a passion for fencing, playing the violin, building things, and Formula 1. She is currently working on building her own violin alongside her grandfather and plans to spend plenty of time at the beach this summer. Looking ahead, Jordan Mae hopes to study mechanical engineering in college and one day work with Formula 1 cars.Hayes HerlongHayes Herlong is a 24-year-old from Charleston with a love for Jesus, surfing, adventure, and her one-eyed cat. She is currently pursuing ministry through the Residency Program at Seacoast Church, where she serves in youth ministry and is passionate about helping middle and high school students know Jesus and grow in their faith — a community she has called home for many years.Hayes also has a deep heart for global missions, having served internationally in Haiti, Togo, and Zambia, as well as stateside in Orlando and New York City. She loves learning about new cultures, meeting new people, and stepping into experiences that stretch her faith. That adventurous spirit once led her to jump and swing off the 420-foot bridge at Victoria Falls. Whether serving students, traveling the world, or trying something completely new, Hayes hopes her love for the Lord, people, and adventure will continue leading her to places where she can share the Gospel — and maybe keep her mom just a little nervous along the way.Manuel LagunaManuel Laguna is a 24-year-old Audio, Video, and Lighting Systems Coordinator at Seacoast Church. He has been part of the Seacoast family for ten years and on staff for three. In his free time, Manuel enjoys playing music, cooking new recipes, and playing video games with his Seacoast family. He is deeply passionate about worship and faith-based music, loves tattoos and plans to get more (sorry, Abuela), and is a proud MexiRican — both Mexican and Puerto Rican. He credits his two parents as the best in the world (no arguments entertained) and has two sisters: one two-legged and one four-legged — a labradoodle he considers the best ever. An adventurer at heart, Manuel has been blessed to travel to many countries and is eager to keep exploring.Seacoast Podcast is now on InstagramBe a Patron of the podcast We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. We'd love to hear from you. E-mail Joey HERE. Producer/Editor/host: Joey SvendsenSound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver
In this special 9-week series, listeners will hear from three different groups—GenX paired with Millennials, Gen Z, and Boomers with a mix of the Silent Generation. Their conversations cover a variety of topics including technology, unity in the Church, racism, and parenting. Grouped by similar ages, these 12 individuals share their unique views, opinions, and convictions based on their generational upbringing and views of the world. Ranging from ages 16 to 81, we're covering 5 different generations with 16 different guests.In this episode, our Generation Z group discusses polarity in the church, optimism (or lack of) for unity, whether society is less racist today compared to generations before, whether they consider themselves patriotic, and if they see the USA as a Christian nation. Brandon AllonBrandon Allon has been a photographer for seven years, four of which have been with Seacoast. A third-generation photographer, he has also traveled to five countries outside the United States. Before photography, Brandon spent ten years in music — an experience that took him all the way to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Outside of his creative pursuits, he enjoys running and table tennis.Laela GriffinLaela Griffin is a recent high school graduate living in a small mountain town in North Carolina. She loves the outdoors, serving others, and traveling, and plans to attend Appalachian State University next year to major in Business. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Laela is so passionate about root beer that she once crashed her car over it.Hayes HerlongHayes Herlong is a 24-year-old from Charleston with a love for Jesus, surfing, adventure, and her one-eyed cat. She is currently pursuing ministry through the Residency Program at Seacoast Church, where she serves in youth ministry and is passionate about helping middle and high school students know Jesus and grow in their faith — a community she has called home for many years.Hayes also has a deep heart for global missions, having served internationally in Haiti, Togo, and Zambia, as well as stateside in Orlando and New York City. She loves learning about new cultures, meeting new people, and stepping into experiences that stretch her faith. That adventurous spirit once led her to jump and swing off the 420-foot bridge at Victoria Falls. Whether serving students, traveling the world, or trying something completely new, Hayes hopes her love for the Lord, people, and adventure will continue leading her to places where she can share the Gospel — and maybe keep her mom just a little nervous along the way.Abel WaltersAbel Walters is an 18-year-old rising senior at Palmetto Christian Academy and a recent graduate of 412 Leadership at Seacoast, where he now serves primarily on the prayer team and the teaching team in Custom. He has a passion for mission and ministry that he feels God has placed on his heart. Abel has played basketball all four years of high school, including travel ball, and also loves golf. His music taste skews older than his years — something his younger brothers don't quite understand yet.Abel is the oldest of four boys and the third of seven children overall. He's a big-time movie lover who will happily spend hours making the case for why The Amazing Spider-Man 2 came remarkably close to being one of the greatest superhero movies ever made. He also loves to travel and surf, and is likely the family member most enthusiastic about an impromptu trip — even when the rest of the family finds it slightly miserable.Seacoast Podcast is now on InstagramBe a Patron of the podcast We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. We'd love to hear from you. E-mail Joey HERE. Producer/Editor/host: Joey SvendsenSound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver
Carl returns to the Black Expat Podcast after a sabbatical, explaining his break for parenthood, entrepreneurship, and mental health. He recounts recent trips to South Africa and Zimbabwe, from luxury safaris and wine country to a three-night Rovos Rail journey and the power of Victoria Falls, and reflects on the difference between travel and vacation. Carl emphasizes the value of local guides, curated experiences, and private tours, shares travel tips for long journeys, and teases upcoming trips while promising weekly episodes going forward.
This week we discuss Forrest's trip to Africa, a crazy crocodile stunt in his new TV show, and man eaten by a crocodile in an African river. Enjoy! (TWT 205)Outdoorsy: Get 10% off with code WILDTIMES10 at https://www.outdoorsy.com/?cam=981&subcam=podcast_wild_times&utm_source=backyard_ventures&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=podcast_wild_timesUltra Pouches: New customers get 15% Off with code WILD at takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #adGet More Wild Times Podcast Episodes:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wildtimespod/subscribehttps://www.patreon.com/wildtimespodMore Wild Times:Instagram: http://instagram.com/wildtimespodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildtimespodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildtimespod/X: https://x.com/wildtimespodDiscord: https://discord.gg/ytzKBbC9DbWebsite: https://wildtimes.club/Merch: https://thewildtimespodcast.com/merchBattle Royale Card Game: https://wildtimes.club/brOur Favorite Products:https://www.amazon.com/shop/thewildtimespodcastMusic/Jingles by: www.soundcloud.com/mimmkeyThis video may contain paid promotion.#ad #sponsored #forrestgalante #extinctoralive #podcast 0:00 - SHOW OPEN!0:30 - Is Kombucha slightly alcoholic?2:29 - BTS of Forrest's time in Africa...3:13 - Forrest's INSANE Nile Crocodile experiment in Zimbabwe!20:41 - ADS23:24 - Forrest visits Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe!29:45 - WHAT'S IN THE NEWS?!30:02 - Man gets eaten by Crocodile in South Africa...33:23 - Are animal attack videos good?39:04 - Great White Shark "hunts" foil surfer for 10 minutes in California!45:24 - Beef Jerky is dogshit?!46:48 - WHAT IS BILTONG??51:34 - Zimbabwe is giving back farms to its rightful owners54:56 - Should Forrest GET BACK his farm home in Zimbabwe to create a wildlife sanctuary?59:30 - OUTRO!!!
If Victoria Falls has crossed your mind. Good. It is one of the more spectacular waterfalls on Earth. At high season one of the largest curtains of water falls over the edge, about over 500 million litres per minute. It's more than that though and this talk with Sara Gardiner explains why. Sara and her family have created a private haven for wildlife at their lodge on the river. It's a favourite of mine for sure and you will hear why! Enjoy our chat! www.tintrunksafari.com Instagram: @tintrunksafari
Water utility work depends on more than technical knowledge. It depends on clear procedures, current documents, practical training, and performance conversations that reflect what operators actually do in the field. In Episode 481, Trace Blackmore, CWT, welcomes back Kalpna Solanki, President and CEO at GAMECHANGERS Inc., for a practical conversation on building stronger utilities through standard operating procedures, competencies, and performance evaluations. Kalpna shares how outdated SOPs, disconnected training tools, and top-down documentation can create risk, confusion, and missed learning opportunities. SOPs That Match the Work Kalpna defines an SOP as a documented process that provides clear instructions for specific tasks or activities. Her current work with water utilities includes procedures for water main installation, flushing, customer complaints, meter installation, meter readings, and other distribution team responsibilities. The key issue is not whether an organization has SOPs. Many do. The bigger question is whether those documents still match the field reality. Kalpna describes reviewing SOPs that reference retired staff, outdated contact information, and procedures written by people who may no longer be close to the work. Her approach starts with the operators. The people doing the work help revise the documents, confirm what is accurate, and identify what needs to change. Revision dates, organized SOP libraries, and clear naming structures help teams avoid using the wrong version. From Procedures to Competencies Kalpna explains that SOPs should not sit alone in a file system. They should inform competency frameworks that define the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors needed for the job. For example, an SOP may explain how to perform a fire hydrant teardown. A related competency tool can help confirm whether an operator knows how to do that work safely and correctly. The results can then guide mentoring, training, and performance evaluation. This turns performance evaluation into a two-way process. Rather than simply telling employees what they did or did not do, supervisors can use competency checklists to identify gaps, determine needed resources, and support development. Field Access, Video, and Ownership Kalpna also shares how the Capital Regional District project extends SOPs beyond written documents. Once an SOP is revised and approved, her team creates a field video using operators as the subjects. The video is tied back to the written SOP, giving employees the option to read, watch, or use both formats depending on how they learn best. QR codes make the system even more useful. Operators can scan a code in the field and access the relevant SOP or video without leaving the work location, searching a large document library, or relying on memory. That access matters. As Kalpna puts it, when processes are too complicated, people are more likely to wing it. In water utility work, that can affect safety, consistency, compliance, and service quality. Water Stories and Water Reuse Kalpna also shares her personal water story, from growing up near the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls to living near the Thames River in London and later near protected watersheds in Vancouver. Her experiences shape how she thinks about water availability, source protection, and the responsibility of the industry. The conversation closes with a look at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, where a full-scale wastewater treatment facility operates beneath the building. Treated effluent is reused for toilet flushing and rooftop garden irrigation, reducing freshwater demand and municipal sewer load. For Kalpna, this points to a larger shift in language and mindset. Wastewater is not simply waste. It is a resource with future value for reuse, reclamation, and water-stressed industries. Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Timestamps 01:10 — Trace welcomes Kalpna Solanki back and notes her previous Scaling UP! H2O appearance in Episode 435 on backflow prevention. 01:50 — Kalpna shares what has changed since her last visit, including the launch of GAMECHANGERS Inc. and her work with nonprofits, government agencies, and water utilities. 02:40 — Kalpna explains the two criteria she uses when choosing where to contribute: the opportunity to contribute and the opportunity to learn. 03:40 — Kalpna introduces the Water Environment Federation and its broad role in the water sector, with a strong focus on wastewater. 04:10 — The conversation turns to WEFTEC, AI, data centers, and the Water AI Nexus Center for Excellence. 08:20 — Kalpna defines an SOP as a documented process that provides clear instructions for specific tasks or activities. 08:40 — Kalpna describes her work with the Capital Regional District and water distribution teams serving more than 400,000 people with drinking water. 09:40 — Kalpna explains why SOPs should be developed with field staff, not only by managers who may be removed from day-to-day operations. 10:40 — SOPs connect to competencies by defining the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors employees need to perform work effectively. 11:40 — Kalpna frames performance evaluation as a two-way process for identifying training needs, resources, and competency gaps. 13:00 — Trace asks how organizations can align SOPs with what operators actually do in the field. 13:20 — Kalpna describes the risk of dated SOPs, including documents that reference retired staff or obsolete contact information. 14:00 — Kalpna explains how SOP nomenclature and organized folders help operators find the current procedure quickly. 15:30 — The discussion shifts to video-based SOPs that support different learning styles and increase field usability. 19:50 — Kalpna adds that QR codes can take operators directly to the relevant SOP and linked video in the field. 20:25 — Kalpna explains why simplicity matters: if the process is too complicated, people are more likely to wing it. 21:10 — Safety enters the competency discussion, with Kalpna explaining why SOP-based competencies can better reflect actual field work. 22:20 — Kalpna outlines her starting process with a utility: review the SOPs, determine what is dated or missing, divide them by operational area, and prioritize revisions. 24:10 — Kalpna describes how SOPs for water main upgrades can be translated into a competency framework. 25:00 — Technical and leadership competencies are discussed, including behavioral indicators that supervisors can use with operators. 26:30 — Kalpna introduces application exams, remote proctoring, and future AI-assisted marking as part of the hiring process. 28:05 — The conversation turns to culture, ownership, and how staff involvement can create empowerment rather than top-down compliance. 29:55 — Kalpna urges listeners to look at the intersection between SOPs, competencies, and performance evaluations. 32:40 — Kalpna shares her personal water story, beginning with childhood walks near the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls. 34:15 — Kalpna connects her experiences in London and Vancouver to water availability, source protection, and the value of safe drinking water. 37:00 — In the lightning round, Kalpna describes her superpower as seeing organizations from a high-level perspective and imagining what they could become. 38:35 — Kalpna shares a major accomplishment: leading a CRM project that succeeded because the people doing the work were involved. 40:25 — Kalpna discusses a water operator training and certification project in Kenya with Water Professionals International and GAMECHANGERS Inc. 41:55 — Kalpna answers the magic wand question with the Water Environment Federation vision statement: "life free of water challenges." 43:10 — Kalpna recommends five books spanning personal values, scaling systems, resilience, memoir, and nonprofit governance. Quotes "When it comes to how that leads to competencies, competencies refer to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors that employees need to perform their job effectively." "Because I think if things are too complicated, people are going to be more tempted to wing it." "I need their feedback to get the reality of their job on a day-to-day basis." "I think that one of the key things is really look at the intersection between SOPs, competencies and performance evaluations." "Life free of water challenges." "We talk about wastewater, but it's not waste really, it's a resource." Connect with Kalpna Solanki Email: ksolanki@gamechangerssolutions.com Website: GAMECHANGERS Inc. | Strategy Development And Implementation LinkedIn: Kalpna Solanki MBA | LinkedIn GAMECHANGERS Inc.: Overview | LinkedIn Guest Resources Mentioned Bridging Continents Through Clean Water: Mike Firlotte and Paul Bishop Lead Operator Training and Pinning in Kenya Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned AWT (Association of Water Technologies) Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses Submit a Show Idea The Rising Tide Mastermind 355 Backflow Prevention: Safeguarding Water Quality 2026 Events for Water Professionals Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.
Cebulon Chicalu, CEO of the Namibia Tourism Board, talks with Jeannie Fang of Insider Travel Report at Africa's Travel Indaba about a new regional collaboration linking Cape Town, Namibia and Zimbabwe into one Southern African itinerary. Chicalu also discusses Namibia's desert wildlife, stargazing, cultural experiences, Victoria Falls, suggested trip length and why travel advisors should consider multi-destination Southern Africa programs. For more information, visit www.visitnamibia.com.na. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
In this special 9-week series, listeners will hear from three different groups—GenX paired with Millennials, Gen Z, and Boomers with a mix of the Silent Generation. Their conversations cover a variety of topics including technology, unity in the Church, racism, and parenting. Grouped by similar ages, these 12 individuals share their unique views, opinions, and convictions based on their generational upbringing and views of the world. Ranging from ages 16 to 81, we're covering 5 different generations with 16 different guests.In this episode, Generation Z Group talks about technology, social media, personal phone use, when kids should access social media, AI, and concerns about all the above. Bios of our Gen-Z contributors: Brandon AllonBrandon Allon has been a photographer for seven years, four of which have been with Seacoast. A third-generation photographer, he has also traveled to five countries outside the United States. Before photography, Brandon spent ten years in music — an experience that took him all the way to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Outside of his creative pursuits, he enjoys running and table tennis.Laela GriffinLaela Griffin is a recent high school graduate living in a small mountain town in North Carolina. She loves the outdoors, serving others, and traveling, and plans to attend Appalachian State University next year to major in Business. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Laela is so passionate about root beer that she once crashed her car over it.Hayes HerlongHayes Herlong is a 24-year-old from Charleston with a love for Jesus, surfing, adventure, and her one-eyed cat. She is currently pursuing ministry through the Residency Program at Seacoast Church, where she serves in youth ministry and is passionate about helping middle and high school students know Jesus and grow in their faith — a community she has called home for many years.Hayes also has a deep heart for global missions, having served internationally in Haiti, Togo, and Zambia, as well as stateside in Orlando and New York City. She loves learning about new cultures, meeting new people, and stepping into experiences that stretch her faith. That adventurous spirit once led her to jump and swing off the 420-foot bridge at Victoria Falls. Whether serving students, traveling the world, or trying something completely new, Hayes hopes her love for the Lord, people, and adventure will continue leading her to places where she can share the Gospel — and maybe keep her mom just a little nervous along the way.Abel WaltersAbel Walters is an 18-year-old rising senior at Palmetto Christian Academy and a recent graduate of 412 Leadership at Seacoast, where he now serves primarily on the prayer team and the teaching team in Custom. He has a passion for mission and ministry that he feels God has placed on his heart. Abel has played basketball all four years of high school, including travel ball, and also loves golf. His music taste skews older than his years — something his younger brothers don't quite understand yet.Abel is the oldest of four boys and the third of seven children overall. He's a big-time movie lover who will happily spend hours making the case for why The Amazing Spider-Man 2 came remarkably close to being one of the greatest superhero movies ever made. He also loves to travel and surf, and is likely the family member most enthusiastic about an impromptu trip — even when the rest of the family finds it slightly miserable.Seacoast Podcast is now on InstagramBe a Patron of the podcast We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. We'd love to hear from you. E-mail Joey HERE. Producer/Editor/host: Joey SvendsenSound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver
Arsenal Premier League Champions: the title fans have waited over two decades to hear is finally a reality. In this special episode, host Tony Doe brings together a passionate community of supporters to celebrate Arsenal's historic 2025-2026 title win, marking the end of a 22-year drought. From the streets of Lagos and Ibadan to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the "Gooner" family shares their raw emotions, personal journeys of loyalty, and the ultimate vindication of "trusting the process."We hear from diverse voices, including Chika, Rev Fr Phillip JJ Okocha, and industry veteran Femi Sowoolu, who reflect on the "banter years" and the resilience required to stay faithful to the club. The episode also features a surprising congratulatory message from Kumbi, founder of Jackaranda Holidays and a Manchester United rival, highlighting the magnitude of this achievement. Tony Doe delivers a powerful closing address to the "hate watchers," cementing the club's legacy in North London and beyond. Plus, get details on the upcoming world-class victory party in Lagos and listen to an original musical tribute, "North London is Calling." Whether you're a lifelong supporter or a rival witness to history, this episode captures the heart of a global coronation.Featured Guests & ContributorsChika: aka “TheBelovedGoonerette” Arsenal supporter from Lagos.Joseph Onwuchekwa: A 12-year-old fan celebrating his first league title.Rev Fr Phillip JJ Okocha (CSSP): A long-time supporter reflecting on the 22-year wait.Kola: A supporter from Warri, Nigeria, who has followed the club since 2002.Daniel Adaaja: Radio morning show host from Ibadan, Nigeria.Kachi: An enthusiastic supporter from Delta State.Femi Sowoolu: Media Icon, Mentor and a veteran supporter of over 40 years.Kumbi: Founder of Jackaranda Holidays in Zimbabwe and a Manchester United fan.Aneezy: Fashion Designer and Jersey plug, sharing local congratulatory messages.For sponsorship enquiries, donations, brand partnerships, and collaboration opportunities related to the Arsenal Fans Nigeria Victory Party announced in the episode, supporters can contribute through the official account below:Account Number: 637 6623 013 Account Name: Arsenal Nigeria Media Bank: MoniePoint MFBBusinesses, fan communities, and interested partners can also connect through Arsenal Nigeria's official social media platforms for sponsorship conversations and event partnership opportunities ahead of the June 6th celebration in Lagos, Nigeria.X: @arsenalnigeria_, Instagram: @arsenalnigeria_, Facebook: Arsenal Fans Nigeria, TikTok: @arsenalnigeria_, YouTube: Arsenal Fans NigeriaEditorial Note: This mention is included strictly for informational and community awareness purposes. It is not a paid promotion, sponsored placement, or advertisement.
Zambia is where the walking safari was born, and the country remains one of Africa's finest wildlife destinations – raw, uncrowded and thrillingly authentic. From the thundering curtain of Victoria Falls to the intimate game viewing of South Luangwa, this is a country that rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path. It is also one of the continent's most peaceful and politically stable nations, which helps when you're trying to relax with a leopard fifteen meters away.Love the pod? Get the guide! Out with each new podcast, we publish a guide to the country. Buy the TrodPod guide to Zambia for just $3: https://www.patreon.com/c/trodpod/shop. Better yet, become a TrodPod member for just $5 a month and access TrodPod guides to every country in the world, released weekly with each new podcast episode! Sign up now: https://www.patreon.com/trodpod/membershipThanks for all your support!TrodPod is Murray Garrard and Elle Keymer. Sound editing by Leo Audio Productions. Design and marketing by GPS: Garrard Powell Solutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From the bustling corridors of corporate boardrooms to the tranquil luxury of Mbano Manor Hotel, Dr. Mati Martha Nyazema's journey is one of vision, resilience, and an enduring connection to tourism. In this episode, the renowned Zimbabwean hospitality executive and entrepreneur reflects on a career that has spanned journalism, destination marketing, aviation, international hotel management, and ultimately the creation of one of Victoria Falls' most celebrated boutique luxury properties. Affectionately known in the industry as “Doc Mati,” Dr. Nyazema shares the deeply personal story behind the founding of Mbano Manor Hotel, tracing her lifelong bond with Victoria Falls back to childhood visits that quietly planted the seeds for a remarkable tourism success story decades later.
Relebogile Mabotja speaks to Charmane Johnston who is a Marketing and Communications for Chiefs Tented Camps which curates lovely tented camp experiences in Namaqualand Flower Beach Camp and Victoria Falls tented Camp Zimbabwe. 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja is broadcast live on Johannesburg based talk radio station 702 every weekday afternoon. Relebogile brings a lighter touch to some of the issues of the day as well as a mix of lifestyle topics and a peak into the worlds of entertainment and leisure. Thank you for listening to a 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja podcast. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 13:00 to 15:00 (SA Time) to Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/2qKsEfu or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/DTykncj Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Original Episode Transcript FollowsStephanie Hansen:Hello, everybody, and welcome to Dishing with Stephanie's Dish, the podcast where we talk to people in the food space. And also today, we're going to talk travel, because whenever I travel, food's always a big part of it. I'm here with my friend Michael Kenny, and he owns the travel agency Defined Destinations. And Michael and I met and have gone on a number of trips. We've gone to Croatia together. We're just about to embark on Turkey. We are also planning a new trip that we just launched, that is a trip to South Africa. And a lot of times the best way to get people excited about these trips is to talk about them.And Michael does more than that. He scouts them out for me first. So, Michael, you went to this trip?Michael Kenney:I did. I'm your personal scout, but I love it. There's not a. There's not a better deal than being able to do that and then going on with you and Kurt and with everybody else. So we've had some fun adventures. But, yes, I recently got back with my family. We went scouted this South Africa trip out, or Southern Africa, I should say that we visit four different countries. And it was.I've been on a safari before, but it was in. In Kenya, which was fabulous as well. But this is a whole different experience. So I brought my wife and my two kids, and we had one of the best experiences, from seeing Cape Town to Johannesburg and then all the wildlife, different lodges and on boats. So we do all these different sorts of transportation and see four different countries. And it was unbelievable. I came back really, really excited. I was excited in the beginning, but having gone on it and then really first experiencing it firsthand was phenomenal.And. And I knew you and Kurt would love it. And of course, everyone that follows you as well. It was just. It's really a trip of a lifetime.Stephanie Hansen:So we put the trip out there. It is a more expensive trip, and we had a limited number of seats we had that could join the trip. And, you know, I've never done a trip that is on the higher end like that in terms of expense. And you're just. You have a lot of in flight situations within the country. You have a lot of different lodging situations. There's a boat, like, in order to do all the things we wanted to do, there were a lot of moving parts.Michael Kenney:Yep.Stephanie Hansen:So we put the trip out there and it sold out, like, right away. Right. So then Michael was like, okay, do we want to try and do another one? And of course we do, because I want you guys to have as many of these experiences as we can put together. Because I think traveling this way is great. I love traveling in a group for destinations that maybe I'm not comfortable in fully by myself. So Michael has secured another trip, a second round that is the same itinerary, but they leave. I think it's a day later.Michael Kenney:Yes. And let me just touch on that. You hit some good points in there. Yeah. One reason the trip, it's, it's. It's definitely at the highest price point we've ever offered a trip. But I think if you're going out there and you're shopping in African safari, you see that as well. So the value is there with all the different.Essentially all the meals are included where we're at on, on this trip, the inner flights inside the countries as well. From a couple smaller bush planes to the larger flights that go from Cape Town to Johannesburg, Johannesburg up towards Victoria Falls, etc. Those are already included in all the transfers. And this is a different trip too, Stephanie, because it's not like a typical motor coach group that you're going with all these big lodges and motor coaches coming in. This trip is. Can only take 16 people. It's not because we design it that way, it's the ship only handles 16 people. So if you go on our website, you take a look at it, you'll see this small intimate cruiser on this river slash lake, Lake Kariba, which is part of the Zambezi.Stephanie Hansen's @StephaniesDish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Michael Kenney:And in the game lodge that we stayed at too for four nights as well there, there's only eight cabins for 16 people. So it's a real intimate experience and it will only be for our group. Same thing for your departure on May 8 and the 1 that we still have, there's only. We just sold one another cabin online just, just now. So there's four cabins left May 9th through the 25th of 2027. Same thing is gonna be true for that. It's only gonna be our group as well. So there's no other groups going to be in, on, on the ship and then in the lodge too.Michael Kenney:So it's a real small intimate experience and it's just real, real lovely.Stephanie Hansen:Can you walk us through like some of the high points having done this trip?Michael Kenney:Yeah. Oh, what do you start? I think this is just. Sometimes you use the word potpourri too much, but it's, it's really a bit of different. You know, you think you go to Africa just for the safari itself, but we go in and we visit Cape Town and Cape Town blew me away. It was one of the most beautiful cities and I'm not necessarily a city person, but it was just beautiful sitting under Table Mountain. We'll go up to Table Mountain, we'll go visit the areas around it, we'll go visit some vineyards. South African wine is to die for. We'll visit that.We have a wine tasting included. We get to see penguins on this penguin beach in South Africa, which I didn't know there was penguins in, in South Africa. So we're actually good to go see those. And you actually get up pretty close too, so that was a real highlight. Nelson Mandela's home in the prison, we're going to go visit that. So we have a cultural experience as well. But then we fly into Johannesburg. We'll get to hear the history in Johannesburg for a night.And then we fly further north and we go into the. Our game lodge. We spend for four days right on the Zambezi River. You'll absolutely love this place. You're. You're really well taken care of. You eat really well and you see the wildlife all around you right from your lodge. You sit in your plunge pool and there could be hippos down below you.It's incredible. It's just a real amazing experience. And then we fly to Lake Kariba, we get on the boat itself and we have four nights again. There's just 16 of us total. And it's. This is where it's really different. You glide up into shore and there can be elephants, giraffes, lions feeding in the water itself. It's.This isn't a zoo. This is incredible. You are right there with it. That a real slow experience. You're really able to take it in. So I invite, you know, anybody that's watching this to go online. Just take a look at our photos. It's free to do that and we pride ourselves.The majority of all the photos on it were taken while on the trip, especially with me and my family. So you'll get to really see what it really was, was like. So say you've done a trip to Tanzania or Kenya and have done a safari. This is. This is different. You see four different countries. It's a slower pace, smaller groups. It lovely.So those are really the experiences that I enjoyed the most, were the penguins seeing around Cape Town. Of course, the different game drives all the different wildlife. Victoria Falls, which is one of the most stunning waterfalls you'll ever see. It was. It was really enlightening and it was fabulous and everything's taken care of for you. So to Be able to do something on this on your own. To do the same trip would be really difficult. Putting all the flights together, the meals, what are we going to do? We've taken care of all of that.All you have to do essentially is register for the trip and then we can help you with getting international airfare when it does come available later in the summer for this May 9th through the 25th, 2027 trip. So it, it was just an amazing experience.Stephanie Hansen:So can you talk a little bit about the food? Because I have no idea what African food is going to be like.Michael Kenney:Yeah, I, I think this, it's not like we're out eating street food, you know, in some of the villages we're not doing that. It's all in a controlled environment from the salads to things like that because you want to drink bottled water. We never got sick while on the trip itself, but it's, it's real, it's westernized, let's say that. So a lot of meat and potatoes and fish and different things like that. So there won't be anything a little bit, I think outside of your comfort zone. So I, we really, really. Well, like lots of beef, chicken, sometimes there'd be lamb, but you can have choices too. So they're really great with diets with that.But again, the food was really safe. Nothing too exotic. You have a chance. Maybe you want to try ostrich or something like that. You can do that. But it's a real, it's really high level too. Especially at the lodges and the boats itself. All sit down plated meals.Really, really nice. But again it's, it's, it's safer on the meat and potato side on that. But it's, it's really nice high end food which you'll, I think I, I know you'll enjoy.Stephanie Hansen:Yeah. And was there different fruit?Michael Kenney:Yeah, some of the fruits, I can't remember. You'd be like, well, what is that? I don't know. Honestly, I wish I had the list on there. Like, well, what is that? Well, let's, let's try it. If you're in the markets and things like that. But they, they do, especially in the mornings they'll bring some fruits on, on the plate and you'll have, you're like, well what? And you just try it. So yeah, I'm not really good to help you on that. I'm sorry.No, but it's there exotic fruits wheneverStephanie Hansen:we're traveling because we went to Thailand together. We've been to Vietnam, Cambodia, whenever we're Traveling in these countries, there's always fruits that I've never, I don't even know what they are like. I'm just always amazed by how many fruits there are in the world.Michael Kenney:Yeah, it's crazy. Like I said, you go through and you're like, what is that? Especially on our Vietnam, Cambodia trip here, it's, that's, that's really exotic with the food. This is a little bit different, but yeah, we're in the southern hemisphere, right down to the Cape of Good Hope, which you'll actually see too. So you see different, different foods for sure, so they'll point that out too. But it's. The main course is definitely not exotic, but you'll see some really neat, neat, different fruits, things like that.Stephanie Hansen:We talked about South African wines, so I'm glad we're doing that because that was a blast. So this second itinerary leaves a day later. Will there ever be an opportunity where I will overlap and interact with the second? It's kind of hard to tell at this point.Michael Kenney:Yeah, it, it really is. And we'll know a little bit more later on because we're in, in contact because we'll have they. The ships. We have two different ships on it and it's just a day apart, like you said. But we're in the lodge for four days. Our lodges are different, they're close by. But we're working on trying to see maybe if we get a couple game drives together, maybe maybe a meal somewhere that we could see each other once or twice during, or maybe even three times with Cape Town too, that we could run into each other as well. So if you decide to book, because you won't be on the second trip, the second departure, we're hoping two or three times we'll be able to, to, to run in each other.But again, it's not guaranteed. But we're very hopeful because both of the ships are completely ours. So I'm sure we can, we can do a little overlapping in our two lodge stays. They're relatively close, but they're, they're different from each other. So we might be able to pop in and visit each other maybe for a happy hour on one of our boats, because each lodge has got like its own beautiful pontoon to go out and go look at the wildlife and we might run into that too, but. Yeah, but other than that, and you're not being on the second one, their tenders are the same, just different lodges. And they're both very, very amazing, high quality lodges. And again, if you go Online, you can see both the different boats and the lodges too, which you'll absolutely love.Stephanie Hansen:I love too, Michael, that you actually took these trips. When I travel with you, you're very upfront about what, you know, what, you don't know. We get in country guides if we need more expertise, and a lot of times you want that because you want a local person to share with you the local feel of the place and to give you information based on their perspective of living there or being familiar with the country.Michael Kenney:Yeah, I think that that's, that's, that's really important. People want to not just get the information to make sure it's correct, but just like what's life like being you're from Namibia or Zimbabwe or South Africa and we have these local guides. We have, you know, the folks with us in the lodge and when we're doing the game drives a professional that will tell you, you know, what you're seeing, how they, you know, migration or whatever they're doing and what they consume, all of that. So you've got that, that credibility too. So we have that throughout, from our city guides to our, our on land folks as well. You'll really get that expertise. So you'll, you'll come back feeling, you know, about the people itself, which there's. We could have different podcast talking about that.I loved it. And then, you know, the animals that you're going to sing like, oh, I didn't know. It's, it's a really educational but rewarding, relaxing trip as well, which you, you, I know you'll, you'll enjoy.Stephanie Hansen:Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. And people say that the African people are like just fabulous.Michael Kenney:They are it. And again, I've been to Africa a few times not, not to, to these parts. The people are wonderful. And I don't know if you're going to bring it up, but the languages. So revisiting different four countries and, and they, they speak different dialects of in. In the different countries and different languages as well, from English to African and wherever, you know, from where their group is from. But they use English as kind of the common language. So you'll.If we have a little overlap with some of our guides from Namibia to Botswana, they're going to speak English with each other, which was. I was like, oh, wow. I didn't, you know, really realize that. So the language is never a problem. Everything's in English. Even in. Through all of the countries visited. You would see the road signs.It's all in English, which was like, oh, wow, that's interesting. But then you get to hear them speaking with each other, their languages and they'll talk about that too. But I was, I was really surprised about the whole language situation being it really a lot of English.Stephanie Hansen:Yeah, I'm excited about that. Okay, so when we say expensive, can you just say on the podcast how much the trip is? Because I don't want people not to explore it.Michael Kenney:Oh yeah.Stephanie Hansen:You get so many things and a lot of people that are, you know, TV hosts and that sort of thing are hosting week long trips places and they cost more than this trip costs.Michael Kenney:So yeah, for the, for the land only per person It's $12,000. And so you, other than that you just need to get your international airfare to and from South Africa. And we have that all written down if you want to look at and for it yourself. But like I mentioned earlier, rates don't come out availability about 10 months prior to departure. So it'll be sometime later this summer, maybe in July that you'll start seeing what rates would be to fly into to Cape Town with that. But again the value is really there. It's typically double the price that we usually have for our trips going to Europe and other places like that. But I think if you go through it and if you've done your research, if you've looked at trips to Africa before, you'll see the value there with all the, all the flights, all the meals, all that included and it, like you said it, it's sold out right away.People I think understand that too. And we only have a few cabins left on the second departure so hopefully you're able to join it. But take a look at the website again, it's free to do that. Look at all the things that we offer, all the inclusions. I think everyone will see the value there for sure.Stephanie Hansen:Yeah, I was just noticing another person going somewhere for a week and it was like 15,000. And I was like, wait, we're going to Africa, we're doing all of this great stuff, all the meals are included, it's over, it's two week long trip and we're going on all these game drives. Like this is more than maybe most people would spend on a vacation. But like for a trip of a lifetime it's very, I thought really well priced. And I went and looked at Nat Geo. I looked at some of the other trips were actually cheaper than those too.Michael Kenney:Yeah. And I think a lot of people are just looking when you, you first look at it too, you want to make sure you're comparing apples to Apple. So, you know, we encourage you to go out there and shop and look at other companies because I know you'll come back and you'll see our value. A lot of them are just maybe doing similar game drives that we're doing, but they're not including like Cape Town in it and we are, which is huge. Again, you might not be a city person, but you're gonna love Cape Town. Not just the city itself, the drives around there, going to, to see the penguins and to go up into the area where the, the vineyards are, it's abso stunning. So there's a lot to it. So I encourage everybody to take a look and you'll again see the value and all the different experiences you'll haveStephanie Hansen:on this trip and the vibes. Because I'll be there on the first trip, hopefully I'll get to overlap with you on the second trip. I don't want to make any promises we can't keep, but I feel good that I'll see you at least once and then we can like talk about all the stuff that we saw when we get back. So it's going to be just great vibes.Michael Kenney:Exactly. And I already know the majority of the people that from previous trips that have already booked the second departure. So if you're thinking about it, I'm looking at the name list. There's some really good people on this, on this trip. So you're going to have fun. You'll have a great guides throughout. So it's yes, they won't have you incurred on the trip, which is sad, but I think at the same time you're really going to love, if you're going for this experience, you're absolutely going to love it for sure. And we encourage.Send an email to us. Give me a call. I'd be happy to talk to you about the trip itself. But again, having just a few cabins left, I know this one will sell out too. So if you're on the fence again, give me a call, send me an email. I'd be happy to get you on it because this will be our Last one for 2027, so we'd love to have anybody else join.Stephanie Hansen:I'll put all that information in the podcast release. Also, it pays to be traveler with us because we have a pretty good list now of people that are repeat travelers and I think that says a lot about you as someone coordinating these trips. I think it says a lot about me as someone that is fun to go on these trips with, like we have someone that's coming up on, this will be their fourth trip with us. They're, they're high end experiences, they're fun. We don't take ourselves too seriously. We have a good time. The pacing is right. If you need to peel off because you need a day to just relax, you can usually do that at the different places.It really, I, I feel like while we're leading a trip, we also understand it's your trip, not ours. So if you need to do, you know, like, I remember when we did a cooking class, Lori standing up on the bus and saying, well, who wants to do that? And everyone went except for her. And then Kurt went with her, so she wasn't alone. But again, if the cooking class isn't your jam, then you can find some way to do something else. So just to see a good time?Michael Kenney:No, it is if this is your vacation. But I honestly think everything that's in this itinerary, you're going to want to, to join in. And again, this is a relaxed pace too. But sometimes we have some earlier game drives to, to go see the animals that are out there early in the morning, which you want to do. But then we'll usually have the afternoon free that you can go into your plunge pool, sit by one of the beautiful trees and have having a cocktail or something like that. So it's really relaxed as well and you have time to take it in and I think that's really important. Sometimes everything's just go, go, go and see how much you can see and do. I mean, we are, we're going, but we still have that time to sit back and relax.And that's what's really fun about even being on the ship. Second, because we're moving around and, and popping into small little bays and seeing when animals come up through these savannahs. It's stunning. You're like, you're in the comfort of a beautiful boat and you're going up and there's, you know, elephants coming down to water, which I loved, or the hippos just down below you. We go fishing one time or a couple times, whatever we want to do. And just the wildlife around you. And it's like, oh, I'm not in a Minnesota northern lake right now. It's, it's pretty spectacular.Michael Kenney:So, Kurt, no swimming off the boat, please. Unlike Kariba with, with knowing, uh, there's a tiger fish in there. There's these world famous fish that people like to fish for, the sharp teeth, but it's more so you got to watch out for those hippos. Of course.Stephanie Hansen:Yeah. Are there crocodiles?Michael Kenney:Yes, there are. So, yes, there's the crocodiles and the hippos in there. So don't go in the water.Stephanie Hansen:Yeah.Michael Kenney:But it's fun to be on our big boat, so it's, it's safe and you get up really up close to everything, which is super cool.Stephanie Hansen:All right, well, I'm looking forward to it, Michael. Again, I'll put all the information in the podcast notes here. Thanks for joining us and I'll see you. Well, I won't see you tomorrow because I'm leaving for Turkey a few days early because I like to get there and get fresh before you guys all arrive so that I have a personality. But I'll see you in a couple days in Turkey.Michael Kenney:That sounds great. Thanks so much, Stephanie.Stephanie Hansen:Okay, bye. Bye.Stephanie Hansen's @StephaniesDish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe
Original Episode Transcript FollowsStephanie Hansen:Hello, everybody, and welcome to Dishing with Stephanie's Dish, the podcast where we talk to people in the food space. And also today, we're going to talk travel, because whenever I travel, food's always a big part of it. I'm here with my friend Michael Kenny, and he owns the travel agency Defined Destinations. And Michael and I met and have gone on a number of trips. We've gone to Croatia together. We're just about to embark on Turkey. We are also planning a new trip that we just launched, that is a trip to South Africa. And a lot of times the best way to get people excited about these trips is to talk about them.And Michael does more than that. He scouts them out for me first. So, Michael, you went to this trip?Michael Kenney:I did. I'm your personal scout, but I love it. There's not a. There's not a better deal than being able to do that and then going on with you and Kurt and with everybody else. So we've had some fun adventures. But, yes, I recently got back with my family. We went scouted this South Africa trip out, or Southern Africa, I should say that we visit four different countries. And it was.I've been on a safari before, but it was in. In Kenya, which was fabulous as well. But this is a whole different experience. So I brought my wife and my two kids, and we had one of the best experiences, from seeing Cape Town to Johannesburg and then all the wildlife, different lodges and on boats. So we do all these different sorts of transportation and see four different countries. And it was unbelievable. I came back really, really excited. I was excited in the beginning, but having gone on it and then really first experiencing it firsthand was phenomenal.And. And I knew you and Kurt would love it. And of course, everyone that follows you as well. It was just. It's really a trip of a lifetime.Stephanie Hansen:So we put the trip out there. It is a more expensive trip, and we had a limited number of seats we had that could join the trip. And, you know, I've never done a trip that is on the higher end like that in terms of expense. And you're just. You have a lot of in flight situations within the country. You have a lot of different lodging situations. There's a boat, like, in order to do all the things we wanted to do, there were a lot of moving parts.Michael Kenney:Yep.Stephanie Hansen:So we put the trip out there and it sold out, like, right away. Right. So then Michael was like, okay, do we want to try and do another one? And of course we do, because I want you guys to have as many of these experiences as we can put together. Because I think traveling this way is great. I love traveling in a group for destinations that maybe I'm not comfortable in fully by myself. So Michael has secured another trip, a second round that is the same itinerary, but they leave. I think it's a day later.Michael Kenney:Yes. And let me just touch on that. You hit some good points in there. Yeah. One reason the trip, it's, it's. It's definitely at the highest price point we've ever offered a trip. But I think if you're going out there and you're shopping in African safari, you see that as well. So the value is there with all the different.Essentially all the meals are included where we're at on, on this trip, the inner flights inside the countries as well. From a couple smaller bush planes to the larger flights that go from Cape Town to Johannesburg, Johannesburg up towards Victoria Falls, etc. Those are already included in all the transfers. And this is a different trip too, Stephanie, because it's not like a typical motor coach group that you're going with all these big lodges and motor coaches coming in. This trip is. Can only take 16 people. It's not because we design it that way, it's the ship only handles 16 people. So if you go on our website, you take a look at it, you'll see this small intimate cruiser on this river slash lake, Lake Kariba, which is part of the Zambezi.Stephanie Hansen's @StephaniesDish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Michael Kenney:And in the game lodge that we stayed at too for four nights as well there, there's only eight cabins for 16 people. So it's a real intimate experience and it will only be for our group. Same thing for your departure on May 8 and the 1 that we still have, there's only. We just sold one another cabin online just, just now. So there's four cabins left May 9th through the 25th of 2027. Same thing is gonna be true for that. It's only gonna be our group as well. So there's no other groups going to be in, on, on the ship and then in the lodge too.Michael Kenney:So it's a real small intimate experience and it's just real, real lovely.Stephanie Hansen:Can you walk us through like some of the high points having done this trip?Michael Kenney:Yeah. Oh, what do you start? I think this is just. Sometimes you use the word potpourri too much, but it's, it's really a bit of different. You know, you think you go to Africa just for the safari itself, but we go in and we visit Cape Town and Cape Town blew me away. It was one of the most beautiful cities and I'm not necessarily a city person, but it was just beautiful sitting under Table Mountain. We'll go up to Table Mountain, we'll go visit the areas around it, we'll go visit some vineyards. South African wine is to die for. We'll visit that.We have a wine tasting included. We get to see penguins on this penguin beach in South Africa, which I didn't know there was penguins in, in South Africa. So we're actually good to go see those. And you actually get up pretty close too, so that was a real highlight. Nelson Mandela's home in the prison, we're going to go visit that. So we have a cultural experience as well. But then we fly into Johannesburg. We'll get to hear the history in Johannesburg for a night.And then we fly further north and we go into the. Our game lodge. We spend for four days right on the Zambezi River. You'll absolutely love this place. You're. You're really well taken care of. You eat really well and you see the wildlife all around you right from your lodge. You sit in your plunge pool and there could be hippos down below you.It's incredible. It's just a real amazing experience. And then we fly to Lake Kariba, we get on the boat itself and we have four nights again. There's just 16 of us total. And it's. This is where it's really different. You glide up into shore and there can be elephants, giraffes, lions feeding in the water itself. It's.This isn't a zoo. This is incredible. You are right there with it. That a real slow experience. You're really able to take it in. So I invite, you know, anybody that's watching this to go online. Just take a look at our photos. It's free to do that and we pride ourselves.The majority of all the photos on it were taken while on the trip, especially with me and my family. So you'll get to really see what it really was, was like. So say you've done a trip to Tanzania or Kenya and have done a safari. This is. This is different. You see four different countries. It's a slower pace, smaller groups. It lovely.So those are really the experiences that I enjoyed the most, were the penguins seeing around Cape Town. Of course, the different game drives all the different wildlife. Victoria Falls, which is one of the most stunning waterfalls you'll ever see. It was. It was really enlightening and it was fabulous and everything's taken care of for you. So to Be able to do something on this on your own. To do the same trip would be really difficult. Putting all the flights together, the meals, what are we going to do? We've taken care of all of that.All you have to do essentially is register for the trip and then we can help you with getting international airfare when it does come available later in the summer for this May 9th through the 25th, 2027 trip. So it, it was just an amazing experience.Stephanie Hansen:So can you talk a little bit about the food? Because I have no idea what African food is going to be like.Michael Kenney:Yeah, I, I think this, it's not like we're out eating street food, you know, in some of the villages we're not doing that. It's all in a controlled environment from the salads to things like that because you want to drink bottled water. We never got sick while on the trip itself, but it's, it's real, it's westernized, let's say that. So a lot of meat and potatoes and fish and different things like that. So there won't be anything a little bit, I think outside of your comfort zone. So I, we really, really. Well, like lots of beef, chicken, sometimes there'd be lamb, but you can have choices too. So they're really great with diets with that.But again, the food was really safe. Nothing too exotic. You have a chance. Maybe you want to try ostrich or something like that. You can do that. But it's a real, it's really high level too. Especially at the lodges and the boats itself. All sit down plated meals.Really, really nice. But again it's, it's, it's safer on the meat and potato side on that. But it's, it's really nice high end food which you'll, I think I, I know you'll enjoy.Stephanie Hansen:Yeah. And was there different fruit?Michael Kenney:Yeah, some of the fruits, I can't remember. You'd be like, well, what is that? I don't know. Honestly, I wish I had the list on there. Like, well, what is that? Well, let's, let's try it. If you're in the markets and things like that. But they, they do, especially in the mornings they'll bring some fruits on, on the plate and you'll have, you're like, well what? And you just try it. So yeah, I'm not really good to help you on that. I'm sorry.No, but it's there exotic fruits wheneverStephanie Hansen:we're traveling because we went to Thailand together. We've been to Vietnam, Cambodia, whenever we're Traveling in these countries, there's always fruits that I've never, I don't even know what they are like. I'm just always amazed by how many fruits there are in the world.Michael Kenney:Yeah, it's crazy. Like I said, you go through and you're like, what is that? Especially on our Vietnam, Cambodia trip here, it's, that's, that's really exotic with the food. This is a little bit different, but yeah, we're in the southern hemisphere, right down to the Cape of Good Hope, which you'll actually see too. So you see different, different foods for sure, so they'll point that out too. But it's. The main course is definitely not exotic, but you'll see some really neat, neat, different fruits, things like that.Stephanie Hansen:We talked about South African wines, so I'm glad we're doing that because that was a blast. So this second itinerary leaves a day later. Will there ever be an opportunity where I will overlap and interact with the second? It's kind of hard to tell at this point.Michael Kenney:Yeah, it, it really is. And we'll know a little bit more later on because we're in, in contact because we'll have they. The ships. We have two different ships on it and it's just a day apart, like you said. But we're in the lodge for four days. Our lodges are different, they're close by. But we're working on trying to see maybe if we get a couple game drives together, maybe maybe a meal somewhere that we could see each other once or twice during, or maybe even three times with Cape Town too, that we could run into each other as well. So if you decide to book, because you won't be on the second trip, the second departure, we're hoping two or three times we'll be able to, to, to run in each other.But again, it's not guaranteed. But we're very hopeful because both of the ships are completely ours. So I'm sure we can, we can do a little overlapping in our two lodge stays. They're relatively close, but they're, they're different from each other. So we might be able to pop in and visit each other maybe for a happy hour on one of our boats, because each lodge has got like its own beautiful pontoon to go out and go look at the wildlife and we might run into that too, but. Yeah, but other than that, and you're not being on the second one, their tenders are the same, just different lodges. And they're both very, very amazing, high quality lodges. And again, if you go Online, you can see both the different boats and the lodges too, which you'll absolutely love.Stephanie Hansen:I love too, Michael, that you actually took these trips. When I travel with you, you're very upfront about what, you know, what, you don't know. We get in country guides if we need more expertise, and a lot of times you want that because you want a local person to share with you the local feel of the place and to give you information based on their perspective of living there or being familiar with the country.Michael Kenney:Yeah, I think that that's, that's, that's really important. People want to not just get the information to make sure it's correct, but just like what's life like being you're from Namibia or Zimbabwe or South Africa and we have these local guides. We have, you know, the folks with us in the lodge and when we're doing the game drives a professional that will tell you, you know, what you're seeing, how they, you know, migration or whatever they're doing and what they consume, all of that. So you've got that, that credibility too. So we have that throughout, from our city guides to our, our on land folks as well. You'll really get that expertise. So you'll, you'll come back feeling, you know, about the people itself, which there's. We could have different podcast talking about that.I loved it. And then, you know, the animals that you're going to sing like, oh, I didn't know. It's, it's a really educational but rewarding, relaxing trip as well, which you, you, I know you'll, you'll enjoy.Stephanie Hansen:Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. And people say that the African people are like just fabulous.Michael Kenney:They are it. And again, I've been to Africa a few times not, not to, to these parts. The people are wonderful. And I don't know if you're going to bring it up, but the languages. So revisiting different four countries and, and they, they speak different dialects of in. In the different countries and different languages as well, from English to African and wherever, you know, from where their group is from. But they use English as kind of the common language. So you'll.If we have a little overlap with some of our guides from Namibia to Botswana, they're going to speak English with each other, which was. I was like, oh, wow. I didn't, you know, really realize that. So the language is never a problem. Everything's in English. Even in. Through all of the countries visited. You would see the road signs.It's all in English, which was like, oh, wow, that's interesting. But then you get to hear them speaking with each other, their languages and they'll talk about that too. But I was, I was really surprised about the whole language situation being it really a lot of English.Stephanie Hansen:Yeah, I'm excited about that. Okay, so when we say expensive, can you just say on the podcast how much the trip is? Because I don't want people not to explore it.Michael Kenney:Oh yeah.Stephanie Hansen:You get so many things and a lot of people that are, you know, TV hosts and that sort of thing are hosting week long trips places and they cost more than this trip costs.Michael Kenney:So yeah, for the, for the land only per person It's $12,000. And so you, other than that you just need to get your international airfare to and from South Africa. And we have that all written down if you want to look at and for it yourself. But like I mentioned earlier, rates don't come out availability about 10 months prior to departure. So it'll be sometime later this summer, maybe in July that you'll start seeing what rates would be to fly into to Cape Town with that. But again the value is really there. It's typically double the price that we usually have for our trips going to Europe and other places like that. But I think if you go through it and if you've done your research, if you've looked at trips to Africa before, you'll see the value there with all the, all the flights, all the meals, all that included and it, like you said it, it's sold out right away.People I think understand that too. And we only have a few cabins left on the second departure so hopefully you're able to join it. But take a look at the website again, it's free to do that. Look at all the things that we offer, all the inclusions. I think everyone will see the value there for sure.Stephanie Hansen:Yeah, I was just noticing another person going somewhere for a week and it was like 15,000. And I was like, wait, we're going to Africa, we're doing all of this great stuff, all the meals are included, it's over, it's two week long trip and we're going on all these game drives. Like this is more than maybe most people would spend on a vacation. But like for a trip of a lifetime it's very, I thought really well priced. And I went and looked at Nat Geo. I looked at some of the other trips were actually cheaper than those too.Michael Kenney:Yeah. And I think a lot of people are just looking when you, you first look at it too, you want to make sure you're comparing apples to Apple. So, you know, we encourage you to go out there and shop and look at other companies because I know you'll come back and you'll see our value. A lot of them are just maybe doing similar game drives that we're doing, but they're not including like Cape Town in it and we are, which is huge. Again, you might not be a city person, but you're gonna love Cape Town. Not just the city itself, the drives around there, going to, to see the penguins and to go up into the area where the, the vineyards are, it's abso stunning. So there's a lot to it. So I encourage everybody to take a look and you'll again see the value and all the different experiences you'll haveStephanie Hansen:on this trip and the vibes. Because I'll be there on the first trip, hopefully I'll get to overlap with you on the second trip. I don't want to make any promises we can't keep, but I feel good that I'll see you at least once and then we can like talk about all the stuff that we saw when we get back. So it's going to be just great vibes.Michael Kenney:Exactly. And I already know the majority of the people that from previous trips that have already booked the second departure. So if you're thinking about it, I'm looking at the name list. There's some really good people on this, on this trip. So you're going to have fun. You'll have a great guides throughout. So it's yes, they won't have you incurred on the trip, which is sad, but I think at the same time you're really going to love, if you're going for this experience, you're absolutely going to love it for sure. And we encourage.Send an email to us. Give me a call. I'd be happy to talk to you about the trip itself. But again, having just a few cabins left, I know this one will sell out too. So if you're on the fence again, give me a call, send me an email. I'd be happy to get you on it because this will be our Last one for 2027, so we'd love to have anybody else join.Stephanie Hansen:I'll put all that information in the podcast release. Also, it pays to be traveler with us because we have a pretty good list now of people that are repeat travelers and I think that says a lot about you as someone coordinating these trips. I think it says a lot about me as someone that is fun to go on these trips with, like we have someone that's coming up on, this will be their fourth trip with us. They're, they're high end experiences, they're fun. We don't take ourselves too seriously. We have a good time. The pacing is right. If you need to peel off because you need a day to just relax, you can usually do that at the different places.It really, I, I feel like while we're leading a trip, we also understand it's your trip, not ours. So if you need to do, you know, like, I remember when we did a cooking class, Lori standing up on the bus and saying, well, who wants to do that? And everyone went except for her. And then Kurt went with her, so she wasn't alone. But again, if the cooking class isn't your jam, then you can find some way to do something else. So just to see a good time?Michael Kenney:No, it is if this is your vacation. But I honestly think everything that's in this itinerary, you're going to want to, to join in. And again, this is a relaxed pace too. But sometimes we have some earlier game drives to, to go see the animals that are out there early in the morning, which you want to do. But then we'll usually have the afternoon free that you can go into your plunge pool, sit by one of the beautiful trees and have having a cocktail or something like that. So it's really relaxed as well and you have time to take it in and I think that's really important. Sometimes everything's just go, go, go and see how much you can see and do. I mean, we are, we're going, but we still have that time to sit back and relax.And that's what's really fun about even being on the ship. Second, because we're moving around and, and popping into small little bays and seeing when animals come up through these savannahs. It's stunning. You're like, you're in the comfort of a beautiful boat and you're going up and there's, you know, elephants coming down to water, which I loved, or the hippos just down below you. We go fishing one time or a couple times, whatever we want to do. And just the wildlife around you. And it's like, oh, I'm not in a Minnesota northern lake right now. It's, it's pretty spectacular.Michael Kenney:So, Kurt, no swimming off the boat, please. Unlike Kariba with, with knowing, uh, there's a tiger fish in there. There's these world famous fish that people like to fish for, the sharp teeth, but it's more so you got to watch out for those hippos. Of course.Stephanie Hansen:Yeah. Are there crocodiles?Michael Kenney:Yes, there are. So, yes, there's the crocodiles and the hippos in there. So don't go in the water.Stephanie Hansen:Yeah.Michael Kenney:But it's fun to be on our big boat, so it's, it's safe and you get up really up close to everything, which is super cool.Stephanie Hansen:All right, well, I'm looking forward to it, Michael. Again, I'll put all the information in the podcast notes here. Thanks for joining us and I'll see you. Well, I won't see you tomorrow because I'm leaving for Turkey a few days early because I like to get there and get fresh before you guys all arrive so that I have a personality. But I'll see you in a couple days in Turkey.Michael Kenney:That sounds great. Thanks so much, Stephanie.Stephanie Hansen:Okay, bye. Bye.Stephanie Hansen's @StephaniesDish Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stephaniehansen.substack.com/subscribe
My next guest spent over two decades at the intersection of banking, venture capital, and the innovation economy — helping founders, fund managers, and investors build, grow, and scale some of the most exciting companies and firms in the world. He co-built one of the most respected venture banking practices in the country at First Republic Bank — and when that institution collapsed overnight in 2023, he did what great leaders do: he steadied his team, made the right call under enormous pressure, and rebuilt from scratch. Today, as Head of Emerging VC and Innovation Banking at Citizens Private Bank, he's doing it all over again — and by most accounts, better than ever. But what makes Sam Heshmati worth listening to goes beyond his résumé. He's someone who traveled the world at 24 with Richard Branson, lost everything in the 2008 real estate crash, rebuilt his career from his parents' couch, and came out the other side with a philosophy about work, leadership, and life that is as hard-earned as it gets. In this episode you'll learn: 1. Fear is not a reason to avoid opportunity Richard Branson's advice stuck with Sam for decades: assess the risk, and if it's worth it, don't let fear be the deciding factor. Fear alone is disqualifying yourself before you even try. 2. Never blindly follow a leader — ask questions The Victoria Falls barrel moment was the lesson Sam didn't expect. Just because someone you respect is willing to do something doesn't mean you should do it too. Qualify the risk yourself. 3. The first 13 years are for learning, not earning Don't chase titles, promotions, or salary bumps early on. Chase skills. If your employer won't reward those skills, someone else will — but you have to build them first. 4. Setbacks shape you more than success ever will Sam lost everything in 2008 and later watched his bank collapse overnight. Both experiences grew him more than any win. Wisdom comes from getting punched and staying standing, not from gray hair. 5. Solve problems, don't sell things Nobody wants to be sold to. Ask questions, listen, understand what the other person actually needs — and then bring that to the table. Sales is a byproduct of problem-solving. 6. Grittiness beats talent The world is full of smart, talented people. What separates high achievers is the willingness to outwork everyone else and adapt when things don't go as planned. 7. Early arrogance is a silent career killer Sam went on an apology tour years later for how he behaved as a young analyst. Be a sponge early on — you know far less than you think, and the people above you are watching. 8. Authentic relationships are your career infrastructure Being liked and building real relationships are not the same thing. In a small industry, genuine care and consistent value-add over time is what makes you the tiebreaker when it matters. 9. Set boundaries — no one will do it for you People respect the limits you clearly establish. If you don't define what matters outside of work, work will fill everything. And the people counting on you at home can't negotiate on your behalf. Get your free copy of The Career Pivot Playbook
We've done series on 2 weeks on a continent, 2 more weeks on a continent, and now, we're discussing how to spend 2 weeks on a continent based on the 5 senses (taste, smell, touch, sound, and feel). And this week is 2 weeks in Africa! From the spices of Marrakesh to the Big 5 on safari, or the flavors of Cape Town to the rushing water of Victoria Falls, Africa is a feast for the senses! Where would you spend 2 weeks in Africa to satisfy the 5 senses? Relevant Links (may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission-at no additional cost to you!): -South Africa 2 Week itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/perfect-two-week-south-african-honeymoon-itinerary/ -South Africa 10-Day Itinerary: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/10-day-south-africa-itinerary/ -3 Days in Cape Town: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/3-day-cape-town-itinerary/ -Romantic Things to Do in Cape Town: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/fun-things-to-do-in-cape-town-for-couples/ -Cape Town Honeymoon Guide: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/cape-town-honeymoon-best-cape-town-honeymoon-hotels/ -Franschhoek Wine Tram: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/franschhoek-wine-tram-best-route/ -Simbavati River Lodge Review: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/simbavati-river-lodge-review/ -South Africa Honeymoon Guide: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/south-africa-honeymoon-romantic-places-in-south-africa/ -Best Things to Do in Victoria Falls: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com/best-victoria-falls-activities-top-things-to-do-in-victoria-falls/ -3-Day Morocco Desert Tour From Marrakesh: https://getyourguide.stay22.com/worldwidehoneymoon/UMP4GdzZAP Need help planning your trip to France? Check out my trip consulting page: https://francevoyager.com/france-travel-consulting-custom-itineraries/ Traveling to France? Check out our Facebook Group called France Travel Tips to ask/answer questions and learn more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/francevoyager/ Don't forget to follow along! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldwidehoneymoon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldwidehoneymoon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worldwidehoneymoon World Wide Honeymoon Blog: https://worldwidehoneymoon.com France Voyager Blog: https://francevoyager.com Subscribe to the World Wide Honeymoon blog here for monthly updates and tips + get our FREE trip planning guide: https://www.subscribepage.com/o4e5c2
Think river cruising is just castles and cobblestones? Think again. In this episode of All Things Travel, travel advisors Ryan and Julie explore river cruising destinations across four continents — no Europe required.Asia – Mekong River (Vietnam & Cambodia) AmaWaterways' 7-night Riches of the Mekong cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City offers a rare window into Southeast Asian culture. Highlights include a walking tour of a Cambodian village untouched by the Khmer Rouge, a visit to Silk Island on the Mekong River, the Royal Palace and Central Market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's Killing Fields genocide museum, and a bird and forest sanctuary with 70+ species.Africa – Chobe River & Rail (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa & Zambia) A 13-night Rivers and Rails of Africa journey combining a safari river cruise, Victoria Falls, and a luxury rail journey on Rovos Rail. Highlights include Cape Town's Cape of Good Hope, Boulder's Beach African penguins, open-top 4x4 safari for elephants, giraffes, zebra and cape buffalo, a sunset cruise near Victoria Falls, and a scenic rail journey through Zimbabwe.South America – Magdalena River (Colombia) AmaWaterways' 7-night Magic of Colombia cruise from Barranquilla to Cartagena — the only river cruise currently operating on this route. Highlights include village immersions with local families, handcrafted local wares, Spanish colonial architecture, and a tour of UNESCO-recognized Cartagena, including San Felipe Castle and the colorful Getsemaní neighborhood.Ryan and Julie also share a client trip spotlight: a spring break family adventure through Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona.Tune in next: US river cruise destinations — coming in a few weeks.Plan your river cruise: WonderAndBeyondTravel.comKeywords: river cruising, river cruise beyond Europe, Mekong River cruise, Africa river cruise, Colombia river cruise, AmaWaterways, Chobe River safari, Magdalena River, Victoria Falls cruise, Rovos Rail, exotic river cruises, travel podcast, Wonder and Beyond Travel, All Things TravelSupport the showLove the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation" Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page! Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show! Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!
Join Dr Whitney Curry as she interviews Grace Jackson live in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Join the Conversation with Dr. Whitney Curry as she interviews her special guests while in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This episode Dr. Curry talks with Dr. Keva Jackson from Baltimore, MD.
Africa Highlights and Travel Lessons: Egypt Challenges, Gorilla Trekking, Vic Falls, and Cape TownTyler hosts Non Rev Lounge in Austin with returning guest Melissa and her husband Jay, longtime friends who first met Tyler on a Southwest flight and later traveled together to Hawaii. They discuss Melissa and Jay's multi-week Africa trip planned around Jay's 50th birthday, including missing Tyler's family by a few hours in South Africa due to itinerary timing. The conversation covers a difficult, budget-style stop in Egypt (Cairo) with a non-English-speaking driver, getting lost en route to the pyramids, frequent requests for money from vendors and even a police officer, confusion around museum pickup logistics, being taken to an underwhelming “bazaar,” disappointment about a cheaper-than-expected dinner cruise, and an unpleasant hotel dining payment incident; they conclude Egypt is better done via a prepaid guided tour or river cruise. They then describe traveling through Rwanda and Uganda, visiting the Kigali Genocide Museum (highly emotional and impactful, leading them to skip the planned city tour) and completing a gorilla trek in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest They also recount activities around Victoria Falls such as the Devil's Pool experience on the Zambia side (swimming across, proximity to hippos/crocodiles, and fish nibbling feet), plus zip lining, lion walking (with safety rules and notes about controversy and the operator's reluctance), rafting, and a Botswana safari near Chobe National Park and the Chobe River with many elephants. They touch on flights and logistics—using miles for British Airways into Egypt, buying some intra-Africa flights for reliability (including Ethiopian and Kenya), concerns about weight-restricted flights returning to the U.S. (ultimately flying United to Newark and onward), using candy as a thank-you (sometimes refused as a “bribe”), and doing laundry via sink washing and local services. 00:00 Welcome to NonRev Lounge + Introducing Melissa & Jay01:56 How Tyler & Melissa Met: The Southwest Flight That Started It All02:53 Buddy Passes, Hawaii Trips, and Travel Style Differences04:59 Back to Austin: Texas Weather Whiplash & Catching Up06:07 Why Africa? Planning Jay's 50th Birthday Mega-Trip08:19 Egypt Without a Tour: Pyramids, Scams, and Travel Lessons Learned20:39 Rwanda's Genocide Memorial: The Unexpected Emotional Highlight25:01 Uganda Gorilla Trek: Rain, Porters, and Getting Face-to-Face30:59 Gorilla Rules & Safety: Masks, Guides, and Forest Elephants34:32 Gorilla Trekking Reality Check: Forest Elephants, Time Limits & Extra Minutes35:26 How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost? Congo vs Uganda vs Rwanda36:53 Gorilla Fun Facts: Farts, Tree Hazards & What They Eat38:14 Victoria Falls Bucket List: Devil's Pool on the Edge39:57 Devil's Pool Logistics: Zambia Border, Boat Ride & “Toilet With a View.”42:07 Swimming Near Hippos & Crocs + The Fish That Nibble Your Feet44:27 How Many Days for Vic Falls? Zip Lines, Rafting, Botswana Safari & Visa Tips48:28 Walking With Lions: Controversy, Safety Rules & How Close You Get56:26 Cape Town Highlights: Lion's Head Sunrise + Table Mountain Sunset01:00:50 Flights, Getting Home & Travel Hacks: Miles, Weight Limits, Candy & Laundry01:09:33 Kruger Self-Drive Safari: Roads, Permits & Elephant Overload01:12:22 Wrap-Up, Thanks for Listening + Sponsor MessageStaffTraveler is offering a 10% code for any of our listeners who buy their eSIM.Use the Promo code ST10NONREVLOUNGE https://share.stafftraveler.com/nrl-esim✈StaffTraveler is a great app that can assist your non-rev travels! Use it to find the loads for your non-rev travel! Use this to sign up:https://stafftraveler.com/nonrevlounge
Today we are heading to Victoria Falls, one of the most awe inspiring places on the planet. Known locally as Mosi oa Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders, this is a place where mist hangs in the air, the earth vibrates beneath your feet, and nature puts on a show unlike anywhere else in Africa. I am joined by Sara Gardiner, owner of Matetsi Victoria Falls, a beautiful lodge just minutes from the Falls and surrounded by incredible wildlife. Sara and I chat about the legends that shaped local understanding of the Falls, what those first explorers must have felt when they encountered this massive curtain of water, the rewilding of the Matetsi reserve, and her favorite ways for travelers to experience both the adventure and the quiet magic of this region. I hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation with Sara Gardiner. Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn
We're taking you to Iguazu Falls, one of the world's greatest natural wonders and largest waterfalls. It has 75 separate cataracts across a span of two and one-half miles, wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara Falls and more dramatic than both. 80% of the falls are on the Argentinian side and 20% are on the Brazilian side.Episode Highlights:Visiting the Brazilian side of the falls including Devil's ThroatVisiting the Argentinian side of the falls via the Upper CircuitGran Adventura boat ride to the fallsWhere to stay in Iguazu Falls: We loved our stay at Loi Suites, but if you love a luxury stay then consider staying at the Gran Melia.Don't forget your bug spray!! This is a very tropical, lush, humid area and you will need it. We live and die by this Sawyer insect repellent!This Iguazu Falls trip was a continuation of a Gate1 guided tour that started in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and then went to Buenos Aires, Argentina so go back and listen to those episodes too!Find a great flight deal to Iguazu Falls, or anywhere else, by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and get flight deals sent straight to your inbox. Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Shop: Trip Itineraries & Amazon Storefront Connect: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram and contact us at travelsquadpodcast@gmail.com to submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising. Submit a question of the week or inquire about guest interviews and advertising.
Welcome to episode 120 of The Journey Is the Reward!Prepare for the continuing high-flying stories and adventures across Southern Africa.The episode begins with Ground Control Howie taxiing the group to the Cape Town International (CPT) for the next leg of their journey, a flight to Victoria Falls. Immediately, they encountered turbulence with Brian's Priority Pass access, resulting in a temporary grounding. However, quick thinking from either Gerrit or Jim bypassed the holding pattern. They successfully executed a rescue mission, allowing Brian to join the crew in the lounge closer to the departure gate, ensuring smooth sailing into their next flight.With ground operations complete, the crew boarded their scheduled service flight with ProFlight Zambia on a CRJ-500, as they headed toward the mighty mist of Victoria Falls. They landed safely at the Victoria Falls (VFA) aerodrome where they logged three days at the Avani hotel and enjoyed the spectacular Victoria Falls and surrounding areas. The group also explored the town of Livingstone with a very pregnant Connie was acting as their friendly tour guide. During this layover, Malin, Gerrit and Brian also completed a cross-border transit—a quick international hop—gaining another Passport Stamp as they walked across the Victoria Falls Bridge to enter Zimbabwe. Following the successful layover, the crew transitioned smoothly into Botswana. Here they engaged in specialized safaris conducted by both land and rivercraft. Treating themselves to First Class Amenities, they enjoyed therapeutic massages by CasLea Beauty Spa. Brian, ever the charismatic traveler, found a lifelong friend in his favorite masseuse, Cassandra! The show closes with an announcement: a special recording with the whole flight crew was captured inside the airport lounge. However, listeners will have to wait for the next episode to hear the full crew banter from the terminal!And as always, our ears are blessed by the utterly soul-stirring, goosebump-inducing sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their Welcome and Goodbye songs, recorded straight from the Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia, are pure magic.
Rose Kiseli, general manager-commercial for Kenya Airways, talks with David Cogswell of Insider Travel Report about the airline's nonstop service between New York JFK and Nairobi and its extensive network connecting travelers throughout East Africa, West Africa and southern Africa. Kiseli highlights the 14-hour direct flight on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner that reduces jetlag and provides seamless connections to destinations including Masai Mara, Serengeti, Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, Accra and Lagos through partnerships with Delta, JetBlue and Safari Link. For more information, visit www.kenya-airways.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
Jamie Henson, founder and director of the Shongwe brand, talks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, about the growth of his boutique lodges—Shongwe Lookout, Shongwe Oasis and the soon-to-open Shongwe Simbisa. Henson shares how the brand supports the local community through preschool education, a program employing single mothers to collect and repurpose waste, and a refillable water bottle initiative that has cut plastic use by 20,000 bottles a year. For more information, visit https://shongwelookout.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
As part of the Remembering Wildlife podcast series, and to celebrate 10 Years of Remembering Wildlife, this special episode takes you behind the lens with some of the world's leading wildlife photographers. From leopards in Kruger to elephants at Victoria Falls, their images have helped raise over £1.23 million GBP / $1.58 million USD for frontline conservation and brought global attention to threatened species.Join founder of Remembering Wildlife, Margot Raggett MBE in this episode plus world class wildlife photographers Adam Bannister, Federico Veronesi, Will Burrard-Lucas, Tristan Dicks and Todd Gustafson as they share the stories behind their most powerful photographs - the moments in the field that became part of the Remembering Wildlife movement.
In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World, I share unforgettable experiences from Southern Africa and Sicily. From visiting a school in Zimbabwe to sunset cruises on the Zambezi, and from climbing Mount Etna to exploring crystal-clear Sicilian waters, I break down the lessons, logistics, and takeaways that teachers can use when planning their own student trips abroad.Episode Highlights:Southern Africa:Visiting a school in Zimbabwe and playing a pick-up soccer game with students.Touring Nelson Mandela's house.Safari adventures, including close encounters with wildlife.Crossing into Zambia by bicycle and a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, complete with hippos and the thunder of Victoria Falls.Sicily:Why Sicily stole my heart and how it compares to hotspots like Amalfi.Mount Etna adventures and body rafting experiences.Exploring Palermo catacombs and crystal-clear coastal waters.Wrapping Up:Key takeaways from each destination: student engagement, cultural immersion, and logistical lessons.To help market your world travel program, be sure to use the Ultimate Marketing Tool Kit . The Tool Kit comes with a dedicated marketing plan and all of the resources you will need to help advertise and build your world travel program. Check out more World Travel Resources that will help prepare your students for traveling overseas by clicking here! In addition, be sure to join the Teacher Show Me the World Facebook group to be a part of a community of like-minded educators who show their students the world!
"A life worth living is lived at the edges, where it is wild" - Rick Ridgeway Rick Ridgeway is one of the greatest mountaineers of all time. In this in-depth interview he shares the adventures that have come to define his life, and the wisdom he has learned along the way. Highlights include Getting lost while sailing across the Pacific Ocean in search of Tahit.i Taking the famous newscaster Tom Brokaw to the summit of Mount Rainier with legendary climbers Yvonne Chouinard and Doug Tompkins. Nearly dying of hypothermia while kayaking across a frozen lake in Chilean Patagonia. Discovering what it feels like to be trapped in an avalanche facing certain death. The most profound adventure of his life, a journey through the Himalayas in search of a lost friend. Learning the wisdom of a life spent in the wild and how nature can be our greatest teacher CONNECT WITH RICK Rick's latest book is called 'Life Lived Wild: Adventures at the Edge of the Map'. It is a beautiful memoir of a life lived to the full, immersed in the beauty and adventure of the natural world. Through this episode we will also hear some of Rick's other favorite tales of adventure and learn the wisdom those wild places have given him. More info at www.patagonia.com CONNECT WITH US If you enjoy the show, please subscribe on whatever podcast player you're reading this on right now. Go on, do it. It means you get to choose what episodes you listen to, rather than the algorithm guess (wrongly) and kick us off your feed. Facebook: @armchairexplorerpodcast Instagram: @armchairexplorerpodcast Special Offer: we've revived our NEWSLETTER! (scroll to the bottom of our homepage to sign up). And contact us for a free copy of our my ebook: The 50 Greatest Wonders of the World Award-winning travel journalist Aaron Millar reveals the greatest wonders of the world and the insider secrets on how to see them. From where to catch the perfect sunrise over the Grand Canyon to how to swim up to the very edge of the Victoria Falls, this is a road map for discovering the greatest experiences of your life. Armchair Explorer is produced by Armchair Productions. Aaron Millar presented the show, Charles Tyrie does the audio editing and sound design. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the link below: https://link.chtbl.com/r7CGsP51 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"A life worth living is lived at the edges, where it is wild" - Rick Ridgeway Rick Ridgeway is one of the greatest mountaineers of all time. In this in-depth interview he shares the adventures that have come to define his life, and the wisdom he has learned along the way. Highlights include Getting lost while sailing across the Pacific Ocean in search of Tahit.i Taking the famous newscaster Tom Brokaw to the summit of Mount Rainier with legendary climbers Yvonne Chouinard and Doug Tompkins. Nearly dying of hypothermia while kayaking across a frozen lake in Chilean Patagonia. Discovering what it feels like to be trapped in an avalanche facing certain death. The most profound adventure of his life, a journey through the Himalayas in search of a lost friend. Learning the wisdom of a life spent in the wild and how nature can be our greatest teacher CONNECT WITH RICK Rick's latest book is called 'Life Lived Wild: Adventures at the Edge of the Map'. It is a beautiful memoir of a life lived to the full, immersed in the beauty and adventure of the natural world. Through this episode we will also hear some of Rick's other favorite tales of adventure and learn the wisdom those wild places have given him. More info at www.patagonia.com CONNECT WITH US If you enjoy the show, please subscribe on whatever podcast player you're reading this on right now. Go on, do it. It means you get to choose what episodes you listen to, rather than the algorithm guess (wrongly) and kick us off your feed. Facebook: @armchairexplorerpodcast Instagram: @armchairexplorerpodcast Special Offer: we've revived our NEWSLETTER! (scroll to the bottom of our homepage to sign up). And contact us for a free copy of our my ebook: The 50 Greatest Wonders of the World Award-winning travel journalist Aaron Millar reveals the greatest wonders of the world and the insider secrets on how to see them. From where to catch the perfect sunrise over the Grand Canyon to how to swim up to the very edge of the Victoria Falls, this is a road map for discovering the greatest experiences of your life. Armchair Explorer is produced by Armchair Productions. Aaron Millar presented the show, Charles Tyrie does the audio editing and sound design. SPONSORS: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ARMCHAIR and get on your way to being your best self. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the link below:
Every month on Pathways, host Aaron Millar and producer Jason Paton crack open a few stories, play their favorite clips, and take you on a whirlwind preview of what's coming up this month on Armchair Explorer. It's part travel hangout, part behind-the-scenes, and a whole lot of part “wait, you did what?” Special Offer: we've revived our NEWSLETTER! (scroll to the bottom of our homepage to signup) And contact us for a free copy of our fearless leader Aaron Millar's ebook: The 50 Greatest Wonders of the World Award-winning travel journalist Aaron Millar reveals the greatest wonders of the world and the insider secrets on how to see them. From where to catch the perfect sunrise over the Grand Canyon to how to swim up to the very edge of the Victoria Falls, this is a road map for discovering the greatest experiences of your life. This Month on Pathways: Stargazing with the Bedouin in the Arabian DesertNight has fallen over the Arabian desert, pillows and blankets are laid out in the sand, and our guide, Badrea, begins to share the secrets of bedouin stars ‘Giggly Landings' in a Hot Air BalloonEver wondered what it feels like to crash land a balloon in the middle of a UNESCO heritage site? Turns out it's surprisingly funny. In the Footsteps of J.R.R Tolkien in SwitzerlandDiscover the hike that inspired Tolkien's Lord of the Rings … and a swiss mountain hut, that might just be the coolest place to stay in the alps. Hamming it up in a Kyrgyzstani JailCurious how to survive in a Kyrgyzstani prison? In the middle of his 16,000-mile trek around the world, Arjun Bhogle learns how … Busking for your Supper in SpainCelebrated adventurer Alastair Humphreys takes on his most daunting challenge yet: 500-miles across Spain with nothing but busking and bad violin playing to pay for his food. SPONSORS: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ARMCHAIR and get on your way to being your best self. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the link below: Ready to Explore? If you're into real stories of epic places told by the people who've lived them, make sure to subscribe—that way you choose the adventure, not the algorithm. Instagram: @armchairexplorerpodcast Facebook: @armchairexplorerpodcast Armchair Explorer is produced by Armchair Productions. Aaron Millar and Jason Paton presented the show, Charles Tyrie did the audio editing and sound design.
Every month on Pathways, host Aaron Millar and producer Jason Paton crack open a few stories, play their favorite clips, and take you on a whirlwind preview of what's coming up this month on Armchair Explorer. It's part travel hangout, part behind-the-scenes, and a whole lot of part “wait, you did what?” Special Offer: we've revived our NEWSLETTER! (scroll to the bottom of our homepage to signup) And contact us for a free copy of our fearless leader Aaron Millar's ebook: The 50 Greatest Wonders of the World Award-winning travel journalist Aaron Millar reveals the greatest wonders of the world and the insider secrets on how to see them. From where to catch the perfect sunrise over the Grand Canyon to how to swim up to the very edge of the Victoria Falls, this is a road map for discovering the greatest experiences of your life. This Month on Pathways: Stargazing with the Bedouin in the Arabian DesertNight has fallen over the Arabian desert, pillows and blankets are laid out in the sand, and our guide, Badrea, begins to share the secrets of bedouin stars ‘Giggly Landings' in a Hot Air BalloonEver wondered what it feels like to crash land a balloon in the middle of a UNESCO heritage site? Turns out it's surprisingly funny. In the Footsteps of J.R.R Tolkien in SwitzerlandDiscover the hike that inspired Tolkien's Lord of the Rings … and a swiss mountain hut, that might just be the coolest place to stay in the alps. Hamming it up in a Kyrgyzstani JailCurious how to survive in a Kyrgyzstani prison? In the middle of his 16,000-mile trek around the world, Arjun Bhogle learns how … Busking for your Supper in SpainCelebrated adventurer Alastair Humphreys takes on his most daunting challenge yet: 500-miles across Spain with nothing but busking and bad violin playing to pay for his food Ready to Explore?If you're into real stories of epic places told by the people who've lived them, make sure to subscribe—that way you choose the adventure, not the algorithm. Instagram: @armchairexplorerpodcast Facebook: @armchairexplorerpodcast Armchair Explorer is produced by Armchair Productions. Aaron Millar and Jason Paton presented the show, Charles Tyrie did the audio editing and sound design. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"The future of AV cannot be built by any single vendor" – fighting words or industry truth? And turning the world's largest waterfall into a projection screen? Someone just redefined "thinking big."The video version of this podcast can be found here.Tim Albright is back with another must-watch AVWeek episode! He's joined by industry insiders to unpack the software-defined revolution transforming Pro AV infrastructure, explore the creative genius behind those mind-blowing Victoria Falls projections, and dive into how the power consumption needs of AV are evolving in this tech-driven landscape.Host: Tim AlbrightGuests:Bren Walker – KirkegaardJustin Dawson – Dublin City UniversityPat Venditte – Pearl TechnologiesThis Week In AV:AV Magazine – Elo Touch Solutions Sold to Zebra TechnologiesAV Network – AVIXA Pro AV Index for JuneAVNation – Extron's Ecofficent InitiativerAVe Pubs – Sennheiser Launches Wireless PlannerRoundtable Topics:AV Network – Software-Defined AVAV Magazine – Waterfall Projection MappingAVNation – Evolution of E-PaperSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Liz Biden of The Royal Portfolio talks with Michaela Guzy of Insider Travel Report about how she transformed her family's holiday homes into a collection of luxury properties across South Africa. Biden shares the stories behind each hotel, her creative process, her commitment to art, sustainability and community development, and her plans to expand into Victoria Falls. For more information, visit www.theroyalportfolio.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
As the Ramsar COP15 unfolds in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, the spotlight is once again on global efforts to protect wetlands. Building on the momentum of the Wuhan Declaration adopted at COP14 in China, this year's conference brings together 172 parties to chart a shared path forward. Lei Guangchun and Anthony Phiri discuss priorities and targets Africa and China can set to protect wetlands and promote environmental sustainability for a shared future.
Every month on Pathways, host Aaron Millar and producer Jason Paton crack open a few stories, play their favorite clips, and take you on a whirlwind preview of what's coming up this month on Armchair Explorer. It's part travel hangout, part behind-the-scenes, and a whole lot of part “wait, you did what?” Special Offer: we've revived our NEWSLETTER! (scroll to the bottom of our homepage to signup) And contact us for a free copy of our fearless leader Aaron Millar's ebook: The 50 Greatest Wonders of the World Award-winning travel journalist Aaron Millar reveals the greatest wonders of the world and the insider secrets on how to see them. From where to catch the perfect sunrise over the Grand Canyon to how to swim up to the very edge of the Victoria Falls, this is a road map for discovering the greatest experiences of your life.
Every month on Pathways, host Aaron Millar and producer Jason Paton crack open a few stories, play their favorite clips, and take you on a whirlwind preview of what's coming up this month on Armchair Explorer. It's part travel hangout, part behind-the-scenes, and a whole lot of part “wait, you did what?” Special Offer: we've revived our NEWSLETTER! (scroll to the bottom of our homepage to signup) And contact us for a free copy of our fearless leader Aaron Millar's ebook: The 50 Greatest Wonders of the World Award-winning travel journalist Aaron Millar reveals the greatest wonders of the world and the insider secrets on how to see them. From where to catch the perfect sunrise over the Grand Canyon to how to swim up to the very edge of the Victoria Falls, this is a road map for discovering the greatest experiences of your life.
I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Thursday morning, the 3rd of July, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (Amplified Version): “…but just as it is written [in Scripture], “Things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who gratefully recognise the benefits that He has bestowed].”For God has unveiled them and revealed them to us through the [Holy] Spirit;…” Oh folks. We need to open our eyes. We need to get out of that little matchbox mentality and we need to realise Who it is that you and I are serving! I have just had the privilege of seeing one of the wonders of the world. Yes, I'm talking about the Victoria Falls, where millions of tons of water are going over the edge of a depression in the ground. You see, in order to have a waterfall, you've got to have a mountain so the waterfall can caress down the mountain, but this is not the case with the Victoria Falls. If you've never been here, it is flat. There are no mountains here at all, so what has happened? Well, from a distance, you see a cloud in the sky. You think it's a cloud but it's not a cloud, it's just the mist from this incredible waterfall cascading into the depths of a literal cavity in the ground. Now, as a little boy coming from Central Africa, I've seen it many times, but you see the Lord talks about the Spirit of God that opens our spiritual eyes to see it in a different context. Oh folks. How can you believe that this happened by coincidence? No, this is the handwork of a mighty God!Now, what is it in your life today that you feel is too big for your God to handle? There is nothing too hard for God. That's what the Lord said to Sarah when she was close to a hundred years old and He said, ”You're going to have a baby.” I mean, it's impossible, but for God nothing is impossible. I want to tell you, I stood on the edge of that Victoria Falls. I got absolutely soaked by rain, but the rain wasn't coming from the clouds. There were no clouds. It was coming from the mist that this incredible waterfall was making. Today, open your spiritual eyes and see what God has in store for you, and it will lift you. It will build your faith and you'll start to believe for the impossible.Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day, Goodbye.
"We paddled out to the first net, and there were 12 pilot whales huddled up against it, completely traumatized because they could hear the other 40 members of their pod being massacred yards away. They were screaming. I remember a little baby pilot whale breached and stuck her head out to look at us with curiosity. I took as a request - a sacred compact to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves…to try and give voice to the other species on this planet that can't defend themselves." The Japanese government once issued an arrest warrant for novelist Peter Heller for his role in the Academy Award-winning documentary The Cove. The crime? Paddling surfboards into a small bay, where local fishermen were actively killing pilot whales, to protest the slaughter. But this is just one piece of Peter's story. He's an expert expedition kayaker, journalist and adventure writer. On top of all that he happens to be one of my heroes! We featured Peter in a signature episode last year called ‘ADVENTURE: Whale Warriors and Eco-Pirates: Patrolling the Southern Ocean with Best-Selling Author Peter Heller,' where he joined an eco-pirate ship to take on whaling fleets. It's an incredibly moving tale that he describes beautifully. But in this episode for our CONNECTION series, we're diving deeper and getting stuck into the rest of his story. We'll talk about Hemingway and living in a teepee as a kid, Soviet kayakers and well-earned vodka, bigfoot pranks, tragedy on training runs, unexplored Tibetan rivers, and infiltrating a secret cove. So without further ado, here's my full conversation with Peter Heller. CONNECT WITH PETER HELLER Peter's novels transport you to wild and beautiful places, whilst keeping you page-turning on the edge of your seat. Find out more about his books at peterhellerauthor.com His latest novel, Burn, is about two men—friends since boyhood—who emerge from the woods of rural Maine to a dystopian country racked by bewildering violence. CONNECT WITH US If you enjoy the show, please subscribe on whatever podcast player you're reading this on right now. Go on, do it. It means you get to choose what episodes you listen to, rather than the algorithm guess (wrongly) and kick us off your feed. Following the show on socials will definitely maybe bring you good travel karma! Facebook: @armchairexplorerpodcast Instagram: @armchairexplorerpodcast Special Offer: we've revived our NEWSLETTER! (scroll to the bottom of our homepage to sign up). And contact us for a free copy of our my ebook: The 50 Greatest Wonders of the World Award-winning travel journalist Aaron Millar reveals the greatest wonders of the world and the insider secrets on how to see them. From where to catch the perfect sunrise over the Grand Canyon to how to swim up to the very edge of the Victoria Falls, this is a road map for discovering the greatest experiences of your life. Armchair Explorer is produced by Armchair Productions. Aaron Millar presented the show, Jason Paton did the audio editing and sound design. Our theme music is by the artist Sweet Chap.
"We paddled out to the first net, and there were 12 pilot whales huddled up against it, completely traumatized because they could hear the other 40 members of their pod being massacred yards away. They were screaming. I remember a little baby pilot whale breached and stuck her head out to look at us with curiosity. I took as a request - a sacred compact to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves…to try and give voice to the other species on this planet that can't defend themselves." The Japanese government once issued an arrest warrant for novelist Peter Heller for his role in the Academy Award-winning documentary The Cove. The crime? Paddling surfboards into a small bay, where local fishermen were actively killing pilot whales, to protest the slaughter. But this is just one piece of Peter's story. He's an expert expedition kayaker, journalist and adventure writer. On top of all that he happens to be one of my heroes! We featured Peter in a signature episode last year called ‘ADVENTURE: Whale Warriors and Eco-Pirates: Patrolling the Southern Ocean with Best-Selling Author Peter Heller,' where he joined an eco-pirate ship to take on whaling fleets. It's an incredibly moving tale that he describes beautifully. But in this episode for our CONNECTION series, we're diving deeper and getting stuck into the rest of his story. We'll talk about Hemingway and living in a teepee as a kid, Soviet kayakers and well-earned vodka, bigfoot pranks, tragedy on training runs, unexplored Tibetan rivers, and infiltrating a secret cove. So without further ado, here's my full conversation with Peter Heller. CONNECT WITH PETER HELLER Peter's novels transport you to wild and beautiful places, whilst keeping you page-turning on the edge of your seat. Find out more about his books at peterhellerauthor.com His latest novel, Burn, is about two men—friends since boyhood—who emerge from the woods of rural Maine to a dystopian country racked by bewildering violence. CONNECT WITH US If you enjoy the show, please subscribe on whatever podcast player you're reading this on right now. Go on, do it. It means you get to choose what episodes you listen to, rather than the algorithm guess (wrongly) and kick us off your feed. Following the show on socials will definitely maybe bring you good travel karma! Facebook: @armchairexplorerpodcast Instagram: @armchairexplorerpodcast Special Offer: we've revived our NEWSLETTER! (scroll to the bottom of our homepage to sign up). And contact us for a free copy of our my ebook: The 50 Greatest Wonders of the World Award-winning travel journalist Aaron Millar reveals the greatest wonders of the world and the insider secrets on how to see them. From where to catch the perfect sunrise over the Grand Canyon to how to swim up to the very edge of the Victoria Falls, this is a road map for discovering the greatest experiences of your life. Armchair Explorer is produced by Armchair Productions. Aaron Millar presented the show, Jason Paton did the audio editing and sound design. Our theme music is by the artist Sweet Chap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Every month on Pathways, host Aaron Millar and producer Jason Paton crack open a few stories, play their favorite clips, and take you on a whirlwind preview of what's coming up this month on Armchair Explorer. It's part travel hangout, part behind-the-scenes, and a whole lot of part “wait, you did what?” Special Offer: we've revived our NEWSLETTER! (scroll to the bottom of our homepage to signup) And contact us for a free copy of our fearless leader Aaron Millar's ebook: The 50 Greatest Wonders of the World Award-winning travel journalist Aaron Millar reveals the greatest wonders of the world and the insider secrets on how to see them. From where to catch the perfect sunrise over the Grand Canyon to how to swim up to the very edge of the Victoria Falls, this is a road map for discovering the greatest experiences of your life.
Every month on Pathways, host Aaron Millar and producer Jason Paton crack open a few stories, play their favorite clips, and take you on a whirlwind preview of what's coming up this month on Armchair Explorer. It's part travel hangout, part behind-the-scenes, and a whole lot of part “wait, you did what?” Special Offer: we've revived our NEWSLETTER! (scroll to the bottom of our homepage to signup) And contact us for a free copy of our fearless leader Aaron Millar's ebook: The 50 Greatest Wonders of the World Award-winning travel journalist Aaron Millar reveals the greatest wonders of the world and the insider secrets on how to see them. From where to catch the perfect sunrise over the Grand Canyon to how to swim up to the very edge of the Victoria Falls, this is a road map for discovering the greatest experiences of your life.
Robbie and Paul first met each other almost 3 years ago when Robbie attended his first Zimbabwe Professional Guides Association meeting in Victoria Falls. At that meeting Robbie was introduced to Paul's extensive knowledge about all things history, anthropology, and natural sciences. Paul is an absolute wealth of knowledge. Paul Hubbard lives in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and is a guide, anthropologist, archaeologist, and general “knower of all things” as it relates to the history of hunting and hunting culture in Zimbabwe. Today, he and Robbie cover history from Stone Age to Iron Age hunters in Southern Africa in the first of what will be a long running series of podcasts we have here at Blood Origins! Get to know the guest: https://www.africa-adventure.com/guides/paul-hubbard/ Do you have questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG or through email at info@bloodorigins.com Support our Conservation Club Members! Wintershoek Safaris: https://www.wintershoeksafaris.com/ Buffalo Kloof: https://www.buffalokloof.co.za/ Hwange Safari Company: https://www.hwangesafaris.com/ See more from Blood Origins: https://bit.ly/BloodOrigins_Subscribe Music: Migration by Ian Post (Winter Solstice), licensed through artlist.io This podcast is brought to you by Bushnell, who believes in providing the highest quality, most reliable & affordable outdoor products on the market. Your performance is their passion. https://www.bushnell.com This podcast is also brought to you by Silencer Central, who believes in making buying a silencer simple and they handle the paperwork for you. Shop the largest silencer dealer in the world. Get started today! https://www.silencercentral.com This podcast is brought to you by Safari Specialty Importers. Why do serious hunters use Safari Specialty Importers? Because getting your trophies home to you is all they do. Find our more at: https://safarispecialtyimporters.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we're joined by Gaby Roslin. Gaby first burst onto our screens in the early 1990s, co-hosting The Big Breakfast with Chris Evans - a show that would become one of the most iconic breakfast TV programmes in the UK. Since then, she's carved out an extraordinary career as a presenter and broadcaster, spanning television, radio, and podcasting interviewing everyone from Michael Jackson, to the cast of Friends.Gaby is also a passionate traveller, with a deep-rooted sense of wonder about the world. In this episode, she takes us from the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, a country close to her heart, to the timeless beauty of Rome and Florence in Italy, and the rhythm and soul that captivated her in Havana, Cuba.So let's dive into the travel diaries of Gaby Roslin.Holly's Destination Recap:Ikos, Andalusia, Spain Gaby's Destination Recap: Zimbabwe Victoria Falls, ZimbabweRome, Italy Florence, Italy Galapagos Islands, EcuadorSan Juan Islands, Washington, USAAlonissos, GreeceHavana, CubaNo 15 Guesthouse Hotels, Bath, England ThailandIndiaHimalayas, NepalThe Nest, The Treehouse Hotel, London, England With thanks to my sponsors today - Citalia - Discover the real Italy with Citalia, the UK's leading Italian holiday specialists. Let the Italy Experts craft the perfect holiday for you and experience Italy like a Citalian.Airbnb - Visit Airbnb.com and find out more. Prospective Hosts can learn more about how much they can earn sharing their space through the What's My Place Worth Tool.Saily - Download the SAILY app and use our code TRAVELDIARIES at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase Thanks so much for listening today. If you want to be the first find out who is joining me on next week's episode come and follow me on Instagram I'm @hollyrubenstein, and you'll also find me on TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This past October, Carli and several other GWT members were lucky enough to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa as our third ever GWT group trip! Follow along as we learn about the group's experiences in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia and hear about epic safari drives, hikes, camping, and other adventures. Stay tuned to learn about GWT's upcoming group trips and how you can be a part of the next one!
THE Tiffany Haddish joins Seth and Josh on the pod this week! She talks all about working for the airlines and taking trips with her perks, seeing the world's largest buddha in Thailand, traveling to Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River during a full moon, officially becoming a naturalized Eritrean citizen, stories of skeletons of giants in the Grand Canyon, and so much more! See Tiffany co-host Black Comedy in America Tuesdays at 10PM ET/PT on VICE TV. Support our sponsors:AirbnbThanks to Airbnb for their support of Family Trips. Visit Airbnb.com today and book a guest favorite. These are the most beloved homes on Airbnb. Public RecUpgrade your wardrobe instantly and save 20% off with the code TRIPS at https://www.publicrec.com/trips #publicrecpod #familytrips #sethmeyers #joshmeyers #tiffanyhaddish Executive Producers: Rob Holysz & Jeph Porter Creative Producer: Sam Skelton Coordinating Producer: Derek Johnson Mix & Master: Josh Windisch Episode Artwork: Analise Jorgensen