Travel With Meaning

In this episode of the Travel with Meaning podcast, we sit down with Henley Vazquez, co-founder of Fora Travel and a self-proclaimed hotel junkie. Henley's journey into the travel industry was anything but conventional—from growing up on a farm in Virginia to building a cutting-edge travel agency that empowers advisors and travelers alike. Along the way, she shares stories of her early travel experiences, including a childhood trip to Cancun that didn't go quite as planned, and how she unexpectedly fell in love with the world of travel while working at a magazine. Henley opens up about raising $13 million during the pandemic, the importance of community within the travel industry, and the exciting future of travel advising with new tools and technology. She also recounts her meaningful travel experiences, including a powerful trip to Rwanda and why the people you meet along the way are often the best part of the journey. Tune in to hear Henley's infectious passion for travel and learn how she's helping others discover their own adventure—whether it's booking luxury hotels or finding a hidden gem halfway across the globe. Be sure to subscribe, share, and enjoy the ride with us!

EP. 76 is all about following your dreams and blazing a trail as we learn about the journey of India born, California raised songstress, Zoya Mohan. She's been praised by Rolling Stone, ELLE, GQ, MTV, Vh1, Harpers Bazaar, and more for her recollective songwriting and collection of catchy pop gems. She's gained recognition from heavyweights AR Rahman and The Chainsmokers while touring on festival bills and as a support act for the likes of Kawehi, Natty, Lucy Rose, Madame Gandhi, Youngr, Submotion Orchestra, Bloc Party, Clean Bandit, and Martin Garrix. Returning to Los Angeles after a four year stint touring India, Zoya kicked off her debut US album, Bad Girls Dream, with a radio-friendly pop anthem featuring Grammy-nominated and Billboard Hot 100 charting rapper, Jack Harlow. Music has been her blood from an early age, but it was traveling with her father in her teen years that created the foundation to allow Zoya to dream big. She shares a poignant moment from an experience her dad sent her on in Peru at 27:40, with a wow, deep moment at 28:18. We're excited to introduce you to Zoya as she embarks on the next part of her journey. Give her a follow on Instagram @iamzoya   

Hello Community! This episode is kicking off  season 5 of the podcast.  Season 5, wow!   It's not a full-length episode hence the 74.5, rather this episode is a reflection on how and WHY Travel With Meaning started.  From hosting Travel Talk Live events in Los Angeles starting in 2017 to launching a podcast in 2019. Our passion and excitement to share authentic, inspiring, and meaningful travel stories from extraordinary guests to connect with our community is more important than ever.  Big thank you to all the brands who believed in Travel With Meaning from day one and supported our community at the Travel Talk Live events.  Shout out to: Prana, Cava, Fjallraven, Roark, Travellers autobarn, Feel Good Salsa, Goodr, One Coconut, Surf Air, Kite Hill, Design Hotels and Kind Traveler.   Travel With Meaning wouldn't be anything without our community of amazing travelers sharing their stories.  We do miss the In Real Life (IRL) connection our community gained from Travel Talk Live events and hope to be able host intimate live events soon. This episode will also give you the lineup of incredible guests for season five…I mean season five, how cool is that!  You don't want to miss the conversations of this season with:  The man who's been called "The Business Mystic" Finnian Kelly, what was the trip he took when needing to reset in his life?  We hear from India born and California raised Zoya Mohan on her adventures touring India in her twenties as a pop star. Then joining us is hospitality innovator and Managing Partner of Sandstone Developments Jayson Seidman sharing some of his cool new projects, vision for the future, and his first big meaningful trip. Acclaimed entrepreneur and author Shaahin Cheyene will share epic adventure stories from his rise as the King of the thrill pill cult. His recently launched book Billion is unreal and highly recommended. We'll also talk with Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, the Founders of The Kinsey Collection, the largest privately held collection of African American Art & History celebrating African American achievements and contributions from 1595 to present day. I've had the privilege of knowing the Kinsey's for over thirty years as I grew up with their son and past podcast guest, Khalil Kinsey. I'll also speak with TV personality and Radio host Shira Lazar Co-Founder of What's Trending. Then up is outdoor experiential entrepreneur and Utah's 30 under 30 recipient Kyle Chenn.  Season 5 is brought to you by our friends at UnCruise the small ship adventure company and TopTipper a forward thinking and simple cashless tipping App. It's going to be a memorable and meaningful season…so make sure you subscribe and please share with your friends the stories that move, touch and inspire you! Ok…enjoy 74.5 and I'll see you on the open road!

What happens when you trade speed for stillness? In this special episode, Mike shares his journey along the legendary Danube River aboard the Riverside Mozart. From the historic streets of Vienna to quiet castles and vineyards, this slow travel experience reveals why river cruising isn't just another trip — it's an invitation to breathe, connect, and be fully present. Along the way, Mike talks with the Riverside crew, and fellow travelers to explore what makes this kind of journey different — from intimate hospitality and local cuisine to community, wellness, and moments under the stars. If you've ever dreamed of slowing down without missing out, this episode will make you rethink how you travel. What to Listen For [00:00:00] Welcome from Vienna and intro to Riverside Luxury Cruises [00:01:18] Why Vienna sets the perfect tone for the journey [00:03:07] Ocean vs. river cruising — the flow that changes everything [00:04:31] Nicole on how Riverside exceeded expectations [00:06:50] Intimate hospitality: Sonja explains why river cruising is different [00:08:47] Communal spaces, music, and creating connection onboard [00:10:06] Chef Johannes on local sourcing and authentic regional cuisine [00:12:13] Wellness and slow travel — saunas, spas, and stillness [00:13:48] The beauty of slowing down with someone you love [00:15:16] A moment of stillness: Nicole's favorite memory on deck [00:17:19] Chad on why river cruising reveals the world's hidden beauty [00:18:28] Jenn on travel as a calling, not just a job [00:19:54] Finding stillness, reflection, and your North Star on the river

Recorded in front of a live audience at the KINN in Venice Beach as part of their weekly Startup Café series, this is a special Travel Talk episode hosted by Travel With Meaning, exploring how travel can spark entrepreneurial ideas. We discussed global brands like Starbucks, Tom's Shoes, and Away Suitcases — all companies whose founders were inspired by travel. In this episode, our two guests share their own stories of how their journeys interweave with their businesses.   First, host Michael sits down with Jeffrey Chernick — serial entrepreneur, author, podcast host, and DJ — who shares the story of a business trip to Japan that didn't go as planned but ultimately inspired his newest venture. That journey led him to partner with one of Japan's largest travel platforms, Hafa, to launch Kabuk— a white-glove itinerary service offering personalized plans and exclusive hot deals. This could be one of the best turnkey solutions we've seen for travelers heading to Japan.   We want the Travel With Meaning community to try it out and get your personalized itinerary to start planning your Japan adventure. Here's how: 1. Click this link 2. Click Meet Your Concierge                                                                (a real concierge — not AI) 3. Fill out a short survey about what you'd like to do and where you'd like to go in Japan 4. Add your email and make sure it includes the referral code for Travel With Meaning so you receive special attention, support, and are moved to the front of the line   Kabuk is poised to become one of the leading travel platforms in the U.S., and we're getting an exclusive first look for a mainstream travel community.   Our second guest on this episode is Laura Grier, a renowned adventure photographer and founder of Andeana Hats, who's no stranger to the TWM community.  Laura's love for travel took her to Peru, where she became fascinated by the traditional hat culture of local women. Her "aha" moment turned into a business employing Peruvian artisans and returning income to their communities, often surpassing what the women's husbands earn. Laura's mission with Andeana Hats has also led to launching the nonprofit Maya Missions, further expanding her impact. From Japan's bustling cities to Peru's mountain villages, this episode captures how transformative travel can lead to impactful, purpose-driven businesses.  Links & Resources:    •   Andeana Hats: Click here    •   Laura Grier's incredible photography: Click here    •   Kabuk Travel Concierge: Click here As always, we appreciate the community's support — make sure you subscribe, follow us on all socials, and share this episode with friends and fellow travelers. See you on the open road.  

What happens when a world traveler finds himself detained in one of the most dangerous places on Earth—completely by accident? What happens when a world traveler finds himself detained in one of the most dangerous places on Earth—completely by accident? In this gripping episode of Travel With Meaning, we sit down with Sam Goodwin, an American adventurer whose mission to visit every country in the world took an unexpected and harrowing turn. After successfully traveling to 193 countries, Sam's journey led him to Syria—where a single misstep resulted in him being accused of espionage and held captive for 63 days. What happens when a world traveler finds himself detained in one of the most dangerous places on Earth—completely by accident? In this gripping episode of Travel With Meaning, we sit down with Sam Goodwin, an American adventurer whose mission to visit every country in the world took an unexpected and harrowing turn. After successfully traveling to 193 countries, Sam's journey led him to Syria—where a single misstep resulted in him being accused of espionage and held captive for 63 days. Through humor, humility, and powerful reflection, Sam shares not only how he endured this life-altering experience, but how it deepened his understanding of faith, freedom, and the resilience of the human spirit. His story is a testament to the transformative power of travel—even in its most extreme form—and to the unexpected kindness of strangers in the darkest of places. What to Listen For [00:00:00] Meet Sam Goodwin: How a spontaneous trip became a mission to visit every country [00:06:34] What Sam learned about fear, perception, and hospitality in conflict zones [00:13:20] The day everything changed: Sam's mistaken entry into Syria and sudden arrest [00:19:58] Inside a Syrian prison: survival tactics, mental challenges, and unexpected routines [00:26:42] Faith under fire: how prayer, gratitude, and visualization kept him sane [00:33:10] Release and reintegration: stepping out of captivity and into a new reality [00:39:47] Life after prison: overcoming PTSD, finding purpose, and reclaiming identity [00:46:11] Travel as a teacher: why Sam believes the world is safer than we think [00:52:28] The power of human connection: how kindness changed his perspective forever [00:58:55] Final reflections: what Sam wants every traveler to remember

In this special Travel With Meaning podcast episode, recorded live in front of an intimate audience at The KINN in Venice Beach, we reconnect with Jessica Blotter — CEO and Co-Founder of Kind Traveler, and a returning guest on the show. Jessica shares the powerful origin story of Kind Traveler, sparked by a life-changing trip that opened her eyes to a new way of thinking about travel. We catch up on the platform's inspiring journey, including a meaningful pivot that has deepened its community impact and solidified its role as a leader in purpose-driven hospitality. Through its award-winning Every Stay Gives Back™ program, Kind Traveler has partnered with destinations and hotels in 9 countries, raised over $700,000+ in donations to date for 100+ vetted nonprofits in just 20 months, and redefined what it means to travel with purpose. From early startup challenges to bold pivots and global vision, Jessica's story is packed with inspiration for conscious travelers, mission-driven entrepreneurs, and anyone who believes in doing good while seeing the world. Tune in to hear how kindness, grit, and innovation can transform the way we travel. And discover what it means to travel kindly at KindTraveler.com.   If you like what you hear, please share and subscribe for more meaningful podcast conversations.

On this episode of the Travel With Meaning podcast, we sit down with Nick Monica, the founder and CEO of Gnarwhal Coffee and Companion Restaurant in Venice Beach. Recorded in front of a live audience at The Kinn, this inspiring conversation explores the meaningful experiences that shaped Nick's path—from pivotal mentors and personal growth to the unforgettable road trip that inspired the name "Gnarwhal." Nick is a passionate explorer, entrepreneur, and community builder who's brought his love of travel, storytelling, and connection into everything he creates at Gnarwhal Coffee. His journey is filled with lessons learned on the road, and he's infused that spirit into a space that brings people together every day.  Please share, follow and subscribe for more inspiring travel stories

While recording the Celebrating Seattle series with Jeannette Ceja, in collaboration with Visit Seattle, we had the privilege of meeting inspiring business owners within Seattle's Hispanic-Latino communities. We listened to their stories, explored the evolution of these vibrant communities in Seattle, and discovered what makes the city so special to them. In part 1 and part 2 of the series, we featured insightful conversations with Ana Castro from Salvadorean Bakery, Luis Rodriguez from Station Coffee Shop, and Jaime Mendez from Los Agaves. As a special addition, we recorded part of these interviews in Spanish to honor the wonderful locals we met. This episode, hosted by Jeannette Ceja, is recorded entirely in Spanish as a tribute to the thriving Spanish-speaking and Latino communities in the Emerald City, with Visit Seattle's support. A huge thank you to Jeannette Ceja for your passion and dedication to this project, helping shine a spotlight on Hispanic-Latino travelers and communities.

In this episode of the Travel with Meaning podcast, we sit down with Michaela Guzy, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, travel journalist, and founder of Oh The People You Meet. Michaela's global adventures have taken her to 120 countries, from the savannas of Africa to the lakes of Northern Michigan. In this episode, Michaela shares incredible stories, from navigating lost luggage with the help of social media to summiting mountains and encountering wildlife up close. Michaela dives into her passion for sustainable travel and the human connections she's made across the globe. She reflects on her journey from the corporate world to following her true calling in travel media, explaining why she believes every trip is an opportunity to grow. Join us for this inspiring conversation filled with laughter, unexpected moments, and insights into the beauty of human connection through travel. Don't miss this episode as Michaela Guzy takes us around the world with her most unforgettable experiences and lessons learned along the way! Special thank you to this episode's sponsors: Smooth Move, the #1 tea for going #2. For more information visit www.Traditionalmedicinals.com/smoothmove to shop today and use SM20OFF for a 20% discount World Trips, Atlas Journey travel insurance, visit www.worldtrips.com to explore your coverage options and travel fearlessly with an Atlas Journey plan from WorldTrips. As always, we appreciate your support, please leave a rating, comment, and share the episodes you love. We look forward to seeing you on the open road!

In Episode 119 of the Travel With Meaning podcast, we are thrilled to host Chef Lee Anne Wong, a culinary visionary known for her impactful journey from New York City's fine dining scene to the vibrant food culture of Maui. Chef Wong, a Top Chef alumna, shares her incredible story of moving to Hawaiʻi, opening Koko Head Cafe and eventually planting roots in Maui. After the devastating 2023 wildfire that claimed her Lahaina restaurant, Chef Wong's resilience and dedication shone through as she tirelessly supported her community, cooking thousands of meals daily for displaced residents. She discusses her deep connection to Hawaiʻi, the importance of supporting local farmers, and her advocacy for mental health in the hospitality industry. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Chef Lee Anne Wong, where we explore her culinary adventures, community spirit, and the transformative power of food and travel. Tune in to be reminded of the beauty of Maui, the strength of its community, and the unbreakable bond between the people, the places, and the culture. The people and the spirit of Maui is strong – Maui is open and welcomes you back, now more than ever. Visit GoHawaii.com/Maui.

In this special episode of the Travel With Meaning podcast, host Mike Schibel brings you a unique blend of conversations with renowned chefs and a talented local musician from Maui. They highlight the depth of Maui's culinary and cultural richness, reveal how Maui has impacted their lives, and share their stories of community resilience after the Lahaina wildfires. Recorded at the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, join us  as we chat with, Chef Maneet Chauhan, Chef Stephanie Izard, Chef Jonathan Pasion from Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, and Chef Ryan Schelling from Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, as well as  musician Ua Bradshaw from Maui. This episode is a celebration of the island's resilient community—a community that invites travelers to return to Maui, now more than ever. Tune in to be reminded of the beauty of Maui, the strength of its community, and the unbreakable bond between the people, the places, and the culture. Tune in to this heartfelt episode and be reminded of the beauty of Maui, the strength of its community, and the unbreakable bond between the people, the places, and the culture. The people and the spirit of Maui is strong – Maui is open and welcomes you back, now more than ever. Visit GoHawaii.com/Maui. #TravelWithMeaning #TravelStories #MauiStrong #GoHawaii #VisitMaui   

In episode 117, we welcome Shalini Vadhera, a renowned global beauty expert and entrepreneur. Shalini's journey from a celebrity makeup artist to a leading figure in the beauty industry is truly inspiring. She shares her experiences growing up with a multicultural background and traveling the world, which shaped her unique perspective on beauty. Shalini discusses her brand, Ready, Set, Jet, aimed at empowering women through inclusive beauty solutions and entrepreneurship. Join us as Shalini reveals the beauty secrets she's discovered globally and her commitment to celebrating diversity. This episode is a powerful exploration of the transformative impact of beauty, travel, and embracing what makes us unique. Don't miss this engaging conversation with Shalini Vadera, and be sure to check out Ready, Set, Jet for innovative beauty solutions.

In episode 116, we are thrilled to host visionary filmmaker and storyteller Danny Lee, whose work has profoundly impacted the arts and travel landscape. Danny's journey began with his passion for hip hop, street art, and sports, which he seamlessly wove into a thriving filmmaking career. He takes us behind the scenes of his latest PBS project, "The Express Way with Dulé Hill," highlighting unsung heroic artists across America and showcasing the transformative power of art in healing communities and catalyzing change. Danny recounts his experiences, from a life-changing trip to Taiwan to a trip early in his professional career to explore his roots in Korea,  the diverse streets of Los Angeles, and how his father's passing pushed him to pursue his dreams. He delves into the importance of mentorship and nurturing emerging talent, reflecting on his journey of self-discovery and authentic storytelling. Join us as Danny Lee shares the moments that shaped his career, emphasizing the importance of cultural bridges and the human connections that define us. Subscribe and share if you enjoy the episode, and don't forget to check out "The Express Way with Dulé Hill" on PBS. Special thank you to this episodes sponsors: Smooth Move, the #1 tea for going #2. For more information visit  Traditionalmedicinals.com/smoothmove to shop today and use SM20OFF for a 20% discount World Trips, Atlas Journey travel insurance, visit www.worldtrips.com to explore your coverage options and travel fearlessly with an Atlas Journey plan from WorldTrips. As always, we appreciate your support, please leave a rating, comment, and share the episodes you love. We look forward to seeing you on the open road!

Part 3 of our "Celebrating Seattle" series culminated in gathering our community of like-minded travelers, eager to hear the captivating travel tales and deep affection for Seattle from James Beard Award nominee Chef Kristi Brown of Communion Restaurant in Seattle's Central District. Recorded at Kinn Venice amidst a live audience comprising media, influencers, travel advisors, and travel enthusiasts.   Chef Kristi illuminated how her passion for Seattle's rich and diverse cultures ignited her curiosity to delve into the city and fuel her culinary ingenuity. Her favorite dish might catch you off guard, and her quest to savor this meal was a journey filled with meaning and appreciation. Securing two James Beard nominations in four years stands as a remarkable achievement, and Chef Kristi graciously acknowledged the significance of the honor. She attributes it to the supportive community, her dedicated team, and the vibrant city of Seattle, which has provided her the platform to inspire people worldwide. Before the event, our community mingled over Washington State wines and Pacific Northwest-inspired fare and desserts from Akasha's, kindling the wanderlust for Seattle. Raffle prizes, including Alaska Airlines tickets and a stay at downtown Seattle's Hotel Andra, along with an array of donated items from Visit Seattle partners and friends such as Atrium Kitchen Pike Place, Bite Society, Eighth Generation, Filson, Monorail Espresso Seattle, Arvin Goods, Seattle Refined, and Refugee Artisan Initiative added to the excitement of the evening. A heartfelt thank you to Chef Kristi Brown, Jeannette Ceja, Visit Seattle, and the TWM team as well as the incredible assembly of travelers, for making the night truly memorable. For all your Seattle travel needs and cozy season deals, visit visitseattle.org.  

In part two of our special series "Celebrating Seattle"  in collaboration with Visit Seattle TWM podcast host Mike Schibel is joined again by the acclaimed bilingual travel journalist Jeannette Ceja.  For any traveler, the heart of a destination lies within its people and community. We had the privilege of connecting with remarkable small business owners within the Hispanic, Latino, and BIPOC communities. Exploring hidden treasures, perhaps not yet on the visitor map but beloved by locals, was a true delight. We enjoyed a fantastic cup of coffee on a quintessential cozy Seattle morning at the Station Coffee Shop, where we had the pleasure of conversing with Co-Owner Luis Rodriguez. Luis, who moved to Seattle over thirty years ago from Baja Mexico, shared with us the profound importance of owning a coffee shop—to inspire pride in his children and demonstrate to the youth in the community that they can achieve anything. In Seattle's White Center neighborhood, we ventured to the Salvadorean Bakery, founded by sisters Ana Castro and Aminta Elgin, originally from El Salvador. This establishment, comprising a restaurant, bakery, and market, stands as a pillar in the community. From authentic pupusas to heavenly baked goods, it's no wonder Seattleites rave about this bakery. Having a local guide is invaluable, and we were fortunate to have Laura Clise from Intentionalist show us the diverse tapestry of small businesses and the passionate individuals behind them. Understanding how our everyday choices—where we dine, drink, and shop—impact the places we visit is truly enlightening. Our Seattle journey concluded with a toast alongside Ken Dillon, owner of Footprint Wine Tap, the city's first sustainable keg wine-on-tap bar. The inviting ambiance, stellar wine selection, and warm locals made leaving this spot a challenge. For all your Seattle travel needs and cozy season deals, visit VisitSeattle.org Part three of our special series is coming up with a live podcast recording with acclaimed Chef Kristi Brown.

We're excited to kick off a special three-part podcast series "Celebrating Seattle" in collaboration with Visit Seattle. Our friend Jeannette Ceja, an award-winning bilingual travel journalist and TV host, joins TWM podcast host Mike Schibel to explore some of Seattle's iconic attractions and connect with small business owners in the vibrant Hispanic, Latino, and BIPOC communities. Our adventure in Seattle took place during the cozy season, arguably one of the best times to visit the Pacific Northwest with its mellow vibes, lush scenery, and welcoming locals. Never heard of the cozy season? We suggest giving it a try—we loved it! In part one of "Celebrating Seattle," we explore some of Seattle's most iconic and well-known attractions, including Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Space Needle. For over a hundred years, Pike Place Market has been a staple in Seattle and a top attraction for travelers. During our visit, we explored three Hispanic and Latino-owned restaurants: Maíz, Copacabana, and Los Agaves, serving authentic cuisines from Mexico and Bolivia. Copacabana was the first Bolivian restaurant in the western United States when it opened over sixty years ago. In the second part of the episode, we talk with Randy Cote from the Space Needle and neighboring Chihuly Garden and Glass. We were mesmerized by the work of the famed glassblower and Tacoma, Washington native Dale Chihuly. You've probably seen Chihuly's work around the world, but walking through Chihuly Garden and Glass is an enchanting experience. Sitting in the famed Chihuly Glasshouse, looking up at the Space Needle, we learned the connection between these two landmarks was enhanced in 2018 when the first-of-its-kind revolving glass floor was installed one floor below the upper observation level of the Space Needle. Visitors now have two incredible views of Seattle and the surrounding areas—from looking out at Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, to looking down them at the different neighborhoods of Seattle. Many travelers also noticed the Chihuly Garden and Glass right next door. It was pretty cool to look up at the bottom of the Space Needle from inside the Glasshouse and then look through the top of the Glasshouse from the top of the Space Needle. Travel tip: have lunch at The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass, which sources incredible local dishes and cocktails and displays many of Dale Chihuly's unique collections. A big thank you to all the amazing people we met: Kathy (Maíz), Vivian (Copacabana), Chef Jaime (Los Agaves), and Randy from the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Thank you to our partners on this series, Visit Seattle, for coordinating our adventure, and the wonderful Jeannette Ceja. For all your Seattle travel details and cozy season packages, visit VisitSeattle.org Stay tuned for part two of Celebrating Seattle!

On episode 112 we talk with Mickela Mallozzi the four-time Emmy® Award-winning Host and Executive Producer of Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi, a travel series highlighting the diversity of dance which airs on PBS stations nationwide and on Amazon Prime globally.    A professional dancer and trained musician, Mickela decided to start a journey around the world, taking her camera with her to follow dance in the lives of everyday people wherever she went.  From re-discovering her family's heritage in Southern Italy to dancing tango on the main stage in Buenos Aires, the series covers Mickela's adventures as she experiences the world, one dance at a time.    In this episode, Mickela shares her early memories of traveling with her family to Italy.  This was not the typical Italian vacation, but the experiences left a lasting impression on her future career in TV.  We learn about Mickela's aha moment that came to her in the middle of the night, and how her passion to make friends by dancing with strangers has led her to a community of friends around the world.  We've been lucky on Travel With Meaning to meet incredible travelers, Mickela is a like-minded traveler and a wonderful addition to the TWM community.   To watch episodes of Bare Fee on PBS visit www.travelbarefeet.com Make sure you give Mickela a follow @travelbarefeet   As always we appreciate if you subscribe and share episodes of the TWM podcast you enjoy!   See you on the open road!

In episode 111, we sit down with Jeff Jenkins, the host of Never Say Never on Nat Geo and Disney+, a motivational speaker, and the creative mind behind @chubbydiaries, a platform inspiring individuals of all sizes to explore the globe. Jeff's journey began with his first flight to Japan in his early twenties, a pivotal moment that transformed his life forever. During our conversation, Jeff delves into the stories behind his Never Say Never episodes and recounts his pivotal "AHA moment" when he realized his dream of combining travel with earning a living. Jeff's journey with Chubby Diaries exemplifies his commitment to making this dream a reality. Jeff's authenticity and inspiring journey make him one of the most captivating guests we've had on the podcast.  Don't forget to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on our latest releases!  

Welcome to the 110th episode of the Travel with Meaning podcast. In this distinctive feature, we delve into the tale of a culinary fascination with a dish we encountered in Austria back in 2022. Our journey led us over 6,000 miles to the world's oldest festival dedicated to this particular delicacy. Enter Knödel, the Austrian dish that transcends its once-perceived simplicity, especially in the town of St. Johann. Here, at the Knödelfest, these dumplings are anything but basic. For over four decades, enthusiasts from all walks of life have converged, regardless of the weather, to partake in a day of revelry involving beer and a myriad of Knödel varieties, solidifying St. Johann as the global epicenter of Knödel celebration. Our very own Mike Schibel nurtured his fascination for Knödel and embarked on a pilgrimage to the Austrian Alps to immerse himself in the firsthand experience of Knödelfest. What unfolded on a rainy day in late September could easily be deemed one of the most remarkable food festivals ever attended. Tune in to hear Mike's captivating adventure, offering a glimpse into the world of Knödelfest and the unique culinary journey it entails. All this and more awaits you on this special edition of the Travel with Meaning podcast. Enjoy the journey!