Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast

This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys celebrate the season with discussions of the Immaculate Conception (it’s not what Ryan thinks), an idea for holiday film commentaries yet to come, and the LAST Ugly Ornament contest. And another year passes without seeing pictures of the Nativity Ryan’s father painstakingly carved from a single block of wood. Here’s what we cover in this episode: Debora https://www.instagram.com/deborarest/?hl=en    LATAM 50 Best Restaurants https://www.theworlds50best.com/latinamerica/en/    “White Christmas” movie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Christmas_(film)    Day of the Little Candles https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Little_Candles    Reba McEntire “Christmas Guest” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57fS-9kGZqU    Jimmy Fallon “Chipmunks and Chestnuts” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CChx2qVNl0    Kiernan’s Ugly Ornament for Ryan https://johnderian.com/products/mushroom-person-ornament?srsltid=AfmBOoqJ58ABMzRZ1iiMibeH0zVvGJn3ZumEEEhUAHIicz2ZfBsFIk4T    Ryan’s Ugly Ornament for Kiernan https://www.etsy.com/listing/1814317312/bespoke-funny-prank-xmaschristmas?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=ugly+ornament&ref=sr_gallery-1-9&pro=1&pop=1&content_source=fde4cc23f7c035e7d3ac14a1cd6a7a4bf6a9e3ed%253A1814317312&search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1   

This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan recaps his recent trip to Monterrey, Mexico, covering highlights from the scenic River Walk to an interactive steel museum. He also shares a wild story about a run-in with a bribery-seeking cop in Puerto Vallarta. Here’s what we cover in this episode: https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-go-2025-8739580

This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan talks with one of the greatest Star Wars collectors of all time: Steve Sansweet. Steve is the founder of Rancho Obi-Wan, the largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia in the world. Located in Petaluma CA, the museum is open for public tours, but be sure to pre-book. And if it all goes according to plan, soon Rancho Obi-Wan will be joining forces with 3 other top collections to become the brand-new Saga Museum. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Saga Museum https://ranchoobiwan.org/new-saga-museum-to-celebrate-legacy-of-star-wars-fandom/  Steve Sansweet Bio https://ranchoobiwan.org/board/  Rancho Obi-Wan https://ranchoobiwan.org/  Ralph McQuarrie https://www.iamag.co/star-wars-the-art-of-ralph-angus-mcquarrie-100-concept-art/  Head Man Action Figure https://ranchoobiwan.org/  Lucas Museum of Narrative Art https://lucasmuseum.org/  Last Star Wars episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-office-a-travel-podcast/id1438098925?i=1000581538592  Britannic Explorer https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/12/travel/brittanic-explorer-belmond-train-luxury/index.html  Lidar-delivers again! https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/02/world/americas/maya-city-mexico.html 

In this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan talks with Stephanie Wallach, one of the first women to break into the world of commercial aviation in America. Plus, Kiernan faces an unfortunate bout of gate lice. Follow Along On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/ Things We Talked About In This Week’s Episode:  https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/23/business/american-airlines-line-cutters.html https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/welcome-aboard

On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys embrace Spooktober by sharing their favorite graveyards. Plus, there’s an update on friend of the pod Rick Steves’ health and some Boston travel tips from Kiernan. Things We Talked About In This Week’s Episode:  UPDATE RICK STEVES HEALTH  https://x.com/ricksteves/status/1843844907833950542?s=46 Our Share Of The Night By Mariana Enriquez  https://www.amazon.com/Our-Share-Night-Mariana-Enriquez/dp/0451495144  

In this episode, Ryan chats with Rory, a travel agent, about why people still use agents in 2024 and what it’s like booking tickets for Andrew Scott. Plus, Kiernan talks about his new job as a Boston tour guide. Things We Talked About In This Week’s Episode:  Last Stop Ryan: https://www.businessinsider.com/avoid-visa-mistake-no-middle-name-almost-ruined-trip Kiernan: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/27/world/europe/westminster-abbey-bronte-plaque-accent-marks.html 

This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan and Ryan chat about the deep connections between music and travel, including how a well-chosen song can be the ideal souvenir. They also dig into how much Ryan prepares for each episode. Plus, Norwegian Children’s Music! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Rick Steves endorses Kamala: https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/4878714-rick-steves-endorses-harris/  Travel therapy https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240905121025.htm  ”Earth Room’ https://www.diaart.org/visit/visit-our-locations-sites/walter-de-maria-the-new-york-earth-room-new-york-united-states/     

This week on the pod, Ryan takes us to El Salvador, the land of volcanoes and Bitcoin. Hear about how he almost made it inside a beautiful church and his visit to Hermit Island. Plus, what was the miniature controversy at the Kentucky State Fair? LAST STOP Ryan:  https://nypost.com/2024/08/23/us-news/kentucky-state-fair-removes-ribbon-winning-miniature-after-realizing-it-depicted-a-porn-set/ Kiernan:  https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/vacation-rentals/most-unique-airbnb-stay-every-us-state 

This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan chats with Sarah Robbins, the COO of 21C Museum Hotels, a unique chain that combines modern art and comfortable accommodations. They talk through what it takes to run both a thriving hospitality business AND a compelling art operation. Plus, Things we talk about in this week’s episode: “North to Alaska” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoqVPcXDtUs  21C Museum Hotel https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/  New UNESCO World Heritage Sites https://www.euronews.com/culture/2024/08/02/a-roman-road-sand-dunes-and-gold-mines-these-are-the-24-new-unesco-world-heritage-sites-fo Dems whipping airlines into shape https://www.npr.org/2024/08/01/g-s1-14662/airline-junk-fees-family-seating-dot  

This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys put on their finest yacht-wear and head to that enclave of the rich and famous, The Hamptons. Kiernan talks about what exactly “The Hamptons” refers to, logistics of exploring there as a tourist, and a few cultural treasures hidden out among the seaside mansions. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Hamptons Jitney https://www.hamptonjitney.com/hjmobile/ Surf Lodge https://thesurflodge.com/  Montauk Point Lighthouse https://montaukhistoricalsociety.org/montauk-point-lighthouse/  Coopers Beach https://www.discoverlongisland.com/listing/coopers-beach/1047/  Parrish Art Museum https://parrishart.org/  Pollock-Krasner House https://artistshomes.org/site/pollock-krasner-house-and-study-center  Green River Cemetery https://greenrivercemetery.org/  Museo Cacao https://museocacao.com/  Palmero’s Breaththrough Saint https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/03/world/europe/palermo-catholic-saint-hindu-pantheon.html   Buy “Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide” https://bookshop.org/p/books/secret-boston-an-unusual-guide-kiernan-schmitt/21037780?ean=9782361957179  https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Boston-Unusual-Guide-guides/dp/2361957175 

This week Ryan welcomes his favorite author Kiernan Schmitt to talk about Kiernan’s new guidebook “Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide.” The book is a part of Jonglez Publishing’s “Secret” series, which specializes in historical oddities and way off-the-beaten-path sites fit for locals and enterprising tourists both! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Buy “Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide” https://bookshop.org/p/books/secret-boston-an-unusual-guide-kiernan-schmitt/21037780?ean=9782361957179  https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Boston-Unusual-Guide-guides/dp/2361957175  Secret series: https://jonglezpublishing.com/product-category/secret-guides/  Our interview with Thomas Jonglez https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/travel-book-publisher-thomas-jonglez/id1438098925?i=1000454443728  North End Library Venice Miniature https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/diorama-of-venetian-palace  The Dutch House https://www.redfin.com/MA/Brookline/20-Netherlands-Rd-02445/home/11461795  Arlington Street Church Tiffany Window https://www.ascboston.org/about/building.html  Neon Williams https://neonwilliams.com/  Forest Hills Cemetery “Neighbors” by Christopher Frost https://www.christopherfrost.org/#/neighbors2006/  The Dodecagonal House https://www.bostonpreservation.org/news-item/my-boston-home-dragon-jp  Jumbo’s Ashes at Tufts https://now.tufts.edu/2014/09/22/glory-was-jumbo  BC Labyrinth https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/sites/memorial-labyrinth.html  Dorchester Historic Brick Collection https://www.dorchesterhistoricalsociety.org/exhibits  Greenway Carousel https://www.boston.com/uncategorized/noprimarytagmatch/2013/08/31/greenway-carousel-grand-opening/  Puppet Free Library https://puppetco-op.org/libraries.htm  Climate Change and Turbulence https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/climate-change-is-making-airplane-turbulence-more-common-and-severe-scientists-say-180984440/  Revere Sand Sculpting Festival https://www.internationalsandsculptingfestival.com/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gg7pYzzTUk  Ponyhenge https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/05/02/opinion/ponyhenge-elizabeth-graver/   

Pop! Squish! Six! Uh-Oh! Cicero! Lipschitz! On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys talk about one of their favorite cities in the US: Chicago! Perched on Lake Michigan, the city offers stellar food, world-class art and natural history, and a number of easy-to-find hidden wonders. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Chicago Architecture Tour https://www.architecture.org/tours/detail/chicago-architecture-center-river-cruise-aboard-chicago-s-first-lady/  Tiffany Dome at Chicago Cultural Center https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_culturalcenter-tiffanydome.html  Millennium Park https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html  The Bean https://millenniumparkfoundation.org/art-architecture/cloud-gate/  Buckingham Fountain https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/clarence-f-buckingham-memorial-fountain  Crown Fountain https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_s_publicartcrownfountaininmillenniumpark.html  Wrigley Field https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark  Field Museum https://www.fieldmuseum.org/  Art Institute of Chicago https://www.artic.edu/  Thorne Miniatures https://www.artic.edu/highlights/12/thorne-miniature-rooms  Robie House https://flwright.org/tour/robie-house  Hogsalt https://www.hogsalt.com/  Chicago-Style Hot Dogs https://www.bonappetit.com/story/best-hot-dogs-chicago  Chicago Pizza https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-chicago-pizza-restaurants  Roadside America https://www.roadsideamerica.com/    “Footnotes from the Most Fascinating Museums” by Bob Eckstein https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/18/travel/museum-guide-bob-eckstein-illustrator.html   

On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys luxuriate in Louisville. From exploring hidden walkways to throwing back some bourbon—plus a quick stop to honor The Colonel—Ryan and Kiernan are officially Kentucky converts. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: 21C Museum Hotel https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/louisville/  The Brown Hotel https://www.brownhotel.com/  The Hot Brown https://www.gotolouisville.com/blog/hot-brown/  Louisville Historic Tours https://louisvillehistorictours.com/  Conrad-Caldwell House https://www.conradcaldwell.org/  Louisville’s Olmsted Parks https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-loop/olmsted-parkways  Cave Hill Cemetery https://www.cavehillcemetery.com/  Belle of Louisville Riverboat https://www.belleoflouisville.org/  Louisville Slugger Museum https://www.sluggermuseum.com/  Frazier History Museum https://www.fraziermuseum.org/  Speed Art Museum https://www.speedmuseum.org/  Proof on Main https://proofonmain.com/  The Silver Dollar https://www.whiskeybythedrink.com/  610 Magnolia https://610magnolia.com/  Garage Bar https://garageonmarket.com/  Butchertown Grocery Bakery https://www.gotolouisville.com/directory/butchertown-grocery-bakery/  Chik’n & Mi https://www.chiknandmi.com/  Muth’s Candies https://muthscandy.com/  Mile Wide Beer Co. https://milewidebeer.com/ 

On this episode of “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys put on their hard hats, light their lanterns, and head underground! Ryan and Kiernan are fresh back from Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky—the largest cave system in the world! They have tales to tell about secret subterranean rivers, folksy rangers, and gypsum flowers that take eons to grow. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Mammoth Cave National Park https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm  The Cave Wars https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/the-kentucky-cave-wars.htm  Stephen Bishop https://www.nps.gov/people/stephen-bishop.htm  George Morrison https://www.nps.gov/people/george-morrison.htm  Floyd Collins https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/tragedy-at-sand-cave.htm  Frozen Niagra https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery.htm?id=335A7FB9-AA3A-4D2E-A446-C2F15F29DE5E  Historical Tour https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery.htm?id=3CDB5B65-5954-49BB-A2FE-AEA32F56FC03  Gothic Avenue Tour https://www.greatamericanhikes.com/post/gothic-avenue-tour-in-mammoth-cave-national-park  Grand Avenue Tour https://www.alittletour.com/2017/06/01/grand-avenue-tour-mammoth-cave-kentucky/  All Tours https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/cave-tours.htm Book Tours here https://recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234640  Cave City https://cavecity.com/  Wigwam Village https://historicwigwamvillage.com/   

  This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” we revisit the November 2022 episode on Richmond, Virginia. It was Ryan and Kiernan's first overnight trip together (staying in separate hotels, of course)! They discuss museums, historic homes, graves, Presidents, and plenty about the Civil War. They also share their restaurant recommendations and uncover a standout hidden treasure in a National Park! The American Civil War Museum https://acwm.org/  Virginia Museum of Fine Arts https://vmfa.museum John Marshall House https://preservationvirginia.org/historic-sites/john-marshall-house/ Hollywood Cemetery https://www.hollywoodcemetery.org/ Maggie Walker House https://www.nps.gov/mawa/index.htm  Society of Cincinnati https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_the_Cincinnati  Virginia State Capitol http://virginiacapitol.gov/index.php/tours/  Statue of George Washington https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_George_Washington_(Houdon)  James Madison’s Montpelier https://www.montpelier.org/  Paul Jennings https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Jennings_(slave)   Eater’s Richmond List https://dc.eater.com/maps/best-bars-restaurants-bakeries-richmond-dining-guide  Barcode https://www.barcoderva.com/  Triple Crossing Brewery https://triplecrossing.com/  Emily Dickinson’s House https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/28/arts/design/emily-dickinson-museum-renovation.html 

On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan chats with “Jade,” a flight attendant for a US airline, about the high-flying lifestyle and her biggest traveler pet peeves. Recorded in-person in Boston, Ryan also complains about the Logan Airport Uber Pickup experience. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Michelin in Mexico: https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/tags/Mexico  

On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan leads us through highlights from his trip to Guatemala—museums of Guatemala City, the pyramids (and howler monkeys!) of Tikal National Park, Antigua volcano hikes, and the part-devil/part-saint of Lake Atitlan. Plus, LOTS OF GORY CATHOLIC STUFF! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: The Rick Steves Guide to Life https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/04/29/rick-steves-home-partner-philanthropy-washington/ US State Department Guatemala Safety Information https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Guatemala.html   Brief History of Guatemala’s complicated political history and civil war https://cja.org/where-we-work/guatemala/   Palacio Nacional de la Cultura https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Palace_(Guatemala)  Museo Ixchel https://museoixchel.org/en/museo-ixchel-english/  Museo Miraflores https://www.museomiraflores.org.gt/  Museo Nacional de Arqueologia y Etnologia https://sig.muniguate.com/proyectosDIGM/cultura/museos/MUSEOS/Arqueolog%C3%ADa%20y%20Etnolog%C3%ADa.html  Tikal National Park https://www.tikalnationalpark.org/  Antigua https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigua_Guatemala  Santa Catalina Archi https://theculturetrip.com/central-america/guatemala/articles/a-brief-history-of-antiguas-santa-catalina-arch  Convento de las Capuchinas https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iglesia_y_Convento_de_las_Capuchinas,_Antigua_Guatemala  Efrain Recinos sculpture park https://intothearmsofamerica.com/destinations/guatemala/antigua/the-little-museum-up-in-the-antigua-hills/  Lake Atitlan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Atitl%C3%A1n Maximon https://atitlanliving.com/guatemala-travel-information/how-to-visit-a-cofradia-in-santiago/  Michelin Star Analysis https://www.chefspencil.com/michelin-dining-costs-analysis/  Your iPhone’s Hidden Noise Machine https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/iphone-tips-tricks/   

On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Ryan interviews Emma Weissmann on the boom of concert travel led by Taylor Swift. Plus, Kiernan endorses Mitt Romney again.  Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Mitt Romney for Harvard President. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/16/mitt-romney-harvard-president-antisemitism/  Emma Interview:  TravelAge West: https://www.travelagewest.com/ Emma’s podcasts: https://www.travelagewest.com/Podcasts Taylor Swift cruise: https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Cruise/taylor-swift-cruise NPR article on economic impact:  https://www.npr.org/2023/12/27/1221483930/girl-economy-taylor-swift-beyonce-barbie-2023 Last Stop: https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a60314481/literary-travel-boom/ https://www.bnbfinder.com/  

On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan digs in on regional Italian cuisine with one of the show’s most interesting guests ever: opera and Italian cuisine expert Fred Plotkin. Fred talks us through some of the most popular and most obscure foods of Italy, sharing history and wonderful anecdotes all along the way. Part 2 of 3! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: “Italy for Food Lovers” https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/italy-for-food-lovers Fred Plotkin biography https://www.wqxr.org/people/fred-plotkin/  The Atlantic’s “Crying Myself to Sleep on the Biggest Cruise Ship Ever” by Gary Shteyngart https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/05/royal-caribbean-cruise-ship-icon-of-seas/677838/ CNN’s Grandmother and Son Are on the Move https://www.cnn.com/travel/grandma-joy-ryan-grandson-seven-continents/index.html 

On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan grades ChatGPT, evaluating its organization of three weekend getaways. Ryan shares tips on how to correctly leverage ChatGPT for travel plans. Introducing a fresh segment, "The Layover," Ryan chats with Tommy Wallach from Hatch Escapes on the launch of their latest immersive adventure, "The Ladder." Things we talk about in this week’s episode: ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/ Hatch Escapes:  https://www.hatchescapes.com/ OOO Episode on Escape Rooms: https://outofofficepod.com/podcast/episode-50-escape-rooms-with-tommy-wallach/ LAST STOP Ryan: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-admin-accelerates-plan-to-unleash-apex-predator-near-rural-community-over-widespread-local-opposition   Kiernan: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/willy-wonka-musical-parody-inspired-by-viral-event-1235852849/