In this episode of The Radio Vagabond, I sit down with Jeri Lynn Johnson Russell – a former Pan Am stewardess whose life took a dramatic turn from the skies to the villages of Africa. Over dinner in Cape Town, Jeri shares how her early travels sparked a lifelong love for adventure, how homeopathy became her calling, and how she built deep connections in the rural communities of Botswana, Eswatini, and Ghana. We talk about the lessons she learned in Africa – about generosity, humility, and the power of community. And we reflect on how, no matter where we come from, we're all guests on this planet – and we're better together. Key Takeaways How Jeri's early travels shaped her fearless curiosity about the world Why homeopathy – an alternative healing system based on "like treats like" – became a cornerstone of her work in Africa The unforgettable story of Olo and the word 'LOVE' written on a friend's belly How local healers and communities in Africa taught her the real meaning of generosity and resilience Why Jeri believes we're better with all ages, cultures, and ways of living – and how that mindset can change everything Relevant Links Jeri's book "A Bluebird in a Baobab" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQ61PMRG?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_3RK2Z318GBCCASDYFJH7 National Center for Homeopathy: https://www.homeopathycenter.org/ Blog post with more details and photos: https://theradiovagabond.com/365-jeri-russell Danish version of the blog post: https://radiovagabond.dk/416-jeri-russell The Open Nesters Podcast: https://theopennesters.com Check out the brand new Nomad Summit Podcast on https://nomadsummit.com/podcast You can follow The Radio Vagabond on: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond https://twitter.com/radiovagabond https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond
In this explosive episode of The Radio Vagabond, I share the jaw-dropping story of how my Instagram account was hacked and how Meta's broken support system turned a bad situation into a digital nightmare. From being locked out of my own account to being sent in endless loops of canned replies and case closures, this is the frustrating tale of trying to get real help from a platform that promises support to its verified users – but delivers anything but. Spoiler: it includes 20+ agents, false promises of phone calls, and a hacked account that vanished into thin air. It's funny, it's maddening, and it's a cautionary tale for anyone who relies on Meta's platforms. You don't want to miss this one. You can follow The Radio Vagabond on https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond https://twitter.com/radiovagabond https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond Read the full story in the blog post here: https://theradiovagabond.com/366-meta
In this final episode from my time in Accra, Ghana, we dive even deeper into everyday life in this vibrant city. I meet a local through Couchsurfing for an authentic conversation about life in Accra, explore the growing middle class, talk about Ghana's huge number of government ministers, and discover some hidden gems. Plus, on The Vagabond Hotline, listeners share the weirdest things they've eaten while traveling – from fermented horse milk to almost trying balut myself. It's a jam-packed final chapter before Cynthia and I leave Accra and head north for more adventures across Ghana. Key Takeaways: The surprising number of government ministers in Ghana Understanding the income gap and cost of living in Accra Hidden gems like Legon Botanical Gardens Hilarious and bizarre travel food stories on The Vagabond Hotline Preparing to leave the city for rural adventures in Ghana Relevant Links: Follow The Radio Vagabond on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiovagabond/ Like The Radio Vagabond on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond Follow on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/radiovagabond Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond Read the full blog post for this episode: https://theradiovagabond.com/365-ghana
What do a sneaker-shaped coffin, a suspicious cocktail, and a spontaneous live performance have in common? They all happened to me in just two unforgettable days in Accra, Ghana. In this episode of The Radio Vagabond, we continue our journey through the vibrant capital. I take you to the famous Paa Joe Coffin Works to explore Ghana's incredible tradition of fantasy coffins, and you'll hear how I ended up singing "Danish Man in Accra" in a lively bar after Cynthia ordered a drink with a name that raised more than a few eyebrows. We also dig deeper into Ghanaian society – from the many government ministries to the challenges of living costs for everyday Ghanaians. Plus, I'll share conversations with locals and some funny moments you won't want to miss. Key Takeaways: Explore the colorful and creative world of fantasy coffins at Paa Joe Coffin Works Hear how I got pulled into an impromptu live performance at a bar in Accra Discover how locals feel about Ghana's many government ministries Understand the reality of living costs and income gaps in modern Ghana Learn why Accra is a city that buzzes with energy, culture, and stories around every corner Relevant Links: Visit Paa Joe Coffin Works and learn more about their fantasy coffins tradition: https://www.paa-joe-art.com/ Follow The Radio Vagabond on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond Follow on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/radiovagabond Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond Visit the blog post for more details and photos: https://theradiovagabond.com/364-ghana
Join me, Palle Bo, as I land in West Africa and dive into the vibrant chaos of Ghana's capital. In this first episode from Accra, things don't exactly go to plan — starting with a stressful border crossing where I'm almost denied entry (and might've been asked for a bribe). Then it's on to SIM card struggles, hotel mix-ups, and an unexpected conversation about Danish football in a local Uber. I'm also reunited with my globetrotting travel buddy Cynthia, as we kick off our journey through Ghana, Togo, Benin, and São Tomé. Plus, I reveal what happened when my Yellow Fever vaccine book nearly grounded me — and what to expect next as our Accra adventures continue. Key takeaways: – How not having your name in your vaccine book can cause major problems - Getting a SIM card in Ghana vs. using eSIM with GigSky - Why Accra is both chaotic and full of charm - Ghana facts: language, religion, size, and more - The story of Cynthia Globe and our travels - Upcoming: fantasy coffins, karaoke surprises, and deeper looks at Ghanaian society Links and more: Follow The Radio Vagabond on https://www.instagram.com/radiovagabond/ https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond https://twitter.com/radiovagabond https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond Read the full blog post here: https://theradiovagabond.com/363-ghana Danish version: https://radiovagabond.dk/412-ghana Join the Vagabond Hotline with this week's question: "The Strangest Thing I've Ever Eaten While Traveling" Tell me your story at https://www.theradiovagabond.com/contact
In this episode of The Radio Vagabond, we dive into the world of off-the-beaten-path travel with three extraordinary tour guides I met at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok. Join me as I talk to: David Van Driessche – a photographer and tour leader who brings travelers into the heart of Papua New Guinea's remote tribal communities. Fadi Assi – a passionate advocate for tourism in Syria, offering eye-opening historical and cultural experiences. Baba Ahmed El Bekay – a pioneer of tourism in Mauritania, home to ancient cities, epic desert adventures, and the iconic Iron Ore Train. We discuss what makes these destinations so unique, why more travelers should consider visiting them, and how responsible tourism can have a meaningful impact. This episode is filled with insight, inspiration, and stories you won't hear on your average travel show. Relevant Links: David Van Driessche: https://tribesofpapuanewguinea.com Fadi Assi: https://goldenteamsy.com Baba Ahmed El Bekay: http://www.toremauritania.com You can follow The Radio Vagabond on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiovagabond/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond Twitter: https://twitter.com/radiovagabond TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond Read the full blog post here: https://theradiovagabond.com/362-etf
In this episode, I'm joined by an incredible group of travellers with ties to Denmark. They've ventured to some of the world's most remote corners, pushed boundaries, and have fascinating stories to share. Meet Mette Ehlers Mikkelsen, one country away from visiting every UN nation, who is willing to quit her job to reach her final destination. Thor Pedersen, the man behind Once Upon a Saga, became the first person to visit every country without flying. Cathrine Krogh is an independent and fearless traveller who has visited 164 countries, often solo. Peter Fenger, a well-traveled adventurer who moves so fast I can barely keep up. And Per Besson, my co-host for this episode, a language genius who reached all 193 UN nations while learning local phrases along the way. We talk about their travel philosophies, what drives them to explore, and the challenges they've faced on the road. Get ready for some extraordinary travel stories! Tune in now for this Viking-style travel adventure! Relevant Links Read the full blog post here: https://theradiovagabond.com/361-etf Follow The Radio Vagabond:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiovagabond/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/radiovagabond🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond
At the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok, I sat down with three fascinating travelers who each have unique perspectives on seeing the world. Lakshmi Parthasarathy is a solo female traveler, challenging stereotypes and embracing adventure beyond traditional expectations. Raiiq Ridwan, a doctor in the UK traveling on a Bangladeshi passport, shares insights into navigating visa restrictions while still making his travel dreams come true. And Joel Olson, a dedicated explorer, has a deep appreciation for history and culture that fuels his passion for discovering the world. In this episode, we discuss: ✔️ Overcoming travel restrictions and visa challenges ✔️ What it's like to travel solo as a woman ✔️ The power of storytelling and history in travel ✔️ Why going beyond the tourist trail leads to the best experiences Do you have a story about a travel challenge you've faced? I'd love to hear from you! Send me an email at listener@theradiovagabond.com, leave a voice message at https://theradiovagabond.com/contact, or DM me on Instagram @radiovagabond. Relevant Links Read the full blog post here: https://theradiovagabond.com/360-etf Follow The Radio Vagabond on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiovagabond/ Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/radiovagabond Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more extraordinary travel stories from around the world!
We've just wrapped up four episodes from my time in Iceland – a country that's as jaw-droppingly beautiful as it is expensive. But is there a way to travel this pricey paradise on a budget? That's the question I'll be tackling today with someone who knows a thing or two about affordable travel. I'd already heard the rumour, so in Reykjavik I set out to find out just how expensive it is and we start the episode back in Reykjavik where I walked into a supermarket to check the prices of random things. And then, I'm thrilled to welcome Matt Kepnes, aka Nomadic Matt, back to the podcast. He's one of the most well-known names in travel. He's the New York Times bestselling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and the creator of the massively popular blog, NomadicMatt.com. Over the years, he's inspired millions to see the world without breaking the bank. And now, he's back with a completely revamped version of his iconic guidebook. Now called How to Travel the World on $75 a Day. It's not just an update – it's almost an entirely new book, reflecting how travel has changed since the pandemic, with fresh tips, destination advice, and even new ways to save. Order the book here: https://www.nomadicmatt.com/how-to-travel-the-world/ #TravelOnABudget #NomadicMatt #BudgetTravel #Iceland #IcelandTravel #AffordableTravel #TravelHacks #Backpacking #Globetrotter #TravelPodcast
Singapore may be small, but some of its travelers think big. In this episode of The Radio Vagabond, I sit down with two passionate explorers from Singapore, Wee Cheng Tan and Redzuan "Red" Rahmat. They have spent years visiting places most people wouldn't even think of, from remote territories to off-the-beaten-path destinations. We talk about what drives their curiosity, the unexpected challenges they face as Singaporean travelers, and how their perspectives on travel have evolved. If you're someone who loves going beyond the typical tourist trail, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways:✔️ Why Singaporeans have a unique approach to travel✔️ The power (and challenges) of holding a Singaporean passport✔️ How slow travel creates more immersive experiences✔️ Lessons from visiting lesser-known destinations 🎧 Tune in now and get inspired by these extraordinary travelers! Read the full blog post here: https://theradiovagabond.com/358-etf You can follow The Radio Vagabond on:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiovagabond/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/radiovagabond🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond Follow Red here:Instagram: @redthefuriouspanda Facebook: Facebook.com/thefuriouspanda Website: thefuriouspanda.com
Iceland is full of surprises – from quirky Christmas traditions to a strict showering culture and an unexpected Eurovision obsession. In this episode of The Radio Vagabond, I talk to Alda Sigmundsdóttir, Helga, and Asbjørn about what Icelanders really think of tourists, the country's fascinating language, and why some locals act like 'shower police' in public pools. We also uncover hidden gems in Iceland, the real truth about Icelanders and their love/hate relationship with Eurovision, and why so many travellers make the same mistakes when visiting this magical island. 🔗 Listen now and read more: https://theradiovagabond.com/357-iceland/ Next week: I sit down with Matt Kepnes, aka Nomadic Matt, to discuss whether budget travel is still possible – even in expensive destinations like Iceland. Follow The Radio Vagabond on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiovagabond/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/radiovagabond TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond
At the Extraordinary Travel Festival, I sat down with two incredible travellers: Christian Fleischer and Jonny Beardmore. Christian Fleischer, a New Zealander working in aviation, recently completed visiting every country in the world, finishing in the Bahamas. He shares what it was like to reach that milestone, plus stories of travelling between five-star luxury and extreme off-the-grid adventures. Jonny Beardmore, aka The Galápagos Postman, has been delivering 50 handwritten letters worldwide, continuing an old tradition from the Galápagos Islands. From Clown Town, Texas, to an emotional letter for a woman who couldn't read, his journey is all about human connection – and he's racing to finish before his big event in London on March 1st. In this episode, we dive into: What it's like to visit every country in the world The wildest places Christian has stayed – luxury and survival travel Jonny's most unbelievable deliveries (fairies, pirates, and lost love!) The emotional impact of his mission to fight Motor Neurone Disease What's next for these two extreme travellers Relevant Links: Follow The Galápagos Postman on Instagram: @bigoadventures https://www.instagram.com/bigoadventures/ Join The Galapagos Postman Challenge Finish Line Charity Fundraiser Party in London on Saturday, March 1 2025. Track Jonny's letter deliveries: Galápagos Postman Map https://z6z.co/galapagos-postman/ Support the fight against Motor Neurone Disease: MND NZ https://mnd-new-zealand-fundraise.raisely.com/thegalapagospostmanchallenge2024/ MND UK https://www.justgiving.com/page/galapagospostmanuk Grab a Galápagos Postman t-shirt: TGP Merch https://the-galapagos-postman.teemill.com/ Follow The Radio Vagabond on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiovagabond/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/radiovagabond TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond
Dive into the incredible story of Iceland's economic transformation. As I talked to some locals, I discovered how a volcanic eruption and innovative marketing turned a financial crisis into a tourism boom. Key Takeaways: Iceland's banking system collapsed in 2008 The Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption unexpectedly boosted tourism From 500,000 to 2.6 million tourists in just eight years Unique insights into Icelandic culture and the Westfjords region Relevant Links: Inspired by Iceland Campaign: https://www.visiticeland.com Westfjords Tourism: https://westfjords.is Blog Post Link with pictures, videos and full article: https://theradiovagabond.com/355-iceland You can follow The Radio Vagabond on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiovagabond/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond Twitter: https://twitter.com/radiovagabond TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond
Join me in this episode of The Radio Vagabond as I chat with Randy Williams, aka R Dub, aka The Sultan of Slowjamastan. We talk about his legendary radio career, his adventures traveling to all 193 countries, and his quirky micronation, Slowjamastan. Plus, get inspired by Randy's advice for aspiring travellers. 👉 Follow The Radio Vagabond: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiovagabond/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond Twitter: https://twitter.com/radiovagabond TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond Read more here: https://theradiovagabond.com/354-etf Randy Williams, Slowjamastan, Sunday Night Slow Jams, Micronation, Travel inspiration, Radio career success
Join me on The Radio Vagabond as I continue my Icelandic journey! From diving at Silfra between tectonic plates to chatting with locals about sustainability and folklore, this episode dives into Iceland's culture, quirks, and stunning nature. Find Alda's books here: https://aldasigmunds.com 👉 Follow The Radio Vagabond: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiovagabond/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond Twitter: https://twitter.com/radiovagabond TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond Read more here: https://theradiovagabond.com/353-iceland
Join me at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok, where I sit down with four inspiring senior travellers. From cycling across the Sahara to navigating the Arctic, these adventurers prove that age is just a number. Hear their tips, tales, and thoughts on how travel has changed over the years. 👉 Follow The Radio Vagabond: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiovagabond/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond Twitter: https://twitter.com/radiovagabond TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond Read more here: https://theradiovagabond.com/352-etf
Discover Iceland's breath-taking landscapes and rich history as The Radio Vagabond kicks off a new season. Key links: The Blue Lagoon, weather.is and Northern Light. See pictures and read article on TheRadioVagabond.com/351-Iceland. Explore the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and Þingvellir National Park. Learn fun facts about Iceland's quirks and unique culture. You can follow The Radio Vagabond on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X, and TikTok. If you like this podcast, please tell a friend.
Welcome to a new season with all new episodes. In this first one, you can join me for an inspiring episode recorded at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok – a celebration of extreme travel and adventure. This episode features four remarkable young travellers: Adam Ryan, Andriel Viana Souza, Cameron Mofid, and Ricky James. They share their unique approaches to travel, from cultural immersion and slow travel to philanthropy and tackling remote destinations. Key takeaways include: Adam Ryan: Discovering patience and adaptation on a transformative journey through India. Andriel Viana Souza: Exploring Afghanistan's culture through photography and personal connections. Cameron Mofid: Building schools in Lagos, Nigeria, through his nonprofit, Humanity Effect. Ricky James: Gaining deep cultural insights from slow travel and immersive stays in conflict zones. Recorded during ETF, this conversation offers a glimpse into the lives of adventurous travellers, redefining what it means to explore. If you're interested in unique perspectives on travel or dream of your next big trip, don't miss this episode. 📖 Read the blog post here: theradiovagabond.com/350-etf 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!
In this special episode of The Radio Vagabond, we explore Cynthia's recovery after a serious arm injury in Georgia. From unexpected surgery to shocking post-op results, it's a story about resilience, acceptance, and the unexpected twists of traveling while recovering. If you missed it, listen to the last part of our journey in Azerbaijan, where the accident happened. Learn more on TheRadioVagabond.com/349-Georgia
In this episode of The Radio Vagabond, we explore the breath-taking nature of Georgia and dive deep into its ancient winemaking tradition. You'll learn why Georgia is called the "Cradle of Wine" and how its rich wine culture began thousands of years ago. We also visit the stunning Gergeti Trinity Church, perched high in the Caucasus Mountains, and enjoy the incredible Georgian hospitality along the way. Don't miss this mix of history, nature, and unforgettable stories. Links: Visit theradiovagabond.com/348-georgia for pictures and so much more. Listen to the previous episode about Tbilisi and Georgian culture: theradiovagabond.com/347-georgia Wine Tasting: RostomaantMarani.ge