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The Altruistic Traveller Podcast

Author: Bianca Caruana

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The Altruistic Traveller Podcast brings you the stories of influential changemakers from around the globe. With a focus on sustainability, community development and conscious impact, host Bianca Caruana creates a safe space for her guests to share their unique stories, personal achievements, challenges and accomplishments. Be inspired, educated and moved by global initiatives making this world a better place.
64 Episodes
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Welcome back to season 5 (and the series finale) of The Altruistic Traveller podcast. My name is Bianca Caruana and for the past five years, I have been bringing you stories from influential change makers who are shaping our world for the better. In this episode, I speak with Court Whelan, the Chief Sustainability Officer at Natural Habitat Adventures (Nat Hab). Court shares insights from his journey, from his upbringing in Florida to his passion for conservation and sustainability. We discuss the intersection of biodiversity conservation and ecotourism, the impact of travel on local communities, and Nat Hab's efforts to promote sustainable travel practices. One of Nat Hab's key initiatives is to empower local communities and support grassroots conservation efforts. Court shares, "We work closely with local partners to ensure that our trips benefit the communities we visit. Whether it's providing funding for small-scale projects or fostering sustainable livelihoods, we believe in creating shared value for all stakeholders." Through its innovative conservation projects and immersive travel experiences, Natural Habitat Adventures is helping to shape a more sustainable future for our planet. As Court summarises, "Our goal is to inspire travellers to become stewards of the environment and advocates for conservation. By exploring the world responsibly, we can protect and preserve the natural wonders that make our planet so unique." Follow Court's adventures on Instagram. Follow Natural Habitat Adventures on Instagram. Join one of NatHab's upcoming conservation adventures.
Welcome back to season 5 (and the series finale) of The Altruistic Traveller podcast. My name is Bianca Caruana, and for the past five years, I have been bringing you stories from influential change makers who are shaping our world for the better. In this episode, I speak with Anniina Sandberg, the founder of Visit Natives, a sustainable travel company dedicated to promoting cross-cultural tourism in Tanzania, Norway, and Papua New Guinea.  Anniina is Norwegian-born but has spent most of her life living amongst the Maasai people in the rural landscapes of Tanzania. She is fluent in Swahili and has a background in anthropology and African studies. In the interview, Anniina shares insights into cultural relativism, community-based tourism and the importance of understanding diverse perspectives. We learn about her experience and wisdom gained from years in the field, discussing the transformative power of cultural exchange and the potential pitfalls of ethnocentrism. Discover how embracing cultural diversity can enrich our lives and receive advice on how you can support sustainable travel initiatives and the communities you visit through conscientious tourism practices. Follow Anniina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theanthropologisttraveler/ Connect with Anniina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniina-sandberg-b91127196/ Find out more about the cultural experiences offered: https://www.visitnatives.com/
Welcome back to season 5 (and the series finale) of The Altruistic Traveller podcast. My name is Bianca Caruana and for the past five years, I have been bringing you stories from influential change makers who are shaping our world for the better. In this episode, I welcome Jarka Kunova, co-founder of La Vita Sukha – a conscious and intentional coliving, coworking, and retreat space in the heart of Southern Italy. Jarka, a psychology-informed coach, consultant, and investor, shares her insights into creating a conscious community and navigating life as a location-independent entrepreneur. Discover how this unique coliving experience goes beyond physical spaces, fostering connections that facilitate profound personal growth and healing. Jarka shares insights into the intentional approach to conscious living at La Vita Sukha, creating an environment that supports individuals on their healing journeys. Visit the website: https://lavitasukha.com/ Join the coliving experience: https://lavitasukha.com/coliving/ Follow co-founder Jarka Kunova on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarka-kunova/ Follow co-founder Jarka Kunova on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulfulnomadlife/ Follow co-founder Liz Cirelli on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizcirelli/ Follow co-founder Liz Cirelli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liz_cirelli/
Welcome back to the final series of The Altruistic Traveller podcast. I'm your host, Bianca Caruana, and for the past five years, I've been sharing stories from influential change makers shaping a better world. In this episode, I speak with Peigi Rodan, a dedicated advocate for sustainable tourism and the Senior Sustainability Manager at Invia Travel Germany (formerly the Sustainability Manager at WithLocals.) We delve into her journey and passion for sustainable travel, exploring what "sustainable tourism" means in today's world. Join us as Peigi sheds light on the advantages of experiencing a destination through the eyes of locals and how technology can enhance sustainable travel experiences. We also discuss valuable tips for authentic cultural immersion and meaningful interactions with locals. Related article: https://thealtruistictraveller.com/blog/6-websites-that-help-you-travel-like-a-local-while-supporting-a-local/
Welcome back to season 5 (and the series finale) of The Altruistic Traveller podcast. My name is Bianca Caruana and for the past five years, I have been bringing you stories from influential change makers who are shaping our world for the better. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Marcus Hansen, a senior lecturer in tourism & events at Liverpool John Moores University. Dr. Hansen teaches and conducts research in relation to tourism and event management. His research interests are particularly around the topics of accessible tourism & events, including travelling with a vision impairment, accessible destination management, creating dementia-friendly destinations and leveraging mega events to deliver accessible outcomes. We discuss destination management strategies that create inclusive environments for people with physical and cognitive disabilities. We also delve into the concept of accessible tourism, who are the stakeholders and what are some of the benchmarks for accessibility in tourism. Dr. Hansen provides valuable insights on how destinations can adapt to cater to individuals with disabilities and highlights the benefits of creating environments that support those with cognitive impairments. Tune in for an informative and inspiring conversation on making tourism accessible for everyone. Follow Dr. Hansen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hansen-tourism/ Listen to Dr. Hansen's podcast - The Accessible Tourism Podcast Email Dr. Hansen - M.H.Hansen@ljmu.ac.uk
Welcome back to season 5 (and the series finale) of The Altruistic Traveller podcast. My name is Bianca Caruana and for the past five years, I have been bringing you stories from influential change makers who are shaping our world for the better. In this episode, I speak with Shaun Busuttil, an anthropologist and travel writer currently completing a PhD on digital nomadism at the University of Melbourne, Australia. A nomad himself for over a decade, his ethnographic research illuminates and unveils some of the struggles, challenges and existential dilemmas encountered within this hypermobile community, as well as the various strategies digital nomads employ to resolve, reconcile or overcome them. His multi-sited ethnography also situates digital nomadism within a global neoliberal political landscape and critiques the impact of this relatively privileged class of transnational actors on the communities that host them.  Shaun and I met at the Bansko Nomad Fest in June of this year. I was fascinated by his research-led reflections and insights into this modern nomadic lifestyle. Specifically, the balance we "digital nomads" endeavour to find when we value freedom but also crave community and connection. In this discussion, we talk about the existential considerations of the life of a modern-day nomad and how location-independent individuals negotiate their identities in diverse cultural contexts. We explore the dichotomy of isolation versus community and unpack the monetisation and commodification of a sense of belonging. Follow Shaun's research on his website: https://www.shaunbusuttil.com/ Follow Shaun's travels on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshaunbusuttil/
Welcome back to season 5 (and the series finale) of The Altruistic Traveller podcast. My name is Bianca Caruana and for the past five years, I have been bringing you stories from influential change makers who are shaping our world for the better. In this episode, I speak with James Ellsmoor, an award-winning serial entrepreneur, writer, and influential advocate for island sustainable development. He is the CEO of the sustainable impact consultancy Island Innovation - a global network helping advance innovation and drive sustainable change across island communities worldwide. In this episode, we talk about the Island Innovation project and the Virtual Island Summit that brings representatives from island nations together to discuss pressing challenges and create solutions for them, while learning sustainable development techniques that ripple across oceans. We talk about the influence of tourism on island nations and how we, as travellers, can practice sustainable tourism when visiting nations more vulnerable to the effects of climate change and mass tourism.  Be inspired, educated and moved by global initiatives making this world a better place.  The Virtual Island Summit will be held on September 25. Register here.
Welcome back to season 5 (and the series finale) of The Altruistic Traveller podcast. My name is Bianca Caruana and for the past five years I have been bringing you stories from influential change makers who are shaping our world for the better. In this episode, I speak with Chris Christou - a writer, educational curator, activist and founder of the End of Tourism Podcast.  Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, he moved to Oaxaca, Mexico in 2015 after a decade of “delirious wanderlust”. In 2016, Chris began concurrently working in and writing about the tourism industry. In 2021, he created and launched the End of Tourism Podcast where he holds deep dialogues that confront, unknot, and subvert the unauthorised histories of wanderlust and exile. “For some, tourism can entail learning, freedom, and financial survival. For others, it means the loss of culture, land, and lineage.” In this episode, we talk about the “other” side of tourism - how our freedom of movement has inherent consequences on place, people and culture.  Chris shares his knowledge and insights from years as an academic in this arena, as well as learnings from guests he hosts on his podcast. We discuss gentrification, exile, capitalism, tourism and radical hospitality.  Get ready for thirty minutes of deep dialogue and thought-provoking discussion about what it means to be human in the age of hypermobility.
Welcome back to season 5 (and the series finale) of The Altruistic Traveller podcast. My name is Bianca Caruana and for the past five years, I have been bringing you stories from influential change makers who are shaping our world for the better. In this episode, I speak with Marinel De Jesus - the founder of the award-winning media platform, Brown Gal Trekker, and mountain trekking enterprise, Equity Global Treks, both of which aim to elevate the status and roles of women and indigenous communities in the outdoor and travel industries.  In this podcast episode, we talk about how the former civil rights lawyer turned her passion for hiking into a full-time endeavour as a social entrepreneur, solutions-focused journalist, activist, and speaker. During the show, we talk about:  Human rights violations in the trekking industry The plight of porters’ rights in Peru, Nepal, Pakistan and Tanzania Gender inequity in the trekking industry  Female leadership as a way to decolonise the tourism and outdoor industries The Porter Voice Collective and the KM82 documentary The Great Himalayan Trail campaign How to support porters and advocate for their human rights  Learn more about the project here: https://theportervoicecollective.org/ Watch the KM82 trailer here: https://youtu.be/Y6wQ3SCinE8 Follow Marinel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browngaltrekker/
Welcome back to season 5 (and the season finale) of The Altruistic Traveller podcast. My name is Bianca Caruana and for the past five years, I have been bringing you stories from influential change makers who are shaping our world for the better. In this episode, I speak with Carolin Zeitler - Culture Alchemist, Business Coach, Writer and Chief Adventurer at Women Who impACT - an initiative that uses storytelling to inspire people to change the way they work and build their businesses. In this podcast episode we talk about Carolin’s journey, social innovation and fempreneurship in Africa, and what led her to the dream of riding from Cape Town to Alexandria on a motorbike, documenting the stories of eight women who are creating amazing, successful social innovative, and community-based projects.  During the show, we talk about:  Social entrepreneurship and social enterprise Social enterprise vs the NGO model How we can learn the true meaning of community from women across Africa  How important social impact initiatives are and what they can contribute to shaping the future of work How to support the Women who impACT initiative  Learn more about the project here: https://womenwhoimpact.co/ Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/pRYANrn1wkw Donate to the project here: https://www.patreon.com/WomenWhoImpact
Leaving Australia in the Spring of 2015 was, and will always be, one of the biggest journeys I will ever take. Seven years on, I reflect on that journey and share how it all started and where it's heading.  Memoir Coming 2023 - Sign up for pre-sale access: https://subscribepage.io/the-altruistic-traveller-book-launch
Could you imagine a world without borders? Well, we may not be as far from the concept as you might think. In this episode, I speak with the co-founder and CEO of SafetyWing, Sondre Rasch, about the idea of a borderless society and a country on the internet, off the back of a growing movement of global location independence. Sondre comes from a background in economics and computer science, bringing his experience in policy and socio-economics to SafetyWing back in 2018 when it was founded to provide health insurance for freelancers and remote workers. Since then, the company has evolved to offer a more comprehensive suite of social security, with more options in the pipeline that will support those who choose to live a lifestyle undefined by the country on their passport. In the episode, we talk about SafetyWing and its evolution, Plumia - the world’s first country on the internet. We discuss the benefits and challenges of a borderless future, as well as the current digital transformation of our world as we know it. Tune in for this insightful and inspiring discussion about paving the way for a future that could improve the global mobility rights of millions of people in our world today. Visit SafetyWing website - https://safetywing.com/ Visit Plumia Website - https://plumia.org/
Have you ever felt called to a destination? Have you felt as if there was an inner voice guiding you there? Or perhaps a place different to where you were born felt so much like home? In this episode, I speak with Soul Travel Blog and Soul Travel India founder Ellie Cleary on all the above magic, as well as transformational travel in India, astrocartography and using our intuition to guide us. Ellie is a former corporate tourism professional turned full-time traveller. She was raised in London before falling in love with India and becoming a self-confessed India-phile, She now splits her time between the UK & India. Her work on sustainable and mindful tourism has been featured by leading publications such as Lonely Planet, and Ellie continues to guide her community on travel to India through her Facebook Group - India Travel Planning & Tips by Soul Travel India. In more recent times, Ellie has started offering astrocartography readings to help her clients tap into wisdom and knowledge that guides them on their journeys in the world. To get an intuitive reading from Ellie, visit this link: https://soultravelindia.com/oracle
This June, on behalf of RunTheWorld, I joined the Sierra Leone Marathon – an annual event hosted by the NGO, Street Child, with the aim to bring supporters together for a life-changing adventure in Sierra Leone. This is a recorded audio version of a blog I wrote where I share my recap from one week in Sierra Leone and some insight into why Street Child’s development work is paramount in this part of the world. Access the full blog with images here.
In this episode, I speak with Rachel Dodds, a mother, professor, director and co-author of the new book, Are We There Yet?: Travelling More Responsibly with Your Children. Rachel has worked in the hospitality and tourism industry for over 25 years and holds a PhD focusing on sustainable tourism. With the help of Richard Butler, Rachel has brought her knowledge and insight into her new book which focuses on helping parents and guardians make responsible and sustainable choices before, during and after their travels. The book includes over 100 stories and detailed advice from parents and grandparents around the world on how to travel more responsibly with kids. Throughout our discussion, we talk about the concept of sustainable tourism and how to overcome some of the barriers we face when it comes to bringing sustainability to the forefront of our lives. Are We There Yet?: Travelling More Responsibly with Your Children is now available online. Purchase here.
This June, I will challenge myself in a rather unique and unconventional way and run my first ever (half) marathon in West Africa’s Sierra Leone with RuntheWorld, supporting the work of NGO, Street Child. The marathon will raise money to provide education to vulnerable children in Sierra Leone by supporting local education projects in rural villages. I invited RuntheWorld founder and CEO, Carole Sanchez, and European Development Manager for Street Child, Marina López, on the show to speak about this amazing collaboration. Support my fundraiser at: https://www.facebook.com/donate/707086313835570/10158492532757765/ About RuntheWorld:  RuntheWorld is a social enterprise providing adventure and sporting touristic experiences with a positive impact. They offer authentic experiences that involve local immersion and support social projects from a place of humility, optimism and solidarity. About Street Child: Street Child is a global organisation that helps vulnerable children to overcome barriers to gain access to the education they deserve. Their work in Sierra Leone: Street Child of Sierra Leone works with rural communities in some of the most remote parts of Sierra Leone, where children often miss out on the opportunity to gain the most basic literacy and numeracy skills. In places with no access to schools, they work in partnership with willing rural communities to build ‘first-ever schools’ and identify members of the community to undertake formal distance teacher training. They also support struggling rural schools with teaching and learning materials and essential school repairs, alongside tailored teacher training that emphasises inclusive education. Why education? As the world’s focus continues on the aftermath of the pandemic and the war unravelling in Ukraine, more than 300 million children around the world lack basic literacy skills, inhibited by poverty and lack of access to education. According to UNESCO, “Education is a human right and a force for sustainable development and peace.” If we are to achieve Sustainable Development Goal #4 - Quality Education, the work of organisations like Street Child is imperative. The event: It’s not just a marathon. It’s about one week’s immersion in the local community, an adventure that has an impact on many lives. After visiting rural and urban projects and meeting the families that benefit from the program, I will run a unique and ambitious race through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the north of Sierra Leone that wind through exuberant green countryside and local communities.
In this episode, I speak with Bhav Patel, the founder of Storyteller - a social enterprise that sells travel accessories with 10% of each product helping to fund educational programs around the world. During the episode, we speak about Bhav’s inspiration to take his skills in corporate law and passion for community development into a business venture that would combine profit with purpose. We discuss the main mission behind Storyteller and how the organisation works with communities to increase access to education for children and adults. Bhav shares the important values behind Storyteller, for example, integrity, transparency and sustainability. He shares how the flagship travel accessories are sustainably sourced across the supply chain, including the use of fair trade practices and sustainable materials, and how their team works directly with local grassroots organisations to ensure Storyteller’s impact is sustainable long-term. To date, Storyteller has donated over £16,000 and impacted over 1500 people, with a vision to impact 1 million people throughout its lifetime. Visit the Storyteller website Connect with Bhav on LinkedIn Shop Storyteller's flagship products Follow Storyteller on Instagram Follow Storyteller on Facebook
In this episode, I speak with Nadia Greenwood-Ftouhi (Nads), the founder of Manira Palm Marrakech - an eco villa overlooking the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, located in the northwest corner of Africa. Manira Palm strives to create authentic Moroccan experiences in eco-luxury and upholds values of community, culture and conscious travel. It is often described as a ‘Hub for Healing’ as Nads endeavours to connect people back home to themselves through holistic experiences, extending sustainability to the soul. In the episode, Nads shares about the mission behind Manira Palm, its values, and alignment with authentic Moroccan traditions. We learn about Nads’ journey to creating Manira Palm, and how her rich Moroccan cultural heritage influenced her decision to move to Marrakech and open an eco villa for guests from all around the world. Visit the Manira Palm website for more information or follow Nads' journey on Instagram. 
To my dear listeners, I felt inspired to create my first ever meditation track for you all and am delighted to share it. At a time when the world may feel overwhelming, when there is much distraction and destruction surrounding us, one of the few places of peace we may find is within us, in our heart's centre. This guided meditation intends to guide you back to presence, and back to peace within. I hope it brings you the peace you are looking for. Love and Light dear ones, Bianca
In this episode, I speak with Vanessa Karel, the founder of Greether - a platform that safely connects women travellers to a verified local female guide upon arrival at their destination.  Vanessa Karel is a second-time founder, entrepreneur, storyteller, and creative producer born in the USA, and raised in Mexico City. Growing up an avid traveller, Vanessa always found an interest in exploring different cultures and expanding her horizons. In 2020, after her own experiences as a solo female traveller, Vanessa founded Greether, a safety platform for female travelers around the world. The platform is now available to women in over 75 countries and 256 cities. In the episode we speak about Vanessa's founder journey, the inspiration behind the Greether idea, the challenges women face when it comes to safety abroad, and ways the female traveller community continue to support each another and enable safe freedom of movement. Website: https://www.greether.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greet.her/
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