Kindred Roads Podcast

What happens when a 23-year-old, unemployed and fresh out of university during Portugal's worst financial crisis, decides to start his own surf camp anyway? In this episode, David Moore shares the story of building Surf Cascais from the ground up into one of Portugal's most loved surf schools, surf camps, and surf villas. I had the absolute pleasure of staying at Surf Cascais while recording this conversation, and can say firsthand that the community David has created is truly something special. David opens up about growing up in Lisbon completely obsessed with surfing, catching his first waves at 13, and how a lifelong passion for surfing slowly turned into a business he never set out to build. He shares the mentor who changed everything, the mindset that carried him through his early 20s with zero plan B, and why Cascais might be one of the most underrated surf towns in Europe. We also talk about what it really takes to build a business rooted in connection rather than hustle. Now 13 years into running Surf Cascais, David spills the real secret to running a successful surf camp, the one belief that has driven every decision he's ever made, and his newest project taking the Surf Cascais community around the world. This conversation is for anyone curious about starting a business from scratch, what it really takes to build a successful surf camp, or daring to leave the traditional path behind and build a life around the thing you love most. Connect with David & Surf Cascais: Book your stay → surfcascais.com Instagram → @surf.cascais Surf Atlas (small-group surf trips worldwide, via Surf Cascais) @surfatlas.co David on LinkedIn → David Moore Rodrigues dos Santos Surf Cascais Video Linked Here. Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS surf cascais, david moore surf cascais, surf camp portugal, surf school cascais, how to start a surf camp, starting a business in your 20s, guincho beach surf, carcavelos surf, praia grande surf, surf villa portugal, surf atlas, maldives surf trip, lisbon surf camp, move to portugal, learn to surf portugal, solo travel portugal, kindred roads podcast, mary goggin podcast, unconventional life podcast, solo travel podcast

What happens when two friends invite a man they met outside a Little Caesars to come live with them, and all three of their lives change forever? This one is a little different from our usual episodes, but it might be the most important kind of story this podcast was made for. In this episode, Josh and Chandler share the story of how they met Trevor, a man who had been living on the streets, and what unfolded when they opened their home to him. We invited Trevor to join this conversation and share his own story, and while he could not make it, his presence is woven into every part of it. Josh and Chandler talk about the months of showing up before Trevor ever moved in, the laughter and the hard conversations, and how what started as wanting to help someone turned into one of the most meaningful friendships any of them have ever had. They get into the spontaneous trip to New York where Trevor received something he had dreamed about for years, the ways Trevor has healed parts of them they did not expect, and how he is already inspiring others simply by being himself. This conversation also goes deep on the biggest misconceptions people carry about the homeless community, why money and housing alone rarely create lasting change, and the vision Josh and Chandler are building through the Good Intentions Club to help more people the way Trevor has helped them. It is a powerful reminder that when you show up for someone, you never know how much they will end up showing up for you too. Connect with Josh and Chandler: Chandler's Instagram Josh's Instagram Good Intentions Club Products Help Get Trevor His Van Follow along on other platforms: Instagram TikTok homelessness, homeless community, helping the homeless, kindness, human connection, community, Good Intentions Club, misconceptions about homelessness, changing lives, friendship, giving back, mental health, loneliness, healing, unconventional life, hope, generosity, paying it forward, servant leadership, social impact, acts of kindness, faith in humanity, inspiring stories, purpose driven life, making a difference

What happens when a solo woman decides to cross continents by bicycle, trusting the kindness of strangers along the way? In this episode, Claire Wyatt shares the story of cycling across some of the most remote places on earth. From riding thousands of miles across Mongolia to cycling from Asia to the UK, Claire built a life on the road powered by curiosity, resilience, and the generosity of people she had never met before. Claire talks about navigating long stretches of wilderness, crossing rivers in Mongolia, cycling through Central Asia, and riding parts of the Pamir Highway. Along the way she experienced countless moments of unexpected kindness, from families inviting her into their homes to strangers helping when the road became difficult. We also talk about what it really takes to live this kind of unconventional life. Claire shares how she prepared for long distance cycling, the mental challenges of traveling alone for months at a time, and what she learned about trust, independence, and human connection along the way. This conversation is for anyone curious about long distance cycling, solo female adventure travel, or what happens when you step far outside the normal path and discover how supportive the world can actually be. Let’s dive in! Connect with Claire: Instagram Biking Guide Coming Soon (Message me in the meantime if you'd like it)! Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS solo female cyclist, cycling across Mongolia, Mongolia to UK cycling journey, solo female travel adventure, long distance bicycle touring, bikepacking Central Asia, Pamir Highway cycling, cycling across continents, kindness of strangers travel stories, women adventure travel, solo female adventure travel, bicycle touring inspiration, cycling the Silk Road route, extreme bikepacking journey, female cyclist world travel

What happens when you leave a stable 9 to 5 and decide to build a career around your passions instead? In this episode, Olivia Chenery, a London based events, hotel, fashion, and brand photographer, shares how she walked away from corporate life and built a photography career. What started as small shoots and saying yes to opportunities before she felt fully ready turned into photographing Morgan Riddle, a major influencer at Wimbledon, and working with brands and hotels across the UK and the world. Olivia talks about the fear of losing financial stability, the pressure of starting over, and the steps she took to turn photography into a full time career. She shares how she found her first clients, how she built her portfolio, and how she positioned herself in competitive industries like fashion, hotels, events, and brand photography in London. We also talk about her solo trip to Portugal and how traveling alone helped her grow creatively and personally. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck in a 9 to 5 but is scared to leave. It is about taking a creative risk, building something from scratch, and understanding what it actually takes to make photography a real career. Let’s dive in! Connect with Olivia: Website Instagram Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS Olivia Chenery, London photographer, London fashion photographer, London events photographer, London hotel photographer, brand photographer London, how to become a photographer, leaving your 9 to 5 job, quit your corporate job for photography, creative career change, full time photographer journey, how to start a photography business, beginner photography tips, building a photography portfolio, finding your first photography clients, freelance photographer London, female photographer London, travel photography Portugal, solo travel Portugal, creative entrepreneurship, turning your passion into a career, how to grow as a photographer, photography business advice, starting over in your twenties, leaving a safe job for a creative career, photography industry insights

What happens when two travelers leave everything familiar behind and cross the Middle East on foot and by camel, following a path few Westerners have ever taken? In this episode, Wells Jones shares the story of a 1,100 mile trek across Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria, retracing the route of T.E. Lawrence through deserts, border crossings, and remote communities, alongside his close friend Miles. What he expected to find was tension and danger. What he found instead was something far more complex, moments of uncertainty paired with unexpected kindness, generosity, and deep humanity. Wells talks about riding camels through Wadi Rum, navigating intense checkpoints, preparing for real risk, and learning how listening and humility opened doors that fear never could. This conversation explores long distance travel in politically complex regions, cultural respect, trust, and what happens when you let curiosity lead instead of assumptions. It is a powerful reminder that the world is often more human than we are taught to believe. Connect with Wells: Purchase His Book, A Line in the Sand Connect on Linkedin Kayak for a Cause Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS Middle East trek, 1,100 mile journey, desert expedition, camels, cultural understanding, T.E. Lawrence, long distance travel, humanity and travel, middle east travel

Max Campbell is sailing around the world on a 50 year old Swan 37 named Elixir, a boat he rebuilt by hand and turned into a fully functioning home at sea. Over the past few years, he has sailed from the UK to New Zealand with an ever changing crew, navigating open ocean crossings, remote coastlines, and places that can only be reached by boat. In this episode, Max walks us through the moments that defined his journey. He shares the story of being caught on fire during a solo Atlantic crossing, then sailing alone for two more days with serious burns to reach land. He explains what daily life actually looks like at sea, how it feels to be disconnected for weeks at a time, and why that level of isolation can bring clarity rather than fear. We also dive into experiences that still feel hard to believe, such as being boarded off the coast of Venezuela, spending time in an immigration jail in southern Mexico, listening to firsthand stories from people who crossed the Darien Gap, and reaching South Pacific islands where boats are the only way in and trading supplies for food is still part of everyday life. This conversation is raw, eye opening, and deeply human, and it offers a rare look at what it really means to live at the edge of the world. Let’s dive in! Connect with Max and follow the journey below: Instagram Youtube Tiktok Website Patreon Sailing Crew About Elixir and the Crew Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS Max Campbell, Untide, un tide, Elixir sailboat, Swan 37, sailing around the world, circumnavigation, solo Atlantic crossing, Atlantic crossing fire, boat fire accident, ocean sailing crew, sailing New Zealand, South Pacific remote islands, being boarded at sea, Venezuela coast guard boarding, piracy at sea story, Mexico immigration jail, Tapachula detention center, Darien Gap stories, sailing content creator

Natalie Ng is a videographer and writer from Perth, Australia who spent 20 months traveling the world alone. She did not leave with everything figured out. She left with questions, curiosity, and a willingness to learn as she went. In this episode, Natalie talks honestly about what it was like to travel solo as a woman for the first time. She walks through the fears she had before leaving, how she approached safety on the road, and how she handled the concerns and expectations of family back home. She shares the practical ways she built confidence over time, learned to trust her instincts, and made decisions that kept her grounded while constantly moving. We also talk about the places that shaped her experience most, including time in Italy, the Balkans, Morocco, Nepal, and Southeast Asia. Natalie shares stories from trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, volunteering in Nepal, navigating different cultures as a solo woman, and learning when to slow down instead of rushing to the next place. This conversation is for women who want to travel alone but feel unsure about safety, judgment, or not knowing where to start. It is an honest look at long term solo female travel, what actually helps, what matters most, and why you do not need a perfect plan to begin. Let’s dive in! Connect with Natalie: Website Shop Her Prints Read Her Blogs Instagram . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS solo female travel, traveling alone as a woman, how to travel solo as a woman, solo female traveler podcast, long term solo travel, traveling the world alone female, women who travel solo, solo travel tips for women, how to travel the world alone, female digital nomad travel, solo travel safety for women, budgeting for long term travel, solo travel confidence, women traveling the world alone, how to start solo traveling

Colonel Terry Virts is a retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, test pilot, NASA astronaut, and former Commander of the International Space Station. He has flown 45 combat missions, piloted the Space Shuttle Endeavour, and spent more than 200 days in space, including three spacewalks. In this episode, Terry shares his extraordinary journey, from growing up with a dream of becoming an astronaut, to the moment he first looked out over Earth from the Cupola. We talk about the discipline of flying F-16s, the lessons of leadership learned in the Air Force Academy, and what life is really like on the ISS…from sleeping weightless to handling false alarms. He also opens up about filming the IMAX documentary, "A Beautiful Planet," narrated by Jennifer Lawrence, directing "One More Orbit" to set a world record flying around the globe, and how his love for storytelling and photography led to his art exhibit,"View From Above." Now, as a U.S. Senate candidate in Texas, Terry is focused on bringing ethics, service, and integrity back to public office. Lastly, he talks about the values that have guided every mission of his life, including courage, humility, and service before self, and why he still believes America’s best days are ahead. This episode is a look inside spaceflight, leadership, and what happens when you choose to serve beyond yourself. Connect with Terry: Website Instagram Launch Video (1M+ views) Buy His Book, How to Astronaut Watch His Documentary, One More Orbit See His Photography Exhibit, View From Above Support His Senate Campaign Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS Terry Virts interview, NASA astronaut, International Space Station, astronaut podcast, space travel stories, One More Orbit documentary, A Beautiful Planet IMAX, How to Astronaut book, astronaut photography, astronaut training, space shuttle Endeavour, fighter pilot stories, F16 pilot, spacewalk experience, view from above art, life in space, astronaut sleeping weightless, NASA leadership lessons, astronaut turned politician, Terry Virts Senate campaign

Julio Campis Díaz is a 24-year-old Puerto Rican ecologist and PhD student whose career took a dramatic turn the day he stepped into El Yunque National Rainforest. What began as a required research assignment led him from freshwater shrimp studies to working inside Great Smoky Mountains and Yosemite National Park. In this episode Julio shares how that moment reshaped his path, the mentors who guided him, and the field experiences that shaped his love for conservation. He talks about tracking rare owls, teaching visitors in national parks, witnessing shrimp migrations, and navigating close encounters with wildlife. We also discuss the challenges national parks face today and the importance of including native knowledge and strong community partnerships. In this episode • The unexpected moment in El Yunque that sent Julio from pre med to wildlife science • What it is really like to work as a ranger in Great Smoky Mountains and Yosemite • The wild encounters waking up to a bear, tracking a rare owl for hours, and seeing shrimp migrations that look unreal • How national parks are changing and why native knowledge is shaping better conservation • The surprising role kids have played in his passion for education and outreach • His current PhD work removing old dams to reopen migration routes for fish and shrimp • The long term dream that keeps him motivated leading El Yunque National Forest Connect with Julio: Instagram Support El Yunque National Park National Park Service Shrimp Migration Video . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS national parks, wildlife stories, bear encounter, park ranger intern, national park service, Yosemite internship, Smoky Mountains wildlife, conservation careers, ecology student, wildlife biologist, fieldwork stories, outdoor jobs, nature podcast, environmental science, wildlife encounters, El Yunque rainforest, shrimp migration, PhD ecology, national park education, conservation inspiration, travel podcast, adventure podcast, park ranger

Jamie Edwards didn’t plan to become a travel writer, and she definitely didn’t plan on writing for National Geographic. But after moving from New York to Tokyo, her world opened up in ways she couldn’t have imagined. What began as a small blog turned into a thriving platform called I Am Lost and Found, and eventually, a dream project as a contributing author for National Geographic’s Traveler’s Atlas. In this episode, Jamie shares her story of becoming one of the few travel writers to contribute to National Geographic’s newest global book, how she balances writing with motherhood, and what it felt like to stand in Antarctica with her 78-year-old stepfather as whales surfaced beside their kayaks. From the Arctic to the streets of Bhutan, Jamie’s adventures are a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent your life or pursue the stories that light you up. Let’s dive in! Connect with Jamie: Order The Traveler’s Atlas of the World by National Geographic, featuring Jamie’s work Website Instagram Her Travel Coaching Service Quark Expeditions Linkedin . . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ Keywords Jamie Edwards interview, National Geographic writer, how to write for National Geographic, National Geographic contributing author, travel writer career, how to become a travel writer, pitch National Geographic, National Geographic book opportunity, Travelers Atlas National Geographic, I Am Lost and Found blog, Instagram DM to book deal, Antarctica travel stories, Arctic Svalbard trip, polar bears in Svalbard, humpback whales Antarctica, Quark Expeditions review, polar plunge experience, travel coaching explained, living in Tokyo with kids, Bhutan Tigers Nest story, Uganda gorilla trekking, starting a travel blog, switch careers to travel writing, women in travel writing, inspirational travel podcast

Ricardo Kaljouw is a Dutch mountaineer, author, and Royal Dutch Navy veteran whose life has been built around pushing beyond limits. He has visited 117 countries, climbed 75 high-altitude peaks, and stood on 45 volcanoes around the world. He’s one of only about fifty people on earth to complete the Volcanic Seven Summits, a rare challenge that involves climbing the highest volcano on each of the seven continents. In addition, he was the first Dutch climber to reach the top of Mount Sidley, Antarctica’s most remote volcano. His journey has taken him from the icy ridges of Mount Giluwe in Papua New Guinea to the lava slopes of Ojos del Salado in Chile, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and Mount Elbrus in Russia. Each climb tested his endurance, his focus, and his faith in himself. In this episode, Ricardo takes us inside the decade of storms, setbacks, and silent triumphs that defined his pursuit. We talk about surviving avalanches, snow blindness, and isolation in some of the harshest environments on Earth. He shares how his military training shaped his resilience, the love story behind a summit proposal in Mexico, and his next mission, the Volcanic Grand Slam, a world-first expedition to climb the highest volcano in twenty-five volcanic countries across all seven continents. Ricardo also opens up about his book A Million Steps on Lava, what standing on the edge of an active crater does to your sense of fear, and why adventure, to him, is as much about stillness as it is about summits. Let's dive in! Connect with Ricardo: Instagram Order his book, A Million Steps on Lava . Join My Costa Rica Trip Feb 2026 With Worldpackers! We’ll surf, explore the rainforest, do salsa dancing, and have beach bonfires together! Accommodation, meals, activities, and transport within the trip are all included and organized for you, so you just show up and get ready for the best week ever! Join the WhatsApp Group Here To Find Out More Details: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DwPFDBmTU526n5zvEYVKnk?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaebo8Fv82ChKcXgtFErcNPtY-4Zf4w0eLIZAK4hWO_suxUK8Iyweod2dt47pA_aem_V3IWwrcbgnXjuA_jHJq9oQ . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Youtube ~ KEYWORDS mountaineering, volcano climbing, volcanic seven summits, adventure travel, antarctica expedition, climbing stories, extreme sports, explorers podcast, travel podcast, dutch climber, mount sidley, survival stories, volcanic grand slam, adventure inspiration, world travel

At 25, filmmaker and surfer Meredith Rodgers found herself sailing across every ocean on Earth, filming one of the most intense races in the world. It all started with one cold email that somehow turned into a dream job she didn’t even know existed. For almost a year, she lived on a 70-foot sailboat surrounded by strangers, capturing storms, sunrises, and everything in between. In this episode, Meredith shares how she made that opportunity happen, what life at sea actually looked like day to day, and the moments that tested her the most. We talk about the transition that came after…the shock of coming home, the feeling of starting over, and the new documentary she’s creating about women surfing through freezing East Coast winters! And some of her best pieces of advice, of course :) Connect with Meredith: Instagram Substack Her Women Led Film Studio, Atrain Studios Surf Documentary BTS Clipper Race (sailing around the world) . About My Costa Rica Group Trip With Worldpackers: It’s a 7-day surf and adventure experience happening February 16–22, 2026, hosted through Worldpackers. Everything’s organized for you, accommodation, meals, activities, and transport within the trip, so you just show up and we will have the best week ever!! We’ll surf, explore the rainforest, do salsa dancing, and have beach bonfires together! Right now there’s an early bird discount for the first few people to book. Here’s what’s included: •⁠ ⁠300 dollars off the trip price (usually around 1050) •⁠ ⁠Four years of the Worldpackers membership (worth 520 dollars) •⁠ ⁠A one-on-one call with me before the trip •⁠ ⁠200 dollars in travel credits for another Worldpackers experience •⁠ ⁠A Worldpackers guide to help you travel for free in the future You just pay a small deposit now to save your spot, and the rest later with flexible payment options! Here’s the link to see all the details and book your spot 💙 https://www.worldpackers.com/en/epic/experiences/costarica-surfweek-double/slots/KINDREDROADS02152026 ~ Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS sailing around the world, filmmaker interview, ocean adventure stories, Clipper Round the World Race, women in film, creative career journey, freelance filmmaker life, surfing documentary, travel and storytelling, resilience and personal growth

There are few people who live their calling as boldly as Dr. Clifford Redford. He is a veterinarian, documentary filmmaker, and lifelong animal advocate whose work has taken him far beyond the walls of his busy clinic in Canada. From rescuing street dogs in Jamaica to saving wildlife in India and performing surgeries in Ukraine as missiles shook the ground, Cliff has made it his mission to help animals wherever they need him most, often alongside his daughter, who travels with him on many of these rescue missions. In this episode, Cliff shares how his passion for animal welfare led him to begin volunteering on rescue missions around the world. What started as a three-week trip to Jamaica turned into a lifelong journey of bringing care and compassion to animals in crisis. We talk about what it’s like to perform surgery with little supplies, how he’s learned to adapt to different cultures and conditions, and how traveling with his daughter has deepened the meaning of his work. Cliff also opens up about the emotional highs and lows of rescue work, filming his documentary World Wide Vet, and why he believes kindness and education are the most powerful tools for change. His stories reveal the quiet courage it takes to keep showing up, the hope that comes from helping, and the reminder that one person’s compassion can ripple across the world. Connect with Dr. Cliff: Website Instagram Youtube His Clinic Ohana Animal Charity His Podcast His Documentary (available soon in the USA!) . . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS veterinarian, animal rescue, adventure, documentary, veterinary medicine, wildlife, cultural experiences, family, kindness, travel podcast, adventure podcast, inspiring, storytelling, service, courage, compassion, humanitarian, volunteering, resilience  

Emily Corinne is a yoga teacher who has lived in Thailand, taught abroad, and spent nine months backpacking through 17 countries. Along the way she moved between classrooms and retreat spaces, traded city rush for sunrise meditations, and learned how to build simple routines in unfamiliar places. Those months held everything from missed buses and last-minute detours to quiet mornings spent journaling, practicing, and noticing the small details that make a place feel like home. Now she leads group trips and retreats around the world, bringing people together through yoga, community, and adventure. She talks about why saying yes to new experiences matters, how staying present changes the entire arc of a journey, and why the connections you make with people often become the most meaningful souvenirs. In this episode we get into what teaching overseas taught her about culture and resilience, how meditation and presence reshape the way you move through the world, and a few unforgettable backpacking stories that still make her laugh. Connect with Emily: Instagram Tiktok Join Her Group Trips   . . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube

Lachie Smart was just 18 years old when he became the youngest person to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft. What started as a wild idea with no money, no flying experience, and a stack of rejection letters turned into a 54-day journey across 45,000 kilometers and 24 countries. In this episode, Lachie takes us inside the storms that nearly knocked him out of the sky, the moments of doubt that almost ended the dream, and the unexpected kindness of strangers that reminded him why he kept going. From dodging pirates and nearly being shot down in the Middle East, to crying over a cheese sandwich baked by a stranger in Sri Lanka, his story is as human as it is daring. We talk about what it really takes to pull off a record-breaking journey, why naivety can sometimes be your biggest advantage, and how persistence through 200 no’s finally turned into a yes. This is an adventure about risk, resilience, and the courage to start before you feel ready. Let’s dive in! Connect with Lachie: Website Instagram Youtube . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS aviation, circumnavigation, flying, adventure, sponsorship, youth empowerment, public speaking, travel, resilience, personal growth, travel podcast, pilot, overlanding, flying around the world  

Lauren Bash is a storyteller, climate activist, and TED speaker who was named to Harvard’s Climate Creators to Watch list. She has been featured on BuzzFeed, The New York Times, and more, inspiring ordinary people to join the climate movement through storytelling in an approachable, optimistic way. In this episode, we hear how Lauren Bash went from the filmmaking world to inspiring millions on social media, sharing that small steps can lead to big change. We dive into her viral “Make Polluters Pay” campaign, which called out Exxon and other oil giants for knowingly fueling climate disasters. Lauren also explains why ordinary people can shift legislation and why waiting to be perfect before you act is exactly what polluters hope you will do. She also opens up about Gimme My Medicine, the short film she created about her dad’s health journey. It documents the plant based challenge that transformed his health in just 30 days and the heartbreak that followed when she later lost him. Lauren shows how grief, love, and storytelling can fuel action that impacts millions. Overall, this episode is for travelers who have seen climate change firsthand but feel they are not informed enough to take action or share their views, and it proves that even one voice can make a difference. Let’s dive in! Connect with Lauren Instagram Tiktok Website Watch her short film, “Gimme My Medicine”  Surfrider LA Intersectional Environmentalist Grassroots Organization Network Patagonia Action Works . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ Keywords climate activism, community organizing, environmental justice, civic engagement, climate change awareness, sustainable living, grassroots movements, personal stories, Make Polluters Pay, eco-friendly resources, lauren bash  

Eli Snyder is a travel content creator with a community of over 500 thousand people across platforms. He’s traveled to 105 countries proving that if you look past the headlines and trust humanity, travel can be safer and more meaningful, while still staying smart. In this episode, we dive into the wildest and most intense stories from his recent travels through Afghanistan, Syria, West Africa, and more. We talk about sneaking into Saddam Hussein’s abandoned palace, losing a passport in one of the worst places possible, and taking the Iron Ore train, the most dangerous train in the world across the Sahara. He shares why West Africa was the most challenging place he's ever traveled and how strangers in Turkmenistan and Syria reminded him of the goodness of people again and again. Eli also opens up about why he left his corporate job to pursue a life of meaning through discomfort, how he plans his adventures based on instinct and seasonality, and why solo travel is the most social thing you can do. He gives advice to anyone afraid to leap into travel and explains why the world is much safer than we’ve been led to believe. At the end, he shares more about his group trips, where he takes small groups of curious travelers to places like Jordan, Afghanistan, Norway, Namibia, and Guatemala. These trips are for anyone who wants to experience deep culture and real connection with the world and each other. Connect with Eli: His Group Trips Instagram Tiktok Youtube - travel, adventure, Middle East, West Africa, cultural experiences, social media, travel advice, Eli Snyder, Snydexplores, tourism, extreme travel, solo travel, off the beaten path, digital nomad, overland travel, international borders, remote countries, group trips, travel storytelling, global perspective

Aisha Makara is a world traveler who’s explored over 60 countries and a Mongolian artist, engineer, entrepreneur, and author of the Joyful Living Guidebook. She spent her earliest years in a Soviet-era Russian orphanage before hitchhiking across Central Asia, earning an engineering degree in Norway, co-founding Lisbon White Rose property management in Portugal and launching a nonprofit to support orphanages. After a van break-in in Florida, she rebuilt her life and ultimately saw her art literally reach the stars on plaques sent to space by SpaceX. In this episode, Aisha recounts life without family, the moment she chose independence over scarce caretaker attention, her fight to reclaim a “sold” scholarship, building her first nonprofit during university, bouncing back from that Florida setback and why curiosity, resilience and gratitude fuel her joyful, purpose-driven journey. Connect with Aisha • Art Instagram: @aishamakaraart • Personal Instagram: @bigbossbaby7777 • Joyful Living Guidebook: Buy on Amazon - Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube

Fletcher Cox spent seven months driving the Pan-American Highway from Lake Tahoe to Ushuaia, Argentina with nothing but his husky mix, Dune, and his Audi sedan… In this episode, Fletcher tells the story of crossing a cartoonish bridge in Peru under the watch of a “toll troll,” galloping through a Mexican ghost town with a gold-toothed cowboy, and stumbling into a mysterious masked procession in a tiny mountain village. We also get into what it felt like to summit Patagonia’s granite spires, how he built a shrine to his late friend at the literal end of the world, and why travel warped his perception of time and reality forever. Let’s dive in! Connect with Fletcher: Instagram Linkedin . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS: overland travel, Pan-American Highway, Patagonia, dog travel, climbing, solo travel, Peru, Mexico, self-discovery, risk, grief, freedom, adventure storytelling, wild animals, car camping, life after loss, Andes, husky mix, shrine building, road trip, travel with purpose  

​​Kara Folkerts has done it all. She solo-hiked the length of Iceland at 21 and shortly after co-led her first Costa Rica trail running tour. By 22, she’d bike-packed 10,500 km from Canada through Alaska, Russia, Mongolia, and China, moved to Japan, then studied yoga in India before helping run an ecolodge in Indonesia. Since 25, she’s stepped into a career as a full-time guide, leading mountain running tours across Europe, Africa, North and South America, earning her 500-hour yoga certification, and leading a handful of yoga retreats, all while letting curiosity and adventure guide the way. In this episode, we talk about overcoming fear, serendipitous bikepacking encounters in Russia and Moroccan family dinners, balancing back-to-back international guiding trips, yoga and mindfulness, and her roadmap for navigating a truly nomadic career and life. Let’s dive in!  

Karmen Wiid is a South African solo traveler, writer, and host of The Lost & Found Podcast. She published her first book at 12, studied philosophy and literature in university, and now works remotely while moving through the world with curiosity and creativity. She’s currently based in India, and she shares such profound wisdom on the meaning of life and how to actually work through things, rather than letting fear or expectation stop you from living your dream. In this episode, Karmen shares stories from running out of money in Cambodia, crashing a motorbike in Nicaragua, and traveling through the US on Greyhound buses. We talk about her family’s initial resistance to her lifestyle, how she actually found a remote job (even when it felt impossible), and what helped her build back trust with her parents after leaving home. She opens up about free writing, her creative process, living on a permaculture farm in Nicaragua, mate culture in Buenos Aires, and why travel doesn’t need to be perfect to be worth it. We also get into philosophy, self-alignment, and why you are your best self when you live for you, not for someone else’s idea of success. Let’s dive in! Connect with Karmen: Buy Her Book – Untethered: A Beginner’s Guide to Solo Travel Join Her Bali Group Trip Listen to Her Podcast – The Lost & Found Podcast Read Her Blog Instagram Jordan Peterson’s Self Authoring Suite   . . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS self-discovery, travel, digital nomad, remote work, cultural exchange, writing, personal growth, ethical tourism, family expectations, existentialism  

Braden Roseborough is a wingsuit skydiver,, BASE jumper, helicopter pilot, and instructor with over 3,000 jumps, certifications in tandem, AFF and wingsuit flight, and a full-time career as a software engineer. In this episode, Braden takes us from packing parachutes to teaching wingsuit flights, free-flying out of MI-17 helicopters above the Pyramids of Giza, and performing live demo jumps at Formula E races for audiences of up to thirty million viewers. He recounts surviving a high-speed midair collision, earning the nickname “Braden’s Ghost” after a wrong-line base jump, and the three-legged “tripod” model he uses to balance home, career and skydiving passion. Whether you’re gearing up for your first tandem or dreaming of wingsuit flight, Braden’s tips on overcoming fear, building community at Perrine Bridge, and making every leap count will inspire you to take the plunge yourself. Let’s dive in! Connect with Braden: Website Instagram . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ wingsuit flying, skydiving, base jumping, extreme sports, adventure, risk management, personal stories, skydiving instructor, passion, career balance, skydiving, base jumping, equipment malfunctions, skydiving community, teaching skydiving, wingsuit training, skydiving advice, skydiving experiences, skydiving locations, skydiving stories  

Miki Bonny & Carlo Gava are award-winning filmmakers, certified freediving & scuba instructors, and founders of B & G Expeditions. They’ve built an online following of hundreds of thousands by sharing their freediving and scuba adventures. On top of that, they host immersive group trips, teach breath-hold techniques with their 3-Minute Program, and create breathtaking underwater photos and videos. In this episode, they explain how they filmed Deep Flight in just two days, trace their journey from Lanzarote’s underwater museum to earning scuba and freediving credentials, and share encounters with mantas in the Maldives, spinner dolphins in Egypt and reef sharks. They also share the art and technical hurdles of filming underwater and reveal how they’ve created a work-life balance that allows them to maximize their time diving in the ocean. Lastly, they’re now taking part in Sea Shepherd’s Fit for the Ocean challenge to raise money to support Sea Shepherd’s marine conservation patrols and protect ocean wildlife, and share how you can join in as well. Let’s dive in! Connect with Bonny & Gava: Website Expeditions & Group Trips  3-Minute Breath-Hold Program (Use Code KINDREDROADS for 20% off) Sea Shepherd Fundraiser Watch Deep Flight YouTube TikTok Instagram . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS freediving, ocean exploration, scuba diving, travel lifestyle, marine conservation, adventure, underwater experiences, personal stories, work-life balance, travel tips, freediving, ocean experiences, dolphin interactions, overcoming fear, underwater photography, marine life, group trips, short film, adventure, wildlife encounters, freediving, underwater photography, marine conservation, adventure travel, coral restoration, sustainable tourism, ocean awareness, underwater communication, photography tips, adventure lifestyle  

Gavin McClurg is a professional paraglider, the first American to finish the Red Bull X-Alps, and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. He’s a two-time round-the-world sailor and record-holding foot-launch pilot. In this episode, we trace his path from ski racing in Tahoe to thirteen years at sea, where he built a global sailing and kitesurfing business. He survived hurricane-force winds off Cape Horn, shark-filled nights off Mozambique, and so much more. A chance paragliding lesson then led him to set the North American distance record and become the first to cross the Alaska Range unsupported. He went on to race four editions of the Red Bull X-Alps and earned his NatGeo honor for a seamless Canadian Rockies traverse. Let’s dive in! Connect with Gavin: Purchase His Book, Advanced Paragliding Listen to His Podcast Website Instagram Youtube . . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS: adventure, sailing, paragliding, resilience, travel, life lessons, exploration, kite surfing, Red Bull X Alps, personal growth, storytelling, sailing, friendships, paragliding, adventure, simplicity, storms, National Geographic, Red Bull X-Alps, life lessons  

Chase Reichenbach is a photographer and filmmaker based in Seattle. He has been featured on Good Morning America, ABC News, and other major platforms for his viral travel and storytelling work. He’s traveled to over 30 national parks, documented stories across the U.S. and Europe, and built a creative career capturing weddings and working with brands like Subaru and Luno!  In this episode, we talked about his 40-day solo road trip across the United States where he camped in his car and visited 24 national parks. He shared how he built out his car with his dad, what it was like living on the road alone, and the surprising kindness he found in strangers everywhere he went. We also talked about the moment he accidentally photographed a surprise proposal that ended up going viral and how that led to being featured on national news. If you’ve ever dreamed about doing a solo road trip or working full-time as a creative, you won’t want to miss this one! Connect with Chase:   Shop His Prints Website Instagram Tiktok   . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ road trip, photography, adventure, travel, national parks, kindness, solo travel, experiences, challenges, storytelling, travel, adventure, photography, Europe, road trip, viral moments, backpacking, life lessons, personal growth, storytelling, USA road trip, united states national parks

Risa Josephine, a ski resort dispatcher and adventure sports enthusiast, battled a brain tumor from age seven until her life-changing surgery at eighteen. She graduated from the University of Georgia, volunteered at the Jodie O’Shea Orphanage in Bali and then spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English in Kyrgyzstan. In our conversation she shares what it was like living with that tumor for over a decade, from daily seizures, migraines and partial vision loss to the gratitude and perspective it gave her. She also recounts the celebration of life party her friend’s parents threw before surgery, explains how she and her non-English speaking immigrant parents navigated the U.S. medical system, and reflects on making her own life-or-death decisions about where and how to operate. We dive into her decision to fund and run her own volunteer program in Bali, the cultural surprises of life in At-Bashy and her vivid memories of Kyrgyz customs that taught her more than any textbook lesson. Let’s dive in! Donate to SNR Team today! SNR Team is a nonprofit providing mental and emotional support to ski-resort first responders in the Sierra Nevadas. It’s a place where resiliency teams and individuals can find resources, connect on a community platform, access educational trainings, and secure an advocate for themselves or their team. Connect with Risa Instagram Purchase Her Jewelry (Japanese influenced, Origami earrings)! Join the Peace Corps Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ KEYWORDS: brain tumor, surgery, recovery, gratitude, immigrant experience, advocacy, cultural anthropology, resilience, personal growth, life lessons, Cultural Anthropology, Volunteering, Peace Corps, Orphanage, Bali, Kyrgyzstan, Community Development, Cultural Differences, Personal Growth, Gratitude

Today on the podcast, I spoke with Emma Wilson, a 22 year old solo travel coach and content creator who’s lived and worked in over ten countries across Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. Originally from Oregon, Emma grew up with a traditional mindset and had never even considered traveling. But in 2022, she left college with little support, booked a one-way ticket, and set out to completely change her life! Since then, she’s built a business helping women use solo travel as a tool for self-growth. Her work is all about intuitive travel, personal freedom, and choosing yourself first. In this episode, we talked about what it was like leaving without approval, how she traveled affordably through Worldpackers, and why every destination brought her closer to who she really is. She shared her story of living in Puerto Rico for five months, volunteering in hostels across Europe, and going on a silent meditation retreat in Thailand. We also talked about travel magic, self-development, and what it means to design a life that feels aligned. If you're curious about solo travel or thinking of making a change, you can sign up for a free solo travel coaching call with Emma or join her Portugal group trip in August 2025, linked below!   Connect with Emma: Free Solo Travel Call With Her! Join Her Portugal Group Trip in August 2025 Instagram Tiktok   . . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube ~ personal growth, travel experiences, solo travel, meditation, self-discovery, podcasting, community support, inner work, transformative journeys, life lessons, spirituality, travel, personal growth, meditation, coaching, life lessons, human connection, adventure, self-discovery, travel stories

Ever wondered what it’s like to captain a 191-foot superyacht through some of the most remote and pristine places on Earth? Captain Liam Devlin takes Wall Street elites, Russian oligarchs, actors, and more on adventures around the world! He has spent over 25 years navigating the world’s oceans, from the rugged coastlines of Alaska to the untouched beauty of the Solomon Islands. Originally from Byron Bay, Australia, Liam is the captain of Unbridled, a world-class expedition yacht focused on diving, adventure, and six-star service. In this episode, he shares what it really takes to deliver life-changing experiences for some of the world’s most high-profile guests. We talk about the unspoken pressure of perfection in the superyacht world, what guests are really like behind the scenes, and the logistics of planning everything from helicopter tours to shark dives. He also speaks openly about the bond he feels with the ocean, why luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand, and how nature has a way of bringing us back to ourselves. Let’s dive in! Connect with Liam:   Instagram Website Youtube . . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube (yachting, yacht captain, luxury travel, marine life, environmental protection, guest experience, charter costs, daily operations, misconceptions, unique destinations, environment, yachting, sustainability, high-profile guests, personal growth, authenticity, travel, podcasting, experiences, marine life)

Today on the podcast, I sat down with photographer and agency owner Madison Olivia Brown in Charleston, SC. Madison built her first online business from scratch while traveling the country in her sedan. She later rebranded it as Vienna & Co, a creative marketing agency focused on luxury and hospitality brands. She also runs networking events for young entrepreneurs in Charleston, SC. In this episode, we talk about what it was like living out of a car while trying to land clients. We dive into how she rebranded her business to attract luxury brands and what she’s learned from taking risks and saying yes as an online business owner. She also shares a full roadmap for anyone who wants to work remotely and start their own business. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your travels into a creative career, you won’t want to miss this one! Connect with Madison  Website Instagram Linkedin Tiktok Listen to Her Podcast . . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube

McHenry Jackson grew up in Folly Beach, South Carolina, surfing every chance he got. Now, he spends months at a time living on boats as a seafloor mapper, exploring the ocean for work and surfing whenever he can. When he’s not working, he’s surfing in places like South Africa, Panama, and Hawaii. This August, he’s making the big move to Hawaii to fully dive into the surf lifestyle. In this episode, McHenry talks about what life is really like living at sea for months, what he actually does as a sea floor mapper, and his experiences surfing in some of the world’s most incredible spots. He shares stories of surfing in great white shark territory in South Africa, his most unforgettable surf trips, and why now is always the best time to go after the life you want. Connect with Mchenry: Instagram . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube

Teju Ravilochan is a Forbes 30 Under 30 social entrepreneur and TEDx speaker. He co-founded Uncharted and later started GatherFor out of a desire to intentionally create a mutual support system for people experiencing poverty. Growing up, Teju was struck by the extreme gap between wealth and poverty, which led him to question the way the world works. He shares what he has learned from Indigenous and immigrant communities about the power of connection and why the Western focus on independence might be holding us back. He also talks about GatherFor and how small groups of neighbors are coming together to support each other in everyday life. From sharing meals to helping with childcare and covering bills, they are proving that none of us are meant to do life alone. Let’s dive in! Donate to GatherFor Connect with Teju: Website Email . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube

Today, I’m talking with Francheska Krysiak, also known as Franny, a marine conservationist, scientific rebreather diver, and PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer, who has spent the last 10 years working to protect our oceans. Franny supports conservation and restoration work for various organizations, such as the California Academy of Sciences.  She is also an underwater photographer and a brand ambassador for various scuba gear brands. In this conversation, Franny shares stories from her underwater research, such as the surreal experience of being surrounded by hundreds of sharks and how night diving unveils a completely different marine world. She also explains the differences between rebreather diving and traditional scuba diving, which allow her to spend extended periods underwater, and discusses the innovative techniques being used to preserve marine ecosystems for future generations. Let's dive in! Connect with Franny: Instagram Website Shop Her Prints Donate: Donate to SECORE Donate to Roatan Marine Park Other Links: Mexico's Revillagigedo National Park Hope For Reefs Bioluminescence vs. Fluorescence String of Pearls Why Coral Reefs Matter Coral Reef Seeding Coral Gardeners  Credits: https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/rov.html, https://fishbase.mnhn.fr/photos/PicturesSummary.php?resultPage=3&ID=12012&what=species

Ever wondered what it’s like to ski in Antarctica before anyone else that season? Or what goes into filming backcountry skiers, adaptive athletes, and even couples getting married in some of the most remote places on Earth? Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Tamara Šuša has done it all. Voted Best Local Photographer in Aspen, Tamara captures everything from extreme adventure sports to intimate mountain elopements. She shares how she went from photographing nightclubs in Chicago to documenting adventure sports, environmental stories, and weddings in some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes. She talks about the rare experience of skiing and filming in Antarctica before anyone else that season, why October is the only window for backcountry skiing there, and what it’s like to document adventures in places few people ever see. She also dives into her films Two Legs Is Too Easy and 80 for 80, along with her climate-focused photography projects. Let’s dive in!   Connect with Tamara: Instagram Youtube   Shop Her Prints See Her Work . Follow along on socials: Instagram Tiktok  

What’s The Amazing Race actually like? Redmond Ramos, former Navy corpsman, motivational speaker, and Amazing Race Season 29 contestant, gives us the inside scoop. From picking a random teammate on day one to navigating wild travel challenges on zero sleep, he shares what happens behind the scenes and whether the race is as real as it seems. He also opens up about the moment he was blown up by an IED while serving in Afghanistan, the devastating loss of his leg, and how he rebuilt his life with an unstoppable mindset. His story is living proof that the human spirit can endure even the toughest challenges and come back stronger, with a newfound gratitude for life. As Redmond puts it, "Everything after that moment is extra time." If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to race around the world on The Amazing Race or bounce back from life’s hardest moments, you won’t want to miss this one. Connect with Redmond: Instagram Youtube Watch The Amazing Race on CBS!

Today, I’m sitting down with Andrew, whose two-week biking trip turned into a journey spanning 27,461 miles across 37 countries. Since his travels, he’s raised over $20,000 for the Trevor Project, helping prevent LGBTQ+ youth suicide.  Along the way, he faced a slew of wild challenges, including getting hit by a truck in Peru, being robbed at knifepoint, and even being hospitalized with food poisoning. He got stuck in a small village in Pakistan for three days due to a landslide and often had to sleep in his tent on the street. To top it all off, he found himself stranded at the Kazakhstan border after forgetting his visa. But what kept Andrew going was the excitement of seeing the world and, most importantly, the unexpected kindness of strangers. Let’s dive in! Donate to The Trevor Project Connect with Andrew: Instagram .   Follow along on socials: Instagram Tiktok

Zoya Miari, a Palestinian-Ukrainian peace ambassador, grew up in a refugee camp in Lebanon amid violence and ongoing conflicts. By 22, she had survived two wars and rebuilt her life in Switzerland, founding Waves to Home, a global movement empowering displaced people through storytelling. Zoya reflects on life in a single-room refugee camp home, fleeing wars in Lebanon and Ukraine, and her mother’s unwavering optimism that taught her to find freedom anywhere. She shares the inspiration behind Waves to Home and the story of a 17-year-old from Gaza who, amidst war and siege, sought to evacuate his family. Connect with Zoya: Instagram  Linkedin Website . . . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube

Today I’m talking with one of my best friends, Siena Muscianisi, a talented freelance photographer, filmmaker, and designer. During her gap year, Siena spent six weeks each in Paris, Costa Rica, and Stockholm, and also traveled through the Galápagos Islands and Ecuador. She later completed a two-month internship in Ireland before joining Selina’s Film Residency Program in Morocco. Recently, she exchanged her skills for a two-month stay at a hostel in the Lofoten Islands. Now, she’s focused on building her portfolio in the cycling industry, collaborating with brands like USA Cycling and Mad Gravel. In this episode, Siena discusses the challenges of solo travel, overcoming fears, and how these experiences pushed her out of her comfort zone and fostered personal and professional growth. She shares stories of being denied entry at the Norway border, her love for Irish culture, seeing the Northern Lights, and lessons from spontaneous trips and freelancing around the world! Let’s get started!   Connect with Siena: Website Instagram . . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down in Central Park in New York City with Jordan Williams, who’s not just a talented Twitch streamer but also like family to me. Jordan has faced significant challenges in his life—he lost his mom to breast cancer at a young age and, later, his grandmother. Through all the pain, he has found incredible inner strength and built a supportive community that stands by him every step of the way. In our conversation, Jordan shares what it takes to stand out in the gaming world, the crucial role fitness has played in his life, and why building a strong community around yourself is essential. He also opens up about healing from the loss of his mom and grandmother and finding light in his darkest moments. Finally, he offers valuable advice for aspiring streamers. Let’s dive in!   Connect with Jordan: Twitch Youtube Instagram . . . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube

Simon Felber is a documentary filmmaker and the founder of Changeweys, a platform dedicated to telling stories that inspire positive change. His work has taken him across the globe, from the mines of Bolivia, where he explored the harsh conditions miners face, to the Sahara Desert in Algeria, where he documented the nomadic lives of the Tuareg people. Join us as Simon journeys into the depths of a Bolivian mine, where conditions remain frozen in time, revealing haunting realities, and crosses paths with a legendary elder in a remote Georgian mountain village. He also discusses the importance of building genuine connections with locals, the responsibility filmmakers have to give back, and the unique challenges of ecotourism. Lastly, I’m joined by my close friend Siena, a talented travel photographer and videographer. Let’s get started! Connect with Simon: Website Instagram Youtube . . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube

congratulations!  you finally found the community of travel enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers to validate your unconventional life plans  . . Follow along on other platforms: Instagram Tiktok Youtube