The Travel Is Real
by Alex Terpstra
The Travel is Real is a podcast about hearing captivating stories from adventures abroad. Each guest on the episode reveals an experience which occurred while traveling, backpacking, or living abroad. These stories range from fun, comedic, risqué, to bizarre, gross, harrowing or horrific. As long as the if the narrative is intriguing, I want to hear it! Typically if an interview revolves around an arduous, dangerous, or harrowing narrative, the guest and I will give advice and tips, so listeners can learn from the mistakes of the guests and myself (I’ve certainly made a few). Anything can happen when traveling around the world, which is why so many travelers posses fascinating stories to tell.The episodes vary in theme, but laughter is always a constant. This is a podcast which does not take itself to seriously. Some interview may encompass situations that at the time were very serious and in no way funny, but as most know, when reflecting back on a situation, laugher is common. The
Episodes
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EP 57: "James". - From Kenya to California
Holy Cats! What an episode! My friend "James" (who wishes to remain anonymous due to an embarrassing story) recounts a regrettable experience regarding alcohol and a tattoo parlor. My guest and I then discuss the culture shock of traveling from Kenya to southern California to attend university.…
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EP 56: Alex S. - Maximize Your Life for Happiness
My guest Alex S. graces the podcast, and reflects on his state of mind when he decided to pack his bags and leave the corporate life in the USA, for a life in Bali. He explains how he took action to maximize his happiness, and he follows it up with a story about thieving monkeys. Episode...
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EP 55: Sunny Ju - Eight Days Lost in the Jungle
Sunny Ju graces the podcast this week and holy cats does she give a wild story. Turns out, getting lost in a massive, remote rainforest is easy. Unnervingly easy. Sunny illuminates her experience on how she and three others struggled for survival for eight days in the jungle….with only two days…
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EP 54: Michael D - "The Incident", Not Flying Home, And Rice Paddies and Car Batteries
Michael D. joins the podcast! This fine Brit recently moved to Bali to learn coding/programing, but before that, he had lived in Bangkok, Thailand for years! Too many years to count! Michael regales a travel story which he and his friends suffered through an incident, to which, could have put...
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EP 53: Sophia - Racism Woes as an Expat, and Child Fire-Breathers
In this episode, my guest Sophia and I discuss some of the more bizarre things one can expect to see in the city of Saigon. We then get into a bit more serious topic concerning what its like teaching English in South East Asia as black woman. This is a great episode to listen to, if you are keen…
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EP 52: Hella- Island Life and the Surf "Washing Machine"
My friend, Hella, who is Co-owner of Canggu's Camp 308 and quite the avid surfer graces the podcast. She first tells a story of how a near death experience fortuitously lead her to make a decision which brought her to BALI. She then illuminates what it's like to live and work on a very small...
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EP 51: Jeroen- Lombock's Earthquake Disaster and The Water Magician
My guest Jeroen Van Overbeak, AKA "The Water Magician" presents his story of how he was able to bring clean water to thousands of Indonesians, by using his invention..the Nazava Water Filter. This water filter cleans water at low cost, effectively, and highly sustainable when compared to other...
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EP 50: Kieran- Managing Anxiety, Travel, and Travel Anxiety
In this special episode, one that I'm very excited about, my guest Kieran Hedley, also known as Coach Kezza, graces the podcast. Kieran has been traveling and living abroad for quite some time, as mental health coach who specifies in anxiety. His coaching service, is extremely valuable and rich…
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EP 49: Sabby- Optimize your Life and Travel for Happiness
My guest Sabby on today's episode is a very great friend and great dude, who I met here in Bali. Sabby details how he went from living in his parents house for one year, to achieving a successful and rewarding lifestyle working remotely anywhere around the world…AKA living that digital nomad…
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EP 48: Hermes- Travel Scams, Cons, and Grifts
SCAMS, Cons, Cheats, Grifts, you name it, this episode has it. My guest Hermes and I detail a few common, and oddly intricate scams travelers encounter when adventuring abroad. We start out by detailing some tips for people looking to backpack abroad, and how to keep your money safe from…
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EP 47: Justin Trudell- The Weird, Wild, Wondrous Vietnam
Justin Trudell joins me on The Travel is Real. My guest hails from the great city of Toronto, Canada. We met during the beginning of my Journey in Vietnam, from the south to the north. Mr. Trudell is not only a highly skilled software engineer, but a mastered navigator as well. During the Vietnam...
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EP 46: Ash Gallagher- The War Journalist's Struggle, Insights, and Danger
In this phenomenal episode of The Travel is Real, my guest Ash Gallagher, a prolific war journalist, and author who has worked for a multitude of well know news publications such as CNN, Yahoo News, and Vice, has joined me today to talk some wild stories and experiences she has encountered...
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EP 45: Tom Walker- The Ashram Healer in India
In this inspiring episode of The Travel is Real, my Kiwi guest, Tom Walker tells a story of how a trip to India, and eastern medicine was the reason he could walk, run, and even climb mountains once more. We start by going through a gut wrenching, awful incident that lead tom being crippled for...
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EP 44: Ben O - How to Climb Giza, Bad News Borneo, and Airport Glamping
Ben Orndorff is my guest this week, and gives the podcast one banger of an episode! He firsts starts by educating me on how to properly, and illegally sneak into the pyramids of Giza and actually climb to the top of one of the pyramids. We then get into a serious situation Ben found himself in…
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EP 43: Bria- Bria's Bizarre Work Away, and Becoming an Entrepreneur Abroad
In this amazing episode, my guest Bria gives the podcast stories that range from embarrassing, inspiring, creepy/dangerous, and all the way to motivating. We first begin by Bria detailing her less than idea scooter accident that resulted in an awkward situation for all parties involved. After…
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EP 42: Kenny Hanson- Monks, Meditation, and Instagram
Digital nomad, mentor, and all around cool cat, my friend Kenny Hanson sat down on The Travel is Real podcast to discuss a couple travel stories and insights he has enjoyed along his Southeast Asia adventure. Kenny and I first discuss the instagram culture in Bali, and he gives a pretty unique...
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EP 41: Nadja Nora- The Dark Side of Hollywood Story
In this incredible episode, my guest from Switzerland details her dark and dismal experiences while living in Hollywood, working as a model and actress. She also recounts a creepy, repugnant story she encountered in a mansion on the Hollywood hills…its pretty nuts. Nadja then gives light as to…
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EP 40: Brian Pillsworth- The Backpacking Horror-Show, and The Worst Type of C*ck Block
Brian Pillsworth is my guest on this crazy episode of The Travel is Real! The stories presented will make you laugh, gasp, yell HOLEE Cats! Mr. Pillsworth is an American who has traveled, backpacked, and worked in Asia for half a year. In the first part of the episode, he explains the wildly...
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EP 39: Maree Mackenzie- From Rock Bottom to Sober Girls Travels
In this very special episode, my guest Maree Mackenzie, owner of Sober Girls Travels details her journey from her most rock bottom moment when she struggled with alcoholism, to her journey which led to a thriving sober women retreat and tour guide specialist. Her story is one of strength,...
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EP 38: Olumide Gbenro- The Digital Nomad Story
In this episode, I am joined by Olu, a master digital nomad marketer, and founder of the Digital Nomad Summit. He lives here in Bali for the time being, and I was lucky enough to get him on the podcast for an entrepreneurial blitz discussion concerning work and travel. We touch upon topics such…
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EP 37: Emily Gough- Leaving on a JetPlane: The Nine Year Infidelity Story
My guest Emily is the host of her own Podcast called "Room to Grow" and she owns an online business. During this incredible episode, Emily details her startling reason why she left her home country for the digital nomad life. We discuss infidelity, self reflection, and personal growth. It's deep,...
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EP 36: German Mark- The Hostel Stabbing and Christchurch Shooting
In this alarming and grim episode of The Travel is Real, my unlucky guest details two events during his travels that made him fear for his life. The first story, Mark accounts a nightmare scenario in a hostel upon arriving in Melbourne Australia. He then follows by illuminating his experience...
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EP 35 Neus: - The Journey to Yogi
Neus, a Yoga instructor, world traveler, and all around badass, illustrates how traveling was ultimately her salvation during our recording. During our interview, my guest details how she found the remedy to her eating disorder. After that, she gives light to her difficult, arduous journey to...
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EP 34 Jessica: - Tour Guide from Hell, and Bathroom Romance
In this hilarious episode, we hear a cautionary tale regarding tour guides and drug dealers. My guest Jessica details the circumstances that lead her and her boyfriend into a dark and dangerous tour around Colombia. After that, Jessica graphically details how food poisoning drew her, and her one...
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EP 33: Jay- The Serbian Maximum Security Prison Experience
I met Jay in the first hostel I stayed in while in Canggu, Bali. Turns out, he is one interesting character who travels the world. Jay starts off the recording by illustrating his first day in Detroit, and how he nearly died. My guest then follows up with illustrating his experiences with the...
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EP 32: Murrie H.- The Aussie Bush Nightmare
Murrie H. is a friend of mine who traveled the entire Ho Chi Minh road with me during my Vietnam adventure. I could not have asked for a better travel partner! In this episode, Murrie and I reminisce over some of the close calls (aka near death experiences) on the road, and some of the strange...
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EP 31: Johnny- MotorCycle Vietnam: The Wild, The Weird, The Dangerous
In this episode, my guest is Johnny, owner of the beautiful, and wonderful Saigon Hub Hostel. Mr. John has lived and worked in Vietnam for many years, to where he has enjoyed and endured many incredible experiences whilst living abroad. Fast and loose seemed to be John's mantra years back, but…
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EP 30: Alex T - A Dire Disaster and How to Avoid Food Poisoning
A six inch roast beef sandwich eaten in the Kuala Lampur Airport was the catalyst to the worst day of Alex Terpstra's life. Listen to two stories of how the host of The Travel is Real royally screwed up by eating the wrong food, and what became of him hours later. Its embarrassing, its gross, and...
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EP 29: Michaella - From Coal Mining in Vietnam to Rescue Diving in Koh Tao
I have Michaella Lampe on The Travel is Real this week, and what lady she is! Miss Lampe is an incredible world traveler who has amazing scuba diving stories in Koh Tao and South Africa. My guest educates me on the marine conservation efforts of ECO Koh Tao, and how the organiztation seeks to...
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EP 28: ILU- The Beautiful, Terrifying, Romantic Trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp
ILU Narang joins The Travel is Real podcast! She is a digital nomad, an incredible fitness/diet consultant, and woman with a beautiful travel instagram. In this episode, she describes her journey of becoming a digital nomad, followed by a her story of how she trekked up Mt. Everest Base Camp! She...
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EP 27: Alex Troitzsch- Journey From Germany to America. How to Live Abroad
Alex Troizsch is a techno DJ, a talented Graphic Designer, and a Suana Spa expert! In this episode, Alex describes in detail, his journey and adventures traveling from his home country of Germany to America, and all the great experiences and opportunities he came across while studying and working...
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EP 26: Jerrica Peterson- ESL Teacher Trials and Tribulations..and Excellent Advice
Jerrica from America joins the podcast. She is a nomadic ESL teacher who retains an incredible sense of adventure and knows how to find the perfect balance of teaching and travel. She has a knack for finding and exploring amazing locations in various countries around the world. During the…
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EP 25: Andrew Musick- Muay Thai Kickboxer Experience, Drunk ROK U, and Expat Advice
Andrew Musick joins me on the podcast. He is an incredibly skilled Muay Thai Kickboxer, and a veteran Republic of Korea Ultimate Frisbee player who spent nine years living in Asia working as an ESL teacher. Musick divulges stories of his international kickboxing experiences, and a humbling…
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EP 24: Rob Greenfield- Discovery's Free Ride Experience, No Money International Travel, and Exotic Food Stories
Rob Greenfield is a international renowned traveler, an environmental activist, and one rad dude. He has mastered traveling around the world with little to no money, literally! The man is a travel budget guru! He also is an incredible ally to the environment who educates, and promotes green...
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EP 23: Nick and Stef- The Long Journey Home
Nick Doran and Stef Russell (AKA Stifneck Dorsell) embarked upon a 13,000 kilometer journey from South Korea, to their home in Ireland. How did they do this? By bicycle! The bike adventure across China, the Middle East, and Europe was filled with excitement, strife, and a plenty of police...
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EP 22: Jon Sarry- The Chaotic Kebnekaise Mountain Hike
Jonathan is a world traveler who I first met in South Korea. Jon then worked in Vietnam for a bit, then bounced to Finland where he currently resides. In this episode, Mr. Sarry regales his treacherous, harrowing, and ill-prepared journey up Kebnekaise mountain. During his story, we learn the...
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EP 21: Mary M- Work Abroad, Date Abroad, Tinder Abroad
Jen has lived, worked and obtained her Master degree in various countries the past few years. She can't be stopped! In this episode, Jen educates me on the great jobs she worked outside of the U.S., and the not so great jobs. We then discuss the dating scene as an Expat. Jen so graciously details…
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EP 20: Aussie Steph- The Catamaran Catastrophe, Australia's Fabled Creature, and Wildlife Tourism
My first Australian on the podcast! Stephanie is an Executive Officer at a prestigious zoo in Sydney, Australia. She enlightens us about bizarre Aussie creatures, followed by a tumultuous boat trip in Indonesia. Finally we discuss how animal trafficking and cruelty found abroad, and the steps one...
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EP 19: Tim S- The Hilarious, The Drunk, The Irresponsible Travels.
Tim is a travel connoisseur, a great friend, and one hell of a funny dude. We both spent time living, learning, and maintaining an irresponsible life during our early 20s in South Africa. We discuss some of our embarrassing experiences had while traveling and living abroad. Try not to judge too...
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EP 18: Steph and Brandon Part 2- The Psychedelic Island Experience, and Deadly Close Calls
Stephanie and Brandon are back for part two of our interview! We discuss two stories that involve very treacherous road trips in Laos and Iceland. We then learn of an acid trip gone horribly wrong during an amazing vacation. Visit the website below to start your incredible, unforgettable…
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EP 17: Steph and Brandon- Full Moon Party Fails and Feats, Bum Guns, and We Must Dash!
In this episode, I am with the owners of We Must Dash Adventure Travel. The couple first discuss what spawned the idea of their amazing travel company, and where they have been so far. The three of us then review our experiences at Thailand's Full Moon Party! Its insane! Finally, we educate the...
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EP 16: The Story of The Thirst.... and To Hostel, or Not to Hostel?
Jamar Black is a friend of mine, world traveler, and creator of his wildly entertaining and educational blog "The Afro Expat". In this episode, Jamar tells a risqué story of why he missed his flight from Spain to the USA. Its both comical, and lascivious! Well done Jamar. We then discuss when and...
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EP 15: Brendan B: The Wild, Wicked Warsaw Flight, The Jiro Experience, and Travel Tips
Brendan Burns is the host of a incredibly insightful, and captivating Podcast called "The Brendan Burns Show". Mr. Burns regales us with a most preposterous story about a flight to Warsaw, Poland. He then illuminates us on how he secured a reservation at Jiro's famous Sushi Restaurant in Tokyo.…
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EP 14: Paul M- Surviving the Monkey Onslaught, Magic Pee, and Wondrous Road to Hana
Paul Matarelli is a business owner, professional marketer, and world traveler extraordinaire. In this dramatically wonderful episode, Mr Matarelli illuminates us on what occurs when you cross the wrong path with a pissed of primate. We also learn about Guru G, magic pee, and a harrowing adventure...
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EP 13: Luke G- The Kolkata Mafia Story, The Vang Vieng Experience, and the Coconut Cure
Join Luke and I as we discuss the best method of backpacking. Throw out the itinerary and let the good time roll. We reminisce over some wild experiences had in India, Vietnam, and Laos. Also, check out Luke's company. http://www.skinnyandcompany.com Episode Highlights: The Hangover Cure and…
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EP 12: Gayla- Dirty Docs and a Sinister Following
My guest Gayla is a recent college grad who worked in multiple hospitals in New Delhi. She was witness to dire situations which were commonplace in the India medical field. Her story of hospital sanitation was laughably unreasonable. She also shares a story of being stalked by a man with sinister...
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EP 11: Elliot- Drunk, Irresponsible, and Salacious Travels
Warning: Dont judge my friend Elliot and I in this episode. My guest is a Canadian world traveler who I met while working in Korea. We both swap hilarious stories of drunken evening, and travel hook-ups while living and traveling abroad. We aren't as greasy as you may think, I swear. Episode...
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EP 10: Cesar- The Korean Adventure and Bathroom Blunders
Cesar Ortega and I met teaching English as a second language in Korea. Mr. Ortega has spent a significant amount of his 20s living in the USA, South Korea (the nice one, not the naughty one). and Mexico. We discuss cultural differences and some self deprecating drinking and bathroom stories…
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EP 9: Tara- Hichhikin Aint Eazy (But it Sure is Interesting)
In this episode, Tara illuminates us about her experience traveling and hitchhiking in the Southern United States. She then describes some interesting encounters while trying to survive New Orleans as a homeless women. Quite the difference in lifestyle, as now she owns a wildly successful hair...
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EP 8: Broc- Cruisin Vietnam and the Thuoc Lao Experience
My guest in this episode is Broc Gross. A Minnesota man who spent time in South Africa and South Korea. Great guy and an even greater Scuba Diver. Some have even stated he is "The ULTIMATE" Ultimate Frisbee player. Listen to his insane Vietnam Motorcycle road-trip and Korea story here! Episode...
About this show
The Travel is Real is a podcast about hearing captivating stories from adventures abroad. Each guest on the episode reveals an experience which occurred while traveling, backpacking, or living abroad. These stories range from fun, comedic, risqué, to bizarre, gross, harrowing or horrific. As long as the if the narrative is intriguing, I want to hear it! Typically if an interview revolves around an arduous, dangerous, or harrowing narrative, the guest and I will give advice and tips, so listeners can learn from the mistakes of the guests and myself (I’ve certainly made a few). Anything can happen when traveling around the world, which is why so many travelers posses fascinating stories to tell.The episodes vary in theme, but laughter is always a constant. This is a podcast which does not take itself to seriously. Some interview may encompass situations that at the time were very serious and in no way funny, but as most know, when reflecting back on a situation, laugher is common. The
Hosted by
Alex Terpstra