Travel Worth Living

This is part 2 of my conversation with Don Mirra. In this part of the conversation, we talk more about his adventures as a photojournalist which includes running for his life from the Pakistani mafia. We also get into how social media has affected the travel space over the years. He also shares some unique travel hacks which you may find quite helpful on your next adventure.

On this week’s episode we dive into the “why” of travel content creation with photojournalist Don Mirra. Born in Germany to American parents, Don has now traveled to over 60 nations around the world over a span of 30 years. He would often immerse himself in the local culture to gain a deeper perspective on his subjects and the stories he was sharing while on assignment.

During our conversation, we discuss growing up as a third culture kid and how that impacted his travels later on. We talk about the bucketlist myth and confusing tourism with travel. He shares his philosophy in regards to “less is more” and how it has shaped not only how he travels but also how he views life.

We ended up splitting this conversation into two parts so you’ll hear more about his photojournalism adventures during next week’s episode!

On this week’s episode we dive into the “how” of travel content creation with remote working coach Ali Pruitt. After feeling dissatisfied with the way life was back in her home town, she began making changes in her life which led her to becoming a digital nomad. After working remotely for a few years, she went full time as a productivity and work-life balance coach after the pandemic hit. During our conversation, she talks about her travel experiences and what ultimately drove her to join the travel lifestyle. She also shares some incredible tips for increasing your productivity and decreasing your burnout while trying to juggle travel, life, and work. She shares her RECAP method and how she uses that to stay on top of her busy life.

On this week’s episode we dive into fitness while traveling. Not only is this something that seems complex and difficult for some people, the topic also brings a lot of shame and guilt as we’re given so many messages about what we should and shouldn’t be doing. I loved hearing Meaghan’s simple, balanced, and successful approach which she’s used to maintain a healthy lifestyle. She focuses on common sense workouts instead of following the latest marketing trends in diets. During our conversation she shares the single biggest secret for turning you into a calorie burning machine.

Meaghan is a fitness coach who is also a full-time digital nomad. Her story is a fantastic example of somebody finding a niche which they are passionate about and creating a full time income as a byproduct, allowing her to travel and explore the world. During our conversation, she shares how she started traveling and relates a crazy adventure traveling in South America.

On this week’s episode we dive into the “why” of travel content creation with Jenny Richardson. She’s spent the better part of the past decade travelling and living abroad: she’s been an English teacher in South Korea, a backpacker on a shoestring budget ($30/day), and is now a working digital nomad, specializing in travel and sustainability content as a freelance writer and editor. During our conversation we discuss travel writing and working as a digital nomad. Jenny shares some tips on how she has learned to be productive while working abroad, including her experiences with coworking spaces. She also talks about slow travel and why she’s fallen in love with it, and why travel in general is so important.

On this week’s episode we dive into the “why” of travel with author, Moth-winning storyteller, solo show performer, and photographer, Margaret Ghielmetti. She wrote Brave(ish): A Memoir of a Recovering Perfectionist to share her journey of living on four continents and visiting nearly fifty countries, as well as her emotional journey of learning to live her own life. Through her travels, she was finally able to let go of some of the old Rules and Roles she had thought kept her safe for decades. In her book, she shares her journey and how those years of travel changed her life.

During today’s conversation, we discuss why she decided to write her book and the journey she’s taken to get her stories in print. She also shares many of the pivotal, life-changing moments which have shaped who she is today. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to hear all the major experiences she’s been through so I highly recommend checking out her book.

On this week’s episode we dive into the “why” of travel content creation with Michelle Bird, an artist living in the small town of Borgarnes. At an early age, she wanted to explore the world to see how other cultures, for lack of a better term, “did life”. She started by purchasing a one-way ticket to the Netherlands and hasn’t looked back since. During our conversation she also tells several stories from her year in India, and how the poverty and culture shock she experienced there made a huge impact on her life. She also shares about her sailing trip to Hornstrandir, a large peninsula in the northwest of Iceland accessible only by hiking or boat - or small airplane. She talked about her upcoming sail to Greenland which was going to be this summer, but unfortunately it had to be postponed until 2022.

On this week’s episode we dive into the “why” of travel content creation with expat conservationist, Dustin Thompson. Dustin got trained and volunteered as an anti-poaching ranger back in 2015, and now runs a conservation fund called Global Guardians. During our conversation he shares stories from his training and his time being a ranger, as well as the incident which impacted him and gave him the idea to create Global Guardians Conservation Fund. He shares how you can get involved in conservation, no matter where you are from, and why training in Africa can be the perfect adventure you’ve been looking for.

On this week’s episode we dive heavily into the “why” of travel content creation with travel blogger turned full-time podcaster, Gary Arndt. In 2007 he sold his house and has been traveling the world ever since - well, until COVID hit. During our conversation he shares how he got into travel and how he was able to afford traveling full-time. We discuss how travel blogging has evolved over time as new technology and new apps have become available. Near the end of the episode we also speculate about what the future of travel content creators will look like.

I was honored to have Gary on the show as he has done more things and been to more places than most people will ever get to experience. His unique perspective on travel content creators, the travel industry as a whole, and whether overtourism is actually a problem was riveting.

For travellers wanting to create a successful business, he also shares how to grow your audience and set yourself apart online.

On this week’s podcast episode we dive into both the “how” and the “why” of travel content creation with Lindsey Tague. After becoming dissatisfied with her life in the U.S., she decided to take a leap of faith with her online business and travel full-time as a digital nomad. During our conversation we discuss the fears she had while doing that, and the checklist she used to figure out how to embark on this new travel journey. She focuses on helping people and companies build strong brands and in this episode she shares 3 important questions to ask why building your brand - which is absolutely necessary if you’re a travel content creator who makes money from the content you create. Lindsey also talks about balancing technology while living as a digital nomad; being aware of that aspect of your life which could easily control you is essential to maintaining the freedom you’re pursuing.

On this week’s podcast episode we dive into more of the “why” of travel content creation with Christina Raytsiz. Originally from Russia, she is currently living in Iceland and working as a professional photographer, shooting portraits and working with brands. While living in Russia, her interest in languages took her to China on what would be her first major international trip. During our conversation she discusses how that trip impacted her and some of the things which surprised her about different cultures. We also chat about her experiences growing up in Russia, what prompted her to move to Iceland, and how she views Instagram as a professional photographer.

In this episode we dive into the “how” of travel content creation with Kayla MacArthur. We’re focusing on mental health and how YOU can stay sane while traveling. This is the part of full-time travel which we don’t talk about often, but it’s just as important as knowing how to financially support your travels. During my conversation with Kayla, we talk about her story of becoming a digital nomad, some of the challenges she has faced, and then she shares 4 key habits which she has used to maintain a sense of well-being while traveling full-time.

In this episode we dive into the “how” of travel content creation with Giselle and Stephen, aka theloverspassport. Last year as COVID hit, they took their passion for the great outdoors and turned it into a full time job on social media. On their website and social media accounts they share gear tips, camping hacks, and general information about hiking, especially in California. In just over a year, they’ve grown to nearly 130k followers on Instagram and 140k followers on TikTok, and during our conversation they share exactly how they did it and how you can do it too. We also talk about how they balance creating content while also being present in the moment, and how to deal with the inevitable presence of online haters. Near the end of this episode, they share the checklist which they use in order to collaborate with brands and make money from social media and content creation.

In this episode we finish up my conversation with Barry. During this half of the conversation, he shares the ending to their Shackleton expedition and what he learned from that experience. He then talks about phase one of his upcoming expedition across Antarctica, completely unsupported. He shares what it takes to push through your barriers even when your body wants to quit, as well as the boundaries he’s put in place to stay safe while on extreme expeditions.

In this episode I get to talk with a retired military man and extreme expedition team member. Barry joined the Royal Marines Commandos when he was just 17, completing one of the toughest infantry trainings in the world. He spent 26 years in the military becoming a mountain leader and cold weather survival expert, often training in the harsh Norwegian winters. After his retirement as a Regimental Sergeant Major, he is now transitioning into the world of extreme expeditions. During this first part of our conversation, Barry shares about his time in the military and what lessons he learned from that training. He then tells the story of his expedition with Tim Jarvis, recreating Shackleton’s historic escape from Antarctica. Next week we will finish that story and then hear about phase one of Barry’s record breaking attempt through Antarctica.

In this episode I get to talk with Geoffrey, the head instructor for Tac Trac. The Tac Trac Combat Tracking initiative was started as a way to combat the onslaught of wildlife crimes committed in Africa. As an NGO, they provide training for anti-poaching rangers who are then mobilised to work in various reserves across Africa.

Geoffrey began working as a ranger at the age of 17. Since then, he’s spent years honing his tracking and anti-poaching skills, first as a ranger and now as an instructor. During our conversation we talk about the threats rangers face, how they apprehend and stop poachers, and what it takes to spend days at a time out in the field.

In this episode I get to talk with Reis, a TV producer who works with production companies in various locations around the world. He is passionate about sharing his hostel tips and tricks for new travellers just getting started. We talk a lot about his many adventures while staying in hostels, what to look for when booking ones, and how to find cheap places to stay. Reis is also passionate about promoting travel among the African American community, sharing just how easy it is for anyone to travel and explore the world.

In this episode I get to talk with Goran, a travel photographer who has spent time with some truly unique people from around the world. Through his work, he has gotten to live with remote tribes, learn their ways, and document their stories. During our conversation he shares some of the experiences he’s had and some of the lessons he’s learned; highlighting the fact that we have no room to judge other people based on our ignorance of their culture.

In this episode I get to talk with an urban explorer who has made it his life passion to seek out abandoned locations, whether urban or rural. Originally from Poland, Greg currently lives in China and uses every opportunity he can to explore. He shares so many stories during our conversation including his ten hour interrogation by the Chinese authorities, his backpacking trip into a desolate part of Kazakhstan where Russia launches its rockets, and how he was able to capture photos inside an isolated dome shaped building built by the Communists in Bulgaria. He also shares why he is so passionate about exploring abandoned locations, or bandos, as they are referred to in the urbex community. He launched his podcast, Chasing Bandos, back in October as a way to tell forgotten stories and spread awareness as to what urbex is really about.

In this episode I get to talk with Kyana who moved from Boston to Iceland simply to create a new life for herself. While many are afraid to venture into the unknown, Kyana decided that she would not let fear stop her from chasing her dreams. During our conversation, she talks about the incredible difficulties she’s faced while trying to live in Iceland, how she’s overcome those difficulties, why she even wanted to move to Iceland in the first place, and how she began her online influencer/photography journey. I hope this episode inspires you to not let fear stand in the way of achieving a life full of adventure.

In this episode I get to talk with Alida, a helicopter pilot working in the outback of Australia. Based near Uluru, the massive sandstone monolith in the heart of the Northern Territory’s arid "Red Centre”, Alida takes passengers on scenic flights over the breathtaking desert. During our conversation, she shares what she does during a typical day as a helicopter pilot, how she balances her cross-cultural family relationships, some tips for how you can stay safe while traveling, and why Uluru is so important from both a cultural and geological standpoint.

In this episode I get to talk with a wildlife veterinarian from the Netherlands who is currently working in Namibia. During my conversation with Maaike, we talk about the dangers wildlife vets face while working in their field, what a typical day is like for Maaike, and what impact NGOs like NaanKuSe have on the local communities.

In this episode I get to talk with a long time friend and avid photographer, Stefan Heldzinger. If I were to describe this episode in one word, it would have to be “energy”. I’m pretty sure it’s all the coffee Stefan has consumed but in any case, his passion for travel and his drive as a creative in the photography space is contagious. During our conversation we talk about his figurative speed-dating in Europe, his experience without sleep in Iceland, his South African heritage, why meeting up with fellow creatives while traveling is so important, and how you can become an experienced travel photographer.

In this episode I get to talk with Ryan and Kayla, two travel enthusiasts who have recently embarked on a new adventure together. They first met via Zoom; one looking for a travel buddy and the other looking for love. A few weeks later, they both decided to book an Airbnb in Mexico where they met in person for the first time. Their journey to find love in a most unlikely place wasn’t always easy; in fact, it came with some significant struggles. Their commitment to authenticity and their brutal honesty throughout their growing relationship, however, has brought them closer together through this travel adventure.

In this episode I get to talk with an ambitious young man from South Africa who is transforming the architectural space. He was able to attend a university in America in order to better learn how to help his home country rebuild from the damaging affects of Apartheid. During our conversation, he shares what inspired him to study architectural design, how he is impacting local communities in South Africa, and how you can get involved with this project.

In this episode I get to talk with an absolutely incredible career storyteller from South Africa named Rob Caskie. Rob experienced travel at an early age and began a world wide adventure many only dream of. Telling stories for a living began in 2001, on the famous Anglo-Zulu War battlefields at the foot of world renowned raconteur, David Rattray. Researching and sharing human dramas has taken Rob to the Antarctic on numerous occasions, the Arctic, annually to the UK, and very regularly to the Battlefields. You’ll love hearing his stories of world travel, South African history, and Zulu culture, including a part where he speaks Zulu during our conversation.

In this episode I get to talk with an African woman from Kenya who is an entrepreneur leading conscious business practices, creating international cooperation initiatives, as well as being an impact investor and spiritual coach. We go in-depth about her personal growth and how we can better ourselves through travel. She shares the story of her 34th birthday bus trip to anywhere, as well as the impact that an indigenous community in the Andes had on her. We talk about how she met her husband and the cross culture business they have created.

In this episode I get to talk with Sarah, a public health researcher who is currently living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We ended up starting this episode by discussing the 2020 election in America as she has volunteered full time as a poll monitor over the past couple months. We talked a lot about her experiences in Uganda working on HIV public health initiatives, her views on voluntourism and white saviourism, and why it’s important for each of us to learn more about our global community to help better our own countries. She also shares several fantastic stories, including one about the time she worked at a not-sketchy-at-all bar in Greece for a summer.

In this episode I get to talk with an animal conservationist from South Africa. Grant Fowlds has been actively involved in conservation for most of his life and is currently helping local communities set up game reserves to rewild the land and provide a safe habitat for endangered animals. In his book, Saving the Last Rhinos, Grant shares so many stories he’s experienced, from growing up in the bush to working in the DRC. We simply did not have time to share all his stories here so I highly recommend grabbing a copy of his book and reading it, or as I did, listen to it on audiobook so you hear the proper pronunciations.

In this episode I get to talk with someone who has grown to love Iceland over the past few years. Our guest this week is Jewells, a woman who is originally from New York but is now living in Iceland and runs a podcast and YouTube channel called All Things Iceland. I was excited to talk with her about Iceland from an expat’s point of view and it was fun diving in to hear about her cultural experiences in the country. We talk about everything from taxes and politics to language difficulties and Icelandic habits which Jewells has picked up.

In this episode I get to talk with a girl from Denmark who is quite passionate about travel. During our conversation, she shares why having an open mind can lead to unforgettable experiences, why it’s important to engage with others during travel, and how we can travel safely.