

The Maverick Show: Remote Entrepreneurship and World Travel
Matt Bowles: Digital Nomad & Full-Time Traveler Since 2013
Meet diverse travelers and digital nomads from every continent who share their personal journey to location-independence as well as their reflections on identity, the power dynamics that shape our world, and how we can be more thoughtful, conscious travelers as we move through it. Hosted by Matt Bowles—your typical Irish-American hip hop DJ turned human rights activist turned location-independent entrepreneur turned minimalist world-traveler and podcaster—these in-depth conversations take place all over the world (often over a bottle of wine, or 2). Listen in as Matt draws out stories of their most epic adventures, and unpacks the skills, tactics, and strategies they use to build their remote businesses and design their lifestyles. Ranked the #1 Digital Nomad Podcast by Web Work Travel and the Top 1% of all podcasts by Listen Notes, each episode pulls out actionable tips and advice you can implement in your own life each week. In 2024 The Maverick Show hit the Top 100 on Apple Podcasts and ranked the #1 “Places and Travel” podcast on Apple.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 11, 2023 • 49min
262: Immersing in Afro-Mexican Culture and Founding "I Got Your Black" with Diva Green
Learn about Afro-Mexican history, culture and how you can go on an immersive small group trip to experience it yourself.____________________________________Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.).Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ Diva Green starts off talking about her Panamanian background, growing up in New York City, and navigating her Afro-Latina identity. She then talks about how her interest in travel developed, and the experience of taking her first solo trip to Europe. Diva shares how the police murder of Michael Brown impacted her decision to focus on serving the Black community through travel. She explains how Victor Hugo Green’s “Green Book” inspired her as she grew her company “I got your Black”. Diva explains how and why she created the LatinX Travel Guide for New York City, as well as the Black Guide to Havana, Cuba. She then talks about Afro-Mexican history and culture, and describes the trips she runs for travelers to experience and immerse in Afro-Mexican culture. Next, Diva gives tips on navigating anti-Blackness globally, and being in solidarity with other marginalized groups while traveling. Finally, Diva reflects on what travel means to her. FULL SHOW NOTES WITH LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED AVAILABLE HERE.____________________________________See my Top 10 Apps For Digital NomadsSee my Top 10 Books For Digital NomadsSee my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn See the Travel Gear I Use and RecommendSee How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)____________________________________ENJOYING THE SHOW?Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally. You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Dec 5, 2023 • 47min
261: Traveling to Sudan, Uzbekistan, and Seeing the World Through the Lens of a Third Culture Kid with Nusrat Roshni
Learn about Doctors Without Borders, Seeing the World through the Lens of a Culture Kid, and Visiting Sudan & Uzbekistan.____________________________________Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.).Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ In Part 2 of this interview, Roshni talks about her experience growing up in the UAE, spending her summers in Bangladesh, and navigating her identity as a third culture kid. She reflects on her treatment of South Asians (particularly construction workers) in the UAE, as well as her observations going to the UK and Canada. Roshni also shares her apprehensions about moving to the U.S., and what shocked her when she arrived. She then talks about meeting her husband, attending political events together, getting married, and integrating world travel into their relationship. Roshni reflects on her travels through Sudan and Uzbekistan, and Matt talks about his experience in Kazan. Roshni then talks about her relationship with Doctors without Borders, their work around the world today, especially in Palestine, and how people can contribute to support their work. FULL SHOW NOTES WITH LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED AVAILABLE HERE.____________________________________See my Top 10 Apps For Digital NomadsSee my Top 10 Books For Digital NomadsSee my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn See the Travel Gear I Use and RecommendSee How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)____________________________________ENJOYING THE SHOW?Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally. You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Nov 30, 2023 • 44min
260: Family Stories from the Bangladesh Liberation War, Finding Humanity, and Lessons for Today with Nusrat Roshni
Learn what Roshni’s family experienced during the partition of India, the Bangladesh genocide, and the lessons for today.____________________________________Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.).Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ Roshni and Matt start off talking about Philadelphia, and why it is one of the most underrated cities in the U.S. Roshni then opens up about the experience of her Bengali Muslim family during the 1947 partition of India. She then shares stories about her family’s experience during the Bangladesh Liberation War and the Bangladesh Genocide of 1971. Roshni emphasizes how, despite a litany of horrors—from civilian massacres to rape camps—there were also shining examples of humanity at every turn, including cross-community love and assistance by individuals willing to help their neighbors escape death and violence. Roshni draws out profound moral lessons that inform her political activism and worldview today. She encourages people to always “look for the helpers” to find the humanity in any situation. And, finally, Roshni talks about her grandfather’s progressive commitment to the education of women and girls, his work on building schools in Bangladesh, and the legacy of that work today. FULL SHOW NOTES WITH LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED AVAILABLE HERE.____________________________________See my Top 10 Apps For Digital NomadsSee my Top 10 Books For Digital NomadsSee my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn See the Travel Gear I Use and RecommendSee How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)____________________________________ENJOYING THE SHOW?Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally. You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Nov 20, 2023 • 1h 6min
259: Travel Tips for Cameroon, Senegal, and Dominica with Dr. Clem Affana
Learn specific tips on traveling to Cameroon, Senegal and Dominica, plus and the history of Carnival in the Caribbean.____________________________________Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.).Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ Dr. Clementine Affana and Matt discuss how they met at Nomadness Fest, and Clem then talks about her experience growing up in Cameroon. She reflects on how her mother inspired her both to become a medical doctor and to travel the world. Clem shares her experience going to Medical School on the Caribbean island of Dominica, and the cultural similarities between West Africa and the diaspora in the Caribbean. She then explains the history and cultural significance of “Carnival” and describes her experience in Dominica attending Carnival as well as the World Creole Music Festival. Next, Clem talks about her home country of Cameroon in West Africa and makes specific recommendations for visiting both Cameroon and Senegal. She then gives tips for maximizing your time off work to travel, building a side hustle, and transitioning into a remote career. Clem reflects on the 3 primary ways travel has impacted her and, finally, recommends her top 5 favorite Afrobeat artists. FULL SHOW NOTES WITH LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED AVAILABLE HERE. ____________________________________See my Top 10 Apps For Digital NomadsSee my Top 10 Books For Digital NomadsSee my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn See the Travel Gear I Use and RecommendSee How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)____________________________________ENJOYING THE SHOW?Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally. You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Nov 13, 2023 • 47min
258: Let's Just Bring the Kids and Travel the World with Kameko Rooks
Learn how to travel the world with kids, pursue motherhood without limits, and the tips & hacks to make it affordable. ____________________________________Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.).Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ Kameko Rooks joins Matt over a bottle of wine and starts off talking about growing up in the hip hop culture of Yonkers, New York. She explains how she started traveling the world after having kids at a young age, and how her 8 year old has already been to 24 countries. Meko then talks about founding her blog and website “Traveling with Meko”. She shares tips for traveling with young kids under the age of 2, as well as tips for traveling with kids age 4-8, and the key travel hacks to make it affordable for the whole family. Meko then talks about her scuba diving journey, and shares some of her favorite dive locations around the world. Next, she talks about founding her travel company “Let’s Just Bring the Kids” which organizes group trips for moms and their kids. Meko also talks about how she has monetized her passion for traveler, become an influencer, and grown her following to nearly 200,000 on social media. And, finally she shares tips for solo female travelers, and reflects on the impact traveling to over 50 countries has had on her. FULL SHOW NOTES WITH LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED AVAILABLE HERE.____________________________________See my Top 10 Apps For Digital NomadsSee my Top 10 Books For Digital NomadsSee my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn See the Travel Gear I Use and RecommendSee How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)____________________________________ENJOYING THE SHOW?Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally. You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Nov 8, 2023 • 53min
257: Choosing Love, Humanity and Stopping the Genocide in Palestine with Matt Bowles
Learn the history, context & analysis of the genocide being carried out in Palestine & what you can do to help stop it.____________________________________Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.). Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ With a Master’s Degree in International Peace and Conflict Resolution and 25 years of peace and justice work around the Israel-Palestine conflict, Matt uses this episode to provide some historical and political context for the genocide now being carried out in Palestine, and to provide action items for how you can help stop it. He begins by reflecting on genocides around the world in places he has visited, then talks about what is happening right now in Palestine. Matt explains the effects of Israel’s aerial bombardment of Gaza, Israel’s blockade of food, water, electricity and fuel, and the U.S. role in funding, arming and backing the genocide. He then gives a brief history of Israel, including its colonial expansion, military occupation, settler pogroms, abduction and torture of Palestinians, and the blockade of Gaza that has been in place since 2007. Matt then talks about the history of Palestinian nonviolent resistance, and Israel’s consistently violent response. He then explains Israel’s strategic decision to support the rise of Hamas in the late 1980s, Israel’s disregard for international law, and how Israel’s policies make it less safe for both Israeli Jews and Jews around the world. Matt then talks about the shining examples of humanity across the world, including all of the cross cultural, inter-faith, diverse coalitions of people rising up to call for a ceasefire and a stop to the genocide. He concludes with sharing 10 things you can do right now to help de-escalate the violence and bring about a ceasefire. FULL SHOW NOTES WITH LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED AVAILABLE HERE.____________________________________See my Top 10 Apps For Digital NomadsSee my Top 10 Books For Digital NomadsSee my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn See the Travel Gear I Use and RecommendSee How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)____________________________________ENJOYING THE SHOW?Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally. You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Oct 31, 2023 • 60min
256: Visiting Nigeria, Being an Ally Not a Savior, and Dismantling Oppressive Power Structures with Tayo Rockson
Learn how to navigate our diverse and complex world of power asymmetry, identity, privilege and be an ally not a savior.____________________________________Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.).Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ In part 2 of my interview with Tayo Rockson, he shares his personal journey and how he pivoted after a life threatening car accident. Tayo then shares his professional journey and explains his work as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Consultant. I go deep with him on the relationship between DEI vs. dismantling systems of oppression, and I draw out his nuanced reflections on identity, privilege, power structures, and far right ideologies. We discuss the framing of international political conflicts, power asymmetry, and how to develop universally principled politics. He also shares his thoughts on cross-cultural dialogue, changing hearts and minds, and not allowing bad actors to drain your emotional energy. Tayo also explains how to be a good ally and avoid the savior complex. Next, he talks about his podcast “As Told By Nomads”, shares tips for visiting his home country of Nigeria, and reflects on what travel means to him today. Tayo also shares his Top 5 Hip Hop Emcees and his Top 5 Afrobeat artists. FULL SHOW NOTES WITH LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED AVAILABLE HERE.____________________________________See my Top 10 Apps For Digital NomadsSee my Top 10 Books For Digital NomadsSee my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn See the Travel Gear I Use and RecommendSee How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)____________________________________ENJOYING THE SHOW?Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally. You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Oct 25, 2023 • 55min
255: Neo-Colonialism in Africa, the Power of Stories, and Developing Cultural Fluency with Tayo Rockson
Learn how to develop cultural fluency, make thoughtful travel decisions, and seek out spaces where you are a minority.____________________________________Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.).Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ Tayo Rockson takes us on his journey growing up as the son of a diplomat and shares the lessons he learned living in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Sweden, Vietnam and the U.S. all by the age of 18. He describes the role of basketball in building cross-cultural relationships, and shares lessons from attending a very conservative Christian university. Tayo then reflects on the different manifestations of anti-Blackness around the world, and why he recommends people intentionally put themselves in spaces where they are the minority. Matt and Tayo discuss the difference between being a numerical minority vs. a power minority and describe the global pervasiveness of white privilege. Tayo then shares techniques for developing cultural fluency and also shares some tips on making thoughtful travel decisions. He shares his analysis of digital nomad gentrification and neo-colonial dynamics in the travel and tourism industry. Tayo then discusses the importance of writing and the power of stories, especially stories from pre-colonial history. And, finally, he explains the neo-colonial relationships in present-day Africa and provides some important context and analysis for travelers. FULL SHOW NOTES WITH LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED AVAILABLE HERE.____________________________________See my Top 10 Apps For Digital NomadsSee my Top 10 Books For Digital NomadsSee my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn See the Travel Gear I Use and RecommendSee How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)____________________________________ENJOYING THE SHOW?Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally. You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Oct 16, 2023 • 51min
254: Wandering Across Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Lessons from 23 Years of World Travel with Derek Baron
Learn what it’s like in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Central Asia & how you can participate in one of Derek’s sustainable tours.____________________________________Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.).Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ In this episode Derek Baron talks about his experience traveling through Iraq, Syria and Yemen, including the incredibly unique island of Socotra. He explains why he loves the Middle East and talks about the small group tours he runs to Iraq, based on his personal local contacts on the ground. Derek also talks about his love for Central Asia, and the tours he runs to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. He explains how he designs all of his tours sustainably to have a maximum positive impact on the local people and places. Derek reflects on the trends of over-tourism, digital nomad gentrification, and offers some suggestions for how we can make thoughtful travel decisions. He also talks about stability anchors in an itinerant lifestyle, and pillars for sustaining the lifestyle longterm. Derek opens up about dating as a digital nomad, how his lifestyle design choices have changed in different seasons of life, and why he does not have a goal of visiting every country. Finally, Derek reflects on the biggest impact 23 years of world travel has had on him, why he continues to travel, and what travel means to him today. FULL SHOW NOTES WITH LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED AVAILABLE HERE.____________________________________See my Top 10 Apps For Digital NomadsSee my Top 10 Books For Digital NomadsSee my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn See the Travel Gear I Use and RecommendSee How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)____________________________________ENJOYING THE SHOW?Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally. You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Oct 9, 2023 • 52min
253: Smoking Hash with the Taliban, Getting Kidnapped in Bangladesh, and Acting in a Bollywood TV Show with Derek Baron
Learn how Derek got kidnapped for 3 nights and escaped & what it’s like to spend an evening talking with the Taliban. ____________________________________Subscribe to The Maverick Show’s Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.).Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ Derek Baron takes us on his journey growing up in Boston, studying abroad in Australia, and then taking a life-changing trip to Angkor Wat in Cambodia for the Millennium that inspired him to travel full-time, forever. 23 years later, he reflects on his travels to 133 countries, how he financed it all, and shares some of his highlights. After 40 trips to India, Derek makes some recommendations on where to go, and how to approach the country, and shares the story of how he acted in a Bollywood TV series. He then explains why Romania and Mauritius are some of his top recommendations for digital nomads looking for medium to long-term stays. Derek also reflects on his trip to East Timor two decades after the genocide. Next, he shares his 6-week experience in Pakistan, which included unexpectedly spending a hash-and-opium-filled evening with the Taliban, traveling through the Tribal Regions, and crossing the Khyber Pass into Afghanistan. Derek then shares the story of trying to return through U.S. customs after that experience and what happened when they found a bullet in his pocket. Next, he talks about his experience being kidnapped in Dhaka, Bangladesh for 3 nights, how he eventually escaped, and what overall safety lessons he learned. And, finally, Derek reflects on processing negative travel experiences and how it impacts his overall impression of the place and of travel safety more broadly. FULL SHOW NOTES WITH LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED AVAILABLE HERE.____________________________________See my Top 10 Apps For Digital NomadsSee my Top 10 Books For Digital NomadsSee my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn See the Travel Gear I Use and RecommendSee How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)____________________________________ENJOYING THE SHOW?Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally. You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)


