

Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast
A Travel Podcast
Out of Office is a travel podcast hosted by us, Ryan Davis and Kiernan Schmitt. From early childhood, we were each infected with a serious case of wanderlust (among other things.)
We define travel broadly, from local day trips to high-flyin’ overseas adventures. Every episode, we dig into one topic—ranging from the serious to the silly, the practical to the outlandish—and give advice on how to get out there and explore the world.
We define travel broadly, from local day trips to high-flyin’ overseas adventures. Every episode, we dig into one topic—ranging from the serious to the silly, the practical to the outlandish—and give advice on how to get out there and explore the world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 17, 2024 • 46min
Christmas Spectacular Seven
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys celebrate the season with discussions of the Immaculate Conception (it’s not what Ryan thinks), an idea for holiday film commentaries yet to come, and the LAST Ugly Ornament contest. And another year passes without seeing pictures of the Nativity Ryan’s father painstakingly carved from a single block of wood. Here’s what we cover in this episode: Debora https://www.instagram.com/deborarest/?hl=en LATAM 50 Best Restaurants https://www.theworlds50best.com/latinamerica/en/ “White Christmas” movie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Christmas_(film) Day of the Little Candles https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Little_Candles Reba McEntire “Christmas Guest” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57fS-9kGZqU Jimmy Fallon “Chipmunks and Chestnuts” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CChx2qVNl0 Kiernan’s Ugly Ornament for Ryan https://johnderian.com/products/mushroom-person-ornament?srsltid=AfmBOoqJ58ABMzRZ1iiMibeH0zVvGJn3ZumEEEhUAHIicz2ZfBsFIk4T Ryan’s Ugly Ornament for Kiernan https://www.etsy.com/listing/1814317312/bespoke-funny-prank-xmaschristmas?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=ugly+ornament&ref=sr_gallery-1-9&pro=1&pop=1&content_source=fde4cc23f7c035e7d3ac14a1cd6a7a4bf6a9e3ed%253A1814317312&search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1

Dec 3, 2024 • 54min
Monterrey, Mexico
This week on Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan recaps his recent trip to Monterrey, Mexico, covering highlights from the scenic River Walk to an interactive steel museum. He also shares a wild story about a run-in with a bribery-seeking cop in Puerto Vallarta. Here’s what we cover in this episode: https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-go-2025-8739580

Nov 19, 2024 • 1h 13min
Star Wars Museum Creator Steve Sansweet
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan talks with one of the greatest Star Wars collectors of all time: Steve Sansweet. Steve is the founder of Rancho Obi-Wan, the largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia in the world. Located in Petaluma CA, the museum is open for public tours, but be sure to pre-book. And if it all goes according to plan, soon Rancho Obi-Wan will be joining forces with 3 other top collections to become the brand-new Saga Museum. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Saga Museum https://ranchoobiwan.org/new-saga-museum-to-celebrate-legacy-of-star-wars-fandom/ Steve Sansweet Bio https://ranchoobiwan.org/board/ Rancho Obi-Wan https://ranchoobiwan.org/ Ralph McQuarrie https://www.iamag.co/star-wars-the-art-of-ralph-angus-mcquarrie-100-concept-art/ Head Man Action Figure https://ranchoobiwan.org/ Lucas Museum of Narrative Art https://lucasmuseum.org/ Last Star Wars episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-office-a-travel-podcast/id1438098925?i=1000581538592 Britannic Explorer https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/12/travel/brittanic-explorer-belmond-train-luxury/index.html Lidar-delivers again! https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/02/world/americas/maya-city-mexico.html

Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 15min
Being a Woman Airline Pilot in the 1980s with Stephanie Wallach
In this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, Ryan talks with Stephanie Wallach, one of the first women to break into the world of commercial aviation in America. Plus, Kiernan faces an unfortunate bout of gate lice. Follow Along On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ooopodcast/ Things We Talked About In This Week’s Episode: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/23/business/american-airlines-line-cutters.html https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/welcome-aboard

Oct 22, 2024 • 43min
Graveyards
On this episode of Out of Office: A Travel Podcast, the boys embrace Spooktober by sharing their favorite graveyards. Plus, there’s an update on friend of the pod Rick Steves’ health and some Boston travel tips from Kiernan. Things We Talked About In This Week’s Episode: UPDATE RICK STEVES HEALTH https://x.com/ricksteves/status/1843844907833950542?s=46 Our Share Of The Night By Mariana Enriquez https://www.amazon.com/Our-Share-Night-Mariana-Enriquez/dp/0451495144

Oct 8, 2024 • 46min
Secrets of a Modern-Day Travel Agent
In this episode, Ryan chats with Rory, a travel agent, about why people still use agents in 2024 and what it’s like booking tickets for Andrew Scott. Plus, Kiernan talks about his new job as a Boston tour guide. Things We Talked About In This Week’s Episode: Last Stop Ryan: https://www.businessinsider.com/avoid-visa-mistake-no-middle-name-almost-ruined-trip Kiernan: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/27/world/europe/westminster-abbey-bronte-plaque-accent-marks.html

Oct 1, 2024 • 49min
Travelin’ Music
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” Kiernan and Ryan chat about the deep connections between music and travel, including how a well-chosen song can be the ideal souvenir. They also dig into how much Ryan prepares for each episode. Plus, Norwegian Children’s Music! Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Rick Steves endorses Kamala: https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/4878714-rick-steves-endorses-harris/ Travel therapy https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240905121025.htm ”Earth Room’ https://www.diaart.org/visit/visit-our-locations-sites/walter-de-maria-the-new-york-earth-room-new-york-united-states/

Sep 10, 2024 • 54min
El Salvador 101
This week on the pod, Ryan takes us to El Salvador, the land of volcanoes and Bitcoin. Hear about how he almost made it inside a beautiful church and his visit to Hermit Island. Plus, what was the miniature controversy at the Kentucky State Fair? LAST STOP Ryan: https://nypost.com/2024/08/23/us-news/kentucky-state-fair-removes-ribbon-winning-miniature-after-realizing-it-depicted-a-porn-set/ Kiernan: https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/vacation-rentals/most-unique-airbnb-stay-every-us-state

Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 2min
What is a Museum Hotel?
Sarah Robbins, the COO of 21C Museum Hotels, dives into the fascinating fusion of modern art and hospitality. She shares how they create unforgettable experiences with whimsical art installations, like playful penguin statues. The conversation moves to the vibrant community engagement through art and dining at their hotels. Robbins also gives insights into their upcoming Alaska cruise, blending adventure with the unique offerings of museum hotels. Plus, they discuss recent airline policy changes and their impact on family travel.

Aug 13, 2024 • 49min
The Hamptons
This week on “Out of Office: A Travel Podcast,” the boys put on their finest yacht-wear and head to that enclave of the rich and famous, The Hamptons. Kiernan talks about what exactly “The Hamptons” refers to, logistics of exploring there as a tourist, and a few cultural treasures hidden out among the seaside mansions. Things we talk about in this week’s episode: Hamptons Jitney https://www.hamptonjitney.com/hjmobile/ Surf Lodge https://thesurflodge.com/ Montauk Point Lighthouse https://montaukhistoricalsociety.org/montauk-point-lighthouse/ Coopers Beach https://www.discoverlongisland.com/listing/coopers-beach/1047/ Parrish Art Museum https://parrishart.org/ Pollock-Krasner House https://artistshomes.org/site/pollock-krasner-house-and-study-center Green River Cemetery https://greenrivercemetery.org/ Museo Cacao https://museocacao.com/ Palmero’s Breaththrough Saint https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/03/world/europe/palermo-catholic-saint-hindu-pantheon.html Buy “Secret Boston: An Unusual Guide” https://bookshop.org/p/books/secret-boston-an-unusual-guide-kiernan-schmitt/21037780?ean=9782361957179 https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Boston-Unusual-Guide-guides/dp/2361957175