Zero To Travel Podcast

Join journalist Paige McClanahan, author of The New Tourist, as she shares her insider knowledge from seven years in France. Discover five unexpected experiences in Paris, like the serene charm of a lesser-known park and the cultural immersion found in a hammam near the Grand Mosque. Learn why simple greetings can enhance your journey and how curiosity can lead to revolutionary history. Paige also highlights offbeat French gems, including the enchanting coastal city of La Rochelle, urging travelers to explore beyond the usual tourist paths.

Corbett Barr, a seasoned entrepreneur and digital detox advocate, shares his transformative journey toward a balanced life after stepping back from the tech grind. He discusses the liberating effects of minimizing digital noise, focusing on only what brings joy. The conversation touches on the stress of entrepreneurship, creative burnout, and rethinking social media habits. Corbett also explores life in Mexico, his passion for pickleball, and the importance of designing a lifestyle business that aligns with personal aspirations, encouraging listeners to embrace intentional living.

In this enlightening discussion, travel writer Shawn Forno and swing dance teacher Lainey Silver share their unique journey through the Caminos of Spain. They explore how modern pilgrimages offer transformation through stillness and community connection. From practical advice on planning routes to the joy of indulging in local cuisine, their insights reveal the beauty of a slower travel pace. They also delve into hidden routes and the power of walking to reset one's life. This conversation is a refreshing take on embracing the journey, not just the destination.

Will Rickard, author of 'The Silk Road to Happiness,' shares insights from his transformative travels through Central Asia. He dives into the complexities of happiness, discussing themes like purpose, minimalism, and the importance of authentic connections with locals. Will reflects on the tension between gratitude for one’s current life and ambition for new experiences, emphasizing that embracing discomfort can lead to profound self-discovery. His journey illustrates how travel can profoundly reshape our understanding of what truly makes us happy.

Andy McAlindon, also known as Andy the Highlander, is a Scottish tour guide, author, and storyteller who brings the magic of Scotland to life. He shares his inspiring journey from electrician to cultural ambassador, shaped by personal grief and passion. Listeners will discover hidden gems and cultural traditions, from hand fasting to quirky festivals like haggis hurling. Andy emphasizes the importance of sustainable travel, connecting with locals, and exploring Scotland's natural beauty beyond the tourist traps for a truly enriching experience.

Join Levan Giorgadze, a theater-trained tour guide and founder of Tbilisi Free Walking Tours, as he unveils the gems of Tbilisi, Georgia. Discover why the city is a hidden treasure, from its 8,000-year-old wine traditions to vibrant Soviet-era architecture. Levan shares authentic tips on savoring khinkali, connecting with locals, and exploring off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods. With engaging stories and insights, he highlights the warmth of Georgian hospitality and the culture that makes traveling through Tbilisi an unforgettable experience.

Jonty Crane, a New Zealand traveler and guidebook author, shares his insights on Timor-Leste, one of the least visited yet most rewarding destinations. He advocates for slow travel and explains how deeper connections with locals enhance the travel experience. Jonty highlights stunning landscapes, coral reefs, and engaging wildlife like blue whales. He discusses the challenges faced while promoting sustainable tourism and offers tips for navigating Timor-Leste's infrastructure. Finally, he reveals hidden gems around the world worth exploring.

Join Derek Loudermilk, a coach, adventurer, and bestselling author, as he shares his journey from academia to global thought leader. Discover five transformative 'thought reversals' that can help you become the hero in your life, especially during tough transitions. Derek discusses overcoming adversity, the importance of resilience, and how shifting focus from financial worries to personal growth can lead to fulfillment. He also tackles what it means to embrace struggles as part of your own hero’s journey.

Why does it take a brush with death for some of us to finally do the things we’ve dreamed of?  Stephan Kesting is an accomplished martial artist, firefighter, wilderness explorer, and the author of Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subarctic. You might know him from his popular jiu-jitsu videos and teachings at Grapplearts, but Stephan’s story goes far beyond the mat. After surviving a life-threatening kidney disease and receiving a transplant from his brother, Stephan set out on a 1,000-mile solo canoe expedition through Canada’s remote Subarctic - a journey that became both an epic adventure and a profound exploration of mortality, identity, and what it means to truly live.  In this episode, Stephan and I dig into what it takes physically, mentally, and emotionally to embark on a solo wilderness journey in the face of mortality and grief.  Stephan’s story will inspire you to rethink your own limits. You’ll hear how he navigated a rare kidney disease that threatened his identity as a martial artist and outdoorsman, and how facing death up close became the push he needed to tackle a dream he’d been putting off for years. From his raw reflections on loss and resilience to his honest look at fear, self-doubt, and satisfaction versus happiness, Stephan’s insights will stick with you long after you’ve listened.   Whether your version of adventure is paddling 1,000 miles alone or just stepping outside your comfort zone, this conversation might just give you that nudge to get started.  When was the last time you answered your own call to adventure? What did it teach you about yourself? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.  Tune In To Learn:  Why Stephan walked away from a career in physics and ended up studying botany in the Arctic  How growing up with a foot in the city and a foot in the wilderness shaped his love of the outdoors  The surprising overlap between martial arts and wilderness survival  How polycystic kidney disease forced Stephan to confront his mortality and identity  How he planned and trained for a 1,000-mile solo canoe expedition after a transplant  What it’s like to be alone in the Subarctic for weeks, battling harsh weather and self-doubt  Why he believes satisfaction matters more than happiness when it comes to big goals  How the wilderness has helped him process grief and loss  Practical advice for anyone who wants to dip their toes into solo outdoor adventures safely  And so much more  Resources:  Sign up for our FREE newsletter  Stephan’s website  Essential Wilderness YouTube  Instagram  Perserverence book  Want More?  The Power of Death in Life with Gentle Rebel Bronnie Ware  Beyond the Summit: Climbing Mt. Everest, Filming at 29,000 Feet, a Cultural Journey through Nepal, and Taking Your Childhood Dreams to Heart with Alex Harz  Cross Country Canoeing: 7,500 Miles Into the Soul of America + an Unconventional Life of Travel With Neal Moore  Thanks To Our Sponsors  Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card.  Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com. 

Jackie Nourse, known as Traveling Jackie, is an adventure travel expert and host of the JUMP podcast. She discusses building a life abroad, sharing her experiences raising bilingual kids in Norway and confronting her fear of heights while climbing Europe’s highest sea cliff. Jackie emphasizes the importance of community in personal growth and the lessons learned from slow travel. Her engaging stories highlight the intersection of courage and adventure, inspiring listeners to embrace challenges and design a life they love.