Zero To Travel Podcast

Do you have the skills to survive on a deserted island?  Tom Williams is the founder of Desert Island Survival, an adventure travel company that maroons people on desert islands, and the winner of the TV survival show Alone UK 2023. In this episode, Tom traces his path from wealth management to remote survival guiding, explains how he designs his desert island expeditions, and shares the deep transformations that he's witnessed in his participants. Tom shares how he went from being at the bottom of his class and experiencing childhood bullying in England to walking to the North Pole, becoming a dive master, and launching a wilderness survival business. He breaks down how Desert Island Survival trips work, why they’re structured the way they are, and what makes the format accessible even to beginners. You’ll hear real stories of guests who made dramatic life changes afterward - quitting jobs, leaving relationships, transforming their health - not because they were promised transformation, but because of what happens when you slow down and reconnect with your primal self. Tom also shares business lessons from starting small, building around passion, and growing with intention. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. What travel experiences have changed your life? I'd love to hear what they are and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: Why a trip to Honduras at 20 shifted Tom’s identity and changed the course of his life How walking to the North Pole helped him build the resilience to start a business What inspired him to leave a finance job and build Desert Island Survival from scratch What actually happens on the island and why it’s designed to feel like raw adventure, not hardship The “non-negotiables” that make each trip feel special, accessible, and transformative What it means to go back to “layer zero” of technology and why that’s so powerful How Tom finds untouched islands in a mapped world, and what makes the perfect location What he’s learned from growing slowly, staying picky, and building around passion Why following your dream isn’t always about success And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Tom's website Tom on Instagram  Desert Island Survival Tom’s book recommendations:  Humankind, Sapiens, At Home,  438 Days Want More? 3 years Alone On Foot: An Interview With Sarah Marquis Finding Your Island Paradise: An Interview With Alex Sheshunoff How To Hike The PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) Thanks To Our Sponsors: Smart Travel Podcast - Before you book, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars. Follow Smart Travel on your favorite podcast app. CREATOR: The Podcast - Join host Ross Borden as he uncovers how top creators built six-figure incomes from beach cafes, mountain peaks, and everything in between. 

What if the French Riviera you’ve seen in photos is only half the story? Cédric Pages is the founder of WhatToDoRiviera.com, a local tour entrepreneur driving discovery across the Côte d’Azur by partnering with small operators and curating authentic experiences. In this episode, we dive into seven hidden gems of the French Riviera that most visitors miss, plus Cédric’s journey from IT to tour guide and how he’s building a travel business that’s rooted in human connection. Cédric shares seven of his favorite French Riviera hidden gems, including secret coastal walks, ancient monasteries, and even a solar-powered sailing experience. You’ll hear what makes the region so unique, how to explore it without breaking the bank, and why most visitors miss its most memorable spots.  Which of these hidden gems are you most excited to explore, or which region have you discovered that surprised you? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: How Cedric turned a single walking tour into a platform supporting local guides and curated experiences across the Riviera A coastal walk that offers dramatic sea views, rare flora, and villa-lined cliffs An under-visited nearby island that still houses monks and produces local wine and olive oil The story of a tiny, family-run vineyard still using centuries-old winemaking methods Why a scenic train ride turns a Riviera base into an unexpected mountain gateway What it’s like to glide silently along the coast on a solar-powered boat How one inland river canyon makes for an epic full-day adventure Which town Cédric recommends as your base, and when it actually makes sense to move The biggest assumption people make about French hospitality and how to break through Advice for building a travel business that connects you with people, not just tours And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter Cédric’s list of French Riviera hidden gems What To Do Riviera Instagram Want More? How to Plan Your Camino + Going Beyond the Camino Frances (Secret Routes, Donkey Highways, and Spain’s Hidden Village Network) with Shawn and Lainey 5 Unexpected Things to Do in Paris and 3 Hidden Gems in France with Paige McClanahan How To Explore Paris Like a Local, Working on Hospital Ships, and Becoming an Expat on a Mystery Visa With Jay Swanson Thanks To Our Sponsors Smart Travel Podcast - Before you book, learn how to get the most out of your travel dollars. Follow Smart Travel on your favorite podcast app. CREATOR: The Podcast - Join host Ross Borden as he uncovers how top creators built six-figure incomes from beach cafes, mountain peaks, and everything in between. 

Discover how intentional travel can transform your journey as a digital nomad. The hosts share their evolving views on Berlin, revealing its hidden charms. Learn about essential remote work tools that enhance comfort and productivity on the road. Explore the rise of pop-up co-living spaces and the importance of community. They dive into popular destinations that often fail to meet Instagram's standards. Plus, tune in for playful travel dilemmas and insightful takeaways on blending purpose with adventure.

Join Jacob Lemanski, an engineer-turned-adventurer, who embarked on a three-year, 38,000-mile solo bike ride across six continents. He shares the experience of traveling without a destination, revealing how this open-ended journey reshaped his views on presence and identity. Jacob discusses the challenges and rewards of extreme solitude, transformative encounters, and the beauty in living without a schedule. Learn how this adventure not only inspired his art and podcast but also led him to challenge conventional notions of success.

Scott Brills, a seasoned digital nomad and co-founder of Pamoja Safaris, shares his journey from early travels to creating a thriving safari business in Tanzania. He offers insider tips on planning unforgettable African safaris, like choosing the right guides and destinations. Listeners can learn about the cultural richness of safaris and practical advice on safety, costs, and timing for the best wildlife experiences. Scott’s story is an inspiring testament to building a travel-centric life, showing that it’s possible to thrive without traditional roots.

Courtney Laschkewitsch, a serial inventor and product licensing coach, shares her inspiring journey of licensing six products after numerous rejections. She presents a 10-step system to turn product ideas into passive income without manufacturing. Courtney discusses the importance of perseverance and soft skills, revealing the realities of contracts and royalties. She also emphasizes the significance of market research and prototyping, along with the emotional and practical challenges inventors face. Discover how to navigate the licensing landscape while embracing innovative ideas!

Greg Abandoned, an urban explorer and host of the Chasing Bandos podcast, shares his thrilling escapades through abandoned locations. He recounts incredible stories, including an arrest by Chinese secret police, and reflects on how gaming inspired his journey to explore Chernobyl. Greg emphasizes the unwritten rules of the URBEX community, balancing discovery with respect for these forgotten places. He discusses the importance of photography in capturing decay's beauty and offers tips for aspiring explorers eager to embark on their own adventures.

Nat Eliason, an entrepreneur and author from Austin, discusses his journey from nonfiction to sci-fi with his debut novel, Husk. He shares counterintuitive approaches to launching creative projects, emphasizing the power of starting before you're ready. Nat dives into the complexities of fiction writing, balancing artistic integrity with marketing strategies. He encourages embracing patience in a fast-paced digital world and highlights the importance of building genuine connections with your audience. Lastly, he shares local Austin gems for food and inspiration.

Join Laura Alho, a Finnish writer and cultural expert in Saudi Arabia, and Aaron Millar, host of The Armchair Explorer, as they explore the enchanting AlUla region. They delve into the ancient city of Hegra, where breathtaking Nabataean architecture waits to be discovered. Laura shares her adventure riding Arabian horses to ancient petroglyphs, while Aaron introduces you to local storytellers who bring the rich history of this lost city to life. With friendly camels stealing the show, this journey through time captures the spirit of AlUla's hidden treasures.

In a captivating journey, Martin Vrana, the founder of Lost Paradise, shares how he spent nearly 15 years creating a boutique resort on a remote island in Bali after leaving his stable life in Sweden. He reveals the emotional and logistical hurdles he faced, from working 450 hours a month to sourcing reclaimed wood across Indonesia. Martin discusses the personal sacrifices made, including maintaining secrecy from friends and family, and reflects on the resilience required to turn a dream into reality despite burnout and challenges that tested his commitment.