Zero To Travel Podcast

What can thinking about death teach us about living life? Bronnie Ware is an author, songwriter, speaker, and free spirit devoted to helping others find the courage to embrace life on their own terms and live without regrets. Her international bestselling memoir, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, has been translated into 32 languages and has a movie in the pipeline. Bronnie spent much of her life traveling nomadically and now has a home base in rural Australia. In this episode, we talk about what those final life lessons can teach us about living more freely, creatively, and intentionally, especially when it comes to crafting a life filled with meaningful travel. This conversation is a reflection on what it really means to live life on your own terms. Bronnie shares how she embraced her creative self later in life, the lessons she’s learned from the dying, and the surprising relationship between death and joy. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, felt stuck in the “wrong box,” or wondered how to start living more authentically, Bronnie offers wisdom that might just change the way you think. We also talk travel, belonging, and why courage is always rewarded, even when the outcome looks different than you expected. What’s one truth you’ve learned through travel that continues to shape how you live today? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. *This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: How Bronnie went from banking to bestselling author and the process she followed to commit to writing a book What a “gentle rebel” really is, and why it fits Bronnie so well Why growing up on a farm led to her propensity for travel How she launched on a creative journey and embraced her new identity later in life How self-doubt shows up and what to do when it tries to stop you How she reframes challenges through a soul-level lens Why travel will help you get to know yourself in a different way and uncover what really makes you feel at home How courage, even when it’s quiet or imperfect, always pays off And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Bronnie’s website Get your copy of The Top Five Regrets of the Dying Listen to Bronnie’s albums Songs For The Soul and Sun Showers Want More? What Happens When You Die? (Part One): A Journey to the Other Side with Peter Panagore Lessons From Caring for the Dying and Bike Packing 18 Countries With Jerry Kopack What Is “Happiness”? Discovering Meaning On The Silk Road w/ Will Rickard Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What road trip songs get you pumped for your travels? Rob Harvilla has been a professional rock critic for 20+ years whose writing has appeared in Pitchfork, Spin, and Rolling Stone. He is also the host of the hugely popular podcast 60 Songs That Explain the ’90s and author of a book by the same name. In this episode, Rob shares his ultimate 90s road trip playlist along with a fun conversation about the inevitable intersection of music and travel. Rob shares his thoughts on how music embeds itself into our lives, the lost art of mixtapes, and how road trip playlists define our travels. Plus, we swap stories about the bands that made us fall in love with music in the first place. What song would you add to this list? Is there an album that instantly transports you back to a specific time and place? I'd love to hear what it is, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now Tune In To Learn: Why road trips and music are so deeply connected The power of nostalgia and how music imprints on our memories How the shift from physical albums to streaming changed the way we experience music The role of critics in shaping music culture What it was like to live through Brooklyn’s indie rock explosion in the 2000s How Rob picked the songs for 60 Songs That Explain the '90s (and why that number quickly expanded) If he could time travel to one concert in history, which show Rob would pick and why And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter Visit Rob’s website Best Travel Songs of the 90’s Spotify playlist Want More? Top 10 Road Trip Albums With Jason Law from Festy GoNuts America’s Greatest Road Trip! Key West to Deadhorse: 9,000 Miles Across Backroad USA With Tom Cotter Life-Changing Trips, Interviewing Music Legends, Backpacking the World, and Fostering Transformative Connections with Tony Fletcher Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m bringing you a roundup of the most popular and community-loved highlights from the Zero To Travel newsletter this month, offering practical travel tips, lifestyle insights, and some good old-fashioned wanderlust inspiration. You’ll hear science-backed strategies for boosting happiness, why now might be the time to take action on a second passport, a few under-the-radar travel destinations you’ll want to add to your list, why college towns can make great travel destinations, and more. What’s your takeaway from this episode? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. Premium Passport: Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now! Tune In To Learn: How a pine tree sparked two powerful questions for making big decisions Why happiness by subtraction might be more effective than adding more to your plate How dual citizenship pathways are tightening and why you might want to move quickly Advice to find new travel inspiration through "otherworldly" destinations Why this city might just be the ultimate food destination The unexpected perks of visiting college towns (beyond cheap eats and sports games) What countries topped the list for best places to raise a family and why I think they missed a few key ones How to quickly check if you’re owed money when your U.S. flight is delayed or canceled And so much more Resources: Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport Sign up for our FREE newsletter 11 Ways to Be Happier Italian Citizenship Article Best Cities for Food Otherworldly Destinations Best College Towns Countries for Raising a Family Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard Best Travel Cards Want More? Listener Questions: Reverse Engineering a Move Abroad, How to Choose a Location-Independent Business, and Smart Ways to Travel a Continent Hell on Earth: Top 7 Otherworldly Destinations with Erika Engelhaupt Thanks To Our Sponsors Unbound Merino - Use code ‘TRAVEL10’ to get 10% off your Unbound Merino order. Visit Baltimore - Start planning your visit to Charm City today! Harvest Hosts - Use code TRAVEL20 for 20% off your Harvest Hosts membership. Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com. Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason and Kelly Law, co-founders of Festy GoNuts, share their expertise on enhancing the music festival experience. They discuss the critical role of planning for a smooth festival, from creating a cozy campsite to making new friends through fun activities. Their insights highlight the importance of community and connection, encouraging attendees to embrace their 'fest self.' They also delve into ways to leverage volunteering for free tickets and choose festivals that align with personal interests, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.

Jessica Sueiro, a longtime traveler and part of the adventurous WorldTowning family, joins her son Largo, a teenager with a decade of travel under his belt. They dive into their remarkable journey on the Appalachian Trail, sharing the emotional and educational richness of their 2,190-mile hike. From navigating family dynamics to remote learning on the trail, their story is filled with adventure and growth. They reflect on overcoming challenges, the magic of kindness from strangers, and how this experience transformed their understanding of home.

Nate Menninger, a seasoned experience seeker and filmmaker, made headlines by being one of the first foreigners to work as a porter in Nepal. In his captivating stories, he shares the joys and challenges of a 23-day trek alongside local porters. Nate discusses how this immersive experience reshaped his mental health, perspective, and purpose, while also addressing the complexities of ethical travel and cultural connections. He emphasizes the importance of learning local languages and being fully present, offering valuable insights for thoughtful travelers.

Clare Hammond, an award-winning investigative journalist with Global Witness, shares captivating tales from her five-year journey uncovering a secret network of railways in Myanmar. She reveals the resilience of local communities amidst oppression and the ethical dilemmas faced in reporting from conflict zones. Clare discusses her transition from financial journalism to digging into corruption and human rights abuses, while emphasizing the importance of storytelling in shedding light on hidden truths. Her personal narratives challenge conventional travel perceptions and reveal the complexities behind Myanmar's history.

Linda Sarris, a Sicilian travel expert and private chef, shares her love for Sicily, revealing why it enchants visitors. She discusses navigating the vibrant street food scene, highlighting must-try dishes. Discover the unique characteristics of Sicilian wines and tips for savoring them. Linda emphasizes the importance of slow travel, encouraging immersion in local culture rather than rushing between attractions. With insider insights on budgeting and hidden gems, she paints a picture of Sicily as a gastronomic paradise worth exploring.

Lucas Peters, a tour operator and award-winning travel writer, uncovers the magic of Andalusia, revealing it as a hidden gem of Spain. He shares insights into the unique blend of Spanish, Moroccan, and Arabic cultures that define the region. Listeners learn about the mouthwatering tapas culture and how to explore historic sites and stunning white villages affordably. Lucas highlights the breathtaking Caminito del Rey walkway and shares tips for experiencing authentic local life and vibrant culinary treasures that make Andalusia a must-visit destination.

In this episode, Dan Demsky, co-founder and CEO of Unbound Merino, shares insights from building his $40M clothing brand while embracing a digital nomad lifestyle. He discusses key principles of entrepreneurship, the balance of travel and business, and the importance of a positive mindset. Dan dives into the impact of personal experiences on brand growth and stresses the need for resilience in overcoming setbacks. Plus, he offers practical tips on packing smartly for travels, emphasizing the value of intentional travel and supportive relationships.