I caught up with the charismatic Jeff Jenkins, a trailblazer in redefining the narrative of plus-size travel. As a plus-sized content creator and National Geographic adventure host, Jenkins is breaking boundaries and advocating for accessibility in the travel industry. I was captivated by his exhilarating tales from scaling 70-foot rock cliffs to swimming with sharks. His story is a testament to resilience, diversity, and the resolve to redefine the world of travel.

It was thought-provoking hearing about Jeff's superpower - the ability to inject a positive vibe into any situation. His zest for life is infectious and his perspective on stepping beyond one's comfort zone is refreshing. Being the first black, plus-sized content creator on our show, Jeff's upcoming National Geographic show 'Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins' promises to be a game-changer, as it embarks on an eight-part series of life-transforming adventure challenges. A conversation that was long overdue, and we hope to see more of such diverse representation. 

Our conversation took an interesting turn when Jeff shared his passport stories and insights for fellow plus-sized travelers. From convincing his 60-year-old dad to get a passport to reminiscing about his trip to Japan, Jeff's travel anecdotes are heartwarming and inspiring. He emphasizes how travel changes one's perspective, paving the way to meet different people and experience diverse cultures. Jeff also shares practical tips for plus-sized travelers, encouraging them to explore freely and confidently. His empowering outlook on travel, representation, and accessibility is a beacon of hope for every plus-sized individual yearning to see the world.

Ready for an excursion through the gastronomic delights of Portland and the stunning sights of Oregon? Join us as we swap our globetrotting adventures for the charm of local travel. In this week's episode I wandered through the state’s beauty from Cannon Beach to the Gorge, all while relishing mouthwatering delicacies from places like Voodoo Donuts and Desi PDX. The melodic cheer of a Timbers game and the spirited atmosphere of a graduation at the University of Oregon added an unforgettable flavor to my journey. 

I was thrilled to have Judiaann Woo, a marketing consultant and digital creator, accompany me on this culinary  journey. Judiaann's love for Portland's food spots had us salivating and her insights on managing screen time and uplifting one's professional online presence were nothing short of enlightening. She shared her journey, her foodie favorites, and her knack for capturing the perfect travel shot. Her tips left us eager to explore more and, of course, to eat more! 

The podcast unwinds with a discussion around the economics of the restaurant industry and the significance of bolstering local food establishments. Portland's food scene vibrates with creativity and diversity, owing much to its inclusive nature. We dive into how this inclusivity promotes accessibility for all, regardless of background or budget. We talk about the impact of social media on kids and the importance of setting healthy boundaries around screen time. We also share some clever tips for improving your iPhone photography skills and creating organic connections on social media. So, let’s set off on this vibrant journey through Oregon, one story at a time.

We couldn't wait to chat with Emily Everett, co-owner of Portland's Quaintrelle restaurant and manager of Abbey Road Farm, You won't believe how her passion for creating unforgettable memories for her guests helped her overcome challenges and led to the restaurant's big move to its current location. Not only that, but we also discovered how Emily and her co-owners turned Abbey Road Farm into a thriving winery, event center, and bed and breakfast in Carlton, Oregon!

In this captivating conversation, Emily spills the beans on the farm's growth, which includes 42 acres of grapes, 14 different varietals, and a renovated horse arena that's now an event center. Be prepared to drool as we discuss the fascinating wine list curated by their wine director, Chris Cooper.  

But that's not all – Emily also shares her favorite recent meals in Portland, the best tofu she's ever had, and her go-to dishes. We wrap up the conversation by talking about her travel plans, dream destinations, and debunking the myth of Thomas Jefferson bringing macaroni and cheese to the United States. Trust us, you don't want to miss this delightful and mouthwatering episode!

Ever wondered what it's like to journey through the hidden beauty of Bolivia? Join me as I chat with award-winning travel writer, journalist, and author Shafik Meghji , who shares his incredible experiences exploring the nation's tumultuous history, dramatic landscapes, and amazing people. We discuss the potential for responsible tourism in Bolivia and Shafik's passion for football, specifically his love for Liverpool.

We uncover Bolivia's diverse culture, its strong indigenous presence, and the sacred plant of Cocoa, as well as the diverse languages spoken throughout the country. Shafik provides valuable advice for first-time travelers to Bolivia, including visiting the world's largest salt flat, the Solada Unis, and the Medidi national park, the most biodiverse protected area on earth. Plus, don't miss our conversation on the amazing cuisine of Bolivia, the world's highest vineyards, and Shafik's first experience of international travel as a young child.

Aspiring travel journalists, pay attention! Shafik shares his insider tips on breaking into the industry and recounts the persistence and determination it took to get his foot in the door. We also discuss his upcoming projects, including a book about South America and a Lonely Planet guide to Chile. So, if you're looking for inspiration to fuel your own travel writing adventure or simply want to be captivated by the stories of Bolivia's beauty and diversity, you won't want to miss this engaging episode with Shafik Meghji

Ever wondered what it's like to go from a linguistics student to a reality TV star on Below Deck Med? Join us as we chat with the adventurous and go-with-the-flow Elena Dubaich who shares her fascinating journey through different careers and countries, ultimately entering the world of cruise ships and yachting. Get a peek into Elena 's experience in Taiwan during the pandemic and how the movie, The Secret, played a crucial role in her life-changing decision.

As a treat for all the travel enthusiasts and reality TV fans, we dive into Elena's favorite travel moments and delectable food experiences. Listen to her candid take on her time on Below Deck Med and how she balances partying hard on the boats while still managing to excel at her job the next day. Trust us, you won't want to miss this exciting conversation with Elena Dubaich!

Ever wondered what life is like to work on  a superyacht, crafting stunning cocktails, and rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous? Join us for an exclusive conversation with the talented Natasha Webb, an actress, mixologist, CEO, and Bravo Below Deck Med star, as she takes us on a thrilling journey through her 11-year yachting career and her unforgettable experiences on the reality show Below Deck.

Discover how Natasha's creative spirit led her to the world of yachts, and hear her candid thoughts on adjusting to life with cameras constantly around. Her passion for teaching and creating unforgettable experiences for yacht guests will inspire you. Natasha also shares her love for travel, diving into her adventures at the Great Barrier Reef, Mexico's freshwater caves, and Thailand's exotic islands. Plus, don't miss the special appearance of her adorable dogs!

In this jam-packed episode, we explore Natasha's journey from yachting to acting and running her own yacht recruitment agency. We delve into her friendships formed from her time on Below Deck, and the importance of having grace and understanding when it comes to reality TV. So, grab your favorite cocktail and tune in to hear Natasha's incredible story and get inspired to follow your own dreams and passions!

What does it mean to grow up between countries and cultures? Join us as we explore the world of third culture kids (TCKs) with our guest, Kelly Joeman. Kelly's fascinating story takes us from her time in the UK, to living in Malaysia, and finally returning to the UK. Learn how she navigated her unique upbringing and how she's using her Instagram page, Third Culture, to celebrate and connect with other TCKs.

Our conversation dives into the challenges and complexities of navigating different cultures, particularly when trying to fit in both in the UK and Malaysia. Kelly shares her experiences with Malaysian cuisine, her favorite dishes, and her passion for travel, including her time in Singapore, the US, and other parts of Asia. We also discuss the advantages of being a TCK, such as the ability to switch between different identities and the cultural nuances they've picked up along the way. 

Don't miss this engaging and informative conversation that delves into the incredible journeys and unique experiences of third culture kids. Hear about Kelly's current work in the YouTube industry and her ongoing Instagram projects, all while gaining a deeper understanding of the fascinating world of TCKs and the stories they have to share. Tune in now and let Kelly's story inspire you to embrace your own cultural journey.

Have you ever wondered how a Top Chef winner uses their fame to make a difference in the world of food and sustainability? Join us for a captivating conversation with Sarah Hauman, the award-winning chef from Top Chef Portland, as she shares her journey from the high-pressure world of restaurants to starting her own sustainable venture, TinyFishCo. Sarah's passion for preserving quality food and her unique approach to creating delicious dishes with just a few simple ingredients will have you drooling with anticipation.

In this enlightening episode, we explore Sarah's transition from being a chef to an entrepreneur, and how her time on Top Chef has helped her in her entrepreneurial pursuits. We also delve into the challenges she faced in sourcing materials and production, and how she's using her platform to educate people about sustainable food choices. Get ready to be inspired by Sarah's hands-on approach to her business, and her focus on finding ways to keep moving forward.

Sarah's inspiring journey is a testament to the power of following your passions and turning them into something meaningful. Don't miss this incredible episode that will leave you feeling motivated and inspired to make a difference in your own life and the world around you.