Recorded in front of a live audience at the KINN in Venice Beach as part of their weekly Startup Café series, this is a special Travel Talk episode hosted by Travel With Meaning, exploring how travel can spark entrepreneurial ideas. We discussed global brands like Starbucks, Tom’s Shoes, and Away Suitcases — all companies whose founders were inspired by travel. In this episode, our two guests share their own stories of how their journeys interweave with their businesses.

First, host Michael sits down with Jeffrey Chernick — serial entrepreneur, author, podcast host, and DJ — who shares the story of a business trip to Japan that didn’t go as planned but ultimately inspired his newest venture. That journey led him to partner with one of Japan’s largest travel platforms, Hafa, to launch Kabuk— a white-glove itinerary service offering personalized plans and exclusive hot deals. This could be one of the best turnkey solutions we’ve seen for travelers heading to Japan.

We want the Travel With Meaning community to try it out and get your personalized itinerary to start planning your Japan adventure. Here’s how:

1. Click this link

2. Click Meet Your Concierge (a real concierge — not AI)

3. Fill out a short survey about what you’d like to do and where you’d like to go in Japan

4. Add your email and make sure it includes the referral code for Travel With Meaning so you receive special attention, support, and are moved to the front of the line

Kabuk is poised to become one of the leading travel platforms in the U.S., and we’re getting an exclusive first look for a mainstream travel community.

Our second guest on this episode is Laura Grier, a renowned adventure photographer and founder of Andeana Hats, who's no stranger to the TWM community. Laura’s love for travel took her to Peru, where she became fascinated by the traditional hat culture of local women. Her “aha” moment turned into a business employing Peruvian artisans and returning income to their communities, often surpassing what the women’s husbands earn. Laura’s mission with Andeana Hats has also led to launching the nonprofit Maya Missions, further expanding her impact.

From Japan’s bustling cities to Peru’s mountain villages, this episode captures how transformative travel can lead to impactful, purpose-driven businesses.

Links & Resources:

• Andeana Hats: Click here

• Laura Grier's incredible photography: Click here

• Kabuk Travel Concierge: Click here

As always, we appreciate the community’s support — make sure you subscribe, follow us on all socials, and share this episode with friends and fellow travelers. See you on the open road.

What happens when a world traveler finds himself detained in one of the most dangerous places on Earth—completely by accident?

What happens when a world traveler finds himself detained in one of the most dangerous places on Earth—completely by accident? In this gripping episode of Travel With Meaning, we sit down with Sam Goodwin, an American adventurer whose mission to visit every country in the world took an unexpected and harrowing turn. After successfully traveling to 193 countries, Sam’s journey led him to Syria—where a single misstep resulted in him being accused of espionage and held captive for 63 days.

What happens when a world traveler finds himself detained in one of the most dangerous places on Earth—completely by accident? In this gripping episode of Travel With Meaning, we sit down with Sam Goodwin, an American adventurer whose mission to visit every country in the world took an unexpected and harrowing turn. After successfully traveling to 193 countries, Sam’s journey led him to Syria—where a single misstep resulted in him being accused of espionage and held captive for 63 days. Through humor, humility, and powerful reflection, Sam shares not only how he endured this life-altering experience, but how it deepened his understanding of faith, freedom, and the resilience of the human spirit. His story is a testament to the transformative power of travel—even in its most extreme form—and to the unexpected kindness of strangers in the darkest of places.

What to Listen For

[00:00:00] Meet Sam Goodwin: How a spontaneous trip became a mission to visit every country

[00:06:34] What Sam learned about fear, perception, and hospitality in conflict zones

[00:13:20] The day everything changed: Sam’s mistaken entry into Syria and sudden arrest

[00:19:58] Inside a Syrian prison: survival tactics, mental challenges, and unexpected routines

[00:26:42] Faith under fire: how prayer, gratitude, and visualization kept him sane

[00:33:10] Release and reintegration: stepping out of captivity and into a new reality

[00:39:47] Life after prison: overcoming PTSD, finding purpose, and reclaiming identity

[00:46:11] Travel as a teacher: why Sam believes the world is safer than we think

[00:52:28] The power of human connection: how kindness changed his perspective forever

[00:58:55] Final reflections: what Sam wants every traveler to remember

In this special Travel With Meaning podcast episode, recorded live in front of an intimate audience at The KINN in Venice Beach, we reconnect with Jessica Blotter — CEO and Co-Founder of Kind Traveler, and a returning guest on the show.

Jessica shares the powerful origin story of Kind Traveler, sparked by a life-changing trip that opened her eyes to a new way of thinking about travel. We catch up on the platform’s inspiring journey, including a meaningful pivot that has deepened its community impact and solidified its role as a leader in purpose-driven hospitality.

Through its award-winning Every Stay Gives Back™ program, Kind Traveler has partnered with destinations and hotels in 9 countries, raised over $700,000+ in donations to date for 100+ vetted nonprofits in just 20 months, and redefined what it means to travel with purpose.

From early startup challenges to bold pivots and global vision, Jessica’s story is packed with inspiration for conscious travelers, mission-driven entrepreneurs, and anyone who believes in doing good while seeing the world.

Tune in to hear how kindness, grit, and innovation can transform the way we travel.
And discover what it means to travel kindly at KindTraveler.com.

If you like what you hear, please share and subscribe for more meaningful podcast conversations.

On this episode of the Travel With Meaning podcast, we sit down with Nick Monica, the founder and CEO of Gnarwhal Coffee and Companion Restaurant in Venice Beach. Recorded in front of a live audience at The Kinn, this inspiring conversation explores the meaningful experiences that shaped Nick’s path—from pivotal mentors and personal growth to the unforgettable road trip that inspired the name “Gnarwhal.”

Nick is a passionate explorer, entrepreneur, and community builder who’s brought his love of travel, storytelling, and connection into everything he creates at Gnarwhal Coffee. His journey is filled with lessons learned on the road, and he’s infused that spirit into a space that brings people together every day.

Please share, follow and subscribe for more inspiring travel stories

In this episode of the Travel with Meaning podcast, we sit down with Henley Vazquez, co-founder of Fora Travel and a self-proclaimed hotel junkie. Henley’s journey into the travel industry was anything but conventional—from growing up on a farm in Virginia to building a cutting-edge travel agency that empowers advisors and travelers alike. Along the way, she shares stories of her early travel experiences, including a childhood trip to Cancun that didn't go quite as planned, and how she unexpectedly fell in love with the world of travel while working at a magazine.

Henley opens up about raising $13 million during the pandemic, the importance of community within the travel industry, and the exciting future of travel advising with new tools and technology. She also recounts her meaningful travel experiences, including a powerful trip to Rwanda and why the people you meet along the way are often the best part of the journey.

Tune in to hear Henley’s infectious passion for travel and learn how she’s helping others discover their own adventure—whether it’s booking luxury hotels or finding a hidden gem halfway across the globe.

Be sure to subscribe, share, and enjoy the ride with us!

While recording the Celebrating Seattle series with Jeannette Ceja, in collaboration with Visit Seattle, we had the privilege of meeting inspiring business owners within Seattle’s Hispanic-Latino communities. We listened to their stories, explored the evolution of these vibrant communities in Seattle, and discovered what makes the city so special to them.

In part 1 and part 2 of the series, we featured insightful conversations with Ana Castro from Salvadorean Bakery, Luis Rodriguez from Station Coffee Shop, and Jaime Mendez from Los Agaves. As a special addition, we recorded part of these interviews in Spanish to honor the wonderful locals we met. This episode, hosted by Jeannette Ceja, is recorded entirely in Spanish as a tribute to the thriving Spanish-speaking and Latino communities in the Emerald City, with Visit Seattle’s support.

A huge thank you to Jeannette Ceja for your passion and dedication to this project, helping shine a spotlight on Hispanic-Latino travelers and communities.

In this episode of the Travel with Meaning podcast, we sit down with Michaela Guzy, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, travel journalist, and founder of Oh The People You Meet. Michaela’s global adventures have taken her to 120 countries, from the savannas of Africa to the lakes of Northern Michigan. In this episode, Michaela shares incredible stories, from navigating lost luggage with the help of social media to summiting mountains and encountering wildlife up close.

Michaela dives into her passion for sustainable travel and the human connections she’s made across the globe. She reflects on her journey from the corporate world to following her true calling in travel media, explaining why she believes every trip is an opportunity to grow. Join us for this inspiring conversation filled with laughter, unexpected moments, and insights into the beauty of human connection through travel.

Don’t miss this episode as Michaela Guzy takes us around the world with her most unforgettable experiences and lessons learned along the way!

Special thank you to this episode's sponsors:

Smooth Move, the #1 tea for going #2. For more information visit www.Traditionalmedicinals.com/smoothmove to shop today and use SM20OFF for a 20% discount

World Trips, Atlas Journey travel insurance, visit www.worldtrips.com to explore your coverage options and travel fearlessly with an Atlas Journey plan from WorldTrips.

As always, we appreciate your support, please leave a rating, comment, and share the episodes you love. We look forward to seeing you on the open road!

In Episode 119 of the Travel With Meaning podcast, we are thrilled to host Chef Lee Anne Wong, a culinary visionary known for her impactful journey from New York City's fine dining scene to the vibrant food culture of Maui. Chef Wong, a Top Chef alumna, shares her incredible story of moving to Hawaiʻi, opening Koko Head Cafe and eventually planting roots in Maui.

After the devastating 2023 wildfire that claimed her Lahaina restaurant, Chef Wong's resilience and dedication shone through as she tirelessly supported her community, cooking thousands of meals daily for displaced residents. She discusses her deep connection to Hawaiʻi, the importance of supporting local farmers, and her advocacy for mental health in the hospitality industry. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Chef Lee Anne Wong, where we explore her culinary adventures, community spirit, and the transformative power of food and travel.

Tune in to be reminded of the beauty of Maui, the strength of its community, and the unbreakable bond between the people, the places, and the culture.

The people and the spirit of Maui is strong – Maui is open and welcomes you back, now more than ever. Visit GoHawaii.com/Maui.