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.

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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.

In this special episode of the Travel With Meaning podcast, host Mike Schibel brings you a unique blend of conversations with renowned chefs and a talented local musician from Maui. They highlight the depth of Maui’s culinary and cultural richness, reveal how Maui has impacted their lives, and share their stories of community resilience after the Lahaina wildfires.

Recorded at the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, join us as we chat with, Chef Maneet Chauhan, Chef Stephanie Izard, Chef Jonathan Pasion from Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, and Chef Ryan Schelling from Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, as well as musician Ua Bradshaw from Maui.

This episode is a celebration of the island’s resilient community—a community that invites travelers to return to Maui, now more than ever. 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.

Tune in to this heartfelt episode and 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.

#TravelWithMeaning #TravelStories #MauiStrong #GoHawaii #VisitMaui

In episode 117, we welcome Shalini Vadhera, a renowned global beauty expert and entrepreneur. Shalini's journey from a celebrity makeup artist to a leading figure in the beauty industry is truly inspiring. She shares her experiences growing up with a multicultural background and traveling the world, which shaped her unique perspective on beauty. Shalini discusses her brand, Ready, Set, Jet, aimed at empowering women through inclusive beauty solutions and entrepreneurship.

Join us as Shalini reveals the beauty secrets she's discovered globally and her commitment to celebrating diversity. This episode is a powerful exploration of the transformative impact of beauty, travel, and embracing what makes us unique. Don't miss this engaging conversation with Shalini Vadera, and be sure to check out Ready, Set, Jet for innovative beauty solutions.

In episode 116, we are thrilled to host visionary filmmaker and storyteller Danny Lee, whose work has profoundly impacted the arts and travel landscape. Danny's journey began with his passion for hip hop, street art, and sports, which he seamlessly wove into a thriving filmmaking career. He takes us behind the scenes of his latest PBS project, "The Express Way with Dulé Hill," highlighting unsung heroic artists across America and showcasing the transformative power of art in healing communities and catalyzing change.

Danny recounts his experiences, from a life-changing trip to Taiwan to a trip early in his professional career to explore his roots in Korea, the diverse streets of Los Angeles, and how his father's passing pushed him to pursue his dreams. He delves into the importance of mentorship and nurturing emerging talent, reflecting on his journey of self-discovery and authentic storytelling. Join us as Danny Lee shares the moments that shaped his career, emphasizing the importance of cultural bridges and the human connections that define us.

Subscribe and share if you enjoy the episode, and don't forget to check out "The Express Way with Dulé Hill" on PBS.

Special thank you to this episodes sponsors:

Smooth Move, the #1 tea for going #2. For more information visit 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!