Travel Tales by Afar

AFAR
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Travel Tales by Afar

Travel, at its best, changes the way we see the world. Join us each week as we dig into stories from people who took a trip—and came home transformed. Travel Tales by Afar is your ticket to the world, no passport required.

  1. 1D AGO

    The Woman Who Turned Dancing into a Passport to the World

    Mickela Mallozzi, Emmy award-winning host of PBS's Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi, transforms strangers into dance partners across seven continents. Whether learning sean-nós in Ireland or celebrating Matariki in New Zealand, in this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, Mickela reveals how asking permission opens doors to authentic cultural experiences—and why the best travel connections happen when you follow your passion. In this episode, you'll discover How cultural appreciation differs from cultural appropriation—and why permission is key What it's like to film a travel show without rehearsals or mirrors Why dance reveals migration patterns and cultural connections across continents Don't miss these transformative moments [03:00] How Mickela's mission evolved from selfish adventure to platform for marginalized communities [06:00] The weekly Zoom meetings with Māori elders that made filming in New Zealand possible [11:00] Growing up in an immigrant family—from slaughtering chickens in Italy to catching the travel bug [14:00] The Europade festival that reminded her why she fell in love with this work [19:00] How Irish sean-nós connects to Appalachian clogging and eventually becomes tap dancing [23:00] Why the Caribbean is her favorite place to see cultural fusion in action [28:00] Her best travel advice: Find what you love at home, then do it everywhere you go Read the transcript of the episode Follow Mickela Mallozzi on Instagram. Watch Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi seasons 7 and 8 (premiering December 2025) Read more about Mickela's adventures in Ireland and Morocco on afar.com. Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our other podcasts,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Unpacked⁠⁠⁠⁠, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week, and ⁠View From Afar⁠, where we spotlight the people and the ideas shaping the future of travel. Travel Tales by Afar is part of Airwave Media's podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast.

    38 min
  2. A Ride Through South Dakota’s Most Misunderstood Festival

    JUL 3

    A Ride Through South Dakota’s Most Misunderstood Festival

    Jaymee Sire⁠, host of Food Network Obsessed podcast, trades tasting menus for throttle grips at the legendary Sturgis Motorcyle Rally in South Dakota.  Whether riding two-up through the Black Hills or bonding over leather stamping and welding with a multigenerational crew of women riders, in this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, Jaymee reveals the side of Sturgis Buffalo Chip few outsiders get to see. 125 Bikers, 50 Miles, and One Beginner Biker In this episode, you’ll discover:  Biker Belles, the annual women’s ride that breaks biking stereotypes.  What it’s like to attend Sturgis Buffalo Chip, one of the nation’s oldest music festivals.  Why winding through the Black Hills in South Dakota is so much better on a bike.  The Side of Sturgis Most Tourists Miss  Don’t miss these transformative moments:  [03:08] What it’s like to arrive at one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the country [07:35] This annual ride shows the feminine side of biking culture.  [11:51] That moment when a motorcycle ride becomes a soul-filling, sightseeing tour.   [14:21] Tears, Jelly Roll, and pork parfaits: Going beyond biking at Sturgis Buffalo Chip Resources Read the ⁠transcript⁠ of the episode Follow Jaymee Sire on ⁠Instagram⁠ Listen to her on the ⁠Food Network Obsessed⁠ podcast Learn more about the ⁠Sturgis Buffalo Chip⁠ and the ⁠Biker Belles⁠ ride Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our other podcasts, ⁠⁠⁠Unpacked⁠⁠⁠, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week, and View From Afar, where we spotlight the people and the ideas shaping the future of travel. Travel Tales by Afar is part of Airwave Media's podcast network. Please contact ⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast.

    22 min
  3. What Touring America Taught a Southern Comic About Reading a Crowd

    JUN 26

    What Touring America Taught a Southern Comic About Reading a Crowd

    Kentucky native and comedian Katherine Blanford takes us on a hilarious journey across America, sharing how different regions react to humor and why the Pacific Northwest has become her performing paradise. From childhood road trips to Cracker Barrel to navigating regional comedy crowds, Katherine reveals the art of connecting with audiences nationwide—plus her brutally honest airport confessions. From Cracker Barrel to Comedy Clubs In this episode, you'll discover: How a Kentucky kid who thought Calgary was "international travel" became a touring comedian Why the Pacific Northwest produces Katherine's favorite audiences (hint: they're cold, drunk, and unpretentious) The secret to reading crowds from the arm-crossing Midwest to the hootin'-and-hollererin' South What makes small towns like Great Falls, Montana, comedy gold Comedy Across America [06:15] Growing up in Louisville with dreams of horses and trips to Churchill Downs[15:30] The cultural shift from 31 years in the Southeast to touring nationwide[22:45] Decoding regional audience reactions—from Midwest nodders to Southern hollerers[28:20] Why Pacific Northwest crowds are a comedian's dream[35:10] The legendary Arizona crowd work story and learning to read local "creatures" A Comedian's Guide to Regional Humor Katherine Blanford's sharp Southern wit has earned her spots at comedy clubs nationwide, with her latest special "Catholic Cowgirl" showcasing her unique perspective on growing up in Kentucky horse country. Her approach to comedy goes beyond just getting laughs—she studies each town like an anthropologist, understanding what makes different communities tick. In this episode, you'll hear how Katherine transforms her childhood obsession with horses (she couldn't have one, so she became one) into crowd work gold, and why she had to retire her famous "neigh-off" challenge after Chicago audiences got too competitive. Resources Read the transcript of the episode Catch Katherine live at upcoming shows in Sunnyvale, California, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa See her at Red Rocks this October with Bert Kreischer About Travel Tales by Afar Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, ⁠⁠⁠Unpacked⁠⁠⁠, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week, and our industry-focused podcast, View From Afar. Travel Tales by Afar is part of Airwave Media's podcast network. Please contact ⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast.

    32 min
  4. In the Warming Arctic, These Inuit Traditions Refuse to Disappear

    TRAILER

    In the Warming Arctic, These Inuit Traditions Refuse to Disappear

    When Métis writer Debbie Olsen heard the haunting sounds of Inuit throat singing for the first time, she felt an unexpected connection to her own Indigenous roots. In northern Quebec's remote Inuit region of Nunavik, she discovered how an entire community is fighting to preserve cultural traditions that were once banned—while adapting to a rapidly warming world that threatens their ancient way of life. In this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, Debbie takes us inside Kuujjuaq's remarkable cultural revival, from throat-singing performances to traditional sewing centers, where elders pass down survival skills that have sustained Inuit life for generations. Plus, we explore how climate change is forcing this resilient community to adapt while holding fast to their identity. Ancient Arts in Modern Times In this episode you'll learn: How throat singing survived decades of government suppression to become a global art form Why traditional sewing and qamutiik-making are essential to cultural preservation What climate change means for Arctic communities living on the front lines A Culture of Resilience, With A Little Help From Community [04:30] The "Poor Little Puppy Song" and the stories behind throat singing traditions [12:15] Inside the sewing center where women reclaim traditional clothing-making skills [18:20] How eider down harvesting connects ancient practices with modern technology [22:45] The polar bear in town that signals a changing Arctic What Cultural Preservation Should Be All About Award-winning travel writer and Métis journalist Debbie Olsen brings a unique Indigenous perspective to exploring cultural traditions. Based in Canada, her work focuses on connecting with Indigenous communities and understanding how ancestral knowledge survives in the modern world. In this episode you'll hear how Kuujjuaq's community centers—from throat singing groups to carpentry workshops—represent more than skill-sharing; they're acts of cultural healing that help Inuit people reclaim what colonization tried to erase, all while preparing future generations for an uncertain climate future. Resources Read the transcript of this episode. Learn more about Debbie's work at wonderwoman.ca Follow Debbie on Instagram @wanderwoman_deb. Explore Nunavik travel experiences through NunaWild. Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, ⁠⁠Unpacked⁠⁠, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week. Travel Tales by Afar is part of Airwave Media's podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast.

    29 min
  5. I Solo Hiked 7,500 Miles from Cape Town to Cairo—and Found Connection at Every Step

    JUN 12

    I Solo Hiked 7,500 Miles from Cape Town to Cairo—and Found Connection at Every Step

    When Turks and Caicos native Mario Rigby landed in Cape Town with nothing but a backpack, a pair of worn-in sneakers, and a dream to walk the length of Africa, he thought maybe he'd made the worst mistake of his life. But actually walking across Africa? That brought peace and a deeper understanding of the power of hospitality, movement, and self discovery.  In this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, Mario shares how walking 7,500 miles permanently changed the way he travels—and lives. Plus, we dive into what sustainable tourism really looks like and the aftermath of reverse culture shock.   7,500 Miles: From Cape Town to Cairo In this episode you’ll learn:  Why Turks and Caicos is a microcosm for the power of sustainable tourism.  What it’s like to cross the white desert  in Egypt.  How local culture in Cape Town, Sudan, and El Salvador reshaped Mario’s perspective on travel.  An Epic Sojourn, With A Little Help From Locals  [02:50] This childhood TV show planted the seed for adventure, before it was famous.  [08:38] The local encounter that changed everything on day one.  [14:41] When a dog attack in Sudan led to a Tedx talk.  [22:19]  What happens next? Reverse culture shock and the need for adventure.  What Traveling Should Be All About Eco-explorer and former professional athlete, Mario Rigby has travel in his blood. Born in Turks and Caicos, raised in Germany, and now living in Canada, Mario’s expeditions focus on sustainability and human connection.  In this episode you’ll hear how a walk from Cape Town to Cairo, guided him to a lifestyle of adventurous movement, that included biking across North America and living among Algeria’s nomadic tribes.  Resources:  Read the transcript of this episode Learn more about Mario’s work on his website. Follow Mario on Instagram: @mariorigby Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, ⁠Behind the Mic⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, ⁠Unpacked⁠, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week. Travel Tales by Afar is part of Airwave Media's podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast.

    43 min
  6. Antoni Porowski Ate Around the World With Your Favorite Celebrities. These Are the Meals That Still Haunt Him

    FEB 18 · BONUS

    Antoni Porowski Ate Around the World With Your Favorite Celebrities. These Are the Meals That Still Haunt Him

    Antoni Porowski, our favorite culinary expert from Queer Eye, takes you behind-the-scenes of his new National Geographic show, No Taste Like Home (premiering February 23, 2025). In this episode, he shares the connection that sent him crying off camera with Awkwafina, the dish that defeated his adventurous palate with Henry Golding, and how his Polish roots served him well while helping celebrities explore the foods that taste like home in six different countries. What Do Kimbap, Ndambe and Chicken Fried Steak Have in Common? On this episode you’ll learn:  How National Geographic’s team created epic, transformative travel experiences for celebrities.  The tastes and origin stories that transformed Antoni Porowski, from kelp soup in Korea to ndambe in Senegal.  The ways that food and travel can connect people to their deepest roots.  Queer Eye's Antoni Porowski Will Eat Anything—Except This Don’t miss these transformative, travel moments:  [03:06] “I was the pickiest eater ever growing up!” [10:01] Kelp, crying, and Korean connections with Awkwafina. [17:18] James Marsden sheds a light on chicken fried steak. [19:21] Antoni Porowski tests his foodie limits with Henry Golding. [20:04] The surprising connections that changed the way Antoni Porowski approaches food. Why The Perfect Meal Should Remind You of Your Childhood Every episode of Antoni Porowski’s new show, No Taste Like Home, took three to six months of research: from tracing family trees to exploring the origins of traditional foods. In this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, discover what Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski learned about the universality of place, comfort and connection by taking celebrities on epic journeys to explore their culinary and familial roots.  Resources:  Follow Antoni Porowski on Instagram  Stream the show, No Taste Like Home with Antoni Porowski.   Watch this episode on Youtube.  Read the episode transcript. Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Unpacked, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week.

    33 min
  7. The Spontaneous (Travel!) Story of How Afar Came to Be

    09/12/2024 · BONUS

    The Spontaneous (Travel!) Story of How Afar Came to Be

    No plan. No luggage. Five weeks in India. Joe Diaz and Greg Sullivan, dreamed up Afar on a beach in Goa more than 15 years ago. In this candid episode from our sister podcast, Unpacked, they reflect on what they’ve learned by helping people travel deeper. From the spontaneous trips that honed the company’s values to how they’ve helped shape the travel industry, get an inside look into the transformative power of rallying around travel as a force for good.  But, How Many Kitchen Tables Have You Visited?  In this episode, discover: How Afar helped pave the way for “experiential travel.”  The origin and impact of Learning Afar, which gives students access to travel.  How you can continue to shape travel as a force for good in the world.   Going Home with a Rickshaw Driver.  Don’t miss these memorable moments: [2:03] It started without a plan—or luggage.  [14:55] The first step: transformative travel education.  [25:15] Spin the globe and other stories that have impacted them the most.  [37:49] A trip to Cairo that led to a surgeon’s debut on The Daily Show. [45:15] A friendly debate on travel practices—from packing to plane rides.    The Transformative Power of Teachers Turned Travelers.  Greg Sullivan and Joe Diaz met in the classroom, so when they traveled to India and found a deeper way to travel, they had to share that with others. In this lighthearted conversation, they share the spontaneous travel stories that have impacted the industry and continue to sustain Afar 15 years later.  In this episode you’ll learn how Afar went from an idea to a multi-faceted media company, how they’ve pivoted over time to hone their impact on the world and how you can travel in a more conscious and connected way.  Resources • Explore Afar’s 15-year anniversary hub of favorite stories, including:   A Skeptic Visits the Holy Waters of Lourdes. What It’s Like to Navigate Cairo’s Chaos as a Blind Traveler.  • Read the transcript of this episode. • Listen to the podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:  A Blind Man’s Trip Will Change the Way You Go on Safari.  A Blind Surfer Takes On Kauai’s Legendary Waves. Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Unpacked, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week.

    1h 4m
  8. Want to Get to the Soul of Switzerland? Jump Into a River

    08/29/2024

    Want to Get to the Soul of Switzerland? Jump Into a River

    Not only can you swim in the rivers of Bern and Basel— but thousands of locals regularly take the plunge. From a morning commute to a relaxing weekend escape, discover how rivers are at the heart of everyday Swiss life. In this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, Bonnie Tsui, author of Why We Swim, follows the currents of Switzerland's alpine rivers into the depths of history, culture and identity.  How Rivers Reveal Years of Swiss Culture In this episode you will learn:  How the Rhine was transformed into a meeting place for swimmers What river swimming reveals about the people and culture of major Swiss cities What our changing world could mean for the future of alpine river swimming.   Behind Every Great Swiss City, There’s A River. Don’t miss these transformative travel moments:  [5:19] A legacy of guarding the rights of swimmers in Basel. [8:14] Three distinct relationships with the Rhine. [11:07] An insightful swim at Rheinbad Breite, a 125-year-old bathhouse.  [12:54] What does climate change mean for the future of Alpine river swimming? Swimming for a Slice of Life Afar contributor, and author of Why We Swim, Bonnie Tsui has swimming in her DNA. Her parents met in a pool in Hong Kong, she worked as a lifeguard growing up in New York, and she often swims when she travels—she's the perfect person to explore Switzerland’s river swimming culture.  In this episode you’ll learn how to enhance a trip to Switzerland by swimming its rivers, hear how locals see rivers as an important thread in the fabric of Swiss life and culture, and be inspired by the people who are working to protect the future of alpine river swimming.  Resources • Read the transcript of the episode • Order Bonnie’s book Why We Swim • Read more of Bonnie’s work on her website.  • Pre-order Bonnie's latest book, On Muscle:The Stuff That Moves Us and Why it Matters.  Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Unpacked, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week.

    21 min
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Travel, at its best, changes the way we see the world. Join us each week as we dig into stories from people who took a trip—and came home transformed. Travel Tales by Afar is your ticket to the world, no passport required.

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