Connecting Roads: The Road to the Unknown

In this episode of The Road to the Unknown, Dylan and Morgan sit down with Jake Haupert, co-founder of the Transformational Travel Council (TTC) and a visionary in regenerative tourism. From his early days influenced by family adventures to scaling the heights of Kilimanjaro, Jake’s experiences inspired a journey dedicated to making travel a pathway to personal growth, community connection, and environmental care.

Jake dives into the work of TTC, which has connected travelers, tourism professionals, and communities around a mission to bring more compassion, intention, and sustainability into the travel industry. Through meaningful experiences, TTC helps people and destinations alike foster a deeper relationship with the world, emphasizing lasting impact over simple sightseeing. Jake shares powerful stories, including transformative moments on Kilimanjaro and his work with destinations like Vail and New Greenland to create regenerative tourism models that put both people and the planet first.

Join us as we explore the power of travel as a force for good and discover how we can all play a part in making tourism more purposeful and impactful. Whether you're a traveler, experience designer, or simply curious about mindful travel, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Key Topics:

• The origins of Transformational Travel Council (TTC) and Jake’s journey to redefine travel as a path for personal growth and deeper connection
• How intentional travel and TTC’s “transformational principles” turn trips into opportunities for self-discovery and change
• Jake’s life-changing Kilimanjaro experience, which revealed the power of travel to foster vulnerability, connection, and insight
• The role of TTC in promoting regenerative tourism and its mission to bring communities and travelers into harmony with nature and each other
• Advice for experience designers and travelers on creating meaningful, purpose-driven travel experiences that positively impact people and places
  
  

This episode is packed with inspiration for travelers, experience designers, and anyone interested in the future of tourism. Don’t miss this conversation on how travel can transform lives, uplift communities, and bring us closer to a more compassionate, connected world! 

**Please excuse the audio from Dylan and Mo's microphone.**

In this episode of Road to the Unknown, Dylan and Mo sit down with Kaben Clauson, co-founder and CEO of Base, a modern social club dedicated to building meaningful, in-person connections in a digital-first world. Founded in 2023, Base is already reshaping how people in cities like Miami, Chicago, and soon Austin and NYC, are finding their “tribe” through curated, small-group dinners and immersive experiences.

Kaben shares the story behind Base, which grew from his own experiences living in diverse communities—from South Africa to Alaska—and his belief in the power of human connection. As technology pushes us further apart, Base uses it to help people forge deeper relationships across industries and backgrounds.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Kaben’s journey from tech entrepreneur to community builder, and how Base aims to address the loneliness epidemic in large cities
• How Base uses small, carefully matched gatherings to foster genuine connections and cross-industry collaboration
• The challenges and rewards of creating a scalable social club model in today’s rapidly changing world
• The role of technology in enhancing, not replacing, human relationships

Join us as we dive into Kaben’s mission to make cities feel smaller and more connected, one dinner at a time. For anyone passionate about community building, tackling loneliness, or exploring innovative ways to connect, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Instagram: @base.irl
Website: base.club

In this episode of Road to the Unknown, Dylan and Mo sit down with Andre Houssney, founder of Jacob Springs Farm, and his wife, Alexa Williams, to discuss the transformative power of regenerative agriculture. Located in Boulder, Colorado, Jacob Springs Farm is more than just a place for grass-fed proteins and heirloom grains—it’s a thriving ecosystem that fosters community and sustainability.

Andre shares his childhood experiences growing up in Lebanon during civil unrest, which instilled a deep appreciation for food security and community. His journey in regenerative farming is both inspiring and educational, offering insights into soil fertility, biodiversity, and how his team works to create closed-loop systems that turn waste into resources.

Alexa adds to the conversation by discussing her health journey and how it led her to investigate the hidden toxins in everyday products, particularly mattresses. Her work focuses on providing cleaner, healthier sleep solutions through her family's business, which aligns with their commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Throughout the episode, we explore how their personal stories intertwine with a mission to build resilient communities through food, agriculture, and health. We also discuss milk shares, the economics of farming, and how they integrate diverse food cultures into their farm’s operations.

Key Topics:

• The principles of regenerative farming and why biodiversity and soil health matter
• Andre's journey from Lebanon to Boulder, and how his early experiences shaped his passion for food security
• How Jacob Springs Farm creates a self-sustaining, integrated food system
• Alexa’s investigation into toxic chemicals in mattresses and her quest to bring clean, sustainable sleep to consumers
• The importance of community in regenerative farming and local food systems

This episode is packed with inspiration for anyone interested in sustainable living, regenerative agriculture, and building stronger communities. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of farming!

In this episode of Road to the Unknown, we sit down with Jacob Firle, co-owner of Secret Supper, to explore how he and his wife, Danielle, have crafted a dining experience that goes beyond the table. Secret Supper creates intentional, adventurous gatherings where guests sign up without knowing the location until just before the event. Jacob takes us through the journey from backyard dinners in Portland to stunning destinations like Alaska and Italy, where they host unforgettable culinary adventures.

Join us as we dive into:

• How Secret Supper builds trust and excitement through mystery and adventure
• The process of curating unique venues, chefs, and drink pairings
• The hands-on approach that keeps their dining experiences intimate and intentional
• Memorable stories, including an epic Alaskan dinner near a glacier
• Jacob’s advice for those launching their own experiential ventures

Instagram: @secret_supper
Website: https://www.secretsupper.co/

In this episode of Road to the Unknown, we sit down with Zach Rapaport, founder of Meerkat Development. Zach’s journey from working construction sites in Long Island to leading development teams for top hospitality brands is both inspiring and insightful. He shares how he turned a degree in pre-law into a thriving career in real estate development, and offers invaluable advice for anyone looking to carve out their own path in the industry. From building relationships to taking creative risks, Zach's story is a testament to perseverance and strategic thinking.

As the lead developer on an HD-award-winning hotel for Best New Brand Launch last year, we're excited to dive deep into this conversation and highlight how developers like Zach bring new brands to life in the hospitality world. 

• Key Discussion Points:
  • Zach's transition from pre-law to construction and development.
  • The importance of getting hands-on experience in the trenches.
  • Working with major brands like Joe & The Juice and LifeHouse Hotels.
  • The challenges and rewards of developing boutique hospitality projects.
  • Zach’s latest projects, including an adaptive reuse hotel in Cincinnati and a new Pacific Northwest lodging concept.
  • Advice for those starting out in the industry
• Special Shoutouts
  • Andy Krasnow, concept owner for the PNW hospitality venture: linkedin profile here
  • Samantha Hardcastle, experience leader for the PNW hospitality venture: linkedin profile here
  • Maxine's - Bagel Shop
  • Hudson Table - Restaurant Concept
• Get In Contact Here
• Website - https://www.meerkatdevelopment.com/
• Zach Rapaport LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachrapaport/
• Meerkat Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meerkatdevelopment/

In this episode of The Road to the Unknown, we sit down with Bill Graf, a former finance professional who left his successful career in mergers and acquisitions to pursue a life of adventure and entrepreneurship. Bill shares his remarkable story of transitioning from a high-powered job in private equity to founding Onda, a boutique hotel brand in Costa Rica that’s redefining hospitality for digital nomads and slow travelers.

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction to Bill Graf:
  Bill shares his background, from growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, to his career in finance and the pivotal moment when he decided to quit his job and embark on a year-long journey that changed his life.
• The Genesis of Onda:
  Bill recounts the early days of Onda, including the challenges of finding and renovating their first hotel in Playa Grande, Costa Rica, and how his finance background helped him navigate the complexities of international real estate.
• Building a Community-Focused Hotel:
  Unlike traditional hotels, Onda is designed as a community hub, catering to both locals and travelers. Bill explains how this unique approach has become a key differentiator for Onda in the competitive hospitality market.
• Catering to Digital Nomads and Slow Travelers:
  Learn how Onda targets digital nomads and slow travelers by offering flexible accommodations, reliable Wi-Fi, and a strong sense of community, blending the best aspects of hostels and boutique hotels.
• Navigating Low Season with Whole Hotel Buyouts:
  Bill shares the innovative strategies Onda uses to maintain occupancy during Costa Rica’s low season, including offering the entire property for group buyouts, from wellness retreats to family reunions.
• The Adventure of Scuba Diving:
  Bill’s passion for scuba diving is explored, highlighting some of his favorite diving spots around the world, including the breathtaking Cocos Island off the coast of Costa Rica.
• Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
  Bill’s message to listeners dreaming of starting their own business or diving deeper into the world of travel: “Quit your job, take the leap, and just do it.”

Connect with Bill Graf and Onda:

• Onda on Instagram: @findyouroanda
• Bill Graf on Instagram: @Billygoat_Graf
• Bill Graf on LinkedIn: Bill Graf  

Listen Now:
Tune in to hear Bill Graf’s inspiring journey from Wall Street to the beaches of Costa Rica, where he’s building a new kind of hotel experience that’s all about community and adventure.

In this episode of Road to the Unknown, Dylan and Mo sit down with Sam Simmons from MintPass, a groundbreaking platform merging travel and Web3 technology. Sam, who has a background in streaming media and a passion for travel, shares how MintPass allows travelers to collect digital souvenirs (NFTs) and share personalized travel experiences. He explains the concept of creating a social, gamified travel logging experience akin to a mix of Pokémon Go and Foursquare. Sam also delves into the community aspect of MintPass, emphasizing the importance of genuine recommendations and the potential for earning rewards through the platform. Whether you're an avid traveler or tech enthusiast, this episode offers fascinating insights into the future of travel and digital engagement.

Join us as we explore:

• The inspiration behind MintPass and its unique approach to travel logging.
• How travelers can collect and share digital souvenirs of their journeys.
• The role of community and personalized recommendations in the travel experience.
• Sam's insights on building in the travel tech space and the importance of human touch in travel planning.
• What's next for MintPass and how you can join the closed beta to be part of this exciting journey.

Website - https://mintpass.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mintpasstravel/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sampsonsimmons/

Join Dylan and Mo on "Road to the Unknown" as they chat with Ben Wolff, the innovative co-founder of Onera and CEO of Oasi. Ben's journey in the hospitality industry is a fascinating blend of architecture, luxury, and sustainability, setting a new standard for unique and experiential travel.

In this episode, Ben shares his insights into the world of experiential hospitality, discussing the development of luxury tree house hotels and the integration of sustainability into landscape resorts, and how to drive direct bookings through content development. Discover how these unique stays are reshaping the travel industry and offering guests unforgettable experiences.

Ben also delves into the power of social media marketing and influencer partnerships in attracting a new demographic of travelers. Learn about the future of unique stays, including the exciting expansions under the Oasi brand, and Ben's vision for modern, environmentally-conscious travel experiences.

Tune in for an episode packed with insights on crafting one-of-a-kind hospitality experiences, the importance of environmental stewardship, and how to leverage social media to engage with guests.

Continue following along at:

• Website: Onera
• Instagram: @onera
• LinkedIn: Ben Wolff
• Oasi: Oasi

Join Dylan and Mo on "Road to the Unknown" as they chat with Samantha Shankman, the visionary founder of Farm Hospitality. Samantha's journey is a blend of journalism, sustainable hospitality, and innovative agritourism. Discover how her career in the travel and health sectors led her to create Farm Hospitality, a company redefining the hospitality industry through sustainable solutions for farms.

Hear Samantha's inspiring story as she shares the importance of regenerative agriculture, community upliftment, and authentic guest experiences. Learn how she uses platforms like social media to promote farm stays and drive revenue for local farmers, and get a glimpse into her favorite farm hotels and transformative events she's hosted.

Tune in for an episode filled with insights on merging agriculture with hospitality, practical advice for farmers, and Samantha's future goals, including her vision for sustainable and community-focused travel experiences.

Continue following along at:

• Website: Farm Hospitality
• Instagram: @SamTravels
• Twitter: @SamShankman

Join Dylan and Mo on "The Road to the Unknown" as they chat with Mike and Anne Howard, the adventurous duo behind HoneyTrek. Discover how their 500-day honeymoon transformed into a 13-year (and counting) journey around the world. From glamping under the stars to offering invaluable travel tips for couples, Mike and Anne's blog is a treasure trove of insights on making the most of your travels together.

Hear their inspiring story as they share the importance of sustainability, community, and authenticity in travel. Learn how they use platforms like LinkedIn to create opportunities and grow their travel brand, and get a glimpse into their favorite glamping spots and exceptional guest experiences.

Tune in for an episode filled with tips on how to embark on your own adventures, the evolution of the travel blogging industry, and their future goals, including their search for the world's most romantic and sustainable destinations.

Continue following along at... https://www.honeytrek.com https://www.instagram.com/honeytrek https://www.facebook.com/HoneyTrek https://www.tiktok.com/@honeytrek https://www.youtube.com/HoneyTrek

4o