Ep 186 w/ Rachel Rudwall - From STA Travel to 80 Countries: Rachel's Journey as a Global Storyteller

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I sit down with Rachel Rudwall, who is also known as Rachel Roams. Rachel is an Emmy-nominated on-camera Host, Producer, Camera Operator, Writer, and Award-Winning Photographer. Rachel has travelled to all seven continents, lived in three countries, and journeyed through over 80 nations. Rachel is also a Fellow of the Explorers Club and has an extensive social media following. I met Rachel last year at TravelCon, where she gave a very inspiring talk that captivated me, so I was eager to have her on the podcast for a conversation.

From her early days in Ohio dreaming of the wider world, to landing a life-changing internship with STA Travel, Rachel’s story is one of persistence, curiosity, and following her passion for exploration.

Rachel shares how her time with STA Travel opened the door to a career in travel media, taking her from study abroad experiences in Spain and Scotland to a globe-spanning role as a video producer and host. We dive into the challenges and lessons of producing content before the days of YouTube dominance, what it takes to capture and hold an audience, and why storytelling always begins with putting the listener or viewer first.

We also explore the reality behind the glamorous world of travel media — the grind of producing content, the countless hours behind the scenes, and the need to love the craft deeply enough to push through the hard days. Rachel discusses building her creative career in Los Angeles, collaborating with other storytellers, and carving out her niche in a male-dominated industry where persistence and proof of concept were crucial.

On a personal level, Rachel reflects on how travel has evolved for her as a mother, from multi-month shoots to family adventures across Italy and beyond. She offers powerful insights into balancing work and family life, finding joy in simple experiences like visiting playgrounds and local grocery stores, and instilling a spirit of adventure in her child.

This conversation is packed with travel inspiration, career lessons, and practical advice for content creators, adventurers, and dreamers alike. Whether you’re fascinated by travel TV, curious about breaking into storytelling, or simply love hearing about epic adventures across 80 countries, Rachel’s journey will spark your wanderlust and leave you inspired.

Rachel Rudwall

Website - https://www.rachelroams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rachelroams/?hl=en

X - https://x.com/RachelRoams

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Timestamps

00:00 The Power of Collaboration in Creativity

01:31 Embracing Travel: Overcoming Fear and Finding Joy

03:50 Introduction to Rachel Rudwell: A Journey of Exploration

12:10 Early Travel Experiences: Family Road Trips and Cultural Awareness

14:31 Defining Moments: The Internship that Changed Everything

20:55 Navigating the Media Landscape: From Intern to Storyteller

25:04 The Art of Storytelling: Learning from Experience

33:23 Proof of Concept: The Importance of Persistence in Content Creation

37:41 Creative Roots: Photography, Writing, and the Journey of Expression

41:54 Rediscovering Playfulness in Adulthood

46:21 The Joy of Travel and Family Adventures

56:18 Cultural Connections Through Travel

01:04:08 Moments of Reflection and Self-Discovery

01:10:24 Travel Tips for the Adventurous Spirit

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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] 

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Cheers, James.

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Check out the Smart Travel Podcast

This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:

Smart Travel Podcast