One Off Travel Stories

In this episode, Andrew sits down with intrepid traveler and language enthusiast Ben Jovic to hear about his 2012 study abroad year. Ben skipped the typical sunny Spanish beaches his classmates preferred for a Soviet-style apartment in Yaroslavl. Surviving -40 degree winters and an endless supply of his host's homemade beetroot soup, Ben talks about culture shock and daily life in Russia at the time. He also shares some unforgettable stories that he picked up along the way. It's a funny, fascinating look at jumping headfirst into an entirely different way of life.

Guest:

• British-born and currently living in the United States.
• An avid language learner. He has studied Russian, Spanish, French, and German.

Chapters:

1. 00:00:00 Introduction and the origins of Ben's travel bug.
2. 00:04:36 Ben's linguistic background and learning multiple languages.
3. 00:09:14 The decision to study abroad in Russia.
4. 00:14:58 Arriving in Yaroslavl and eating the babushka's beetroot soup.
5. 00:24:36 Moving to Saint Petersburg and adjusting to Russian life.
6. 00:28:44 A late-night adventure getting a ride home from strangers.
7. 00:32:09 Encounters with metro security and the resilient local snow shovelers.
8. 00:36:39 Reflecting on the adventure and touring Moscow.
9. 00:40:55 Recent trips to Asia and future plans to visit China.

Resources and Links:

• Yaroslavl, Russia, a city known for its Orthodox churches.
• Saint Petersburg, Russia, where Ben spent his second semester.
• Interrail Pass, which Ben used to travel Central Europe.
• Novodevichy Cemetery, located in Moscow.
• Lenin's Mausoleum, located in Red Square.

Call to action:

Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

In this episode of One Off Travel Stories, Andrew sits down with editorial travel photographer and writer Mark Eden. Mark shares his transition from corporate life to globetrotting photography, which inspired his book Global Village, a collection of "little stories" celebrating the everyday lives of people worldwide. The conversation then shifts to a journey back in his home country of Australia, where Mark accompanied a First Nations elder, also named Mark, to Kangaroo Island. Through this trip, Mark Eden uncovers the island's spiritual significance, hears powerful firsthand accounts of the Stolen Generations, and learns how Indigenous culture is being reclaimed and shared today.

Guest:

• Editorial travel photographer and writer based in Melbourne, Australia, who focuses on highlighting lesser-explored regions and the "little stories" of everyday people.
• Author of the photography book Global Village, which features visual stories exploring shared humanity across roughly ten countries.
• Currently working on a new long-term book project documenting traditional Japanese crafts.

Chapters:

1. Introduction and Mark's journey from corporate life to photography
2. The inspiration behind "little stories" and the Global Village book
3. The decision to explore Australian roots and First Nations history
4. Meeting a first nations elder
5. The spiritual significance and creation stories of Kangaroo Island
6. The beauty of Kangaroo Island
7. Mark's Future projects

Resources and Links:

• Mark Eden's Official Website
• Global Village (Mark Eden's book)
• Kangaroo Island, South Australia

In this episode, host Andrew sits down with adventure travel writer Michelle to discuss her expedition to the Yemeni island of Socotra. Sparked by a photograph of a blooming bottle tree, Michelle joined a guided group to explore the island's rare flora, including the endangered Dragon's Blood tree. The conversation covers the realities of off-grid desert camping, the memorable connections the group made, and the benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone.

Guest:

• Michelle is an adventure travel writer, content creator, and the founder of the travel blog No Place Like Roam, having explored over 90 countries.
• Born in Nepal and raised in Papua New Guinea and Australia, she developed a deep, lifelong connection to global exploration from a very young age.
• Her writing and travels focus heavily on under-the-radar destinations, sustainability, and the unique logistics of adventuring alongside her 13-year-old son.

Chapters:

1. Growing up across the globe and early travel roots 00:00:01
2. Balancing a corporate career with international adventures 00:07:35
3. Raising a global citizen and traveling with kids 00:09:56
4. Discovering Socotra through a photograph 00:15:04
5. The logistics of flying to a remote Yemeni island 00:20:15
6. Embracing the challenges of off-grid desert camping 00:24:27
7. Breathtaking landscapes and the endangered Dragon's Blood trees 00:33:14
8. Stargazing under one of the world's darkest skies 00:40:44
9. Experiencing local hospitality and bonding during Ramadan 00:44:58
10. Upcoming diving adventures off the coast of Borneo 00:48:25

Resources and Links:

• No Place Like Roam - Michelle's official travel blog.
• Destination Chaser - Andi's Instagram and travel group that organized the Socotra expedition.
• One-Off Travel Stories - The podcast's official home on the web.

In this episode of One Off Travel Stories, Andrew sits down with Mark Mustian, a seasoned traveler and author, to discuss his 2008 journey through Turkey and Syria. Mark traveled to the region to conduct firsthand research for his historical fiction novel, The Gendarme, which centers around the topic of the Armenian Genocide. Mark shares vivid memories of navigating tense border crossings, exploring the ancient Citadel in Aleppo, and navigating sensitive cultural topics during his travels.

Guest:

Mark is a professional lawyer who primarily practices contract law. He is an avid lifelong traveler who has visited over ninety countries. He is the author of three historical fiction books, including The Gendarme.

Chapters:

1. Introduction to Mark Mustian and the roots of his travel passion
2. Balancing a legal career with global exploration and family life
3. Discovering heritage and the research process behind The Gendarme
4. The 2008 trip to Turkey and a difficult Syrian border crossing
5. Visiting the ancient Citadel and the Armenian quarter in Aleppo
6. Navigating sensitive historical topics and experiencing a tense border exit
7. Mark's future travel plans to Argentina, Uruguay, and Rwanda

Resources and Links:

1. Mark Mustian's Official Website
2. The Gendarme by Mark Mustian
3. The Black Dog of Fate by Peter Balakian (Mentioned Book)

Call to action:

Check out my website at oneofftravelstories.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

Legendary investor and traveler Jim Rogers joins the show to share wisdom from his two epic global journeys, one by motorcycle and one by car, that set world records. Jim discusses how he retired early from Wall Street to see the world, sharing insights on how on-the-ground travel informs his investment strategy and why he chose to drive a bright yellow Mercedes through 116 countries. From being held "hostage" by a police chief in the Congo to his philosophy on exploring the unknown, Jim encourages listeners to embrace the uncomfortable and go where they haven't been before.

Guest:

• Legendary investor and traveler who retired early from Wall Street to hit the open road.
• World record holder for land travel, having driven over 100,000 km across six continents on a motorcycle and over 245,000 km in a car.
• Author of Investment Biker and Adventure Capitalist

Chapters:

1. From smalltown Alabama to retiring early from Wall Street
2. Seeing the world through an investor's lens
3. Being held hostage by a police chief in the Congo
4. Using a yellow Mercedes convertible as a safety precaution
5. Navigating border crossings and curiosity versus greed
6. Economic models: Seeing countries change for the better
7. Why Chad is next on the travel list
8. Jim’s advice: Go somewhere, especially if it is not comfortable

Resources and Links:

• Jim Rogers Website

Call to Action:

Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

When a last-minute invitation took Matt Wilson to Iceland to document climate change and adventure tourism, it started out as a typical outdoor adventure. He met a backcountry guide, rode “super jeeps” across rivers, and climbed a glacier at midnight. However, while sitting with new friends above the clouds admiring volcano peaks in the distance he also hatched the idea that became his future business.

Guest: Matt Wilson

• Co-founder & CEO, Under30Experiences
• Author of The Millennial Travel Guidebook
• Longtime digital nomad; based in Puerto Rico

Topics Covered:

1. New York grind to unexpected Iceland invite
2. Meeting Siggi and exploring Iceland’s backcountry
3. Super jeeps, river crossings, and glacier sunsets
4. Seeing climate change at the glacier’s edge
5. The mountaintop brainstorm that sparked Under30Experiences
6. Startup Iceland, the U.S. Embassy, and the President’s house
7. From one retreat to a global travel community
8. What’s next: new trips and building impact through travel

Resources and Links:

• Under30Experiences: under30experiences.com

Call to Action:

• Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.com
• If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
• Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories.

In this episode, Andrew sits down with Anne Marie Wells to hear about her solo hitchhiking trip across Iceland, where she spent weeks asking strangers one question: “What is your happiest memory?”. From there, she would venture out to visit the scene of the memory. Anne Marie shares the emotional highs and quiet moments that defined her trip and how curiosity and courage opened doors she never expected.

Guest: Anne Marie Wells

• Poet, playwright, and author
• Creator of the books Write Some Cool Sh!t and Mommy, Why am I a Bird?
• Upcoming memoir Happy Iceland
• Website: annemariewellswriter.com

Topics Covered:

1. Why Anne Marie chose to spend her 30th birthday in Iceland
2. The origin of her “happiest memory” question
3. Conversations with strangers across Iceland’s landscapes
4. Unplanned encounters and the kindness of locals
5. The emotional impact of traveling solo with purpose
6. How the experiment became a forthcoming book
7. Lessons on spontaneity, reflection, and joyful connection

Resources and Links:

• Anne Marie’s website: annemariewellswriter.com

Call to Action:

• Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.com
• If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
• Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories.

In this episode, Andrew sits down with Niamh, an Irish-born author and traveler, who tells the story of meeting her husband through sailing and of their harrowing experience sailing from Antigua towards the USA. After 18 months away from sailing due to the global pandemic, when they took to the seas from Antigua, they didn’t expect to find themselves caught in a high risk situation. A floating ball of rope tangled around the boat's propeller in the open ocean, forcing Niamh to dive beneath the waves to attempt an emergency fix.

Guest: Niamh

• Irish-born bestselling author and speaker
• Former TV director turned full-time traveler and cruise speaker
• Website: The Writer on the Water

Chapters:

• Island life and remote exploration
• Sailing and scuba diving
• The unexpected love story on the open ocean
• Near-disaster rescue at sea
• Trusting instincts while traveling
• Adapting travel passions into new career paths

Resources:

• The Writer on the Water
• Niamh’s books: Following Sunshine, Flares Up, and Stories of Place

Call to Action:

• Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.com
• If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
• Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories.

When Rachael Rogers traveled through the south of France, her Airbnb host offered to show her around the area, and it turned into one of her most memorable experiences. In this episode, Andrew chats with Rachael about her road trip through Provence, the beauty of taking your time, and the joy of visiting a lavender field in full bloom.

Guest: Rachael Rogers

• Founder of For the Story Vacations
• Former actor turned travel advisor
• Specializes in curated European experiences

Topics Covered:

1. Rachael’s shift from acting to travel planning
2. Solo travel and navigating the backroads of Provence
3. Stumbling upon a breathtaking, secluded lavender field
4. The joy of slow, immersive travel
5. Reflections
6. Starting her boutique travel agency

Resources and Links:

• Rachael's Website: For the Story Vacations

Call to Action:

• Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.com
• If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
• Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories

In this episode, Andrew sits down with Peter Moore, writer, editor, illustrator, and former Men's Health editor, to talk about a work trip to Nepal that went off-script in all the best ways. Originally planning to trek to Everest Base Camp for a radio segment, Peter’s journey was rerouted by a typhoon, leading him instead on the Langtang-Gosainkunda trail. Along the way, he faced monsoons, illness, altitude, and moments of spiritual awe. From recording radio interviews in the rain to taking a ritual cleansing dip in a sacred lake, Peter reflects on transformation through travel and how getting lost—literally and figuratively—can be the greatest gift of all.

Guest: Peter Moore

• Former Editor at Men’s Health and host of Men’s Health Live
• Writer, illustrator, and editor at The Colorado Sun
• Creator of Road to Elsewhere, a Substack combining writing and original cartoons
• Author or ghostwriter of three New York Times bestsellers

Topics Covered:

1. Peter’s Early Love for Travel and National Geographic Memories
2. Leaving the Magazine World and Embracing the Unknown
3. The Plan to Hike to Everest Base Camp—and the Typhoon That Changed Everything
4. Trekking the Langtang Region in Monsoon Season
5. Cultural Insights: Hospitality, Porters, and Pink Pants
6. A Sacred Bath at Gosainkunda Lake and Its Lasting Impact
7. Getting Lost (and Found) in Kathmandu
8. Reflections on Flow, Aging, and Travel as Transformation

Resources and Links:

• Peter’s Substack: Road to Elsewhere
• Learn more about Gosainkunda Lake and Langtang Trekking.

Call to Action:

• Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.com
• If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
• Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories.