The Funny Travel Stories Podcast

In part two of my conversation with Jack Simms, we explore his travel recommendations and his recent trip across Washington DC, New York, and Philadelphia. From Sicilian fish to Philly cheesesteaks and Independence Hall, Jack reflects on the difference between reading about history and experiencing it in person. Along the way, we discuss comfort food, tourist stereotypes, and the places he wants to go: Rome, Pompeii and Egypt.

What would you do if a cockroach crawled across your room on holiday?

Jack Simms, who previously worked as a production journalist at Notts TV, joins me today.

He shares stories from catching cockroaches in Favignana, Italy, to recalling an unforgettable experience in the Austrian Alps. Jack also shares his recent travels across Washington, Philadelphia, and New York. Also, we talk about everyday life looks like in a busy, close-knit family.

This conversation was such a good one that I had to split it into two parts - you’re listening to Part 1, and Part 2 will be out next week.

In this episode, Heulwen Leung, a trainee solicitor working in London and a UCLA alumna, joins us to share her travel stories - from her birthday trip in Porto to experiencing a chaotic amateur robbery in Amsterdam. 

She recalls a hilarious Thailand experience, recommends Hokkaido, especially Hell Valley and sashimi, and talks about receiving letters from Santa Claus as a kid—and why she dreams of visiting Finland one day.

In this episode, I speak with Al Booth - a broadcaster whose 25-year career spans BBC, commercial radio, and television. He’s also the founder and host of Oracy And Beyond.

Al began in radio production back in 1998, later becoming a presenter at Trent FM (now Capital) and working with Galaxy, before moving into television with Notts TV. Originally from Beverley in East Yorkshire, his story reflects one of the industry’s realities: if you want to work in radio, you have to be prepared to move!

We discuss travel — both as a professional necessity and a personal fascination. From the Mona Lisa at the Louvre to the Welsh valleys’ breathtaking views, Al talks about why some experiences can’t be replicated. He also shares his unexpected first-class flight, offers advice on driving abroad in a country that drives on the opposite side, and names the places that have left the biggest impression: the Maldives, Poland, and Paphos(Cyprus).

As for what’s next? Mauritius, the Lake District, and New York are on his list.

A great conversation about places, careers, and ideas — with someone who’s spent a lifetime on air!

In this episode, I chat with Chris Hsu, co-founder of Kung Fu Mama in Covent Garden, London.

Chris shares unforgettable travel stories, from getting lost in Hawaii as a 12-year-old to unexpected adventures in Lake Como, Italy. He talks about why he recommends Copenhagen, the influence of Japanese culture on many Nordic countries, and his travel habit of asking bartenders for the best local bars and restaurants. Iceland is next on his list — he wants to see the Northern Lights.

We also dive into the world of  Kung Fu Mama UK: the biggest challenges of opening a restaurant, why Covent Garden was the perfect location, and the process of developing his recipes.

Renn Lin, one of the founding directors of New Tide Media Network - a London-based non-profit network for East and Southeast Asian journalists - joins today’s episode. Originally from New Taipei City, Taiwan, Renn shares what inspired her to launch the network.

We also talk about:

• ​Learning to navigate roundabouts in the Scotland 
• ​Being dressed like a local while visiting mosques in Turkey
• ​A funny flirting experience in Turkey involving a business card
• ​Why she recommends Turkey, especially hot air balloons in Cappadocia
• ​Reasons why she wants to visit Barcelona and Sicily
• ​And nice Norfolk’s boat trips

These travel stories from filmmaker, writer, and off-grid expert Nick Rosen play out like movie scenes—or the kind of comedy moments you’d expect from TV.

In this episode, recorded in Berlin (the very same day Nick caused outrage in a sauna), we dive into:

• the trip to his friend Valentine de Ganay’s holiday home in Italy that unexpectedly sparked a full-scale security operation,
• a very generous Amsterdam gift that left half a ferry stoned,
• What a three-year-old did to the goldfish,
• and Nick’s top survival tips if you ever get robbed in Washington D.C.

In this episode, I’m joined by Eric Ku, a personal trainer at PureGym Birmingham Arcadian Centre and a University of Exeter economics graduate.

Eric shares why he moved to Birmingham, and a story of his friend getting so drunk in Shinjuku that he ended up calling his mum from the nightclub to say, “Mama, I love you.”

We dive into his experience joining a coming-of-age ceremony in Taiwan during a church mission, sharing thoughts on street food like stinky tofu and pork blood, and hear why he recommends everyone visit Japan. 

Last but not least, he tells us why Antarctica is on his travel wish list!

In this episode, I’m joined by Alice Chen, who lives in London and works for Phoebe Philo.

She tells us about the difference between fashion houses and fast fashion, and shares her tips for keeping luxury goods safe in Europe!

We also talk about her travels in Florence, Thailand, and Rome. You’ll hear about:

• a bizarre note she spotted behind a check-in desk in Pattaya, Thailand
• trying crocodile meat at night markets
• and a hilariously awkward Thai massage with her boyfriend

She also shares why Tasmania - wombats included - is on her travel list.

In this episode, I’m joined by Margaret Adedoyin, fresh from completing her tech PR internship in London.

You’ll hear about:

• What drew her to study in Birmingham
• Her trip to Ethiopia
• A scary quad bike ride in Albania
• The Blue Cave in Montenegro
• Her recommendations for Golem and Sarandë in Albania
• Her dream of visiting America, especially New York
• Learning some Yoruba and getting a glimpse into Nigerian culture