The Maverick Show: Global Travel Stories & Life Beyond Borders

Hear an Afro-Dominican perspective on Sicily, Vienna, Sri Lanka, India, Strasbourg, the Paris Olympics, Mexico & Vietnam.

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Get the Monday Minute my weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders you can read in 60 seconds.

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ON THIS EPISODE

Elsie Paulino joins Matt in person in New York City for this conversation over a bottle of French wine, and they start talking about the recent WITS Travel Creator Summit that they both attended in NYC.  Elsie then talks about her parents' story immigrating to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic and her experience growing up in an immigrant home in the NYC-area.   She reflects on navigating the milieu of Blackness in the U.S. as an Afro-Latina and also the dynamics of anti-Blackness in the DR. Next, she explains how her interest in world travel developed and shares her journey studying abroad in Sicily in high school and Vienna in college. Elsie then shares travel stories from Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, Strasbourg, and attending the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.  Finally, she talks about falling in love with Mexico and the life-changing experience of attending Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca.

→ Full show notes with direct links to everything discussed are available here.

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FIND YOUR NEXT EPISODE

Explore The Maverick Show Starter Packs — some of my favorite conversations curated by theme so you can easily find the episodes that match your interests.

============================

FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU

See my Top 10 Travel Apps

See my Top 10 Books that Shaped the Way I Travel

See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)

Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn

See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend

See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)

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ENJOYING THE SHOW?

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Hear stories of the best scuba dive in the world, the most beautiful city in Africa & over-the-top kindness in Pakistan.

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Get the Monday Minute my weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders you can read in 60 seconds.

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ON THIS EPISODE

In Part 2 of this interview Phil Marcus tells the story of the incredible kindness he received from complete strangers when he needed help on multiple occasions in Pakistan.  Matt and Phil then share stories about crashing a wedding in Guinea and a Bachelorette Party in Siberia.  Next, Phil tells stories from his spectacular experiences in Algeria and why he feels Constantine is the most beautiful city in Africa.  He then talks about completing 300 scuba dives and names his top 3 scuba destinations in the world, including his most memorable dive of all time—The Sardine Run in South Africa.  Finally, Phil reflects on the ethics of making travel documentaries, the impact travel has had on him, and the lessons he has learned from visiting 190 countries.

→ Full show notes with direct links to everything discussed are available here.

============================

FIND YOUR NEXT EPISODE

Explore The Maverick Show Starter Packs — some of my favorite conversations curated by theme so you can easily find the episodes that match your interests.

============================

FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU

See my Top 10 Travel Apps

See my Top 10 Books that Shaped the Way I Travel

See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)

Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn

See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend

See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)

============================

ENJOYING THE SHOW?

Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram and DM Matt to continue the conversation

Please leave a rating and review — it really helps the show and I read each one personally

Support the show by buying me a coffee — espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes!

Hear unique stories from traveling to 190 countries including Cameroon, Iran, China, India, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. 

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Get the Monday Minute my weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders you can read in 60 seconds.

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ON THIS EPISODE

Phil Marcus joins Matt and starts off talking about his adventure trying to visit the Crab Whisperer in Rhumsiki, Cameroon to find out if he will ever get married. He then explains how his early interest in travel developed, shares his career trajectory in entrepreneurship and music, and how he eventually embarked on a 6 month journey through Asia that would turn into something much longer.  Phil tells the story of how he made a last minute decision to take Beaker from the Muppets with him on his trip, and how it turned out to be life changing and created very unique opportunities for deeper cultural connections. Phil then talks about literally rolling into his 100th country, deciding to visit every country in the world, and starting his YouTube channel “Phil’s Guide to the World”.  He talks about his highly impactful trips to Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and how Iran changed him forever.

→ Full show notes with direct links to everything discussed are available here.

============================

FIND YOUR NEXT EPISODE

Explore The Maverick Show Starter Packs — some of my favorite conversations curated by theme so you can easily find the episodes that match your interests.

============================

FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU

See my Top 10 Travel Apps

See my Top 10 Books that Shaped the Way I Travel

See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)

Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn

See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend

See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)

============================

ENJOYING THE SHOW?

Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram and DM Matt to continue the conversation

Please leave a rating and review — it really helps the show and I read each one personally

Support the show by buying me a coffee — espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes!

Learn how to transition from a 9-to-5 office job to a full-time travel content creator so you can travel the world.

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Get the Monday Minute my weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders you can read in 60 seconds.

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ON THIS EPISODE

Jordan Campbell tells the story of her transition from an office job to a full time travel content creator. She reflects on the initial challenges of entrepreneurship, explains how to avoid the #1 mistake when building your website, and then gives personal brand building tips and advice for how to market yourself.  Jordan explains the current mission of her brand, Global Debauchery, and how it has evolved over the years.  She also talks about her involvement in the Wanderful community, the role of travel in her marriage, and how travel has impacted her as a person. You’ll also learn how to meet Matt and Jordan in person at the upcoming WITS Travel Creator Summit.

→ Full show notes with direct links to everything discussed are available here.

============================

FIND YOUR NEXT EPISODE

Explore The Maverick Show Starter Packs — some of my favorite conversations curated by theme so you can easily find the episodes that match your interests.

============================

FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU

See my Top 10 Travel Apps

See my Top 10 Books that Shaped the Way I Travel

See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)

Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn

See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend

See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)

============================

ENJOYING THE SHOW?

Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram and DM Matt to continue the conversation

Please leave a rating and review — it really helps the show and I read each one personally

Support the show by buying me a coffee — espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes!

Hear wild travel stories of local pub encounters in Alaska, extortion in Panama and 30-foot waves en route to Antarctica.

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Get the Monday Minute my weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders you can read in 60 seconds.

============================

ON THIS EPISODE

Jordan Campbell joins Matt for a virtual wine night and starts off talking about her most epic wine experience of all time in San Sebastian in the Basque Country.  She then talks about her recent experience traveling to Antarctica and encountering 30-foot waves in the Drake Passage. Jordan then reflects on her upbringing in different places around Europe, including her dog getting kidnapped by the mob in Naples and drinking her first beer in Belgium at 12 years old. She then tells stories about a very local pub encounter in Alaska and visiting the Demilitarized Zone on the border of North and South Korea.  Jordan also reflects on the unique beauty of Iceland and tells the story of her mistaken visit to see fake swimming pigs in the Bahamas.  Finally, she tells the story of getting extorted by the police in Panama and reflects on the impact Anthony Bourdain’s work had on her life.

→ Full show notes with direct links to everything discussed are available here.

============================

FIND YOUR NEXT EPISODE

Explore The Maverick Show Starter Packs — some of my favorite conversations curated by theme so you can easily find the episodes that match your interests.

============================

FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU

See my Top 10 Travel Apps

See my Top 10 Books that Shaped the Way I Travel

See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)

Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn

See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend

See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)

============================

ENJOYING THE SHOW?

Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram and DM Matt to continue the conversation

Please leave a rating and review — it really helps the show and I read each one personally

Support the show by buying me a coffee — espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes!

Eileen asks if these are really the most dangerous countries in South America or if they just have a lot of Black people.

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Get the Monday Minute my weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders you can read in 60 seconds.

============================

ON THIS EPISODE

In Part 2 of this interview, Eileen talks about the award she won at the Black Travel Film Festival for her travel series “Black Latin History”.  She then breaks down the historical, social, political and cultural significance of Afro-Colombian music from El Pacifico, including the legacy of Petronio Alvarez and the festival named after him.  Eileen also explains why you should definitely visit Cali, Colombia.  Next, she talks about Black history and culture in Medellin, Colombia, and why her first trip to the city surprised and delighted her.  Eileen also talks about her upcoming Afro-Medellin group trip and how you can join.  Next, she reflects on her trips to Rio and Salvador in Brazil, including how she designed them to center the rich Black history and culture in Brazil.  Matt and Eileen also tell you how to get a discounted ticket to meet them at the upcoming WITS Travel Creator Summit where Eileen is presenting a workshop.  And, finally, Eileen reflects on “diaspora wars” and shares the #1 lesson she has learned from her travels.

→ Full show notes with direct links to everything discussed are available here.

============================

FIND YOUR NEXT EPISODE

Explore The Maverick Show Starter Packs — some of my favorite conversations curated by theme so you can easily find the episodes that match your interests.

============================

FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU

See my Top 10 Travel Apps

See my Top 10 Books that Shaped the Way I Travel

See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)

Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn

See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend

See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)

============================

ENJOYING THE SHOW?

Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram and DM Matt to continue the conversation

Please leave a rating and review — it really helps the show and I read each one personally

Support the show by buying me a coffee — espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes!

Learn about Afro-Colombian history, diaspora identity, and the impact of 3 special trips to different regions of Africa.

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Get the Monday Minute my weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders you can read in 60 seconds.

============================

ON THIS EPISODE

Eileen Ivette joins Matt and starts off talking about her viral video on “How Braids Became a Secret Map for Escaping Slavery”.  She then talks about her Afro-Colombian heritage, diaspora identity, and experience navigating Blackness in the Latinx community in Houston.  Eileen then talks about her decision to go to Howard University and the impact of attending an HBCU.  She reflects on her decision to go to China during her freshman year and describes the experience that she and 15 other Black students had there.  Eileen then talks about her long-term boyfriend from Sierra Leone and her experience traveling back to Sierra Leone with him to meet his extended family and document some oral history. Eileen then talks about traveling to South Africa and Morocco and how different they are from West Africa. She also talks about her career in journalism, working for AJ+, and producing hidden history projects, including one on how “Latin America Tried to Erase Black People…and Failed”.

→ Full show notes with direct links to everything discussed are available here.

============================

FIND YOUR NEXT EPISODE

Explore The Maverick Show Starter Packs — some of my favorite conversations curated by theme so you can easily find the episodes that match your interests.

============================

FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU

See my Top 10 Travel Apps

See my Top 10 Books that Shaped the Way I Travel

See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)

Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn

See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend

See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)

============================

ENJOYING THE SHOW?

Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram and DM Matt to continue the conversation

Please leave a rating and review — it really helps the show and I read each one personally

Support the show by buying me a coffee — espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes!

Learn how to use the skills you already have to become a fully-remote freelancer in 5 days so you can travel the world.

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Get the Monday Minute my weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders you can read in 60 seconds.

============================

ON THIS EPISODE

Hannah Dixon joins Matt from Guanajuato, Mexico and starts off talking about her recent trip to Rio, her first impression of Brazil, and some of the discussion topics at The Nomad World conference.  She then talks about her special connection with Thailand and attending Matt’s talk about the Extraordinary Travel Fest in Bangkok.  Hannah and Matt then tell stories about meeting up in Portugal, in Kentucky at Nomadness Fest, and in Salt Lake City at the WITS Travel Creator Summit.  Hannah then talks about her special relationship with Cambodia, her work with the Manabu Movement in Eastern Europe, and founding the Rainbow Remote community for queer digital nomads.  She talks about the importance of community building and shares some tips on that before taking us on her journey to founding the Virtual Excellence Academy and helping over 37,000 people become remote freelancers with the skills they already have.  Hannah concludes by inviting you to join her upcoming 5 Day VA Challenge for free, where she teaches you how to build your freelance business with your existing skills and land your first paying client in 5 days.

→ Full show notes with direct links to everything discussed are available here.

============================

FIND YOUR NEXT EPISODE

Explore The Maverick Show Starter Packs — some of my favorite conversations curated by theme so you can easily find the episodes that match your interests.

============================

FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU

See my Top 10 Travel Apps

See my Top 10 Books that Shaped the Way I Travel

See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)

Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn

See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend

See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)

============================

ENJOYING THE SHOW?

Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram and DM Matt to continue the conversation

Please leave a rating and review — it really helps the show and I read each one personally

Support the show by buying me a coffee — espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes!

Learn how volunteering, internships, and cultural exchanges abroad can transform your life & positively impact the world.

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Get the Monday Minute my weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders you can read in 60 seconds.

============================

ON THIS EPISODE

Yazan Badarny joins Matt from Haifa and starts off by talking about his experience growing up in the Palestinian city of Arraba.  He describes the racism and second class citizenship experienced by Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, and explains how travel and living abroad empowered him to confidently embrace his Palestinian identity and speak up about the Palestinian struggle around the world.  Yazan takes us on his transformative journey doing an internship in South Africa, taking one of the world’s highest bungee jumps, and developing the idea for his company Home Awe.  Yazan explains his passion for empowering other Palestinians to travel the world, both so that they can have personal growth experiences by connecting with the world and so that they can educate the world about Palestine.  He talks about his travels from Tanzania to Switzerland, shares life lessons from learning to ski in the Alps, and explains the importance of ‘starting with why’.  Yazan talks about the volunteer and internship opportunities that Home Awe offers around the world today, from Brazil to Sri Lanka, and how he grew his Instagram following to over 400,000.  Finally, he reflects on the impact Home Awe has had on its participants, and on what travel means to him today.

→ Full show notes with direct links to everything discussed are available here.

============================

FIND YOUR NEXT EPISODE

Explore The Maverick Show Starter Packs — some of my favorite conversations curated by theme so you can easily find the episodes that match your interests.

============================

FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU

See my Top 10 Travel Apps

See my Top 10 Books that Shaped the Way I Travel

See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)

Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn

See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend

See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)

============================

ENJOYING THE SHOW?

Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram and DM Matt to continue the conversation

Please leave a rating and review — it really helps the show and I read each one personally

Support the show by buying me a coffee — espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes!

Learn how to build your personal brand, be unique and authentic, grow your followers, and monetize your travel content.

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Get the Monday Minute my weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders you can read in 60 seconds.

============================

ON THIS EPISODE

In Part 2 of this interview Nicole Phillip takes us on her professional journey through the world of journalism, including her experiences working at the New York Times on the 1619 Project and as the Social Media Manager for the Daily Beast. She then talks about her transition out of legacy media into becoming an independent travel content creator.  Nicole describes her process of finding her voice, stepping into her authentic self, building her personal brand, getting her first 250K followers on social media, and landing brand deals.  She then opens up about how she separates ‘having’ vs. ‘documenting’ her travel experiences, and how all of this travel has impacted her as a person.  Nicole also shares her tips for Black travelers, teases her upcoming talk at the WITS travel creator summit, and reflects on what travel means to her today.  And finally, Nicole names her Top 5 Hip Hop MCs of all time!

→ Full show notes with direct links to everything discussed are available here.

============================

FIND YOUR NEXT EPISODE

Explore The Maverick Show Starter Packs — some of my favorite conversations curated by theme so you can easily find the episodes that match your interests.

============================

FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU

See my Top 10 Travel Apps

See my Top 10 Books that Shaped the Way I Travel

See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual)

Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn

See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend

See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use)

============================

ENJOYING THE SHOW?

Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram and DM Matt to continue the conversation

Please leave a rating and review — it really helps the show and I read each one personally

Support the show by buying me a coffee — espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes!