When it comes to designing the perfect hotel, mood is everything. James Lohan should know; as the founder of boutique hotel bible Mr & Mrs Smith, he – alongside Tamara Lohan, his wife and business partner – helped us forget star ratings and thread counts and to embrace the idea that hotels are conveyors of emotion.

In this episode, James shares his insights, tips, and expertise from a life spent thinking critically about the places where travelers sleep. You can also expect a spirited panegyric to Ibiza, as well his essential picks for hotels and destinations you don’t want to miss. In his words: “don’t just go to the obvious places; go deeper”. We couldn’t agree more.

As Travel Editor of the Financial Times – and an award-winning journalist to boot – Tom Robbins is no stranger to the wild ways of the world. If you can think of it, he's probably done it.

In this episode, Tom takes us cod fishing in Greenland, trekking in the Alps, and wandering off the Himalayan tourist trail. It's all big, emotional stuff that leaves us thinking (as Tom puts it), "I can't believe they're letting me do this". Disbelief can be a powerful thing.

This episode also features our first reference to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. We knew it wouldn't take long.

As founder of Salt Lick Creative and former editor in chief of Condé Nast Traveller, Melinda Stevens has an eye for beauty and detail that can only come from having seen a lot of the world. And we mean a lot.

In our latest episode, Melinda walks us through her colorful and heartfelt world, stopping to smell the roses everywhere from Mumbai and Tripoli to the Alps and Raja Ampat. Expect comforts, creatures, ruins, and secrets – as well as her abiding obsession with collecting broken things.

Ryan Chetiyawardana – a.k.a. Mr Lyan – isn’t just the world’s greatest bartender and the mind behind some of the world's best bars; he’s also a devoted traveler who has spent years getting to grips with ingredients, trends, and tastes from around the world.

For our first episode, Mr Lyan shares his insights and experience with co-founder Tom, touching on everything from plant kingdoms and comfort zones to the bar scenes of Athens, Melbourne and Edinburgh – as well as the emotional science behind our favorite flavors. Oh, and we learnt that animal stomach makes for a surprisingly delicious cocktail ingredient.

Follow Mr Lyan on Instagram

Introducing a new podcast by Black Tomato. 

Episode 1 coming on 13 February 2025.