SHOW FINALE! It's not goodbye, it's boarding time for the next Quest.  

Host Carrie Anne records the 130th and final episode of The Quest Express: Travel, Culture & Untold Stories. She shares why she started the podcast, a Season 1 & 2 retrospective, The Quest Express audience, how the show evolved, how to stay connected, the mystery project, and starting your own podcast. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Give us a 5-star review and share your favorite episode, guest, or city! 
 
👇 STAY CONNECTED:  CHOOSE YOUR NEXT QUEST 👇

👉 READ:  Subscribe to my Newsletter on Substack HERE   |  The Timekeeper's Lens has both free and paid subscriptions available

👉 RETREAT: Get on the waitlist and apply for a future retreat HERE 

👉 EMAIL: Stay in contact:  [email protected]

👉 START YOUR OWN PODCAST: send an email to [email protected] with PODCAST HELP in the subject line.

👉 BOOK AN EVENT: To host a private Sinatra themed time-travel dinner for friends and experience Tom Dreesen’s one-man show, learn more HERE and email me with proposed dates and interest.   

 
 FAVORITES:

✨ Favorite recent podcast episode: Ken Burns & Joe Rogan
 
✨ Favorite Airlines:  Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, Swiss Air, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas
 
✨ Favorite TV Series: Poldark & Outlander (Seasons 1-6 Netflix, Season 7 Starz) 
 
✨ What I’m Reading Now: Antinet Zettelkasten by Scott M. Scheper & a big stack of books for research 

✨ Favorite Platform: Substack
 
✨ Favorite Hawaiian Island: Kauai 
 
✨ Favorite Sea: Adriatic
 
✨ Least favorite technology: iPhone
 
Carrie Anne is a multifaceted leader with a rich background in artistry and event production. A former classical violinist, she has performed with legends like Harry Connick Jr., Diana Ross, and Aretha Franklin, and studied under Yfrah Neaman at Hengrave Hall International Violin Course. Her transition to the corporate world led her to organize high-profile corporate retreats in destinations such as Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Sonoma, and Napa Valley. 
 
Today, she focuses on private small private events, private and corporate retreats, and is working on her first non-fiction book.       

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The Quest Express: Travel, Culture & Untold Stories is your ticket to extraordinary journeys, hidden histories, and the world’s most fascinating people. This global travel podcast goes beyond the typical tourist path, bringing you unfiltered conversations with explorers, historians, entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural icons who have lived the stories most people never hear.

Episodes Aired October 23, 2023 - June 12, 2025

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: [email protected]

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

MAUI:  John Patrick Morgan Jr., practical philosopher and Founder of Creating, joins me from his homestead in Maui to trace the invisible architecture behind freedom, agency, and self-authorship. Drawing on a life steeped in physics, philosophy, martial arts, and spiritual inquiry, JP challenges the usual narratives, showing how real power comes from leaning into uncertainty, self-creation and taking quantum actions. 

If you’re drawn to ideas that disrupt default thinking, this one will stay with you.

Connect with JP:

Facebook    |   Instagram   |   YouTube   |   LinkedIn

Websites: 

We Are Creating 

JP Morgan Jr.

Inside This Episode:

• How major geographical moves—from London > Providence > Los Angeles > Maui influenced JP’s identity and philosophy
• What bootstrapping travel teaches you about resourcefulness, creativity, and discomfort
• The major life decision JP & his wife made on the PCH
• Life on the Farm in Maui
• Self-creation, Creating programs, and true freedom?
• Quantum actions: what they are, why they matter, and how they invite outsized change
• When planning backfires what remains?
• The AI Era and Awaken.is

 
ABOUT JP MORGAN JR.: Practical Philosopher, Writer & Speaker

John Patrick Morgan, or as friends call him “JP”, is a practical philosopher, writer, and the founder of Creating – a body of perspectives and practices for spiritual growth, worldly success, and societal impact.

Post his formal studies in Physics and Mathematics, JP turned his fascination with ‘how things work’ to the dynamics of business, relationships, and being human. This took him on many adventures including building multiple small businesses, traveling the world for years on end, competing in martial arts, fitness, and endurance sports, and studying the world’s philosophies and religions.

Fifteen years ago, JP turned his passion for a self-dialogue that elevates the human spirit into an outward-facing practice. Through this he discovered and came to live the purpose of his life, which is to champion the one person in front of him; to see them fully, love them deeply, and through piercing dialogue, grow their freedom, love, and power.

Today he resides with his wife, two boys, two cats, and thirty hens on their small homestead in Upcountry Maui.

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Questions & Travel Stories: [email protected]

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: [email protected]

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

LONDON:  What happens when a finance exec ditches spreadsheets to launch one of the world’s most influential luxury travel magazines—centered on inclusivity, representation, and authentic storytelling?
 
 Join us for a captivating conversation with Uwern Jong, Co-Founder & Experientialist in Chief of the award-winning OutThere Magazine, the multi-award-winning inclusive, luxury travel magazine that's flipping the script on who gets seen and heard in the world of travel. From navigating the digital vs. print debate to championing representation in travel media, Uwern shares what makes OutThere resonate with readers around the world—LGBTQ and far beyond. We also explore emerging trends like slow travel, digital detox, and why immersive storytelling still matters in the short-form age.

Inside this episode:

• How OutThere became a global force despite limited marketing budgets
• Why half its readership isn’t LGBTQ+—and why that matters
• The bold decision to invest in high-end print media in a digital-first world
• The rise of slow travel, digital detox, and meaningful experiences over photo ops
• How The Experientialist was born during a global crisis to deliver feel-good travel stories
• Disruptive branding, immersive storytelling, and what’s next in luxury experiential travel
• Travel trends: growing, here to stay, and new

ABOUT UWERN JONG: 

 Uwern Jong is Experientialist-in-Chief of award-winning luxury and experiential travel media brand, OutThere. The brand, rooted in 'diversity, discovery and discernment' is a champion of inclusive tourism. Uwern recently won 'Luxury Travel Writer of the Year 2025' at the prestigious TravMedia awards and is recognised as one of the '50 most influential people in British Luxury' by Walpole, the association of UK-based luxury brands. SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAG HERE

THE QUEST EXPRESS RECIPES

THE QUEST EXPRESS WAITING LIST - FUTURE EVENTS

NEW!  THE QUEST EXPRESS GUEST LIST

NEW! THE COURT OF MEDICIS SALON TOUR APPLICATION

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: [email protected]

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

PARK CITY: In this inspiring episode from one of the best travel podcasts for foodies, adventurers, and culture lovers, we sit down with Inbal Baum, Founder of Delicious Israel, to explore her remarkable transformation from human rights attorney to culinary entrepreneur. Inbal shares how her deep-rooted cultural heritage, global perspective, and passion for storytelling led her to create one of the most sought-after food tour companies in Israel.

Tune in and discover why food is the most delicious way to travel.

Inside this episode:

• The emotional and cultural shifts that inspired her career pivot
• The entrepreneurial challenges of building a boutique travel brand
• How her time living in Israel helped give birth to Delicious Israel
• The role of storytelling in curating authentic travel experiences
• Insider tips for travelers seeking local food tours, hidden gems, and meaningful encounters
• Food tours in New York, Philadelphia, London, Park City, and Miami

Whether you're a travel addict, culinary explorer, or dreaming of your next Middle Eastern adventure, this episode is packed with insights on culinary tourism, cultural travel, and the power of following your passion.

Go on a Food Tour in Israel or the U.S.!

Delicious Israel Food Tours 

Delicious Cities U.S. Food Tours 

 Follow Delicious Cities on Instagram 

Follow Delicious Israel on Instagram

BIO:

Inbal Baum is a passionate food & travel experience creator and entrepreneur. After working in human rights, practicing as an attorney in Manhattan, and finding her zen as a yoga instructor, Inbal moved to Israel where she founded Delicious Israel, the country's leading culinary tourism business. She has guided global leaders, celebrities, and top chefs through Israel's vibrant food scene. Recognizing the growing demand for unique culinary experiences, Inbal expanded her offerings with Delicious Experiences, a corporate virtual events company, and most recently launched Delicious Cities, a global network of immersive food tours in major destinations like New York, Miami, London, Philly, and Park City. Her work has been featured in Conde Nast Traveler, New York Times, Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, and she authors the Israel Guidebook for Fodor's.

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THE QUEST EXPRESS RECIPES

THE QUEST EXPRESS WAITING LIST - FUTURE EVENTS

NEW!  THE QUEST EXPRESS GUEST LIST

NEW! THE COURT OF MEDICIS SALON TOUR APPLICATION

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: [email protected]

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

VENICE:  What does it take to orchestrate a truly unforgettable event in one of the world’s most enchanting cities? In this intimate conversation, Valentina Zannini—Founder of V. Elite Events, a premier luxury planning company based in Venice—offers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into a world few will ever access. From candlelit dinners in hidden courtyards to ultra-private weddings set in centuries-old palazzos, Valentina curates experiences where every detail whispers elegance and exclusivity.  

Work with Valentina:   V. Elite Events Website  

Contact:  [email protected]

IG:   @v.elite_events

A rare look into Venice’s hidden world of private palazzos, intimate celebrations, and the art of luxury event design with Valentina Zannini. 

03:21 Carnival of Venice
04:07 Exploring Venice's Major Events and Festivals
09:35 The Luxury Event Planning Industry & V. Elite Events
14:01 Client Relationships and Event Personalization
16:49 A Time Travelling Dinner Party in a Palazzo
20:09 Valentina’s Favorite Venues in Venice | Palazzo Pisani Moretta
23:05 The Slow Life: Venetian Culture and Community
26:23 Hidden Culinary Gems in Venice and Personal Connections | Osteria L’Orto dei Mori
28:22 Privacy in Luxury Events and Celebrity Culture
31:21 The Future of Social Media and Personal Experiences
34:24 Exploring Venice: The Best Times to Visit
35:26 Memorable Experiences in Hospitality
36:37 The Art of Calm in Crisis Management
40:32 Creativity and AI in Event Planning
45:01 Grandmother’s Bigoli e Salsa recipe - FIND THE RECIPE ON THIS PAGE
47:16 Culinary Traditions and Family Recipes
49:00 The Client Base of V. Elite Events
52:22 Dreaming Big: Aspirations in Event Planning
55:12  Travel Aspirations and Future Plans
58:03 Weddings in Venice & Beyond… 
58:33 Visiting the Italian Lakes & The 2026 Olympics

ABOUT VALENTINA ZANNINI & V. ELITE EVENTS & CONSULTING: 

At the heart of the V. Elite team is Valentina, with over a decade of experience in curating high-end events and exclusive hospitality in Venice. Her expertise ensures every occasion is executed with precision, elegance, and discretion. From your first contact, Valentina will guide you through every step, from planning to execution. Her dedication and attention to detail ensure we consistently exceed expectations. Luxury Redefined. The art of thoughtful detail is at the heart of everything we do.

Curating every detail with precision, from the smallest gesture to the grandest design. With focus on personalization, elegance, and flawless execution, we craft unforgettable experiences, uniquely yours.

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THE QUEST EXPRESS RECIPES

THE QUEST EXPRESS WAITING LIST - FUTURE EVENTS

NEW!  THE QUEST EXPRESS GUEST LIST


NEW! THE COURT OF MEDICIS SALON TOUR APPLICATION

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: [email protected]

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

MIAMI:  In this candid conversation, a veteran yacht captain and yacht broker exposes the realities of life at sea—far from the glamor shown on Below Deck. He dives into crew dynamics, intense charter demands, and the fine line between ownership and chartering. You'll hear advice for industry newcomers and the challenges of being a yacht captain with a family. We also explore how COVID and technology have transformed yachting forever, how a yachtie anchors to land, and The Bermuda Triangle.

CONTACT RUPERT COVELL for yacht purchases, charters, and The BucketLust experiences:  Email:  [email protected]  |   Phone:  +1-678-778-6711

The BucketLust Website   |    The BucketLust IG    |    Rupert’s IG: @yot.lyf

Inside this episode:

• What reality TV gets wrong about life as a yacht captain—and the truth behind the glamor.
• The unspoken rules and power dynamics of managing crew on luxury yachts.
• Why the yachting lifestyle seduces some—and breaks others.
• Wild charter stories and the hidden chaos behind seamless luxury.
• How to actually break into the elusive yacht industry (and what no one tells you).
• The strange, symbiotic dance between yacht owners, charter guests, and brokers.
• The rise of post-COVID yachting—and how tech is permanently changing life at sea.
• Secrets of the world’s most legendary yachting destinations 

ABOUT RUPERT COVELL:
Yacht Broker & Co-Founder of The BucketLust

Rupert Covell is an experienced yacht broker based in Miami, Florida, specializing in luxury yachts. He is known for his exceptional client service and in-depth knowledge of the yachting industry. Rupert is a key member of JFAYacht, a premier yacht brokerage that offers a wide range of luxury vessels to clients looking to buy or sell yachts.

In addition to his brokerage work, Rupert is the co-founder of The BucketLust, a company focused on organizing exclusive flotilla events. These events provide yacht enthusiasts with the unique opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful destinations by sea, combining adventure and luxury.
 
Through his work with both JFAYacht and The BucketLust, Rupert has built a reputation for his expertise, professionalism, and dedication to creating memorable experiences for his clients in the yachting world.

THE QUEST EXPRESS RECIPES

THE QUEST EXPRESS WAITING LIST - FUTURE EVENTS

THE QUEST EXPRESS GUEST LIST

ARTISTS, CREATIVES & INVESTORS: Show your work, meet partners, invest in a movement.

🔥 APPLY HERE TO LEARN MORE 🔥

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: [email protected]

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

What if dinner wasn’t just about food, but a curated ritual of connection, curiosity, and impeccable taste? In this conversation with The Dinner Table Founder Tyler Tep, we unravel a world where the table becomes a stage for memory-making—and where the next evolution of social dining is quietly taking shape. You’ll never look at a dinner party the same way again. 

Contact: [email protected]

Inside this episode:

• How Dinner Table Club evolved from idea to movement
• The social dining trend that’s quietly changing how strangers connect
• What really happens at a Dinner Table event?
• Strategies for dissolving awkwardness at the table—without forcing it
• Behind the scenes of the most unforgettable Dinner Table experiences
• Why connection—not spectacle—is the new gold standard in event design
• The surprising demographics showing up to these curated dinners
• Travel, taste, and the hidden factors that influence restaurant picks
• Could old-school dining etiquette make a comeback?
• Tyler's philosophy on success and advice for entrepreneurs

🍽️ Follow THE DINNER TABLE_CLUB on INSTAGRAM

ABOUT: Tyler Tep is the-Founder of The Dinner Table and, by day, a Product Manager at Wonder. Whether hosting dinner parties across the U.S, building technology products, or working with creatives, he has always appreciated the power of connection and culture.

THE QUEST EXPRESS RECIPES

THE QUEST EXPRESS WAITING LIST - FUTURE EVENTS

THE QUEST EXPRESS GUEST LIST

ARTISTS, CREATIVES & INVESTORS: Show your work, meet partners, invest in a movement.

🔥 APPLY HERE TO LEARN MORE 🔥

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: [email protected]

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

MIAMI:  From grandma's Cuban cooking to almost being eaten in a jungle in Guatemala, Le Cordon Bleu-trained, Chef Gustavo Montes is always moving, learning and innovating. No boxes here (unless it's a Bento box), later this summer you can eat his food at the Gale Hotel. Follow him on IG to stay connected!  IG: @someguycooking

ARTISTS, CREATIVES & INVESTORS: Get Involved in our Salon Tour Movement:  

🔥 APPLY HERE TO LEARN MORE 🔥

Try Chef Gustavo's Tropical Nikkei Ceviche recipe on The Quest Express Recipe Page (recipe is at the bottom)

Inside this episode:

•Cuban Smells & Julia Child
•The Evolution of Culinary Education & the Changing Landscape
•The Changing Landscape of the Culinary World
•Passion vs. Practicality in Career Choices
•The Culinary Fusion Game
•Chef Gustavo's Culinary Influences
•Cuban Heritage and Family Recipes
•Mentorship and Career Growth
•COVID's Gift to Gustavo's Kitchen
•Trends in the Culinary World
•Advice for Aspiring Chefs
•Culinary Inspirations and Gustavo's Most Memorable Meal

ABOUT CHEF GUSTAVO MONTES: Chef Gustavo Montes is a Le Cordon Bleu-trained culinary leader with over two decades of experience in high-performance kitchens and hospitality groups. Recognized for his innovative approach and deep commitment to culinary excellence, he has helmed award-winning restaurants, collaborated with Michelin-starred talent, and led successful openings across Miami. As Owner of GM Culinary, Montes continues to push creative boundaries while mentoring the next generation of chefs. Follow The Gale Hotel for updates on Yamashiro's opening Summer 2025.

** IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE PLEASE SHARE OR LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW **

🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms or at www.thequestexpress.com

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: [email protected]

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

Be one of the first to Join the New Court of Medici Salon Tour Movement 

No Algorithms. No Influencers. Just Dangerous Ideas in Velvet Rooms.

What happens when you resurrect an age-old tradition and reshape it for today’s world? In this episode, I break down why I’m reviving and reimagining the salon—not as a fleeting trend, but as a powerful cultural movement. Artists, patrons, and visionaries gathering in hidden courtyards, private estates, and unexpected spaces—creating something that stands the test of time. Welcome to the Court of Medici Salon Tour launching later this year.

Carrie Anne reveals how this bold new movement draws inspiration from the the Medicis—reimagined for today’s world.

This is more than an event. This is a movement. It’s about connecting visionaries. Changing the way art is supported, experienced, and transformed. We’re curating intimate spaces where conversation, deal flow, and collaboration will reshape the future. If you’re an artist, a patron, or a visionary, this is your invitation to become a part of something that transcends the ordinary.

Artists, business partners, sponsors, vendors, patrons—Interested in joining the movement to shape a new creative renaissance?

We're curating a select group of individuals who understand the importance of cultural transformation and putting arts, culture & society back together one step at a time.

Fill out the interest form now to APPLY, SUPPORT, or GET INVOLVED:

Limited availability for each salon, please register your interest early.

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: [email protected]

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

CAIRO:  What secrets still lie beneath the sands of Egypt? In this electrifying episode of The Quest Express, world-famous archaeologist & Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass pulls back the curtain on ancient mysteries that have captivated the world for centuries.

From the hidden chambers of the Great Pyramid to the dazzling Lost Golden City buried for over 3,000 years, Dr. Hawass shares jaw-dropping stories of discovery, danger, and obsession. Hear firsthand about his relentless hunt for Queen Nefertiti’s tomb, his bold mission to reclaim stolen treasures like the Rosetta Stone, and the truth behind daily life in the time of the pharaohs.

With the grand opening of Egypt’s new megamuseum on the horizon, this episode is a front-row seat and prequel to his North American Grand Tour, starting May 1st. 

See Dr. Hawass in person and attend The Grand Tour at a city near you. (Link to tickets below - schedule at the bottom).

📜 Tickets for The Grand Tour Multimedia Lecture (Find a City Near You at Bottom:) https://zahilectures.com/

📜 Buy Giza Pyramids Book - M. Lehner & Z. Hawass: https://www.amazon.com/Giza-Pyramids-Hawass-author-Lehner/dp/0500051895

📜 Dr. Hawass' Main Website 

📜 Watch Unknown: The Lost Pyramid Netflix Docuseries

ABOUT DR. ZAHI HAWASS:  Dr. Zahi Hawass is a world famous Egyptologist and Archaeologist who has served as the Head of Antiquity and as the minister. He is excavating now at Giza, Saqqara and The Valley of the Kings . He published widely and lectured all over the world and was chosen in 2006 as one of the Top 100 influential people all over the world by Time magazine. He begins his Grand Tour on May 1st in Phoenix, finishing on August 2nd in Montreal. The Grand Museum in Cairo with over 5,000 artifacts opens on July 3, 2025. CV HERE  & BIO HERE

** IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE PLEASE SHARE OR LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW **

You can watch the full episode by video on our YouTube Channel

USA & CANADA GRAND LECTURE TOUR
 
May 1 Phoenix, AZ
May 3 Los Angeles, CA
May 6 San Diego, CA
May 9 Las Vegas, NV
May 11 San Francisco/Oakland, CA
May 14 Portland, OR
May 18 Seattle, WA
May 22 Denver, CO
May 25 Austin, TX
May 27 Oklahoma City, OK
May 29 Dallas, TX
June 1 New Orleans, LA
June 5 Tampa, FL
June 7 Orlando, FL
June 11 Nashville, TN
June 14 Atlanta, GA
June 16 St. Louis, MO
June 18 Charlotte, NC
June 21 Pittsburgh, PA
June 25 Columbus, OH
June 28 Chicago, IL
June 30 Minneapolis, MN
July 3 Cleveland, OH
July 6 Indianapolis, IN
July 9 Boston, MA
July 12 Baltimore, MD
July 16 Virginia Beach, VA
July 19 New York, NY
July 21 Philadelphia, PA
July 23 Washington, D.C.
July 26 Vancouver, BC – Canada
July 30 Toronto, ON – Canada
August 2  Montreal, QC – Canada

🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms or at www.thequestexpress.com

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: [email protected]

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel