In this provocative Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I travel to Belarus – often called “Europe’s last dictatorship” – to uncover the lived reality of life under Alexander Lukashenko. As I meet locals and explore Minsk, I ask a bold question: are there bright sides to this autocratic system?

Some people credit the regime with preserving economic stability post-USSR, keeping unemployment low and averting the oligarchic chaos seen elsewhere. They say limited online freedoms – like the ability to access opposition sites – create an illusion of choice.

But the darker truth sits just beneath the surface. Lukashenko’s heavy censorship, the criminalization of dissent – even for wearing “wrong” socks – and the ongoing use of capital punishment paint a grim picture.

This episode digs into these contradictions. I speak with people benefiting from economic predictability, then confront the chilling reality of repression and human rights abuses. It’s a travel story that challenges assumptions – and raises uncomfortable questions.

See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/182-belarus/

This Flashback Friday episode was first released on May 10, 2021.

In this Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, we head to Pattaya, Thailand – a place with two drastically different faces.

First, I take you down one of the wildest party streets on the planet: Walking Street. It's loud, it's chaotic, and it’s absolutely unforgettable. From neon lights and booming music to all kinds of nightlife, it’s a full-on sensory overload.

But just beyond the party scene, I discover another side of Pattaya. I visit a local orphanage and meet some remarkable kids and caretakers who bring a human, heartwarming contrast to the city’s infamous reputation.

This episode is a rollercoaster – from outrageous to uplifting – all in one city.

See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/026-pattaya/

This Flashback Friday episode was first released on May 3, 2018.

Join me as I introduce the Zero To Travel Podcast. It is one of the best travel podcasts and I am proud to have been a guest on the show and also to call the host, Jason Moore, a friend. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.

In this Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I arrive in Memphis, Tennessee – home of the blues, birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, and the city Elvis called home.

But things take a slightly awkward turn when I casually mentioned my Danish hometown, Randers, in Graceland… and that got me in trouble.

Between the laughs and the local tension, I explore the city’s iconic landmarks, including Beale Street and Graceland. This episode blends cultural contrasts, southern hospitality, and a bit of rock ’n’ roll magic.

See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/063-memphis/

This Flashback Friday episode was first released on January 17, 2019.

In this powerful episode of The Radio Vagabond, we explore one of Cape Town’s most poignant landmarks: District Six.

I begin by chatting with Uber drivers – immigrants from Rwanda, Congo and Malawi – who share what life is really like in the city today. Their stories highlight Cape Town’s beauty and its socio-economic challenges, setting a compelling backdrop for what follows.

Then we step into the District Six Museum, where history comes alive through photos, maps and personal testimonies. Once a lively, multi‑ethnic neighbourhood of tens of thousands, it was declared a whites‑only area in February 1966. Forced removals displaced over 60,000 residents over the next decade – families torn apart and community destroyed.

Today, most of the land remains vacant – a stark reminder of apartheid’s legacy. We hear from former inhabitants who recount heartbreaking stories of resistance, loss and survival.

This episode is a journey through memory, resilience and the enduring spirit of community amid injustice.

See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/151-the-dark-history-of-district-six/

This Flashback Friday episode was first released on March 9, 2020.

In this sun-soaked episode of The Radio Vagabond, I take you aboard my unforgettable journey through the Mediterranean on Nomad Cruise.

This time, we dock in Menorca, Malta, and Greece, each offering its own flavor of adventure. In Malta, we wander the charming, historic streets. In Greece, we sip local wine at a boutique winery while soaking in the laid-back vibes of the countryside. And somewhere in between, I find myself stepping out of my comfort zone at the cruise ship’s talent show.

This episode is a mix of personal stories, cultural experiences, and the joy of connecting with fellow digital nomads at sea.

See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/169-menorca-malta-and-greece-with-nomad-cruise/

This Flashback Friday episode was first released on June 4, 2021.

In this Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I travel from the urban buzz of Toronto to the laid-back charm of Québec City – and suddenly feel like I’ve landed in Europe.

Cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and a French-speaking population give this Canadian gem an old-world feel unlike anywhere else in North America. I soak in the local culture, cuisine, and character while reflecting on how different this part of Canada feels from the rest.

If you’ve never been to Québec, this might just put it at the top of your bucket list.

See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/052-quebec/

This Flashback Friday episode was first released on November 1, 2018.

In this heartfelt Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I travel through the beautiful landscapes of northern Nicaragua. But this journey was about much more than scenery.

Alongside my new friend John Pappas, I visit a local orphanage – and what I found there left a deep impression on me. The children, the caretakers, and the stories shared in that humble place made this visit one of the most emotional experiences of my travels.

It’s a reminder that meaningful moments often come in the most unexpected places.

See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/082-nicaragua/

This Flashback Friday episode was first released on August 22, 2019.

In this immersive episode of The Radio Vagabond, we journey to Hungary’s dynamic capital – Budapest.

I explore both sides of the Danube: Buda, with its regal history and panoramic views, and Pest, buzzing with cafés, culture, and a nightlife scene that doesn’t sleep. I sample exquisite dishes at Michelin-rated restaurants, take a deep dive into local traditions, and end up in the iconic Szimpla Ruin Bar – a place that’s equal parts bizarre and brilliant.

Join me as I wander through thermal baths, meet fascinating locals and tourists, and capture the energy of a city that truly blends old-world charm with new-world excitement.

See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/005-hungary/

This Flashback Friday episode was first released on June 15, 2017.

In this episode of The Radio Vagabond, I sit down with Jeri Lynn Johnson Russell – a former Pan Am stewardess whose life took a dramatic turn from the skies to the villages of Africa. Over dinner in Cape Town, Jeri shares how her early travels sparked a lifelong love for adventure, how homeopathy became her calling, and how she built deep connections in the rural communities of Botswana, Eswatini, and Ghana.

We talk about the lessons she learned in Africa – about generosity, humility, and the power of community. And we reflect on how, no matter where we come from, we’re all guests on this planet – and we’re better together.

Key Takeaways

• How Jeri’s early travels shaped her fearless curiosity about the world
• Why homeopathy – an alternative healing system based on “like treats like” – became a cornerstone of her work in Africa
• The unforgettable story of Olo and the word ‘LOVE’ written on a friend’s belly
• How local healers and communities in Africa taught her the real meaning of generosity and resilience
• Why Jeri believes we’re better with all ages, cultures, and ways of living – and how that mindset can change everything

Relevant Links

• Jeri’s book “A Bluebird in a Baobab” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQ61PMRG?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_3RK2Z318GBCCASDYFJH7
• National Center for Homeopathy: https://www.homeopathycenter.org/
• Blog post with more details and photos: https://theradiovagabond.com/365-jeri-russell
• Danish version of the blog post: https://radiovagabond.dk/416-jeri-russell
• The Open Nesters Podcast: https://theopennesters.com
• Check out the brand new Nomad Summit Podcast on https://nomadsummit.com/podcast
• You can follow The Radio Vagabond on: https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioVagabond  https://www.youtube.com/theradiovagabond  https://twitter.com/radiovagabond https://www.tiktok.com/@radiovagabond