Send us a text

In this episode, we speak with Joshua Milton Blahyi, better known to the world as General Butt Naked, one of the most feared rebel commanders of Liberia’s brutal civil war, which ravaged the country from 1989 to 1997. Once infamous for his violent tactics and ruthless reputation, Blahyi has since turned his life toward faith, preaching, and a mission of reconciliation. We discuss his rise during the conflict, the horrors of the war years, and his journey as he seeks redemption and voices support for justice, even if he himself stands among the accused.

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

Send us a text

Recorded during our recent trip to Bougainville -  a corner of the pacific some say will soon become the world’s 194th country. From WWII relics and island villages to the Tama Festival and even a visit to the Twin Kingdom of Me’ekamui and Papaala, YPT’s latest visit went deeper than ever before.

In this episode, YPT co-founder Gareth Johnson talks with our local partner John about life in this autonomous region, its independence movement, and what makes it distinct from mainland Papua New Guinea. 

Our Bougainville tour is available as an add-on to our Papua New Guinea Mount Hagen Festival tour, as a standalone adventure, or can be arranged as a private tour.

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

Send us a text

Join Caitlin Graham, YPT's Middle East and Central Asia Manager, as she explores the complex history of Lebanon from the heart of Beirut. In this episode, Caitlin interviews our local guide, Mira, who shares invaluable insights into Lebanon's rich tapestry of cultures and religions, shaped by centuries of diverse influences.

As Lebanon re-emerges as a travel destination after a challenging hiatus, they discuss the country's tumultuous past, including the civil war, recent financial crises, and the impacts of the Beirut Port explosion. With 18 recognized religious groups coexisting within its borders, Lebanon's history is a mosaic of opinions and experiences, making it a fascinating subject of exploration.

Tune in to discover what lies ahead for this resilient nation and how Young Pioneer Tours is excited to bring travelers back to experience Lebanon's unique charm and enduring spirit.

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

Send us a text

Join host Justin Martell on the Young Pioneer Podcast for an unfiltered conversation with Mike O’Kennedy (aka “Mike Okay”), the British travel documentarian whose boots have tread everything from Iraq’s war-scarred streets to North Korea's far east. In this episode, Mike pulls back the curtain on his experiences in conflict zones and unusual destinations, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from Mosul to North Korea. He discusses the art of unscripted travel, describing how adventures like hitchhiking across China fuel his philosophy of embracing chaos with humor.

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

Send us a text

In our latest episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, host Justin Martell had the privilege of speaking with Will Ripley, CNN’s Senior International Correspondent known for his extensive coverage of North Korea. With 19 visits to the Hermit Kingdom, Will offers a unique perspective on life in one of the world’s most enigmatic countries. 

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

Send us a text

In this episode of The Young Pioneer Podcast, we delve into the life of Monica Macias, author of "Black Girl from Pyongyang." As the daughter of Francisco Macías, the first president of Equatorial Guinea, Monica's journey began when she was sent to North Korea for her education. There, she received personal guidance from President Kim Il-Sung, who had supported her father during Equatorial Guinea's fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Following her father's assassination in a coup in 1979, Monica continued to reside in Pyongyang under the care of the "fatherly leader." Join us as we uncover her experiences and insights she shares in her memoir.

Before we delve into our interview with Monica, it’s important to mention the current situation regarding travel to North Korea. As of now, the border remains closed, with no confirmed timeline for reopening. While this news is disappointing for those wishing to explore the enigmatic country, our conversation with Monica provides a fascinating perspective on life in North Korea from someone who has experienced it firsthand.

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

Send us a text

In this exciting episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, we break the news that North Korea's special economic zone of Rason has officially reopened to foreign tourists. Tune in for the details of this development and what it means for future travel to the DPRK.

But that’s just the beginning! In this epic, first-of 2025 episode, we are joined in our Manila studio by multi-award-winning airline and aviation YouTuber, Josh Cahill. Known for his engaging and, at times, controversial airline review content, Josh has captivated millions with his unique perspective on travel. From luxurious Emirates flights to the challenges faced on sanctioned airlines like Iran Air, Josh's insights cover the full spectrum of flying experiences.

Throughout our conversation, we explore Josh's early life and projects, the inspiration behind his popular YouTube channel, the thrill of engaging with a vast audience, and the powerful story of organizing Afghanistan's first all-female flight.

As we navigate through rapid-fire questions, Josh shares his favorites in the airline industry, including the best customer service, food, and the most comfortable options for long-haul flights in coach. He even reveals whether he is a member of the Mile High Club!

We also delve into his numerous achievements, including multiple awards in the aviation space, and discuss the challenges he faces as a critic, including contentious encounters with airline staff. Getting personal, Josh opens up about some of his most notable incidents and how he maintains integrity in his reviews.

Looking ahead, we discuss Josh’s future aspirations and the evolution of airline travel and vlogging post-pandemic. So buckle up and enjoy this long episode - perfect listening for your next long-haul flight!

Follow Josh Cahill's airline reviews and travel experiences at:
https://www.youtube.com/@JoshCahill
https://gotravelyourway.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gotravelyourway
https://x.com/gotravelyourway

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

Send us a text

YPT are pleased to announce that the Young Pioneer Podcast is back with its third season, bringing listeners perspectives from some of the world’s most fascinating and sometimes controversial travel destinations! On this episode, Visiting Papua New Guinea’s Mount Hagen Festival, host Justin Martell shares his experience diving into the breathtaking beauty of Papua New Guinea—a land rich in unique cultures and stunning scenery. 

At this year’s Mount Hagen Festival tour, Justin had the pleasure of interviewing our local tour leader, Pious, who shares insights into the festival’s rich history and its significance to the Western Highlands Province. You won’t want to miss this firsthand perspective as Pious reflects on the festival’s personal meaning to him, as well as the history of some of its most famous participants, such as the Mudmen of Goroka, Simbu’s Skeleton Men, and even comments koteka penis sheaths worn by some of the Highlands’ tribes. He also gives his perspective on the potentiality of Bougainville gaining its independence from Papua New Guinea. If our interview with Pious piques your interest, have a look at our itineraries for our 2025 Mount Hagen Festival and Goroka Festival tours!

But that’s not all! This episode also highlights our extraordinary upcoming journey through Central Africa. From December 2nd to 12th, we’ll explore the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cabinda in Angola. Additionally, learn about our exciting tours in South Sudan, where you can experience the heart of Juba and the unique lives of the Mundari cattle herders. And don’t miss the opportunity to discover the birthplace of voodoo in Benin and Togo, where spiritual rituals and sacred sites await!

All this and more on this episode of The Young Pioneer Podcast!

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

Send us a text

The Young Pioneer Podcast Season 2 concludes with a double-header episode! S2, Ep 6 opens with a discussion between host Justin Martell and YPT founder/CEO Gareth Johnson discussing the big question "when will North Korea re-open for tourism?" Recorded YPT's recent research trip to China to meet with our North Korean partners and explore the Sino-Korean border for the first time in four years, which made news among the community of North Korea watchers, the discussion gives a projected timeline for the Hermit Kingdom's re-opening as well as some educated guesses about the future of tourism in North Korea. 

Following Gareth’s interview, Justin talks with YPT friend and travel partner Dr. Calvin Sun. Calvin is both an ER doctor in New York City and travel agent. Through his company Monsoon Diaries, he has partnered with YPT on many tours for well over a decade. In the interview, recorded in Mogadishu, Somalia, Justin and Calvin discuss Calvin's new book "The Monsoon Diaries: A Doctor’s Journey of Hope and Healing from the ER Frontlines to the Far Reaches of the World," available now from Harper Horizon. 

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

Send us a text

On this inaugural 2024 episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, we open with an interview with YPT CEO and Founder Gareth Johnson to discuss a number of exciting, new tours just recently announced for this year. After speaking with Gareth, host Justin Martell debuts his interview with YPT's local travel partner in the reclusive horn of Africa nation of Eritrea, referred to by some as the "North Korea of Africa." 

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.