Travel Minded

Ever wondered what it's like to be a part of our Travel Minded team? Lets hear from one of our Travel Minded Volunteers!

Sanika works in Human Resources by day, but her heart’s always chasing her next adventure. She’s all about connecting with people, exploring new cultures, and saying yes to experiences that push her out of her comfort zone. From guided tours and street food tastings to meeting strangers who become friends, she makes the most of every trip. She’s also tying the knot abroad later this year (hello, destination wedding!) and loves getting involved in major sports events as a volunteer. When she’s not off exploring, you’ll find her at a Pilates or yoga class, hitting the gym, trying out a new recipe, or heading to a local event just for the fun of it.

In this episode, we’re chatting about our favourite tour companies, her solo travel stories, why she loves volunteering, and the thrill of doing things that scare you a little in the best way.

Useful Links:

@settlinginkent

@workplace.wellbeing

@talesbynika

Olly Pemberton is an award-winning director and filmmaker with over a decade of experience filming and operating in wild and remote locations across our planet. 

Through film and photography Olly strives to harness the stories connected to our wild places. He is passionate about placing a spotlight on individuals and organisations that are deeply intertwined with our natural world, and empowering those who might not otherwise have a voice within it. His latest documentary with Aldo Kane, follows the lives of the legendary Bayei polers across the entire length of the Okavango Delta in Mokoro canoes. Olly has also recently returned from filming and directing Season 2 of Beneath the Baobab with Gordon Buchanan documenting the complexities and potential solutions of human/wildlife conflict in rural Southern Africa.

A proud Manxman, his love for the outdoors stems from growing up on the Isle of Man and time with the Royal Marines Reserves helped hone his skills to operate in remote and hostile locations.

A few useful links:

https://www.fourhornproductions.co.uk/

https://www.youtube.com/@fourhornproductions1621/videos

https://www.instagram.com/olly_pemberton/

On today’s episode we are joined by Egyptian actor, producer and tv host Mohamed Karim. Born in Cairo, Egypt Mohammed split his time between Cairo and Los Angeles growing up where he became fluent in Arabic and English. Fascinated with the world of filmmaking at an early age, he knew this is the path he wanted to pursue. He has recently become Hollywood’s First Arabic cowboy in the lions gate film Gunslingers . 

Mohammad is best known for his lead role in popular TV series Bent Afandina, a story about the revolution in Egypt from 1952 until 1970 (the period between King Farouk until President Anwar Sadat). This TV series put him on the map all over Egypt and The Middle East, where he won the Best Actor Award in 2004. He can also be seen as Detective Reynolds in Bruce Willis’ final film A Day to Die and as a lead role playing Jimmy the Dragon alongside Nicholas Cage and Benjamin Bratt in the 2019 action thriller A Score to Settle. In 2012, Mohamed had the opportunity and honor to host the well-known international singing competition show The Voice: Arabia season 1 and 2 in the Middle East on MBC channels.

On his free time, Mohamed enjoys traveling all over the world, listening to music ranging from Arabic, English, Spanish and French music, and loves karate, soccer, basketball, baseball, hiking and swimming. He currently splits his time between Cairo and Los Angeles.

On the episode we talk about his career, travelling and how he believes in a can do attitude. 

Useful links:

Instagram

IMDB

Rosie Ridgers (@rosieridgersxx) is the internet’s big sister and a true comfort creator. She took her first solo trip in 2021 and hasn’t stopped since backpacking through Bali and Australia, and jetting off to Italy for spontaneous weekend getaways. Rosie makes travel feel approachable, offering a starting point for those who don’t know where to begin.

On today's episode we are joined by Wilderness guide and survivalist Megan Hine. 

A born adventurer with many tales to tell, Megan works to connect others with the depth of their inner resource.

Megan has produced some of the biggest adventure and survival shows on TV, walking a line between extreme survival and entertainment for audiences of millions. She has been integral to Emmy award winning content and has led talent and film crews in the world’s toughest environments for 20 years. 

As expedition leader, Megan organises and leads adventures to remote wilderness environments and works closely with indigenous communities across the world. As a qualified resilience coach, she combines intimate knowledge of wilderness survival, a degree in psychology and a fascination with the psychology of survival to help clients overcome mental health struggles. Her best-selling book 'Mind of a Survivor' is available on Amazon and her new podcast 'The I of the Storm' is coming very soon.

You can find out more about her work here:

https://meganhine.com/

https://www.instagram.com/megan_hine/

Richard Whitehead MBE is a Paralympic Gold Medallist, professional athlete, marathon runner and a passionate diversity and inclusion champion.

Having been born with a double through-knee congenital amputation, Richard developed a passion for sport at an early age, with his parents encouraging him to participate in sports and teaching him how to live a life without limits…a philosophy which has defined his life and those around him.

Over 20 years ago, Richard dreamt of running a marathon, and signed up and completed the New York Marathon. Since that incredible achievement, he achieved gold and silver medals in the ParalympicsGB team, including winning a gold medal in the T42 200 metre on home soil at London 2012. 

Richard is now undertaking an epic 20 marathon challenge around the world throughout 2025, to bring him to an incredible 100 overall, connecting with communities and sharing his mission of true inclusion. 

Over Richard's long and inspiring career, his strong belief remains that anything is possible, and whatever age or ability you are, everyone has a gift and potential to nurture and fulfil.  

On today's episode we are joined by British sailor and world record holder Dee Caffari.

Awarded an MBE in recognition of her solo circumnavigation against the prevailing winds and currents, Dee set a world record by becoming the first woman to complete this ‘wrong’ way round voyage in 2006. Dee went on to compete in the 2008/9 Vendée Globe – a race around the world, non-stop and alone, known within the sailing arena as the pinnacle solo offshore event, crossing the finish line in 6th place out of 30 competitors. Becoming the only woman to sail around the world in both directions, solo and unsupported.

Dee has now sailed around the world a total of six times, in the capacity of both critical crew member and skipper, leading teams in an extreme racing environment. Her career has seen her rise through the ranks to become one of the most successful and recognised British Offshore Sailors.

https://www.deecaffari.co.uk/

Today's episode is the last of our charity specials. We sit down with Amber from MSF.

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization that provides medical care to people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, and other crises, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation. MSF's mission is to relieve suffering, save lives, and reduce the spread of diseases where access to healthcare is limited. They operate in over 70 countries, delivering medical care to those in need, often in the most difficult and dangerous environments. 

On the episode we discuss their vital work. They often hit the headlines when there's an emergency such as an earthquake, war or disease outbreak.

However, their teams are also running long-term medical programmes for vulnerable groups cut off from care, or speaking out about unseen suffering and the policies that cause it.

Around the world, 365 days a year, they are there even when the cameras are not.

Useful links:

https://msf.org.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/msf_uk/

https://www.facebook.com/msf.unitedkingdom/

We are joined by Junaid from Aviation Without Borders UK.

Aviation Without Borders UK (AWB) is a humanitarian aviation charity established in 2006 and based in the UK. Affiliated with Aviation Sans Frontières International, AWB leverages aviation to provide aid and support both in the UK and internationally. The charity specializes in air cargo shipments of medical and essential supplies, aircraft operations for NGOs, and initiatives like Smiling Wings Days, offering children the experience of flight. AWB also runs educational programs like the "On Track Project" to inspire young people about aviation. Through these efforts, AWB uses aviation as a force for good, delivering aid and hope to those in need.

When speaking to Junaid he said - Aviation has been a passion of mine since childhood, and I’ve been fortunate to turn that passion into a career in the business aviation sector. Alongside my love for aviation, I’ve always been driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the world. Aviation Without Borders (AWB) provides the perfect platform to combine both of these interests, allowing me to use aviation as a force for good. As the current Chair of AWB UK, I am committed to leading our efforts in delivering humanitarian aid and support to those who need it most, while inspiring others to join this meaningful cause.

 Helpful links:

https://www.aviationwithoutborders.org/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbGIcXoscLf/

We’ve got a charity special today and are joined by Alex Staniforth who helped create Mind Over Mountains.

Mind Over Mountains is a charity offering professional mental wellbeing support bringing together walking in nature, mindfulness & time with experienced coaches & counsellors - in an unhurried, unpressured setting.

You can find out more about their work and their upcoming events by visiting their website.

https://mindovermountains.org.uk/

https://mindovermountains.org.uk/collections/mentalwellbeingwalksandretreats