Zero To Travel Podcast

Have you ever considered doing a digital detox, but were unsure where to start or how it would impact your life or business? 

Corbett Barr is an OG in the lifestyle business world, being a seasoned entrepreneur, creator, and technologist. After stepping away from the startup grind in search of a more balanced life, Corbett did a complete digital reset. He wiped away all the digital noise, keeping just one social media platform, which helped him refocus and recommit to ONLY the things that genuinely brought him joy. 

In this episode, we explore the concept of a “digital reboot,” how our online lives impact our real-world experience, and what it looks like to live more intentionally in the digital age, especially if you're building a business. 

Corbett opens up about the stress of entrepreneurship, the emotional weight of maintaining an online presence, and how minimizing his digital footprint helped him reconnect with what matters. You’ll hear real talk about creative burnout, finding balance between work and life, and how to rethink your relationship with social media and technology without burning it all down. We also talk travel, sabbaticals, pickleball, and how to design a business that fits your life, not the other way around. 

Did this episode inspire you to do your own version of a digital reboot? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share sending me an audio message. 

*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. 

Tune In To Learn: 

Why putting "lifestyle first" should always be the foundation of your decisions 

What Corbett learned from the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley startups (and why he walked away) 

How to communicate effectively with your partner when making major life or career changes 

Why managing your “runway” (aka your savings) is essential 

How to rethink your digital habits and start your digital reboot from a lifestyle perspective 

What happened when Corbett deleted all his social media, and what he learned about identity, presence, and pressure 

The unexpected power of visualizing a better future and recommitting to work you thought you might leave behind 

A simple framework you can use to make any decision with more clarity 

Where Corbett lands on the “pursue your passion vs. chase the opportunity” debate 

What makes life in Mexico so magical 

And so much more 

Resources: 

Sign up for our FREE newsletter 

Want More? 

The Location Free Lifestyle With Melody From Black Digital Nomad 

Saying "Yes" to Full Time Travel with Christina McEnvoy 

7 Pro Tips For Finding A Perfect Work/Life/Travel Balance w/ Kelly Claus & Jeremy Enns 

Thanks To Our Sponsors 

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What is hiking a camino really like? Can you do it even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, or don’t have a big, life-changing quest in mind? 

Shawn and Lainey are the husband-and-wife team behind Days We Spend, where they share stories and videos about their experiences walking Caminos and slow traveling across Europe. Both are experienced travelers -Lainey is a swing dance teacher who once built a global dance tour from scratch, and Shawn is a writer and creative whose love for "not hiking" somehow led him to walk over a dozen pilgrimages. Together, they’ve built a lifestyle around the kind of travel that slows you down, invites connection, and helps you hit the reset button on life. 

In this episode, we explore the modern pilgrimage lifestyle and why walking across Spain (or Portugal… or France…) might be the most human thing you ever do. 

Shawn and Lainey share an honest, down-to-earth look at what it’s actually like to walk a pilgrimage route, from navigating albergues to letting go of itineraries. You’ll hear what draws people to walk hundreds of kilometers (sometimes again and again), how to plan a Camino no matter how much time you have, and why these long walks are more about transformation through stillness than any big dramatic revelation. Whether you're craving community, solitude, or just a break from the algorithmic noise of modern life, this one will leave you thinking about what it means to just… walk. 

What kind of reset are you craving right now, and do you think a slower, more intentional kind of travel could help you find it? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 

Why Lainey’s first Camino de Santiago completely changed how she viewed Spain 

How Lainey and Shawn went from New York hustle to full-time pilgrims 

Advice to anyone who thinks they’re “not a hiker” (and why Shawn still doesn’t identify as one) 

What makes the Camino different from other travel experiences 

How walking helps you reset physically, mentally, and emotionally 

Why the Camino doesn’t have to be life-changing to be meaningful 

How to plan a Camino if you only have 1 or 2 weeks off 

Why the Camino Primitivo might be your perfect first (or second) pilgrimage 

Logistics tips: booking, WhatsApp hacks, and when to ditch your plans 

How to avoid crowds and find less-traveled but equally beautiful routes 

What it’s like to walk with a partner (and even a donkey!) 

And so much more 

Resources: 

Sign up for our FREE newsletter 

Days We Spend website 

YouTube 

Instagram 

Buen Camino App 

Wise Pilgrim App 

Gronze 

Los Pueblos Mas Bonitos de Espana 

The Chemin du Puy (Via Podiensis, Le Puy Camino, GR65) 

The Way of Compostela 

Want More? 

Hiking the Camino De Santiago, Painting Your Travels, Letting Curiosity Rule, and Tiny House Living with Kari Gale 

How to Plan a Trip to Europe in 2025 with Lynne Nieman 

Walking Europe’s GR5, Mindful Self-Compassion, and Wise Strength With Kathy Elkind 

Thanks To Our Sponsors 

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Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. 

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What if chasing happiness meant giving up everything you thought you wanted? 

Will Rickard is the author of The Silk Road to Happiness, a book born from his solo journey through the “Stans" - Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan - on a quest to explore happiness through travel, conversations, and culture. After leaving a prestigious corporate career in Sydney, he hit reset, taking only a backpack and a big question on the road: What is happiness? 

In this episode, Will and I unpack the complex relationship between travel and happiness, and what he discovered by going off-grid in some of the world’s least-visited countries. 

If you’ve ever felt torn between being grateful for what you have and craving something more, this conversation might hit home. Will doesn’t offer a tidy formula for happiness, but instead, he shares five powerful themes that emerged during his journey - from purpose and minimalism to gratitude and detachment. We talk about how travel can shift your perspective, why sometimes you just have to book the flight, and how embracing discomfort can lead to deeper meaning. Plus, we explore how moving abroad redefined my own ideas about happiness. 

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself while traveling that changed the way you define happiness? I'd love for you to share your thoughts by sending me an audio message. 

*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. 

Tune In To Learn: 

Why Will walked away from a “dream” corporate job to explore the Silk Road 

How a photo on Instagram sparked a life-changing decision 

What the “anti-bucket list” is and how it might reshape your goals 

Advice to anyone stuck in a career rut and wondering what’s next 

Why pursuing “more” isn’t always a bad thing—and when it is 

How five schools in Afghanistan changed Will’s view of purpose 

Why these little-visited countries offer some of the most generous hospitality 

Insights from ancient philosophy (and a scary night on the Pamir Highway) 

The difference between enthusiasm and passion when it comes to career 

How practicing gratitude—especially while traveling—can shift your mental state 

And so much more 

Resources: 

Sign up for our FREE newsletter 

Will's book The Silk Road To Happiness 

Follow Will on Instagram, LinkedIn 

Want More? 

The power Of Death In Life with Gentle Rebel Bronnie Ware 

How To Add More Play Into Your Life w/ Jeff Harry 

Sweet Ass Strategies For Achieving Anything Fast w/ Heath Armstrong 

Thanks To Our Sponsors 

Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. 

Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you craving an adventure that’ll connect you deeper to Scotland’s wild places, warm people, and timeless legends? 

Andy McAlindon, better known as Andy the Highlander, is a Scottish tour guide, author, actor, and storyteller whose passion for Scotland’s history and culture has captivated millions online. From learning to sword fight on the set of Outlander to guiding travelers through hidden villages and ancient rituals, Andy’s journey is all about bringing Scotland’s living traditions to life. 

In this episode, we explore Andy’s transformation from electrician to beloved Highland guide and content creator, and his best advice for experiencing Scotland beyond the tourist traps. 

Andy shares the raw story of how he found purpose through grief, what he learned about work and resilience from his dad, and how stepping into the Highlander role helped him fall deeper in love with his homeland. We dig into the lesser-known places to go, local festivals to plan around, cultural traditions you’ll want to bring home, and the magic of slowing down to connect with real people. Whether you’re planning your first trip or just want to daydream about wild glens and cozy pubs, you’ll come away with practical tips and a new perspective on what travel in Scotland can really mean. 

What’s one local tradition you’d love to borrow from Scottish culture and weave into your own life? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 

Why Andy swapped a career as an electrician to become Scotland’s most recognizable Highlander 

How a tragic loss unexpectedly led him to the stage and ultimately to the screen  

What it was like sword fighting for Outlander and how that shaped his tours 

The lesser-known places that need to be on your Scotland list 

How Andy balances sharing Scotland’s hidden gems while protecting them from overtourism 

Advice on hiking the West Highland Way without the rookie mistakes  

Why staying in a bothy or croft helps you experience Scotland like a local 

How handfasting ceremonies and sharing a ‘quake’ cup reveal the heart of Scottish connection 

What local foods, drinks, and live music spots make your trip unforgettable 

How to support local communities and keep Scotland’s spirit alive when you visit 

And so much more 

Resources: 

Sign up for our FREE newsletter 

Highlander Tours 

Lochs and Legends book 

Andy the Highlander on Instagram 

TikTok 

YouTube 

Want More? 

Hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland with Lynne Nieman 

Bike-Packing Scotland and Breaking Free of Cultural Expectations with C.D. Seventeen 

Lessons From Running Every Street In Glasgow, Scotland w/ Michael Shanks 

Thanks To Our Sponsors 

Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. 

Moon Travel Guides - Use code ‘ZERO’ for 20% off your order. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why should you travel to Tbilisi, Georgia? While you might come for the 8,000-year-old wine, you’ll want to stay for the wild hospitality and a city full of surprises.

Levan Giorgadze is a theater-trained tour guide and founder of Tbilisi Free Walking Tours, where he shares Georgia’s rich history and culture with travelers from all over the world. A passionate ambassador for his homeland, Levan’s deep knowledge and playful storytelling have made him one of the most sought-after local guides in the region.

In this episode, we’re talking all things Georgia (the country!), from ancient wine traditions to offbeat Soviet architecture, cultural quirks, and tips for connecting with locals in Tbilisi and beyond.

If you’re planning a trip to Tbilisi, Georgia or curious about why it’s become one of the most talked-about destinations, this episode is a must. Levan shares what makes the city so special, from it’s special amber wines made in underground clay jars to off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods and other hidden gems in Tbilisi. You’ll learn why you should never cut a khinkali and what it’s like to lead a free walking tour in Tbilisi for nine years. You’ll get insider tips on the best local wine bars, Soviet-era architecture, and how to connect with locals on a deeper level. Whether you're after a cultural travel experience or just want the best Tbilisi travel tips, this episode will help you see the city like a local.

What do you think makes a place truly unforgettable - the food, the people, the stories, or something else entirely? I'd love to hear what you think, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 

Resources: 

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Could the least-visited places offer the most rewarding travel experiences? 

Jonty Crane is a New Zealand-based traveler, guidebook author, and longtime advocate for meaningful, off-the-beaten-path travel. With over 75 countries under his belt, he’s currently volunteering in Timor-Leste, where he’s helping promote sustainable tourism while living the slow travel lifestyle.  

In this episode, we unpack what makes Timor-Leste one of the most under-the-radar travel destinations in the world. From coral reefs and dramatic mountain landscapes to warm, welcoming locals and a fascinating (if difficult) history, Jonty gives us a deep look at what it’s like to live and travel there and why more people should consider visiting. 

We talk about the difference between traditional tourism and slow travel, and how living and volunteering in a place like Timor-Leste can offer deeper insight, stronger connection, and more personal transformation than a quick trip ever could. Jonty also shares his favorite things to do in the country, what to expect when traveling there, and how to navigate the lack of infrastructure without losing your mind. Plus, you’ll get three of his top picks for other lesser-visited destinations that are worth the effort. 

Have you ever traveled somewhere that felt like a true hidden gem? What made it special for you? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 

Resources: 

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What if you could flip your thinking, let go of old scripts, and start showing up as the hero in your own life, right now? 

Derek Loudermilk is a coach, adventurer, podcaster, and bestselling author who helps coaches, healers, and creators become global thought leaders. After leaving behind a PhD program, surviving a life-threatening blood clot, and traveling the world for years, Derek rebuilt his life on his own terms.  

In this episode, Derek and I explore five “thought reversals” to help you in your hero journey, especially during times of big transitions or when you’re feeling stuck. 

I loved this conversation because it’s packed with practical ways to reframe the stories you tell yourself, and it’s a great reminder that a lot of what holds us back happens in our heads. You’ll hear Derek’s wild backstory, how he rebuilt his identity after losing everything, and what it looks like to live more freely by dropping the old scripts. If you’ve ever felt caught between wanting more adventure and wanting stability, or if you’re curious how to “be lazy” in a way that actually helps you succeed, there’s something here for you. 

What old script are you ready to rewrite? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. 

*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen. 

Tune In To Learn: 

Why focusing on money might be keeping you broke 

How Derek survived a 20% chance of living and used it to start over 

The mindset shift to stop thinking your way out of every problem 

How to work from who you want to be (instead of where you’re stuck) 

Why dropping your past identity can free you to travel (and live) better 

How “lazy” CEOs actually get more done 

Why your attention and your questions shape your reality 

Practical ways to tap into luck, synchronicity, and abundance 

How to balance family, travel, and the pull to put down roots again 

Derek’s simple advice for crossing time zones with less stress 

And so much more 

Resources: 

Sign up for our FREE newsletter 

Derek’s website 

The Derek Loudermilk Show 

Instagram 

Want More? 

16 Mindset Hacks To Help You Travel Long Term 

Exploring Your Limiting Beliefs & Finding Your Purpose w/ Kathleen Sinclair 

How To Add More Play Into Your Life w/ Jeff Harry 

Thanks To Our Sponsors 

Apple Card - Earn 3% back on the Apple products and services you love with Apple Card. 

Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com. 

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Why does it take a brush with death for some of us to finally do the things we’ve dreamed of? 

Stephan Kesting is an accomplished martial artist, firefighter, wilderness explorer, and the author of Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subarctic. You might know him from his popular jiu-jitsu videos and teachings at Grapplearts, but Stephan’s story goes far beyond the mat. After surviving a life-threatening kidney disease and receiving a transplant from his brother, Stephan set out on a 1,000-mile solo canoe expedition through Canada’s remote Subarctic - a journey that became both an epic adventure and a profound exploration of mortality, identity, and what it means to truly live. 

In this episode, Stephan and I dig into what it takes physically, mentally, and emotionally to embark on a solo wilderness journey in the face of mortality and grief. 

Stephan’s story will inspire you to rethink your own limits. You’ll hear how he navigated a rare kidney disease that threatened his identity as a martial artist and outdoorsman, and how facing death up close became the push he needed to tackle a dream he’d been putting off for years. From his raw reflections on loss and resilience to his honest look at fear, self-doubt, and satisfaction versus happiness, Stephan’s insights will stick with you long after you’ve listened.  

Whether your version of adventure is paddling 1,000 miles alone or just stepping outside your comfort zone, this conversation might just give you that nudge to get started. 

When was the last time you answered your own call to adventure? What did it teach you about yourself? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 

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What does it really take to build a life abroad, and what happens when travel pushes you far outside your comfort zone? 

Jackie Nourse, aka Traveling Jackie, is an adventure travel pro, host of JUMP podcast, tour leader, and storyteller who’s built a life around helping people explore the world boldly and authentically. With over 20 years of travel under her belt, Jackie’s led countless group trips, launched two podcasts, and built a passionate community of travelers who seek adventure and growth.  

In this crossover episode, Jackie and I reflect on our first in-person meetup in Norway and dive into what it means to design a lifestyle you love, raise a family in a new culture, and face fear head-on. From raising kids in the forest outside Oslo to climbing Europe’s highest sea cliff with a serious fear of heights, this episode explores the intersection of travel, courage, and personal transformation. 

This episode offers a personal look into what it means to build a new life in a different country, from navigating culture shock to raising bilingual kids and finding your own rhythms far from home. Jackie also shares a powerful story about doing something she truly didn’t think she could do: climbing Europe’s highest sea cliff on a via ferrata, despite having a serious fear of heights. Her reflections on fear, courage, and support are deeply relatable, whether you're standing on a cliff face or facing something uncertain in your own life.

What’s one moment in your life when curiosity helped you say yes to something scary? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 

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What if the best way to explore Copenhagen isn’t in the guidebooks, but in a cemetery, on a bike hunt for trolls, or over a plate of smørrebrød with locals? 

Rikke Bisgaard-Svensen is the co-founder of Copenhagen Free Walking Tours and a self-described travel addict whose life has revolved around two things: taking off to faraway lands and sharing her love for her hometown. What started as a side hustle born out of winter-season job loss turned into a 13-year journey building one of the most beloved free walking tour companies in Denmark. 

In this episode, we’re exploring the evolving spirit of Copenhagen and sharing 10 Copenhagen hidden gems for travelers who want to see the city like a local, plus the surprising backstory behind Rikke’s tour company and how she fell into entrepreneurship. 

If you want to experience Copenhagen beyond the usual sights, Rikke brings the kind of insight only a longtime local can offer. You'll hear about troll hunts in the suburbs, the deeper meaning behind a now-vanished statue, and what it’s really like to build a business in a country where modesty is a cultural expectation. Along the way, we talk about the unique Danish relationship with happiness (hygge), and hanging out in cemeteries (yes, really). 

What’s your favorite hidden gem in your hometown that you wish more people knew about? I'd love to hear what it is, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 

Resources: 

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