How can you cultivate your creativity and pursue your passions? What unique museums should you add to your US travel bucket list? 

It's a double episode today as award-winning illustrator, writer, and cartoonist Bob Eckstein shares his practical advice for pursuing your creativity and the best-of-the-best museums to visit in the United States.

Bob Eckstein has contributed to The New Yorker, The New York Times, Reader's Digest, and Smithsonian Magazine, among others. His recent book, Footnotes from the Most Fascinating Museums, serves as a smart, entertaining love letter to museums and museumgoers, filled with lush and whimsical illustrations that appear alongside stories and anecdotes from curators, museum workers, museum visitors, and more.

Don't think museums are for you? Listen in, as Bob's stories and unusual recommendations may have you reconsider!

 In addition to his list, we talk about how he overcame life's challenges to follow his passion for the arts and his experience putting the book together. Bob shares plenty of insights into the creative process and pursuing fulfillment over profit. You'll hear about his "paper airplanes" approach for choosing and sticking to projects, the one trait you need to be successful, and mindset strategies for cultivating creativity. 

What museum has left a lasting impact on you? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message.

Premium Passport:

• Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!

Tune In To Learn:

Resources:

Want More?

Thanks To Our Sponsors

Listen in to find out what new and epic conversations you can expect to hear on Zero To Travel this month! 

What topics and themes do you want to learn more about on the podcast? I'd love to get your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

• Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!

How can you create a life of travel with an unconventional career like filmmaking, and what can it teach you about the world and yourself?

Mike Day shares how he transitioned from working in museums to becoming an award-winning IMAX documentary filmmaker and the lessons he learned from traveling the world.

Mike Day has served as the Executive Producer of over a dozen documentary films shot in IMAX. His work has taken him to magnificent worldwide locations, which he’s written about in his book, "The World Has a Big Backyard."

Mike’s stories offer a unique glimpse into the world of IMAX documentary filmmaking, showcasing the dedication, resourcefulness, and mindfulness needed to bring nature’s wonders to life on the big screen. 

You’ll hear tips on practicing mindfulness during travel, how to handle uncomfortable cultural experiences that you may disagree with (like bullfighting in Spain), the importance of self-care on the road, having authentic experiences, his top favorite museums in the world, and what it was really like working with the legendary Jane Goodall.

If you could capture any place in the world on film, where would it be and why? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

Premium Passport:

• Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!

Tune In To Learn:

Resources:

Want More?

Thanks To Our Sponsors

How do both comedy and travel help you embrace the unexpected?

Comedian Ari Shaffir is best known for his 2 Netflix specials, 2 Comedy Central specials, and for hosting Comedy Central’s weekly storytelling series, This Is Not Happening. He was also a regular panelist on @Midnight and Conan. Ari is the host of the podcast Skeptic Tank and has recently released a new podcast called You Be Trippin,’ where he interviews real folks about their messed up disasters and memorable travel experiences.   

Ari shares stories of his time on tour, and we talk about his philosophy of embracing the chaos of travel. You’ll hear about the unique cultural experiences that come with being a comedian on the road, gain insights into the art of comedy, and get a different view on the importance of dark humor. 

During this humorous and insightful conversation, he shares some great, no-nonsense travel advice, insights on reframing plateaus, how psychedelics can help you tap into new perspectives, and much more.

What’s the most unexpected adventure you’ve had while traveling? I'd love to hear your story, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Premium Passport:

• Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!

Tune In To Learn:

Resources:

Want More?

Thanks To Our Sponsors

Have you thought about hitting pause on your career to travel the world but are unsure how to make it a reality? It's not as unattainable as you may think!

Cali O'Connor shares her experience of taking multiple career breaks and offers 5 practical steps to start planning your own career break today.

Cali is a former chemical engineer who traded her career in the oilfield for a life-changing adventure of quitting her job to travel around the world. Now, Cali helps working professionals find clarity in their lives by taking a career break that gives them the freedom to travel, explore, and realign with their life goals. 

Whether you dream of quitting your job or taking a temporary pause, this episode will give you the confidence and strategies to take that leap. You'll hear about her biggest mistakes during her first career break (and how to avoid them), insights on overcoming common fears such as financial insecurity and leaving a stable job, travel advice to save time and money, and lessons on concurring travel burnout.

If you could take a career break tomorrow, where would you go, and why? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share them by sending me an audio message.

Premium Passport:

• Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!

Tune In To Learn:

Resources:

Want More?

Thanks To Our Sponsors

Traveling abroad had such an impact on Rick early on, that he chose to dedicate his life to helping others see the world.

In 1976, he launched Rick Steves’ Europe and, over time, built a travel empire along with a community of raving fans (including me!). His best-selling guidebook series, public television show, public radio show, syndicated travel column, small group tours, free resources, and other media all align with his core mission to help people get out and travel Europe.

Rick has had a huge influence on me, both personally and professionally. His recommendations helped shape some of my early trips to Europe, ultimately leading to my life of travel. Rick also showed me it was possible to craft a career around my passion for helping others travel the world.

Needless to say, he’s been a dream guest for me, and it was an absolute honor to chat with him and share this conversation with you today.

What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? I'd love to hear your thoughts and hope you will share them by sending me an audio message.

We're republishing this incredible interview with Rick Steves to send him some love after his recent diagnosis. 

Premium Passport:

• Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (decided on by YOU), exclusive content, direct access to me to answer your questions, and more? Click Here To Try Premium Passport For Only $1

Tune in to Learn:

Resources:

Want More?

Thanks to Our Sponsors

How can you create a more balanced, location-independent life?

Podcast host and author of Digital Nomads for Dummies Kristin Wilson talks about the evolution of her travel lifestyle from expat to digital nomad and the unique challenges and rewards of living a location-independent life. Our conversation covers a wide range of topics related to digital nomadism, lifestyle design, and personal growth.

Over the last 20 years, Kristin Wilson has lived and worked in over 63 countries. Her journey began with an unexpected move to Costa Rica, where she lived as an expat before transitioning to a nomadic lifestyle. Kristin's passion for travel and expertise in helping others relocate and work remotely has made her a leading voice in the digital nomad community. Her podcast, Traveling with Kristin, shares how to move abroad and design your life for more flexibility, travel, and free time. 

Kristin’s story provides practical advice on managing burnout, finding balance in a nomadic life no matter where you are on your journey, and embracing change. You’ll also hear about her favorite countries for various experiences, the role of music in life, and even some tips for making money on YouTube. Whether you're an aspiring traveler or an experienced nomad, you'll find valuable insights to help you as you build your travel lifestyle.

What’s the most surprising lesson you've learned from your travel experiences? I'd love to hear and hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Premium Passport:

• Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!

Tune In To Learn:

Resources:

Want More?

Thanks To Our Sponsors

Has a big epiphany ever caused you to instantly alter the trajectory of something in your life? When listener and international piano entertainer Matt Fetbrandt reached out to tell me about the epiphany that changed his life, I knew right away his story had to be shared.

Over the past year (at the time of recording), Matt has traveled over 16,000 miles through 34 U.S. states and 18 national parks with no plans of stopping. In this episode, you're going to find out how, in just 7 months, Matt went from staying in a sober living home with only $12 to his name to saving $20,000 and living out his travel dreams.

Matt shares about what it took for him to change a lifetime of habits and his journey to recovery from addiction. We talk about how travel can be a bridge to create connections, why he felt he needed travel to grow, and being analytical vs. spontaneous. You'll hear about his life as a piano man and stories from the road. Matt also shares some counterintuitive advice that may not make sense to most. Will it make sense to you?

When was the last time you acted on a spontaneous urge to travel? I'd love to hear all about your adventure, and I hope you will share by sending me an audio message.

*This month, we're sharing previous episodes highlighting travel turnarounds! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, providing valuable insight whenever you listen.

Premium Passport:

• Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!

Tune In To Learn:

Resources:

Want More?

Thanks To Our Sponsors

Do you want to live your best travel life? Mike Savas shares his practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you make big changes and start living your most epic life today.

Mike is an adventure seeker, entrepreneur, and positivity influencer who focuses on leading and inspiring others by example. After quitting his corporate job, Mike joined Bon Jovi's team and founded SUPER, a VIP experience company that elevates the fan experience. His clients have included The Rolling Stones, President Obama, Oprah, Eminem, Katy Perry, and more. 

Mike Savas shares his journey from leaving corporate to living his best life, traveling to places like Nepal to help after an earthquake, and working with global artists and personalities through his business.

You'll gain insight into how to make decisions and get off the fence if you're struggling, how to tune in with your instincts and allow them to guide you, why every work or life experience has value, and why you should never underestimate your ability to make an impact. 

What decisions have you been struggling with? How did this episode help? I'd love to hear your answers, and I hope you'll share them by sending me an audio message.

Premium Passport:

• Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!

Tune In To Learn:

Resources:

Want More?

Thanks To Our Sponsors

If a new opportunity comes your way, are you ready to take it? When professional photographer Leslie McKellar was forced to move out of her apartment in 2020 because of toxic mold, she took it as an opportunity to reevaluate her trajectory. After realizing her calling to travel full-time, she set out a plan to make it happen and left for Europe in January 2022.

This interview is extra special because not only was it recorded in person but I also met Leslie 8 months into her travels so she has some fantastic insights to share from her experience.

You will not want to miss what she has to say about how she budgeted for the trip, advice on how to pick the right destinations, valuable lessons from curveballs along the way, why traveling can help you reset, and a 60-second challenge to help you find new adventures.

What are your takeaways from the 60-second challenge? I'd love to hear about them and hope you will share by sending me an audio message.

*This month, we're sharing previous episodes highlighting travel turnarounds! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, providing valuable insight whenever you listen.

Premium Passport:

• Get ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to all episodes for only $3/month. Subscribe now!

Tune In To Learn:

Resources:

Want More?

Thanks To Our Sponsors