Zero To Travel Podcast

What happens when someone gives up security to build a tropical dream on a tiny island, with no job, no plan, and only one light bulb for power?

Martin Vrana is the founder of Lost Paradise, a boutique resort he spent nearly 15 years building from scratch on a small island off Bali’s coast. Born and raised in Scandinavia, Martin left a safe life behind to follow an adventurous dream, one that taught him resilience, determination, and the art of creating a life on his own terms.

In this episode, Martin tells the story of how he turned a blank plot of land into Lost Paradise resort, through three jobs, relentless determination, and years of overcoming logistical, emotional, and cultural challenges.

Martin shares the raw truth behind building Lost Paradise from the ground up: the emotional cost, the logistical nightmares, and the relentless mindset that carried him through. You’ll hear how he navigated burnout, sacrificed relationships, and lived off-grid with no electricity, all while staying anchored to his vision. This story isn’t about overnight success; it’s about what’s possible when you refuse to quit.

What wild dream or goal of your are you ready to make happen? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

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What does thriving as a long‑term digital nomad look like in 2025?

Welcome to our debut episode of Remote Roundup - a new monthly series exploring what's new in remote work and travel, including helpful tools and resources, need‑to‑know trends, destinations, and insight into what it really means to live and work around the world.

Caitlin Sunderland is the associate producer, and Janessa is the partnerships manager of the Zero To Travel podcast. Both are digital nomads who’ve embraced the ups and downs of remote work life from all over the world.

Caitlin and Janessa open up about navigating burnout, experimenting with work routines, their thoughts on where nomads will be heading next, and what it means to be a “digital nomad 2.0.” You'll hear real stories and reflections on money, mindset, productivity, identity, and the emotional shifts that come with long-term travel. 

What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts, and hope you’ll share by sending an audio message.

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What can happen when a filmmaker decides to spotlight invisible geniuses and hidden stories that change how we see the world?

Robin Danehav is a Swedish documentary filmmaker known for embarking on a bold quest to create 100 short films revealing the everyday impact-makers whose stories remain untold. Based in Stockholm and often traveling worldwide, Robin explores humanity, creativity, and empathy through compelling, intimate films.

In this episode, Robin shares how the “100 Documentary Project” began, what fuels the journey, and why storytelling rooted in purpose can reshape our lives.

Robin shares how a one-year TV course and leap from IT sparked his filmmaking path and why his “100 Documentary Project” became both a purpose and a personal challenge. You’ll hear what it means to reframe your side hustle as your main work, and how traveling to places like Uganda and Bali shaped his storytelling. Robin opens up about the emotional depth he seeks in his subjects, why integrity matters more than clicks, and the biggest creative lesson travel continues to teach him. Whether you’re a storyteller, creator, or traveler, you’ll walk away with new insight into the value of empathy and everyday impact.

What hidden stories in your life or community deserve to be shared?  I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

Why a dinner with a pasta maker in Lisbon led Robin to start his filmmaking quest

How counting down from 100 shaped the structure and mindset of the project

Advice for identifying emotional moments even when subjects are camera‑shy

Why reframing the side hustle as your main purpose can change everything

How storytelling connects emotion and deeper impact

How travel constraints sparked creative solutions on location

How collaborating with a mission‑driven coffee company enabled an unforgettable shoot in Uganda

Tips for filming long‑form with limited gear and adapting when tech breaks

Insight into the editing grind, the “80/20 rule,” and the tweaks that take the longest

And so much more

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Robin’s website

YouTube

Instagram

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Making IMAX Films Around the World, Mindful Travel, and Working with Jane Goodall with Mike Day

Beyond the Summit: Climbing Mt. Everest, Filming at 29,000 Feet, a Cultural Journey through Nepal, and Taking Your Childhood Dreams to Heart with Alex Harz

Immersion Travel: Becoming a Porter in Nepal with Nate Menninger

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Do you ever feel limited by society’s expectations and stereotypes surrounding travel? 

When Beth Santos started a travel blog, her goal was to challenge norms by exploring the diverse and shared experiences of women traveling the world. It has since morphed into Wanderful, an international community and social network with over 40,000 active members composed of women and non-binary people of all ages and backgrounds. Aside from this booming online community, Beth has also created WITS Travel Creator + Brand Summit, the Bessie Awards, and the first-ever outdoor women’s festival.

This episode is all about rethinking what it means to travel and how the narratives we tell (and believe) can exclude so many people. Beth and I get into how she reconnected with her Portuguese heritage and how that led to a life of travel and leadership. She shares her story of moving to São Tomé and Príncipe in her early 20s, the emotions around not speaking the language of her own family, and how she eventually turned those early experiences into a powerful global community.

We talk a lot about what it means to lead with vulnerability, how to build safe and inclusive spaces, and why the dominant solo female travel narrative is way too narrow. Beth also opens up about entrepreneurship, failure, and parenting as a founder. 

What are some ways you can create a safe space for others? I'd love to hear some of your ideas and hope you will share by sending me an audio message.

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What if the secret to unlocking a better life and travel experience lies not in more, but in smarter choices?

Chris Hutchins is the host of the “All the Hacks” podcast, where he distills practical strategies across life, money, and travel. An optimizer by nature, Chris has saved millions by breaking down every aspect of life to maximize happiness at the lowest cost.

Chris joins me to share the top hacks from his podcast - life-changing mindset shifts that shape how we experience travel, time, and value.

You’ll hear how he uses travel as a lens for smarter life decisions, from taking second trips to embracing intentional spending. We talk about the emotional side of optimization, how to avoid over-optimizing, and why some of the best “hacks” are actually mindset shifts. If you've ever questioned whether squeezing in that extra flight or saving those extra points was worth it, this conversation might change how you travel and live.

What’s one tiny hack you’ve adopted that’s unexpectedly amplified your joy or efficiency? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

Why returning to the same destination can unlock a more meaningful travel experience

How buying back your time (groceries, errands) can pay more than saving money

When it's smarter to spend money instead of optimizing every detail, especially in different seasons of life

Surprising things you didn’t know you could negotiate and how a simple ask can save thousands

Why buying airline or hotel points during promotions can open up luxury travel for a fraction of the cost

How to spot deals that aren’t just discounts, but potential income streams with a little creativity

The mindset shift from deal-hunting for its own sake to building long-term value in how you spend and live

A simple way to search for unclaimed money that might literally have your name on it

Chris’ favorite tools and tech to save time, money, and mental energy with almost no effort

Why the best hacks are the ones aligned with your time, energy, and priorities - not just your wallet

Resources:

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Listen to All the Hacks podcast

Coyote game

Die with Zero by Bill Perkins

The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom

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How to Win at Travel with “The Points Guy” Brian Kelly

Top 8 Food Hacks in Europe: How to Find Authentic Culinary Experiences on the Old Continent with Kenny Dunn

10 Key Principles That Built a $40M Business While Traveling with Dan Demsky

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Could a loosely planned road trip actually turn out better than a perfectly mapped itinerary? 

Anne Dorthe is my wife and travel partner of over 11 years, and a Norwegian local with roots in Trøndelag.  

In this episode, Anne and I share the story of our recent open-ended family road trip through Norway. We talk about the lessons we learned along the way, sharing insights that can be applied to anyone planning a more relaxed, rewarding road trip, whether in Norway or somewhere else. 

If you’ve ever dreamed about traveling Norway without spending a fortune, this conversation offers a real-world example of how to make it work. You’ll hear about the small, in-the-moment choices that shaped each day, the unplanned stops that became highlights, and how following the weather brought a sense of ease and adventure to the whole trip. We’ll also talk about the joy of connecting with friends along the way, the simple comfort of cabin stays, and why embracing flexibility over a fixed plan deepened our connection to every place we visited. 

What’s a spontaneous road trip or travel adventure you took that surprised you by how well it flowed? I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 

Why letting go of a rigid schedule created our best family memories 

How weather reports guided our route more than any app ever could 

The exact approach I used to politely get a hotel refund 

How overpacking led to lessons for smarter packing next time 

Why cabins felt more authentic than hotels 

The power of paper maps and local advice 

What it’s like to wild-camp at 900 m with kids 

How visiting friends became our travel anchor 

How an unplanned ferry ride led to one of Norway’s most beautiful beaches 

What it felt like swimming with our kids in Norwegian fjords and lakes 

And so much more 

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Stiklestad Viking Experience 

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America’s Greatest Road Trip! Key West to Deadhorse: 9,000 Miles Across Backroad USA With Tom Cotter 

2,000 KM on Foot From Oslo to the North Cape (With a 4-Year-Old, Husband, and Dog) + Making Big Life Changes With Ingrid Alm 

Top 10 Road Trip Albums With Jason Law from Festy GoNuts 

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What are the best hidden gems in Riga, Latvia, and how can you experience this Baltic city like a local? 

Lelde Benke-Lungevica is a Latvian writer and cultural storyteller who was born in Australia and moved back to Riga in her teens. Since 2013, she’s run the blog Life in Riga, offering a personal and authentic look at life in Latvia’s capital through stories, guides, and reflections on identity and homecoming.

This episode explores what makes Riga unique and how to see the city (and beyond) through local eyes.

You’ll hear Lelde’s top tips for exploring Riga off the beaten path, how Latvia’s seasonal rhythms shape daily life, and the local wellness ritual that might just change how you travel. She shares everything from the best markets and bakeries to an unusual national pastry and a coastal trail that stretches for over 1,000 kilometers. If you're looking to travel deeper and more intentionally, these hidden gems in Riga, Latvia, will give you a new way in.

What’s one lesser-known destination where you’ve felt a deep connection to the local culture? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

Why Lelde moved back to Riga after years abroad, and how it shaped her sense of home

What to do beyond Riga’s Old Town (and why it matters)

How Riga’s past and present shape its identity today

Advice for souvenir shopping that supports local makers

How to explore Riga’s lesser-known beaches and hiking routes

Why bakeries became a lifeline during Latvia’s economic crisis

How Latvian cider culture is quietly booming

Where to experience Latvia’s contemporary art scene without a national museum

What “pirts” means, and why this wellness ritual might surprise you

How to escape Riga and explore the rest of Latvia with just a few days

Resources:

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Life in Riga website

Live Riga tourism website

Visit Riga Facebook Group

Latvia Expats Facebook Group

Zuzeum Art Centre

Kim? Contemporary Art Centre

Riga Neighborhoods Project

Baltic Coastal Hiking Route

Agenskalns Market

Sidrerija

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World’s Cheapest Destinations + Traveling Europe on a Budget (2025) with Tim Leffel

Solo Traveling Europe and “The Stans” in a Campervan with Maria Glaser

Discovering The Hidden Europe with Francis Tapon

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What’s it like to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, especially if you're doing it later in life?

Philip Gibbons is a 68-year-old traveler, podcaster, and former Who Wants To Be A Millionaire winner who just got back from hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu at the time of this recording. 

In this episode, Philip walks us through the whole experience, from the planning process and permit system to the physical demands, group dynamics, costs, and what he'd do differently next time.

Philip shares what worked, what surprised him, and all the practical stuff that online forums and tour companies tend to gloss over. Whether you're just starting to dream about Machu Picchu or deep into planning mode, this episode will help you feel more prepared (and more excited) to go.

Have you hiked the Inca Trail or visited Machu Picchu? What was your experience like? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message

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What changes when you give your travels a singular mission?

Conor Knighton is an Emmy Award-winning correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning and the bestselling author of Leave Only Footprints. After a personal breakup and some professional uncertainty, Conor pitched an idea that turned into a once-in-a-lifetime journey to all 59 national parks - a mission that transformed his life.

In this episode, Conor shares how the trip came to be, the people and parks that changed him, and why structure and singularity can create deeper travel experiences. He also offers practical advice for making the most of your national park visits, especially when you want to avoid the crowds.

If you’ve ever wanted to build a long-term travel journey around a specific goal, Conor’s story shows how powerful that can be. He opens up about the personal challenges that led to the trip, how he pitched it to CBS, and what it was really like to live on the road for a year. Along the way, he shares travel-tested tips for navigating national parks, connecting with strangers, and building a meaningful solo travel experience. 

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

What’s the most powerful travel experience you’ve had in nature? I'd love to hear what they are, and I hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

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What does it really mean to get beyond the clichés in Paris? 

Paige McClanahan is a journalist and author of The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel. She’s spent years reporting for The New York Times and has lived in France for seven years. Her work explores tourism’s power to shape communities and how we can all travel more consciously. 

In this episode, Paige shares five unexpected and meaningful things to do in Paris that you’re not likely to find in a guidebook. We also talk about three offbeat places in France that are worth exploring if you want to go beyond the usual stops. 

You’ll learn how small things like saying “bonjour” can shift your whole experience, and how curiosity can lead you into everything from revolutionary history to North African hammams to street art scavenger hunts. Paige brings that perfect mix of local insight and traveler perspective that makes these suggestions feel not just interesting, but personal and lived-in. 

What are the most unexpected places you’ve discovered while traveling, and what made them stand out to you? I’d love to hear about them, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. 

Tune In To Learn: 

Why Paige’s favorite Paris park feels like a secret escape in the city 

How a hammam visit near the Grand Mosque can open your eyes to Arab culture in France 

Why “bonjour” and “au revoir” might be the most important words you say in Paris 

How to explore the French Revolution using a free app on your phone 

Advice to uncover Black history in Paris through immersive tours 

Tips for engaging with France’s diversity and colonial history through travel 

How to join a real-life street art scavenger hunt across Paris 

Where to go in the French Alps besides Chamonix 

What makes La Rochelle an underrated coastal gem 

Why Lille is a culture-rich city most tourists skip 

And so much more 

Resources: 

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Paige McClanahan on Instagram 

Paige’s website and The New Tourist book 

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont 

Rosa Bonheur Bar 

Grande Mosquée de Paris 

Parcours Révolution App 

Black Paris Tours (Ricky Stevenson) 

Le Paris Noir Tour (Kevi Donat)  

Flash Invaders street art app 

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How To Be a “New Tourist,” the Powers and Perils of Tourism, Embracing Tourist Traps, and the Impact of Travel With Paige McClanahan 

3 Travel Trends You Should Know w/ Paige McClanahan 

How To Explore Paris Like a Local, Working on Hospital Ships, and Becoming an Expat on a Mystery Visa With Jay Swanson 

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