Episode 9 - Locked Down In Nairobi During COVID

11/19/20 • 22 min

It’s time for a flashback. In April 2020, sensing something unprecedented was on the horizon, we recorded our first episode (chronologically speaking) when Kathryn was in stuck in Nairobi, Kenya, and Eric was quarantining at home in Los Angeles. Then, COVID-19, social distancing and quarantine were still novel concepts. This episode represents our first conversation about we can be travel writers who are unable to travel in the typical sense, and how we can all take advantage of the places in our own backyards to keep our curiosity and wanderlust alive.

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Episode 8 - The Ethics Of Swimming With Dolphins And Whales

In all of our extensive travels, some of the most meaningful encounters have been underwater in places including Mozambique, Tahiti, Indonesia and the Galápagos. These vibrant aquascapes are the settings for life-changing encounters with wondrous marine species that can shift our perspectives and priorities.

Snorkeling and scuba diving around the world, we’ve been fortunate to swim with everything from whale sharks and dolphins to sea turtles, sea lions, manta rays and even a few (vegetarian) sharks—all totally wild, in their native habitats. But we’ve also witnessed dangerous and poor practices, too, from 50 tourists being allowed to jump off one boat into a pod of spinner dolphins off Oahu, to businesses profiting from keeping sea creatures in captivity. Knowing what we do about highly intelligent marine mammals makes these these situations totally unacceptable, and we want to spread awareness.

We begin this episode hearing all about how underwater photographer (and children’s book author and entertainment industry executive) Pier Nirandara uses her compelling aquatic wildlife images to excite viewers about conservation. She also discusses her own boundaries and how she chooses excursion outfitters. Next, marine expert Frank Murphy, director of the Tetiaroa Society in Tahiti, shares his experiences with humpback whales as they make their annual migration past the atoll where resort guests of The Brando can safely observe them. And we connect with Chad D’Souza, general manager of Perth Wildlife Encounters, about their company’s long-running wild dolphin swims, which Eric experienced years ago but remain a highlight.

We hope listeners will come away from this episode not only inspired to plan a life-affirming swim of their own, but confident that they can do so ethically, respectfully and sensitively. What’s more, we attempt to answer the question of whether the benefits to humans outweigh any potential risk or negatives for the wildlife, since we believe these firsthand experiences can directly result in an increased desire to support conservation.

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Episode 10 - Packing For More Than Yourself On Trips

When you’re on the road as often as us, you start trying to pack as light as possible. Who cares if someone sees you in the same thing twice (or seven times)? Among travel writers, it sometimes even seems like the smaller your suitcase, the better a traveler you are.

But what if you could use some of your luggage allotment to do real good for others in the places you visit? If you get a free checked bag with your international airfare, why not bring a full-size suitcase packed to the brim with school materials? Heading out on safari? Bring two outfits, and fill the rest of your duffel with much-needed medical supplies. On this episode, we explore ways that travelers can positively impact destinations they visit simply by packing a few thoughtful items.

Our first guest is Rebecca Rothney, the founder of Pack for a Purpose. Her philanthropy matches travelers up with destinations and suggests supplies they can bring along for worthy grassroots organizations across the globe. Check out some of their latest work on Instagram.

Our next guest gives us a fuller understanding of how much-needed philanthropic efforts can impact projects like the ones Pack for a Purpose works with. Emma Kennedy is the administration and fundraising manager at Tujatane School in Zambia, which is supported by a beautiful tourist lodge near Victoria Falls called Tongabezi. The school and lodge work together to incorporate a charitable component into guests’ visits and to keep them involved long after they go home. Plus, their Instagram feed is pretty inspirational.