
The Young Pioneer Podcast
Young Pioneer Tours
Hosted by Justin Martell and the YPT team, The Pioneer Podcast is the official podcast of Young Pioneer Tours where we bring listeners unique perspectives as we travel to the world's most unique and hard to reach destinations. For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.
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Top 10 The Young Pioneer Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Young Pioneer Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Young Pioneer Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Young Pioneer Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

S3, Ep 1: Visiting Papua New Guinea's Mount Hagen Festival
The Young Pioneer Podcast
10/13/24 • 26 min
YPT are pleased to announce that the Young Pioneer Podcast is back with its third season, bringing listeners perspectives from some of the world’s most fascinating and sometimes controversial travel destinations! On this episode, Visiting Papua New Guinea’s Mount Hagen Festival, host Justin Martell shares his experience diving into the breathtaking beauty of Papua New Guinea—a land rich in unique cultures and stunning scenery.
At this year’s Mount Hagen Festival tour, Justin had the pleasure of interviewing our local tour leader, Pious, who shares insights into the festival’s rich history and its significance to the Western Highlands Province. You won’t want to miss this firsthand perspective as Pious reflects on the festival’s personal meaning to him, as well as the history of some of its most famous participants, such as the Mudmen of Goroka, Simbu’s Skeleton Men, and even comments koteka penis sheaths worn by some of the Highlands’ tribes. He also gives his perspective on the potentiality of Bougainville gaining its independence from Papua New Guinea. If our interview with Pious piques your interest, have a look at our itineraries for our 2025 Mount Hagen Festival and Goroka Festival tours!
But that’s not all! This episode also highlights our extraordinary upcoming journey through Central Africa. From December 2nd to 12th, we’ll explore the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cabinda in Angola. Additionally, learn about our exciting tours in South Sudan, where you can experience the heart of Juba and the unique lives of the Mundari cattle herders. And don’t miss the opportunity to discover the birthplace of voodoo in Benin and Togo, where spiritual rituals and sacred sites await!
All this and more on this episode of The Young Pioneer Podcast!
For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

S3, Ep 2: Mile High Club, Death Threats & US Ban - Interview with Aviation YouTuber Josh Cahill
The Young Pioneer Podcast
01/17/25 • 161 min
In this exciting episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, we break the news that North Korea's special economic zone of Rason has officially reopened to foreign tourists. Tune in for the details of this development and what it means for future travel to the DPRK.
But that’s just the beginning! In this epic, first-of 2025 episode, we are joined in our Manila studio by multi-award-winning airline and aviation YouTuber, Josh Cahill. Known for his engaging and, at times, controversial airline review content, Josh has captivated millions with his unique perspective on travel. From luxurious Emirates flights to the challenges faced on sanctioned airlines like Iran Air, Josh's insights cover the full spectrum of flying experiences.
Throughout our conversation, we explore Josh's early life and projects, the inspiration behind his popular YouTube channel, the thrill of engaging with a vast audience, and the powerful story of organizing Afghanistan's first all-female flight.
As we navigate through rapid-fire questions, Josh shares his favorites in the airline industry, including the best customer service, food, and the most comfortable options for long-haul flights in coach. He even reveals whether he is a member of the Mile High Club!
We also delve into his numerous achievements, including multiple awards in the aviation space, and discuss the challenges he faces as a critic, including contentious encounters with airline staff. Getting personal, Josh opens up about some of his most notable incidents and how he maintains integrity in his reviews.
Looking ahead, we discuss Josh’s future aspirations and the evolution of airline travel and vlogging post-pandemic. So buckle up and enjoy this long episode - perfect listening for your next long-haul flight!
Follow Josh Cahill's airline reviews and travel experiences at:
https://www.youtube.com/@JoshCahill
https://gotravelyourway.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gotravelyourway
https://x.com/gotravelyourway
For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

S2, Ep 5: Horn of Africa Part Three - Eritrea
The Young Pioneer Podcast
02/08/24 • 54 min
On this inaugural 2024 episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, we open with an interview with YPT CEO and Founder Gareth Johnson to discuss a number of exciting, new tours just recently announced for this year. After speaking with Gareth, host Justin Martell debuts his interview with YPT's local travel partner in the reclusive horn of Africa nation of Eritrea, referred to by some as the "North Korea of Africa."
For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

S1, Ep 8: Felix Abt on Being a Capitalist in North Korea
The Young Pioneer Podcast
04/08/23 • 78 min
Felix Abt is a business expert on North Korea currently based in Vietnam. Abt was one of the first foreign businessmen to seek and do business in Kim Jong Il's North Korea, where he lived between 2002 to 2009 consulting and advising on business development within the country. He is also the author of the fascinating memoir "A Capitalist in North Korea: My Seven Years in the Hermit Kingdom." On this episode, Gareth and Justin are joined by YPT's North Korea tour manager Rowan Beard for a conversation with Felix Abt and delve into everything regarding doing business with one of the most sanctioned countries in the world.
For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

S1, Ep 6: How to Buy Your Own Island & Start Your Own Micronation with Jodie Hill
The Young Pioneer Podcast
04/06/23 • 63 min
On Episode 6 of the Pioneer Podcast, Gareth Johnson and Justin Martell interview Jodie Hill. Jodie Hill is a well-traveled English lawyer who was instrumental in helping to setup the world's first crowdfunded tropical island. She is also the Prime Minister that same Island's micronation, the Principality of Islandia!
For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

S1, Ep 5: The World's Foremost Micronations Scholar Johnny Blair
The Young Pioneer Podcast
04/05/23 • 97 min
On Episode 5 of the Pioneer Podcast, Gareth Johnson and Justin Martell interview Jonny Blair. Blair is a famous travel blogger from Northern Ireland, football fanatic and author/owner of dontstopliving.net. He is the foremost expert on micronations, and on this episode the group share their thoughts on which micronations truly 'count' as a country.
For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

S2, Ep 6: June, 2024 North Korea Travel Update & Dr. Calvin Sun Interview
The Young Pioneer Podcast
06/10/24 • 68 min
The Young Pioneer Podcast Season 2 concludes with a double-header episode! S2, Ep 6 opens with a discussion between host Justin Martell and YPT founder/CEO Gareth Johnson discussing the big question "when will North Korea re-open for tourism?" Recorded YPT's recent research trip to China to meet with our North Korean partners and explore the Sino-Korean border for the first time in four years, which made news among the community of North Korea watchers, the discussion gives a projected timeline for the Hermit Kingdom's re-opening as well as some educated guesses about the future of tourism in North Korea.
Following Gareth’s interview, Justin talks with YPT friend and travel partner Dr. Calvin Sun. Calvin is both an ER doctor in New York City and travel agent. Through his company Monsoon Diaries, he has partnered with YPT on many tours for well over a decade. In the interview, recorded in Mogadishu, Somalia, Justin and Calvin discuss Calvin's new book "The Monsoon Diaries: A Doctor’s Journey of Hope and Healing from the ER Frontlines to the Far Reaches of the World," available now from Harper Horizon.
For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

S1, Ep 4: Dr. Joe Terwilliger on Meeting Kim Jong Un with Dennis Rodman
The Young Pioneer Podcast
04/04/23 • 74 min
Our guest on Episode 4 of the Pioneer Podcast is Dr. Joseph Terwilliger. Dr. Joe is a geneticist, professor of neurobiology at Columbia University Medical Center, and a classically trained tuba player! However, our listners might be more familiar with Dr. Joe from seeing him alongside NBA superstar Dennis Rodman on his multiple trips to North Korea for his basketball diplomacy projects and meetings with its leader Marshal Kim Jong Un. Fluent in the North Korean dialect, Chosunmal, Dr. Joe served as Dennis' Korean translator in North Korea and worked with him again during Dennis' appearance at the 2018 North Korea–United States Singapore Summit. How does a Columbia University Medical Professor and tuba player from New York end up meeting the leader of the Hermit Kingdom, alongside one of the most flamboyant NBA players of all time? Find out that and more in Episode 4 of the Pioneer Podcast.
For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

S2, Ep 4: Horn of Africa Part Two - Somaliland
The Young Pioneer Podcast
12/06/23 • 47 min
On this episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, we kick things off by interviewing YPT's newest staff member Morgan Bourven, discussing his background and current focus on our cruise tours. After talking with Morgan, we continue our Horn of Africa series with a field recording of host Justin Martell's conversation with our local tour partner in the unrecognized sovereign state of Somaliland. As usual, Martell provides updates on YPT's upcoming tours to Mali, Burkina Faso and Angola.
For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

S2, Ep 3: Horn of Africa Part One - Djibouti
The Young Pioneer Podcast
10/10/23 • 31 min
On this episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, YPT guide Justin Martell brings listeners Part One of a three-part series recorded during our recent Horn of Africa tour. Covering Djibouti, Somaliland Eritrea and Mogadishu, our Horn of Africa tour provides travelers with an affordable and safe way to visit one of Africa's most geo-politically complex regions. In addition to an interview with YPT's local guide about Djibouti and its growing tourism sector, Martell also provides updates on North Korea travel and popular upcoming tours, such as the return of our one-of-a-kind Least Visited Countries Tour.
For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Young Pioneer Podcast have?
The Young Pioneer Podcast currently has 20 episodes available.
What topics does The Young Pioneer Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Backpacking, Adventure Travel, Budget Travel, Podcasts and Travel.
What is the most popular episode on The Young Pioneer Podcast?
The episode title 'S2, Ep 6: June, 2024 North Korea Travel Update & Dr. Calvin Sun Interview' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Young Pioneer Podcast?
The average episode length on The Young Pioneer Podcast is 69 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Young Pioneer Podcast released?
Episodes of The Young Pioneer Podcast are typically released every 12 days, 4 hours.
When was the first episode of The Young Pioneer Podcast?
The first episode of The Young Pioneer Podcast was released on Apr 1, 2023.
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