356 EXTRAORDINARY TRAVEL: Two Kiwi Travelers, Two Extreme Adventures
Release Date: 02/01/2025
BELARUS: Better to be a Dictator than Being Gay??
The Radio Vagabond
In this provocative Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I travel to Belarus – often called “Europe’s last dictatorship” – to uncover the lived reality of life under Alexander Lukashenko. As I meet locals and explore Minsk, I ask a bold question: are there bright sides to this autocratic system? Some people credit the regime with preserving economic stability post-USSR, keeping unemployment low and averting the oligarchic chaos seen elsewhere. They say limited online freedoms – like the ability to access opposition sites – create an illusion of choice. But...
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THAILAND: From Party Street Madness to an Orphanage
The Radio Vagabond
In this Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, we head to Pattaya, Thailand – a place with two drastically different faces. First, I take you down one of the wildest party streets on the planet: Walking Street. It's loud, it's chaotic, and it’s absolutely unforgettable. From neon lights and booming music to all kinds of nightlife, it’s a full-on sensory overload. But just beyond the party scene, I discover another side of Pattaya. I visit a local orphanage and meet some remarkable kids and caretakers who bring a human, heartwarming contrast to the city’s infamous...
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MEMPHIS, USA: I Mentioned My Hometown in Memphis… and Instantly Regretted It
The Radio Vagabond
In this Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I arrive in Memphis, Tennessee – home of the blues, birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, and the city Elvis called home. But things take a slightly awkward turn when I casually mentioned my Danish hometown, Randers, in Graceland… and that got me in trouble. Between the laughs and the local tension, I explore the city’s iconic landmarks, including Beale Street and Graceland. This episode blends cultural contrasts, southern hospitality, and a bit of rock ’n’ roll magic. See pictures and read more on This Flashback Friday...
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CAPE TOWN: They Erased a Vibrant Neighbourhood
The Radio Vagabond
In this powerful episode of The Radio Vagabond, we explore one of Cape Town’s most poignant landmarks: District Six. I begin by chatting with Uber drivers – immigrants from Rwanda, Congo and Malawi – who share what life is really like in the city today. Their stories highlight Cape Town’s beauty and its socio-economic challenges, setting a compelling backdrop for what follows. Then we step into the District Six Museum, where history comes alive through photos, maps and personal testimonies. Once a lively, multi‑ethnic neighbourhood of tens of thousands, it was declared a...
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NOMAD CRUISE: From a Talent Show to Greek Wine – Sailing with Digital Nomads
The Radio Vagabond
In this sun-soaked episode of The Radio Vagabond, I take you aboard my unforgettable journey through the Mediterranean on Nomad Cruise. This time, we dock in Menorca, Malta, and Greece, each offering its own flavor of adventure. In Malta, we wander the charming, historic streets. In Greece, we sip local wine at a boutique winery while soaking in the laid-back vibes of the countryside. And somewhere in between, I find myself stepping out of my comfort zone at the cruise ship’s talent show. This episode is a mix of personal stories, cultural experiences, and the joy of...
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QUEBEC CITY: I Found Europe in North America
The Radio Vagabond
In this Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I travel from the urban buzz of Toronto to the laid-back charm of Québec City – and suddenly feel like I’ve landed in Europe. Cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and a French-speaking population give this Canadian gem an old-world feel unlike anywhere else in North America. I soak in the local culture, cuisine, and character while reflecting on how different this part of Canada feels from the rest. If you’ve never been to Québec, this might just put it at the top of your bucket list. See pictures and read more...
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NICARAGUA: I Went to Visit – and Left a Piece of My Heart
The Radio Vagabond
In this heartfelt Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, I travel through the beautiful landscapes of northern Nicaragua. But this journey was about much more than scenery. Alongside my new friend John Pappas, I visit a local orphanage – and what I found there left a deep impression on me. The children, the caretakers, and the stories shared in that humble place made this visit one of the most emotional experiences of my travels. It’s a reminder that meaningful moments often come in the most unexpected places. See pictures and read more on This Flashback Friday episode...
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BUDAPEST: Michelin Meals, Ruin Bars & Thermal Baths
The Radio Vagabond
In this immersive episode of The Radio Vagabond, we journey to Hungary’s dynamic capital – Budapest. I explore both sides of the Danube: Buda, with its regal history and panoramic views, and Pest, buzzing with cafés, culture, and a nightlife scene that doesn’t sleep. I sample exquisite dishes at Michelin-rated restaurants, take a deep dive into local traditions, and end up in the iconic Szimpla Ruin Bar – a place that’s equal parts bizarre and brilliant. Join me as I wander through thermal baths, meet fascinating locals and tourists, and capture the energy of a city that truly...
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367 A Bluebird in a Baobab: My Conversation with Jeri Lynn Johnson Russell
The Radio Vagabond
In this episode of The Radio Vagabond, I sit down with Jeri Lynn Johnson Russell – a former Pan Am stewardess whose life took a dramatic turn from the skies to the villages of Africa. Over dinner in Cape Town, Jeri shares how her early travels sparked a lifelong love for adventure, how homeopathy became her calling, and how she built deep connections in the rural communities of Botswana, Eswatini, and Ghana. We talk about the lessons she learned in Africa – about generosity, humility, and the power of community. And we reflect on how, no matter where we come from, we’re all guests on...
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366 THANKS META: Verified. Vulnerable. Victimized.
The Radio Vagabond
In this explosive episode of The Radio Vagabond, I share the jaw-dropping story of how my Instagram account was hacked and how Meta's broken support system turned a bad situation into a digital nightmare. From being locked out of my own account to being sent in endless loops of canned replies and case closures, this is the frustrating tale of trying to get real help from a platform that promises support to its verified users – but delivers anything but. Spoiler: it includes 20+ agents, false promises of phone calls, and a hacked account that vanished into thin air. It’s funny, it’s...
info_outlineAt the Extraordinary Travel Festival, I sat down with two incredible travellers: Christian Fleischer and Jonny Beardmore.
Christian Fleischer, a New Zealander working in aviation, recently completed visiting every country in the world, finishing in the Bahamas. He shares what it was like to reach that milestone, plus stories of travelling between five-star luxury and extreme off-the-grid adventures.
Jonny Beardmore, aka The Galápagos Postman, has been delivering 50 handwritten letters worldwide, continuing an old tradition from the Galápagos Islands. From Clown Town, Texas, to an emotional letter for a woman who couldn’t read, his journey is all about human connection – and he’s racing to finish before his big event in London on March 1st.
In this episode, we dive into:
- What it’s like to visit every country in the world
- The wildest places Christian has stayed – luxury and survival travel
- Jonny’s most unbelievable deliveries (fairies, pirates, and lost love!)
- The emotional impact of his mission to fight Motor Neurone Disease
- What’s next for these two extreme travellers
Relevant Links:
Follow The Galápagos Postman on Instagram: @bigoadventures https://www.instagram.com/bigoadventures/
Join The Galapagos Postman Challenge Finish Line Charity Fundraiser Party in London on Saturday, March 1 2025.
Track Jonny’s letter deliveries: Galápagos Postman Map https://z6z.co/galapagos-postman/
Support the fight against Motor Neurone Disease:
- MND NZ https://mnd-new-zealand-fundraise.raisely.com/thegalapagospostmanchallenge2024/
- MND UK https://www.justgiving.com/page/galapagospostmanuk
- Grab a Galápagos Postman t-shirt: TGP Merch https://the-galapagos-postman.teemill.com/
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