Travel With Meaning
In this episode of the Travel with Meaning podcast, we sit down with Michaela Guzy, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, travel journalist, and founder of Oh The People You Meet. Michaela’s global adventures have taken her to 120 countries, from the savannas of Africa to the lakes of Northern Michigan. In this episode, Michaela shares incredible stories, from navigating lost luggage with the help of social media to summiting mountains and encountering wildlife up close. Michaela dives into her passion for sustainable travel and the human connections she’s made across the globe. She...
info_outline Cooking With Aloha: Lee Anne Wong's Journey from NYC to HawaiʻiTravel With Meaning
In Episode 119 of the Travel With Meaning podcast, we are thrilled to host Chef Lee Anne Wong, a culinary visionary known for her impactful journey from New York City's fine dining scene to the vibrant food culture of Maui. Chef Wong, a Top Chef alumna, shares her incredible story of moving to Hawaiʻi, opening Koko Head Cafe and eventually planting roots in Maui. After the devastating 2023 wildfire that claimed her Lahaina restaurant, Chef Wong's resilience and dedication shone through as she tirelessly supported her community, cooking thousands of meals daily for displaced residents. She...
info_outline Living Aloha: Maui’s Influence on Top Chefs & People Around the WorldTravel With Meaning
In this special episode of the Travel With Meaning podcast, host Mike Schibel brings you a unique blend of conversations with renowned chefs and a talented local musician from Maui. They highlight the depth of Maui’s culinary and cultural richness, reveal how Maui has impacted their lives, and share their stories of community resilience after the Lahaina wildfires. Recorded at the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, join us as we chat with, Chef Maneet Chauhan, Chef Stephanie Izard, Chef Jonathan Pasion from Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, and Chef Ryan Schelling from Four Seasons Resort...
info_outline Beauty Beyond Borders: Shalini Vadhera's Inspirational StoryTravel With Meaning
In episode 117, we welcome Shalini Vadhera, a renowned global beauty expert and entrepreneur. Shalini's journey from a celebrity makeup artist to a leading figure in the beauty industry is truly inspiring. She shares her experiences growing up with a multicultural background and traveling the world, which shaped her unique perspective on beauty. Shalini discusses her brand, Ready, Set, Jet, aimed at empowering women through inclusive beauty solutions and entrepreneurship. Join us as Shalini reveals the beauty secrets she's discovered globally and her commitment to celebrating diversity. This...
info_outline Behind the Lens: Danny Lee's Passion for People, Places, and Meaningful StoriesTravel With Meaning
In episode 116, we are thrilled to host visionary filmmaker and storyteller Danny Lee, whose work has profoundly impacted the arts and travel landscape. Danny's journey began with his passion for hip hop, street art, and sports, which he seamlessly wove into a thriving filmmaking career. He takes us behind the scenes of his latest PBS project, "," highlighting unsung heroic artists across America and showcasing the transformative power of art in healing communities and catalyzing change. Danny recounts his experiences, from a life-changing trip to Taiwan to a trip early in his professional...
info_outline Celebrating Seattle Part 3Travel With Meaning
Part 3 of our "Celebrating Seattle" series culminated in gathering our community of like-minded travelers, eager to hear the captivating travel tales and deep affection for Seattle from James Beard Award nominee Chef Kristi Brown of Communion Restaurant in Seattle's Central District. Recorded at Kinn Venice amidst a live audience comprising media, influencers, travel advisors, and travel enthusiasts. Chef Kristi illuminated how her passion for Seattle's rich and diverse cultures ignited her curiosity to delve into the city and fuel her culinary ingenuity. Her favorite dish might...
info_outline Celebrating Seattle Part 2Travel With Meaning
In part two of our special series “Celebrating Seattle” in collaboration with TWM podcast host Mike Schibel is joined again by the acclaimed bilingual travel journalist For any traveler, the heart of a destination lies within its people and community. We had the privilege of connecting with remarkable small business owners within the Hispanic, Latino, and BIPOC communities. Exploring hidden treasures, perhaps not yet on the visitor map but beloved by locals, was a true delight. We enjoyed a fantastic cup of coffee on a quintessential cozy Seattle morning at the , where we had the...
info_outline Celebrating Seattle Part1Travel With Meaning
We’re excited to kick off a special three-part podcast series “Celebrating Seattle” in collaboration with . Our friend , an award-winning bilingual travel journalist and TV host, joins TWM podcast host Mike Schibel to explore some of Seattle’s iconic attractions and connect with small business owners in the vibrant Hispanic, Latino, and BIPOC communities. Our adventure in Seattle took place during the cozy season, arguably one of the best times to visit the Pacific Northwest with its mellow vibes, lush scenery, and welcoming locals. Never heard of the cozy season? We suggest giving it...
info_outline Episode 112: Mickela MallozziTravel With Meaning
On episode 112 we talk with Mickela Mallozzi the four-time Emmy® Award-winning Host and Executive Producer of Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi, a travel series highlighting the diversity of dance which airs on PBS stations nationwide and on Amazon Prime globally. A professional dancer and trained musician, Mickela decided to start a journey around the world, taking her camera with her to follow dance in the lives of everyday people wherever she went. From re-discovering her family’s heritage in Southern Italy to dancing tango on the main stage in Buenos Aires, the...
info_outline Episode 111: Jeff JenkinsTravel With Meaning
In episode 111, we sit down with Jeff Jenkins, the host of on Nat Geo and Disney+, a motivational speaker, and the creative mind behind @ a platform inspiring individuals of all sizes to explore the globe. Jeff's journey began with his first flight to Japan in his early twenties, a pivotal moment that transformed his life forever. During our conversation, Jeff delves into the stories behind his Never Say Never episodes and recounts his pivotal "AHA moment" when he realized his dream of combining travel with earning a living. Jeff's journey with Chubby Diaries exemplifies his commitment to...
info_outlineIn this episode, we talk about Scot's passion for travel and how it lead to launching the Travel Academy. An initiative with State Bags and Puzzle International to provide the opportunity of travel for young adults from disadvantaged neighborhoods. Travel With Meaning podcast host, Mike Schibel was lucky enough to be a last-minute addition to the inaugural Travel Academy trip in California and even earned a special nickname. The Travel Academy California adventure was turned into a short film premiering on October 2, 2022, online. Click here to see the inspiring trailer of the film.
More about Scot Tatelman:
Scot defines the term ‘social entrepreneur’ and has made it his life’s work to balance profitable business ventures with making the world a better place. In 2005, he collaborated with The Mark Wahlberg Foundation and The Boys and Girls Club to create Camp Northbound - a residential camp for kids growing up in the inner cities of Boston. Following its success, Scot set out to build a similar program for kids in New York City’s most underfunded communities, creating Camp Power. In fourteen years, the volunteer-based nonprofit organization provided life-changing experiences, positive role models and college scholarships to thousands of kids. After seeing many Camp Power kids carrying their belongings in ripped trash bags, he and his wife founded STATE Bags - a Brooklyn-born bag brand that uses the power of business to give back and support American children and families in need, in the ways they need it most. He has worked to evolve their charitable model through STATE's innovative giving initiatives and #WhatDoWeTellTheKids platform and recently launched a consulting company to help build out the company's charitable and giving efforts. Scot is a graduate of UVM and a Boston native, he currently resides in Northern California with his wife, two kids, and dog, Bird.
This could be one of our favorite and most inspiring episodes ever!