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Recent episodes
Death and Taxes
Apr 23, 2026
Unknown duration
Svalbard
Apr 9, 2026
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Travel Through The Senses
Mar 26, 2026
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King of Comedy
Mar 12, 2026
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Wuthering Heights
Feb 26, 2026
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/23/26 |  Death and Taxes | Hello :) It was one of those ideas that suddenly came to me when I was lying in bed, having been seeded I think by a conversation I'd had with one of my travel content creator friends, Hayley, about how much it cost to live at home in the UK and how much less expensive it is to travel. I said I'd written a blog post about that very issue back in 2015 but that it probably needed updating and anyway it would make a better pod. So here we are. Stick two other vaguely related topics with it, one of which I also wrote a blog post about in 2015, and Bob's Your Nepo-Parent, as it were. Content Warning: It … all turned out quite less cheerful than I was anticipating. And to anticipate comments, no I do not have a terminal illness. I'm just … dour! Topics discussed in this episode are: Part One: Housekeeping * It's getting sunny; Laura is unimpressed * I'm a professional comedian? * I've been writing blog posts Part Two: The Costs Of Staying At Home And Not Travelling * You can't just leave if you own a house * I own a house, for a given definition of house * How much it costs me to have a house * How much cheaper it is to travel * But I can't do that Part Three: Older People Can Backpack Too * Travelling is a young person's game? Nah * You can afford to travel, and tweak the way you do it * The older you are the more you change your wants and needs * Self-Comfortable-ness * Respect v Invisibility * Barefoot Backpackers Just Want To Have Fun ... * ... while they can Part Four: Responsibilities * Making a Will * Your legacy is your impact on the world * Self-responsibility and self-care are important * Leaving the world a better place for the children you don't have * My retirement plan, to go out with a bang A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topics, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. There are no contributions in this pod, although Amanda of "The Thoughtful Travel Pod" provided my cold open, and yes, of course, V drops in a quick word. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 4/9/26 |  Svalbard | Hello :) Last year, off the back of my 100th country visit to Norway, I spent three nights in Svalbard, one of the most northern archipelagos in the world. Though I wasn't there for long, I felt it was an interesting place to do a podcast about, covering history, wildlife, culture, and of course the ethical aspect of travelling to somewhere like that in the first place. Not a spoiler: I did not see a polar bear. Topics discussed in this episode are: Parts One and Two: Housekeeping and Introduction Part Three: Overview * So remote even the Vikings didn't go there * Whale-hunting, fur-trapping, Wild West Mining Towns, and how they became Norwegian * Svalbard v Spitsbergen * How its different from Norway * Population un-Density Part Four: Wildlife & Environment * This is the land of the Polar Bear * Birds, but not in winter * Longyearbyen feels very small from above * There are no trees, only scree Part Five: Things To Do In Longyearbyen * The Airport is surprisingly insta-ready * The Seed Vault * Museums * The world's most northerly brewery (and why it only dates from 2015) * You don't come here to die * What do you mean 'Shoes are Banned'?! * The Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights Part Six: Ethical Travel * The notable effects of Climate Change * Cruise Ships and the dichotomy of tourism v environment * How locals view tourists * What some businesses are doing for sustainability * Eating local means eating whale and seal * The transient nature of the population * Visit Svalbard's tips for ethical tourism Part Seven: What I did when I was there * A local orientation tour * Hiking Sarkofagen * Local Beer * Sailing along Billefjorden * Accommodation in Longyearbyen * Did I visit ethically? Part Eight: Final Thoughts A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topics, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. There is a contribution in this pod from my friend Julie, who blogs at "I Am A Polar Bear", which is an apt name for someone who's also been to Svalbard. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 3/26/26 |  Travel Through The Senses | Hello :) In a recent podcast episode, I talked about aesthetics a lot, and I occasionally touched on the idea of 'senses'. I figured it made sense therefore to do a full podcast on it, on how you, I, everyone uses their senses while travelling, and whether our senses affect how we travel, and the experiences we gain through them. Consider, too, how our memories of a place, of a trip, live in the senses, and we can easily be reminded of them if the same senses are activated in the same way after the event. So here's an episode on how senses affect us while travelling, and how we use them to experience our trips. Topics discussed in this episode are: Parts One and Two: Housekeeping and Introduction Part Three: Sight and Vision * Travel is very visual * What makes a good 'sight' * Photography * Being Blind (Part One) Part Four: Sound and Hearing * Loud v Quiet sleep spots * Changes in sound intensity - eg cathedrals in busy cites * Is what you hear what you'd expect to hear * The difference in sounds between home and abroad * Diversity Part Five: Smell * People don't think about smell until it hits them * Spices and food * Out of place aromas * Underground railways * Personal hygiene and busy hostel dorms Part Six: Taste * The cultural aspects of food * Coffee * Cuisines around the world * People have different tastes * The textures of food Part Seven: Touch and Texture * The feel of buildings and trees * Things you touch in everyday living * Home décor * The weather * Being Blind (Part Two) * Barefoot Backpacking Part Eight: Proprioception, Movement, and Spatial Awareness * The sense of balance * Travel-sickness * Ways to walk through a city * Getting lost * Alcohol Part Nine: Timing * Judging how long a journey will take * Being angsty if you don't know when or where you are * Liminal spaces * Jet-lag * Relativistic effects of busy days * Being driven blindfolded Part Ten: Conclusion A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topics, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. There are no contributions in this pod, but V provides the introduction. Singing, no less. Sort of! Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 3/12/26 |  King of Comedy | Hello :) So this podcast is mostly concerned with my recent introduction to, and experience of, stand-up comedy, and includes the audio recording of my actual performance. Topics discussed in this episode are: Part One: Overview and an Interview with V * Who came to watch me perform * The difference between spoken word and stand-up comedy * The difference between practice and performing live * What the comedy course consisted of * Comedian etiquette and callbacks * Practice makes perfect * The other performers * How I was on stage * The Future Part Two: My routine * What is asexuality * That bloody flag * Why is an asexual on a gay hookup site? * Hookup profiles * Some people find Matt Hancock sexy Part Three: Queer Diary * People knew who I was before I did * Is it better to have loved and lost than to be lonely? * I have no idea how to flirt Part One * Teenage Emos * I have no idea how to flirt Part Two * My mother never understood me * I have always been asexual A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topics, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. There are no contributions, aside from my friend V at the start of the pod, because she's still my default option. Here she's quoting a line from 80s pop band Fatal Charm's song "King of Comedy", which might refer to the film of the same name. It's hard to tell. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 2/26/26 |  Wuthering Heights | Hello :) Another really obvious podcast episode, and one I'm surprised I hadn't yet done, though it did, of course, require finally reading the novel. I live about 6 miles south of Wuthering Heights, over the wily, windy moors, and the recent movie adaptation, the thousandth of many, has brought it all back into the public eye, so it made sense to talk about the moorland setting, the location and inspiration for the houses, and why it's not the romantic location (or indeed storyline) that certain elements of pop-culture have made it sound. Topics discussed in this episode are: Parts One and Two: Housekeeping and a brief plotline to the novel 'Wuthering Heights' * What Stand-Up Comedy might lead me to * My 'A'-Level History course * Heathcliff/Catherine/Hindley are not nice people * Who is Heathcliff anyway * Revenge is a dish best served with an awful lot of money * Everyone dies of exposure * Same story, same names, different generation * Memes Part Three: Out on the wily, windy moors * Bleak, muddy, grey, damp, and needs walking boots * What is a moor anyway * Saddleworth Moor, a place of death * Midgley Moor, a place of death * "On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at", a place of ... you get the idea Part Four: Where is Wuthering Heights anyway? * Top Withens is not it * Ponden Hall might be it * High Sunderland Hall might have been it * Shibden Hall could be Thurcross Grange * Ponden Kirk is definitely in the novel A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topics, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. There are no contributions, aside from my friend V at the start of the pod doing what V does best, which is helping me out with last-minute short contributions! Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 2/5/26 |  The Ballad of Lucie Schwob | Hello :) Well, this isn't going to be the most cheerful episode I've ever produced, but we are where we are. Oh, not me, I mean the topic. This episode talks about the German Occupation of the Channel Islands in World War II, a couple of museums that go into detail about it, and how a combination of unexpected effects led accidentally to creating a story which became a really obvious episode to record. Topics discussed in this episode are: Parts One and Two: Housekeeping and the History of the Occupation * How it feels to be on ADHD medication * Where and what are the Channel Islands? * The easiest invasion imaginable * Life under occupation * The lack of a large resistance movement * How the Allies ignored them until the last moment * You might find the truths swept under the rug Part Three: Museums * The German fortification tunnels and the Jersey War Museum * Interactions between Germans and locals * Resistance and collaboration * The transition to liberation as depicted by ceiling lights * The Jersey Museum and its building's dubious past * Liberation Day and the lack of discussion about the occupation * The Occupation Tapestry * Should I stay or should I go? Part Four: The Ballad of Lucie Schwob * I don't know what you are but you're obviously Queer * Is this what lesbian looks like? * No * French artistic types are always interesting people * Resistance because and despite who you are * We are stronger together A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topics, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. There are no contributions, aside from my friend Kira at the start of the pod doing what Kira does best. They have a WhatsApp voicenote for almost every situation. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 1/24/26 |  What's The Worst That Can Happen? | Hello :) Yeh, it's been a while. There's reasons for that. So here's a brief overview of what I've been up to. I talk about places I've been, things I've done, medication I haven't taken, and people I haven't snogged. Topics discussed in this episode are: Part One: Housekeeping * WTM and Traverse Creator Awards * Premier Inns are how much?!? * Trips to Freiburg, Nottingham, and Jersey * An introduction to Elvanse, my given ADHD medication Part Two: King of Comedy * Making People Laugh: Primary School Edition * My Comedy Inspirations * What I've done after two lessons in stand-up comedy * Queer Humour and being a stereotype * But People Like Me Anyway A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topics, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. There are no contributions, aside from my friend Kira at the start of the pod telling me how Kirkby-in-Ashfield has changed over recent years. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 11/20/25 |  Travel Blogging – Politics, Aesthetics, and Social Culture | Hello :) Here's another episode where I run with three ideas and make a small to-microphone editorial. This one's all about Travel Blogging - the ethics, aesthetics, and social culture of it. It was inspired partly by a trip to WTM London, and partly by a post on Instagram. Topics discussed in this episode are: Part One: The Politics of Travel Blogging * The layout of WTM * The stalls that went big ... * ... the stalls that went small, or not at all * Can we be ethical and still speak to certain tourist boards ... * ... and does anyone really care if we are or not? Part Two: The Aesthetics of Travel Blogging * Selfies rule * People like people, and people like to see people * Am I authentically The Barefoot Backpacker? * How authentic is anyone when they create their aesthetic? * The Instagram Husband * Every Picture Tells A Story * Why I take so many photos Part Three: The Social Culture of Travel Blogging * The Pre-Social Media Times * Twitter Travel Chats * Online Forums * Engagement Pods * Who is a Travel Blogger's Audience and what if it's Other Travel Bloggers? * Accidental Audiences and Communities - do they matter? A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topics, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. The two Instagram accounts I refer to are Paulina_on_the_Road and GeorgiaRoseHardy. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 10/30/25 |  Caribbean on a Budget Part Two | Hello :) Back in June 2025 I travelled to the Caribbean for the first time, along with my regular travel companion Laura. Now, one might ask, why is a non-swimming easily-bored less-than-aesthetic enby with Celtic skin (and all the sun resistance *that* doesn't entail) spending two weeks in the Caribbean? Wasn't four days in Maldives enough to satisfy the tropical beach itch? Well, apparently not. Apart from getting to 100 Countries in 50 Years, we were interested to see if it were even possible to travel independently, slowly, and locally, through the region they way most holidaymakers don't. Because we're trend-setters, and on a budget. Just like we attempted in Maldives, but with more islands and more countries involved. As it turns out, I had a lot to talk about so this trip is spread over two consecutive podcast episodes. Otherwise you'd be listening to me talk for two hours. If that's what you want me to do, hire me, damnit! Topics discussed in this episode are: * Laura is leaving me! * Upcoming London trips * Dominica is green and full of hills * Roseau is not very big * Walking and visiting another sulphur spring * Barbados Airport Is Lacking One Key Feature And It Surprised Me * A quite touristy end to the trip * Impressions of all the islands * Can you visit the Caribbean on a budget? A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topics, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 10/18/25 |  Caribbean on a Budget Part One | Hello :) Back in June 2025 I travelled to the Caribbean for the first time, along with my regular travel companion Laura. Now, one might ask, why is a non-swimming easily-bored less-than-aesthetic enby with Celtic skin (and all the sun resistance *that* doesn't entail) spending two weeks in the Caribbean? Wasn't four days in Maldives enough to satisfy the tropical beach itch? Well, apparently not. Apart from getting to 100 Countries in 50 Years, we were interested to see if it were even possible to travel independently, slowly, and locally, through the region they way most holidaymakers don't. Because we're trend-setters, and on a budget. Just like we attempted in Maldives, but with more islands and more countries involved. As it turns out, I had a lot to talk about so this trip is spread over two consecutive podcast episodes. Otherwise you'd be listening to me talk for two hours. If that's what you want me to do, hire me, damnit! Topics discussed in this episode are: * It's getting dark * Why did we choose the Caribbean * Issues with inter-island travel * An underwhelming arrival in Saint Lucia * Fort Vieux and Laborie * Three days in Soufriere - beaches and sulphur springs * Castries isn't a pretty city * Two very dour days in Martinique A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topics, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
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| 10/2/25 |  100 Countries In 50 Years | Hello :) So, in August I hit both my 100th country and my 50th birthday - I arrived in Norway with three days to spare. Given these two momentous milestones, I figured it made sense to do a podcast that covered, well, at least my country count. We don't need to talk about my ever-advancing age. I had originally planned to do a pod looking at each of my countries by first visit, and a brief synopsis of how I felt on that first visit. But then I realised that would take quite a long time, would feel a tad repetitive, and would get quite boring really. So instead I got my friend V to ask me questions about my visiting 100 countries. A couple of those questions are standard and cheesy, a couple are really quite random (but that's what you get when you crowdsource from teenagers), and a couple are quite deep and thoughtful. Very few of them are what you expect. Topics discussed in this episode are: * A brief recap of my recent ultramarathon * Christmas trees * I've been to 100 countries, but what *is* a country? And what isn't? * The obligatory rant about borders * Colonialism and poverty tourism * Not everywhere is great but be careful how you phrase it * Good manners and showing respect * Food culture and putting things in your mouth that maybe you shouldn't (not a euphemism) * Best, worst, and most off-brand countries * What next? * The joy of toilets around the world * Where to survive a zombie apocalypse * The most 'human' place in the world A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topics, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. I was interviewed by the lovely Victoria Pearson, but you can call her V. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 9/18/25 |  Five Days In South India | Hello :) Laura has been bugging me to talk about our trip to India earlier this year for a while, and because Past Me was always intending to pod it, they did travel diary voice recordings on a near-daily basis to provide a basic framework, or in fact to just use as the pod. Anyway, the trip was across a little of Southern India, starting in Kochi and taking in the Kerala Backwaters, an overnight train, and the two temple-centric cities of Madurai and Thanjavur. This had us visiting the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Due to the nature of the recordings, quality cannot be guaranteed to be consist'nt. Topics discussed in this episode are: * I have ADHD. Who'd've thunked it?! * Admin and immigration to India is more interesting than you'd imagine * Food and drink in Kochi * Three Hours on the Kerala Backwaters probably isn't enough * The Obligatory McDonalds * Overnighting on an Indian train is comfortably and pleasantly underwhelming * A day in Madurai, being frustrated by temples * A peaceful daytime train to Thanjavur * The joys of suburban hotels: Becoming the GPS we always wanted to be - Part One * Finally, a good temple experience * We Still Don't Speak Tamil: Becoming the GPS we always wanted to be - Part Two * The delightful experience of a non-touristy backstreet restaurant A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topics, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. Three-Quarters of this podcast is made up of daily summary conversations recorded at the time between me and my friend Laura, so I guess that counts as her contributing! Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 9/5/25 |  Do You Remember The First Time? | Hello :) This episode is the first example of something new I'm going to develop - storytelling vignettes. Three or four little pieces, connected only by the vaguest of theme, telling little stories about my travel past that are too short for a full episode. Over time I hope they'll develop and become much more 'storylike' rather than what feel like 5-10 minute podcast extracts. The three vignettes this time are: * My first international backpacking adventure (1994) * My first backpacker hostel experience (2012 or maybe not) * My first flight (1986) A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topics, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. I wish to thank my penpal Jelena for the introduction and for her contribution in vignette one. In addition. during the episode, I promote the Deck Of Many Aces actual-play D&D podcast. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 7/10/25 |  How Not To Run An UltraMarathon | Hello :) This episode (a bit delayed) is all about the Ultramarathon I entered and attempted in May 2025. It is, very much, an example of 'I do these things so you don't have to'. Topics discussed in this episode are: * Why I thought about doing an Ultra-Marathon * What *is* an ultra-marathon anyway? * How I trained for my ultra, and how you *should* train for an ultra * Obligatory kit to take on an ultra, and why you need it * How I felt running the first half of the ultra * (An advert for the Barefoot Festival) * How I felt running the second half of the ultra * How I physically felt having finished the ultra * Food and drink, and sustenace you need to be aware of, while running an ultra * Why failing to finish an ultra isn't a bad thing at all * Thoughts about privilege in being able to run an ultra * Lessons Learned A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topic, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. Here are details of the ultra that I attemped And here is a link to the results of my race, based on the trackers Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 4/24/25 |  "Tourist or Traveller": a chat with Amanda Kendle | Hello :) A month or so ago, Amanda Kendle had a natter with me, so she could make an episode of her Thoughtful Travel Podcast. Now that's gone live, I'm using the same interview to make my own version. We chatted for about 100 minutes in total - both our episodes are edited highlights! The discussion we had was a general one around travel, framed by a Buzzfeed quiz she found online. Because we're both Gen-X and still surf the web like it's 2007. But we used the questions to delve (a great word, sadly much maligned) deeper into the subjects raised. Topics discussed in this episode are: * Feeling low - ultramarathon blues or just the world being rotten? * "Why do you travel?" * "How do you think about budgeting for your trip?" * "What type of accommodation do you normally go for?" * "How long do you usually go away for?" * "What do you normally eat when you travel?" * "How do you usually pack for a trip?" * "How do you normally spend your time travelling" * "How do you usually feel after a trip?" * So are we tourists or travellers? A PDF transcript of this podcast is not yet available, because admin. As always, if you have anything to say about the topic, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. Amanda's edit of this chat can be found here. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 4/10/25 |  Comfort Zones, or: "Their 'Nope' Might Be Your Tuesday" | Hello :) So, this podcast is all about comfort zones, primarily but not exclusively, in travel. I look at what they are, why people stay in them, how you can break them comfortably, and talk about times I've broken my own comfort zones, with both good and bad outcomes. Because that's what makes good travel experiences, right? Topics discussed in this episode are: * The British Guild of Travel Writers AGM * Standing on a stage, barefoot and vulnerable, reading teenage diaries * What is a comfort zone? * Language and culture are comfort zones to many * Personal Identity * Don't you just love being in control?! * The beneficial role of travel influencers * Breaking your comfort zone in five easy steps * Little things you can do: solo travel, new foods, local events * The beneficial role of bucket lists * When Comfort Zones Break You (Italy 2002) * People like it when things go wrong for other people (as long as they're safe) * What are my limits? * "The Barefoot Backpacker. No luggage, no shoes, no plan. What could possibly go right?" A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topic, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. Contributions in this pod come from Amanda Kendle and Curious Claire. I ought also to link to Becky The Owlet's blog too, given she got a shoutout. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 3/27/25 |  Maldives on a Budget | Hello :) In March 2025, me and my travel buddy Laura surprisingly went to Maldives for four nights. Given I'm a budget backpacker who can't swim and gets bored easily, we figured it would make a great concept for a podcast. Very few people think of Maldives as a budget backpacker destination, and we thought we'd talk about how we managed to visit without spending the world. Topics discussed in this episode are: * Why on earth would I go to Maldives * Maldives is small, flat, hot, and ... full of Russians? * Budget travel around Maldives * Two nights on Gulhi Island - mainly on the beach * Budget accommodation in Maldives * Eating on a budget in Maldives * Travelling during Ramadan (!) * Visiting Malé * What our budget was for our trip A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topic, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 3/13/25 |  Festivals (Music and Beer) | Hello :) This podcast is on Festivals, and as we're coming up to the season where people are likely planning their summer, this feels quite pertinent. It came off the back of my episode from last year about Travelling For Music, where I got a couple of contribs that made me think a dedicated episode on festivals would be a good idea. Topics discussed in this episode are: * The weather in 2012 * The delights of camping * My history of attenting festivals (Off The Tracks, Cropredy, Barefoot) * Music festivals in town centres * Local beer festivals * The Great British Beer Festival * Volunteering at festivals * The price and future of festivals A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topic, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. Contributions in this pod come from Lucy (Absolutely Lucy), Fizz (On The Fly Blog), and two friends (Viv and Peter) Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 2/27/25 |  In which I realise why Paraguay has few guidebooks dedicated to it | Hello :) This episode details the second half of my 2-week backpacking trip around South America in October 2024 - this one covers Iguzau Falls and Paraguay. Because everyone wants to go to Paraguay. Topics discussed in this episode are: * Admin caused by a lost phone * The Jesuit Ruins of Argentina and Paraguay * The German influence of SE Paraguay * Iguazu Falls (both sides) * Ciudad del Este and the absence of the Brazil border * Asunción is interesting (derog.) A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topic, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. There are no contributions in this podcast, and the intro noise is the sound of the Devil's Throat (Argentina Side) at Iguazu Falls. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 2/13/25 |  Tango In The Night | Hello :) This episode details the first half of my 2-week backpacking trip around South America in October 2024 - this one covers Uruguay and Buenos Aires. The rest of the trip will follow in my next episode. My voice doesn't really sound that great today, and I'm not quite sure why. Topics discussed in this episode are: * I went to Chester to meet my mother! * Why did I go to South America? * First impressions of Montevideo * The old town, the promenade, and the street market * My accommodation in Montevideo * Uruguayan cash flow issues * Colonia del Sacramento * San Telmo and the pub that trolls * The Parisian aesthetic of Buenos Aires * How aroace dyspraxics get to dance the Tango A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topic, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. There are no contributions in this podcast, but the intro was recorded by someone called Dorhel in San Telmo market, and posted to FreeSound.org. I don't have any recordings of Tango. Listen to the pod to find out why! Also, in case you're interested. here's Sasha Cagen's website and Tango discussions. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 1/30/25 |  Luxury Travel | Hello :) This episode is about Luxury Travel. This isn't a topic that comes naturally to barefoot backpackers in general, but sometimes even we put on our metaphorical shoes and drink free champagne. Topics discussed in this episode are: * Running Training & Rate of Percieved Exertion * Future potential backpacking trips * What it means to be a 'barefoot' backpacker * Flying business class on Air Europa from South America * Short-haul business class travel isn't really worth it * Flying business class on Emirates from Sri Lanka is * We need a middle ground option - like a train * First Class on UK Trains is nothing special * Eurostar is nice I suppose * Business hotels * Afternoon Tea, but not yet at the Ritz * {bonus} Helicopter Rides over a volcano - the ultimate luxury experience A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topic, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. Contributions in this episode come from Kate-Frankie, Amanda Kendle, and Curious Claire. In addition, my VA, Victoria Pearson, can be found here. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 1/16/25 |  Vienna Calling | Hello :) This podcast comes off the back of another press-trip I was sent on by Jet2. This time me and Laura went to Austria to explore the Christmas Markets. While we were there we did a few other things, not all of which involved alcohol. Topics discussed in this episode are: * Pills and Snow * What is a Christmas Market anyway * Our impressions of six of them * Things to eat and drink * Things to do at and around the markets * Schönbrunn Palace * A Night At The Opera * Lots of dead musicians * How to ride the U-Bahn A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topic, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. There are no contributions in this episode. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 12/28/24 |  Repositioning | Hello :) Yeh, I've not podded for a while. Had an existential crisis. Still have. It's fine. Conditional normal. With fog patches. Rising slowly. This episode is all about me, a couple of events I've been to in the past couple of months, and how my content might change in scope going forward. Because I am the UK's leading AroAce Non-Binary Gen-X Travel and Lifestyle Blogger. Arguably. Topics discussed in this episode are: * Small things I did in November * The Traverse Creator Awards 2024 * What is the World Travel Market (WTM)? * What I should do at WTM v what I actually do * My niches * Attending WTM as a non-binary travel blogger * Getting old * Being assumed female in a pub A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topic, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. There are no contributions in this episode, however I nicked from my appearance on Amanda Kendle's podcast her opening and closing remarks either side of my contrib. Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 10/10/24 |  Reddit Travel Topic Discussion | Hello :) This is an episode I've been meaning to do for about three years, but for mainly logistical reasons, this is the first chance I've had. The original idea came from the lifestyle podcast Sounds Fake But Okay; whenever they get stuck for content they scour the AITA forums on Reddit, and similar content in other places, to highlight allonormativity and generally go 'NTA, dump him'. I figured I could do the same for this pod, but looking at things more travel-related, ecen if there's less content about that. However it's not the sort of episode that works well with just one person as it sounds like I'm just being bitter and ranty. So, my friend V was more than happy to help get involved. Even though she's not an ardent traveller. Topics discussed in this episode are: * I'm going to South America * Running update * Reclining seats on aeroplanes * Be nice to your flight crew * Yes, you do need to stow your designer handbag * How many photos do you need to take? * How to take a selfie * Does travel broaden the mind or narrow the attitude? * Travel privilege (in brief) * The trouble with defining how to count countries * Do travel bloggers need more accurate visas? * Learned helplessness and weaponised incompetence with travel companions * Foreign Languages * The Bermuda Triangle and Public Information Films * Is 22 too old, or too young, to backpack Europe? A PDF transcript of this podcast is available, largely due to the wonders of open-source AI which saved me several hours of transcription work. As always, if you have anything to say about the topic, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. There are no contributions in this episode, however here's the articles we discussed (assuming they're still up): * Couple banned from Cathay Pacific after seat reclining incident * Passenger evicted from flight following row over handbag * What's the appropriate number of photos to take on a trip? * Traveling the world makes people assholes * Learned Helplessness of my travel companions * Is the Bermuda Triangle still A Thing * Is 22 too old to backpack Europe In addition, I ought to link to: * The Sounds Fake But Okay Podcast * Victoria Pearson's Website Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
| 9/21/24 |  Everywhere Is Interesting | Hello :) I often say "Everywhere Is Interesting", but what do I mean when I say that? What makes a place 'interesting'? Or rather, given any random place in the world, what can make you 'key in' to that location over and above any other? Of course, this could be very personal, or at least subjective, so when I say 'Everywhere Is Interesting', what I mean is that there is something everywhere, in every place, that someone is going to have a connection to, or is related to a hobby or interest that someone has. Topics discussed in this episode are: * Why I was too busy to release this episode on time * A refresher about Hometown Travel * Travel for hobbies and interests * Vicarious travel through music lyrics * Every song and TV series is set somewhere * Travel to film and video locations * Overtourism A PDF transcript of this podcast is available. As always, if you have anything to say about the topic, or indeed about my podcasting in general, leave a comment or let me know. I have a newsletter with extra content, and where I'll be mentioning future podcast episodes if you want to make your own contribution. I also have a Patreon - if you like what you hear, and want to access exclusive content (or just to show your appreciation), then head on over. Contributions in this episode come from: * Amanda, who has a website at Not A Ballerina, * Claire, who blogs at Curious Claire, and * Rebecca, who can be found at Almost Ginger Until next time, bye for now. :) | — | ||||||
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