Shows
Travel BanterWandering the Panamanian Jungle...A few weeks ago we searched for Oropendola nesting colonies. They are unique birds that nest in groups, high under the tree canopies. The birds live in the jungle of Latin and South America. Their nests resemble long ‘socks’.We did not find them last time. But some mornings, I hear Oropendola calls near our boat. The calls are unmistakable, deep, and distinctive. To me, they sound like a melodic gurgling or bubbling of water through a metallic pipe.The calls tempted me to explore the jungle next door. I found the birds, and I foun...
2025-08-1506 min
Travel BanterRed and Deadly. We Find the Poison Dart Frogs.They are bright. They are poisonous, They are the frogs of Bocas Del Toro, Panama. When Charles Darwin noticed the diversions of features among closely-related species on neighboring islands, he arrived to a profound idea - the principle of natural selection. Darwin focused on the beaks of finches but the Poison Dart frogs of Bocas Del Toro are another great example of such polymorphism. The many islands are only a mile apart, but each has a frog of its own color. And they are beautiful. We go to Isla Bastimentos to look for them, and find them.
2025-07-2304 min
Travel BanterHomes on Stilts: Over-the-water Houses of Bocas Del Toro.Stilt homes are all around us in Panama. Some are over the water, others are embedded into to steep hillsides of the surrounding hills and mountains. We chat about these homes, their construction and ecological benefits and risks. The stilt houses are not new. The indigenous people have lived in these since before Columbus visited the area in 1502. And they only have grown in popularity since.Watch the episode for a glimpse of these places…You can subscribe for free. If you choose to support us, we donate 15% of our net proceeds to...
2025-07-0306 min
Travel BanterRainy Season in Bocas Del Toro. What is it like?Talking of weather is not fun you say? Well, we beg to differ. The rainy season in Panama lasts from May until November. It rains a lot, but the sun still shines.What is it like to live with it? Surprisingly fine. We unpack the story of the rain and share what it’s like to be here.You can subscribe for free. If you choose to support us, we donate 15% of our net proceeds to World Literacy Foundation. Help children read.Episode Summary:In this episode of Travel Ba...
2025-06-2507 min
Blue Planet StoriesDan Williams: You Never Forget Your First F-Bomb.We have a returning guest who is publishing a hilarious and insightful book Misbehaving in Maine: Thirty-half Learned Lessons.Dan Williams is a humor writer with a huge on-line following. We wanted to bring him back to chat about his stories and the writing process.And to chat about family and how growing up shapes our lives as adults. Join us for a conversation where we learn, we laugh, and we drop a few f-bombs.We interview Dan and read a chapter from his new book: Lesson 11: You Never Forget Your First F-Bomb.
2025-06-2258 min
Travel BanterOso Perezoso - The Lazy Bear.We are in the Bocas Del Toro archipelago. The islands are home to much wildlife: howler and capuchin monkeys, sea turtles, poisoned dart frogs, and many more. But today, we talk about sloth.They are unique creatures, docile symbols of the islands and the island life. We ran into one on our recent walk. We talk about their habits, habitats, and unique symbioses - mammalian-plant mutualism.This episode is both video and audio. The audio is available on all podcast distribution channels. And you can see the video episode on Substack at blueplanetstories.com, or...
2025-06-1907 min
Blue Planet StoriesLawrence Bransby. A Short-Cut Across the Kazakh Steppe Becomes An Endurance Test For Riders And BikesToday we speak with Lawrence Bransby, an award winning author, motorcycle adventurer, and a retired teacher. He emigrated from South Africa to the UK, and rode a motorcycle there across Africa with his 17-year-old son.Lawrence wrote twenty books, including novels, novels for young adults, and many travelogues chronicling his numerous motorcycle journeys across Africa, Europe, Central Asia, and North America.You can subscribe for free. If you choose to support us, we donate 15% of our net proceeds to World Literacy Foundation. Help children read.His favorite of his books is...
2025-06-0800 min
Travel BanterThe Boats of the Bocas Archipelago.Bocas del Toro is an archipelago of 200 islands and islets on the west side of Panama. Boats are the way, the main way, to get around between the islands, to grocery shop or get to work.We talk about the two main boat types that make life possible here for the locals and tourists. Get full access to Blue Planet Stories at www.blueplanetstories.com/subscribe
2025-06-0411 min
Blue Planet StoriesYvette Brand. I Built My Dream Life in Mexico, and Now I Am Leaving Everything BehindToday, we speak with Yvette Brand. She is a slow digital nomad a “slomad”. She lived abroad for 12 years of her life, while traveling and working in 45 different countries.Originally from the Netherlands, she lived in Mexico for 5 years but is now on the move again in Europe, searching for a place to settle.She writes about travel, personal growth, and spirituality. Her work has been featured on Vox, YourTango, Columbus Magazine and many Medium Pubs.You can subscribe for free. If you choose to support us, we donate 15% of our net proc...
2025-06-0144 min
Travel BanterBocas Del Toro. Machetes and Coconuts.We are in Bocas Del Toro, Panama embracing the local’s way of drinking. Yes, an occasional Balboa beer, but mostly coconut water, fresh off the tree.But first, we chat about machetes, the most useful tool in these parts and the shortcut to feeling like a local.You can subscribe for free. If you choose to support us, we donate 15% of our net proceeds to World Literacy Foundation. Help children read. Get full access to Blue Planet Stories at www.blueplanetstories.com/subscribe
2025-05-2513 min
Blue Planet StoriesMichael Isaac Almond. The Mysterious Case of Mumsy's Missing Birthday Cake.Today we speak with Michael Isaac Almond. He is a visual designer from San Francisco. He recently launched a startup to help families dealing with relatives developing dementia. You can subscribe for free. If you choose to support us, we donate 15% of our net proceeds to World Literacy Foundation. Help children read.But he maintains his creative life by designing and making bags, and writing humorous stories from his own life.Michael went to Brown university to study film but decided against joining the industry. Today, we talk to Michael and r...
2025-05-1847 min
Blue Planet StoriesBigga Bigga P. I Have to Stop Killing My Favorite Band MembersToday we speak with Paul Bigga Bigga P. Paul received his moniker from another music producer in 1996 and it became a proud handle for his life and music career.Retiring young after a stint as a successful entrepreneur, Paul focused on his passion for producing music and writing. He lived in California, Washington DC, Netherlands, then back in the USA, in New Jersey.You can subscribe for free. If you choose to support us, we donate 15% of our net proceeds to World Literacy Foundation. Help children read.The stories he writes...
2025-05-1157 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Audrey Stimson. When Does a Trip End?Hello, everyone. We are working on a project in Panama City, Panama this and next week. We will resume our podcasts with guests two Sundays from now. But today, we would love to play for you a fascinating conversation with Audrey Stimson from last year, and read her story about an Alaskan adventure.For almost 30 years, Audrey has been a television news producer for American and European news outlets. She has interviewed kings and queens, Hollywood royalty, rock and roll stars, sports stars, politicians, and everyday people.She lives with her husband and their two...
2025-04-2740 min
Blue Planet StoriesFederica Minozzi. 309 SnowflakesWe speak with Federica Minozzi. She is a writer living on the Adriatic Coast of Italy.Federica studied Physics and Mathematics then taught the subjects in school in her Italian town. She also discovered an affinity for languages when learning English and German.You can subscribe for free. If you choose to support us, we donate 15% of our net proceeds to World Literacy Foundation. Help children read.Federica is now teaching Physics, Mathematics, and English online to students around the world. She wanted to be a writer since the...
2025-04-2056 min
Travel BanterCienfuegos. The Place of One Hundred Fires.In the podcast Alex narrates the story then we talk about our experience in the city of One Hundred Fires. You can read the story below and view the photo gallery after.I start on Malecon, the main boulevard connecting Punta Gorda to the center of Cienfuegos. The Malecon is busy on the weekends and for an hour before sunsets, but in the morning it is mine. Only a few electric tuk-tuk taxis, and a smoky car or two.I run between the Cienfuegos Bay and the parks, among palms and potholes, and through the...
2025-04-1627 min
Blue Planet StoriesDarren Weir. After More Than Fifty Years, I Finally Met My BrotherToday we speak with Darren Weir. He is a retired television news producer, a traveler, photographer and writer. He began writing after he retired - during the pandemic - and became part of the successful Parasol Publications. He also started his own successful publication, Travel Memoirs. You can subscribe for free. If you choose to support us, we donate 15% of our net proceeds to World Literacy Foundation. Help children read.Darren climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, cycled from Saigon to Hanoi in Vietnam, traveled through India for three months, and walked 333 kil...
2025-04-0644 min
Travel BanterCuba. Locals Are Not Allowed in Cayo LargoWe read the story from the island and talk about the majestic place. The story is below.The sand is the whitest in Cayo Largo. It is coral ground by the relentless swell of the Caribbean Sea. The swell crushes against the reefs, breaks the dead bits, and abrades them against the older sand in a slow motion of years. It uses the sand to make more of it.The reefs run for a hundred miles along this South Cuban archipelago. Its entire length. They form quiet lagoons and protect them from the anger of...
2025-04-0214 min
Blue Planet StoriesDana DuBois. My Dad, Dementia, and the Things We Don't Forget.Today with speak with Dana DuBois. She began her career as a speech pathologist, delaying her dream job as a writer. But she began to write when a job application required a couple of writing samples. You can subscribe for free. If you choose to support us, we donate 15% of our net proceeds to World Literacy Foundation. Help children read.She wrote the samples, posted them on Medium, and has not stopped writing since, publishing countless essays. She launched two successful Medium publications: Pink Hair and Pronouns, and Three Imaginary Girls.She...
2025-03-3057 min
Travel BanterCuba Stories. Monkeys, Rangers, and Flotsam of Life.We rounded the Western Tip of Cuba and explored islands of the Archipelago de Los Canarreos. In this episode, we talk about our visit to Cayo Campos and read a story from that island.It is a slice of paradise, a site for a study of human impact on remote areas, and a place to ask ourselves questions about what we want to see for ourselves.You can subscribe for free. If you choose to support us, we donate 15% of our net proceeds to World Literacy Foundation. Help children read.
2025-03-2620 min
Blue Planet StoriesRostislava Pankova-Karadjova. Lucky Day.Today we speak with Rostislava Pankova-Karajova. She began her life in Bulgaria but moved with her family to Swaziland, South Africa, following the chaos after the fall of communism. She lived in Africa for twelve years, then moved to New Zealand, where she now lives with her family.You can subscribe for free. If you choose to support us, we donate 15% of our net proceeds to World Literacy Foundation. Help children read.Ronnie is a lifelong musician and a music teacher with a degree in Musicology and Choir Conducting. She later pursued and...
2025-03-231h 01
Blue Planet StoriesBlue Planet. Cuba - Struggle, Joy, and Hope.Today we have a special from Cuba. It is a difficult episode for us to make. Emotional in ways. We are on the island for a few weeks, visiting distant family, making friends and exploring remote and beautiful places.You can subscribe for free. If you choose to support us, we donate 15% of our net proceeds to World Literacy Foundation. Help children read.We will talk about what we see and read from the narrative logs of our journey. Cuba is complex and our trip here is life changing. It flipped many notions...
2025-03-1644 min
Blue Planet StoriesDebra G. Harman. Anticipatory Grief and Stormy Weather on Camino de Santiago.Debra Harman is a writer, editor and a publisher. She launched a number of successful Medium publications, Narrative Arc, Wind Phone, and Imogene's Notebook.You can subscribe for free. If you choose to support us, we donate 15% of our net proceeds to World Literacy Foundation. Help children read.Debra is an avid hiker exploring the Cascades and Pacific Crest trail in her native Oregon, USA. She likes to venture around the world as well, and has hiked the storied Camino de Santiago trail in Europe.She is also a musician, playing...
2025-03-0247 min
Blue Planet StoriesKiki Walter. Riding in the Way-Way Back of the Station WagonToday, we speak with KiKi Walter . She is a writer, storyteller, and champion of personal narratives. She loves transforming everyday moments into deeply resonant stories.Kiki is a publisher of Memoirist Quarterly and a founder of The Memoirist on Substack. She curates and edits for three thriving Medium publications: The Memoirist, Age of Empathy, and Black Bear. she also co-hosts The Unfocused Writer podcast.She has been recognized as a BlogHer Voice of the Year and featured on stage with Listen to Your Mother. Whether through the written word or spoken conversations, KiKi brings warmth, d...
2025-02-2351 min
Blue Planet StoriesSteph Dyson. Ya. A Patient Appreciation of Time.Today we speak with Steph Dyson. She is a bilingual travel journalist and blogger, who has spent the last decade reporting on adventure travel and sustainability in Latin America.She reported for CNN, National Geographic Traveller, Lonely Planet and The Telegraph. She's covered everything from how tourism is being used to heal the scars of civil war in Colombia to investigating why pumas are being protected by the ranchers that formerly hunted them in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park. Steph is the author of the Moon Chile guidebook, to be published in Ju...
2025-02-1643 min
Blue Planet StoriesRyan Frawley. The Last City: Lisbon, Pessoa, and the Death of the UniqueAlex and Egor here from Blue Planet Stories. We hope you are well.We are preparing our sailboat for a long ocean passage across the Caribbean to Panama, and we had two very busy weeks at a boatyard. With the time constraint, we had to focus on preparation.But, we are excited to replay our very first podcast for you, which is also one of our favorites, with Ryan Frawley.Also, Because we are resuming our travel, we will be posting weekly or more on Travel Banter, our channel about sailing, traveling to...
2025-02-0946 min
Blue Planet StoriesDaniel Williams. You Put the End in Friendship.Today we speak with Daniel Williams. He is an author-illustrator and English professor living in Western Pennsylvania.Dan has a special talent for humor writing, among other things, and you can find his stories and essays on Medium and on his Spotify podcast, "Misbehaving in Maine."His fully illustrated memoir, "Misbehaving in Maine: 30 Half-Learned Lessons," will be published this spring by Falls City Press.Today we interview Dan and read his story "You Put the End in Friendship"From the show:“…So when you illustrate this story, for example, how...
2025-02-0246 min
Blue Planet StoriesTara B. Happiness Is That Thing Over ThereToday we speak with Tara B. She is a writer based in Connecticut. She has been writing privately for the last two years, but began publishing creative nonfiction and memoir works on Medium in November 2024.Tara writes about mental health, race, identity and relationships with family and friends - the good, the bad, and the ridiculous.Tara is a scientist by training and a full time project manager in her work life. When she is not working, she loves traveling, reading, and long-distance running.Today, we interview Tara B and read her story “Ha...
2025-01-2647 min
Blue Planet StoriesJoe Guay. My Quirky Respect for Seniors, Thanks to Mom’s ‘Awful’ Meals on Wheels RouteToday we speak with Joe Guay. He is a voiceover actor from Palm Desert, California. His voice is in commercials, e-learning and web videos for clients all over the globe. Joe began writing publicly in 2021. His articles and essays have been featured on Katie Couric Media, YourTango.com and Medium. A self-described "recovering people-pleaser with a snarky side,” Joe writes on topics such as mental health, surviving the world of showbiz, self-awareness and authenticity. He also covers LGBTQ issues, world travel, books, and more. Today we interview Joe and read his story “My Quirky...
2025-01-1955 min
Blue Planet StoriesCraig Collins. The Bread Men of Uzbekistan.Today with speak with Craig Collins. Craig is a writer who lives in San Diego, California. He is the author of two books of literary nonfiction — Thunder in the Mountains and MidairHe began his carrier as a journalists. He then worked in tech, eventually serving as a senior executive for a Fortune 500 company. He later founded a series of venture backed technology start ups.Craig is currently working on two books: a novel set in Silicon Valley, and a historical non-fiction about the great merchant travelers of the Silk Road.Today we in...
2024-12-1547 min
Blue Planet StoriesJohn Pucay. Meeting My Twelve Year Old Self.Today we speak with John Pucay. He is an author and full-time writer from the Philippines. John writes creative nonfiction essays and short fiction stories. He is currently working on his second novel.John is also a film maker. His short film, Game Boy Advance, loosely based on his experiences as a 12-year-old, premiered at the San Diego Filipino Film Festival in sunny California in October 2024.Outside of his artistic pursuits, John is an ultramarathon trail runner and writes the Minimum Effort Health & Wellness newsletter on Substack. He also co-writes the Writing to Earn newsletter...
2024-12-0852 min
Blue Planet StoriesKate Brennan. Signs in the Ceiling TilesToday we speak with Kate Brennan. Kate is a humor writer, artist, educator and creator. Her work appeared in numerous publications including McSweeney’s, Slackjaw, and others.She holds an MFA from the University of Virginia. She writes and produces plays and musicals many of which were finalists and semi-finalists for national awards. See below the comprehensive list of Kates many accomplishments.Kate is a designated LinkLater teacher. When she is not teaching others she instructs yoga and practices Thai body work.Today, we interview Kate and read her story: “Signs in the Ceil...
2024-12-0152 min
Blue Planet StoriesMorgana K Sylvana. Walking All the Way to West Wales.Today we speak with Morgana Sylvana. She is a writer, poet, and a musician from the United Kingdom.Morgana is a neurodivergent (ADHD/Autistic) writer, neurodiversity advocate, country-dwelling semi-hermit and former nomad. She is a published poet and the author of “The Wild Wandering Arc: A Journey through Van life, Nature & Love” and “Wild Motherhood: Tending the Fire of your Creative Spirit.”We interview Morgana and read her story “Walking All the Way to West Wales.”From the show:“…it was really therapeutic to write about it and to share that journe...
2024-11-2447 min
Blue Planet StoriesJesse Wilson. The True Meaning of Rest.Today we speak with Jesse Wilson. He is a storyteller, writer, speaker and a poet from the United Kingdom. His mission is to inspire people to find their purpose and live healthier, happier lives.For the last twenty years, in his professional life, he has worked as a consultant, trainer and mentor with one of the world’s leading software companies where he wrestles with the complexities of computers and humans.Today we are reading his essay, and we interview Jesse and discuss his views on humanity, writing, and a path to a happier life....
2024-11-171h 01
Blue Planet StoriesRichard Feldmann. I am a Cartoonist.Today, we speak with Richard Feldmann, a cartoonist whose work appeared in The New Yorker and other publications. We dive into the world of cartooning and the business of it during our discussion.Richard grew up in New Jersey, lived in Princeton and New York City. He spent twenty years working on Wall Street, but as he says, he eventually came to his senses and focused on work with non-profits and on building his business - Cartoon Arbor Studio.Richard currently lives in Ellsworth, Maine, near Acadia National Park.Instagram: @richardfelmanncartoons...
2024-11-0340 min
Blue Planet StoriesWalter Rhein. Chasing Two Olympians up an Andean Pass.Today we speak with Walter Rhein. Walter is a full-time writer, traveler and amateur athlete.After college, he lived in Peru for 10 years, writing and editing for publications there. He moved back to his home in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and re-immersed into the world of cross-country skiing.He writes about the Birkebeiner - the biggest North American ski race which attracts athletes from all over the world - in his book “Beyond Birkie Fever.” He writes about the race and his experience with it.His personal essays focus on social justice, immigration, and narr...
2024-10-2750 min
Blue Planet StoriesMario Lopez Goicoechea. The Flautist.Today we speak with Mario Lopez Goicoechea and read his story the Flautist.Mario was born in Cuba, lived and studied in Havana through the University then emigrated to London, where he has lived for twenty seven years.Mario is a writer, teacher, a linguist and a cycling instructor. His book “Cuban, Immigrant, and Londoner” was published in 2021 and you can find it where books are sold.From the show:“…I'm Cuban by birth and upbringing as well. I was born in Havana and met my now my ex-wife many, many years ag...
2024-10-2053 min
Blue Planet StoriesCarol Canter. Biking the Canadian Rockies.Today we speak with Carol Canter, a travel writer from Oakland California, and read her story Biking in the Canadian Rockies.Carol has written award-winning travel articles that have made the off-beat and exotic accessible to readers for nearly five decades, on topics like Jazz Clubs in Tokyo, Truffles in Dordogne, Cruising the Nile, and Biking the Canadian Rockies. She has reviewed children’s music for Parenting magazine, delved into Health Care in Cuba for NurseWeek and covered the Hawaiian Islands extensively for both the consumer press and the travel trade during her 9 year tenure in...
2024-10-1353 min
Travel BanterScott Mayer, and BostonWe have been traveling since the beginning of September and seldom had a moment to produce Travel Banter with other work and responsibilities. But here we go with the latest update on what is happening on our sail from New England to the warmth of the Caribbean. Today, we are catching up with Scott, who travels much for his work. We talk about the world of a yacht broker, the islands he loves, and others that he finds challenging.Then, we share our very positive sentiments about a four-day stop in Boston. ...
2024-10-0540 min
Blue Planet StoriesSanne Brun. The Unfiltered Reality of Camper Van Living.We speak with Sanne Brun. Sanne is a traveler, writer and translator. She has been living in a camper van, exploring beautiful places around the UK, and sharing her experiences on Medium through personal stories. She writes about life lessons she learns on the road, about her experiences as a full-time female solo van-lifer, and about how she stays healthy in the van. With a strong passion for Mandarin Chinese, she spent a year studying at a university in China and holds a degree in Chinese Studies and Chinese-English translation and interpreting.We in...
2024-09-2945 min
Blue Planet StoriesGentry Bronson. My Life Was Changed by a Mysterious Health IssueToday, we speak with Gentry Bronson. He is a writer and musician living in New Orleans. He began his musical life as a classical pianist winning competitions and awards during his teenage years.As a young adult he followed grunge, punk, rock and EDM and lived where the music was, including Seattle, Prague, and a host of other places.He soon launched his own musical career and released records with his band the Night Watchmen. He also produced solo records, toured Europe seven times, and performed concerts in the United States.Gentry fell...
2024-09-2250 min
Blue Planet StoriesMichael Maceira. Leaving New York City After Thirty-Five Years.Michael is a husband, father, and high school English teacher. And at the base of his being, beneath the flint that sparks his life, is the soul of a writer.Michael grew up in Brooklyn, NY where he created memories with his family and enjoyed the city to its fullest. After building a family of his own, he made the difficult decision to leave the city and move to Texas.Michael’s love for sci-fi, Biggie Smalls, and his family is large and he dreams of being a best selling author one day.“…The mi...
2024-09-1540 min
Blue Planet StoriesStephanie Wilson. Am I Glad I Was Born? What Kind of Question Is That?Stephanie is a neurodiversity coach by day, and wrangles with words by night. She also puts comics to her stories that look at this magical hodgepodge called life.Stephanie was born in Germany where her dad was stationed before his two tours in Vietnam. She grew up in PA where she fell in love with the outdoors. Her adolescence was spent in NJ where she sang Bruce Springsteen songs with the rest of the state. Stephanie went to undergrad in CA, grad school in NYC, lived for a year in Turkey, and raised her kids...
2024-09-0843 min
Blue Planet StoriesChip Walter. The American West - Riding Horseback with a Navajo Shaman.Today we speak with Chip Walter. Chip began his career in televisions news. He was one of the original CNN employees, launching the company and later becoming its bureau chief. He worked on PBS documentaries, including Planet Earth and other titles.Chip authored five mainstream science books, including co-authoring a book with William Shatner. His latest book ‘Doppelganger’ was released in 2024. It is a techno thriller and available where books are sold.In today’s podcast we talk to Chip about his around-the-world project Vagabond Adventure, and read a story from that travel series, ‘American West - R...
2024-09-011h 01
Blue Planet StoriesSally Prag. Without Living Through Darkness, How Could We Appreciate the LightToday we speak with Sally Prag. She is a writer from Devon, England focusing on creative non-fiction and poetry.Sally is an editor for Memoirist and Age of Empathy publications where she works with established and emerging authors.She is also an entrepreneur, mother, musician, and a nature lover. Today we interview Sally and read her story Without Living Through Darkness How Could We Appreciate the Light.You can find her stories on Medium: https://medium.com/@sallypragFrom the show:“…It's just a skill that is important to me t...
2024-08-2545 min
Travel BanterAcadia National Park. Carriage Roads.We go hiking and talk about the trails and peaks in the park. Egor chats about the history of carriage roads on his run through the park from Bar Harbor to Northeast Harbor.From the show:“…It's Saturday morning and the weather is excellent. Our friend Anna is with us and her dog with us as well. So we thought we'll climb up to the top of the Sargent Mountain. And the trail looked fine and fairly straight. But that's apparently the thing. When they're fairly straight, they're fairly steep. And man, this trail is nuts...
2024-08-2221 min
Blue Planet StoriesMatthew David Nelson. Life Lessons from a Macedonian Philosopher-Shepherd.Matthew David Nelson is a travel photographer and writer from Des Moines, Iowa. He is an advocate for sustainable travel and citizen diplomacy, he has undertaken projects in ten countries, primarily in the Western Balkans, India, and Nepal.Matthew’s work has been published in National Geographic Traveller Magazine, Resonate (Norway), and Get Lost! (AU), among others. His photographs have appeared in exhibitions and shows in Athens, Greece, and Prishtina, Kosovo. He is also a freelance contributor to travel guidebooks.We interview Matthew and read his story, Life Lessons from...
2024-08-1841 min
Blue Planet StoriesDoug Brown. There is No Such Thing as a MountainToday with speak with Doug Brown. Doug is a writer in Asheville, North Carolina, his beloved home of many years.Doug began his career as a preschool teacher but now teaches adults on how to be better at their work. He has written for magazines and trade publications, as well as ghostwritten multiple works.Doug is the author of Walker Percy Loves You and Has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life, a memoir on grief.Today, we interview the author and read his story: There is No Such Thing as a Mountain.
2024-08-1145 min
Travel BanterAcadia National Park and Bar HarborWe made it from Provincetown to Bar Harbor in one shot by staying far in the ocean to avoid lobster traps. It worked and we saved four days of hopping along the coast. We love this place (when the weather is nice).From the show:“…Roots, rocks, and a dog pulling me out of sync with my steps. So it's always a bit tricky to climb these things because I have to worry about my balance more than I normally would. But on a straight where it's not quite as technical, there is a little bonu...
2024-08-0822 min
Blue Planet StoriesAndy Lammers. Is This Why We Travel? Volcanos and Viking WindsToday we talk with Andy Lammers. He is a writer, a middle school teacher, an athlete, a traveler, and a basketball coach.Andy lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan with his family. He writes essays on diverse topics, inspired by the things around him.We interview Andy and read his contemplative piece: Is This Why We Travel? Volcano’s and Viking Winds - ramblings and wondering in Iceland.The piece was published in Scribe, and Andy extends a special thanks to Thomas Gaudex, the editor and publisher of the Medium publication.From th...
2024-08-0435 min
Travel BanterNantucket and Provincetown, Cape CodWe left Martha’s Vineyard and spent a few days in Nantucket, followed by a few days in Provincetown at the very tip of Cape Cod.From the show:“…Does it happen to you when you get a certain idea of the place that you know is entirely false, but you keep hanging on to it no matter what? That is essentially my history with Nantucket… fishing village it is not…”“…rows and rows of colonial-style houses with your... Your cedar shingles. But all of them have these little decks on their roof. It's...
2024-08-0216 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Brad Yonaka. The Monkey Hunter.Today we speak with Brad Yonaka. He is a geologist who has traveled to over 140 countries for work and pleasure. He is a prolific writer who writes about his experiences around the world.He also conducts numismatics research for auction houses and he published a book on the topic - Variety Guide to the Silver and Copper Coinage of the Mexico City Mint 1732 - 1771.As he grows older, Brad says, he has little interest in “settling down” and plans to continue traveling with his family as long as he physically can.We talk with...
2024-07-2848 min
Travel BanterTravel Banter: Martha’s VineyardWe almost wrote off Martha’s Vineyard after last year’s subpar experience. But we made a lovely detour to Edgartown that changed our perspective.From the show:“…can already tell, it's a very beautiful little picturesque place. There is a beach with a bunch of sunbathers on it and boats that are anchored just outside the inlet. That is where we'll find ourselves. The plan was to go to Nantucket, but we changed our minds based on the weather. It is beautiful today…”“… The whaling ships would go out and they'd reach California and t...
2024-07-2616 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Erika Burkhalter. Finding Permanence in Impermanence at LaConte Glacier, Alaska.Today we speak with Erika Burkhalter and read her story, ‘Finding Permanence In Impermanence at the LaConte Glacier, Alaska.’Erika holds a masters degree in neuro-psychology, and another masters in Eastern Philosophy. She taught eastern philosophy, and she taught yoga for twenty plus years.Erika lives in Orange County, California, focuses on photography and writing, and travels around the world.From the show:“…And I remember one day when I was in the fourth grade, I came home and my dad had a yellow school bus sitt...
2024-07-2136 min
Travel BanterTravel Banter: Block Island, Rhode IslandWe planned to stop only for four days but stayed a week. We enjoyed Block Island. Good restaurants, many greenway trails, and stunning views.A favorite may have been the bakery boat delivering calzones, cannoli, and cookies to anyone who hails them on VHF channel 71.From the show:“… it was named after a Dutch explorer, Adrian Block, who charted the area in, I believe, 1614. Prior to that, the island was populated by Narragansett Indians and was called Manisses, meaning The Island of the Little God…”“…I'm always perplexed by the serendipitous occurrences...
2024-07-1816 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Geo Snelling. To Saipan From SaipanToday we speak with Geo Snelling. Geo lives in New Zealand with his family. He works at the confluence of art and software engineering in the visual effects industry. He is a traveler and a writer in his spare time.He began his career working for an economic consulting company, and traveled to over 65 remote countries collecting economic data.We interview Geo and read his story To Saipan, From Saipan, set in the time of his extensive travels.The story is about travel, diving and curious twists of fate.From the...
2024-07-1446 min
Travel BanterTravel Banter: Sailing Around the Graveyard of the AtlanticWe sailed from North Carolina and landed in Rhode Island - our longest passage, 600 miles - while sailing the East Coast of the United States. We share with you the episodes from the voyage that we captured while on the way.From the show:“…In the ocean, like life, the fastest path to destination sometimes is not a straight line. And if you were to look at our track, you'll notice that we are traveling quite far out, up to 150-200 miles offshore and then coming back… So we're making almost a very shallow triangle..”“…D...
2024-07-1121 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Egor Korneev. Whales or Lobstermen: Lobster Fishing in Maine.We are back to talking with guest authors next week, but this week we are reading Egor’s story and talk about how it happened.From the show:…So we went to a bar one night to have a little dinner, and we were sitting down next to this guy, and we started chatting with him a little bit and discovered he was a lobsterman, Joe the Lobsterman.…putting words on paper recalled the memories in my head and also launched this entire train of thought and thinking about the conservation struggle and the pl...
2024-07-0732 min
Travel BanterTravel Banter: Wild Horses and Arm Wrestler CrabsThe crabs are actually Fiddler Crabs but I stick by our name for the reasons in the podcast.We love Beaufort, NC. A lively community with pleasant people and plenty to do, if you like nature and low key places.From the show:“… the wild horses are definitely an attraction here. They live on the Carrot Island, which is the one right next to our boat, just a few feet away, really. And on Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Park. A beautiful area here…”“…it's a mat of crabs...
2024-07-0310 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Chris Berge. Slow Travel Through the World by Bicycle. Newfoundland, Labrador … and many moreToday we have a special episode. We are talking about bicycle touring on continents around the world with Chris Berge.Chris is a businessman with seven successful restaurants behind him, he was an elite cyclocross competitor, a chess player, and he is a traveler. His preferred method of traversing the world is by bicycle, and he has taken it around North America, across South America, along Patagonia, around the Scandinavian peninsula, Europe, and through parts of Africa.We ran into Chris in Maine last year, as he was finishing his trip through Nova Scotia, New...
2024-06-3042 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Josh Porter. We drove a Tuk-Tuk to the Driest Country in Sub-Saharan AfricaJosh Porter is a writer, filmmaker, and tuk-tuk driver.Josh left England at the age of 23 and has been traveling around the world for the past 7 years to pursue adventure, and as he says, chaos.We are speaking with Josh and reading his story: "We drove a Tuk-Tuk to the driest country in Sub-Saharan Africa."This story is only a single chapter retelling of their two-year journey through all of Africa on three-wheeled Tuk-Tuks. You can find other stories from the African journey on Medium and on TikTok. G...
2024-06-2347 min
Travel BanterTravel Banter: Solo Sailing from the IslandsAs soon as June arrived we knew our Bahama adventure was coming to a close. Hurricane season starts June 1st, and this year is supposed to be an active one.As we worked our way back up the chain of islands, we got some sad news from home and Alex flew out to be with family.Which left Egor and Bèlá the task of sailing back to the US, alone.After some storms of their own, and 3 days at sea, they safely made it back to 🇺🇸. Home again. Get...
2024-06-1916 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Ryan Chin. Rumbling and Reminiscing on a Dirt Road in MexicoToday we speak with author Ryan Chin. Ryan lives in Portland, OR. He began his life as an elementary school teacher. He taught in New Zealand before returning to the United States.He is an avid surfer and a fly fishermen, he is also the author of The Big Head Diaries, stories of a lab from New Zealand, and Without Rain, a memoir.We are reading Ryan's story " Rumbling and Reminiscing on a Dirt Road in Mexico." Get full access to Blue Planet Stories at www.blueplanetstories.com/subscribe
2024-06-1632 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Bridget Klein. A Mile from Mountaintop's Summit.Today we speak with Bridget Klein. She grew up in New Jersey but found her way to Alaska where she lives now.She is an environmentalist who enjoys spending time outdoors. And she is the author of multiple essays about her life, nature, and big issues we face.We interview Bridget and read her wonderful story "A Mile from Mountaintop's Summit", a story about realizing the wonder of giving in and giving up - when the time is right.Be sure to check out some of Bridget’s other wonderful essays on Medium:...
2024-06-0934 min
Travel BanterTravel Banter: Warderick Wells ReefsThe Exuma Cay Land and Sea Park is a place to see. Headquartered in Warderick Wells Cay, it is home to beautiful and lively reefs. We had a chance to dive them, swim with stingrays, and wonder about the intentions of a rather inquisitive Caribbean Reef Shark.If you are in the Bahamas, Wardericks Wells is a place to stop. Get full access to Blue Planet Stories at www.blueplanetstories.com/subscribe
2024-06-0514 min
Blue Planet StoriesTravel Banter: 06.05.24The Exuma Cay Land and Sea Park is a place to see. Headquartered in Warderick Wells Cay, it is home to beautiful and lively reefs. We had a chance to dive them, swim with stingrays, and wonder about the intentions of a rather inquisitive Caribbean Reef Shark.If you are in the Bahamas, Wardericks Wells is a place to stop. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blueplanetmedia.substack.com
2024-06-0514 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Tim Ward. Hitchhiking in Tibet.Tim Ward is the author Mature Flâneur: Slow Travels Through Portugal, France, Italy and Norway, and 11 other books.Tim is a lifelong traveler. He spent six months in Asia, including two visits to Tibet and a three-month stay in a Tibetan Monastery in the Indian Himalayas.Tim remains engaged in Tibetan issues to this day and is a member of the executive board of Machik—an NGO led by Tibetans from outside Tibet who work with Tibetans inside Tibet, fostering education and social innovation. (www.machik.org).After thirty years in the US...
2024-06-0246 min
Blue Planet StoriesTravel Banter: 05.30.24Fast restaurant service (in Bahamas?), James Bond and Thunderball Grotto, hot walks to the beach, and 1990s music.What a lovely island for a couple of days stay. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blueplanetmedia.substack.com
2024-05-3113 min
Travel BanterTravel Banter: Staniel Cay, Bahamas.Fast restaurant service (in Bahamas?), James Bond and Thunderball Grotto, hot walks to the beach, and 1990s music.What a lovely island for a couple of days stay. Get full access to Blue Planet Stories at www.blueplanetstories.com/subscribe
2024-05-3113 min
Blue Planet StoriesTravel Banter: 05.28.24Before we left Rat Cay, we stopped at a festival in Barraterry, Exumas. We missed the main festivities but learned a bit anyway.At Rudder Cut Cay, we dove “The Paino and the Mermaid”, the underwater sculpture commissioned by David Copperfield.Then we moved onto Black Point where we met Killer and enjoyed some proper cocktails. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blueplanetmedia.substack.com
2024-05-2812 min
Travel BanterTravel Banter: Bahamian FestivalsBefore we left Rat Cay, we stopped at a festival in Barraterry, Exumas. We missed the main festivities but learned a bit anyway.At Rudder Cut Cay, we dove “The Paino and the Mermaid”, the underwater sculpture commissioned by David Copperfield.Then we moved onto Black Point where we met Killer and enjoyed some proper cocktails. Get full access to Blue Planet Stories at www.blueplanetstories.com/subscribe
2024-05-2812 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Dan Stevens - There Are Roads. And Then There Are The Lanes.We interview Dan Stevens and read his story. He is a writer who lives in Devon, England with his partner. They live in a restored care home at the edge of a small town. He writes about personal history, his perspectives on life, and the Devon countryside.Dan Stevens has been a writer since 1997. He started at a local newspaper and later wrote for British car magazines. Now, he works in content marketing and creation, as well as copywriting.We talk with Dan about his life in England and his perspective on change....
2024-05-2640 min
Blue Planet StoriesTravel Banter: 05.23.24We had visitors last week and did the quintessential Exuma things. We snorkeled the reefs, visited an Iguana island, and hung out with pigs and a brood of tiny piglets that live on White Cay.It is rewarding to host friends. They help you engage with the place and with each other. Through their eyes, we are reminded why sailing the Bahamas is an amazing time. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blueplanetmedia.substack.com
2024-05-2312 min
Travel BanterTravel Banter: Friends on ExumasWe had visitors last week and did the quintessential Exuma things. We snorkeled the reefs, visited an Iguana island, and hung out with pigs and a brood of tiny piglets that live on White Cay.It is rewarding to host friends. They help you engage with the place and with each other. Through their eyes, we are reminded why sailing the Bahamas is an amazing time. Get full access to Blue Planet Stories at www.blueplanetstories.com/subscribe
2024-05-2312 min
Travel BanterTravel Banter: 05.20.24We are in the Bahamas off-season. Beaches are empty, boats are sparse, and the cold beer is a little harder to find, but only a little.We have to time our stops at restaurants as they may be closed early. And we may have to visit a couple before we find one that is open. But… It is all worth it when we make it to a beach devoid of anyone. Get full access to Blue Planet Stories at www.blueplanetstories.com/subscribe
2024-05-2012 min
Blue Planet StoriesTravel Banter: 05.20.24We are in the Bahamas off-season. Beaches are empty, boats are sparse, and the cold beer is a little harder to find, but only a little.We have to time our stops at restaurants as they may be closed early. And we may have to visit a couple before we find one that is open. But… It is all worth it when we make it to a beach devoid of anyone. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, vi...
2024-05-2012 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Audrey Stimson. When Does a Trip End?For almost 30 years, Audrey has been a television news producer for American and European news outlets. She has interviewed kings and queens, Hollywood royalty, rock and roll stars, sports stars, politicians, and everyday people.She lives with her husband and their two dogs in Culver City, California. Audrey is the author of the upcoming book “Across the American Dream: Bicycling Across the U.S. and Back to Myself” (working title).We interview Audrey about her adventures, unique perspective on life, and the philosophy of travel.Then we narrate her wonderful essay.
2024-05-1940 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Ryan Frawley. The Last City: Lisbon, Pessoa, and the Death of the UniqueRaised in Coventry, UK and transplanted to Vancouver, BC, writer Ryan Frawley has won various Canadian literary awards. His debut novel, Scar, was published in 2011.In 2016, he moved to Italy with his wife and cat and spent the next two years traveling around the continent. Towers Temples Palaces is the story of his time there.He now lives in the south of France.Today, we read his beautiful essay on authenticity, mass tourism, and what defines a place. In our interview, Ryan shares his philosophy of travel.From the show:...
2024-05-1246 min
Travel BanterTravel Banter: 05/09/24We made it to Georgetown, Exumas, Bahamas, in one shot, much faster than we had planned. But it came with a bit of an adventure.The Exumas are as relaxed as Eleuthera, and the island time is… well… I don’t know if they even wind the clock.Beautiful place. Get full access to Blue Planet Stories at www.blueplanetstories.com/subscribe
2024-05-0915 min
Blue Planet StoriesTravel Banter: 05/09/24We made it to Georgetown, Exumas, Bahamas, in one shot, much faster than we had planned. But it came with a bit of an adventure.The Exumas are as relaxed as Eleuthera, and the island time is… well… I don’t know if they even wind the clock.Beautiful place. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blueplanetmedia.substack.com
2024-05-0915 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Sixty Two Mile RunEgor Korneev loves running, and a hundred-kilometer race is his idea of a good time—or is it? The story is about a runner's mental state, the emotional swings, and the camaraderie runners find on the trail.We are sorry - we are one day late. We ran into conditions at sea that forced us to spend an extra day in the ocean. But we made it and are posting the podcast for you.If you want to hear about the “delay,” - look out for the upcoming Blue Planet: Travel Banter this Tuesday.You...
2024-05-0633 min
Travel BanterTravel Banter: 05.03.24We learned about the color pink, “potcakes”, and that donuts and cops are a universal pairing…We sailed to Governor’s Harbor in nice conditions and planned to stay here only one night but after discovering a beautiful running trail along an equally beautiful beach, we decided to stay an extra day. Fantastic decision! Get full access to Blue Planet Stories at www.blueplanetstories.com/subscribe
2024-05-0412 min
Blue Planet StoriesTravel Banter: 05.03.24We learned about the color pink, “potcakes”, and that donuts and cops are a universal pairing…We sailed to Governor’s Harbor in nice conditions and planned to stay here only one night but after discovering a beautiful running trail along an equally beautiful beach, we decided to stay an extra day. Fantastic decision! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blueplanetmedia.substack.com
2024-05-0412 min
Travel BanterTravel Banter: 04.30.24We left Spanish Well and sailed through the Current Cut to Goulding Cay. The winds were twice as strong as forecasted, and the sea was higher and less pleasant than we preferred, but we arrived at a beautiful location.Thank you for reading Blue Planet. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Blue Planet Stories at www.blueplanetstories.com/subscribe
2024-04-3017 min
Blue Planet StoriesTravel Banter: 04.30.24We left Spanish Well and sailed through the Current Cut to Goulding Cay. The winds were twice as strong as forecasted, and the sea was higher and less pleasant than we preferred, but we arrived at a beautiful location.Thank you for reading Blue Planet. This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blueplanetmedia.substack.com
2024-04-3017 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Clouds Come Bearing GiftsTwenty-five years ago, I went flying with my friend. The memory left a strong imprint on my life. In this podcast, Alex reads the story and interviews the author.Thank you for reading Blue Planet. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Blue Planet Stories at www.blueplanetstories.com/subscribe
2024-04-2824 min
Travel BanterTravel Banter: 04.26.24After a beautiful night sail across the Tongue of the Ocean, we arrived at Spanish Wells, a small town on St George Cay. We explored the town, the beaches, and everything named Pinder.Join us for a twelve-minute banter about the last couple of days.Thank you for reading Blue Planet. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Blue Planet Stories at www.blueplanetstories.com/subscribe
2024-04-2712 min
Blue Planet StoriesTravel Banter: 04.26.24After a beautiful night sail across the Tongue of the Ocean, we arrived at Spanish Wells, a small town on St George Cay. We explored the town, the beaches, and everything named Pinder.Join us for a twelve-minute banter about the last couple of days.Thank you for reading Blue Planet. This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blueplanetmedia.substack.com
2024-04-2712 min
Blue Planet StoriesTravel Banter: 04.22.24Travel Banter podcasts are our informal updates on where and what we are doing. These episodes are specific to places we are currently visiting, people we meet, and observations that make an impression.In this episode, we banter about our hard-earned eastward miles on the way from Key West to Spanish Wells.Have a great day, and don’t forget to subscribe and share.Thank you for reading Blue Planet. This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If yo...
2024-04-2416 min
Travel BanterTravel Banter: 04.22.24Travel Banter podcasts are our informal updates on where and what we are doing. These episodes are specific to places we are currently visiting, people we meet, and observations that make an impression.In this episode, we banter about our hard-earned eastward miles on the way from Key West to Spanish Wells.Have a great day, and don’t forget to subscribe and share.Thank you for reading Blue Planet. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Blue Planet St...
2024-04-2416 min
Blue Planet StoriesStories: Overlanding in the Mojave Desert.In 2020, Egor Korneev embarked on a seven-week journey in the American West. He drove off-road, visiting all the American states West of the Rockies. In this podcast, we talk about crossing the Mojave desert. Alex Essenburg interviews Egor and narrates the story of the desert adventure.You can also read the story here: Please listen to the story and share it with others if you enjoyed it.Thank you for listening to Blue Planet Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it. Get full access...
2024-04-2119 min
Blue Planet StoriesStorms Between Two WorldsWelcome to our inaugural podcast. We live on our sailboat and travel around the North Atlantic and Caribbean. We are lucky to meet interesting people in interesting places. We write stories about our experiences. We also read stories by writers from around the world telling of people and places, and the culture that connects them.We want to share these experiences through interviews and by reading these stories.Today, we begin with the story about us, experiencing life while sailing north in Gulfstream, riding through a storm, and bonding with the boat and each other.
2024-03-2427 min