Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small

Jason Elkins - Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast
  • 4.6 (20)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, where we go far beyond the beaches, resort hotels, and cruises to explore the really cool places, people, and activities that adventurous travelers crave. If your idea of a great vacation is sitting on a beach at an all-inclusive resort, you’re in the wrong place. However, if you’re like me, and a beach resort vacation sounds like torture, stick around. You’ve found your tribe. My name is Jason Elkins, and as an adventure travel marketing consultant and tour operator myself, I am on a mission to impact the lives of adventure travelers, the tour operators they hire, and the communities that host them, creating deeply meaningful experiences that make this big world feel just a bit smaller. Are you ready to discover your next great adventure, whether that looks something like climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa, SCUBA diving in the South Pacific, or hot air ballooning in Turkey?  Then you’ll be happy to know that each episode of the Big World Made Small Podcast features a fascinating interview with an adventure travel expert that has agreed to share, with us, their own personal stories, favorite adventure destinations, and even some incredibly helpful tips and tricks they’ve learned while in the field. I trust that by the end of each episode you’ll feel like booking a ticket to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of these amazing places, and getting to know the incredible people that live there. I’ll be your guide as we explore this amazing planet and its people on the Big World Made Small podcast. I am a former US Army paratrooper, third generation commercial hot air balloon pilot, paramotor pilot, advanced open water SCUBA diver, and ex-Montana fly fishing guide and lodge manager. I have managed boutique adventure tour operation businesses in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, off-shore in Belize, the Adirondacks in New York, and the desert of Arizona. I also spent nearly a decade with Orvis International Travel, leading a talented team of tour operation experts, putting together and hosting amazing fly fishing and adventure travel excursions around the world. I have tapped into my experience and network of travel pros to put together a weekly series of exclusive expert interviews that I am excited to share with you. For the last couple of years I have lived a fully nomadic lifestyle, feeding my passion for exploration, creating amazing adventures, and meeting some of the most fascinating people along the way. I record every episode while traveling, so in a sense you’ll be joining me on my journey. Let’s discover some great adventures together and make this big world feel just a bit smaller. And, don’t forget to take a quick trip over to our website at bigworldmadesmall.com and join our adventure travel community, where you’ll benefit from new episode announcements, exclusive adventure travel opportunities, and special access to the experts you’ve met on the show. You can also follow us on social media, using the links in the show notes below. And, if you’re getting value out of the show please help us grow by sharing it with your friends, family, and anyone else you know that wants to get far beyond the beaches, resort hotels, and cruise ships, the next time they travel. I’ll publish another episode soon. Until then, keep exploring. It’s the best way to make a big world feel just a bit smaller. https://bigworldmadesmall.com

  1. 3d ago

    Adventure Travel with Gilly Gwilliams - Retreats In Greece

    Guest Bio Gilly Gwilliams is the founder of Retreats In Greece, a travel agency focused on wellness retreats throughout the country. After a career in the British Army as an intelligence analyst, Gilly relocated to the island of Kos where she transitioned into fitness and Pilates instruction. Combining her love of holistic health with her deep connection to Greece, she created a platform that offers carefully matched retreats emphasizing healing, fitness, and personal growth. Her work also supports other retreat hosts by helping them connect with travelers seeking meaningful wellness experiences. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Gilly about her journey from a military career to founding a specialized retreat travel service in Greece. They explore how Gilly’s early experiences, including her time as a fitness instructor on Kos, led her to create Retreats In Greece—an agency that curates a wide range of wellness retreats beyond the usual yoga and fitness options. The conversation delves into the unique qualities that make retreats different from typical vacations, such as their focus on healing and providing tools for long-term well-being. Gilly shares insights into the diversity of retreats offered, including a mythology-based healing retreat that uses the story of the Minotaur to help participants process trauma. She also discusses the challenges and rewards of building her business, the importance of personalized retreat matching, and how her own health journey influenced her approach to fitness and wellness. Listeners gain an understanding of the practical steps involved in booking a retreat through her agency and the supportive community she has cultivated among hosts and travelers alike. Gilly’s story reflects a thoughtful evolution from military discipline to nurturing wellness and connection in a place she describes as deeply healing. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests. Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

    Adventure Travel with Gilly Gwilliams - Retreats In Greece

  2. 6d ago

    Adventure Travel with Eva Westerling - Berber Adventure Tours Morocco

    Guest Bio Eva Westerling is the co-owner of Berber Adventure Tours Morocco. Originally a radiologist, Eva spent many years working in global hospital consulting, which took her to countries such as Iraq, India, and Chile. After deciding to take time off to travel, she returned to Morocco and has remained based there ever since. Her deep connection to the country, especially the desert regions, shapes her approach to life and travel. Eva manages many of the operational aspects of Berber Adventure Tours, including tour design, calculations, marketing, and customer communications. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Eva about her unique journey from a medical career to becoming a key figure in Morocco’s adventure tourism scene. They discuss how living in the desert has changed her perspective on life, focusing more on presence and simplicity rather than material concerns. Eva shares stories from her extensive travels throughout Morocco, including favorite spots like Essaouira, Tetouan, and the vast desert around Merzouga. Eva also talks about the challenges and rewards of designing tours that explore lesser-known areas, offering travelers a chance to experience Morocco beyond the typical tourist paths. She reflects on her partnership with Hassan, whom she met on a desert trek, and how their shared passion for adventure informs the tours they create. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests. Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

    Adventure Travel with Eva Westerling - Berber Adventure Tours Morocco

  3. Aug 11

    Adventure Travel with Chris Prewitt - Chris Prewitt Surf

    Guest Bio Chris Prewitt is the owner and operator of Chris Prewitt Surf, bringing over 25 years of experience in luxury surfing experiences across yachts, resorts, and villas in tropical destinations worldwide. Specializing in bespoke surf coaching and guiding, Chris works with busy professionals, families, and solo travelers who seek private, discreet, and tailored surfing improvement holidays. His expertise lies in creating personalized programs that help clients quickly advance their surfing skills while enjoying exclusive, high-end hospitality settings. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Chris about the unique world of luxury surf travel. Chris shares insights into how his company crafts custom surfing experiences that blend skill development with comfort and exclusivity in some of the world’s best tropical locations. They discuss the challenges and rewards of working with a diverse clientele, from families to solo adventurers, all seeking meaningful progress in their surfing abilities. Chris also highlights the importance of privacy and personalized attention in creating memorable and effective surf holidays. The conversation sheds light on the balance between high-end hospitality and authentic surfing culture, illustrating how these tailored experiences cater to those who want to improve on the waves while enjoying the finest accommodations and services. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests. Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

    Adventure Travel with Chris Prewitt - Chris Prewitt Surf

  4. Aug 8

    Adventure Travel with Hayley Donigan - Brand Voice Strategist and Copywriter for travel brands

    Guest Bio Hayley Donigan is a brand voice strategist and copywriter specializing in responsible travel brands. Based in the UK, she combines her expertise in content marketing with a personal commitment to slow, thoughtful travel. After moving from the US to England in 2010, Hayley adopted a flexible lifestyle that blends remote work with extended stays in diverse locations, allowing her to develop a deep understanding of how travel shapes both people and places. Her professional journey began in copywriting for a global travel company, evolving into a career focused on strategic content marketing for purpose-led companies. Today, she channels this experience into her own business, helping culture-led travel brands connect with their communities with clarity and care. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Hayley about the intersection of travel, storytelling, and responsible brand communication. They discuss how adopting a slow travel mindset has influenced her approach to writing and strategy, emphasizing the importance of depth over speed in both exploration and messaging. Hayley shares insights from her years living between countries and working remotely, describing how this flexible lifestyle has shaped her understanding of cultural nuance and the challenges of representing travel authentically. Their conversation explores the ways generic travel marketing can overlook the complexities of real experiences and how brands can do better by embracing thoughtful, tailored narratives. Throughout the episode, Hayley reflects on her transition from traditional copywriting roles to founding a business that aligns with her values, highlighting the balance between strategic work and lived experience that informs her approach to brand voice in the travel sector. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests. Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

    Adventure Travel with Hayley Donigan - Brand Voice Strategist and Copywriter for travel brands

  5. Aug 4

    Adventure Travel with Mike Engiles - Crystal River Watersports in Florida

    Guest Bio Mike Engiles serves as the Executive Manager of Crystal River Watersports, a family-run business since 2014 dedicated to offering sustainable nature experiences along Florida’s Nature Coast. Under Mike’s leadership, Crystal River Watersports specializes in guided manatee swim tours, scuba diving, scalloping excursions, and river cruises, all focused on observing and preserving the local aquatic environment. Originally from Pennsylvania, Mike holds multiple degrees in business from Pennsylvania State University and spent years in information technology consulting near Washington, D.C. His move to Citrus County, Florida, was driven by a desire to work more closely with people in the hospitality industry while sharing his love for the outdoors, particularly scuba diving. Beyond his business role, Mike has contributed extensively to local environmental and tourism efforts, including serving on advisory boards and participating in statewide initiatives like the Florida Adventure Tourism Network. His family remains deeply involved in the business, with his children certified as scuba instructors and licensed boat captains. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Mike Engiles about his journey from a career in IT consulting to managing Crystal River Watersports, a unique operation centered on connecting visitors with Florida’s manatees and natural waterways. Mike shares insights into the delicate balance of offering immersive wildlife experiences while protecting these gentle giants under federal guidelines. The conversation explores the biology and behavior of manatees, the importance of conservation, and the challenges of responsible tourism. Mike also discusses how Crystal River Watersports has adapted over the years, including shifts to private tours post-COVID and expanding into scuba trips and scalloping excursions during Florida’s warmer months. Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at the logistics of running a seasonal water-based business with a focus on ecological preservation. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests. Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

    Adventure Travel with Mike Engiles - Crystal River Watersports in Florida

  6. Jul 29

    Adventure Travel with Felex Musinguzi - Kazinga Tours Uganda

    Guest Bio Felex Musinguzi is the Managing Director of Kazinga Tours, a leading travel company based in Uganda. With over two decades of experience in the tourism industry, Felex has dedicated his career to creating meaningful travel experiences while supporting sustainability and community empowerment. He grew up near Lake Bunyonyi and has channeled his deep connection to Uganda and commitment to local development into building one of East Africa’s most trusted safari companies. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Felex Musinguzi about his journey from a challenging childhood in rural Uganda to founding Kazinga Tours. Felex shares how his early work experiences and unexpected support from international volunteers shaped his path into tourism and entrepreneurship. He discusses the importance of building partnerships with international operators and how Kazinga Tours offers authentic, community-focused travel experiences. The conversation also explores the complexities of tourism in Africa, addressing common misconceptions about the continent and emphasizing Uganda’s unique wildlife and cultural diversity. Felex highlights the company’s approach to responsible tourism, including immersive homestays and educational programs that connect visitors with local communities. He also talks about Kazinga Tours’ strategic shift toward business-to-business partnerships following the COVID-19 pandemic and plans to expand across East Africa. Felex reflects on the personal values that have guided his success, including honesty, hard work, and a commitment to making a positive impact. He shares insights into family life, community projects focused on education and women’s health, and his hopes for the future of tourism in Uganda and the region. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests. Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

    Adventure Travel with Felex Musinguzi - Kazinga Tours Uganda

  7. Jul 22

    Adventure Travel with Rolando Campos - Chayote Lodge – Costa Rica

    Guest Bio Rolando Campos is the founder of Chayote Lodge, a boutique retreat nestled in the mountain village of Llano Bonito de Naranjo, Costa Rica. With over 30 years of experience in the travel industry and a career that took him to more than 60 countries, Rolando combines a global perspective with deep local roots. He believes Costa Rica’s true strength lies in its people, which is reflected in the authentic experiences offered at Chayote Lodge. Since opening in 2015, the lodge has become known for its intimate setting, scenic views of four volcanoes, and a focus on genuine connection with both nature and community. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Rolando Campos about his journey from working in the global travel business to founding Chayote Lodge in a remote Costa Rican mountain village. Rolando shares insights into the lodge’s unique location, far from the typical tourist routes but still close to major attractions like Arenal Volcano and San Jose airport. Rolando discusses the inspiration behind the lodge’s coffee-themed design and how his childhood experiences shaped his vision. He explains how Chayote Lodge emphasizes a home-like atmosphere, treating guests as lifelong friends, and highlights the importance of connecting visitors with local culture through activities such as coffee tours, cooking experiences, and nature walks. The conversation also touches on the challenges and rewards of building a tourism business in a rural area and the meaningful role travel plays in supporting local communities. Throughout the discussion, Rolando stresses the value of appreciating Costa Rica’s beauty through fresh eyes, a perspective he gained after spending a year as an exchange student in Missouri. He encourages travelers to explore beyond popular destinations and embrace the pura vida lifestyle that defines Costa Rican culture. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests. Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

    Adventure Travel with Rolando Campos - Chayote Lodge – Costa Rica

  8. Jul 15

    Adventure Travel with Becki Rupp - Trailblazer Wellness

    Guest Bio Becki Rupp is a certified Personal Trainer and Adventure Travel Coach, and the founder of Trailblazer Wellness. Through her coaching, Becki helps travelers build the strength, stamina, and confidence they need to take on meaningful adventures without feeling overwhelmed by the physical or mental preparation. Her work is especially valuable for people preparing for big hikes, cycling trips, Camino-style journeys, Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu, and other active travel experiences that stretch the edge of their comfort zone. Becki brings together personal training, coaching, and her own extensive adventure travel background. She has summited Kilimanjaro, hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, completed the Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago, and taken on numerous multi-day hiking and cycling trips around the world. Over the past several years, she has supported more than 100 clients preparing for adventures in 27 countries, helping them move from uncertainty to readiness so they can enjoy the journey before the journey — and the trip itself. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Becki Rupp, founder of Trailblazer Wellness, about helping travelers prepare for the adventures they have dreamed about for years. Becki explains how adventure travel coaching goes beyond simply handing someone a workout plan. For many travelers, especially those joining group trips or taking on a physically demanding itinerary, the real work involves building confidence, managing fears, staying accountable, and learning how to enjoy the experience rather than worry about holding others back. Becki shares how her own path combined a lifelong curiosity about the world, a love of movement, and years of experience in fitness, coaching, and communications. From childhood memories of watching her grandparents’ travel slideshows to eventually hiking iconic routes like Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail, and the Camino, Becki’s story reveals how travel, preparation, and personal growth can become deeply connected. Jason and Becki also explore the emotional side of adventure travel: why people worry about being last in the group, how partners and friends may not always know how to support a big travel dream, and why having someone in your corner can make the difference between merely completing a trip and truly experiencing it. Becki’s approach helps travelers prepare their bodies while also reconnecting with the deeper reason they said yes to the adventure in the first place. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests. Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

    Adventure Travel with Becki Rupp - Trailblazer Wellness
See All (193)

4.6
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, where we go far beyond the beaches, resort hotels, and cruises to explore the really cool places, people, and activities that adventurous travelers crave. If your idea of a great vacation is sitting on a beach at an all-inclusive resort, you’re in the wrong place. However, if you’re like me, and a beach resort vacation sounds like torture, stick around. You’ve found your tribe. My name is Jason Elkins, and as an adventure travel marketing consultant and tour operator myself, I am on a mission to impact the lives of adventure travelers, the tour operators they hire, and the communities that host them, creating deeply meaningful experiences that make this big world feel just a bit smaller. Are you ready to discover your next great adventure, whether that looks something like climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa, SCUBA diving in the South Pacific, or hot air ballooning in Turkey?  Then you’ll be happy to know that each episode of the Big World Made Small Podcast features a fascinating interview with an adventure travel expert that has agreed to share, with us, their own personal stories, favorite adventure destinations, and even some incredibly helpful tips and tricks they’ve learned while in the field. I trust that by the end of each episode you’ll feel like booking a ticket to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of these amazing places, and getting to know the incredible people that live there. I’ll be your guide as we explore this amazing planet and its people on the Big World Made Small podcast. I am a former US Army paratrooper, third generation commercial hot air balloon pilot, paramotor pilot, advanced open water SCUBA diver, and ex-Montana fly fishing guide and lodge manager. I have managed boutique adventure tour operation businesses in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, off-shore in Belize, the Adirondacks in New York, and the desert of Arizona. I also spent nearly a decade with Orvis International Travel, leading a talented team of tour operation experts, putting together and hosting amazing fly fishing and adventure travel excursions around the world. I have tapped into my experience and network of travel pros to put together a weekly series of exclusive expert interviews that I am excited to share with you. For the last couple of years I have lived a fully nomadic lifestyle, feeding my passion for exploration, creating amazing adventures, and meeting some of the most fascinating people along the way. I record every episode while traveling, so in a sense you’ll be joining me on my journey. Let’s discover some great adventures together and make this big world feel just a bit smaller. And, don’t forget to take a quick trip over to our website at bigworldmadesmall.com and join our adventure travel community, where you’ll benefit from new episode announcements, exclusive adventure travel opportunities, and special access to the experts you’ve met on the show. You can also follow us on social media, using the links in the show notes below. And, if you’re getting value out of the show please help us grow by sharing it with your friends, family, and anyone else you know that wants to get far beyond the beaches, resort hotels, and cruise ships, the next time they travel. I’ll publish another episode soon. Until then, keep exploring. It’s the best way to make a big world feel just a bit smaller. https://bigworldmadesmall.com

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Elkins - Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    193
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small
  • Show Website
    Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small

You Might Also Like