Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small

Jason Elkins - Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast
  • 4.6 (20)
  • Places & Travel
  • 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. 4d ago

    Adventure Travel with Dr. Suzy Ross - Integr8

    Guest Bio Dr. Suzy Ross is the founder of Integr8, a consulting, training, and certification practice dedicated to the emerging science of transformation and integration. With over 20 years of experience as a professor, author, and social scientist, she has extensively studied what occurs before, during, and after life-changing experiences. Her research culminated in the Figure-8 Model of Transformation and her book, The Map to Wholeness, which outlines the universal process of becoming a new version of oneself. Dr. Ross advises founders and organizational leaders on transformation strategy, experience design, and integration infrastructure, partnering with companies across travel, wellness, healthcare, hospitality, and education to help translate powerful experiences into meaningful human and business outcomes. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins sits down with Dr. Suzy Ross to explore the science behind transformation, especially as it relates to travel and adventure experiences. They discuss the significance of the figure eight symbol in her work, representing both the life-changing journey and the crucial integration phase that follows. Suzy shares insight into how people often transform unexpectedly through travel, whether intentionally seeking change or encountering unforeseen catalysts. The conversation delves into practical ways tour operators and experience providers can support transformational travel, including simple reflection techniques and creating authentic connections during trips. Suzy also reveals her personal story of a profound wilderness experience that inspired her decades-long research into transformative learning. The episode highlights the importance of integration to fully realize transformation and how travel can serve as a unique catalyst in this process. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel with Dr. Suzy Ross - Integr8

  2. Oct 24

    Adventure Travel with Amine Nasraoui - Morocco Vistas

    Guest Bio Amine Nasraoui is the CEO and founder of Morocco Vistas, a luxury travel agency based in Florida that combines American professional standards with deep local knowledge of Morocco. Holding a Master’s degree in History, Tourism, and World Heritage, Amine has over 14 years of experience as a state-certified tour guide. His expertise lies in creating immersive journeys that connect travelers with Morocco’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Born in a small village near Casablanca and raised in a family with roots tracing back to the Middle East and Andalusia, Amine brings a personal and scholarly perspective to his tours, emphasizing authentic experiences and meaningful cultural exchange. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins sits down with Amine Nasraoui to explore the vibrant history and culture of Morocco through the eyes of a dedicated historian and tour guide. Amine shares insights into Morocco’s ethnic and linguistic diversity, including the complex relationships between Arab and Berber communities, the Andalusian heritage, and the origins of the country’s name. Their conversation touches on Morocco’s unique social fabric, including the role of women, religious diversity, and the country’s open, respectful approach to visitors. They also dive into Amine’s personal journey—from growing up in a small village near Casablanca to becoming a licensed official tour guide and launching Morocco Vistas in the United States. Amine discusses the challenges of tourism in Morocco, including the distinction between licensed guides and illegal operators, and explains his philosophy of luxury travel as an intellectually enriching experience tailored to individual interests. Listeners gain a nuanced understanding of Moroccan society, history, and the practical aspects of travel planning with a trusted expert. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel with Amine Nasraoui - Morocco Vistas

  3. Oct 20

    Adventure Travel with Nima Sherpa - Last Frontiers Trekking

    Guest Bio Nima Sherpa is the Director of Last Frontiers Trekking, a boutique travel company based in Kathmandu, Nepal. A third-generation tourism professional, Nima returned to Nepal after completing his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in the United States. Building on his family’s long history in Himalayan expeditions and trekking, Nima now leads Last Frontiers Trekking, specializing in authentic and carefully crafted journeys across Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and India. His deep roots in the Sherpa community and extensive experience as a trekking guide inform his approach to designing culturally rich and adventurous travel experiences. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins talks with Nima Sherpa about his unique perspective as both a member of the Sherpa community and a leader in the adventure travel industry. They discuss the origins and meaning of the Sherpa name, the evolution of Last Frontiers Trekking since its founding in 1984, and the company’s role as a destination management company (DMC) for Nepal and surrounding countries. Nima shares insights into the cultural diversity of Nepal and how that shapes travel experiences for visitors. The conversation also explores Nima’s personal journey, from growing up around trekkers and travelers in Kathmandu to studying computer science in the U.S. and eventually returning to lead the family business. Jason and Nima reflect on the challenges and rewards of crafting itineraries that blend adventure, culture, and meaningful local interaction. Highlights include a historical overview of Nima’s family’s involvement in early Himalayan expeditions and the ongoing commitment to sustainable and tailored travel experiences. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel with Nima Sherpa - Last Frontiers Trekking

  4. Oct 17

    Adventure Travel with Andrea Pompele - Pompele Safaris

    Guest Bio Andrea Pompele is an evolutionary biologist, ecologist, expedition leader, and the owner and founder of Pompele Safaris. With extensive experience across more than 18 African countries, Andrea has developed deep knowledge of diverse landscapes including savannas, equatorial forests, deserts, mountains, and coastal regions along the Indian Ocean. Combining his academic background in evolutionary biology and animal behavior with years of field experience, he offers a safari approach that goes beyond wildlife viewing to explore ecological relationships and natural processes. Andrea personally designs and leads private African expeditions, tailoring them to each traveler’s interests while fostering curiosity and connection with the natural world. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins sits down with Andrea Pompele to explore the philosophy and practice behind Pompele Safaris. Andrea shares how his childhood in the mountainous Aosta Valley of northern Italy and family history spanning continents inspired his lifelong passion for nature and exploration. Listeners gain insight into his unique approach to guiding, which emphasizes scientific interpretation, presence in the moment, and fostering a genuine connection between travelers and their environment. Andrea explains the benefits of having a private guide who accompanies clients throughout their entire journey, offering personalized itineraries and the flexibility to focus on each traveler’s particular interests. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of working as a non-local guide in Africa, the importance of collaboration within the safari industry, and the value of slow, immersive safaris that allow guests to truly experience place and wildlife beyond surface-level encounters. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel with Andrea Pompele - Pompele Safaris

  5. Oct 13

    Adventure Travel with Brian FitzGerald - Grand Circle Corporation (the parent company of Overseas Adventure Travel & Grand Circle Travel)

    Guest Bio Brian FitzGerald is the CEO of Grand Circle Corporation, the parent company of Overseas Adventure Travel and Grand Circle Travel. Since joining the company over 15 years ago, Brian has held leadership roles across finance, brand marketing, and business strategy, eventually becoming President and Chief Operating Officer before being named CEO in 2019. With a BS in Finance from Stonehill College, he began his career at State Street Corporation in fund accounting and financial controls. Brian’s leadership focuses on meaningful travel experiences as the core competitive advantage in the industry, guiding Grand Circle through significant challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic. He is deeply committed to the company’s mission of changing lives through immersive and authentic travel, emphasizing small group sizes and strong local connections. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins sits down with Brian FitzGerald to explore the unique approach Grand Circle Corporation takes in the adventure travel space. Brian shares insights into the company’s two flagship brands—Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T) and Grand Circle Travel—explaining how each serves different traveler profiles with distinct modes of travel and experiences. The conversation delves into how the company prioritizes authentic cultural immersion and sustainable tourism by employing local trip experience leaders and maintaining small group sizes. Brian also reflects on his personal journey from finance professional to CEO of a family-owned travel company, highlighting the importance of purpose-driven work and the role of the Grand Circle Foundation in giving back to communities worldwide. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of how Grand Circle balances operational scale with personalized service and how the company supports solo travelers, multi-generational families, and those seeking life-changing travel experiences. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel with Brian FitzGerald - Grand Circle Corporation (the parent company of Overseas Adventure Travel & Grand Circle Travel)

  6. Oct 6

    Adventure Travel Podcast with Elaine Nelson Peik - Nordic Travel Collective

    Guest Bio Elaine Nelson Peik is the owner and founder of Nordic Travel Collective, a specialized service dedicated to personalized travel planning in the Nordic region. With over 27 years of experience working for leading Nordic tour operators and destination management companies, Elaine combines her Scandinavian heritage and industry expertise to design custom itineraries that reflect the unique interests and needs of each traveler. She has crafted trips across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Svalbard, focusing on authentic cultural experiences, scenic routes, and thoughtful logistics that go beyond typical tourist paths. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins welcomes Elaine Nelson Peik to explore the intricacies of travel to the Nordic countries. Elaine shares insights on how her deep connection to Scandinavia and decades of professional experience have shaped her approach to travel planning, emphasizing clarity and personalization to help travelers confidently navigate the complexities of the region. Throughout the conversation, Elaine explains the origins and scope of the Nordic Travel Collective, highlighting the value of expert guidance in an age of overwhelming online information. She also discusses the importance of well-flowing itineraries, realistic travel expectations—especially in places like Norway where geography and transportation can be challenging—and the role of cultural storytelling in creating meaningful journeys. Elaine offers a candid look at her own path, from growing up in a Scandinavian-American community in Minnesota to shifting from a teaching career to travel design. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel Podcast with Elaine Nelson Peik - Nordic Travel Collective

  7. Oct 3

    Adventure Travel with Sue Blunt - Adventurous Ewe

    Guest Bio Sue Blunt is the Head of Sustainability at Adventurous Ewe Ltd, where she brings over a decade of experience in outdoor education, charity work, and sustainable adventure travel. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Sue has spent many years working across sectors in both Australia and the UK. She is deeply committed to creating travel experiences that positively impact the people and places involved. Outside of her role at Adventurous Ewe, Sue is active in her local community in North Wales, serving as the first female helm at Conway Lifeboat Station and participating in Welsh Sea Rowing. Her adventurous spirit keeps her exploring remote locations worldwide, from mountains to oceans, often accompanied by her dog Moshi. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Sue Blunt about her journey from growing up in Sydney to becoming Head of Sustainability at Adventurous Ewe in Wales. Sue shares insights into how her early passion for travel evolved alongside her career in golf management and charity fundraising, eventually leading her to combine those experiences into sustainable adventure travel. She also discusses the unique challenges and rewards of running a small, boutique tour operator that offers both bespoke and group trips worldwide. The conversation explores the distinctiveness of Wales as a travel destination, including its landscape, culture, and emerging activities like paddleboarding combined with local wellness experiences such as lakeside saunas. Sue highlights how Adventurous Ewe balances local UK adventures with international expeditions, often attracting different traveler profiles for each. She also opens up about the meaningful role charity challenges play in fundraising and personal transformation. Listeners get a glimpse into Sue’s personal interests beyond travel, including her volunteer work with the RNLI lifeboat service, her love of reptiles and wildlife from her time volunteering at an Australian reptile park, and her adventurous hobbies like ultra-marathons and sailing. The episode offers a thoughtful look at how passion, purpose, and community intersect in the world of sustainable adventure tourism. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel with Sue Blunt - Adventurous Ewe

  8. Sep 29

    Adventure Travel with Stefano Tricanico - Driftr

    Guest Bio Stefano Tricanico is the Expedition Director and Founder of Driftr, bringing over twenty years of experience in leading expeditions and managing field operations in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments, including the Arctic and Antarctic regions. His background spans expedition leadership, maritime operations, and field safety systems, with extensive involvement in frontline conservation efforts. Stefano’s work focuses on verifying conservation projects in difficult-to-access areas, ensuring accountability and transparency where enforcement is scarce or absent. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Stefano Tricanico about his unique approach to conservation verification through his company, Driftr. Stefano explains how many conservation projects claiming to protect vulnerable species and environments often lack measurable results or even a real presence on the ground. He offers an independent field verification service for donors, helping ensure that funds go to projects that genuinely deliver impact. The conversation dives deep into the complex realities of conservation in remote regions like the Arctic, touching on the controversial topic of polar bear hunting and the contradictions between public messaging and actual practices. Stefano shares insights from his frontline experience working with organizations like Sea Shepherd and discusses the challenges of protecting wildlife amid geopolitical, cultural, and traditional pressures. The episode also explores the practical difficulties of enforcing conservation laws in isolated marine and wilderness areas. Later, Stefano reflects on his personal journey from growing up in South Africa to becoming an expedition leader and maritime professional, emphasizing the importance of competence, independent thinking, and confronting uncomfortable truths in conservation and adventure travel. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel with Stefano Tricanico - Driftr
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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
    212
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small
  • Show Website
    Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small

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