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. 1d ago

    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.

    Adventure Travel with Sue Blunt - Adventurous Ewe

  2. 5d ago

    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.

    Adventure Travel with Stefano Tricanico - Driftr

  3. Sep 26

    Adventure Travel with Liz Scheessele - Roanoke Boutique Hotel

    Guest Bio Liz Scheessele is the owner and innkeeper of the Roanoke Boutique Hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast that caters to outdoor enthusiasts and travelers seeking comfort. With years of experience staying at B&Bs and a personal passion for hiking and hospitality, Liz combines her love for wholesome breakfasts and welcoming spaces to create a memorable stay for her guests. Her journey to innkeeping began with thoughtful research and a chance visit to the Roanoke Boutique Hotel, which led her to take over the business in 2024. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Liz Scheessele about her unique path from frequent bed and breakfast guest to owner of the Roanoke Boutique Hotel. Liz shares how her solo travels and appreciation for personal touches in lodging inspired her to pursue innkeeping as a life goal. She recounts the story of a planned road trip that introduced her to the Roanoke Boutique Hotel and its then-owner Diane, whose decision to sell the inn sparked Liz’s decision to step into the role herself. Their conversations and Liz’s experiences staying at the inn highlighted the balance of historic charm and modern conveniences that she values deeply. Throughout the conversation, Liz emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests, especially those who, like her, enjoy outdoor adventures and a hearty breakfast to start their day. 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 Liz Scheessele - Roanoke Boutique Hotel

  4. Sep 22

    Adventure Travel with Nicoletta Habsudova - Voices of Travel

    Guest Bio Nicoletta Habsudova is the CEO of Voices of Travel, a company that combines travel and language learning in unique ways. Growing up in a small town in Slovakia, Nicoletta discovered early on that mastering foreign languages was essential to exploring the world beyond her hometown. Her journey took her from an exchange semester in New Zealand to university studies in Salzburg, Austria, followed by professional experience in Barcelona. Along the way, she developed a deep understanding of how language learning opens doors to new cultures and opportunities. Today, Nicoletta designs personalized travel itineraries, leads nature expeditions in the Alps, and shares practical language learning strategies that help travelers connect more meaningfully with the places they visit. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Nicoletta about her journey from a small Slovakian town to becoming a travel entrepreneur living in the Dolomites. Nicoletta shares how learning multiple languages shaped her path and how her early experiences abroad fueled a desire to explore the world on her own terms. Nicoletta explains how Voices of Travel began as a blog offering travel and language tips and evolved into a business creating custom itineraries and organizing nature-focused group expeditions in Switzerland and northern Italy. These trips encourage travelers not only to explore beautiful landscapes but also to reflect and reconnect with themselves through guided daily questions and shared community experiences. The conversation also touches on Nicoletta’s practical advice for language learners, emphasizing focused vocabulary study and active conversation practice over passive use of apps. Her story highlights the challenges and rewards of following one’s passions while navigating life transitions, including solo travel, relationships, and building a business rooted in authentic connection. 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 Nicoletta Habsudova - Voices of Travel

  5. Sep 19

    Adventure Travel with Josué Agüero Solís - Bonanza Travel Costa Rica

    Guest Bio Josué Agüero Solís is the founder of Bonanza Travel, a family-owned company based in Costa Rica. With deep roots in the tourism industry through his father’s decades of experience, Josué leads Bonanza Travel with a focus on creating meaningful connections between travelers and the destinations they visit. His approach blends local expertise with a commitment to personalized service and genuine human interaction. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Josué Agüero Solís about his journey from growing up in a family deeply involved in Costa Rica’s tourism industry to founding Bonanza Travel, a luxury Destination Management Company. Josué shares how his childhood experiences, including time spent studying and living abroad in Spain and Germany, shaped his understanding of cultures and business, inspiring his vision for a travel company centered on authentic hospitality, meaningful connections, and personalized service. The conversation explores Bonanza Travel’s commitment to bespoke luxury travel experiences and the importance of genuine human connections in tourism. Josué explains how the company specializes in Costa Rica while also designing journeys throughout Central America, maintaining exceptional quality and attention to detail through trusted partnerships. He highlights the benefits of working with a destination management company like Bonanza, including tailor-made itineraries, dedicated local support, and peace of mind that direct bookings often cannot provide. Josué also reflects on the role of positive energy and respect within his team and partnerships, emphasizing how this culture translates into memorable experiences for their travelers. He discusses the value of personally welcoming guests upon arrival as a defining moment that sets the tone for their journey, illustrating his belief that travel is about far more tan logistics, it’s about creating lasting, authentic connections and unforgettable memories. 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 Josué Agüero Solís - Bonanza Travel Costa Rica

  6. Sep 15

    Adventure Travel with Charles J Kropke - The Windjammer Way

    Guest Bio Charles J Kropke is the CEO of The Windjammer Way, a company dedicated to reviving the tradition of intimate sailing travel in the Caribbean. An entrepreneur and environmental advocate, Charles has spent decades shaping sustainable tourism experiences that connect travelers with culture, history, and nature. His leadership at The Windjammer Way focuses on restoring historic schooners and supporting fragile island economies while offering guests authentic, windswept adventures. Charles’s journey began in childhood with an early fascination inspired by vintage National Geographic magazines and the original Windjammer Barefoot Cruises. That lifelong interest has evolved into a commitment to preserving maritime heritage and fostering meaningful travel experiences. Beyond The Windjammer Way, he founded Dragonfly Expeditions, an eco-tour company in Florida, and oversees Tropic Moon Holdings, a portfolio of mission-driven businesses emphasizing sustainability and community impact. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Charles J Kropke about his work revitalizing the iconic Windjammer sailing experience. Charles shares the story behind The Windjammer Way, a company resurrecting the spirit of classic tall ship cruises with their flagship vessel, the SV Mandalay, a 103-year-old steel-hulled schooner. Operating primarily in the Caribbean, their voyages emphasize small groups, cultural connection, and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere. Charles reflects on his early inspiration from National Geographic and how that shaped his vision for sustainable and soulful travel. He describes the unique Windjammer culture where crew and guests blend seamlessly, with no televisions onboard and activities centered around storytelling, parties, and exploring remote islands. The conversation also touches on the challenges of restoring historic ships, navigating Caribbean itineraries with seasonal weather, and the company’s inclusive approach to travelers of all backgrounds. Throughout the episode, Charles highlights his broader entrepreneurial path, including his eco-tourism company Dragonfly Expeditions and past collaborations with the Margaritaville brand. He invites listeners to reconnect with their inner child and consider the timeless appeal of wind-powered adventure as a new generation prepares to set sail. 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 Charles J Kropke - The Windjammer Way

  7. Sep 12

    Adventure Travel with Jack Fleckney - Legend Expeditions | Tanzania

    Guest Bio Jack Fleckney is the founder of Legend Expeditions, a Tanzania-based company specializing in guided Kilimanjaro climbs and African safaris. A former Royal Marine Commando, Jack combines his military discipline and extensive expedition experience with a deep knowledge of East Africa to offer well-supported, carefully planned adventure travel. Fluent in Swahili, he has led numerous successful climbs to Kilimanjaro’s summit and has completed remarkable endurance challenges such as rowing across the Atlantic and kayaking the Okavango Delta. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Jack Fleckney about his journey from a Royal Marine Commando to a respected Kilimanjaro expedition leader and founder of Legend Expeditions. They explore the unique approach Jack takes to guiding climbers, emphasizing acclimatization, comfort, and rigorous support to maximize summit success rates. Jack shares insights on the challenges of climbing Kilimanjaro, including the importance of pacing, hygiene, nutrition, and the mental demands of summit night. He also offers a detailed look into the local team’s roles—from guides to porters and chefs—and how the company’s commitment to fair wages and support is central to both the client experience and community well-being. The conversation touches on Jack’s personal adventures, such as rowing across the Atlantic and kayaking through Africa’s wild landscapes, and the balance he’s found between pursuing big challenges and building a sustainable business and family life in Tanzania. 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 Jack Fleckney - Legend Expeditions | Tanzania

  8. Sep 8

    Adventure Travel with Alice Todd - SwimQuest

    Guest Bio Alice Todd is the co-founder of SwimQuest, a company specializing in open water swimming holidays and events. After leaving a career in media, she committed herself to sharing the experience of swimming in natural waters, combining adventure, fitness, and personal growth. Over the past decade, Alice has helped guests from around the world improve their swimming skills, overcome fears, and connect with nature. Beyond swimming, she is an avid runner and cyclist, as well as a creative spirit involved in writing, DJing, and art. Alice also balances her professional life with raising twin boys and caring for two Siberian huskies, embracing a vibrant, full-color approach to life. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Alice Todd about her unique role as co-founder of SwimQuest, a company that offers open water swimming holidays and events. Alice explains how SwimQuest creates inclusive experiences where people of all swimming levels can enjoy coastal and island swims around the world, from the Arctic Circle to the Maldives. She highlights the non-competitive nature of their trips and events, emphasizing community, support, and personal progression. They discuss the growing popularity of open water swimming, particularly in the UK, and how SwimQuest caters to a diverse range of guests, including non-swimmers and families. Alice shares insights into the challenges and rewards of building SwimQuest from the ground up, her creative connection to color inspired by early travels, and the company’s approach to guiding and safety. The conversation also touches on the appeal of swimming in urban waterways like the Thames and the inspiring atmosphere of cold water swims in Norway’s Lofoten Islands. Alice’s story reveals how she transitioned from a media career to an outdoor-focused business and how SwimQuest continues to evolve with new trips, workshops, and community-driven events designed to welcome anyone curious about open water swimming. 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 Alice Todd - SwimQuest
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4.6
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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
    206
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small
  • Show Website
    Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small

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