One Off Travel Stories

Andrew Tawaststjerna
  • 0.0 (0)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL

One Off Travel Stories is a podcast dedicated to sharing unique and captivating travel experiences. Each episode features a different guest who recounts an extraordinary event that happened while they were traveling. From off-the-beaten-path destinations to unexpected encounters, we explore the spontaneity of travel through personal narratives.

  1. FEB 27

    Exploring the Path of History: Mark Mustian's Journey to Turkey and Syria

    In this episode of One Off Travel Stories, Andrew sits down with Mark Mustian, a seasoned traveler and author, to discuss his 2008 journey through Turkey and Syria. Mark traveled to the region to conduct firsthand research for his historical fiction novel, The Gendarme, which centers around the topic of the Armenian Genocide. Mark shares vivid memories of navigating tense border crossings, exploring the ancient Citadel in Aleppo, and navigating sensitive cultural topics during his travels. Guest: Mark is a professional lawyer who primarily practices contract law. He is an avid lifelong traveler who has visited over ninety countries. He is the author of three historical fiction books, including The Gendarme. Chapters: Introduction to Mark Mustian and the roots of his travel passionBalancing a legal career with global exploration and family lifeDiscovering heritage and the research process behind The GendarmeThe 2008 trip to Turkey and a difficult Syrian border crossingVisiting the ancient Citadel and the Armenian quarter in AleppoNavigating sensitive historical topics and experiencing a tense border exitMark's future travel plans to Argentina, Uruguay, and Rwanda Resources and Links: Mark Mustian's Official WebsiteThe Gendarme by Mark MustianThe Black Dog of Fate by Peter Balakian (Mentioned Book) Call to action: Check out my website at oneofftravelstories.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

    41 min

  2. 11/25/2025

    A Conversation with Legendary Investor and Traveler Jim Rogers

    Legendary investor and traveler Jim Rogers joins the show to share wisdom from his two epic global journeys, one by motorcycle and one by car, that set world records. Jim discusses how he retired early from Wall Street to see the world, sharing insights on how on-the-ground travel informs his investment strategy and why he chose to drive a bright yellow Mercedes through 116 countries. From being held "hostage" by a police chief in the Congo to his philosophy on exploring the unknown, Jim encourages listeners to embrace the uncomfortable and go where they haven't been before. Guest: Legendary investor and traveler who retired early from Wall Street to hit the open road.World record holder for land travel, having driven over 100,000 km across six continents on a motorcycle and over 245,000 km in a car.Author of Investment Biker and Adventure Capitalist Chapters: From smalltown Alabama to retiring early from Wall Street Seeing the world through an investor's lens Being held hostage by a police chief in the Congo Using a yellow Mercedes convertible as a safety precautionNavigating border crossings and curiosity versus greed Economic models: Seeing countries change for the better Why Chad is next on the travel list Jim’s advice: Go somewhere, especially if it is not comfortable Resources and Links: Jim Rogers Website Call to Action: Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

    31 min

  3. 09/24/2025

    Iceland Inspires Matt Wilson's Startup Idea

    When a last-minute invitation took Matt Wilson to Iceland to document climate change and adventure tourism, it started out as a typical outdoor adventure. He met a backcountry guide, rode “super jeeps” across rivers, and climbed a glacier at midnight. However, while sitting with new friends above the clouds admiring volcano peaks in the distance he also hatched the idea that became his future business. Guest: Matt Wilson Co-founder & CEO, Under30ExperiencesAuthor of The Millennial Travel GuidebookLongtime digital nomad; based in Puerto Rico Topics Covered: New York grind to unexpected Iceland inviteMeeting Siggi and exploring Iceland’s backcountrySuper jeeps, river crossings, and glacier sunsetsSeeing climate change at the glacier’s edgeThe mountaintop brainstorm that sparked Under30ExperiencesStartup Iceland, the U.S. Embassy, and the President’s houseFrom one retreat to a global travel communityWhat’s next: new trips and building impact through travel Resources and Links: Under30Experiences: under30experiences.com Call to Action: Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories.

    46 min

  4. 07/30/2025

    Asking Icelandic Strangers About Their Happiest Memories – Anne Marie's Travel Experiment

    In this episode, Andrew sits down with Anne Marie Wells to hear about her solo hitchhiking trip across Iceland, where she spent weeks asking strangers one question: “What is your happiest memory?”. From there, she would venture out to visit the scene of the memory. Anne Marie shares the emotional highs and quiet moments that defined her trip and how curiosity and courage opened doors she never expected. Guest: Anne Marie Wells Poet, playwright, and authorCreator of the books Write Some Cool Sh!t and Mommy, Why am I a Bird?Upcoming memoir Happy IcelandWebsite: annemariewellswriter.com Topics Covered: Why Anne Marie chose to spend her 30th birthday in IcelandThe origin of her “happiest memory” questionConversations with strangers across Iceland’s landscapesUnplanned encounters and the kindness of localsThe emotional impact of traveling solo with purposeHow the experiment became a forthcoming bookLessons on spontaneity, reflection, and joyful connection Resources and Links: Anne Marie’s website: annemariewellswriter.com Call to Action: Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories.

    50 min

  5. 06/26/2025

    Niamh McAnally's Sailing Scare in the Leeward Islands

    In this episode, Andrew sits down with Niamh, an Irish-born author and traveler, who tells the story of meeting her husband through sailing and of their harrowing experience sailing from Antigua towards the USA. After 18 months away from sailing due to the global pandemic, when they took to the seas from Antigua, they didn’t expect to find themselves caught in a high risk situation. A floating ball of rope tangled around the boat's propeller in the open ocean, forcing Niamh to dive beneath the waves to attempt an emergency fix. Guest: Niamh Irish-born bestselling author and speakerFormer TV director turned full-time traveler and cruise speakerWebsite: The Writer on the Water Chapters: Island life and remote explorationSailing and scuba divingThe unexpected love story on the open oceanNear-disaster rescue at seaTrusting instincts while travelingAdapting travel passions into new career paths Resources: The Writer on the WaterNiamh’s books: Following Sunshine, Flares Up, and Stories of Place Call to Action: Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories.

    49 min

  6. 05/28/2025

    Lavender Fields Forever: Rachael’s Trip to Provence

    When Rachael Rogers traveled through the south of France, her Airbnb host offered to show her around the area, and it turned into one of her most memorable experiences. In this episode, Andrew chats with Rachael about her road trip through Provence, the beauty of taking your time, and the joy of visiting a lavender field in full bloom. Guest: Rachael Rogers Founder of For the Story VacationsFormer actor turned travel advisorSpecializes in curated European experiences Topics Covered: Rachael’s shift from acting to travel planningSolo travel and navigating the backroads of ProvenceStumbling upon a breathtaking, secluded lavender fieldThe joy of slow, immersive travelReflectionsStarting her boutique travel agency Resources and Links: Rachael's Website: For the Story Vacations Call to Action: Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories

    42 min

  7. 04/24/2025

    From Typhoon to Tranquility: Peter Moore's Trek Through Nepal

    In this episode, Andrew sits down with Peter Moore, writer, editor, illustrator, and former Men's Health editor, to talk about a work trip to Nepal that went off-script in all the best ways. Originally planning to trek to Everest Base Camp for a radio segment, Peter’s journey was rerouted by a typhoon, leading him instead on the Langtang-Gosainkunda trail. Along the way, he faced monsoons, illness, altitude, and moments of spiritual awe. From recording radio interviews in the rain to taking a ritual cleansing dip in a sacred lake, Peter reflects on transformation through travel and how getting lost—literally and figuratively—can be the greatest gift of all. Guest: Peter Moore Former Editor at Men’s Health and host of Men’s Health LiveWriter, illustrator, and editor at The Colorado SunCreator of Road to Elsewhere, a Substack combining writing and original cartoonsAuthor or ghostwriter of three New York Times bestsellers Topics Covered: Peter’s Early Love for Travel and National Geographic MemoriesLeaving the Magazine World and Embracing the UnknownThe Plan to Hike to Everest Base Camp—and the Typhoon That Changed EverythingTrekking the Langtang Region in Monsoon SeasonCultural Insights: Hospitality, Porters, and Pink PantsA Sacred Bath at Gosainkunda Lake and Its Lasting ImpactGetting Lost (and Found) in KathmanduReflections on Flow, Aging, and Travel as Transformation Resources and Links: Peter’s Substack: Road to ElsewhereLearn more about Gosainkunda Lake and Langtang Trekking. Call to Action: Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories.

    47 min

  8. 03/25/2025

    Through the Crowd: Danika’s Giza Adventure

    In this episode, Andrew sits down with Danika Duarte Smith, a dancer, educator, and travel writer, to talk about her unforgettable first trip to Egypt during Eid. While living and teaching in Iraqi Kurdistan, Danika took a week off to explore Cairo, including a chaotic and crowded day at the Giza pyramid complex. From refusing overpriced horse carriage rides to navigating mayhem at the ticket booth, Danika shares how a random act of kindness and a stroke of luck got her and her travel companions through the chaos—and into one of the most iconic ancient sites on Earth. Guest: Danika Duarte Smith Author of One Year and a One Way Ticket, a debut travel memoirFounder of danikaduartesmith.comFormer ballet teacher and language instructorSpent three years living and working in Kurdistan, Iraq Topics Covered: Introduction to Danika and her travel backgroundLiving and working in KurdistanFirst impressions of Egypt during EidNavigating scams and chaos at the Giza pyramid complexFinding help from a stranger in an overwhelming crowdQuiet moments of awe behind the Great PyramidA side trip to Luxor and reflections on ancient civilizationsTeaching ballet and surviving earthquakes in northern IraqThe story behind Danika’s first book—and what’s next Resources and Links: Danika’s website: danikaduartesmith.comHer debut travel memoir: One Year and a One Way Ticket (Find it here) Call to Action: Check out our website at oneofftravelstories.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Share your favorite travel stories with us on social media using #OneOffTravelStories.

    43 min
See All (20)

Trailer

About

One Off Travel Stories is a podcast dedicated to sharing unique and captivating travel experiences. Each episode features a different guest who recounts an extraordinary event that happened while they were traveling. From off-the-beaten-path destinations to unexpected encounters, we explore the spontaneity of travel through personal narratives.

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew Tawaststjerna
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Andrew Tawaststjerna
  • Show Website
    One Off Travel Stories