Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories

William Roehm

The Where Have You Been? podcast is all about the guest and their travel experiences. For those of us that love travel, we also love to talk about our experiences and hear those of others. No podcast I’ve found has simply been a casual conversation about where we’ve been and where we’re going - and what’s happened in-between. This podcast fills that void. You will hear from people from all walks of life as they discuss their experiences. Maybe they will inspire you to go somewhere new. Maybe they will spur memories from trips you have taken already. Either way, enjoy getting to know my guests and, week after week, listen as I ask the question - Where Have You Been? For pictures from the pod episodes, please visit https://www.instagram.com/whybpodcast

  1. Oct 18

    Special Announcement

    A Note on the Podcast's Short Break Bill shares updates and what’s next for the podcast. Hello, dear listener. I wanted to take a moment to connect with you directly. This is not a typical episode of the Where Have You Been podcast, but rather a brief message from me, Bill Roehm. I appreciate each one of you who has been a part of this journey over the past year and a half. Taking a Break As we approach the upcoming weeks, you might notice that there won't be a new episode released on October 18th and possibly some weeks/months going forward. I didn't want to leave you in the dark or cause any concern about the future of the podcast. Rest assured, the show is not ending. I simply need to take a short break to focus on some personal matters. I expect this break to last a couple of weeks, maybe a little longer. But I have exciting plans in the works, including a special episode featuring a guest who speaks Portuguese! As I continue to learn the language, I look forward to incorporating translation to bring you their incredible story. The Journey Continues I love the work we do here, sharing amazing stories and experiences. We've seen the podcast evolve over nearly 80 episodes, and I'm committed to reaching that 100-episode milestone. Your support means the world to me. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and/or a comment on platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback not only lifts my spirits but also helps introduce the podcast to new listeners. Thank You So, while silence may fill the air for a bit, know that I'll be back very soon. In the meantime, I encourage you to revisit some of our past episodes. Each one holds a unique story worth hearing. Thank you for your love and support. Be kind, be safe, and I look forward to reconnecting soon. Warm regards, Bill Roehm

  2. Oct 4

    078 - Thailand, & Some Other Places, With Podcaster & Author, Bangkok Bill Mullen. - Travel Stories

    From Corporate to Bangkok: Bill Mullen's Journey How a vacation turned into a new life in Thailand. Bill Mullen, affectionately known as Bangkok Bill, shares his transformative journey from a corporate job in the U.S. to living in Thailand. The Call to Adventure Bill reflects on his time in a corporate position. "On paper I was making good money," he admits, "but it just didn’t feel like it. I was just over broke." It was during a Christmas party when his friend Nan urged him to stop complaining about his need for a vacation and instead ask, "What is your excuse now?" This pivotal question set the stage for a life-changing trip. Booking the Flight After some back-and-forth about the cost of flights to Thailand, Bill took the plunge when he found a ticket for $619 round trip. "I learned I can’t use these American airlines anymore. They’re ridiculous!" — Bangkok Bill Mullen But the next challenge was finding someone to travel with. After reaching out to numerous friends with no success, he called Nan again and asked her a peculiar question: "Do you want to travel with guys or do you want to travel with girls?" Bill’s choice was clear. An Epic Journey Once in Thailand, Bill had an unforgettable experience filled with adventure and beauty — swimming with elephants, scuba diving, and breathtaking sunsets. "I fell in love with a girl, but I also fell in love with the country." — Bangkok Bill Mullen Upon returning to the U.S., he made a bold move: he gave his boss three months' notice, declaring his intention to move to Thailand permanently. The rest, as they say, is history. Thailand Adventure Secrets Now, Bill shares his love for Thailand through his podcast, Thailand Adventure Secrets, where he guides listeners away from tourist traps and towards authentic experiences. "Don't let Instagram plan your vacation. That’s not a good idea!" — Bangkok Bill Mullen He also authored a book titled Getting Lost in the Magic of Thailand, aimed at helping others discover the true essence of the country. Conclusion Bill's story is a reminder that sometimes, a leap into the unknown can lead to the most rewarding experiences. For those yearning for adventure, his journey from corporate life to the vibrant streets of Bangkok may just inspire your next trip. Listen to this episode for more insights and adventures from Bangkok Bill. Find Bill's website here: https://www.thailandadventuresecrets.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thailandadventurenetwork6670 Insta: https://www.instagram.com/billmullen3/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wmullen/ Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

    078 - Thailand, & Some Other Places, With Podcaster & Author, Bangkok Bill Mullen. - Travel Stories
  3. Sep 20

    076 - Guyana, Mexico, & More With Philanthropist & Entrepreneur, Forrest McSweeney. - Travel Stories

    Empowering Communities: Forrest McSweeney's Vision in Guyana Discover how small grants can transform lives in remote areas. Welcome to this week’s edition, where we delve into the inspiring journey of Forrest McSweeney, a young philanthropist dedicated to empowering small business owners in Guyana's indigenous communities. A Passion Ignited by Travel Forrest's story begins in the lush landscapes of Guyana, where he first traveled with his father at a young age. These experiences left a profound impact on him, shaping his understanding of privilege and opportunity. As he recalls, "Seeing kids who didn't own anything more than a pair of flip-flops really showed me how fortunate I was." This early exposure to life in remote communities fueled his desire to make a difference. He founded a nonprofit organization that provides small grants—typically around $500—to local entrepreneurs, helping them acquire essential tools like ovens, solar panels, and other equipment vital for their businesses. Transformative Impact of Small Grants Forrest emphasizes that while these amounts may seem modest, they can create life-changing opportunities. "The amount of money you’d spend on a fancy dinner is enough to get a farmer a water pump and protect them from the upcoming drought." His organization doesn’t simply hand out money; instead, it empowers individuals to help themselves. This philosophy echoes the age-old adage: "If you give a man a fish, he eats for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he can eat for a lifetime." Forrest’s mission is to equip these entrepreneurs with the means to build sustainable futures. Expanding Beyond Grants In addition to financial support, Forrest’s organization is branching out to tackle other pressing needs in the communities they serve. They’re working on initiatives for clean water access and school uniforms for children, recognizing the interconnectedness of these basic needs and business sustainability. "We're helping people build more of these gutter systems to collect rainwater, which is crucial for their survival." This holistic approach ensures that the support provided is not only financial but also practical and culturally relevant. Get Involved Forrest invites anyone interested in supporting his mission to connect with him through their website, Upliftproject.org. Contributions go directly to helping small business owners in Guyana, and Forrest is eager to share stories and updates through social media. "People here are really willing to give to help someone they’ve never met." A Reflection Forrest’s journey serves as a reminder of the power of small acts of kindness and how they can ripple outwards, igniting change in unexpected places. His commitment to uplift others speaks volumes about the impact one individual can have in the world. To learn more about Forrest's work and see how you can help, visit his socials. Join us next week as we continue to explore stories of inspiration and transformation from around the world. Find his website here: https://upliftproject.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573171685668 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UpliftProjectgy Insta: https://www.instagram.com/upliftprojectgy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@upliftprojectgy Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

    076 - Guyana, Mexico, & More With Philanthropist & Entrepreneur, Forrest McSweeney. - Travel Stories
  4. Sep 12

    SPECIAL ENCORE - - Ukraine, Mt. Kilimanjaro, 9/11, & More With Humanitarian, Olympian, & 9/11 Survivor, Lyubim Kogan. - Travel Stories

    For the first time in a year and a half of the podcast I've decided there will be no new release this week on Sunday. In remembrance of the tragedy of the events of 9/11/01 and the 25th anniversary - I've decided to re-release this episode from almost exactly a year ago. It's wonderful, thoughtful, and inspiring - Lyubim is an incredible human and this is worth a listen. We'll be back to our normal schedule effective Sunday 9/20. Thank you for listening and for understanding. Please enjoy. From the original release:   In this really unique and special episode, Lyubim shares his incredible journey from being an immigrant in the United States to creating a mission that supports amputee veterans through paragliding. He reflects on his experiences during 9/11, his career in finance, and the challenges he faced while living in Ukraine.   Lyubim emphasizes the importance of cultural connections and local interactions during travel, sharing memorable stories from his adventures around the world, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and exploring various European cities.   Find his mission site here: https://wings4heroes.org/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wings4heroes   Insta: https://www.instagram.com/wings4heroes   Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send William Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

    SPECIAL ENCORE - - Ukraine, Mt. Kilimanjaro, 9/11, & More With Humanitarian, Olympian, & 9/11 Survivor, Lyubim Kogan. - Travel Stories
  5. Sep 6

    075 - Italy, China, Norway, & More With Sports Handicapper & Fire Truck Builder, Adam Graham. - Travel Stories

    Exploring Unconventional Journeys with Adam Graham A unique perspective on travel, sports betting, and fire trucks. Welcome to another episode of the Where Have You Been podcast! This week, we dive into the world of unconventional travels with Adam Graham, a fire truck manufacturer and sports handicapper, who shares his fascinating journey and insights. A Unique Profession Adam's day job revolves around building fire trucks at Sutfin, where he manages the aerial unit projects. "It's a great industry to be in. You help people save lives and keep firefighters safe," he shares. Adam's role allows him to work closely with communities, from big cities to small towns. He explains, "We do about 40 trucks a year, with around 120 in our backlog. It gives me time to ensure each truck is right, making the job rewarding and low-stress." From Finance to Fire Trucks Interestingly, Adam's pathway to project management was somewhat serendipitous. Starting as a finance major, he took a job with a startup in Las Vegas, which later grew into a major player in the natural gas pump industry. His travels began there, as he explains, "I had no idea my job would lead to such incredible experiences around the world." The Sports Betting Side Hustle As if managing fire truck projects isn't enough, Adam is also a sports handicapper. His approach combines his love for numbers and betting culture, which he embraced while living in Vegas. "I started by recording picks from respected betters and analyzing them for trends. That laid the groundwork for my betting company, LFG.Vegas," he explains. Adam emphasizes the importance of responsible betting: "It's about helping people manage their bankrolls and not blowing it all in one go." A Full Circle Moment in Travel While Adam's job allowed him to travel extensively, his current focus is more family-oriented. "We've settled down now, taking the kids to places like Disney World and Cedar Point. It's more about creating memories with them than my own adventures now," he notes. Reflecting on his journey, it’s clear that both Adam's professional and personal experiences have shaped a unique perspective on travel and life. Want to hear more? Tune in to the full episode for more stories from Adam's travels and insights into his fascinating career! Find Adam's website here: https://lfg.vegas/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/lfg.vegas/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lfg.vegas Twitter (X): https://x.com/LFG_Vegas Want to be a guest on Where Have You Been? - Travel Stories? Send Bill Roehm a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/whybpodcast

    075 - Italy, China, Norway, & More With Sports Handicapper & Fire Truck Builder, Adam Graham. - Travel Stories
5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

The Where Have You Been? podcast is all about the guest and their travel experiences. For those of us that love travel, we also love to talk about our experiences and hear those of others. No podcast I’ve found has simply been a casual conversation about where we’ve been and where we’re going - and what’s happened in-between. This podcast fills that void. You will hear from people from all walks of life as they discuss their experiences. Maybe they will inspire you to go somewhere new. Maybe they will spur memories from trips you have taken already. Either way, enjoy getting to know my guests and, week after week, listen as I ask the question - Where Have You Been? For pictures from the pod episodes, please visit https://www.instagram.com/whybpodcast