Do you Even Want me Here?

Leeah
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

What does it mean to be a tourist today? From cities fighting over tourism to islands sinking under rising seas, Season 2 of Do you Even Want me Here? (previously: Newberry - A New Business Podcast) is a journey into how our choices as travelers shape the world we visit. Each week, we explore unique conversations from different parts of the world and ask the question: Do you even want me here? Hosted by Leeah of Newberry Travel.

  1. Mar 12

    Jane | Overtourism and Life in Venice

    Honest conversations about how we can travel and show up better, wherever we go. Keeping you from being THAT tourist. Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world—but it’s also someone’s home. In this episode, Jane, a Venice local of 36 years, shares what it actually feels like to live inside a place the world treats as a destination. This conversation is about what it means to be a guest, how tourism shapes a city, and the small choices travelers can make to support the places they visit. You can book time with Jane and learn to row like a Venetian on their website https://rowvenice.org/ . All thoughts and opinions are, like, our own man. Chapters 03:21 A Day in the Life of a Local07:17 The Role of Tourism in Venice09:30 Balancing Tradition and Modernity12:05 The Future of Venice and Its Residents15:05 Supporting Venice as a Tourist Destination17:16 Conscious Tourism and Local Living19:39 Environmental Responsibility in Venice41:06  Show Recap and What’s Next

    Jane | Overtourism and Life in Venice

  2. Mar 5

    Connie | Animals & Vacation

    Honest conversations about how we can travel and show up better, wherever we go. Keeping you from being THAT tourist. Wildlife encounters are often sold as magical and educational, which it can be. More than likely though, it’s not as it seems. In this episode, wildlife educator https://www.instagram.com/connie.needham/  shares the truth about wildlife tourism, what ethical experiences actually look like and how travelers can make more educated decisions when looking for a company or guide. This conversation isn’t about guilt, it’s about awareness, responsibility and learning how to experience wildlife in a way that protects, rather than harms, the animals we love. All thoughts and opinions are, like, our own man. Chapters 02:58  Connie’s Journey with Animals06:34  Understanding Wildlife Tourism07:24  The Ethics of Animal Interaction21:42  Red Flags in Wildlife Tourism27:32  The Impact of Social Media on Wildlife34:04  Green Flags for Ethical Wildlife Tourism41:06  Show Recap and What’s Next Red Flags 🚩 Touching, petting, bathing, feeding, or riding animalsSelfies or close-contact photo opportunities with wildlifeTourists walking animals or handling them in any wayPhotos on their website or social media showing tourist interactionVague statements like “all animals are rescues” without specific storiesBaby animals without clear rescue explanationClaims that interaction is “beneficial” to the animalLack of transparency about where animals came fromNo clear conservation mission or goalsHeavy promotion of hands-on, “once-in-a-lifetime” animal encountersGreen Flags ✅ Observation-only experiencesClear physical distance between animals and visitorsNo touching, feeding, or handling allowedDetailed rescue stories and animal historiesStrong educational focusTransparent conservation mission and goalsLocal guides and community involvementFunds clearly supporting rescue, rehabilitation, or conservationAnimals behaving naturally, without human interactionMarketing focused on education, not entertainment

    Connie | Animals & Vacation

  3. Jan 29

    Catherine | A Look at 'Disaster Tourism'

    Honest conversations about how we can travel and show up better, wherever we go. Keeping you from being THAT tourist. Today we talk about the sensitive nature of traveling after a natural disaster. We are curious creatures by design and that makes it easy for us to often overstep the private boundaries that communities need to heal. We’ll learn about Asheville and it’s rise to fame, how the community came together right after the tragedy. We’ll be introduced to the 3-types of post-disaster tourists and explain the purpose of each. While each disaster is on it’s own timeline, it is important that you travel there with a gentle approach – keep in mind that these communities are grieving.   All thoughts and opinions are, like, our own man. Chapters 02:36  Introduction to Asheville07:22  Impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville12:24  Community Response and Business Recovery18:57  Tourism’s Role in Post-Disaster Recovery23:03  Lessons Learn and Moving Forward27:36  Show Recap and What’s Next  If you are feeling called to support Asheville, below are the two places you can donate that were mentioned in the episode: Explore Asheville  The Always Asheville Fund   Please give a shout out or a follow to the 3 nonprofit groups that have been instrumental in post-Helene recovery work: AVL Greenworks Beloved Asheville is still taking care of Helene impacted folks Equal Plates   If you’d like to get in touch with Catherine, you can find her agency here: One For The Books

    Catherine | A Look at 'Disaster Tourism'

  4. Jan 22

    Birhanu | Different is not Dangerous

    Honest conversations about how we can travel and show up better, wherever we go. Keeping you from being THAT tourist. Africa is not a country — and different does not mean dangerous. In this episode, Leeah sits down with Birhanu, an Ethiopian tour guide and founder of New Ethiopia Tours, to explore what it really means to travel with curiosity and respect in a part of the world that is often overlooked. Together, they unpack the fear-based narratives often associated with Africa, the beauty and diversity of Ethiopia’s landscapes and cultures, and the fine line between cultural curiosity and exploitation. From tribal tourism and photography ethics to food, hospitality, and practical travel tips, this conversation challenges listeners to rethink what they’ve been taught about “safety,” difference, and belonging. If you’ve ever felt drawn to a place but hesitated because it felt unfamiliar, this episode is an invitation to listen closer — and travel more intentionally. If you're interested in learning more about the co-ed Ethiopia tour led by Newberry Travel, you can find the itinerary here. Interested in learning more? Book a discovery call with Leeah here. All thoughts and opinions are, like, our own, man. Chapters 02:13  Introduction to Ethiopia and it’s Wonders06:16  Cultural Richness and Diversity of Ethiopia10:30  Breaking Stereotypes: Africa is not a Country14:29  Respectful Travel: Engaging with Local Cultures18:05  Show Recap and What’s Next

    Birhanu | Different is not Dangerous

  5. Jan 15

    Flore | How to make a Parisian Smile

    Honest conversations about how we can travel and show up better, wherever we go. Keeping you from being THAT tourist. Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world — but what is it like to live there? In this episode, Leeah sits down with Flore, a third-generation Parisian, to explore what conscious travel really looks like in a city shaped by romance, history, and mass tourism. Together, they unpack the stereotypes surrounding “rude Parisians,” the impact of Instagram and photo-driven tourism on daily life, and why places like Montmartre are struggling under the weight of being endlessly documented. From café culture and sidewalk etiquette to practical ways travelers can be more aware, patient, and present, this conversation offers a thoughtful guide to experiencing Paris as a guest — not a backdrop. If you’re planning a trip to Paris, or simply curious about how our behavior as tourists affects the places we love, this episode invites you to slow down, look up, and travel with intention. All thoughts and opinions are, like, our own, man. Chapters 02:36  Introduction to Parisian Life07:22  Cultural Differences and Missunderstandings12:24  The Impact of Tourism on Daily Life18:57  Respectful Tourism in Paris23:03  Final Thoughts on Being a Conscious Tourist27:36  Show Recap and What’s Next Typical little bars/café where to get some decent French classics, without ruining your life savings:  Le petit Celestin, great bread! Close to the Seine Le Léopard, musique live, very chill, I like that they do herring and potato salad, a classic - eastern Paris  Le café Content - a little trendy, in the 11th arrondissement, very nice too and good wine Le temps des Cerises, small and intimate restaurant in the Marais, very nice  Park: Buttes Chaumont, it's beautiful and super hilly, avoid weekends ;) it hosts the place to be for thirty something couples with children on a Sunday evening : the Rosa Bonheur bar, also a gay friendly get together at the heart of the parc  Museums :  Moderne - see the fondations Pinault or la fondation Louis Vuitton, Museum of Modern Art with a nice view on the Eiffel Tower. The nice and lesser known museums: Jacquemart André if you like a mini-VersaillesThe Musée Carnavelet - free of charge, in a beautiful mansion in the Marais, it's the museum recounting the history of Paris dating back to the 4th CenturyFor photography fiends, small but great museum: Maison européenne de la photographie in the Marais.  Live musique : Le bar rouge on rue de Bagnolet, on Sunday nights Iconic cinemas:  Louxor  in Barbès Le christine 21 / Le champo(llion)  Connect with Leeah on Instagram to get contact details to work with Flore.

    Flore | How to make a Parisian Smile

  6. Jan 8

    Jonna | Why Finland? Not because of the dogsledding

    Honest conversations about how we can travel and show up better, wherever we go. Keeping you from being THAT tourist. Today we dive into our love for travel and new experiences, by exploring Finland's unique charm, understanding Finnish tourism, respecting nature and culture in Lapland, animal tourism in Finland, challenges and opportunities in Finnish tourism, and recommendations for exploring Finland. The discussion provides insights into the cultural and natural aspects of tourism in Finland, emphasizing the need for responsible and respectful travel practices. All thoughts and opinions are, like, our own man. Chapters 00:00 The Love for Travel and New Experiences06:19 Respecting Nature and Culture in Lapland20:40 Challenges and Opportunities in Finnish Tourism You're welcome to join Newberry Travel's summer solstice 2026 trip, learn more here. If you find yourself in Finland at a different time, here is a list of some spots Jonna recommends: Movies:  - All the movies by Aki Kaurismäki are a must. - Tom of Finland - Unknown soldier Books: - Moomin books obviosly (Tove Jansson) - Under the Norhern Star trilogy (Väinö Linna)  - the Year of the Hare (Arto Paasilinna) - Kalevala (Elias Lönnrot - the national epoch of Finland) - History of Finland (Henrik Meinander) - the new biography of Sanna Marin - Hope in Action Locations: - Åland islands and Turku archipelago - Oulu and the rest of Northern Ostrobothnia region - the real Lapland (so not Rovaniemi..), Inari, Utsjoki.. Events: - Sodankylä Midnight Sun Film Festival (June, Sodankylä) - Flow Festival (August, Helsinki) - Tuska Metal Festival (June/July, Helsinki) - Savonlinna Opera Festival (July/August, Savonlinna) - Bättre Folk Festival (July, Oulu)

    Jonna | Why Finland? Not because of the dogsledding

  7. Jan 7

    Season 2 Promo

    In the Season 2 promo, host Leeah introduces Do You Even Want Me Here? - a new podcast about conscious travel and what it means to show up thoughtfully in the places we visit. Through honest conversations with locals around the world, the show explores how tourism impacts daily life of locals and how travelers can move with more awareness, curiosity, and care. If you love discovering new places but also want to be a better guest, this season is for you.

  8. 05/27/2025

    130 | Season One Wrap-Up: What I’ve Learned

    Well friends, we made it — the end of Season One! This episode is part wrap-up of our small business marketing series and part reflection on what it’s really been like building Newberry Travel from the ground up. I’m sharing behind-the-scenes updates, what worked (and didn’t), and how marketing as a solopreneur has stretched me in all the best, weirdest ways. We’ll revisit the biggest takeaways from the last three episodes: getting started with marketing, understanding your customers like the big brands do, and creative ways to market your business without relying on social media. And since this also wraps up the season, I’m reflecting on the wild, non-linear, unexpectedly beautiful journey of launching something that matters. Whether you’ve been listening since day one or just jumped in, thank you for being here. Truly. 🎧 Listen now and join the journey! Follow @newberrytravel or visit ⁠newberrytravel.com⁠! Disclaimer: The views and actions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and based on my personal experiences. I am not a professional, and any advice or steps mentioned are for informational purposes only. I will not be held responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on this podcast. Always do your own research and consult a professional when necessary.

    130 | Season One Wrap-Up: What I’ve Learned
See All (38)

About

What does it mean to be a tourist today? From cities fighting over tourism to islands sinking under rising seas, Season 2 of Do you Even Want me Here? (previously: Newberry - A New Business Podcast) is a journey into how our choices as travelers shape the world we visit. Each week, we explore unique conversations from different parts of the world and ask the question: Do you even want me here? Hosted by Leeah of Newberry Travel.

Information