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 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

  2. 5d ago

    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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Sep 5

    Adventure Travel with Gaurav Bhan Bhatnagar - The Folk Tales, India

    Guest Bio Gaurav Bhan Bhatnagar is the Founder and CEO of The Folk Tales, a company dedicated to crafting conscious travel experiences across India. With more than a decade of experience, he has focused on responsible tourism that fosters deep cultural connections and supports local communities. Recognized as part of the FORTTUNA Global 100 class of 2026 and awarded the Best Cultural Immersion Operator by the Indian Responsible Tourism Awards, Gaurav combines his interests in travel writing, languages, and photography to enrich the journeys he creates. His work extends beyond business to promote storytelling-centered sustainable tourism that empowers grassroots communities and contributes to meaningful livelihoods. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Gaurav about the importance of responsible travel and how storytelling can deepen a traveler’s connection to India’s diverse cultures. They explore how The Folk Tales curates bespoke experiences that go beyond surface-level tourism to engage with heritage and local communities authentically. Gaurav shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable tourism in India, emphasizing the role of grassroots empowerment and cultural preservation. The conversation also touches on how emerging founders like himself are shaping the future of tourism with a focus on ethics and impact. Listeners gain a clearer understanding of how travel can be a force for good when it is thoughtfully designed and grounded in genuine cultural exchange. 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 Gaurav Bhan Bhatnagar - The Folk Tales, India

  6. Sep 1

    Adventure Travel with Elinor Fish - Open Air Consulting

    Guest Bio Elinor Fish is a Tourism Business Consultant and founder of Open Air Consulting. With over 14 years of experience building and leading an international travel company, Elinor has firsthand insight into the challenges of growing a tourism business and preparing it for sale. After successfully scaling her own company and navigating the complexities of a business exit, she now helps travel industry owners understand the true value of their companies and guides them through the process of scaling, structuring, and ultimately selling their businesses on their own terms. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Elinor Fish about her journey from founding and operating a women-only travel company to becoming a trusted consultant in tourism business sales and growth. Elinor shares her experience of building her company from a solo endeavor into an international operation with a dedicated team and explains how the pandemic and post-Covid travel surge impacted her business and contributed to her decision to sell. Elinor dives into the importance of preparing a business for sale well in advance, focusing on creating systems that allow the company to operate independently of the owner. She discusses the due diligence process, the role of business brokers, and how early planning can greatly improve outcomes for sellers. Additionally, she emphasizes that the steps taken to ready a business for sale can also free entrepreneurs to enjoy their businesses more and avoid burnout. Throughout the conversation, Elinor offers practical advice on managing employee concerns during ownership transitions, capturing meaningful customer feedback, and aligning business sales with personal life goals. Her insights extend beyond selling to building a sustainable, valuable asset that supports both business success and personal well-being. 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 Elinor Fish - Open Air Consulting

  7. Aug 29

    Adventure Travel with Kristine Eksteine-Nizka - Love Your Italy

    Guest Bio Kristine Eksteine-Nizka is the founder of Love Your Italy, a travel planning service and blog focused on helping travelers explore Italy, with a special emphasis on the Dolomites. Kristine and her husband Michal live in Europe and draw from their personal experiences living in Northern Italy and extensive travels throughout the country to create tailored itineraries and practical advice for visitors. Her approach combines a deep understanding of Italy’s diverse regions with a commitment to responsible and enjoyable travel. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Kristine about her journey from growing up in Latvia to becoming a travel planner specializing in Italy’s Dolomites. They discuss how Kristine’s passion for travel evolved through years of personal exploration, including her time working as a flight attendant and living near Lake Iseo in Northern Italy. The conversation delves into what makes the Dolomites unique, from their limestone peaks and extensive cable car networks to the challenges of overtourism and the importance of responsible travel. Kristine shares how her business, Love Your Italy, offers custom itinerary planning and a vibrant online community for travelers seeking to navigate the region thoughtfully and safely. Listeners also learn about the practical side of Kristine’s work, including why she chooses not to handle bookings directly and how she supports travelers with detailed planning advice, emphasizing safety and local respect. The episode highlights her dedication to making Italian adventures approachable, especially in areas less familiar to the average tourist. 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 Kristine Eksteine-Nizka - Love Your Italy

  8. Aug 25

    Adventure Travel with Peter Bergman - Beyond Expedition Consulting

    Guest Bio Peter Bergman is an Australian expedition leader and the founder of Beyond Expedition Consulting. With nearly a decade of experience guiding expeditions across diverse and remote regions including Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Indo-Pacific, Peter has developed a broad expertise in expedition cruising. His career began with Silversea Expeditions, where he advanced from Staff Assistant to Expedition Leader, managing complex operations and ensuring guest safety on challenging itineraries. Through Beyond Expedition Consulting, Peter provides specialized advice to expedition operators, drawing on current, hands-on experience in the field to support companies in delivering safe and authentic adventure travel experiences. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Peter Bergman about his journey from studying marine science to becoming an expedition leader and founder of Beyond Expedition Consulting. Peter shares insights into the expedition industry, explaining what expedition tourism entails and how it differs from traditional travel. He highlights the challenges of operating in remote regions, from polar areas to tropical islands, and the importance of thorough planning and local knowledge. Peter discusses the balance he seeks between his career at sea and life on land, as well as the personal challenges of leading expeditions in high-stress environments. He reflects on the legacy of his late father and how it shaped his adventurous path. The conversation delves into the evolving nature of expedition travel, the role of consulting in supporting new and established operators, and the need for mental and physical wellbeing among expedition staff. 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 Peter Bergman - Beyond Expedition Consulting
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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
    202
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small
  • Show Website
    Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small

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