Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small

Jason Elkins - Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast
  • 4.6 (20)
  • Places & Travel
  • 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. 2d ago

    Adventure Travel with Linda Shepro - Latitude Expeditions

    Guest Bio Linda Shepro is the founder and CEO of Latitude Expeditions, a travel advisory firm specializing in authentic, firsthand experiences across Africa, the Middle East, Australia and the South Pacific, and Central and South America. With over 30 years of experience in financial consulting and a deep passion for travel, Linda and her team spend up to a year annually vetting properties and experiences to curate personalized itineraries. Her expertise includes destinations such as Zambia, South Africa, and India, with a focus on family travel, adventure, and uniquely immersive journeys. Linda’s approach is rooted in direct experience and strong relationships with trusted Destination Management Companies, allowing her to offer clients detailed insights and 24/7 local support throughout their travels. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins sits down with Linda Shepro to explore the art and craft of crafting deeply personalized, adventurous travel experiences. Linda shares how her background in finance and decades of international travel laid the foundation for Latitude Expeditions, a company dedicated to delivering trips that go beyond the typical tourist paths by immersing travelers in the culture and natural beauty of each destination. Listeners learn about the challenges and rewards of vetting travel properties firsthand, the importance of strong local partnerships, and the thoughtful process behind designing trips that accommodate diverse interests and budgets. Linda also offers insights into emerging travel trends for 2026, including a growing desire for slower, value-driven travel and purpose-filled journeys that connect travelers to their heritage or support local communities. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel with Linda Shepro - Latitude Expeditions

  2. 5d ago

    Adventure Travel & Guiding with Colby Brokvist - Waypoint Guide Academy

    Guest Bio Colby Brokvist is an experienced Expedition Leader and Guide Trainer with Waypoint Guide Academy. Since beginning his guiding career in 2004, Colby has led diverse adventure activities including backpacking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, sea kayaking, nature photography, and sailing expeditions. He is the author of The Professional Guide’s Handbook, a respected manual on leadership in adventure travel. Beyond fieldwork, Colby develops guide training programs focused on leadership and conservation communication. He currently chairs the Board of the Polar Tourism Guides Association, promoting guide skill and safety in polar environments. Colby has also been featured in the short film The Guide by the World Wildlife Fund and serves as an ambassador for Tomorrow’s Air, a nonprofit connecting travelers with climate innovators. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins sits down with Colby Brokvist to explore the evolving role of guides in the adventure travel industry. Colby shares insights from his extensive experience leading expeditions across varied landscapes, including the Arctic and polar regions. They discuss the essential human skills that guides need beyond technical expertise, such as group management, decision making, and interpretation to enhance guest experiences. Colby also touches on the challenges guides face when expectations don’t align with nature’s unpredictability, using examples from polar bear expeditions where guests did not see bears but still had meaningful journeys. The conversation highlights how guiding has grown into a multifaceted profession requiring leadership, communication, and adaptability, as well as the importance of professional development for guides and operators alike. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel & Guiding with Colby Brokvist - Waypoint Guide Academy

  3. Oct 27

    Adventure Travel with Dr. Suzy Ross - Integr8

    Guest Bio Dr. Suzy Ross is the founder of Integr8, a consulting, training, and certification practice dedicated to the emerging science of transformation and integration. With over 20 years of experience as a professor, author, and social scientist, she has extensively studied what occurs before, during, and after life-changing experiences. Her research culminated in the Figure-8 Model of Transformation and her book, The Map to Wholeness, which outlines the universal process of becoming a new version of oneself. Dr. Ross advises founders and organizational leaders on transformation strategy, experience design, and integration infrastructure, partnering with companies across travel, wellness, healthcare, hospitality, and education to help translate powerful experiences into meaningful human and business outcomes. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins sits down with Dr. Suzy Ross to explore the science behind transformation, especially as it relates to travel and adventure experiences. They discuss the significance of the figure eight symbol in her work, representing both the life-changing journey and the crucial integration phase that follows. Suzy shares insight into how people often transform unexpectedly through travel, whether intentionally seeking change or encountering unforeseen catalysts. The conversation delves into practical ways tour operators and experience providers can support transformational travel, including simple reflection techniques and creating authentic connections during trips. Suzy also reveals her personal story of a profound wilderness experience that inspired her decades-long research into transformative learning. The episode highlights the importance of integration to fully realize transformation and how travel can serve as a unique catalyst in this process. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel with Dr. Suzy Ross - Integr8

  4. Oct 24

    Adventure Travel with Amine Nasraoui - Morocco Vistas

    Guest Bio Amine Nasraoui is the CEO and founder of Morocco Vistas, a luxury travel agency based in Florida that combines American professional standards with deep local knowledge of Morocco. Holding a Master’s degree in History, Tourism, and World Heritage, Amine has over 14 years of experience as a state-certified tour guide. His expertise lies in creating immersive journeys that connect travelers with Morocco’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Born in a small village near Casablanca and raised in a family with roots tracing back to the Middle East and Andalusia, Amine brings a personal and scholarly perspective to his tours, emphasizing authentic experiences and meaningful cultural exchange. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins sits down with Amine Nasraoui to explore the vibrant history and culture of Morocco through the eyes of a dedicated historian and tour guide. Amine shares insights into Morocco’s ethnic and linguistic diversity, including the complex relationships between Arab and Berber communities, the Andalusian heritage, and the origins of the country’s name. Their conversation touches on Morocco’s unique social fabric, including the role of women, religious diversity, and the country’s open, respectful approach to visitors. They also dive into Amine’s personal journey—from growing up in a small village near Casablanca to becoming a licensed official tour guide and launching Morocco Vistas in the United States. Amine discusses the challenges of tourism in Morocco, including the distinction between licensed guides and illegal operators, and explains his philosophy of luxury travel as an intellectually enriching experience tailored to individual interests. Listeners gain a nuanced understanding of Moroccan society, history, and the practical aspects of travel planning with a trusted expert. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel with Amine Nasraoui - Morocco Vistas

  5. Oct 20

    Adventure Travel with Nima Sherpa - Last Frontiers Trekking

    Guest Bio Nima Sherpa is the Director of Last Frontiers Trekking, a boutique travel company based in Kathmandu, Nepal. A third-generation tourism professional, Nima returned to Nepal after completing his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in the United States. Building on his family’s long history in Himalayan expeditions and trekking, Nima now leads Last Frontiers Trekking, specializing in authentic and carefully crafted journeys across Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and India. His deep roots in the Sherpa community and extensive experience as a trekking guide inform his approach to designing culturally rich and adventurous travel experiences. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins talks with Nima Sherpa about his unique perspective as both a member of the Sherpa community and a leader in the adventure travel industry. They discuss the origins and meaning of the Sherpa name, the evolution of Last Frontiers Trekking since its founding in 1984, and the company’s role as a destination management company (DMC) for Nepal and surrounding countries. Nima shares insights into the cultural diversity of Nepal and how that shapes travel experiences for visitors. The conversation also explores Nima’s personal journey, from growing up around trekkers and travelers in Kathmandu to studying computer science in the U.S. and eventually returning to lead the family business. Jason and Nima reflect on the challenges and rewards of crafting itineraries that blend adventure, culture, and meaningful local interaction. Highlights include a historical overview of Nima’s family’s involvement in early Himalayan expeditions and the ongoing commitment to sustainable and tailored travel experiences. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel with Nima Sherpa - Last Frontiers Trekking

  6. Oct 17

    Adventure Travel with Andrea Pompele - Pompele Safaris

    Guest Bio Andrea Pompele is an evolutionary biologist, ecologist, expedition leader, and the owner and founder of Pompele Safaris. With extensive experience across more than 18 African countries, Andrea has developed deep knowledge of diverse landscapes including savannas, equatorial forests, deserts, mountains, and coastal regions along the Indian Ocean. Combining his academic background in evolutionary biology and animal behavior with years of field experience, he offers a safari approach that goes beyond wildlife viewing to explore ecological relationships and natural processes. Andrea personally designs and leads private African expeditions, tailoring them to each traveler’s interests while fostering curiosity and connection with the natural world. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins sits down with Andrea Pompele to explore the philosophy and practice behind Pompele Safaris. Andrea shares how his childhood in the mountainous Aosta Valley of northern Italy and family history spanning continents inspired his lifelong passion for nature and exploration. Listeners gain insight into his unique approach to guiding, which emphasizes scientific interpretation, presence in the moment, and fostering a genuine connection between travelers and their environment. Andrea explains the benefits of having a private guide who accompanies clients throughout their entire journey, offering personalized itineraries and the flexibility to focus on each traveler’s particular interests. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of working as a non-local guide in Africa, the importance of collaboration within the safari industry, and the value of slow, immersive safaris that allow guests to truly experience place and wildlife beyond surface-level encounters. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel with Andrea Pompele - Pompele Safaris

  7. Oct 13

    Adventure Travel with Brian FitzGerald - Grand Circle Corporation (the parent company of Overseas Adventure Travel & Grand Circle Travel)

    Guest Bio Brian FitzGerald is the CEO of Grand Circle Corporation, the parent company of Overseas Adventure Travel and Grand Circle Travel. Since joining the company over 15 years ago, Brian has held leadership roles across finance, brand marketing, and business strategy, eventually becoming President and Chief Operating Officer before being named CEO in 2019. With a BS in Finance from Stonehill College, he began his career at State Street Corporation in fund accounting and financial controls. Brian’s leadership focuses on meaningful travel experiences as the core competitive advantage in the industry, guiding Grand Circle through significant challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic. He is deeply committed to the company’s mission of changing lives through immersive and authentic travel, emphasizing small group sizes and strong local connections. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins sits down with Brian FitzGerald to explore the unique approach Grand Circle Corporation takes in the adventure travel space. Brian shares insights into the company’s two flagship brands—Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T) and Grand Circle Travel—explaining how each serves different traveler profiles with distinct modes of travel and experiences. The conversation delves into how the company prioritizes authentic cultural immersion and sustainable tourism by employing local trip experience leaders and maintaining small group sizes. Brian also reflects on his personal journey from finance professional to CEO of a family-owned travel company, highlighting the importance of purpose-driven work and the role of the Grand Circle Foundation in giving back to communities worldwide. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of how Grand Circle balances operational scale with personalized service and how the company supports solo travelers, multi-generational families, and those seeking life-changing travel experiences. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel with Brian FitzGerald - Grand Circle Corporation (the parent company of Overseas Adventure Travel & Grand Circle Travel)

  8. Oct 6

    Adventure Travel Podcast with Elaine Nelson Peik - Nordic Travel Collective

    Guest Bio Elaine Nelson Peik is the owner and founder of Nordic Travel Collective, a specialized service dedicated to personalized travel planning in the Nordic region. With over 27 years of experience working for leading Nordic tour operators and destination management companies, Elaine combines her Scandinavian heritage and industry expertise to design custom itineraries that reflect the unique interests and needs of each traveler. She has crafted trips across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Svalbard, focusing on authentic cultural experiences, scenic routes, and thoughtful logistics that go beyond typical tourist paths. Show Summary In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins welcomes Elaine Nelson Peik to explore the intricacies of travel to the Nordic countries. Elaine shares insights on how her deep connection to Scandinavia and decades of professional experience have shaped her approach to travel planning, emphasizing clarity and personalization to help travelers confidently navigate the complexities of the region. Throughout the conversation, Elaine explains the origins and scope of the Nordic Travel Collective, highlighting the value of expert guidance in an age of overwhelming online information. She also discusses the importance of well-flowing itineraries, realistic travel expectations—especially in places like Norway where geography and transportation can be challenging—and the role of cultural storytelling in creating meaningful journeys. Elaine offers a candid look at her own path, from growing up in a Scandinavian-American community in Minnesota to shifting from a teaching career to travel design. 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. bigworldmadesmall.com

    Adventure Travel Podcast with Elaine Nelson Peik - Nordic Travel Collective
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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
    214
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small
  • Show Website
    Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small

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