Untethered Childhood

Jordan Neri

Dreaming of taking your kids on an international adventure? Untethered Childhood is a travel and parenting podcast for families curious about exploring the world with kids, but who feel held back. Together, we're rethinking what's possible. Each conversation opens a window into a different corner of the world. Join host Jordan Neri—a wildfire survivor who learned firsthand that memories don't burn—as she sits down with scientists, travel journalists, and historians, to tackle the real pain points keeping families home, while painting a picture of the story waiting for you. This show isn't about perfect itineraries or luxury trips. It's about raising explorers through meaningful, real-world experiences that build connection and resilience. We're mapping out a jumping-off point to put immersive cultural experiences within reach. From building borderless friendships at young ages to navigating unfamiliar places with confidence, we're creating comprehensive family-friendly destination guides with practical travel tips that inspire you to meet new faces in new places. We’re audio-first for a reason, because connection starts with conversations. Think of us as a gathering source. Step beyond routine. Collect memories that last. Take the kids. New episodes every Tuesday.

Episodes

  1. UNESCO Sites as Living Classrooms: Places That Have Shaped Our Collective Humanity

    12/31/2025

    UNESCO Sites as Living Classrooms: Places That Have Shaped Our Collective Humanity

    In this episode of the Untethered Childhood Podcast, host Jordan Neri speaks with environmental scientist and regenerative tourism expert Susana Shankar (Sooz) about the significance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They explore how these sites serve as transformative travel experiences for families, fostering global citizenship and environmental responsibility. Sooz shares her personal journey into regenerative tourism, the importance of understanding UNESCO designations, and how travel can be a powerful teacher for children. The conversation also highlights kid-friendly UNESCO sites, cultural and natural heritage experiences, and the value of agritourism. Destinations covered: 🇦🇺 Kakado National Park, Australia🇮🇹 Cinque Terre, Italy🇨🇦 Canadian Rockies Chapters 00:00 Introduction to UNESCO World Heritage Sites02:54 Transformative Travel Experiences05:49 The Journey to Regenerative Tourism08:59 Personal Impact of Travel11:46 Understanding UNESCO Designations14:55 The Importance of UNESCO Sites17:59 UNESCO Sites as Living Classrooms21:05 Kid-Friendly UNESCO Destinations24:04 Cultural Highlights: Cinque Terre30:00 Natural Wonders: Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks37:21 Traveling to UNESCO Sites: A Journey Begins39:01 Exploring Mixed UNESCO Sites: Kakadu National Park44:37 Cultural Immersion: Learning from Indigenous Communities46:19 Raising Global Citizens: The Role of Education in Travel52:13 Conversations on Conservation: Teaching Kids Responsibility01:01:23 Agritourism: Connecting Kids with Food and Nature01:09:03 Keeping the Spirit Alive: Post-Travel Reflections

    58 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Dreaming of taking your kids on an international adventure? Untethered Childhood is a travel and parenting podcast for families curious about exploring the world with kids, but who feel held back. Together, we're rethinking what's possible. Each conversation opens a window into a different corner of the world. Join host Jordan Neri—a wildfire survivor who learned firsthand that memories don't burn—as she sits down with scientists, travel journalists, and historians, to tackle the real pain points keeping families home, while painting a picture of the story waiting for you. This show isn't about perfect itineraries or luxury trips. It's about raising explorers through meaningful, real-world experiences that build connection and resilience. We're mapping out a jumping-off point to put immersive cultural experiences within reach. From building borderless friendships at young ages to navigating unfamiliar places with confidence, we're creating comprehensive family-friendly destination guides with practical travel tips that inspire you to meet new faces in new places. We’re audio-first for a reason, because connection starts with conversations. Think of us as a gathering source. Step beyond routine. Collect memories that last. Take the kids. New episodes every Tuesday.