Welcome to the
Big World Made Small
Adventure Travel Podcast & Network, I’m Thrilled You’re Here…
…where we explore far beyond the beaches, resort hotels, and cruises to discover the people, places, and activities that adventurous travelers crave.
This Week’s Featured Guest
Follow 210+ Leaders and the Stories That Shape the Adventure Travel World on the Big World Made Small Podcast
Access the stories here, or on your favorite platform; wherever you prefer.
Watch Leigh Barnes, President of the Americas at Intrepid Travel share his story on the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast.
Real Stories from Across the Adventure Travel World
Weekly conversations with 210+ founders, guides, and the people shaping adventure travel around the world.
If you’re curious about the people behind great trips, the places they love, and the stories that shaped their path, you’ll feel right at home here.
What You’ll Hear
This show is for travelers, industry professionals, and anyone who believes travel is about more than itineraries — it’s about people.
Every episode is unscripted, unedited, and recorded as if we were sitting around a table at some distant lodge — relaxed, curious, and human.
Because we do things differently, there are no ads, affiliate links, or support-the-show requests interrupting the conversation.
A Bit About the Show & What Others Are Saying
Each month, Big World Made Small reaches approximately 1,200 podcast downloads and 1000 page views on this website, across a focused audience of experiential travelers, tourism founders, guides, creators, media researchers, and other travel industry professionals.
210+ episodes and 20,000+ listener downloads puts the show in the top 1-3% of all podcasts globally for longevity, and overall audience engagement. This is one of those podcasts you can subscribe to knowing that we aren’t going to disappear tomorrow, leaving you hanging.
It’s likely you found the show while researching one of our expert guests, or perhaps you were searching for “best adventure travel podcasts” on Google or YouTube (go ahead, give it a try). Maybe a colleague mentioned it, or your favorite podcast platform put it in front of you. Perhaps someone you know was featured and shared your name as a potential guest.
Regardless of how you discovered Big World Made Small, I am thrilled you’re here.
I trust that you’ll enjoy the stories we’ve curated, and that together we are creating connections you won’t find on a traditional website, blog post, review platform, or sanitized online travel agency listing.
Whether you’re a traveler researching your next adventure, industry insider looking to expand your network, a podcaster or journalist looking for interesting stories, or you’re searching for your next great career opportunity, I trust you’ll find the Big World Made Small Podcast & Network an invaluable tool.
Here is just some of the feedback the we have received from past featured guests and some of the listeners that contribute to making this big world feel just a bit smaller.
It felt natural
I really appreciated the relaxed and natural flow of the conversation with Jason.
Rather than staying on the surface, the podcast created space to explore the broader story behind what we are building in Kapchorwa.
Thank You Jason Elkins!
I really appreciate the time Jason took to get to know what’s behind a LinkedIn profile or a work title, get to know more about me and make this such an enjoyable conversation where we laughed so much, time ran short and I made a new friend.
Thank you!This Podcast is a Real Treasure
Listening to the stories shared in this podcast feels like visiting a secluded speakeasy, where I can finally gather with all the peers I’ve always dreamed of hanging out with.
Jason Elkins truly knocks it out of the park with this fantastic podcast. Thank you!Travel people are good people
If you are like me and find yourself most comfortable around travel people, then download a few episodes of Big World Made Small and you will feel right at home!
For Those Who Dream of Exploring Beyond Their Comfort Zones
Jason brings the world closer by exploring unique destinations, cultures, and personal journeys. Each episode feels like a conversation with a well-traveled friend.
This podcast makes the world feel a little smaller and a lot more connected.Entertaining and Informative
You feel as if you are eavesdropping in on a fun conversation.
Great storytelling!Not Your Average Friday Night
Absolutely LOVED our conversation. It was like no podcast I’ve ever been on before. Jason is such a gifted interviewer – he asks the best, most thoughtful questions, and the result is a free-flowing yarn, full of fun.
For me, it was a real masterclass in interviewing, and I’ve been inspired by it.A Fun and Fascinating Conversation!
I have both listened to Jason’s podcasts and had the pleasure of being a guest. His style and flow is just right to harness authentic conversation with his guests which takes you on quite the ride at times.
Perfect for listeners wanting to connect with guests, and guests with listeners. Highly recommend!So Much Fun!
It was so much fun to be a guest on Jason’s podcast. He’s a thoughtful questioner, pushing the envelope into more engaging realms of conversation.
Thanks for the chat Jason. Looking forward to staying connected, after all, that’s what it’s all about!Thanks for Having Me On!
Thanks for our time yesterday and for having me on your podcast.
I’m not used to talking at length about myself, but you made our conversation flow and enjoyable!I Truly Enjoyed our Conversation
Your podcast is incredible, and the way you brought out my story was just amazing.
I believe there’s great potential for us to collaborate further, especially in the area of digital marketing. I’d love for us to explore that soon.Great Conversation
I had a great chat with Jason about travel, the industry and our mutual love for Colombia.
Interesting interviews and people from the entire spectrum of Adventure Travel.
Worth the listen.Thanks for Your Hospitality Jason
Jason Elkins and I have a lot in common, so it was pure fun being interviewed and share our experiences and love for the industry.
Thanks for the Entertaining Conversation, Jason
Jason and I had a really fun discussion on the Big World Made Small podcast about all things travel, my career in the industry, and how Intrepid Travel is changing the way we can all see the world.
For Travelers and Those Who Want to Travel More
Jason is a great interviewer! Wonderful way to get perspective on the adventurous lives people are out there living. Inspiring!
A Wonderful Conversation with Fellow Explorer Jason Elkins
We discussed remote travel, indigenous people, travel writing, and my ongoing work with cetaceans.
This has been my most comprehensive podcast, and most enjoyable so far.Happy New Year Jason!
I really enjoyed our chat for the podcast – it was one of my favourite things of last year, so many thanks for giving me the opportunity to talk about travel.
Binge Worthy
So grateful for this show! It’s like taking a unique journey every episode.
Thanks Jason!!!!Thank You so Much for the Opportunity
I listened to my episode, and I loved it.
I can’t wait to share it with my network of staff, clients, friends, and family.A Must Listen
Jason is a great interviewer and approaches his subjects and asks his questions from a unique perspective.
Too often we forget about the good in the world and the unique and amazing things people are doing. Jason addresses that in a fun and imaginative way.
Listen!Fantastic Exposure
Thanks Jason for sharing the passion for hot air ballooning with the world!
It was a privilege to be featured on your podcast.A Fantastic Podcast Interview Experience
Being a guest on Jason‘s Big World Made Small podcast was such a great experience. He’s a natural interviewer, warm, engaging, and genuinely interested in storytelling.
The podcast interview flowed effortlessly, and I’m grateful for the chance to share my story in such a thoughtful space.
Thanks, Jason!Great Show
Good interviews and lots of great travel industry insights.
Thanks JasonThis takes a talent…
I just love the style you have as it is so laid back…It’s like listening to a conversation between two buddies while they catch up.
Keep up the good work, and if TV or radio comes calling tell them you can’t let down your fan base.I loved your episode with Bryan!
You’re a fantastic interviewer. I learned a lot great stuff about Bryan and the company from that episode.
It will be time well spent…
Jason did a great job interviewing me for his podcast – he is relaxed and made me fell at ease and still asked deep and challenging questions.
I had a good time and I got some insights into my own work.Looks Amazing
After recording, I reviewed my featured guest page and watched the sneak peek clip. Everything looks amazing — I love the bio, description, key takeaways, and the clip.
Spot-On and Easy to Share
Everything looked awesome. The summary information was spot-on, and the conversation sounded great. I
’m excited to share it on my website, in my newsletter, and through social media.Thank you Jason!
Thank you for giving me such a positive first podcast experience! Could have talked to you for hours and hours.
I don’t often tell my story, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to join some of the greats who’ve been on the Big World Made Small Podcast before me.Part of my Listening Diet
I’ll be honest, your podcast has been part of my listening diet for a while now.
The conversations you curate sit at a depth that most tourism content doesn’t reach, and more than a few episodes have shaped how I think about where the industry is heading.
I’ll keep listening.Something New to Me
Jason’s attention to detail before the session, and his cordial low-key approach as host made it relaxing and almost like chatting over a beverage vs having a camera and microphone going.
I enjoyed the conversation and hope that others learn a little about the Florida Nature Coast and our most famous residents.Thank You Jason…
…for a great conversation and for sharing stories about the people behind so many amazing travel companies around the world.
Much more personal…
This conversation gave me the chance to reflect on where I come from, how the Chayote Lodge dream evolved, and why I continue to believe so strongly in the potential of responsible and sustainable tourism.
A big thank you for creating the space for such a meaningful conversation...Beneath The Waves…
So many people dream of turning what they love into what they do. This podcast is for anyone who’s ever wondered what it really takes to build a career from a passion; the highs, lows, risks and rewards that come with making that leap.
Jason is a genuinely curious interviewer who has a real talent for digging a little deeper than most to create inspiring conversations that go beneath the waves.Truly one of the Very Best.
Being a guest was an outstanding experience. Jason has a unique ability to create conversations that are authentic, insightful, and genuinely enjoyable.
It was a wonderful opportunity to share my philosophy that the most meaningful journeys are created through authentic hospitality, genuine human connections, and thoughtful care.Really enjoyed my conversation…
It felt more like having a chat with a friend over a coffee rather than recording a podcast. We covered a range of interesting topics and I hope those who listen learn something new about expedition cruising.
Thanks Jason and looking forward to watching the BWMS podcast grow over the coming years!Being a guest on Big World Made Small was a genuine pleasure.
Jason gave me the space to share Morocco’s history, its people, and my own journey from licensed guide in Marrakech to founding Morocco Vistas.
I highly recommend the show to anyone in the travel world who has a real story to tell.All Looks Great
I would like to compliment you for being a great host Jason, and I hope our humor and banter will make up for some of the Internet issues.
Once again, thank you!
Jason brings genuine curiosity to every conversation. His ability to follow that curiosity lets the conversation unfold naturally, weaving together personal stories and experiences to create a meaningful picture of who we are.
I am very grateful that I had this opportunity to share my story.Once again, thank you!
This is amazing – thank you so much for all your work, I really appreciate it.
I’ll be sharing the episode in my newsletter, on my social media, as well as my website/travel blog. I will be spreading the word about Big World Made Small Podcast.
Thank you, once again, for this opportunity to be on your podcast.
It’s been a pleasure.Hope to Stay Connected
Can’t wait to listen, follow, and share. I had a great time talking to you, it was a real pleasure. Hope to stay connected.
A pleasure to talk with you, Jason!
I really enjoyed your questions and we certainly covered some important topics for guides. Thanks again for the opportunity to join.
Get to Know Your Host
Hosted by Jason Elkins — long-time adventure travel insider and global explorer
I’ll be your guide as we explore this amazing planet and the people who shape how we experience it.
My path has taken me from the U.S. Army Airborne to piloting hot air balloons, running remote fishing and SCUBA lodges, flying paramotors, and supporting boutique tourism operations around the world.
I’ve spent decades inside the adventure travel world — guiding, managing, hosting, and eventually leading a global team at Orvis International Travel. Today I live nomadically, recording each episode from wherever I am and meeting extraordinary people along the way.
Together, we’ll discover real stories, meaningful connections, and the incredible places that make this big world feel just a bit smaller.
Meet 210+ Leaders Making a Difference
Conversations with founders, operators, guides, advisors and other experts from across the adventure & experiential tourism world — each bringing a unique perspective and story.
Latest Guest Features Available to the Public
Start with the latest conversations published on the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast.
Release Date: October 6, 2026
Episode #206: Elaine Nelson Peik
Owner & Founder
Nordic Travel Collective
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.
Release Date: October 3, 2026
Episode #205: Sue Blunt
Head of Sustainability
Adventurous Ewe
Sue Blunt is the Head of Sustainability at Adventurous Ewe Ltd, where she brings over a decade of experience in outdoor education, charity work, and sustainable adventure travel. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Sue has spent many years working across sectors in both Australia and the UK. She is deeply committed to creating travel experiences that positively impact the people and places involved. Outside of her role at Adventurous Ewe, Sue is active in her local community in North Wales, serving as the first female helm at Conway Lifeboat Station and participating in Welsh Sea Rowing. Her adventurous spirit keeps her exploring remote locations worldwide, from mountains to oceans, often accompanied by her dog Moshi.
Release Date: September 29, 2026
Episode #204: Stefano Tricanico
Expedition Director and Founder
Driftr
Stefano Tricanico is the Expedition Director and Founder of Driftr, bringing over twenty years of experience in leading expeditions and managing field operations in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments, including the Arctic and Antarctic regions. His background spans expedition leadership, maritime operations, and field safety systems, with extensive involvement in frontline conservation efforts. Stefano’s work focuses on verifying conservation projects in difficult-to-access areas, ensuring accountability and transparency where enforcement is scarce or absent.
Search the Expert Network | 210+ Conversations
Meet Our Growing Community & Access Their Stories
Every Big World Made Small guest is carefully selected for their real-world experience in travel, tourism, hospitality, storytelling, or adventure. This is more than a podcast archive — it’s a searchable expert network where you can discover 210+ people worth knowing, learn what they do, experience their story, start a connection through their feature page, and visit their website when you’re ready to go deeper.
Browse recent conversations below, or search our network by expertise if you’re curious about something specific.
Search Our Expert Network & Connect
Describe the kind of destination, experience, travel business, or expertise you’re looking for. We’ll suggest relevant Big World Made Small featured guests and explain why each one may fit.
Prefer to browse? Scroll down to explore the guest list.
Sort by Release Date
Release Date: November 3, 2026
Episode #213: Linda Shepro
Founder & CEO
Latitude Expeditions
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.
Available here now. Public release November 3, 2026.Release Date: October 31, 2026
Episode #212: Colby Brokvist
Expedition Leader & Guide Trainer
Waypoint Guide Academy
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.
Available here now. Public release October 31, 2026.Release Date: October 27, 2026
Episode #211: Dr. Suzy Ross
Founder, Scientist, Author
Integr8
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.
Available here now. Public release October 27, 2026.Release Date: October 24, 2026
Episode #210: Amine Nasraoui
CEO Founder | Historian Tour Guide
Morocco Vistas
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.
Available here now. Public release October 24, 2026.Release Date: October 20, 2026
Episode #209: Nima Sherpa
Director
Last Frontiers Trekking
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.
Available here now. Public release October 20, 2026.Release Date: October 17, 2026
Episode #208: Andrea Pompele
Owner & Founder
Pompele Safaris
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.
Available here now. Public release October 17, 2026.Release Date: October 13, 2026
Episode #207: Brian FitzGerald
CEO, Grand Circle Corporation
Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T)
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.
Available here now. Public release October 13, 2026.Release Date: October 6, 2026
Episode #206: Elaine Nelson Peik
Owner & Founder
Nordic Travel Collective
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.
Release Date: October 3, 2026
Episode #205: Sue Blunt
Head of Sustainability
Adventurous Ewe
Sue Blunt is the Head of Sustainability at Adventurous Ewe Ltd, where she brings over a decade of experience in outdoor education, charity work, and sustainable adventure travel. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Sue has spent many years working across sectors in both Australia and the UK. She is deeply committed to creating travel experiences that positively impact the people and places involved. Outside of her role at Adventurous Ewe, Sue is active in her local community in North Wales, serving as the first female helm at Conway Lifeboat Station and participating in Welsh Sea Rowing. Her adventurous spirit keeps her exploring remote locations worldwide, from mountains to oceans, often accompanied by her dog Moshi.
Release Date: September 29, 2026
Episode #204: Stefano Tricanico
Expedition Director and Founder
Driftr
Stefano Tricanico is the Expedition Director and Founder of Driftr, bringing over twenty years of experience in leading expeditions and managing field operations in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments, including the Arctic and Antarctic regions. His background spans expedition leadership, maritime operations, and field safety systems, with extensive involvement in frontline conservation efforts. Stefano’s work focuses on verifying conservation projects in difficult-to-access areas, ensuring accountability and transparency where enforcement is scarce or absent.
Release Date: September 26, 2026
Episode #203: Liz Scheessele
Owner/Innkeeper
Roanoke Boutique Hotel | USA
Liz Scheessele is the owner and innkeeper of the Roanoke Boutique Hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast that caters to outdoor enthusiasts and travelers seeking comfort. With years of experience staying at B&Bs and a personal passion for hiking and hospitality, Liz combines her love for wholesome breakfasts and welcoming spaces to create a memorable stay for her guests. Her journey to innkeeping began with thoughtful research and a chance visit to the Roanoke Boutique Hotel, which led her to take over the business in 2024.
Release Date: September 22, 2026
Episode #202: Nicoletta Habsudova
CEO
Voices of Travel | Central Europe
Nicoletta Habsudova is the CEO of Voices of Travel, a company that combines travel and language learning in unique ways. Growing up in a small town in Slovakia, Nicoletta discovered early on that mastering foreign languages was essential to exploring the world beyond her hometown. Her journey took her from an exchange semester in New Zealand to university studies in Salzburg, Austria, followed by professional experience in Barcelona. Along the way, she developed a deep understanding of how language learning opens doors to new cultures and opportunities. Today, Nicoletta designs personalized travel itineraries, leads nature expeditions in the Alps, and shares practical language learning strategies that help travelers connect more meaningfully with the places they visit.
Guests and Collaborators from Across the Adventure Travel World
Share Your Story & Join the Network of 210+ Tourism Experts
The Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast is a people-first, invitation-only, story-driven show; featuring founders, operators, and creators shaping the adventure travel world.
If you value real conversations over polished marketing — and you see value in sharing the story behind your work — you’re likely a great fit.
Guests on the show typically:
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.
We may save incomplete responses so we can follow up if there’s a technical issue.