Owner & Founder
ALSUR Expediciones

Gerardo Niklitschek is the founder of ALSUR Expediciones and one of Patagonia’s most seasoned and respected adventure guides. With more than 30 years of experience exploring the wild landscapes of southern Chile and Argentina, Gerardo leads unforgettable journeys into the heart of Patagonia—combining cultural insight, deep environmental knowledge, and technical expertise.

Born and raised in Chile, Gerardo is a certified Physical Education and Recreation Instructor with advanced training as a rafting, sea kayaking, and mountain guide. His work has taken him across some of the region’s most iconic protected areas, including Pumalín Park, Valle Chacabuco, Vicente Pérez Rosales, Bernardo O’Higgins, and Torres del Paine, where he specializes in overland expeditions and immersive nature experiences.

Now based full-time in Patagonia, Gerardo designs and leads custom adventures through ALSUR Expediciones, offering trekking, horseback riding, kayaking, mountaineering, and wildlife trips that reflect his deep love for the land. Fluent in both Spanish and English, he’s known for his calm leadership, vast regional knowledge, and ability to bring Patagonia’s landscapes and stories vividly to life.

Summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Gerardo Niklitschek, the founder of ALSUR Expediciones, about his journey in adventure tourism in Chile. Gerardo shares his early experiences in nature, the evolution of outdoor guiding in Chile, and the significant influence of Douglas Tompkins on conservation efforts. The conversation highlights the growing importance of sustainable practices in tourism and the challenges of building a successful team in the outdoor industry. Gerardo emphasizes the need for a connection between adventure tourism and conservation, showcasing the beauty and potential of Patagonia as a premier destination for adventure travelers.

takeaways

• Gerardo Niklitschek is the founder of ALSUR Expediciones, focusing on adventure tourism in Chile.
• Chile has rapidly grown as a destination for adventure tourism over the past decade.
• Gerardo's passion for nature began at a young age, exploring the outdoors independently.
• Family support was crucial, even if they didn't fully understand his passion for the outdoors.
• The outdoor guiding industry in Chile has evolved significantly, with more trained professionals now available.
• Gerardo's early experiences in nature shaped his desire to share these adventures with others.
• Douglas Tompkins played a significant role in conservation efforts in Chile, influencing Gerardo's approach to tourism.
• Conservation is increasingly important to clients, with many willing to pay more for eco-friendly experiences.
• Building a successful team in the outdoor industry requires dedication and a focus on training.
• The future of adventure tourism in Chile looks promising, with a growing interest in sustainable practices.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Owner & Founder
Reelin Family Fun

Meet Jeff Peterson, the spirited owner of Reelin Family Fun! He’s all about transforming ordinary family outings into extraordinary adventures filled with laughter and learning. With a deep passion for fishing and exploring the outdoors, Jeff, along with the dedicated Reelin Family Fun Staff, creates interactive experiences that bring families closer to nature and each other. It’s not just about the fish you catch, it’s about the time spent together and the memories made! Known for his love of the outdoors, Jeff’s enthusiasm gets kids and parents excited about discovering the wonders of nature together. When he’s not busy catching fish and making memories, Jeff enjoys exploring new places and sharing his 57 years of family adventure and fishing wisdom with new explorers.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, Jason Elkins interviews Jeff Peterson, the founder of Reelin Family Fun, about his grassroots initiative to teach families how to fish. Jeff shares his passion for fishing and the importance of creating lasting memories with family through outdoor activities. He discusses the shift to online fishing courses, the significance of building confidence in new fishers, and the health benefits of spending time outdoors. The conversation emphasizes the joy of fishing as a bonding experience and offers practical advice for beginners. In this conversation, Jason Elkins and Jeff Peterson delve into the world of fishing, focusing on the art of fly tying, the importance of conservation, and the communal aspects of fishing. They discuss how fly tying can be a creative and therapeutic hobby, the significance of catch and release practices for maintaining healthy fish populations, and how fishing can foster connections among people. The discussion highlights the evolution of fishing practices and the role of technology in enhancing the fishing experience.

takeaways

• We help families and groups learn fishing.
• The goal is to create lasting memories outdoors.
• Online courses make fishing accessible to everyone.
• Fishing is about the experience, not just the catch.
• Confidence is key for new fishers.
• Start with basics like bobbers and worms.
• Fishing can be done from shore without a boat.
• Investing in basic gear is affordable.
• Fishing fosters connections between family members.
• There are numerous health benefits to fishing. Fly tying can be a therapeutic and creative hobby.
• Fishing can provide a sense of community and connection.
• Conservation practices are essential for sustainable fishing.
• Catch and release can help maintain healthy fish populations.
• Fishing can teach valuable lessons about nature and responsibility.
• Technology has changed the way we fish and learn about fishing.
• Fishing can be a solitary or communal activity.
• Proper handling techniques are crucial for fish survival after catch.
• The mindset around fishing and conservation has evolved over the years.
• Fishing can be a great way to bond with family and friends.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Founder & CEO
Voyascape Podcast Network

David is founder of Voyascape and one of the world’s first travel podcasters, having launched the Travel in 10 podcast in 2005. He continues to host and produce Travel in 10 & also co-hosts the Journeytelling Podcast. He’s the former Global VP of an award-winning PR agency where he led award-winning campaigns for clients like Tourism Australia, Destination British Columbia, Emirates, Expedia. He’s also a former senior advisor to the Canadian Prime Minister, and as an avid traveller and adventurer has visited 50+ countries.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with David Brodie, founder and CEO of Voyascape and cohost of the Travel in 10 podcast. They discuss David's extensive experience in the travel podcasting space, his journey from politics to travel, and the evolution of podcasting as a medium. David shares insights on the travel industry, the importance of storytelling in podcasts, and the unique opportunities for travel brands to engage with audiences through this format. The conversation also touches on family travel, perceptions of different destinations, and the challenges of podcast discovery.

takeaways

• David Brodie has been hosting his travel podcast for 20 years, making him a pioneer in the field.
• His passion for travel was ignited during a gap year in Australia, where he worked in tourism.
• Travel clients are often more willing to take creative risks in marketing compared to other industries.
• Podcasts provide a unique opportunity to reach an engaged audience, with high completion rates for ads.
• The podcasting medium continues to grow, but discovery remains a challenge for many creators.
• David emphasizes the importance of storytelling in travel podcasts to connect with listeners.
• Travel perceptions can differ greatly from reality, as seen in David's experiences in Jordan and Russia.
• Family support played a crucial role in David's travel journey and career choices.
• The podcasting landscape has evolved, with more brands recognizing its potential for advertising.
• David believes that travel brands should explore podcasting as a way to connect with their audience.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.