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In this episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, Justin Martell and Rowan Beard unpack their once in a lifetime experience attending the Pyongyang International Film Festival, offering rare insight into what it is actually like to travel to North Korea today. From cinema and cultural exchange to logistics, access, and how travel to the DPRK has evolved, this is a ground level update you won’t hear anywhere else.

We also talk through upcoming and last-minute Young Pioneer Tours departures, including January trips to Western Sahara and Benin and Togo.

Don’t forget to vote in our poll at youngpioneertours.com/where-should-YPT-go/ to help shape where Young Pioneer Tours heads next and influence future tours. We actually listen to your votes and plan new adventures based on the results every year.

Vote in the poll and let us know where you want YPT to head next.

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

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In this episode, we speak with Joshua Milton Blahyi, better known to the world as General Butt Naked, one of the most feared rebel commanders of Liberia’s brutal civil war, which ravaged the country from 1989 to 1997. Once infamous for his violent tactics and ruthless reputation, Blahyi has since turned his life toward faith, preaching, and a mission of reconciliation. We discuss his rise during the conflict, the horrors of the war years, and his journey as he seeks redemption and voices support for justice, even if he himself stands among the accused.

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

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Recorded during our recent trip to Bougainville - a corner of the pacific some say will soon become the world’s 194th country. From WWII relics and island villages to the Tama Festival and even a visit to the Twin Kingdom of Me’ekamui and Papaala, YPT’s latest visit went deeper than ever before.

In this episode, YPT co-founder Gareth Johnson talks with our local partner John about life in this autonomous region, its independence movement, and what makes it distinct from mainland Papua New Guinea.

Our Bougainville tour is available as an add-on to our Papua New Guinea Mount Hagen Festival tour, as a standalone adventure, or can be arranged as a private tour.

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

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Join host Justin Martell on the Young Pioneer Podcast for an unfiltered conversation with Mike O’Kennedy (aka “Mike Okay”), the British travel documentarian whose boots have tread everything from Iraq’s war-scarred streets to North Korea's far east. In this episode, Mike pulls back the curtain on his experiences in conflict zones and unusual destinations, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from Mosul to North Korea. He discusses the art of unscripted travel, describing how adventures like hitchhiking across China fuel his philosophy of embracing chaos with humor.

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

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In our latest episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, host Justin Martell had the privilege of speaking with Will Ripley, CNN’s Senior International Correspondent known for his extensive coverage of North Korea. With 19 visits to the Hermit Kingdom, Will offers a unique perspective on life in one of the world’s most enigmatic countries.

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

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In this episode of The Young Pioneer Podcast, we delve into the life of Monica Macias, author of "Black Girl from Pyongyang." As the daughter of Francisco Macías, the first president of Equatorial Guinea, Monica's journey began when she was sent to North Korea for her education. There, she received personal guidance from President Kim Il-Sung, who had supported her father during Equatorial Guinea's fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Following her father's assassination in a coup in 1979, Monica continued to reside in Pyongyang under the care of the "fatherly leader." Join us as we uncover her experiences and insights she shares in her memoir.

Before we delve into our interview with Monica, it’s important to mention the current situation regarding travel to North Korea. As of now, the border remains closed, with no confirmed timeline for reopening. While this news is disappointing for those wishing to explore the enigmatic country, our conversation with Monica provides a fascinating perspective on life in North Korea from someone who has experienced it firsthand.

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.

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In this exciting episode of the Young Pioneer Podcast, we break the news that North Korea's special economic zone of Rason has officially reopened to foreign tourists. Tune in for the details of this development and what it means for future travel to the DPRK.

But that’s just the beginning! In this epic, first-of 2025 episode, we are joined in our Manila studio by multi-award-winning airline and aviation YouTuber, Josh Cahill. Known for his engaging and, at times, controversial airline review content, Josh has captivated millions with his unique perspective on travel. From luxurious Emirates flights to the challenges faced on sanctioned airlines like Iran Air, Josh's insights cover the full spectrum of flying experiences.

Throughout our conversation, we explore Josh's early life and projects, the inspiration behind his popular YouTube channel, the thrill of engaging with a vast audience, and the powerful story of organizing Afghanistan's first all-female flight.

As we navigate through rapid-fire questions, Josh shares his favorites in the airline industry, including the best customer service, food, and the most comfortable options for long-haul flights in coach. He even reveals whether he is a member of the Mile High Club!

We also delve into his numerous achievements, including multiple awards in the aviation space, and discuss the challenges he faces as a critic, including contentious encounters with airline staff. Getting personal, Josh opens up about some of his most notable incidents and how he maintains integrity in his reviews.

Looking ahead, we discuss Josh’s future aspirations and the evolution of airline travel and vlogging post-pandemic. So buckle up and enjoy this long episode - perfect listening for your next long-haul flight!

Follow Josh Cahill's airline reviews and travel experiences at:
https://www.youtube.com/@JoshCahill
https://gotravelyourway.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gotravelyourway
https://x.com/gotravelyourway

For more information on how you can visit our "destinations your mother wishes you'd stayed away from" visit us at youngpioneertours.com.