In this deeply personal episode, Mike returns to his childhood home in Pacific Palisades — a place that once symbolized comfort, community, and family — now forever changed by one of the most devastating wildfires in U.S. history.

Through intimate conversations with his mother (and her experience of living in the Palisades for over 50 years), as well as his childhood best friend, photographer Chris Clinton, Mike explores themes of loss, resilience, and the unshakable spirit of community. Together, they reflect on growing up in the Palisades, the day the fire struck, and what it means to rebuild not just homes, but hope.

This is a story about memory, change, and finding connection in the aftermath of tragedy — a love letter to a place that shaped a lifetime of meaning.

Chapters:
00:00 – Returning home to the Palisades
04:00 – A call from Mom: loss, displacement, and silver linings
08:00 – Rebuilding community after the fire
10:00 – A conversation with childhood friend Chris Clinton
15:00 – Growing up in the Palisades
18:00 – The day the fire hit
24:00 – Escaping the flames and saving what remains
30:00 – The aftermath: grief, survival, and resilience
40:00 – What we lost — and what remains
48:00 – Finding meaning, healing, and home again

Ever wondered what it's like to record a podcast at 38,000 feet? Host Mike Schibel takes Travel With Meaning to new heights—literally—onboard Condor Airlines' flight from Frankfurt to Los Angeles on the sleek Airbus A330-900neo.

Joined by flight attendant Brendan Osborne, this episode captures the heart of travel, connection, and adventure midair.

Brendan shares what makes Condor stand out—from its stylish new striped fleet and boutique-style business class to its family-like culture and genuine hospitality. He also opens up about his personal journey from banking to flying, his most meaningful travel moments, and how travel represents freedom in his life. Plus, listeners get an inside look at Brendan's appearance on The Voice Germany and how he balances his passion for music with his career in the skies.

This episode celebrates wanderlust, storytelling, and the joy of seeing the world through new eyes—no passport required.

What to Listen For

[00:00:00] Mike introduces Travel With Meaning's first-ever in-flight recording

[00:02:14] The boutique comfort of Condor's new Airbus A330neo fleet

[00:03:32] Brendan shares the meaning behind Condor's colorful striped design

[00:04:43] How Condor's team culture creates a family-like atmosphere onboard

[00:05:41] Brendan's strategy for beating jet lag after long-haul flights

[00:06:19] His first solo flight and inspiration to become a flight attendant

[00:07:05] What "freedom through travel" means to him

[00:07:42] A magical moment watching the sunset from Table Mountain in Cape Town

[00:09:10] Brendan's journey on The Voice Germany and his upcoming single "Let It Go"

[00:11:36] Mike wraps up the journey from 38,000 feet and looks forward to the next adventure

What happens when you trade speed for stillness? In this special episode, Mike shares his journey along the legendary Danube River aboard the Riverside Mozart. From the historic streets of Vienna to quiet castles and vineyards, this slow travel experience reveals why river cruising isn't just another trip — it's an invitation to breathe, connect, and be fully present.

Along the way, Mike talks with the Riverside crew, and fellow travelers to explore what makes this kind of journey different — from intimate hospitality and local cuisine to community, wellness, and moments under the stars. If you've ever dreamed of slowing down without missing out, this episode will make you rethink how you travel.

What to Listen For

[00:00:00] Welcome from Vienna and intro to Riverside Luxury Cruises

[00:01:18] Why Vienna sets the perfect tone for the journey

[00:03:07] Ocean vs. river cruising — the flow that changes everything

[00:04:31] Nicole on how Riverside exceeded expectations

[00:06:50] Intimate hospitality: Sonja explains why river cruising is different

[00:08:47] Communal spaces, music, and creating connection onboard

[00:10:06] Chef Johannes on local sourcing and authentic regional cuisine

[00:12:13] Wellness and slow travel — saunas, spas, and stillness

[00:13:48] The beauty of slowing down with someone you love

[00:15:16] A moment of stillness: Nicole's favorite memory on deck

[00:17:19] Chad on why river cruising reveals the world's hidden beauty

[00:18:28] Jenn on travel as a calling, not just a job

[00:19:54] Finding stillness, reflection, and your North Star on the river

Recorded in front of a live audience at the KINN in Venice Beach as part of their weekly Startup Café series, this is a special Travel Talk episode hosted by Travel With Meaning, exploring how travel can spark entrepreneurial ideas. We discussed global brands like Starbucks, Tom's Shoes, and Away Suitcases — all companies whose founders were inspired by travel. In this episode, our two guests share their own stories of how their journeys interweave with their businesses.

First, host Michael sits down with Jeffrey Chernick — serial entrepreneur, author, podcast host, and DJ — who shares the story of a business trip to Japan that didn't go as planned but ultimately inspired his newest venture. That journey led him to partner with one of Japan's largest travel platforms, Hafa, to launch Kabuk— a white-glove itinerary service offering personalized plans and exclusive hot deals. This could be one of the best turnkey solutions we've seen for travelers heading to Japan.

We want the Travel With Meaning community to try it out and get your personalized itinerary to start planning your Japan adventure. Here's how:

1. Click this link

2. Click Meet Your Concierge (a real concierge — not AI)

3. Fill out a short survey about what you'd like to do and where you'd like to go in Japan

4. Add your email and make sure it includes the referral code for Travel With Meaning so you receive special attention, support, and are moved to the front of the line

Kabuk is poised to become one of the leading travel platforms in the U.S., and we're getting an exclusive first look for a mainstream travel community.

Our second guest on this episode is Laura Grier, a renowned adventure photographer and founder of Andeana Hats, who's no stranger to the TWM community. Laura's love for travel took her to Peru, where she became fascinated by the traditional hat culture of local women. Her "aha" moment turned into a business employing Peruvian artisans and returning income to their communities, often surpassing what the women's husbands earn. Laura's mission with Andeana Hats has also led to launching the nonprofit Maya Missions, further expanding her impact.

From Japan's bustling cities to Peru's mountain villages, this episode captures how transformative travel can lead to impactful, purpose-driven businesses.

Links & Resources:

• Andeana Hats: Click here

• Laura Grier's incredible photography: Click here

• Kabuk Travel Concierge: Click here

As always, we appreciate the community's support — make sure you subscribe, follow us on all socials, and share this episode with friends and fellow travelers. See you on the open road.

What happens when a world traveler finds himself detained in one of the most dangerous places on Earth—completely by accident?

What happens when a world traveler finds himself detained in one of the most dangerous places on Earth—completely by accident? In this gripping episode of Travel With Meaning, we sit down with Sam Goodwin, an American adventurer whose mission to visit every country in the world took an unexpected and harrowing turn. After successfully traveling to 193 countries, Sam's journey led him to Syria—where a single misstep resulted in him being accused of espionage and held captive for 63 days.

What happens when a world traveler finds himself detained in one of the most dangerous places on Earth—completely by accident? In this gripping episode of Travel With Meaning, we sit down with Sam Goodwin, an American adventurer whose mission to visit every country in the world took an unexpected and harrowing turn. After successfully traveling to 193 countries, Sam's journey led him to Syria—where a single misstep resulted in him being accused of espionage and held captive for 63 days. Through humor, humility, and powerful reflection, Sam shares not only how he endured this life-altering experience, but how it deepened his understanding of faith, freedom, and the resilience of the human spirit. His story is a testament to the transformative power of travel—even in its most extreme form—and to the unexpected kindness of strangers in the darkest of places.

What to Listen For

[00:00:00] Meet Sam Goodwin: How a spontaneous trip became a mission to visit every country

[00:06:34] What Sam learned about fear, perception, and hospitality in conflict zones

[00:13:20] The day everything changed: Sam's mistaken entry into Syria and sudden arrest

[00:19:58] Inside a Syrian prison: survival tactics, mental challenges, and unexpected routines

[00:26:42] Faith under fire: how prayer, gratitude, and visualization kept him sane

[00:33:10] Release and reintegration: stepping out of captivity and into a new reality

[00:39:47] Life after prison: overcoming PTSD, finding purpose, and reclaiming identity

[00:46:11] Travel as a teacher: why Sam believes the world is safer than we think

[00:52:28] The power of human connection: how kindness changed his perspective forever

[00:58:55] Final reflections: what Sam wants every traveler to remember

In this special Travel With Meaning podcast episode, recorded live in front of an intimate audience at The KINN in Venice Beach, we reconnect with Jessica Blotter — CEO and Co-Founder of Kind Traveler, and a returning guest on the show.

Jessica shares the powerful origin story of Kind Traveler, sparked by a life-changing trip that opened her eyes to a new way of thinking about travel. We catch up on the platform's inspiring journey, including a meaningful pivot that has deepened its community impact and solidified its role as a leader in purpose-driven hospitality.

Through its award-winning Every Stay Gives Back™ program, Kind Traveler has partnered with destinations and hotels in 9 countries, raised over $700,000+ in donations to date for 100+ vetted nonprofits in just 20 months, and redefined what it means to travel with purpose.

From early startup challenges to bold pivots and global vision, Jessica's story is packed with inspiration for conscious travelers, mission-driven entrepreneurs, and anyone who believes in doing good while seeing the world.

Tune in to hear how kindness, grit, and innovation can transform the way we travel.
And discover what it means to travel kindly at KindTraveler.com.

If you like what you hear, please share and subscribe for more meaningful podcast conversations.

On this episode of the Travel With Meaning podcast, we sit down with Nick Monica, the founder and CEO of Gnarwhal Coffee and Companion Restaurant in Venice Beach. Recorded in front of a live audience at The Kinn, this inspiring conversation explores the meaningful experiences that shaped Nick's path—from pivotal mentors and personal growth to the unforgettable road trip that inspired the name "Gnarwhal."

Nick is a passionate explorer, entrepreneur, and community builder who's brought his love of travel, storytelling, and connection into everything he creates at Gnarwhal Coffee. His journey is filled with lessons learned on the road, and he's infused that spirit into a space that brings people together every day.

Please share, follow and subscribe for more inspiring travel stories

In this episode of the Travel with Meaning podcast, we sit down with Henley Vazquez, co-founder of Fora Travel and a self-proclaimed hotel junkie. Henley's journey into the travel industry was anything but conventional—from growing up on a farm in Virginia to building a cutting-edge travel agency that empowers advisors and travelers alike. Along the way, she shares stories of her early travel experiences, including a childhood trip to Cancun that didn't go quite as planned, and how she unexpectedly fell in love with the world of travel while working at a magazine.

Henley opens up about raising $13 million during the pandemic, the importance of community within the travel industry, and the exciting future of travel advising with new tools and technology. She also recounts her meaningful travel experiences, including a powerful trip to Rwanda and why the people you meet along the way are often the best part of the journey.

Tune in to hear Henley's infectious passion for travel and learn how she's helping others discover their own adventure—whether it's booking luxury hotels or finding a hidden gem halfway across the globe.

Be sure to subscribe, share, and enjoy the ride with us!