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