Guest Bio

Charlie Krarup is the Owner and Managing Director of Adventure Base, a leading adventure travel company specializing in experiences across the European Alps. With a deep passion for mountain sports and a knack for big-picture thinking, Charlie leads a dedicated team that designs unforgettable alpine adventures—from mountaineering and trekking to ski touring and trail running.

A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Charlie brings an energetic, hands-on approach to leadership, blending strategic vision with a love for challenge and exploration. As both founder and operator, he’s grown Adventure Base into a trusted partner for guided and self-guided experiences, known for its personalized service, meticulous planning, and commitment to safety. Whether working with solo travelers or custom group tours, Charlie and his team aim to make every journey seamless, inspiring, and deeply memorable.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Charlie about his journey from a corporate career to becoming the owner of one of the Alps’ most respected adventure travel companies. He shares how a pivotal moment—and his wife’s encouragement—sparked his transition into building a business around his love for the outdoors.

The conversation explores the unique appeal of the European Alps, where Adventure Base offers a wide range of year-round activities for all skill levels. Charlie dives into the philosophy behind the company’s trips, the importance of language in adventure marketing, and how client expectations shape each experience. He also opens up about working alongside his wife and business partner, navigating cultural differences across alpine regions, and the values that drive his team’s success—chief among them: authenticity, communication, and meaningful connections with clients.

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Guest Bio

Keith Sproule is the Executive Director of Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP), where he oversees a global portfolio of 73 community-led projects across 30 countries. With a career spanning over three decades, Keith has worked extensively in sustainable tourism and development, advising ministries and nonprofits on five continents. His expertise bridges ecotourism, conservation, and community investment — with fieldwork ranging from joint-venture tourism in Namibia with the World Wildlife Fund to strategic tourism planning in Georgia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.

Keith’s background includes serving as a Fulbright Scholar in Belize, acting as a tourism lead in post-conflict regions like Kosovo and Cyprus, and holding leadership roles in international organizations such as The International Ecotourism Society and the Wild Foundation. His work consistently centers on the belief that travel can be a force for good — creating real impact through thoughtful, place-based engagement with local communities.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Keith about the deep intersection between travel, philanthropy, and lasting impact. As Executive Director of Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, Keith shares how AKP supports local communities through strategic investments in education, healthcare, job creation, and conservation — often in places that travelers may never see, but whose lives are touched by responsible tourism.

Recorded in a casual coffee shop setting, the conversation dives into Keith’s personal journey — from his early travel experiences to a career spent fostering meaningful connections between travelers and the communities they visit. He offers heartfelt stories from the field, like how a simple school lunch in Uganda can spark broader community engagement, and how small-scale investments can ripple outward to create systemic change. For anyone interested in making their travel matter, Keith offers both inspiration and practical insights.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ Travel choices can have lasting, positive impacts on local communities
• ✓ A nutritious school lunch in Uganda costs just 21 cents — and changes lives
• ✓ Sustainable tourism is most effective when communities are active partners
• ✓ Philanthropy isn’t innate — it’s something we can all learn and grow into
• ✓ Authentic travel fosters compassion, curiosity, and cultural understanding
• ✓ Long-term change comes from investing in education and healthcare
• ✓ Collaboration amplifies efficiency and scale in global development projects
• ✓ Personal travel stories can shape lifelong missions of service and impact
• ✓ Even modest interventions can lead to structural improvements in communities
• ✓ Smiles and shared moments build the human connections that matter most

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.

Guest Bio

Azdean Elmoustaquim is the creator and host of the Destination Morocco Podcast, an immersive audio series that explores the heart of Moroccan culture, travel, and hospitality. Originally from the vibrant city of Marrakech, Azdean grew up with strong family ties to the nearby village of Telouet. After moving to the United States in 1995, he eventually settled in Houston and began finding new ways to reconnect with and share the richness of his homeland.

Launched in 2022, the Destination Morocco Podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at Moroccan life — with practical travel tips, cultural insights, and real conversations with locals and travelers alike. In 2023, Azdean returned to Morocco to capture authentic on-location audio, bringing listeners even closer to the sounds and soul of the country. The podcast is a powerful extension of his passion for storytelling and cultural connection.

Azdean is also the founder of Destination Morocco, a boutique travel company he co-runs with his wife, Khadija Elomari. Together, they design personalized itineraries that help travelers explore Morocco not as tourists, but as welcomed guests. Whether through sound or experience, Azdean’s mission is to help people discover Morocco deeply and meaningfully.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Azdean about his journey from Morocco to the U.S. and how that path eventually led to the creation of both a travel company and a popular podcast. Azdean shares stories from his early life in Marrakech, his immigration experience, and how time away helped him fall back in love with the land he left behind.

The episode highlights the evolution of the Destination Morocco Podcast — from its humble beginnings during the pandemic to its current form as an immersive storytelling experience. Jason and Azdean discuss the power of capturing ambient sounds, the beauty of cultural imperfections, and the importance of open-minded travel. They also unpack the common misconceptions about Morocco and reflect on the country’s growing popularity as a world-class destination.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ The Destination Morocco Podcast brings Moroccan culture to life through immersive audio storytelling.
• ✓ Azdean’s journey from Marrakech to Houston reflects the richness of the immigrant experience.
• ✓ The podcast began as a pandemic project and has grown into a cultural travel guide.
• ✓ Real background sounds and on-location interviews make the podcast feel truly authentic.
• ✓ Travel is a powerful way to reconnect with one’s roots and rediscover identity.
• ✓ Morocco’s hospitality is a highlight for travelers and a theme throughout the podcast.
• ✓ Storytelling plays a central role in both the podcast and the tour business.
• ✓ Embracing imperfections in podcasting adds charm and relatability.
• ✓ Morocco is full of hidden gems and diverse cultural experiences beyond the tourist track.
• ✓ The podcast is a bridge between travelers and the real Morocco, inspiring deeper connections.

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.

Guest Bio

Lynne Nieman is the founder of Wander Your Way, a travel planning company dedicated to helping people experience Europe with authenticity and heart. She’s also the host of the Wander Your Way podcast, where she shares destination insights, planning tips, and stories that inspire listeners to explore Europe independently. With a background in photography and a passion for off-the-beaten-path destinations, Lynne has spent more than a decade crafting personalized European itineraries that emphasize meaningful travel, local connections, and slow exploration. Her journey began with a solo trip to Spain in 2005 and has since taken her across the continent — hiking in the Alps, sipping wine in Tuscany, and diving deep into the cultures of countries like Slovenia, Ireland, and France.

What started as a travel blog evolved into a full-time business rooted in Lynne’s belief that independent travel opens the door to transformation. In addition to custom trip planning and podcasting, she now leads small group tours through Wander Your Way Adventures, inviting others to discover the Europe she knows and loves. Her mission is simple: to help others wander in a way that’s personal, purposeful, and unforgettable.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Lynne about her path from government employee to full-time travel entrepreneur. She reflects on the solo trip that sparked her love for Europe and shares how that one experience led her to launch Wander Your Way — a company built on the power of independent travel.

Lynne discusses the evolution of her business from blogging to professional planning and podcasting, the role of photography in how she sees the world, and the value of finding a like-minded community when pursuing big dreams. Whether you’re planning your first trip abroad or starting a passion-driven business, Lynne’s story is filled with practical wisdom and inspiring reminders that it’s never too late to rewrite your path.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ Independent travel can lead to deep, personal transformation
• ✓ Lynne began her journey with a simple blog and built a thriving travel business
• ✓ Her love for maps and geography helped fuel her lifelong curiosity
• ✓ Photography is both a creative outlet and storytelling tool for her adventures
• ✓ Podcasting allows her to reach and inspire a global community of travelers
• ✓ Community and mentorship are essential for entrepreneurial growth
• ✓ Accountability partners can keep you focused and moving forward
• ✓ Transitioning from a government job to entrepreneurship is possible at any stage of life
• ✓ Travel can be a powerful way to inspire others to explore new paths
• ✓ Passion projects often evolve into meaningful, sustainable careers

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.

Guest Bio

Martin Rosenberg is the founder and CEO of OverseasInfo.tv, a pioneering video-based travel platform that connects travelers directly with tourism operators. With a background in international sales and procurement, Martin has spent decades building relationships across Europe and Asia. Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, he moved to London in 1985 before settling in Antalya, Türkiye, where he now balances semi-retirement with entrepreneurial passion.

Known for his creative vision, sharp eye for detail, and love of networking, Martin continues to drive innovation in the travel space. His platform, OverseasInfo.tv, recently earned two industry awards for its unique approach to showcasing destinations through immersive video. When he’s not developing new ideas, you can find him on the golf course enjoying the Mediterranean sun.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Martin about his journey from international business executive to founder of an award-winning tourism platform. They explore how OverseasInfo.tv offers an alternative to major booking engines by promoting direct relationships between travelers and local operators through engaging video content.

Martin shares insights into how technology — particularly AI — is reshaping customer service in the travel industry, and why authentic experiences matter more than ever. The episode takes listeners behind the scenes of the travel tech world, offering a glimpse into how personal passion and global insight can spark meaningful innovation.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ How Martin’s global business background inspired a new approach to tourism
• ✓ The story behind launching OverseasInfo.tv as a video-first platform
• ✓ Why direct booking empowers both travelers and tour operators
• ✓ The role of storytelling in building traveler trust
• ✓ How AI is improving — and complicating — customer service in tourism
• ✓ Challenges independent travel businesses face in a platform-dominated market
• ✓ The importance of visual content in the discovery phase of travel planning
• ✓ Why authenticity and human connection are key to meaningful travel
• ✓ Martin’s perspective on semi-retirement as a time for reinvention
• ✓ How networking remains central to his success — both online and off

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.

Guest Bio

Jackie Nourse is the founder of Traveling Jackie and host of the award-winning podcast JUMP with Traveling Jackie, where she shares stories that inspire others to explore the world boldly. A lifelong traveler and storyteller, Jackie chose a path of global adventure at age 18 and never looked back — turning her love for travel into a full-time lifestyle over the past two decades.

She has collaborated with leading outdoor brands including Osprey Packs, Oboz Footwear, Atomic Skis, Carve Designs, and Four Wheel Campers, and earned recognition for the documentary short film “Chiloé,” created in partnership with Osprey. Through her podcast and guided group trips, Jackie invites her audience to take the leap — building confidence, connection, and courage through travel. When she’s not exploring the world, you’ll find her in Montana playing ice hockey or road-tripping in her truck camper with a mountain bike in tow.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Jackie about her inspiring path from travel blogger to podcasting powerhouse. She reflects on the life-changing decision to study abroad in Costa Rica, a leap that sparked her lifelong love for travel and set the stage for her global adventures. Through candid storytelling, Jackie shares how stepping into the unknown again and again has shaped her identity and career.

Jason and Jackie explore how language, culture, and even loneliness play a role in personal transformation through travel. Jackie emphasizes that the most meaningful growth often happens during the most challenging moments. She offers advice for aspiring travelers, encouragement for parents of adventurous kids, and heartfelt reflections on the relationships and resilience that form through a life on the move.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ Jackie’s love of travel and language began early and shaped her life direction.
• ✓ The name “JUMP” reflects her belief in bold choices and transformative leaps.
• ✓ Studying abroad can be a turning point in personal growth and worldview.
• ✓ Staying with a host family offers immersive, eye-opening cultural experiences.
• ✓ Loneliness is a natural part of travel — and a catalyst for inner strength.
• ✓ Facing discomfort while traveling builds confidence and resilience.
• ✓ Language fluency improves rapidly through real-life immersion and practice.
• ✓ Travel allows people to redefine themselves outside their usual environments.
• ✓ Parents can play a key role in supporting a young person’s desire to explore.
• ✓ Cross-cultural experiences build empathy and meaningful human connections.

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.

Guest Bio

Rhiannon Hutton is the founder of The Luxury Travel Specialist, where she curates high-end, deeply personalized travel experiences for clients seeking more than just a getaway. With over two decades of experience in the travel industry, Rhiannon’s career began in a traditional shopfront agency and has evolved into a niche role centered around bespoke luxury journeys. Her own transformative experiences — including a life-altering incident during a trip to China — have shaped her mission to help others explore the world with purpose and confidence. Beyond her travel expertise, she is now an author and advocate for personal resilience, using her story to inspire growth, healing, and bold adventures through travel.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Rhiannon about her remarkable evolution in the travel industry — from early days in a traditional agency to launching a business that specializes in luxury, intentional travel. She shares a pivotal story from her past: a harrowing hijacking experience in China that not only tested her courage but also reframed her entire outlook on life and travel.

Rhiannon opens up about the emotional and spiritual impact of that journey and how it led her to write a forthcoming book on resilience. She explains how trusting her instincts — both on the road and in business — has become central to her philosophy. The conversation also touches on her upcoming wellness-focused travel projects, designed to help others navigate trauma and discover their own strength through curated group experiences.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ Rhiannon has more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry.
• ✓ She transitioned from a traditional agency model to offering high-end, personalized travel services.
• ✓ The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to virtual consultations and online client engagement.
• ✓ A hijacking incident during a trip to China deeply influenced her perspective on travel and safety.
• ✓ She stresses the importance of listening to your instincts while exploring unfamiliar places.
• ✓ Her personal experiences have inspired her to write a book about resilience and transformation through travel.
• ✓ Rhiannon believes challenging experiences can serve a greater purpose in helping others heal.
• ✓ She is developing future travel programs focused on wellness, growth, and group connection.
• ✓ Her work aims to support people who have experienced trauma or life-altering events.
• ✓ She views travel as a powerful tool for recovery, empowerment, and self-discovery.

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.

Guest Bio

Amanda Black is the founder of The Solo Female Traveler Network, a global community empowering women to explore the world with confidence and connection. With over a decade of experience in immersive travel and community design, Amanda has helped thousands of women break out of their comfort zones and find belonging through adventure. Her passion for creating transformative group experiences has taken her across the globe — from remote villages to vibrant cities — always in search of meaningful human connection.

She’s also the creator of Kindred Community, a series of women-only retreats built around authentic bonding and personal growth. Amanda is a TEDx speaker whose talk, “Shared Firsts: Redesigning How We Find Belonging,” explores how strong relationships form through shared new experiences. Whether she’s leading a group trip or covered in sawdust in her woodshop at home in San Diego, Amanda brings creativity, empathy, and a deep belief in the power of community to everything she does.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Amanda about the transformative nature of solo travel and the power of women supporting women on the road. Amanda opens up about how a personal loss led her to explore the world alone — and eventually inspired her to build the largest solo female travel community in the world.

From the early challenges of organizing her first group trip to designing soulful connection retreats, Amanda shares insights into what makes travel truly life-changing. She and Jason discuss safety, resilience, and how real connection often comes not from finding your people, but from creating shared firsts with strangers who become lifelong friends.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ The Solo Female Traveler Network connects over half a million women worldwide
• ✓ Solo travel can be a powerful and safe experience for women
• ✓ Community helps travelers feel supported and confident
• ✓ Amanda’s journey began as a response to personal grief and transformation
• ✓ Group trips offer deep emotional connections and shared experiences
• ✓ Organizing tours comes with both logistical challenges and profound rewards
• ✓ Perceptions of safety are often shaped more by fear than fact
• ✓ Connection retreats focus on vulnerability, joy, and authentic bonding
• ✓ Travel is a tool for resilience, growth, and lifelong friendships
• ✓ Amanda believes meaningful connection comes from shared new experiences

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.