Guest Bio

Lisa Pagotto is the founder and CEO of Crooked Compass, a pioneering adventure travel company redefining how people engage with the world. With a deep commitment to cultural integrity and immersive experiences, Lisa has carved out a space for meaningful, off-the-beaten-path journeys that challenge traditional tourism models. Her leadership empowers travelers to connect authentically with remote and emerging destinations — far beyond the ordinary itinerary.

Lisa is also a captivating speaker known for her raw honesty and practical wisdom. Drawing from her entrepreneurial path, she encourages audiences to embrace uncertainty, trust their instincts, and lead with resilience rather than perfection. Her storytelling inspires people to transform setbacks into opportunities and to rethink what success truly looks like. Whether on stage or in the field, Lisa champions bold thinking and values-driven exploration as tools for personal and collective growth.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Lisa about her journey building Crooked Compass into a leader in experiential travel. They dive into how the company curates unconventional itineraries, often in lesser-known or emerging regions, offering travelers both challenge and connection in equal measure.

Lisa shares how safety remains a top priority in these remote adventures, and how traveler psychology — especially around risk and group dynamics — plays a crucial role in the experience. She also reflects on how her early travel memories shaped her vision for Crooked Compass, and what she’s learned along the way as a founder navigating the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights the power of trusting yourself, staying flexible, and pushing past the expected to create something truly original.

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

Bryan Lewis is the founder and CEO of Tenon Tours, a boutique travel company specializing in custom-crafted vacations across Europe. With over two decades of experience in the travel industry, Bryan has turned a college-era passion for organizing trips into a thriving business dedicated to creating immersive, flexible, and deeply personal travel experiences. Under his leadership, Tenon Tours has grown to offer journeys in 18 European countries, acquired the adventure-focused Lemonrock Motorcycle Tours, and earned repeated recognition on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies. Based in the Greater Boston area, Bryan is a motorcycle enthusiast, father of five, and a firm believer that purposeful travel can transform lives—and legacies.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Bryan about how Tenon Tours has redefined the way people explore Europe—one custom itinerary at a time. Bryan reflects on his early days promoting spring break trips and how those experiences sparked a career dedicated to empowering travelers through choice, personalization, and authentic cultural connections.

The conversation dives into the rise of bespoke travel and how Tenon Tours balances structure and freedom to create meaningful journeys. From hybrid group/solo experiences to the emotional impact of travel, Bryan shares how understanding the unique motivations of each traveler is at the heart of Tenon’s approach—and why adventure, at any stage of life, starts with a willingness to explore.

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

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.

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.