Guest Bio

Samrawit Moges is the Founder and CEO of Travel Ethiopia, a private, eco-conscious tour and safari company established in 1994. With a career in Ethiopian tourism that stretches back to 1981, she has spent decades helping travelers discover the many dimensions of Ethiopia, from its historic landmarks and cultural traditions to its wildlife, landscapes, and living heritage.

She built Travel Ethiopia from a small operation with just a few employees and vehicles into a respected tourism company with a team of more than 40 trained professionals. Samrawit is especially known for her leadership in creating meaningful travel experiences and for her commitment to tourism that reflects both the richness of Ethiopia’s past and the realities of its present.

She is also a passionate advocate for women in tourism. Under her leadership, Travel Ethiopia became known for empowering women in the industry, including hiring female guides and tour consultants. Deeply committed to Ethiopia’s environment, wildlife, and community development, Samrawit brings both vision and long-standing expertise to every journey her company creates.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Samrawit about her remarkable path into tourism and her mission to help more travelers see Ethiopia in a fuller, more informed way. Their conversation explores how outdated global perceptions have shaped the way many people think about the country, and why Samrawit believes Ethiopia deserves far more attention as a destination for history, culture, wildlife, food, and deeply human travel experiences.

Samrawit shares how she founded Travel Ethiopia during a period of major change in the country and how her own story was shaped by family, education, and resilience. She reflects on growing up in a large family, moving often as a child, studying journalism, entering tourism through government service, and eventually building her own company. Along the way, she discusses her commitment to women’s empowerment in the travel industry and the importance of building trust with international partners and travelers.

The episode also becomes an invitation to experience Ethiopia beyond the headlines. Samrawit highlights the country’s UNESCO sites, endemic wildlife, distinctive calendar, coffee heritage, cuisine, and culture of hospitality. From shared meals and injera to Addis Ababa’s role as an air hub and conference destination, she paints a vivid picture of a country that offers far more depth and variety than many outsiders realize.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest Bio

Julie Fishman is the Partner and General Manager for the U.S. at Adventures Overland, where she is leading the expansion of guided driving expeditions for American travelers. With more than 25 years of experience in corporate leadership, Julie built her career around delivering exceptional customer experiences—an approach she now brings to the world of adventure travel.

Her passion for exploration began early, shaped by immersive international travel and a lifelong curiosity about the world. Today, she combines that global perspective with hands-on experience as an off-road enthusiast and active member of a 4×4 community. Through her work, she helps travelers experience remote destinations in a unique way—behind the wheel, in small groups, and fully supported by expert logistics.

Julie is driven by the moments that surprise and delight her guests, constantly striving to exceed expectations and create meaningful, shared experiences. By introducing Adventures Overland to the U.S. market, she is opening the door for more travelers to discover the joy of the journey—not just the destination.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Julie about her journey from corporate executive to adventure travel leader—and how she’s helping bring a completely new style of travel to the U.S. market.

Julie shares how Adventures Overland creates fully supported, small-group driving expeditions across some of the most remote and culturally rich regions in the world. From navigating the deserts of Morocco to crossing the Mongolian steppe, these trips allow travelers to take the wheel while leaving the logistics to a highly experienced team. The result is a stress-free road trip that blends adventure, culture, and connection.

The conversation also dives into Julie’s personal story—from early life-changing travel experiences to building a career in tech and marketing, and ultimately finding her way back to travel in a meaningful way. Along the way, she reflects on leadership, mindset, and the power of choosing a path that aligns with both passion and purpose.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest Bio

Andrew Lamb is the founder of Wales Outdoors, a premier guided hiking and touring company showcasing the landscapes, history, and hidden gems of Wales. With more than 30 years of experience as an outdoor professional, Andrew began his journey pioneering mountain bike guiding in the Brecon Beacons before evolving his business into a full-service adventure travel operation focused on immersive walking tours.

A certified Mountain Leader and Green Badge Tourist Guide, Andrew combines deep local knowledge with formal training to deliver meaningful, responsible travel experiences. His work is rooted in sustainability and a passion for connecting visitors to Wales in an authentic way. Beyond guiding, Andrew has played an active role in shaping regional tourism, contributing to environmental initiatives, leading community programs, and supporting collaboration across the outdoor industry.

His career reflects a lifelong commitment to the outdoors, education, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impression on travelers while protecting the landscapes they explore.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Andrew Lamb, founder of Wales Outdoors, about building a decades-long career in adventure tourism and the evolution of travel in Wales.

Andrew shares how his early experiences in outdoor education shaped his path into guiding, eventually leading him to launch one of Wales’ most established hiking and touring companies. He reflects on the shift from multi-activity adventure offerings to a more focused, sustainable model centered on guided hikes and cultural tours, as well as the impact of technology in making independent travel and small-group experiences more accessible.

The conversation also explores changing traveler behavior, from the rise of international visitors and content creators to the challenges of overcrowding at popular destinations. Andrew offers a thoughtful perspective on sustainable tourism, guiding philosophy, and how operators can balance business success with environmental responsibility and meaningful guest experiences.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest Bio

Matt Hoffman-Beals is the founder of Breaking Away Adventures, an experience-driven motorcycle touring company focused on community, exploration, and personal growth. An adventure-driven entrepreneur and lifelong traveler, his journey has taken him from a career in hospitality and event management to the open road on two wheels. After more than 20 years creating memorable experiences in fast-paced environments, Matt shifted his focus toward a life centered on exploration, connection, and freedom. Drawing from a nomadic upbringing and a deep love for motorcycles, he built Breaking Away Adventures to bring riders together through off-road journeys designed to challenge, inspire, and connect. His approach blends adventure with inclusivity, encouraging riders of all backgrounds to discover confidence, connection, and joy on the road less traveled.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Matt about the path that led him from a life in hospitality to building a purpose-driven motorcycle adventure company. Matt shares how his early experiences with travel and discovery shaped his worldview and ultimately pushed him to pursue a more adventurous, community-focused lifestyle.

The conversation explores how Breaking Away Adventures goes beyond traditional motorcycle touring by emphasizing inclusivity, shared experience, and personal growth. Matt discusses the power of bringing people together in challenging outdoor environments, where riders not only explore rugged terrain but also form meaningful connections and build confidence. He also opens up about the mental health benefits of adventure travel and the importance of creating spaces where people feel welcomed and supported.

Listeners will also gain insight into what it takes to start and grow an adventure-based business, as Matt reflects on the importance of authenticity, passion, and starting small. His story offers both inspiration and practical perspective for anyone looking to turn their love of adventure into something bigger.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest Bio

Yvonne Halling is a hospitality business coach, consultant, and founder of Bed and Breakfast Coach, where she helps independent accommodation owners transform the way they run and grow their businesses. After spending 17 years operating her own bed and breakfast in France’s Champagne region, Yvonne evolved what began as a modest side venture into a highly profitable operation generating over €100,000 annually from just four rooms—without relying on online travel agencies.

Today, she works with hospitality entrepreneurs around the world through her B&B Money Maker Business Transformation Program, guiding them to increase revenue, reduce dependency on third-party platforms, and create more freedom in their day-to-day operations. Her clients regularly see significant growth while simplifying their workload and strengthening direct relationships with their guests.

Yvonne is a multi-award-winning hospitality professional known for her practical, results-driven approach. She is passionate about restoring independence to small business owners, helping them reclaim control of their bookings, and positioning their properties as vital hubs within their local communities. Through her work, she empowers hosts to embrace modern tools while staying rooted in authentic, human-centered hospitality.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Yvonne about her evolution from running a small bed and breakfast in France to becoming a global coach for independent hospitality entrepreneurs. She shares how she transformed her own property into a high-performing business without relying on online travel agencies, proving that small operations can thrive with the right strategy.

The conversation dives into the growing reliance on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, and how that dependence can erode both profit margins and brand identity. Yvonne explains why direct bookings are essential for long-term sustainability and how business owners can regain control of their customer relationships.

She also emphasizes the importance of authentic connection in hospitality, showing how personalized guest experiences and strong ties to the local community can set independent businesses apart. This episode offers practical insights for hosts who want to build a more profitable, meaningful, and self-directed business.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest Bio

Mark Phillips is the Founder of Nomad Stays, a platform created to help digital nomads find comfortable, reliable accommodations built for long-term remote work and travel. A tech-driven entrepreneur and global business leader, Mark has spent years building ventures and relationships at the intersection of technology, hospitality, and international travel.

Across an entrepreneurial career spanning tech and travel, Mark has explored more than 100 countries and developed an unusually broad global network—connecting with everyone from local traders in remote regions to senior business and government leaders. That experience has shaped his understanding of what modern travelers need when they’re living and working on the road.

Since 2015, Mark has lived as a full-time digital nomad, running businesses while traveling continuously and relying on remote collaboration as the norm. Through Nomad Stays, he’s focused on making long-term travel feel more stable and livable by helping nomads find spaces that support productivity, comfort, and a genuine sense of home.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Mark Phillips about the fast-growing digital nomad lifestyle and the hospitality gaps that many remote workers encounter when they travel long-term.

Mark shares what inspired him to create Nomad Stays and why traditional short-stay accommodations often miss the mark for nomads who need reliable Wi-Fi, functional workspaces, and the comforts that make a place feel livable for weeks or months at a time. He also explains how longer stays change pricing, expectations, and the kinds of services that hosts should consider offering.

The conversation goes beyond logistics into the lifestyle itself—how technology enables full-time travel, why community matters when you’re constantly on the move, and what it takes to stay adaptable and healthy while building a location-independent life around the world.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest Bio

Lindsay Nieminen is the co-founder and owner of Amman Food Tours, a culinary experience company based in Jordan’s capital, and the travel writer behind the blog Carpe Diem OUR Way. She has been exploring and documenting Jordan since 2016. After repeatedly returning to the same local cafés, bakeries, and family-run restaurants in Amman, she began envisioning a way for visitors to experience the city through its food and the people who make it. That vision became reality in 2022 when she and her Jordanian partner launched Amman Food Tours, creating immersive culinary experiences that introduce travelers to the stories and traditions behind Jordanian cuisine.

Through her work, Lindsay focuses on fostering meaningful cultural exchange while supporting greater opportunities for women within Jordan’s tourism industry. Her partnership with local guide Jumana helps bring this mission to life, giving guests an authentic look at Amman’s vibrant food culture while amplifying voices that are often underrepresented in the sector.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Lindsay about her journey from a traditional corporate career into the world of travel writing and tourism entrepreneurship in Jordan. What began as a passion for exploring local restaurants and sharing stories online eventually evolved into building a food tour company dedicated to connecting travelers with the culture and communities of Amman.

Lindsay reflects on how travel reshaped her personal and professional life, opening the door to new opportunities and relationships while inspiring her to create experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing. She also shares the personal stories behind launching Amman Food Tours and the lessons she learned while building a business in a foreign country.

The conversation also explores the broader cultural context of travel in Jordan, including gender dynamics within the tourism industry, how local communities navigate global and regional challenges, and what travelers should know about visiting the Middle East today. Through food, storytelling, and community partnerships, Lindsay’s work highlights the powerful role travel can play in fostering connection and understanding.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest Bio

Alexander Souri is the founder and executive director of Relief Riders International, an organization he launched in 2004 to combine adventure travel with meaningful humanitarian work. Through Relief Riders, Alexander designs and leads horseback-based missions that deliver medical care, educational programs, and community support to remote villages where access to services is limited. The organization brings together travelers, volunteers, and local partners to create journeys that provide both cultural immersion and tangible aid to underserved communities.

Before founding Relief Riders International, Alexander worked as a producer in theater, film, and large-scale special events. His career included involvement in major productions such as The Matrix, X-Men, End of Days, and Back to the Future: The Ride, along with directing commercial and industrial film projects internationally, including work in Beijing. His background in storytelling, logistics, and production now informs the way he organizes complex humanitarian expeditions in remote environments.

Born in New York City to a French mother and an Indian father, Alexander grew up with a deeply international perspective. He attended boarding school in the foothills of the Himalayas in India and later studied at an international high school in Sophia Antipolis in southern France before graduating from Simon’s Rock of Bard College in Massachusetts. These cross-cultural experiences helped shape his worldview and inspired the mission behind Relief Riders International—creating opportunities for travelers to experience adventure while contributing to positive change in communities around the world.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Alexander Souri, the founder of Relief Riders International. Alexander shares the story of how his career shifted from film and theater production into humanitarian work after a personal turning point led him to seek a more meaningful path. What began as a search for purpose eventually grew into an organization that delivers aid to remote communities through horseback-based relief missions.

Alexander reflects on his internationally shaped upbringing, including formative years spent in Afghanistan, India, and France. These experiences helped shape his cultural identity and gave him a broader understanding of the world at an early age. The conversation explores how these influences, along with the challenges of navigating family expectations and career transitions, ultimately guided him toward creating a mission-driven organization.

Jason and Alexander also discuss the unique model behind Relief Riders International, where adventure travel meets humanitarian service. By traveling on horseback into isolated areas of India, Turkey & Ecuador, teams are able to bring medical camps, educational support, and other critical programs to villages that often lack access to basic services. Along the way, Alexander reflects on lessons about burnout, resilience, family relationships, and how travel and exploration often become powerful catalysts for personal growth and self-discovery.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.