Guest Bio

Andrea Pompele is an evolutionary biologist, ecologist, expedition leader, and the owner and founder of Pompele Safaris. With extensive experience across more than 18 African countries, Andrea has developed deep knowledge of diverse landscapes including savannas, equatorial forests, deserts, mountains, and coastal regions along the Indian Ocean. Combining his academic background in evolutionary biology and animal behavior with years of field experience, he offers a safari approach that goes beyond wildlife viewing to explore ecological relationships and natural processes. Andrea personally designs and leads private African expeditions, tailoring them to each traveler’s interests while fostering curiosity and connection with the natural world.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins sits down with Andrea Pompele to explore the philosophy and practice behind Pompele Safaris. Andrea shares how his childhood in the mountainous Aosta Valley of northern Italy and family history spanning continents inspired his lifelong passion for nature and exploration. Listeners gain insight into his unique approach to guiding, which emphasizes scientific interpretation, presence in the moment, and fostering a genuine connection between travelers and their environment.

Andrea explains the benefits of having a private guide who accompanies clients throughout their entire journey, offering personalized itineraries and the flexibility to focus on each traveler’s particular interests. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of working as a non-local guide in Africa, the importance of collaboration within the safari industry, and the value of slow, immersive safaris that allow guests to truly experience place and wildlife beyond surface-level encounters.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. 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 Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

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Guest Bio

Brian FitzGerald is the CEO of Grand Circle Corporation, the parent company of Overseas Adventure Travel and Grand Circle Travel. Since joining the company over 15 years ago, Brian has held leadership roles across finance, brand marketing, and business strategy, eventually becoming President and Chief Operating Officer before being named CEO in 2019. With a BS in Finance from Stonehill College, he began his career at State Street Corporation in fund accounting and financial controls. Brian’s leadership focuses on meaningful travel experiences as the core competitive advantage in the industry, guiding Grand Circle through significant challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic. He is deeply committed to the company’s mission of changing lives through immersive and authentic travel, emphasizing small group sizes and strong local connections.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins sits down with Brian FitzGerald to explore the unique approach Grand Circle Corporation takes in the adventure travel space. Brian shares insights into the company’s two flagship brands—Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T) and Grand Circle Travel—explaining how each serves different traveler profiles with distinct modes of travel and experiences. The conversation delves into how the company prioritizes authentic cultural immersion and sustainable tourism by employing local trip experience leaders and maintaining small group sizes.

Brian also reflects on his personal journey from finance professional to CEO of a family-owned travel company, highlighting the importance of purpose-driven work and the role of the Grand Circle Foundation in giving back to communities worldwide. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of how Grand Circle balances operational scale with personalized service and how the company supports solo travelers, multi-generational families, and those seeking life-changing travel experiences.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. 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 Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

Guest Bio

Elaine Nelson Peik is the owner and founder of Nordic Travel Collective, a specialized service dedicated to personalized travel planning in the Nordic region. With over 27 years of experience working for leading Nordic tour operators and destination management companies, Elaine combines her Scandinavian heritage and industry expertise to design custom itineraries that reflect the unique interests and needs of each traveler. She has crafted trips across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Svalbard, focusing on authentic cultural experiences, scenic routes, and thoughtful logistics that go beyond typical tourist paths.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins welcomes Elaine Nelson Peik to explore the intricacies of travel to the Nordic countries. Elaine shares insights on how her deep connection to Scandinavia and decades of professional experience have shaped her approach to travel planning, emphasizing clarity and personalization to help travelers confidently navigate the complexities of the region.

Throughout the conversation, Elaine explains the origins and scope of the Nordic Travel Collective, highlighting the value of expert guidance in an age of overwhelming online information. She also discusses the importance of well-flowing itineraries, realistic travel expectations—especially in places like Norway where geography and transportation can be challenging—and the role of cultural storytelling in creating meaningful journeys. Elaine offers a candid look at her own path, from growing up in a Scandinavian-American community in Minnesota to shifting from a teaching career to travel design.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. 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 Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

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Guest Bio

Sue Blunt is the Head of Sustainability at Adventurous Ewe Ltd, where she brings over a decade of experience in outdoor education, charity work, and sustainable adventure travel. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Sue has spent many years working across sectors in both Australia and the UK. She is deeply committed to creating travel experiences that positively impact the people and places involved. Outside of her role at Adventurous Ewe, Sue is active in her local community in North Wales, serving as the first female helm at Conway Lifeboat Station and participating in Welsh Sea Rowing. Her adventurous spirit keeps her exploring remote locations worldwide, from mountains to oceans, often accompanied by her dog Moshi.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Sue Blunt about her journey from growing up in Sydney to becoming Head of Sustainability at Adventurous Ewe in Wales. Sue shares insights into how her early passion for travel evolved alongside her career in golf management and charity fundraising, eventually leading her to combine those experiences into sustainable adventure travel. She also discusses the unique challenges and rewards of running a small, boutique tour operator that offers both bespoke and group trips worldwide.

The conversation explores the distinctiveness of Wales as a travel destination, including its landscape, culture, and emerging activities like paddleboarding combined with local wellness experiences such as lakeside saunas. Sue highlights how Adventurous Ewe balances local UK adventures with international expeditions, often attracting different traveler profiles for each. She also opens up about the meaningful role charity challenges play in fundraising and personal transformation.

Listeners get a glimpse into Sue’s personal interests beyond travel, including her volunteer work with the RNLI lifeboat service, her love of reptiles and wildlife from her time volunteering at an Australian reptile park, and her adventurous hobbies like ultra-marathons and sailing. The episode offers a thoughtful look at how passion, purpose, and community intersect in the world of sustainable adventure tourism.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. 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 Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

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Guest Bio

Stefano Tricanico is the Expedition Director and Founder of Driftr, bringing over twenty years of experience in leading expeditions and managing field operations in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments, including the Arctic and Antarctic regions. His background spans expedition leadership, maritime operations, and field safety systems, with extensive involvement in frontline conservation efforts. Stefano’s work focuses on verifying conservation projects in difficult-to-access areas, ensuring accountability and transparency where enforcement is scarce or absent.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Stefano Tricanico about his unique approach to conservation verification through his company, Driftr. Stefano explains how many conservation projects claiming to protect vulnerable species and environments often lack measurable results or even a real presence on the ground. He offers an independent field verification service for donors, helping ensure that funds go to projects that genuinely deliver impact.

The conversation dives deep into the complex realities of conservation in remote regions like the Arctic, touching on the controversial topic of polar bear hunting and the contradictions between public messaging and actual practices. Stefano shares insights from his frontline experience working with organizations like Sea Shepherd and discusses the challenges of protecting wildlife amid geopolitical, cultural, and traditional pressures. The episode also explores the practical difficulties of enforcing conservation laws in isolated marine and wilderness areas.

Later, Stefano reflects on his personal journey from growing up in South Africa to becoming an expedition leader and maritime professional, emphasizing the importance of competence, independent thinking, and confronting uncomfortable truths in conservation and adventure travel.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. 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 Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

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Guest Bio

Liz Scheessele is the owner and innkeeper of the Roanoke Boutique Hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast that caters to outdoor enthusiasts and travelers seeking comfort. With years of experience staying at B&Bs and a personal passion for hiking and hospitality, Liz combines her love for wholesome breakfasts and welcoming spaces to create a memorable stay for her guests. Her journey to innkeeping began with thoughtful research and a chance visit to the Roanoke Boutique Hotel, which led her to take over the business in 2024.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Liz Scheessele about her unique path from frequent bed and breakfast guest to owner of the Roanoke Boutique Hotel. Liz shares how her solo travels and appreciation for personal touches in lodging inspired her to pursue innkeeping as a life goal.

She recounts the story of a planned road trip that introduced her to the Roanoke Boutique Hotel and its then-owner Diane, whose decision to sell the inn sparked Liz’s decision to step into the role herself. Their conversations and Liz’s experiences staying at the inn highlighted the balance of historic charm and modern conveniences that she values deeply.

Throughout the conversation, Liz emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests, especially those who, like her, enjoy outdoor adventures and a hearty breakfast to start their day.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. 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 Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

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Guest Bio

Nicoletta Habsudova is the CEO of Voices of Travel, a company that combines travel and language learning in unique ways. Growing up in a small town in Slovakia, Nicoletta discovered early on that mastering foreign languages was essential to exploring the world beyond her hometown. Her journey took her from an exchange semester in New Zealand to university studies in Salzburg, Austria, followed by professional experience in Barcelona. Along the way, she developed a deep understanding of how language learning opens doors to new cultures and opportunities. Today, Nicoletta designs personalized travel itineraries, leads nature expeditions in the Alps, and shares practical language learning strategies that help travelers connect more meaningfully with the places they visit.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Nicoletta about her journey from a small Slovakian town to becoming a travel entrepreneur living in the Dolomites. Nicoletta shares how learning multiple languages shaped her path and how her early experiences abroad fueled a desire to explore the world on her own terms.

Nicoletta explains how Voices of Travel began as a blog offering travel and language tips and evolved into a business creating custom itineraries and organizing nature-focused group expeditions in Switzerland and northern Italy. These trips encourage travelers not only to explore beautiful landscapes but also to reflect and reconnect with themselves through guided daily questions and shared community experiences.

The conversation also touches on Nicoletta’s practical advice for language learners, emphasizing focused vocabulary study and active conversation practice over passive use of apps. Her story highlights the challenges and rewards of following one’s passions while navigating life transitions, including solo travel, relationships, and building a business rooted in authentic connection.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. 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 Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

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Guest Bio

Josué Agüero Solís is the founder of Bonanza Travel, a family-owned company based in Costa Rica. With deep roots in the tourism industry through his father’s decades of experience, Josué leads Bonanza Travel with a focus on creating meaningful connections between travelers and the destinations they visit. His approach blends local expertise with a commitment to personalized service and genuine human interaction.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Josué Agüero Solís about his journey from growing up in a family deeply involved in Costa Rica’s tourism industry to founding Bonanza Travel, a luxury Destination Management Company. Josué shares how his childhood experiences, including time spent studying and living abroad in Spain and Germany, shaped his understanding of cultures and business, inspiring his vision for a travel company centered on authentic hospitality, meaningful connections, and personalized service.

The conversation explores Bonanza Travel’s commitment to bespoke luxury travel experiences and the importance of genuine human connections in tourism. Josué explains how the company specializes in Costa Rica while also designing journeys throughout Central America, maintaining exceptional quality and attention to detail through trusted partnerships. He highlights the benefits of working with a destination management company like Bonanza, including tailor-made itineraries, dedicated local support, and peace of mind that direct bookings often cannot provide.

Josué also reflects on the role of positive energy and respect within his team and partnerships, emphasizing how this culture translates into memorable experiences for their travelers. He discusses the value of personally welcoming guests upon arrival as a defining moment that sets the tone for their journey, illustrating his belief that travel is about far more tan logistics, it’s about creating lasting, authentic connections and unforgettable memories.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. 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 Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

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