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.

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