Rhythm & Roam with Benef, Paul, & Trecia

In this episode, our guest, Rosamaria—an Italian-American who first moved to Italy and now Germany—shares how living abroad has reshaped her identity. Reflecting on how her Italian-American upbringing influenced her move to Italy, the challenges and surprises of living in her family’s homeland, and why Germany became the next chapter in her journey—redefining what “home” means when culture, language, and belonging overlap.

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What started as a birthday getaway for Trecia became an unforgettable journey through Minnesota filled with surprise, culture, and music. From first impressions of Minneapolis to connecting with the spirit of Prince at Paisley Park, every moment revealed something new and unexpected. The trip blended travel, history, and creativity into an experience that deepened her connection to both place and music—proof that the best adventure...

If you’ve ever wondered whether to sip whiskey before beer, or if Ireland is more than shamrocks and stereotypes, this episode has your answer. Benef and Paul touched down in Dublin expecting rolling green hills, endless pints, and postcard-perfect pubs. What do they have? A crash course in Irish culture that challenged every travel cliché. From the Jameson vs. Guinness showdown to discovering what people always get wrong about Ire...

What does it mean to come home after decades away? In this episode, Paul takes us to Negril, Jamaica, where the air is rich with jerk seasoning, reggae drifts across the breeze, and every laugh carries echoes of childhood. It’s been more than 30 years since he last touched the soil his parents once called home. Now, after building a life in Paris, he returns to reconnect with the sounds, flavors, and spirit that shaped his earliest...

This Rhythm & Roam episode is based on our personal experiences of the cleanest and dirtiest cities we've visited. We spill the tea (and maybe a little sanitizer) on the cities that wowed us with their gleaming charm and the ones that left us clutching our Lysol wipes. It’s not just about grime and glamour, though—we dig into how culture, history, and even climate play a role in a city’s “clean” or “dirty” rep. Spoiler: sometim...

Grab your earbuds and your Eurail pass—we’re going global with class credit. In this episode of Rhythm & Roam, we chat with our friend and her teenage son, Patrick, who recently jetted off on a high school trip abroad. But this isn’t just another "student tour with matching T-shirts" story.

Patrick, who is deaf and uses a cochlear implant to hear, shares what it was like to explore centuries-old castles, sip cappuccinos in hidd...

We catch up with Anjie, whose passport has been on beast mode lately—Paris, Dubai, and a trek up to Mount Everest Base Camp. But this isn’t just a highlight reel of globe-trotting glam. We dive into why she took on Everest, how it stretched her physically, mentally, and spiritually, and what it really means to evolve through travel.

From sipping espresso near the Eiffel Tower to gasping for air in the Himalayas, Anjie opens up abo...

In this episode of Rhythm & Roam, we sit down with travel-savvy real estate pro Kimberly Plourde of EXIT Realty Central in Norfolk, Virginia, as she shares her epic mission: to explore all 50 U.S. states and 7 continents before hitting 50. From balancing closings to catching flights, Kimberly breaks down how she turns bucket list dreams into booked itineraries—with tips on travel hacking, time management, and meaningful explora...

We break down what sustainable travel actually is (and what it’s not). We get into the three pillars — environmental, cultural, and economic — and how true sustainability means supporting local communities, respecting ecosystems, and understanding your impact beyond Instagram likes. It’s more than carbon offsets and tote bags — it’s about shifting how we think, spend, and move in the places we visit. Whether you’re just starting yo...

A Passport Knuckle Ride isn’t your typical travel guide—it’s a mindset shift for the modern traveler. Packed with real talk, cultural gems, and unfiltered lessons, this book goes beyond flights and hotel bookings. It dives into the why of travel: growing through discomfort, embracing cultural clashes, and navigating those "uh-oh" moments with humor and grace. Perfect for both meticulous planners and spontaneous roamers, it offers s...

In this episode of Rhythm & Roam, we sit down with #ChrishanWright—creator of #BlaxitGlobal—to talk about what it means to seek joy, freedom, and identity abroad as a Black woman. From her reflections on the Harlem Renaissance to unpacking the emotional shifts of leaving the U.S., Chrishan shares her journey of healing, growth, and redefinition.

We explore freedom outside U.S. borders, how American constructs shape our sense of...

The Rhythm & Roam Team dives headfirst into the unspoken (and often broken) rules of flying. Flying dos and don’ts take center stage in this hilarious and painfully relatable episode. We’re calling out everything from seat recline showdowns to unsolicited foot freedom at 30,000 feet.

Whether you're a frequent flyer, occasional adventurer, or planning that next big trip—this episode unpacks the most common airplane etiquette mis...

Is American friendliness just... extra? In this episode, we unpack the cultural clash between U.S. social vibes and friendship norms around the world. From fake smiles to big energy, we’re asking: Are Americans doing too much? Is that friendliness real—or just rehearsed? Too loud, too proud, or just misunderstood? Is the U.S. personality more reality TV than real life? Join us as we get real about American social culture vs. the po...

Traveling with pets is a different adventure filled with cuddles, chaos, and unexpected challenges. In this episode of Rhythm & Roam, we explore the joys and challenges of traveling with pets, the cultural attitudes towards animals across different countries, and why some demographics are likelier to bring pets along than others. Plus, we’re spilling travel hacks for pet parents who want to roam the world without the stress—bri...

In this episode of Rhythm & Roam, hosts Benef, Paul, and Trecia explore the origins and meaning of Spring Break. Comparing cultural practices and perceptions in the U.S. versus Europe. While Americans often embrace energetic parties and beach destinations, Europeans typically favor quieter, culturally rich experiences tied to historical or religious events. Through personal stories and thoughtful insights, the hosts unpack the ...

Ever thought about packing a bag, booking a ticket, and heading off alone? Scary? Exciting? Maybe a little of both? In this episode of Rhythm & Roam, Benef, Paul, and Trecia dive into solo travel—the joys, the challenges, and those unforgettable “I-can’t-believe-I-did-this” moments. Whether you’re dreaming of your first solo adventure or a seasoned solo traveler, we’ve got stories, tips, and real talk about navigating the world...

If you have recently purchased a plane ticket and looked closely at the receipt, you may have noticed that most of the fare is fees and surcharges. From sneaky hotel fees, airport departure charges, and international surcharges, tourist taxes can quickly increase. In this episode, Benef, Paul, and Trecia discuss these charges and why they exist. Dig into how these fees fund everything from better roads to preserving cultural landma...