Eric Segalstad
Vice President & Partner
Gondwana Ecotours
https://www.gondwanaecotours.com
A Norwegian native now based in Vermont, Eric Segalstad has spent the past two decades working in the travel industry, with adventures spanning five continents. His career has included guiding exploratory ski trips in Kashmir, Patagonia, and Japan, collaborating with leading tour operators, and volunteering with the Rainforest Alliance to support indigenous-owned lodges in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Eric is Vice President & Partner at Gondwana Ecotours, where he oversees brand experience, operations technology, and tour development. Among his projects is the Norway: Western Fjords Adventure, which he also enjoys guiding alongside a local guide.
He contributes to the broader industry as a member of the Alaska Travel Industry Association’s Marketing Committee and its Sustainability Subcommittee.
When not working, Eric can be found producing music, mountain biking, backcountry skiing, or honing his surfing skills. He also enjoys hiking and paddleboarding with his wife and their rescue dog.
summary
In this episode, Jason Elkins speaks with Eric Segalstad, the vice president and partner of Gondwana Ecotours. They discuss the meaning behind the name Gondwana, the company's mission to create meaningful connections between travelers and local communities, and the unique travel experiences they offer. Eric shares his personal journey into the travel industry, highlighting the importance of storytelling and the challenges faced during the pandemic. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of travel and the impact it can have on both travelers and the communities they visit.
takeaways
- Gondwana is named after an ancient supercontinent, symbolizing connection.
- The mission is to inspire meaningful connections between travelers and local communities.
- Gondwana focuses on bucket list experiences that promote cultural and ecological awareness.
- Travel is seen as a force for good, aiming to leave destinations better than found.
- Unique experiences, like dining with local families, create lasting memories for travelers.
- Eric's early experiences in Norway shaped his love for adventure and travel.
- The importance of storytelling in travel and how it enhances the experience.
- Gondwana's approach to travel emphasizes sustainability and community support.
- The pandemic presented challenges, but also opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Traveling with like-minded individuals fosters deeper connections and shared experiences.
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.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.