The Globetrotter Lounge

I talk with Dr. Antoinette Harrell, renowned community activist, genealogist and historian specializing in African American History in Louisiana. For the past two decades she has researched peonage and modern day slavery across sixteen states. This work was featured in the VICE documentary, The Slavery Detective of the South. 

Antoinette shares what led her to genealogy, how travel became intertwined with her family history research...

I talk with Kelly McCoy, a Seattle-based travel product developer and consultant specializing in cultural heritage and adventure tourism. She loves researching and illuminating little-known history in special places, and bridging the past with the present. Kelly shares what sparked her love of travel, her experiences traveling to African countries, and what led her to work in tourism. She also talks about upcoming travel projects h...

In this episode I talk with Joy Barnett, copywriter and solo road tripper based in Austin, Texas. So far she has driven over 6000 miles, primarily going to U.S. destinations that are important to Black history. Joy shares what sparked her love of travel, why she started road tripping solo, and about some of the places she's visited. She also shares how travel can offer space for healing, why she focuses on Black history, and her to...

In this episode, I talk with Nikki Vargas, a travel editor, author, video producer and public speaker based in New York City. She is the Founding Editor and Co-Founder of Unearth Women, a unique publication that celebrates travel and women’s stories. Nikki is also an editor for Fodor's Travel, and her bylines have appeared in VICE, Food & Wine, Roads & Kingdoms, Cosmopolitan, and more. Nikki shares what sparked her love of travel, ...

In this episode I talk to returning guest Mickela Mallozzi, Emmy award-winning host and Executive Producer of Bare Feet, a travel series highlighting the diversity of dance which airs on PBS and Amazon Prime Video. Mickela shares why she devoted an entire season of her show to DNA travel, about a few of her favorite episodes from that season, and what it was like to travel to the places her ancestors are from. She also talks about ...

In this episode I talk with Terrell Lozada, an American visual artist living in Paris since 2018. She uses imagery and language to create works that explore the metaphysics of gender and power in contemporary society. Terrell shares what sparked her love of travel, what led to her decision to move to Paris, and how she was able to make it happen. She also talks about what it’s been like living in France during the pandemic, and off...

In this episode I talk with D’mitra Smith, a talented musician and singer for multiple bands including Static People and Ex’s with Benefits. She’s also an activist who has worked with a long list of civil rights organizations, and is the former Chair of the Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights. D’mitra shares about early transformative experiences abroad, the intersection of travel and human rights, and traveling while Black. S...

In this episode I talk with Nisreene Atassi, Senior Director of Global Communications at Expedia, and host of the Expedia podcast, Out Travel the System. Nisreene shares what sparked her love of travel, how she ended up living in Dubai, information about the Out Travel the System podcast and much more. She also talks about why she values and encourages heritage travel, and shares resources and tips to help you successfully navigate...

Although I planned to end the Globetrotter Lounge podcast at the end of last year, some personal events over the last year inspired me to produce one more, final season. I share what led me to that decision, and give a preview of upcoming guests and topics. I also announce my new podcast project, Traveling My Roots, which will document my travels to where my adoptive and biological ancestors are from. Along the way I will explore B...

For the final episode of Season 3, I talk with Deesha Dyer, former White House Social Secretary and co-founder of beGirl.world, an organization that empowers Black teen girls through global education and travel. She is also the Founder and CEO of Hook & Fasten, a social impact agency that builds transformational partnerships between communities and corporations. Deesha shares what sparked her love of travel, how she ended up in the...

Meet traveler, friend and former colleague Robin Little Wing Sigo, a member of the Suquamish Tribe. Her community is located near Seattle, in fact the city itself was named after famous Suquamish leader Chief Seattle. Robin is Director of the Suquamish Foundation, sits on Tribal Council, and travels frequently to represent her community. Robin talks about her childhood, what led her into political work and travel, about the annual ...

I talk with Kim Haas, Executive Producer, host and creator of the new PBS travel series Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas. The series celebrates the historical and cultural contributions of Latin America’s African descendants in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Kim talks about what sparked her love of travel and languages, her work in Spanish media, and what led her to create the show....

Meet Sierra Redmond, military spouse and creator of the Daily Impressions Lifestyle blog. She created her blog to encourage military families to travel and explore from wherever they are stationed. She also hopes to inspire families in general - providing information and tips about accessible domestic and international travel. Sierra shares what sparked her wanderlust, what military family life is like, and why being in the militar...

I talk with Alison Van Dusen, a backcountry park ranger who has worked in 20 U.S. National Parks over the last 28 years.  In between seasonal work, she lives as a nomad and travels around the world – often doing volunteer service work. She has been to at least 30 countries on six continents, and even spent 2 summers working in the South Pole.

Alison shares what sparked her love of travel, how she became a park ranger, and why she st...

Meet Petronella Lugemwa, founder of Petronella Photography, an award-winning international wedding photography studio that specializes in multicultural and interracial couples. Based in New York, her work has taken her around the world and has been featured in Essence magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings and more. Petronella shares what sparked her wanderlust, how she got into wedding photography, and some favorite travel adventures. ...

I talk with Valerie Stimac, a travel writer who specializes in astrotourism and space tourism. She is creator of the travel blog Valerie & Valise, and the Space Tourism Guide website, which focuses on all things space-related. A regular contributor to Forbes and Lonely Planet, she is author of the book Dark Skies: A Practical Guide to Astrotourism, published in September 2019. Valerie shares what sparked her love of travel, how she...

I talk with Liz Warner, an inspiring traveler and runner. In early 2019, Liz launched Run to Reach, an 18-month fundraising campaign to run 30 marathons in 30 countries before turning 30. Her goal was to raise money to support local women-empowerment organizations in each country. We talked only a few days after she successfully completed her project. Liz shares what sparked her love of travel, why she started running, and what ins...

I talk with Nour Brahimi, the first female Algerian travel vlogger. In 2019, Africa Youth Awards named her one of the 100 most influential young Africans. Later that year, she was nominated as Algeria's best Instagrammer and YouTuber of 2019. Nour shares how and why she started traveling, the challenges of being a female travel content creator in a male dominated industry, and some of her favorite travel experiences. She also share...

In this episode I talk with Kylee Nelson, a Neonatal Infant Care Unit travel nurse and solo traveler. She is the creator of the Passports and Preemies blog, which provides travel tips, resources and inspiration for nurses and travelers. She also provides one-on-one mentoring. Kylee shares what sparked her love of travel, how she made the leap from staff to travel nursing, why she loves solo travel and how it helps her prevent burno...